Chapter 19: Beyond The Headlines

"Let's laugh in a world overflowing with kindnessThough moments might not always be rewardedEach step I take, someone precious in mindCarrying entrusted dreams, intertwining with mineThat's enough, let it be, only we need to know"優しさに溢れた世界で by Saucy Dog

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The backstage buzzed with activity, but in the waiting room, time seemed to hold its breath. Sho and Takuya were lost in thought, retraced the path that led them here. Their journey had been a tapestry woven from laughter and tears, from whispered secrets and shared dreams. They had faced challenges, doubts, and moments of uncertainty, but their bond had only grown stronger.

A mix of nerves and excitement filled Sho and Takuya as they prepared to share a life-changing announcement: their upcoming marriage. They anticipated a range of reactions, from enthusiastic congratulations to hesitant questions, but fueled by love and the unwavering support of their loved ones, they were ready to embrace all reactions with open arms.

Naoya pushed open the waiting room door, a bright smile on his face and a cheerful greeting bubbling on his lips. His voice faltered, however, as his eyes met the solemn expressions on Sho and Takuya's faces. "Whoa," he said, his voice turning serious. "Another arguments? Did you two get into it again?"

Takuya hesitated before responding, his gaze flickering between Naoya and Sho. "We're okay," Takuya said finally. "We're just... processing everything, you know?"

Sho met Takuya's gaze and offered a small, knowing smile. A silent exchange passed between them, confirming that their quiet moment wasn't fueled by any recent argument, but rather a shared introspection.

Naoya's reply was a skeptical "Uh-huh,". His gaze lingering on the pair as if waiting for them to elaborate.

Anticipation crackled in the air as a crew member approached Sho and Takuya. "Gentlemen, please prepare to enter the stage shortly. We are almost ready for your announcement." With a gentle smile, she reminded the couple.

Sho and Takuya rose from their seats. Takuya nervously fiddled with his collar, then checked his reflection in the mirror for a fleeting moment of self-assurance. His eyes found Sho when he turned back, and the unwavering smile on his partner's face calmed his racing heart.

Takuya's brow furrowed in confusion. "Hmm?" he mumbled. Sho's smile, although comforting, now had him wondering if there was more to it than he realized.

Warmth filled Sho as a soft laugh bubbled up from his chest. He extended his arm towards Takuya gently, "Ready to take the stage together?"

Amusement twinkled in Takuya's eyes as he squeezed Sho's hand, his fingers tightening affectionately. He then playfully swatted Sho's arm, "We haven't even walked the aisle yet."

The knot of worry in Naoya's stomach untangled as he saw his brother, beaming with joy, walk hand-in-hand with his partner towards the stage. "They're okay," Naoya murmured to himself. He carefully joined the press area, capturing the scene on his phone but keeping his eyes glued to the stage, silently witnessing his brother's happiness.

Silence descended upon the room, broken only by the clicking of cameras as Takuya and Sho entered, their arrival capturing everyone's attention, all eyes fixed on them. The moderator, noticing the shift in energy, gestured towards the microphone, ready to start the Q&A session.

The first question popped out. "It's been some time since you officially solidified your commitment through domestic partnership. And there has been extensive media coverage of the announcement and public reaction. Today, however, I'm interested in learning more about the personal impact. Would you be willing to share how your daily routines and lives have changed since the partnership?"

"There haven't been major changes in our day-to-day routines. We were already a comfortable couple living together back then, but having our relationship legally recognized provides a deeper sense of security and strengthens our commitment. After all, it hasn't affected the things that truly bring us joy, like being snuggled up on the couch, preparing meals together, and those cherished talks we have after work." Takuya's response reflected a deep-seated peacefulness as he spoke about their life together.

"It's really the simple things, like those moments that Takuya-kun mentioned, that make our life together so fulfilling," Sho chimed in.

A different voice cut through the interview's rhythm, eager to explore another angle. "In careers that often involve physical distance, like yours, how do you balance your personal goals and the need for a stable and secure relationship?"

Takuya playfully slid his microphone closer to Sho. Sho, already holding his own microphone, looked at it with a surprised expression. The audience's laughter filled the room, enjoying the lighthearted exchange.

Once the laughter died down, Sho finally addressed the second question. "Formalizing our partnership offered a strong foundation of security, enabling us to pursue our individual career aspirations with greater confidence. Both of us have demanding schedules, but we make a conscious effort to prioritize quality time together. Most of our days off are spent simply enjoying each other's company, creating shared memories. When work separates us, short video calls become vital tools for staying connected, sharing quick updates and maintaining emotional closeness. It's all about prioritizing the depth and meaning of our shared time, rather than focusing solely on the amount of time we spend together."

The spotlight shifted to another question. "Since formalizing your domestic partnership, have you observed any unanticipated feedback or expressions of support, positive or negative, within your professional or personal networks?

"My friends really love Sho. They absolutely adore him," Takuya admitted with a chuckle. "Sho's like a quiet storm - reserved but unexpectedly kind, and everyone loves him for it. My friends always ask about him, wanting to spend time with him - they think he's the best. Especially because He never complains about my occasional outings with them. We're both homebodies, though he prefers indoor activities to recharge, while I get my energy back with extra sleep. But when my friends invite me out, I'm always eager to join them. The irony is, I'm the one struggle with being away from him. Sometimes, I find myself really missing him when I'm out with friends. So, true to my nature as a homebody in love, I simply ask him to come pick me up when I'm out socializing."

A smile softened Sho's features as he concurred, "He has this way of subtly encouraging me to step outside my comfort zone," Sho explained. "Sometimes, he'll casually ask me to pick him up from gatherings, which naturally introduces me to his friends, his circles. They have become a wonderful source of support and encouragement for me, and getting to know them has been a true blessing."

"We're curious about your living arrangements! Would you be willing to share a little about your home and how it reflects your lifestyle?" Another question popped in.

Sho paused, taking a moment to reflect on the question. "Hmm, what do you think, Takuya-kun?" he asked, turning to his partner with a thoughtful expression.

"Walk into our home and you'll see our contrasting personalities on display. You might be surprised by the jumble of CDs next to Sho's meticulously organized bookshelf," Takuya confessed with a loving laugh. "But somehow, it works. That's what makes it feel like home - a unique blend of order and spontaneity. We wouldn't have it any other way. Even the air tells our story, carrying a blend of his calming cologne and my energizing citrusy scent, creating a fragrance that's uniquely ours."

"Beyond the bookshelves and cozy corner, the bedroom is our ultimate comfort zone," Sho said, his eyes sparkled with warmth. "It's a space where we can be completely vulnerable, both physically and emotionally, and still feel completely safe and loved. Maybe even a little too loved, if you know what I mean. And I wouldn't deny that I might be a bit protective of this space, considering the sense of intimacy and connection it holds for us."

The ensuing question addressed the primary topic of interest. "Since formally recognizing your partnership, have you discussed your long-term goals and priorities together? Are there any key milestones you hope to reach as a couple?"

Sho offered a confirming nod before speaking. "For us, marriage feels like the natural next step, a way to solidify our commitment and embark on a new stage in our relationship," he explained. "Getting married has been a cherished dream for us, and now that dream is about to become a reality. We're thrilled to celebrate with the people who mean the most to us. We have countless dreams we want to pursue together, but the one that holds the most meaning is continuing to build our lives together, hand in hand, through all the ups and downs."

A quiet joy radiated from Takuya as he expressed his hopes. "Our future is all about building a life that's overflowing with joy and love. Sure, there might be some bumps along the way, but with each other by our side, we're ready to tackle anything!"

"Moving on to Kusakawa Takuya-kun, your recent departure from the group 'Bullet Train' has been a subject of much discussion." The interview took an introspective turn as the discussion landed on specific person. "Your decision to leave occurred during a time of intense public interest in your personal life, with a variety of reactions from fans. Considering this, could you share how you handled the online scrutiny and negativity you faced?"

A nuanced expression settled upon Takuya's face as he addressed the topic. Taking a deep breath, Takuya began. "It's true that the public reception to my decision to step away from 'Bullet Train' wasn't always positive, but not entirely unexpected," he said, his posture reflecting a sense of acceptance. "My heart overflows with gratitude for the unwavering love and support I've received from my loved ones and amazing fans. Choosing a path that wouldn't necessarily please everyone wasn't easy, but I was confident it aligned with my long-term goals and my commitment to building a future with Sho. Choosing my own path has brought me incredible peace, and I'm excited to see what the future holds."

"Turning our focus now to Nishigaki Sho-kun," the reporter said directly. "It seemed like a challenging time for Kusakawa-kun. Can you share how you provided emotional and practical support during this period? Did you face any personal struggles related to your relationship with him during this time?"

Sho's smile softened as he recalled, "There were some negative comments floating around, especially on social media. But I chose not to waste my energy on them. My heart was set on being by Takuya-kun's side, making sure he knew I had his back no matter what."

"We'd like to circle back to Takuya-kun and hear more about his perspective." The conversation returned to Takuya-kun, the reporter probing his emotional landscape. "We'd love to hear your thoughts. Looking back, are there any aspects of your decision that you might re-evaluate or question? Conversely, do you consider it an essential step in your personal journey and well-being?"

With a hint of vulnerability in his voice, Takuya acknowledged the emotional difficulties of his choice. "It wasn't easy to leave, and there were definitely ups and downs emotionally," he admitted. "but the peace and joy I've discovered by following my own path are immeasurable. It's a choice I wouldn't regret even for a moment."

To further explore the topic, the reporter asked, "Have you had any opportunities to stay connected with your former bandmates since your departure?"

Takuya's face beamed as he replied, "Of course! I stay in touch with them regularly and I am their biggest supporter, celebrating their achievements and offering encouragement whenever needed."

"Nishigaki Sho-kun, as Kusakawa-kun's partner, what was your reaction to his decision to leave the group? Did you provide any suggestions or assistance while he was making this decision?" The question directed toward Sho.

"The potential impact on his career and the group was a major consideration during our initial discussions." Sho admitted calmly. "Then, it hit me: I was putting my own fears ahead of his wellbeing. However, seeing him take control of the situation filled me with trust in his judgment. It was his decision to make, and I'm 100% behind him. He knows he can lean on me every step of the way."

A reporter, eyes gleaming with genuine enthusiasm, turned to Sho. "Many were touched by your proposal a few months back," he began, his tone expressing genuine admiration. "Were there specific reasons behind holding your proposal in such a public space?"

Takuya, finding the question humorous, playfully responded, "You're on your own to answer that one," his words sparking laughter from everyone, including Sho.

"Honestly, life's been pretty crazy lately," Sho confessed, a hint of self-reflection in his voice. "Our schedules were hectic, and we weren't devoting enough time to each other. So, I hatched a plan to propose on the Ferris wheel at the park, creating a romantic moment for just the two of us. However, mentioning the amusement park itself didn't exactly thrill him." Sho chuckled, watching Takuya finally realize why he asked Manna-san for amusement park tickets.

"I ultimately preferred a proposal that was witnessed by others." Sho explained. "It wasn't about showing off, but sharing this momentous occasion with those who matter most, the ones who've seen us at our best and worst. My closest friends, who know our story, were there. Of course, I had my anxieties. The idea of performing in front of everyone, the possibility of not hitting the right notes, or even messing up the proposal itself, did flit through my mind. But when I saw his face, filled with anticipation as I played and sang, all those worries melted away. His reaction was everything."

"Kusakawa-kun, how did you initially react to your partner's proposal? Can you describe the emotions that were running through you in that moment?" the reporter asked, aiming to understand his internal experience.

Emotion flickered in Takuya's eyes as he recalled the proposal. "I swear, I thought my heart was going to jump out of my chest," he began. "A public proposal wasn't my expectation with his introverted nature, but it became the most beautiful memory ever. To see him all flustered, his voice cracking a bit, but his conviction shining through as he told everyone how much he loved me - it was like something out of a movie. Tears just wouldn't stop coming, a blend of disbelief at the surreal moment and the immense joy that engulfed me."

"Nishigaki-kun, the song you performed for Kusakawa-kun was deeply moving. Could you tell us about the process of preparing the performance?" they turned the spotlight back to Sho.

"Right," Sho's face brightened. "the song is 'Symphony' by Hiraidai. It felt like it spoke all the words we never said, every step we've taken together. Just giving him a ring wouldn't have expressed everything I wanted to say; I wanted to go all out, sing my heart out and show him what he means to me. So, I practiced like crazy, messed up a million times, then practiced some more, all thanks to the awesome support of Yagi Yusei-kun and Meguro Ren-kun. Maybe my vocals aren't technically perfect, but I know the raw emotion and the message came through loud and clear."

"As for Kusakawa-kun," the reporter began, their voice taking on a slightly investigative tone, "did you notice any signs that might have suggested Nishigaki-kun might be planning something?"

Takuya chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Looking back, the signs were obvious. He'd constantly hum the song, practiced his guitar at random times, even disappearing during filming breaks to meet friends he wouldn't name - it all started adding up." He said. "But Sho, a man who cherishes intimate moments, choosing a public proposal caught me completely off guard. It's a surprise I'll treasure forever. It wasn't just the proposal itself that got me, it was the whole public thing, the courage he displayed by sharing our love with the world. It felt like a beautiful and powerful validation of our relationship."

"Can you tell us about the reactions of your friends when they witnessed the proposal?" the reporter followed up, seeking insight into their immediate responses.

"The crowd erupted in cheers when he proposed, didn't they, Sho?" Takuya glanced at his partner who confirmed with a nod. "Several friends even revealed details about Sho's preparations, highlighting the effort and thoughtfulness behind the public proposal. It was a heartwarming reminder that even with the big proposal and all the fancy stuff, the core of it all was still the Sho I know, the one who simply wanted to express his love in the most meaningful way he could think of." Takuya's eyes welled up slightly as he spoke, his gaze turning away from Sho, who was looking at him with a warm smile.

"Moving on to the upcoming wedding," the reporter announced, shifting the focus of the conversation. "With the ceremony just a month away, are you willing to share any details about the plans for the ceremony and reception?"

Recognizing that Takuya needed a moment to collect himself, Sho took the lead in answering. "Our wedding ceremony will be a smaller, more intimate affair," he explained, "with only our closest family and friends. We want a relaxed atmosphere where everyone can truly appreciate the occasion."

"Now that your engagement is official, we'd love to know if you have any specific goals or dreams in mind for your future as a family." another reporter chimed in.

"Building a family is something we're definitely looking forward to down the road," Takuya admitted, now composed and ready to answer. "While adoption and surrogacy might be options for the future, we want to fully immerse ourselves in the joys of married life and build a strong foundation for our relationship. We can't wait to create a warm and welcoming home filled with shared experiences and happiness."

Next question followed, "Coordinating your individual career commitments with the planning and preparations for your upcoming wedding must be a very busy time. Can you share some of the strategies you're using to manage this period effectively, and perhaps offer some advice for other couples in similar situations?" the reporter inquired.

In response to the question, Sho nodded thoughtfully and explained, "We're doing it as a team. We're breaking down tasks and seeking help when we need it. Takuya-kun's current break from work is incredibly helpful, and he'll likely be taking on a larger share of the planning compared to me."

"Indeed," Takuya confirmed. "Be honest and open with each other, and don't be afraid to ask your friends and family for a helping hand. Don't stress about every little thing, make a list, and tackle tasks one at a time. Remember, it's supposed to be fun, so don't forget to enjoy the ride and celebrate the special moments!"

As the interview dipped into their upcoming wedding festivities, the reporter popped the question, "Alright, husbands-to-be! What are you most pumped for in your future married life?" the reporter asked, observing a slight blush on Sho and Takuya's faces. The thought of taking things up a notch and building a life together seemed to excite them, big time.

"Sharing every chapter of our lives together," Sho chuckled nervously before saying with heartfelt sincerity. "It's the image of us growing old together, yes, but more than that, it's the everyday stuff, the laughter and tears, the high fives and shoulder pats. It's about knowing that no matter how crazy life gets, we'll be there for each other, always got each other's backs, and always ready to cheer each other on. We're in this together, for the good, the bad, and the everything in between."

"Waking up to the sight of him, having deep talks way past bedtime, and enjoying simple, home-cooked meals together filled with laughter and warmth," Takuya said with a gentle laugh. "It's the little things, the stuff we often forget to appreciate, that make us the happiest."

As the moderators signaled the final round of questions, one reporter asked, "In light of the recent legislative change allowing same-sex marriage in Japan, do you feel your wedding will hold any particular importance beyond your own personal celebration?"

"Yes, we do," Takuya and Sho responded, their synchronized gazes and subtle nods confirming their shared sentiment.

Expanding on their earlier statement, Sho elaborated, "Following the recent legal recognition of same-sex marriage in Japan, we're deeply moved by the joy it has brought not only to us, but to countless couples who can now publicly celebrate their love and commitment. Our wedding is about us, sure, but we hope it alo serves as a little spark of hope for other couples out there fighting for their right to love and build lives together. We believe that real love, no matter who you share it with, should be celebrated and cherished to the fullest."

Following the conclusion of the press conference, which lasted approximately one minute, Sho and Takuya were escorted backstage by their agency representative.

Throughout the event, Naoya watched intently, a smile eventually forming on his lips. He paused, reflecting on the recent tension between Takuya and Sho. It was messy, undoubtedly, but he recognized that those two had a deeper connection than most realized. While Takuya's emotions might appear more intense and impulsive with Sho compared to him, but Naoya figured it was because Sho allowed Takuya to be his true, unfiltered self. With this newfound understanding, Naoya concluded, "It's time for me to let Taku-nii go."

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