Chapter 17: Unfurling Wings

"So even if I were to be reborn againI'm sure I would choose this place againSo if I meet you againI'm sure I would choose to never let go again"Anytime Anywhere by Milet

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"The manager has filled us in on the situation. Now, we need to hear your side of the story."

Ryoga's message, short and to the point, managed to coax Takuya back to practice after a week's absence.

Ripping himself away from the "Bullet Train" felt like tearing his heart out. Two sleepless nights were spent grappling with the potential fallout - the loss of his "Bullet Train" persona, the strain on his bond with Sho, and the unfamiliar territory of life outside the group. Being part of the group since his youth, Takuya struggled to imagine life without them.

"We know this hasn't been easy for you," Ryoga started. "But we are here, happy that you've reached a decision you feel good about."

The remaining members nodded, reaffirming their commitment to stand behind Takuya, whatever choice he made.

"But here's the thing," Ryoga pressed on. "We really want you on this tour. It would be a beautiful way to close this chapter and say goodbye to everyone before you focus entirely on building your life with Nishigaki-kun. I heard there's gonna be an official announcement sometime around when he's back, right?"

Takuya stated bluntly, "Don't act clueless. Don't pretend you don't know the 15% ticket sales decline is because my fans are upset about me getting married."

Kai clicked his tongue in irritation, mirroring Takuya's earlier frustration. He annoyed by Takuya's accusation. "Don't play that card either," he countered. "You are not the only one with fans, alright? Sure, you got the biggest crowd, but that 15% isn't just yours. There are probably fans of other members who can't make it for other reasons, not just your wedding."

Takuya refrained from further comment. His defiance dissolved into silence. He stole a glance at Yuki and Takashi. Their slight smile suggested their approval of Kai's point.

"Give it one last go, Takuya," Ryoga urged gently, using his leadership influence alongside Kai's seniority for being the oldest one. "Joining this final tour would be a great way to wrap things up. What do you think?"

"It's time for me to step aside and let the younger generation shine," Takuya reiterated his desire to leave. "I am content with a single press conference to announce my decision. I want to live life on my own terms, be with Sho without stress, and not worry about dragging the group down."

"Look, we know this is tough, and we completely understand your reasons," Shuya reassured. "but could you find it in your heart to stay with us until the very last show of this tour?"

A noticeable shift settled over Takashi as he broke his usual silence. All eyes turned to him. Before this day, he already vowed to remain uninvolved with Takuya, particularly regarding matters related to Sho, because Takuya wouldn't be easily swayed. "Listen up. We get it, you're a man who makes his own choices. But seriously, this tour isn't just about you waving goodbye; it's about giving us something back, a memory we can hold onto forever. Don't just do it for the fans, do it for us."

Torn between his personal goals and the group's wishes, Takuya grappled with his decision once more. He closed his eyes, needing space to reconcile his emotions before giving a well-considered answer. "Could I have one or two days to think this through?"

"Back to disappearing again, huh?" Yuki teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Yeah," Aloha agreed. "I saw that coming a mile away."

Takuya felt the pressure mounting. After a brief moment of quiet reflection, he exhaled deeply and announced, "Looks like there's no escaping and it has to be a yes."

"You said it!" Masahiro confirmed.

"Very well then," Takuya said, closing the conversation. "Let's do this right."

♡

Sho's short course abroad was wrapping up, and his return flight was scheduled for the same week as the final Arena Tour date. Unfortunately, he was unable to secure an earlier flight back to Tokyo, causing disappointment and prompting him to video call Takuya for a chat that afternoon.

"Chill, Sho," Takuya said relaxedly. "Just snag any flight back this week. Don't sweat missing a specific day, there's no rush."

"I miss the familiar sights and sounds of my country," Sho explained, detailing his feelings. "This homesickness is hitting me hard."

"Easy there," Takuya replied with a chuckle. "Now, let's focus on finding a flight."

Despite their separate journeys, Takuya and Sho made time to connect over simple things-Takuya commenting on Sho's brunch menu, Sho sharing about his new friends and local outings. Sometimes, it was just a quick call, but it helped them to stay in the loop about each other's lives.

"Sho, looks like I have to go now. Send me your flight details whenever you have it," Takuya suddenly in a hurry after seeing his manager signaled him to get ready. "and we'll plan something when you're back. I'm missing you so bad. Catch you later!"

Takuya watched the image of Sho disappear from the screen, leaving a sadness tightening his chest. He rose from his seat, powered down his phone, and ignoring the questioning look from his manager. His eyes fixed on the stage after thrusting his phone into his manager's open palm. A sea of blinding light beckoning him from the shadows. "This is the end," he whispered to himself, barely audible.

"Takuya," Ryoga called out, signaling him to join the others. As Takuya neared, Ryoga's hand landed on his shoulder, a silent reassurance. "This one's for all the laughs, the late-night practices, the dreams we chased together. Give it everything you've got, one last time."

♡

Six hours had passed since Sho's last video call with Takuya. Estimating the tour's end time, Sho figured Takuya must be exhausted by now. Sho left his room and headed downstairs, where he found his three colleagues. During their eight-week short course, they shared a four-bedroom house and cooked for each other using the communal kitchen and pantry. Hearing a call for snacks, Sho made his way there.

Reaching the dining room, Sho's stomach rumbled at the sight of two colleagues savoring takoyaki. He pulled out a chair, anticipation building as he reached for a piece, but before he could indulge, a voice cut through the silence.

"Nishigaki-kun, is it true that Kusakawa-kun is no longer part of Bullet Train?" the colleague wanted to know.

"He is still part of the group," Sho clarified with a smile.

"Hold on," the colleague interjected, their voice filled with confusion. "Here, look at this press conference! He's officially announcing... and wait, there's even footage of him saying goodbye to fans at the concert." He tilted his phone towards Sho.

"This tour isn't Bullet Train's final curtain call and while Bullet Train's music and performance will continue to resonate, this day does signify the end of my own chapter with the group. For years, this group has been my stomping ground, it shaped me to be the artist I am today. Tonight, as I step off the stage for the last time, my backpack full of unforgettable experiences, lessons, and memories we've created together. They'll stay with me forever."

While his two colleagues expressed their surprise verbally, Sho remained silent as he watched the video. His mind racing to process the unexpected news.

"Moving forward, my path is guided by two long-held passions: acting and family. While I've always cherished acting, now it's finally time to go all-in. Additionally, building a family with my now-fiance, Nishigaki Sho, has become my top priority. I want to be a present and supportive spouse, sharing in every precious moment as we build our future together."

"Nishigaki-kun?" another colleague asked kindly, waving a hand in front of his face to break his train of thought.

Facing the news, Sho met his colleagues' gazes with a surprising calmness before turning away.

"You knew all along about this, right?" One of his colleagues demanded.

A hint of sadness crossed Sho's face as he shook his head. "We got an unresolved issue. We weren't on the same page about it, but I had to depart for this short course before we reached conclusion. Deep down, I knew he wouldn't just sit back, he made it clear he had his own way to handle things."

"But you guys are incredible. You said that you had disagreement, but the anmouncement made it clear Kuskaawa-kun wants to build a future with you. It seems like nothing can keep you two apart," the colleague said with admiration.

Sho smiled and nodded in agreement. "We can be apart, actually," he said calmly. "But only if we choose to be."

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