Chapter 1: Rekindled Bonds

"I was trying to find the next word,somewhere in my pocketBut the only thing I found was myself,who is in love with you"Happy End by Back Number

❥

Two years had swept by, and the vibrant summer colors had returned to paint the cityscape. Takuya, the main dancer of the boy group "Bullet Train" since 2012, had relentlessly poured himself into his work, raising concern among his eight fellow members - Kai, Ryoga, Yuki, Takashi, Masahiro, Shuya, Aloha, and Haru.

Day in and day out, Takuya grappled with the persistent thoughts of someone whose every move he was acutely aware of - none other than Sho, his on-screen partner from Takuya's debut lead role. However, Takuya consciously chose to keep his distance from Sho. The mere thought of facing Sho again was daunting, knowing it would only amplify the ache of his unreciprocated emotions. Deep down, Takuya understood Sho as a kind and gentle soul, persistently striving to bridge the emotional gap between them, despite Sho's naturally reserved nature.

Following their final tour schedule, the group's manager gathered everyone and pleasantly surprised them with a generous gift-a week-long break before their practice resumed the next week. Without Takuya's knowledge, a few members, including Ryoga, Kai, Yuki, and Takashi, had noticed his tendency to avoid certain situations over the years. Therefore, when the younger members tried to invite Takuya for a vacation, Yuki intervened. He tactfully stepped in, presenting five complimentary Disneyland tickets, effectively keeping the junior members at bay.

Yuki proudly flaunted his mobile phone, displaying the sought-after tickets. "Check it out-I've got five free tickets here. Anyone up for it?"

The younger members instantly flocked around him, unaware of the seniors' ulterior motive.

Kai gently tapped Takuya's shoulder, silently acknowledging the inner struggles Takuya had carried for years. "You deserve a break," he urged, offering his support.

Takuya, cold and aloof, attempted to walk away. "I'm good, really," he replied, somewhat evading the suggestion as he continued to distance himself from the idea.

Ryoga, their leader, moved a step closer. "Hold on, Kai's not done talking. Stick around," he gently commanded, urging Takuya to remain and listen further.

Takuya relented, letting out a deep breath. "Honestly, I'm at a loss for what to do during the week off. I don't have any plans or anyone to vacation with," he admitted, simplifying his reasons, even though there might be deeper emotions behind it. "I guess it's just better to stick to practicing."

Takashi, casually scrolling on his phone, proposed, "Let's go to Okinawa, then."

Takuya was briefly paralyzed, his face reflecting utter shock. He couldn't believe what he had just heard from his bandmates. The thought that all his efforts over the years might go to waste left him utterly stunned and shaken to the core.

Ryoga, noticing Takuya's speechlessness, flashed a grin and wholeheartedly endorsed the idea. "That's an awesome plan!"

"We'll head to the beach and sip on coconut water," Kai exclaimed, brimming with enthusiasm.

"Exactly, exactly," Ryoga nodded in agreement.

Takashi, with a softened tone, noticed Takuya's tension. "Plus, you can catch Nishigaki-kun's performance," he gently mentioned, broaching a topic that no one else dared to bring up.

Takuya, still in utter disbelief, struggled to find his words. He stammered, "But, I-"

Before Takuya could formulate a response to counter his mates' assumption, Kai's interruption echoed with a blend of disbelief and genuine concern. "Wait, are you saying you'd pass up the chance to see him? Instead, you'd stick to the grind of endless practices and tours, just to deceive yourself?" Kai prompt Takuya to reconsider his stance.

Ryoga, noticing Takuya's stunned silence, grinned mischievously. "Ha! We're not clueless, Takuya. Let's head to the spot where Nishigaki Sho-kun is."

Lowering his head, Takuya checked Sho's schedule on his phone, though he was already well-informed of Sho's whereabouts. His persistent avoidance masked a deep yearning for Sho's presence, clouded by the painful awareness that his feelings might not be returned.

For years, Sho hadn't reached out to him, leaving Takuya to wonder if Sho's unexpectedly meaningful presence in his life wasn't reciprocated in the same way. The silence from Sho's end left Takuya questioning the depth of their connection.

Observing Takuya's unease, Takashi calmly intervened, "We're all in this together. Any negative thoughts can wait. Let's enjoy that stage play!"

And thus, the following day, the quartet set off on their journey to Okinawa.

♡

With a subtle yet heartfelt smile, Sho scrolled through social media on his phone, finding solace in the platform that not only connected him to Takuya's captivating performances but also offered glimpses into Takuya's interactions with his fellow group members.

Deep in his heart, Sho comprehended that Takuya's deliberate choice not to reconnect directly with him had to be respected. The disparity in their popularity was apparent, and Sho acknowledged that Takuya might be hesitant to close the gap between their differing statuses in the entertainment industry.

Over time, Sho had grown to accept the belief that he had permanently lost Takuya. Friendship seemed an impossibility now, especially with the emotions that had developed within him. Longing for something deeper but fearing that any interaction would only widen the already-existing rift. Sho struggled with the idea that he wasn't worthy of Takuya's attention. Thus, he reluctantly embraced the harsh reality of concealing his blossoming feelings even further, resigning himself to a grim reality where there was no space for him in Takuya's world.

When his manager entered the waiting room, Sho handed over his phone. This year, Sho had immersed himself in stage play projects. Besides the opportunity to travel with the theater group on tour, he saw it as a chance to hone his acting skills.

When his manager stepped into the waiting room, Sho handed over his phone. Throughout the year, Sho had delved deeply into stage play projects. Apart from the chance to travel alongside the theater group on tour, he viewed it as an opportunity to refine his acting abilities. His packed schedule allowed him to concentrate on his career, yet it also served as a distraction, distancing him from the one individual he held close to his heart.

As he readied himself for the final curtain call, positioned among his fellow actors, a tangible wave of sadness washed over Sho because as if he'd stumbled upon a wish come true, Sho suddenly noticed Takuya's presence in the audience. It was a surprising yet bittersweet moment to catch sight of Takuya, wearing that familiar smile Sho had been longing to see, giving him a round of applause.

"Takuya-kun..." Sho whispered Takuya's name again for the first time in ages, his voice filled with surprise, nearly forgetting to breathe. The realization that Takuya had come to watch his performance, to be near him, sent a rush of emotions through Sho. He had been missing this connection more than he cared to admit.

♡

Backstage, after changing into his casual clothes, Sho couldn't contain his excitement. He hurried over to his manager, who seemed a bit surprised by the actor's enthusiasm, and eagerly asked about Takuya's sudden appearance.

"It's Takuya-kun," Sho blurted out with urgency. "Manager-san, Takuya-kun's among the audience. I just spotted him! Can you help me track him down?" His words poured out rapidly, leaving the manager barely a moment to respond.

"Otsukaresama deshita," a voice greeted him from behind. "Sho."

Sho turned around and found Takuya holding a sizable bouquet of flowers, with Takashi, Kai, and Ryoga standing behind him. The sight of Takuya, not just in the audience but now standing before him with that smile, left Sho utterly overwhelmed.

"Thank you, Manager-san, for the great seats you arranged for us," Takuya expressed his gratitude.

Sho stood there, speechless, his eyes fixed on Takuya as though witnessing a miraculous moment. He hadn't dared to imagine that Takuya would actually be there.

Takashi and the others congratulated Sho for his performance, and he responded in the usual manner. Yet, as Sho's gaze returned to Takuya, a heavy silence enveloped them both. The unspoken feelings, filled with deep emotions, seemed to hang between them, creating a sense of tension and unsaid thoughts that lingered within their shared space.

The group then decided to head to a nearby traditional udon restaurant. They arranged for Sho and Takuya to have a small private room while the rest of the members settled into an adjacent one.

"How's life, Takuya-kun?" Sho initiated the conversation, breaking the silence and preventing any awkwardness from settling in.

The question caused Takuya to smile. Just as he anticipated, Sho wouldn't let the atmosphere between them turn icy. "I finally have a week off," Takuya replied with a hint of weariness.

"Then, otsukaresama for you too," Sho offered, acknowledging the demanding nature of their respective careers with a shared understanding.

That warmth in their conversation eased the tension between them. As they delved into discussions about their careers, families, and lives, the topics effortlessly flowed. Their undeniable connection rekindled, making them feel at ease, almost as if no time had elapsed. It was as though they were seamlessly continuing from where they'd left off.

Until at one point, Sho began, "Why did you come here, then?" Sho couldn't help but ask, the question that had been lingering in his mind ever since he spotted Takuya in the audience.

Takuya was quiet for a moment, his gaze locked with Sho's. The unsaid feelings seemed to create a magnetic pull, bringing them closer together.

Sho continued, his words gentle and open, "You could have spent your week off enjoying yourself somewhe-"

Just before Sho could finish speaking, Takuya sensed what was coming next. He already had the response. A flood of emotions hit Takuya-longing and regret tangled up, making it impossible to keep everything bottled up. He leaned across the table and pressed his lips against Sho's. As their lips parted, Takuya's voice, barely a whisper, carried the weight of his unsaid emotions, "I've missed you."

❥