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Saki should've honestly expected to be in the hospital again. It's an on and off cycle she'd experience: get discharged from the hospital, get excited to do everything she hasn't had the chance to do, try to do everything at once, get sick and land in the hospital again. At least by now she's gotten better at not fully continuing the cycle. A classmate of hers just happened to get sick and her weak immune system picked up on it despite her family's best efforts to avoid germs.
If she thinks too hard, she remembers passing out before heading to band practice. Her body only felt unbearably warm when her eyes fluttered open again, just long enough to see her worried brother's face as he put a cool hand against her forehead. "She's burning up!" Tsukasa had screamed to whichever parent was home. "It feels different from her regular fevers!"
She's used to hearing him scream— he's a performer, after all, and projecting your voice is necessary— but she's never heard that kind of fear in it. His loud voice trembled and she couldn't help the guilt that wracked her mind as she realized he's scared because of her. She's not a naive child anymore; she knows her constant hospital trips and condition also made Tsukasa miss out on the same middle and high school experiences she desperately wanted. She doesn't want him to miss out on anything else.
Sighing, Saki lightly slaps her face with her hands, keeping her finally cool hands against her cheeks. Thankfully, it's not anything too serious. She just needs to rest, and she's done plenty of that for the past two days. If she's lucky, she might even be able to go home tonight, but the hospital is far from where she lives so her parents might pick her up in the morning. Everything is good, so there's no need to dwell on the past. Everyone's already worried enough, so she has to smile for them.
In a weird way, she also missed the hospital. The old ladies she used to room with when she was a child were absolute sweethearts and they always wished her a safe and fast recovery. The nurses all know her by name, too. A few she remembers from childhood check in often and never beat around the bush when they speak to her. One even got her some paper and a pen so she could keep writing song lyricsand melodies for Leo/need. Ichika said there was no need to do that, but Saki loves creating for their group and it gives her something to work on when the hospital television begins to repeat the same programs.
A low hum escapes her lips as Saki lightly taps the fresh sheet of paper on her lap with her pen. It's late at night with the only light source being the small lamp in her room. She has her own this time, empty and quiet aside from the sounds of her writing. She's supposed to be asleep, but for some reason there's been lots of foot traffic outside her room. Tiny footsteps, like children, followed by older and energetic ones. Saki figures there's some kind of event they're doing for the kids that ran late into the night. She loved those when she was younger (though none could compare to the daily performances Tsukasa would do when he visited).
Saki stares at the paper, humming the new melody she made to herself. It sounds happy, but there's a hint of melancholy to it that she isn't sure is from her voice or from what she wrote. That's the downside of being in the hospital, she supposes. The small little white void of empty unintentionally sucks out most joy when you're in it long enough. Maybe she should hold off on writing until she's back with her friends.
She could see if anyone is in their Sekai, but disappearing from the hospital like this wouldn't be the best course of action. She still isn't sure how travel to Sekai works, if she looks asleep or if her body disappears all together. She won't risk it now, she's already had Miku and Rin give their condolences and wish her well. Rin even promised to show her a new song when she's discharged.
Her life's been full of promises so far. Promises to get well, promises for a steady recovery, promises to go on the next trip, promises to bring more snacks, promises to always be friends—
The last one did come true at least. Leo/need is never going to disband or stop being friends, they've all been through too much together and individually to give up hope. It makes Saki happier than anything. She only has a few constants in her life, and she's glad her friends are one of them. Caught up in her own reminiscing, the light tapping sounds go unnoticed by her.
She certainly notices when a tall, long haired individual opens her window and elegantly steps in. He's wearing a small mask over his eyes, but his long pale blue hair gives away who he is in a heartbeat. A bouquet of roses is tucked under one of his arms as the other extends outward.
"Your Majesty the Emperor, your loyal jester Wataru Hibiki has appeared to make your night here amazing~☆" Wataru cheers, bowing and handing the bouquet over to Saki before quickly standing up. "Oh! My apologies, I seem to have mixed up the room number." He bows again, this time as an apology, as he begins to make up for his mistake. He plucks a rose out of the bouquet and hands it to her. "Here you go, my darling."
Shaking out of her daze that Wataru Hibiki is currently in her hospital room, Saki happily takes the thornless rose from his hand. "Thank you, Hibiki." She twirls it around in her hand, already grinning at the thought of telling Tsukasa. Wataru's considered the best of the best when it comes to performing, and Saki's heard his name millions of times from her excited theater nerd brother who wishes to shine even brighter than him. He's going to be jealous she's met him, even if it was accidentally!
Taking off his mask, Wataru tucks it in his pocket, his smile never faltering while he eyes her curiously. "I admit I'm used to seeing my fans react with more shock and glee."
"Well, my brother's more of a fan than me," Saki answers honestly, "and I've met lots of famous people before so I guess I'm not that fazed."
The more Saki thinks of it, the more she realizes she really does know a lot of famous people. She's friends with Shiho, who's older sister Shizuku is part of a new idol group composed of people she knows at school, Kohane is with a street group that performs at some of the live houses Shiho works at, and Saki believes her brother's troupe at Phoenix Wonderland is even more popular than the most famous troupe there, especially after their big performance involving Vocaloids. She never thought too much of it because they're all friends or people she's known through others, but yeah, Saki isn't as fazed by the idea of seeing Wataru.
(It's also because he essentially acts like her brother and she's seen that kind of behavior for years but he doesn't have to know that.)
"Amazing☆! To think I'd meet someone unfazed to see me, perhaps I should be the one reacting with shock and glee." His eyes twinkle with something Saki can't place as his smile widens. "It's lovely to meet you, may I get your name?"
"Saki Tenma." Saki answers, placing the rose next to her and grabbing a fresh sheet of paper. She isn't sure yet if it's for writing or for Wataru's autograph to give to her brother. "Who were you gonna meet?"
Wataru opens his mouth only to pause, though Saki can guess who he was trying to visit. Still, she waits for him to decide if she's trustworthy enough to know. "Our beloved Emperor Eichi wasn't feeling well during a handshake event so he's staying the night here. I wish to entertain him during this lonely night until he's well enough to return to ES."
Her first thought is "He's lucky to have someone like him." Saki understands all too well the tight grip boredom can have on you. She always cherished her brother's visits and his daily plays that kept her from succumbing to bright white walls and beeping machines. Grinning at the chance of a change of scenery, Saki carefully stands up to avoid vertigo.
"Lucky for you, I know this place like the back of my hand! Tell me the room number and I'll show you the way."
"You're too kind to a simple jester." Wataru says, giving her the number. They were surprisingly close to the correct room, shocking her with the fact that someone famous has been near her the whole time and she wouldn't have known. She walks out of her room with confidence, Wataru trailing behind with grace as they head out to find Eichi. There's no one in the halls, but Saki figures that wouldn't have been a problem anyway since she has an idol following her.
The door is identical to hers, but Saki can feel the rich vibes from behind it. She wonders if it's the same as hers, drab and empty, or if being rich meant the floor was made of gold. She stops in front of it. "Here we are! I'm sure he'll be happy to know you came to visit." she says honestly. Right as she makes a motion to walk away, Wataru holds out the piece of paper and pen she had put down earlier. When did he pick that up?
"I pride myself on being, well, eccentric, and while I don't think Eichi expects me to simply walk through the door I think he'd also appreciate having another guest as well." Wataru explains. "I also enjoy your company and would like to entertain you too. Consider it a better payment for barging in earlier."
Saki stares at the paper, realizing his signature has been written in the top corner. When did he have time to do that too? She doesn't dwell on it for long, she wouldn't be in her right mind if she turned down an invitation from an idol. She eagerly takes her stuff back. "If he doesn't mind, then I'd love to."
Wataru smiles, but it manages to feel smaller than his usual wide grins. "Thank you." Taking a deep breath, his grin returns as he flings the door open and waves his bouquet in the air. Saki is slightly disappointed that the floor isn't made out of gold like she thought.
"Eichi, my beloved Emperor, your jester has arrived to keep you company on this lonely night!" he announces to the small figure sitting up in the hospital bed. It takes Saki a second to recognize that it is Eichi sitting there, looking small and frail compared to the proud and confident man she'd see on her screen. His eyes light up with childish delight, reminding her of the days where her brother was the highlight of her day.
"Oh my, I kept staring at my window waiting for you to show up. For a second, I thought you wouldn't." Eichi smiles, gracefully accepting the roses when Wataru practically skips over and, like a scene that's been constantly rehersed, hands them to him with a flourish before taking a seat on the edge of the bed.
"Do you think so lowly of me to even imagine the thought? I'll never leave your side, especially on a night like this." The flowers are moved to the bedside table as Wataru effortlessly slides his hand into Eichi's, fingers intertwining perfectly like a puzzle waiting to be completed. Saki's fairly certain if she wasn't here then he'd do something incredibly sappy like kiss each finger. He smiles knowingly as he glances in her direction, like he's saying "Whatever you're thinking, I'd do it in a heartbeat if you weren't part of the audience."
She waves at Eichi when he stops staring at Wataru's hand and hears her close the door. "Hi, I hope you don't mind if I'm here."
"Not at all." Eichi says, but his hand quietly slips out of Wataru's grasp and lies rigidly on his lap. He turns to his friend (possible boyfriend? Unless Saki's looking into it too much), "I didn't know you also made a friend."
Wataru laughs, "The night has been surprising for us all. Meet Saki Tenma-chan, the wonderful girl who didn't bat an eye when I entered her room by mistake."
"He did use the window that time." Saki adds, earning a chuckle from the bedridden idol. She walks closer, standing by the edge of the bed. "You both can call me Saki, I don't mind. How are you feeling?"
Eichi blinks at her, unsure how and if he should answer. Saki blinks back, remembering this isn't her usual talks with the people in the beds next to her. Realistically, she knows all about the idol Eichi Tenshouin. She knows about the power and respect he holds, the amazing accomplishments and feats he's done even in his condition. She should know little about his condition since the public knows little, but Saki Tenma's been in the hospital since before she knew what a hospital was, so she knows more than she probably should. It doesn't stop her from wanting to know more.
"I've been here for as long as I can remember." she continues, deciding to break the unspoken barrier. They aren't idol and fan but people with shared experiences. "I got out for real about a year or two ago. Finally got to be a normal high school student. Even then, I still get stuck here sometimes if someone passes the flu or a cold to me. My immune system just hates me." she laughs a little at herself, thinking of the few times she's overworked herself in her rush to experience everything. Not even her three girlfriends can stop her when she puts her mind to it.
Eichi nods along to her story, wordlessly encouraging her to continue. She's not a great storyteller, but she's definitely better than Tsukasa and so, she gives it her all. When she's done, both idols seem to look at her differently. Not a bad differently though; she'll dare to call it respect.
"It is heartwarming to know you can still be so optimistic after all these years." Eichi tells her, eyes now clouded with… pity? She guesses it's for himself as it's only when she stops speaking that it happens. "I am simply born with a weak constitution and a physically straining job I love and hate at the same time."
"At least it's something you love!" Saki points out. "I don't think I could ever be an idol, but I get to play in a band like I've dreamed of and that's all I really need!" Maybe she's speaking too optimistically or naively compared to the corporate and work oriented idol business, but no one seems to mind.
"A band?"
"Leo/need!" Without needing to be told twice Saki pulls out her phone to find videos of their practice, "It's based off the Leonis constellation. We've only written a few songs and played in front of a live audience once, but we all have a dream to perform together and play professionally one day." Finding the perfect video, the one where they played needLe, she presses play and holds her phone up for them to see. "Those are my girlfriends Ichika, Honomi, and Shiho. They're all super talented!"
Eichi never takes his eyes off the video. Even when it's done and Saki puts it away and Wataru is praising the performance, Eichi's eyes stay glued to the spot where her phone was. "Like Trickstar…" he mutters, barely loud enough for them to hear. Then louder, "I'm jealous of groups like you two who will find ways to succeed despite naivety and the harshness of the world. You have something, while imperfect, worthwhile here."
"Like little stars about to shine bright." Wataru adds. "It must be fate that we got a chance to meet, albeit in less than ideal circumstances."
"People like us have to take what we can get. This is probably the only way we'd ever meet. Your Live tickets are expensive." Saki points out, earning another mix of a cough and a laugh from Eichi. He's completely different from his stage persona, almost childish, though she'll blame it on the late night and hospital ambience.
"And for some reason, people flock to us anyway." Eichi smiles, his hand finding a way back to Wataru's hand before his whole body slumps forward and his head rests on Wataru's neck. "Ahh, every cell in my body screams in agony yet all I want to do is talk until my throat refuses to make a sound."
Smiling, Wataru wraps an arm around his boyfriend (Saki knows by this point they're a thing, it'd be weird if they weren't) and presses a soft and barely audible kiss on the top of his head. "That's new. Perhaps I should always bring such pleasant company around when I visit."
Eichi lifts his head up slightly to look at Saki, making a noise and nodding towards an empty space near the end of the bed for her to sit. "You mentioned there's a theme park around here earlier. Describe it to me?"
"Maybe this is the real Tenshouin," Saki wonders as she dives into detailed descriptions of Phoenix Wonderland and Tsukasa's theater troupe. "Someone kind of like me who wants to do everything before we're out of time. I probably have a lot more time than him, though."
Saki has had plenty of thoughts regarding mortality. She assumes Eichi and Wataru aren't strangers to it either. With that in mind, she leaves out no detail regarding her favorite theme park and its simple yet magnificent wonders and joys. The rich boy vibes truly shine as Eichi gets excited over the simplest things regarding theme parks. She not so subtly mentions how it's always open late at night and how cool the temperature usually gets.
"Wataru, if I can ever get out of this bed, I wish to go." he demands when Saki's done, hands curled into small fists like a child.
" When you get out of this bed, we shall make it a date. I'm quite curious about this Wonderlands x Showtime. An amazing name, by the way." Wataru decides. He gently moves Eichi to lie down again when his head keeps threatening to fall off his shoulder.
Eichi hums, leaning into the soft pillow and closing his eyes for a second. Giving him a moment to breathe, Saki pulls out the paper Wataru gave him and behind scribbling random words and notes down. Rin was right when she said inspiration can come from the weirdest places. Hearing Eichi and thinking of her own experiences, Saki hopes the words she writes can convey the emotions the trio just felt. This might not become a Leo/need song but Saki feels the need to commit this to paper, to immortalize the feelings shared at least for herself and hopefully anyone else who feels like them.
"You know," Saki begins absentmindedly as Wataru turns to look at her, "I never really thought about it before because Tsukasa always talks so highly about you, but you're really human." She figures there comes a time in everyone's life where they recognize their idol or mentor is just as human as them. It's no different here as Saki doesn't see just the famous idols Wataru Hibiki and Eichi Tenshouin but people ; a kid in the hospital with his boyfriend by his side. She wonders how many people forget Eichi's a kid.
Wataru briefly turns away from her, a muffled sniffle covered by a sleeve, before he whispers "Truth be told, I think Eichi forgets that too."
"I can still hear you guys." Eichi huffs, opening one eye to prove a point. "I'd argue I'm all too aware I'm human, but overworking myself is partially the reason I'm here so I suppose I can't say anything."
The conversation shifts and veers after that, with Eichi struggling to stay awake as he and Wataru entertain Saki with tales of behind the scene idol work and tips on voice projection. Any time Saki voices her concerns of him staying up, he'll pout and Wataru laughs and they continue talking; a cycle they never mind repeating. Both sides of her paper are filled with words and notes as Wataru slowly becomes Eichi's pillow. By the time Eichi is fully leaning into his boyfriend and Wataru is consumed by the hospital sheets, the door opens with the same energetic force Wataru used earlier.
"Eichi! I heard you were here!" A loud voice that could rival Tsukasa's is heard before Saki recognizes the excited man before her. Chiaki grins at the sight in front of him, his fellow idols practically on top of each other and Saki happily waving hello to him.
"I see Ryuuseitai's Chiaki-kun has come to check on our beloved Emperor." Wataru laughs. "Chiaki, meet our new friend Saki Tenma-chan."
Chiaki quickly makes his way over to the bed and gives Saki a bone crushing hug that she gratefully accepts. His hands are loosely holding hers as he stares at her for a moment. "Tenma… ah! You're that guy's sister!"
That guy? How would he know about Tsukasa? "You've met my brother before?"
Chiaki grins. "Just now! He's waiting in your room to pick you up and I said I'd go look for you on my way to see Eichi."
"You've come all this way to have our friend leave?" Eichi smiles sadly at the thought, but Saki's mind can barely process the information. He really came to get her despite the distance? He's been working on homework and show practice for weeks even before she was hospitalized; does he even have the time to be doing this? Tears prick her eyes as an overwhelming sensation of love hits her at full force. She really does have the best brother in the world.
Wiping her tears away before they can fall, Saki stands up. "Thank you for letting me know! I should go before he worries any longer." She turns to the fine members, still wrapped up in each other. "It was nice meeting you guys! Let's hope we don't meet in a hospital again."
"That would be ideal." Eichi laughs. As she gathers her things, he adds "I eagerly await for Leo/need to shine as bright as Trickstar. When that happens, I wish for your band to be the opening act for our Live. I'll make sure everything is perfect for that day."
"Then we'll have to practice even harder for that day!" With a promise and newfound energy, Saki rushes out of the room to find Tsukasa. Carefully holding the paper in her hand, Saki rereads one of the lyrics she wrote.
"I'm sure we're destined to meet. After all, it's a small world under this sky."
Already thinking of the melody that can accompany her words, she hums it to herself so she can remember it later. When she makes it back to her room, she wastes no time throwing open the door like everyone else has done. "Onii-chan! I can't believe you're here!"
Tsukasa's been sitting on her bed while waiting for her. His eyes are slightly red, like he's been crying, and his voice sounds hoarse when he gets up and hugs her. "Hahahahaha! Of course I'd be here! I got Rui to drop me off after practice was over. Mom and Dad said you could've been discharged earlier but they're busy with work, so I took it upon myself to bring you back home!"
She could cry all over again as she hugs him again, holding tightly as he immediately hugs back. Chiaki said he talked to him, and she briefly wonders what they could've talked about that would make Tsukasa cry. But that's their business, so she smiles instead so that he could smile too. "Thank you so much! I can't wait to sleep in my own bed."
Getting out is surprisingly easy considering her infamous status. Tsukasa doesn't bring up his meeting with Chiaki, so Saki doesn't bring up her meeting with Wataru and Eichi. She figures that it could be a nice surprise for him to know after Wataru visits Phoenix Wonderland. Closing her eyes with a blissful sigh as the cool night air hits her face when they get outside, the vrooming of an engine catches her off guard.
When she opens her eyes, Rui is waiting in front of the hospital. His usual cat-like grin is on his face as he sits comfortably on his motorcycle, one helmet sitting on his lap while the other dangles from one of the handles. "Ah, there you are. I was wondering when you'd show up. There wasn't an issue checking out, was there?"
While Saki assures him there wasn't an issue, Tsukasa stands there flabbergasted as he stares at his boyfriend. "What are you doing here? I said you could go after you dropped me off!"
Rui's eyes go comically wide as he puts a hand over his heart in fake shock. "And leave my darling boyfriend and his sister to walk home by themselves? I figured it'd be better to stay and make sure you got home safely."
Normally, this would be where Tsukasa flusters and argues that they can both take care of themselves, but that conversation seems to have really changed something because instead there's only a light blush on his face as he mutters "Thank you."
Rui is all too pleased to hear it as he hands one of the helmets to Saki. "Unfortunately, all three of us won't be able to fit, but this could be a good chance to work on your stamina, Tsukasa-kun. I won't go too slow or fast, and if we keep a good pace then I think we'll make it to your house at a decent time."
Tsukasa smiles a familiar, smitten smile as Saki puts on her helmet and takes a seat behind Rui. "You're going to stay over, right? It's late enough as it is and I don't want you to be heading home this late."
"Yeah, a sleepover sounds great!" Saki adds, holding onto Rui as the engine roars to life. Rui puts his own helmet on and smiles.
"Fufu. Well, if you both want me over then who am I to refuse?"
"Exactly! Now, let's see if you can keep up with a future star!" Without warning, Tsukasa breaks into a sprint and runs off. He's surprisingly fast, even catching Rui off guard before he's laughing.
"How unfair. Let's catch up to him, shall we?" Rui asks before taking off after him. The wind carries their laughter away as they go further away from the hospital and closer to home. Saki peeks behind her, watching the building get further and further from sight before it disappears when they turn a corner. For now, she's free from it again. Realistically, she'll be back another day, but hopefully that day will be far into the future.
———
"Hahaha! Seems like Tenma-chan will be making it home safely." Wataru comments, now standing by the window. He has a perfect view of the hospital entrance from here, and he watches Saki leave with a boy that looks like her and another boy they both seem familiar with. Comforted by the fact she'll be alright getting home, Wataru turns away to see Eichi's turned away from him, no doubt with a pout on his face.
Grinning, Wataru leans over to wrap his arms around him. "Eichi~ I'm sorry for getting up but don't ignore me."
"Lovebirds." Chiaki mutters, but there's a hint of a smile in his voice. He's glad he decided to take the impromptu job; not only did he get to catch up with Wataru, but he also got to meet some interesting people. "You'll be leaving tomorrow morning?"
"That's the plan." Eichi nods, giving in and turning around to return Wataru's hug. "As you can see, I have my lovely jester with me and have no need for other entertainment. Go find your comfortable hotel with its soft bed and rest well."
"Yeah, yeah, I'll see you back at ES." Chiaki waves goodbye, closing the door for them as he heads to his hotel. With just the two of them in the room now, Eichi finally kisses Wataru on the lips, sighing as Wataru immediately melts into it.
"Feeling better, love?"
Truthfully, Eichi still feels terrible. But with everything that happened tonight, he can almost put those feelings on the back burner and forget about them. He can almost trick his mind into believing he's fine. So, he leans impossibly further into Wataru and smiles against his chest.
"I'm feeling fantastic." he whispers, and for once, it's not entirely a lie.