Work Text:
Iori opened the door of the bar. Wooden walls, a soft jazz tune playing in the background, and a couple of customers drinking and chatting, it was a nice and chill place. As expected of Yamato-san. Iori mused as he was entering the place. He glanced around before spotting a large and empty table with a reservation sign placed upon it with a small rainbow doodle.
He was the first one to arrive.
Checking the time, he knew that he was a whole twenty minutes earlier than the scheduled time but he couldn’t help it. Not having seen the others in so many years had made the young man more fidgety than usual.
Having cleared his and Riku’s schedule for the day, he didn’t have anything else planned than this group reunion, so he eventually gave in.
Sitting down and ordering a martini, he opened his phone and started scrolling their group chat, smiling at the messages coming in that the other members were on their way. Even though it has been seven years since the members of IDOLiSH7 had been reunited together, the fact that they kept contact with each other made his heart soften.
They might not be an idol group anymore, but they were still a family.
“Iorin!”
Iori looked up at the familiar nickname. Tamaki was standing there, a bright grin on his face. He looked more adult and mature than when they first met as teenagers, but he still held the same shining gleam in his eyes.
Standing up, he greeted his old friend and classmate with a warm hug. “It has been a while, Yotsuba-san.” He said with a smile.
He glanced at how Tamaki pulled a chair from under the table where his belongings were hidden from Iori’s view, and Iori deduced that Tamaki arrived before him, seemingly in the bathroom when he himself arrived.
“When did you come?” He asked curiously.
“Hmm, like 10mn ago? I know I’m super early, but I just couldn’t wait, you see! It has been so long since I saw everyone!”
Iori smiled, knowing the feeling. “That’s right. So, how have you been? How is the orphanage?”
As soon as IDOLiSH7 disbanded, Tamaki was one of the earliest ones to figure out what to do with his life. He had said that since he found Aya, he didn’t have a reason to stay in the music industry anymore. So, he dedicated himself to orphaned children. He raised fundraisers and different charities that he organized with the help of the contacts he already had within the industry; and eventually he opened his own orphanage.
“It has been going very well! Everyone has been donating so much, I’m that close to ask them to stop sending money.” Tamaki joked, but his heart was grateful. IDOLiSH7, TRIGGER, Re:vale and ZOOL, they all supported and helped his project by funding. Many even came specially to play with the kids and perform for them. But Iori already knew it since Riku was among those.
“I’m glad to hear it. I’m sure the children are very lucky to be under your care.”
“Hehe, thanks Iorin! You should visit again! The kids miss Rikkun!”
“We will try to come again soon. I’m sure Nanase-san would be glad to perform for them again. Oh, how is Aya-san?”
Yotsuba Aya, Kujo Aya, Tamaki’s sister, had launched her own solo career in the entertainment industry. She was a popular singer, an actress, a voice actor, all her talents that Kujo polished were now shining for the rest of the country.
“She’s doing great! She’s been quite busy lately so I haven’t seen her in a while, but we call each other every day. Do you know that she has been casted as the main heroine of that very popular show? I’m so excited to watch it!”
Iori listened to his friend rambling about his sister with a smile. The Yotsuba siblings’ history had been quite a wild and shaky ride, but he was glad that they were on good terms today, and were supporting each other’s path.
“Oh? Is this a school reunion or a group one?” Said a teasing voice in their back. The two turned at once with an amused smile and saw their former leader standing behind them with a smirk. “Hey Ichi, Tama! It’s been a while!” He said while ruffling their hair. “This old man missed you a lot.”
“Yama-san! It’s been a while!”
“Hello Nikaido-san. You look well.”
“You both look pretty good too. So, what’s up?”
Yamato took a seat on the opposite side of Iori and chatted with the two youngsters for a while.
“Oh by the way, Yama-san! I took the kids to watch your latest movie! They told me to tell you that they loved it!”
After the disband of IDOLiSH7, Yamato had pursued his acting career, following in his father’s footsteps. His talents were already recognized during his idols’ days and they never ceased to progress as he continued filming. He jumped from genre to genre, expanding his repertoire, proving his versatility to the entire nation.
Yamato grinned at these words and chugged down the beer he had previously ordered. “Thank you Tama. Tell them that if they behave, Big Brother will come and play.” Iori and Tamaki smiled at these familiar words. Even seven years later, their leader didn’t change and they were grateful for it.
“AH! Old man, it’s broad daylight and you are already drinking?! You never change, do you?” An amused scolding voice raised from their back, and all three looked at Mitsuki who was standing there with a grin. “Hey guys, you look well!”
“Brother!” Iori stood up to greet his older brother, and Mitsuki hugged him, patting his back and laughing.
“Iori, we saw each other last week, why are you acting like it’s been a while?” He teased gently.
“Mikki!”
“Hey Mitsu!”
Tamaki jumped up and hugged Mitsuki tightly, while Yamato got up too and ruffled his hair.
“Hey, hey!” Mitsuki laughed at the sudden attention. “I know it’s been a while, but let me breathe, would you?”
“Sorry, sorry.” Tamaki laughed sheepishly, and Yamato chuckled. They let Mitsuki go, and the man sat next to his brother.
“So, you and Ichi saw each other at that program, right?” Yamato asked Mitsuki. “Riku was there too.”
“Ah that program was so good, it was so funny when Mikki and Rikkun started chatting about the i7 days.”
“Hehe, yep it was there. We really had a good time! Riku didn’t change, did he? Always the same innocent smile and charming appeal. Even if I didn’t know him personally, having him as a guest for my talk show would have been just as great!” Mitsuki excitedly said. Iori understood his brother’s words. How could he not? He was the one who has shaped the appeal of their former red-head center and built up his potential to the maximum during the last seven years.
“Nanase-san really enjoyed the show too, it was a good breather for him. He was able to converse more naturally with you than if it was with other hosts.” Iori said.
“Hmm, that might be true too. I’m glad I was able to make him relax.”
“Yeah, don’t sell yourself short, Mitsu. Your show is really popular. I heard that every guest starring there felt as if they were talking to an old friend. One of my actor colleagues was telling me this, the other day.” Yamato said, sensing that the old self-deprecation habits of their former MC resurfacing.
Mitsuki blushed slightly at the comment and mumbled his thanks. Even after years of successfully hosting shows and programs, Mitsuki was still very self-conscious and worked hard in improving himself.
“I heard you had Isumin as your guest recently, right?” Tamaki asked out of the blue.
“Oh yeah, Haruka-kun came last month! He was in a press tour for his newest album and came promoting it. Did you listen to it?”
Isumi Haruka, former ZOOL center, had launched his solo career shortly after ZOOL disbanded a few years ago. He was still attached to Tsukumo Productions and Touma became his personal manager, and sometimes his partner on stage, while Minami was the one composing his songs. Torao had entered the management section and was helping out the young man’s tours and professional development. Even though ZOOL officially disbanded, they remained close and worked together in the career of their precious star.
“Yep, Natsume-chan’s talent is still amazing.” Yamato mused. “He really unlocked Isumi’s talent.”
Natsume Minami stopped his acting career to focus solely on composing. When asked, he said he dedicated enough time to the camera and found himself hitting a wall as he didn’t find a new way to flourish in this sector. But composing music and songs, especially for someone like Haruka who was brimming with talent, was a challenge that Minami loved to face and which was making him strive every day.
“Marucchi and Toracchi are doing a great job supporting Isumin’s career too!”
“That’s right. I’m glad they found their path.”
“Speaking of the others, Yamato-san, didn’t you see Yaotome recently too?” Mitsuki asked with interest.
“Really, you saw Gakkun?”
“Oh yeah, I did. We had a drink together. You heard about the movie that I will direct soon, right? Well, I asked Yaotome if one of his talents could be my leading role.”
“Oh? And did he accept?”
“Of course, he did; why would he not?” Yamato laughed. “He was actually glad that I reached for him. But hey Mitsu, how did you know about it?” The former leader asked curiously.
“Hehe don’t underestimate how fast the rumors spread within the industry. Actually, I got the info from Momo-san. Don’t ask me how and where he came up with it.”
“Ah of course Momo-san. I should have expected it.”
At the mention of the man, the four members remembered fondly their seniors who helped them so much in their career. Re:vale, Momo and Yuki, actually disbanded a few years before IDOLiSH7. Over the years, the two found themselves drifting apart when it came to managing their group. At some point, their approach diverged so much that they decided to break the band up for the sake of their personal relationship. They didn’t want their bond to get damaged for the sake of Re:vale, and so they bid farewell to years of collaboration.
Iori remembered this day vividly. When the news broke, the whole country was depressed over it. Re:vale was loved and respected by so many people, it was hard to swallow that they would eventually break up. On this day, IDOLiSH7, TRIGGER and ZOOL had organized a small party to celebrate all the accomplishments of Re:vale, when suddenly Yuki kneeled in front of Momo. He opened a small box, revealing a beautiful silver ring adorned by a big emerald and several pink diamonds. Everyone had gasped at this action, and Momo shed huge tears when Yuki popped the question up.
“I know that we are saying goodbye to a whole decade of Re:vale, but I’m asking you to share many more decades with me… Sunohara Momose, will you marry me?”
It was a sweet proposal, Iori smiled remembering it. Momo had cried, choking out a yes between his sobs. Everyone cheered and congratulated the new couple. Banri had smiled brightly, proud of his old friend for having been able to word it out. Although, he couldn’t help teasing the fact that Yuki missed a lot of steps. He hadn’t confessed his feelings and immediately jumped to the proposal case.
“My feelings for Momo can be understood in my songs. What’s the point of saying them again?” Had the composer answered.
Momo blinked when Yuki said that. “Eh? EH??? YOU WERE WRITING YOUR LOVE SONGS FOR ME???”
Yuki had shot him a confused look. “Who else?” Leaving a stuttering Momo who looked at his new fiancé with a disbelieving face. The rest of the party witnessing this exchange just mentally facepalmed at Yuki’s bluntness and Momo’s obliviousness. Their marital life will be very interesting. Everyone thought. But they weren’t worried, it was Re:vale. They would work it out.
Months later, they got married privately but still announced it on social media, making their fans reach their peak serotonin level. “Their married act turned out to be true!” being the headline of every gossip paper.
Today, Re:vale still worked closely with the music industry. They stayed at the Okazaki Agency and helped out the new idols emerging from it. Okazaki Rinto became the new President and Momo helped him protect all of their idols as if they were his own kids. Meanwhile, Yuki continued composing. Even if he didn’t perform his songs himself, he was glad to compose and let his creativity express itself for others.
“By the way, speaking of Momorin, he called me the other day. Him and Yukirin are looking to adopt.” Tamaki said, with a proud grin.
“OH! THAT’S A GREAT NEWS!” Mitsuki yelled a bit too loudly.
“Yuki-san, a dad?” Yamato’s eyebrows lifted up. “That might be the most surprising thing I heard today.”
“Eh? Really?” A new voice emerged once again from behind them. All four turned to look at an Osaka Sogo wearing a surprised expression. “Yuki-san and Momo-san will adopt? Oh! I’m sorry! Hello everyone!” Sogo greeted them, embarrassed that he did not do it first.
“Sogo!” “So-chan!” “So!” “Osaka-san!” Four voices called him in different ways making the young man blink and laugh softly.
“Hehe I’m glad none of you changed. It has been a while.”
Sitting next to Tamaki, Sogo caught up to what had been discussed previously by his former bandmates and gasped when Tamaki explained Re:vale adopting one of his kids.
“I’m so glad for them! And for you as well, Tamaki-kun.” He smiled softly as his old partner.
Tamaki grinned. “Thanks, So-chan! So, what’s up with you?” He asked eagerly.
Their old songwriter whom they had relied on for years became a famous composer. He had widened his repertoire and composed from idol songs to movie soundtracks. Everyone in the Japanese entertainment industry sought the young prodigy who hardly had a time for himself.
When Tamaki heard that, he frowned slightly. “So-chan isn’t working too hard on himself again, is he?”
“No! No, I’m not! Don’t worry Tamaki-kun, I am taking care of myself! And my manager is a great help in coordinating my planning and making sure I don’t collapse!”
“Good. Because if I hear that Osaka Sogo, the famous composer, collapsed in the train out of exhaustion, I will bring the kids to scold you!”
Everyone smiled at Tamaki’s words, remembering a sweet anecdote when he opened the orphanage. They had all come and visited on their individual time, and when Sogo came, Tamaki had introduced him as his dear partner but had also implied that he was not good at taking care of himself and Tamaki had to take care of him all the time. Of course, he had exaggerated his words to tease Sogo, but this made the children gasp loudly and look at Sogo fiercely. Then, they all bundled up around him and smothered him so much that Sogo ended up actually passing out at the end of the day.
“Don’t worry the kids either! I promise, I’m fine!”
“Tama, stop teasing our poor So!” Chided the leader. “By the way, speaking of children, you all heard about Manager? Yaotome, this bastard, he ended up crying about it the whole night when I went to drink with him.”
“Yes!” The rest of the group cheerfully answered.
“Manager will be a mom! I can’t believe it!”
“I’m sure she will be a great mother.”
“Well duh, she took care of seven kids at once! Of course she’ll rock it!”
“Haha that’s true! We really were a handful, weren’t we?”
“I’m sure raising her own child will be a breath of air compared to managing a whole idol group.”
Everyone laughed at this. They were very grateful for all the years that their sweet and strong Manager had dedicated to them. She was their first and eternal fan, she was their strength, she was their drive to go forward, she was their world. For each of them. And they would all gladly wreak havoc would anything happen to her. Or her family.
“Hey, remember when Yaotome popped the question?”
“You mean, when he didn’t .” Mitsuki said, emphasizing the last word with a giggle.
Everyone erupted in laughter.
Yes, Gaku’s proposal had been quite a ride.
Different from Yuki’s one which had come out of nowhere, TRIGGER’s leader had made everyone involved in it. He wanted the perfect setting, the perfect ring, the perfect weather, the perfect day. He wanted everything to be perfect for when he’ll kneel in front of Tsumugi and propose to her.
Unlike Yuki again, he didn’t miss any steps. They were dating for a few years and were very happy together. He had confessed the day TRIGGER disbanded, which was a few years after IDOLiSH’s disband. At that time, Tsumugi was not their manager anymore and Gaku was not TRIGGER’s leader. They were only themselves, and Gaku decided it was the perfect timing to ask her out. Shortly after, Gaku was called back by his father at Yaotome Productions and started to work towards succeeding him soon enough. Once he had been established as the head of the agency, he decided to marry Tsumugi.
All the idols helped out behind Tsumugi’s back who had no clue what her boyfriend was up to. When the day came, Gaku excitedly went for what was supposed to be a normal date with her, until the moment he ate his chocolate cake at the restaurant and felt a metallic object within it. Examining it, he saw a splendid diamond ring sitting in the palm of his hands, and shot a surprised look at his girlfriend who had a terrible blush throughout her white skin.
“ I- Anesagi-san helped me set it up, she said that the era of men proposing is over and women should take the lead. ” She had hurriedly explained, very embarrassed about it. “ But still, with the way you talked about marriage so much recently, I figured you were finally ready for it. ” She had said with a sweet smile, making Gaku melt once again for her. “ Yaotome Gaku-san, my beloved, the happiness of my life, ” she had started, holding his hand, “ will you do me the honour of becoming my husband? ”
Gaku had cried, and cried. He said yes a thousand times, held her and kissed her, he told her how much he loved her too, and he took his own ring out as well. Tsumugi had softly gasped when she realized that they had both planned to propose the same day and she couldn’t hold her tears. She also said yes a thousand times, she also held and kissed him, telling him that she loved him to the moon. They both were a crying mess inside the restaurant, and both IDOLiSH7 and TRIGGER who came to spy on their date, were torn between tears of joy for Tsumugi, and mocking snorts for the failed proposal of Gaku. Tenn never let him live this one down.
“I really can’t believe the guy who was once known as the sexiest man alive failed his first confessions to his wife and then his proposal. It’s a real talent, I must say.” Yamato chuckled.
“For real haha. So what did he say when you went to drink with him, Yama-san?” Tamaki asked their leader.
“As I said, he just kept on crying. I wanted to discuss business but he just showed me a picture of Manager with her baby bump and just started rambling about how he loves her, how he is excited and scared to be a dad and so on.” Yamato sighed, remembering the disastrous night he passed with him. But still, a soft smile lingered on his face, as he was glad for his old friend.
“So Yaotome will really be the first one among us to start a family huh. I suddenly feel old...” Mitsuki sighed.
“By the way, I heard Ryu-aniki is dating someone?” Tamaki informed them.
“Really?? Actually I shouldn’t be surprised, that guy is the sweetest, any woman would be lucky to have him.” Mitsuki declared with a firm nod.
“I’m glad he found someone. We should visit him one day.”
“Oooohh good thinking Sogo, I’m totally down for an Okinawa trip!” The orange-head immediately agreed, missing their sweet and dear friend.
Tsunashi Ryuunosuke, former member of TRIGGER, had gone back to his family after the disbanding of the group. He had managed to pay off his father’s debt, TRIGGER didn’t need him anymore, and so he decided to go back and help his family run their business. Eventually, he found a sweet Okinawan woman whom he liked and both started dating for a few months.
“So wait, are you telling me that excluding Re:vale who just married each other, TRIGGER are the ones upping us in the romance department?? Is Kujo seeing someone too??” Yamato almost looked upset at this fact, seemingly still looking at TRIGGER as their dear rivals.
“Not that I’ve heard of, but I guess Riku would be the one to know better.” Mitsuki said, glancing at the manager of said red-head sitting right next to him.
Kujo Tenn, former center of TRIGGER, and twin brother of Nanase Riku, had, just like his brother and Haruka, launched his own solo career. But unlike these two who solely focused on their singing career, Tenn decided to develop his talents in the musicals department. Ever since he saw that first musical with Takamasa which ignited his passion for the stage, he knew his place was there. Being an idol was a life-changing experience for him, but it was not where he wanted his path to go.
After making sure that Riku was happy, after fulfilling Takamasa’s dreams and after TRIGGER’s decision to disband, Tenn knew that it was finally time for him to fly by himself, and for himself. He went to America, to Broadway where his love for the stage bloomed, and started auditioning. In a place where he wasn’t known, where Takamasa’s influence and sponsorship didn’t protect him, he was alone. He and his skills, challenging himself to climb the top once again.
After years of efforts, he was now one of the most popular Japanese stage performers and actors, both in musicals and on the wider screen. He performed tours worldwide, and appeared in the biggest musicals productions. But he also never stopped his bond with the rest of the idols with whom he shared this journey.
Especially his brother. Both twins stayed in contact, not wanting to relive their separation after Tenn’s departure with Kujo, and kept in touch while having their own paths and careers.
“Nanase-san has often been in contact with Kujo-san” Iori informed the rest of the group, “but he didn’t mention a potential romantic partner for him.”
“How disappointing!” A familiar voice surfaced behind them. They all knew to whom it belonged to. How could they not? They have been graced with the sweet and exotic accent of their otaku Prince for seven whole years!
“Nagi!” “Nagicchi!” “Rokuya-san!” Everyone exclaimed, embracing their dear former bandmate.
“ Hello everyone! Are you happy?” Nagi asked with a wink, taking his place next to Mitsuki and catching up with everyone.
“The question is, how have you been, Nagi? Or shall I now say, ‘Your Highness’?” Yamato asked the blond, with a smirk.
“Haha, my good Yamato, I will always be the simple Cocona otaku Nagi for you.”
At the mention of the familiar mascot, everyone smiled. It had been seven years since they last saw Nagi. Just after the disbanding of the group, the man immediately flew back to his country where he has been constantly busy with running its political affairs. Even though he planned several times to come back, he never got the opportunity, except for today’s reunion.
“How is your brother? And your country?”
“Both are doing well, thank you. My brother actually found himself a wife, she is also expecting soon!” He said excitedly.
“Woah really? Nagi will be an uncle!” Mitsuki hugged his old friend who returned it with a bright smile.
“ Yes! And with Manager expecting too, I will be a double-uncle!”
“Haha that’s true! This kid will have too many uncles!”
“What about you, Nagicchi? They haven’t married you yet?” Tamaki asked with his legendary bluntness.
“Ahah no not yet. Because I have dedicated my life to my one and only Cocona-chan!” Nagi declared with the same passion as before.
Everyone chuckled at the familiarity of Nagi’s antics, and continued to discuss for a while. Iori glanced at his phone and frowned - He was late - before opening the familiar chat he shared with Riku for years.
“So Riku is late, huh? Everything okay?” Mitsuki asked, noticing his brother's behavior.
“He might have just overslept. He was really excited about it yesterday.” Iori sighed, knowing by heart the antics of his precious star.
“Oh speaking about Rikkun, how is managing him going on, Iorin?”
Iori looked up at the rest of the table staring at him with curious eyes. An enigmatic smile on his face, he answered. “It is the most challenging thing I have ever done. Even managing IDOLiSH7 in the shadows was an easier feat.”
Everyone blinked at the surprising honesty of the young man. For Iori to admit that a task was difficult, it meant that it really was. Iori was never one to complain about work, and was diligent in everything he did. Hence, his abrupt confession took everyone by surprise.
“So our Riku is a difficult case, huh?” Yamato asked.
Iori sighed. Difficult case was an understatement. “Yes. But I wouldn’t trade this job for anything else. I promised that I would make him a superstar afterall.” Iori smiled, remembering fondly the old vow that connected both of them for all these years and all the moments that led to their present.
“I will absolutely make you a superstar.”
“More than anyone here, I love Nanase-san’s vocals.”
“Please allow me to control you.”
.
.
.
“Don’t leave me behind. I won’t leave you behind either, I promise.”
All these years, and their mutual promise and feelings have never changed.
Yes, he wouldn’t trade this job for anything else. For Iori, managing a person like Riku was the most stressful and anxiety-induced job, but also the most rewarding one.
As an idol, he always felt that his rewards were not only his fans’ happiness, but also his bandmates’ happiness. He had endeavored to protect and make IDOLiSH7 strive and succeed in this harsh environment.
But this oath grew even stronger after experiencing Riku’s presence on stage.
Riku was a star. Shining so brightly up in the sky.
He put colors in his monochrome life.
He infused a vibrant melody in the dull sound of his existence.
He was infinite and ephemeral.
He held the sun and the skies in his fragile hands, he held the admiration and wishes of countless people…
...But who was there to hold him?
Iori had promised to make him a superstar, but more importantly, to never leave him alone. To always accompany him in the happiest and sorrowful moments. To guide him towards his brilliant dream.
He would be there when his shooting star would soar at its peak… and he would be there to catch it before its eventual downfall.
Iori held no illusions. He knew that Riku, himself, and all of their bandmates and friends had a limited time on this stage. Just like Zero, they would all soon fade into reminiscence. But unlike Zero, this process didn’t need to be unpleasant or hurtful.
Iori was there to make sure that Riku would never have to experience what Zero did. Which was the reason why his job was particularly challenging. But also one he wouldn’t trade for anything else.
“By the way, Iorin. Why are you still calling Rikkun “Nanase-san”? Haven’t you been dating for a while now?” Tamaki bluntly said, startling Iori out of his thoughts.
“I…”
“EVERYONE! I’M SORRY, I OVERSLEPT!”
A wild Riku entered the restaurant, panting heavily as if he had run a whole marathon, and Iori immediately shot up. “Riku! Don’t exhaust yourself! What if you have an attack here?”
“I’m fine Iori! I rushed here because I missed everyone!” Riku said with a bright smile, melting the hearts of everyone present. Our Riku never changed huh, he still got that effect. They also didn’t miss how Iori slipped and called him by his given name just now. It was still a miracle that their relationship was still private and hidden seeing how many slip-ups they had been doing.
Riku sat down on the remaining chair next to Iori and started to catch up with everyone. Iori sighed, and contemplated the vision before his eyes with a fond gaze.
Despite having disbanded, IDOLiSH7 still existed. If not in their fans’ hearts, but at least in theirs. As long as they were here together, they would still have a bright future ahead.
They might have parted and embarked upon the next stage of their individual journey, they would still remain, together, next year, in ten years and even in the next world.
FIN.
BONUS
Coming back to their shared hotel room, Iori immediately clung to Riku who chuckled and led him to the couch.
“Are you tired, Iori? Want me to massage you?” Riku said as he started to knead Iori’s sides lightly, making the man chuckle.
“... I’m fine. I just need to recharge.” Iori said as he tightened his grip on Riku and inhaled the fragrance emanating from his neck.
Riku smiled, tickled by Iori’s breath, and started to run his fingers through the brunette’s hair, massaging his scalp in a familiar pattern. “Hey Iori.” He started, before continuing at the hum of his partner. “Next time we see the others… should we break the news?”
Iori raised his head, meeting Riku’s eyes with his own. Both men held each other’s gaze, locking together their fingers, before Iori leaned slowly towards the red-hair and captured his lips in a sweet and slow dance that they have known for years. After a few minutes, he parted his lips and said. “I told you to allow me to control you…but how is it that you are the one controlling me in these moments?” He murmured softly, making Riku blush at the rawness of these words.
“How am I controlling you?! You’re the one coming at me!” He protested with amusement. “Iori, don’t distract me! You know that they would be happy for us!”
Iori smiled warmly. “I know. We should tell them.” He said, glancing down at their joined hands, adorned by two engagement bands.
“This time, we’ll have all 16 of us reunited for our wedding.”