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“BeatsP…” Touya quietly spoke the name to himself. That was the name of one of the Musicians- one of their enemies. And yet, when he went to that person’s performance, he found that there was something stirring in his heart. Someone like that, whose performance was filled with such burning passion, couldn’t possibly be bad.
Luka told them that the Musicians were the ones preventing them from leaving, but she didn’t really elaborate on the specifics. She only said that to keep their resolve to return, it would be better to not know. He couldn’t help but wonder what she meant by that. Everything was too confusing. First they were in an alternate reality, and now to go back to reality they had to fight against the Musicians. They were all talented in their own right. Their performances and charisma...he understood why their influence was so strong and how their strength was overwhelming. If he fought against them one on one, he doubted he could win. In order to go back...
…but did he really want to go back?
“Touya.” Kaito gently spoke to him. “This is as far as I can go with you, but if you’re in trouble I’ll get you out as soon as I can.” He leaned against the wall, a small but confident smile on his face. “I don’t think that’ll happen though.”
“You seem very certain.” He stopped walking. “What makes you say that?”
“...well, Luka told us not to say much, but I don’t want to keep any of you in the dark. She has good intentions, but it can go wrong especially when you’re already confused. Especially when it comes to something like this.” Kaito’s robotic voice was tinged with sadness. “You were brought into this world because of a song called ‘Untitled,’ right?”
“Yes.” He remembered being confused upon hearing the song- it was a song that he felt drawn to and one that made him feel comforted. And before he knew it, he was transported into this world. The fake and the real meshed together so seamlessly he wouldn't have noticed if it wasn't for Ena finding him. “Luka-san said that Miku was connected to it.”
“That’s right. ‘Untitled’ was sent out to people who were struggling with their dreams, but for the Musicians they were directly invited into this world.” He crossed his arms. “For the Musicians, they weren’t just struggling with their dreams. Their dreams were either on the verge of collapse or they almost gave up entirely, content with just living life aimlessly. For most of them, Miku’s the only reason that they continue to pursue their dreams in this world because in reality, they can’t continue pursuing the same dreams as before.”
“...so that’s why they don’t want to leave.” Touya stared at Kaito. “Why are you telling me this?”
“Well, because you wanted to know more and understand why the Musicians would want to stay.” He kicked a rock. “Luka believes that there should be a line we shouldn’t cross as vocal synths. Miku, on the other hand, wants to do what she can to help humans even if she has to interfere directly. The Musicians have learned to sympathize with Miku and have decided to help her while pursuing their own dreams. I can't really blame them.”
“...” Touya looked into the dark path before him. “And what about you?”
“Me?” Kaito laughed. “I want to believe in humanity, but I can’t deny that I want to help you out too. There’s only so much our songs can do after all. That’s why…I’m not necessarily opposed to Miku’s Elysion. You all can’t stay here forever, but I hope that when you return to reality, you’ll be happier than you were when you came in.”
“I see.” It wasn’t black and white at all, and even he himself started to feel conflicted. But to find answers, he first had to get information. “Thank you, Kaito-san.”
“It’s no problem. Go ahead and enter.”
Touya nodded and stepped into the darkness, following the path in the maze he took last time to see the Musician’s performance. After stepping into the stage area, there was only the faint glow of moonlight there. No one was here.
Or so he thought.
A door materialized on the stage and someone stepped out of it. The hood the other wore covered his face, and he had a mask so he couldn’t make out any distinct features at all. Even so, he wanted to know. He wanted to know what laid behind that mask- what made him become a Musician. But even more than that, he wanted to know what drove him to put such passion into his music. It was completely different from the way he did classical music. It was similar to the feeling he felt when he was performing with Vivace Melody, but it was like...
...if he didn't put his all into his song and performance, he would die.
“You.” BeatsP’s voice came out slightly distorted, so he couldn’t recognize it. “I recognize you from my previous performance.” He looked at him up and down before nodding towards the exit. "I don't have any performances coming up, so you should leave."
Despite his words, Touya knew that he knew. “BeatsP.” He spoke clearly to him, not wanting to have even a hint of hesitance in his voice. “I’m sure you know that I’m a member of the Go-Home Club already. But I’m not here to confront you. I want to talk.”
“...talk?” The other paused before tossing a microphone at him. “Don’t worry, we’re not gonna fight. That's not what you came here for." He couldn't see his face, but somehow Touya knew that he was smiling. "I want to hear you sing first. I’ll consider talking to you afterwards.”
“Me?” Touya gripped the microphone in his hand. “If that’s what it’ll take…” He put the microphone close to his mouth and started to sing a random song that came to mind. Funnily enough, it was one of BeatsP’s songs. Singing it in front of the Musician himself…there should be some pressure, but he didn't feel any. He just sang like he normally did, but thoughtfully put more power behind it. He couldn't just sing half heartedly...not after hearing what Kaito said and remembering BeatsP's performances.
While he was singing, BeatsP hopped down from the stage and took off his hood and mask, revealing his identity to him. The other grabbed his wrist and spoke softly. “That’s enough. I’ll talk. I just wanted to hear you singing by yourself.” His mouth twitched into a grin. “But I have to ask you something. Do you wanna perform with me onstage next time?”
Touya blinked rapidly before pointing at himself in confusion. “Onstage? Together?" He was extremely confused.
“Yeah, not sure if your synths will let you though.” BeatsP took the microphone back before stuffing it into his pocket. “I’ve always thought you were interesting. I went to one of your performances with An and the others.”
He did?
“What did you think…?” Even if he was a Musician, he seemed…like any other person, so he couldn’t help but ask. Also, he wanted to know the other’s thoughts. Street music wasn't something he himself was accustomed to, but surely BeatsP knew more. After all, An was the only one who knew the most about street music out of his group. Feedback of any kind from anyone was valuable. He wasn't trying to diss An, but...he'd also like feedback from someone else. And-
“An and that girl she was with were pretty good, even if the girl lacked some confidence. My sister was…good- it’s almost irritating. You…” The other had a conflicted expression on his face. “Your voice was interesting. It’s clear and almost perfect with no mistakes. You flawlessly hit each note and I couldn’t help but wonder what it’d be like to sing with you, even if you’re on the ‘other side.’”
“I don't think I would mind that either.” Touya paused. “Your sister…Shinonome-san?”
“Yep. I'm her younger brother Akito.” He shrugged. “Well it's not like I show up all that often in public, but she knows I’m a Musician. From the looks of it, she didn't tell anyone else.”
Touya stared at him, speaking softly, “I won't either.”
“...huh.” Akito crossed his arms and tilted his head. “Didn't expect that. Wouldn't it be easier if you told them? Since we're enemies or whatever.”
“I don't think of you as an enemy, and I’m sure Shinonome-san doesn't either.” He looked at the microphone in the other’s hand. “I just want to try and understand you. Besides…I’m not sure what Luka would do yet.”
“Luka?” He stared at the ground. “Makes sense that she'd be with you guys. After all, she's the one who wants to shut down Elysion the most. I don't know what impression you have of this place, but I can tell you this.” The other clenched his fist. “Miku isn't planning on running this place forever. There's someone she wants to save and until that happens, no one leaves.”
“She wants to save someone…?”
“Luka didn't tell you that part, I bet.” Akito laughed. “OWN. You should know them. Miku wants to save them the most and honestly…everyone in the Musicians do.” He had a wry smile on his face as he shrugged his shoulders. "OWN's got a lot on their shoulders. I don't have the right to tell you what's been going on but this place genuinely saved her life. Plus, other people are happy being here, so that's just another benefit of keeping this place open."
Touya frowned. “So that's why…?”
“For the most part, yeah. I've come to terms with what brought me here…kinda.” Akito had a stormy expression on his face. “So...until OWN has recovered enough, this place has to stay.”
And Touya, for some reason, didn’t like that expression. It made his heart hurt and he spoke softly and hesitantly. “What was your dream?”
“To surpass that legendary event…RAD WEEKEND.” He gave him a half hearted smile. “You’re friends with An, so you should know. RADders were the ones who inspired me to pursue music. But every time I tried to pursue music, everyone would put me down. An has a good impression of Vivid Street because they all took care of her and she’s got the talent, but me?” Akito scoffed. “I’m just an outsider who keeps trying to pursue an impossible dream. I don’t have that talent- all I have is my hard work but even that gets me nowhere. I…don’t have the right to dream. Not in a place like that. It took me a while to understand that but...that's just how it was.”
Touya frowned and reached out to him, gently touching his shoulder. “Akito…” It would be confusing to also call him Shinonome, so he just called him by his first name. It made him feel a little weird at first, but he found that he liked saying his name.
“I don’t know why I’m telling you all of this.” Akito didn't push him away, rather, he just shrugged with a sad smile on his face. “Something about you just makes me want to tell you everything, I guess.”
“I’ll sing with you.” He abruptly spoke his thoughts before backtracking. “Right now I perform with Shiraishi and the others, but…I also want to sing with you. Akito, you were the one that got me to pursue the path of street music.”
“Huh?” The other appeared to be shocked and Touya only pressed on.
“I saw a poster promoting your first public performance, and I went. During that time, I didn’t know what was going on…I just arrived here. I wasn’t even in the Go-Home Club then. Your performance made my heart race, and I thought ‘So this type of music exists too.’ After that Shiraishi invited me to join her and Azusawa. I thought that maybe this would be able to have us meet again, and-”
“Okay okay- please. Stop.” Akito covered his face with one hand and waved his other hand in the air. His ears were tinted pink and he avoided making eye contact with him. “I get it, but…my performance couldn’t have been that good. There’s no way you accepted An’s offer to perform with her just to have a chance of meeting me again.”
“Your performance was that good.” He spoke with such confidence and conviction that it must’ve surprised Akito, with the way the other just looked at him with slightly widened eyes. “So, your request about singing with me…I also want to sing with you. This isn’t your wish alone.”
“...” Akito didn’t say anything before finally uncovering his face, his cheeks red. “Alright. Then…next time, I’ll show up in front of you as myself. We have precautions in place so that other people won’t recognize our public appearances, so it should be fine…are you gonna invite the others?”
“No.” Touya smiled at him. “It’ll be our secret.”
“...right. Right. Just a secret between the two of us.” The other took in a deep breath before pulling out his phone. “Add me on Wire?”
“Is that alright?” He tilted his head. “Won’t the others know?”
“Nah.” Akito seemed oddly confident in that, and Touya couldn’t help but believe in him too.
“Okay.” Touya pulled out his phone and they added each other. He immediately sent Akito a sticker of a cat waving, and the other sent a similar one. He couldn't help but smile. So he had cute stickers like that too. “Akito…when we meet again, will it be here?”
“Nope. This place is too gloomy. Even I can admit that.” The other looked up at the moon in the sky. “I’ll text you a meeting place. For now…I’ll leave. See you, Touya.”
“Yeah.” Touya parted ways with Akito and found Kaito still standing in the same place as before.
The other smiled and stepped away from the wall. “So, how did it go?”
“...I don’t want us to be enemies.” Touya stared at the ground. “He said that he’s come to terms with his dream and is only here to help OWN, but I don’t think that’s the case. I don’t think he’s given up yet. Not with the way he performs.”
Kaito nodded. “Humans are complicated beings, after all.”
Touya didn’t say anything in response to Kaito’s words, only slowly making his way back to his house in this world. He still had school the next day…at least there was that for some semblance of normalcy in his life here. Akito…he didn’t know why he was so drawn to him. His passion was pure and he shone brightly in that dark place- as if he were the sun lighting up the night.
He placed a hand on his chest. Maybe when he performed with Akito, he’d figure it out. If not…he guessed that would be okay too.
Akito scrolled on his phone as he waited on a bench in a park near the plaza for Touya. They chatted over Wire often and they couldn't find a good time where they were both available without having the eyes of their respective groups on them. Their vocal synths probably knew already though. It was hard for them to not realize what was going on when they practically knew the ins and outs of this place. There was no way they could hide whatever they did in this world from them. But this opportunity was good. After all, the more he learned about Touya, the more he felt drawn to him.
That guy…was pretty interesting in terms of both voice and personality. He was direct with his words and his voice reflected that. His singing voice left no room for anything but perfection and…compared to that, his own voice couldn’t even compare. He didn't even know why he made the offer to sing with him and why the other accepted his offer anyway.
Miku made a promise to him that she wouldn't interfere with his progress, but would show his growth as if he were in reality. She kept her word, but honestly he had his own doubts. Miku obviously wanted the best for everyone, so he couldn't help but wonder if she simulated his growth at a faster pace...well, in the end, there was nothing else he could do but trust her word for it anyway.
Most of his music activities were with the other three in Nightcord anyway.
“Akito.” Touya panted softly and his hair was a little messed up. Did he rush over? But it wasn't like he was late…in fact, he was right on time.
“Touya.” He adjusted the cap on his head, an amused smile on his face. “Sit.”
Touya nodded and sat down. After a few silent seconds, he looked at Akito with some hesitation.
He understood. It was normal to be wary of your enemies. And yet, the words that came out of his mouth were words he didn't expect.
“Akito.” The other spoke softly. “What song do you want to sing today?”
“This.” He slowly plugged in his earbuds before handing Touya one. “It's one of the songs I made…Monochrome Actor.” He pressed play and quietly watched Touya’s reaction.
The other seemed to be deep in concentration while listening- so much concentration that he barely noticed their surroundings. A leaf landed on his head, but he couldn't find it in him to reach for it. He didn't want to disturb him. Akito appreciated that he was taking music so seriously- taking his music so seriously.
Honestly, when he heard Touya say that he joined An and the others just for a chance to meet him again, he was a little skeptical. No one in their right mind would do that. Especially if they knew the truth and were in the Go-Home Club. Their goal should only be meeting them for the battles to return. Besides, the way he said it…was like he wasn't sure about his feelings for music at all.
But right now, he could sense that his passion was real. He didn't know about Touya’s past- nor would he ask. Because despite his determination to pursue music, there was also some hesitance. As if he didn't know if this was the right path to go for.
…they were a little similar, in that regard.
“Akito, this song…” Touya frowned as he spoke. And for a moment, Akito thought that the other didn't like his song at all, but the words that came out of his mouth made him pause. “Is it okay for me to sing it?”
He blinked slowly. He was confused on why he would feel that way. In terms of talent, this should be low enough for him to perform with him. Not that it said much, Touya was more talented than he was. On par with An...it was no wonder she wanted him to join her. “Why…wouldn't it be?”
“Because this song is undeniably yours. It's filled with your experiences and it feels…personal.” Touya’s voice lowered. “Are you sure?”
Oh. So that's what it was.
“...I'm sure.” Akito played with the pen in his hand before an idea appeared in his head. “If it bothers you that much, why don't you add in your own lyrics?”
“My own…?” Touya shook his head. “I've never composed my own song or lyrics before.”
“Everyone's gotta start somewhere.” He pulled out a sheet of paper. To be honest, he didn't have to go this far. Especially for someone he'd be seeing on the battlefield soon. But…damn. He had a soft spot for him. It’s been a while since he could talk to someone like this. “Just write down your thoughts and I’ll help you out with the lyrics. It doesn't have to be too personal.”
“...” Touya was quiet and he slowly started writing things down on the paper. He wrote and wrote, and eventually, he handed the paper to him. “That's it.”
Akito silently read what was on the paper, and the further he went, the harder he gripped the sheet. Even though he said it didn't have to be too personal…dammit. Touya wrote down what brought him to this world, all the doubts he had and everything his father did…and his desire to go against that. He had to take a shaky breath in before thinking of a proper response.
“Touya.” Akito closed his eyes. “You didn’t have to write all this.” In the end, this was what he said.
Touya probably wasn't looking for words of comfort or pity. This was his experience. Something that made him him. He wouldn't say a word that sounded even a little bit dismissive because of that. Still...reading over it made him feel a little angry.
“You told me what brought you here and your dreams. It wasn’t right for it to be one-sided. And…I don’t mind you knowing.” He smiled and spoke softly. “Could you help me turn these into lyrics?” That was his only request and there was no way Akito could deny that.
“‘Course.” Akito explained his own thought process on making lyrics while pointing things out to Touya. “But you can't follow what I do all the time, it’d be better to find something yourself.”
“Okay.” The other nodded. “Thank you, Akito.”
Touya had an incredibly soft and gentle smile on his face and Akito felt his heart skip a beat for some reason. Goddammit this couldn't be happening. Yes, Touya caught his eye and yes, he wasn't bad looking at all, but why couldn't he resist? He felt like he was trapped in some sort of storm and the source of it was this Aoyagi Touya.
He cleared his throat. “It's no problem. If we combine our lyrics…” He wrote down the changes to the song and showed it to Touya. “...we get this.”
Touya read over the paper and looked at him with a spark in his eyes. “I like it. Akito, I…want to perform this song as soon as possible.”
He laughed. “I see the excitement is getting to you. Come on, let's go.” Akito couldn't help but find comfort in their song together…oh yeah. That was right. It wasn't his song alone anymore.
It was their song now.
Akito held the microphone in his hand and he gripped it tightly. It would be the first time this song would be sung outside of the comfort of the Musicians’ recording studio. He had eyes on him here- on Shinonome Akito and not BeatsP. To bear his real self in front of everyone else…maybe this decision was a little impulsive, but Touya’s presence…was oddly comforting.
He let the music start before holding the microphone up to his mouth, starting the song off with an intensity that was unmatched. This song was his. This song was his feelings of doubt and the desire to push forward. It held his anxieties and fears, his passion and love for music. Music hurt him, but it also moved him. It was something he couldn't live without.
He gritted his teeth as he finished off the intro with Touya and started his own verse.
He sang about not being the main characterin his own story- how it wasn't right. The spotlight would shine on everyone else, but would avoid him like the plague. His role was just a background character and how there was no color in his life- in his acting. The uneasiness of the predicament flowed through his words and he grit his teeth as he shouted, “Don’t take away my role!”
Akito glanced at Touya who immediately picked up the second verse and danced along with him. Their moves were perfectly in sync and it was almost like they'd been a duo unit for forever. Touya’s voice was no longer soft and gentle, but cold and piercing with perfection that could leave a mark in the audience’s hearts.
Touya’s clear voice mixed in with the lyrics he sang. He sang about how despite his fate telling him he would be able to reach greater heights, he’d stay out of the spotlight. He sang about fighting for his own future and breaking free. Compared to his own verse where he was stuck and trapped, it gave off the feeling of having the willpower to change things.
It was at this moment where Akito felt like they were connected. Maybe in another life, they would've been partners on the same side. Maybe in that universe, they would've found each other and could pursue their dream together. Maybe he’d be the one to save Touya instead of the other way around. But right now…it was a bittersweet feeling. He knew singing with Touya would be amazing. Now that he had a taste of it, he didn't want it to end.
…but like all good things, the end was inevitable.
When they finished performing, there was a loud round of applause and he had to blink away the black spots in his eyes and the dizziness he felt in his head. Damn. There was no way one performance tired him out this much. Sure he practiced hard, but he made sure to get some rest…didn’t he? Actually, now that he thought about it, he wasn’t too sure.
“Sorry.” Len’s voice sounded in his head. “I've been helping you the past few days, but you've barely been taking care of yourself and um…my power is…about to run out. I’ll tell Meiko to go get you…”
…oh. So he didn’t rest and it had already been a few days. Huh. That was fun. He just didn't want to burden Touya with his lack of talent. Moreover…he had to practice until he could stand with Touya as equals. He knew himself the best. He knew he didn't have the talent, so he had to work ten times harder. Or else…Touya would be disappointed in him too.
But it looked like it backfired.
“Akito?” Touya looked at him with concern. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” He shook his head. “Let's go.” The moment he turned around to leave though, he stumbled and his body started to fall- as his energy left all at once.
“Akito?!” Touya’s voice was barely heard and he didn't feel the hard ground so…the other must've caught him. “Hold on…” His voice was getting further, but he could see the shock and distress on his face.
He wanted to laugh. They weren't even friends. They were just…
“Idiot.” Akito mumbled softly. “It's not like I’m gonna die. Having a Musician be out of action is good for you, isn't it?” He closed his eyes and felt himself fall into unconsciousness.
…they were just enemies. That's what they were supposed to be.
“Come this way.”
Touya followed Meiko right away, with Akito carried in his arms. He was surprised at his own strength, as he was sure that he wouldn't have been able to. Maybe it was because of the adrenaline, or maybe it was because this world wasn't reality. He wasn't even considering the fact that it could be a trap. He just replayed Akito’s words in his head and felt his eyebrows furrow.
“Having a Musician be out of action is good for you, isn't it?”
…he didn't think of them as enemies at all, but Akito seemed to be pushing the narrative that Touya was supposed to be the hero and he himself was supposed to be the villain. It was like in the song. Akito wasn’t the ‘protagonist’ in his own story. It frustrated him a little.
“Meiko-san…right?” Touya held Akito in his arms. “Will he be alright?”
“Yes.” Her voice was cold. “He just hasn't been taking care of himself.” She didn't elaborate, just opening a door in front of him. “You can just leave him to me. The Musicians’ base isn't a place you can easily enter.”
“...I want to take care of him.” Touya stared at the door. “I don't think of him as my enemy. He's…my friend.” At least, he'd like to think that they were friends. “Please let me do this.”
“...I can see that you’re serious.” Meiko dismissed the door. “As long as you're in an area where we can watch you.” She nodded towards a building. “Follow me.”
Touya followed Meiko to a hotel that was…quite fancy in appearance. He didn't have time to admire it though, because she started moving on without him and he hurried to catch up. It wasn't until they were in a random hotel room that Meiko finally stopped and gestured to the bed.
“Lay him down. I'll help restore his energy. I'm not as efficient as Len but it'll do.”
Touya did as she asked and placed him on the bed, watching as a dark light flowed from Meiko into Akito. Eventually, Akito slowly opened his eyes and Touya felt a wave of relief run through his body.
“Huh…?” The other sat up slowly before looking between Meiko and Touya. “...damn.”
“Is that all you have to say?” Meiko was exasperated. “Fainting like that…this is why I told Len not to indulge you.”
“My bad.” He sighed. “I won't do that again.”
“Yes you will.” Meiko shook her head. “Aoyagi from the Go-Home Club wants to take care of you, so I'll leave you two alone.” She paused. “I'll give you a week off. No returning to the base or working on songs. If you start working, I’ll personally make sure you’re stuck in your room.”
“What.” Akito looked like he was about to protest before Meiko sent him a look that even gave Touya chills before he quieted down. “Fine.”
“Good.” Meiko’s voice seemed to soften a little. “Miku sent me right away. I have a feeling that she's not too pleased with you either.”
“...tell her I’m sorry for worrying her.”
“Tell her that yourself.”
Before Akito could talk to Meiko again, she left through a door and they were left in silence.
Touya quickly reached for Akito’s hand and looked at him with a stern expression. “Akito. I told you before, I don't think of you as my enemy. I want us to be friends at least. So…don’t tell me it’s alright for you to get hurt and collapse like that.”
Akito stared at him in disbelief. “You'll have to fight me eventually.”
“...I won't.”
“What? You gonna join the Musicians or something?” Akito shook his head. “You want to return to reality, right? Maybe we could've been partners before, but-”
“What if…” Touya spoke softly. “What if I did join you?”
Akito was stunned into silence before rubbing his temples. “Are you crazy?”
“No.” He didn't get it. Why couldn't he join the Musicians? Was it because he wasn't ‘chosen’ by Miku? “Akito, I-”
“Touya. You can't…risk it all for someone you just met.” The other’s voice was soft. “I'm not that great anyway. I'm not worth it. Don’t throw away everything for me. You of all people can't.”
It pained Touya to hear him talk about himself like that. It was like Akito saw himself as nothing special while Touya was placed higher than him. He didn’t want him to say or imply those things at all. “I think you're worth it.” He wanted his words to reach him, but he didn't know what to say. “When we sang together, I felt like…something inside me was completed. You did too, didn't you?”
Akito didn't say anything.
Touya didn't say anything else either.
“...performing with you.” Akito mumbled something he could barely hear. “I liked it. That was the first time I've felt like that while performing. It was supposed to be just a one off thing…a single performance to satisfy me.” He looked directly at him. “I've always been alone on the stage, so it was refreshing to perform with someone else. At the same time, I didn't want to bring you down. So I practiced and practiced, but look at where that got me.”
“I didn’t want to bring you down either.” Touya smiled as he shook his head. “Akito, you have more experience than me. I thought about performing with you and I wondered if I was really good enough. That’s why…I asked Shiraishi for extra tips and practiced so you could enjoy yourself without worries.”
“...ha.” Akito laughed in disbelief. “Well, I did enjoy myself. That was the most fun I've had in a while.”
“Then…”
The other looked at him with a helpless expression. “Why? You have An and the others on your team, so why me?”
“Because I don't want to let you pursue your dream on your own.” Touya held Akito’s hand tightly. “I want to be there by your side. You said you've come to terms with your dream, but that was a lie. You want to keep going forward on that stage. I was able to see it.”
“See…what?”
“Your smile.” He gripped Akito’s hand tighter. “It was a different smile than when you perform as BeatsP. You looked like you were really enjoying yourself. I want to see you smile more often.”
Akito blinked slowly. “Huh?”
“Your smile is very nice.”
“Wh-” Akito shook his head, his ears a bright pink. “You can't seriously be considering switching sides and becoming my stage partner just because of my smile .”
Touya shook his head. Of course that wasn’t the only reason. It was one of them though. He wanted to see more of Akito's emotions. He didn't know what pushed him to feel this way, but...he just didn't want to see Akito alone anymore. “I also want to continue performing with you on stage. Not as a Musician and a Go-Home Club member, but as…just partners. It doesn't matter which side either of us are on, as long as we share the same dream.”
“...dreams, huh.” Akito looked at the ceiling, speaking with hesitance. “RAD WEEKEND…do you really want to follow this path with me?” His voice wasn’t shaky, but his tone suggested that he thought that this was too good to be true. Akito…must’ve been alone for a long time. Even if he had Ena, this was a different type of loneliness.
And Touya…didn’t want him to feel like this again.
“As long as I'm with you, it doesn't matter how hard it is.” He smiled. “We can do this together.”
“...” Akito stared at him blankly before he abruptly changed the subject. “What made you want to return to reality in the first place?”
“I didn’t want to at first.” He looked at him and indulged in his subject change. “Street music is very different from classical music. I wanted to learn classical music at first, but eventually, it became a source of pain for me." He shook his head. "I fell in love with street music through your performance. After I met you and we performed…I thought about it more while you were unconscious. I realized that I wanted return to reality, I want to properly tell my family that I will follow my own path.”
“...you’re really serious about this, huh? I was right, you really are strong. You're not running away from anything.” Akito sighed. “You know, if we had met just a little earlier…maybe I would've been on your side. Or maybe I wouldn't even be here in the first place.”
“No, I only have this strength because of you.” If Touya had met Akito earlier, if he had gone to Vivid Street and Akito had called out to him…if…they became partners before this…he probably would've been content. Maybe he'd have the strength to find a path forward with Akito instead of mindlessly perfecting classical music because that was for the best at the time. Maybe he wouldn't have been suffering from Astral Syndrome in the first place if they met before.
Maybe he’d gain the courage to do what he wanted earlier.
And yet, despite everything that just happened, Touya still couldn’t help but ask, “So…can we be partners?”
“You're still on about that?” Akito gently poked Touya’s forehead, letting out a soft laugh in the process. “Alright. I’ll give in. Let's perform together more in the future, partner.”
He put his hand over the part Akito poked with a pleased expression. “Yeah.”
Akito’s laugh…was quite nice.
Akito just couldn't win against Touya’s earnestness.
They spent more time together recently. Whether it was performing together or just hanging out, they were practically attached to the hip. Of course, the Musicians and their vocal synths knew, but they never said anything about it. Not even his own group mates, who just told him to have fun. Even Miku encouraged him to spend more time with Touya. She was soft when it came to the Musicians and never got mad at any of them. Even when it came to something like this.
“Your happiness is my number one priority. I wouldn’t have blamed you if you wanted to leave the Musicians entirely after finding him. So…I’m just glad that you still want to stay.”
Akito wasn’t sure if that made it worse or not. He couldn’t lie to himself and say he hasn’t considered leaving the Musicians entirely. Mafuyu was pretty much getting better thanks to everyone there. She wasn’t fully ready to leave yet, but there probably wouldn’t be too many consequences if they returned.
After all, he was able to be himself when he was with Touya. He's spent so long performing alone as BeatsP that he nearly forgot what it was like to live as Shinonome Akito. Little by little, he allowed himself to be the person he was before his dreams were crushed. To be the boy that wanted to pursue music and that event no matter what. It was all thanks to Touya.
But at the same time, he owed Miku and the other Musicians. They were the ones keeping his dream alive while Touya was the one who lit up the fire in him once again. The Musicians were where his home was, but Touya…was where his dream continued. There was no way he could choose between one of them. He knew this and Touya surely knew this as well. But Touya seemed to just be happy to spend time with him as well and it…baffled him to no end.
It wasn’t like Touya’s feelings were unrequited in that regard. Akito liked spending time with him- it was just…he couldn’t see how the other would like being with him that much.
Also he found that his heart kept racing every time Touya said something that made him flustered. He didn't do it on purpose but that made his feelings worse somehow. Touya was just ridiculously honest with his feelings and words and Akito couldn't handle it sometimes. He wasn’t entirely oblivious to this feeling either. This was…probably love. He couldn’t even make up some bullshit excuse like excitement. That wasn’t the right word for it and he…knew that the best.
“Akito, what do you think of this song?” Touya clicked on a song file and played it for him.
It was a nice and soothing melody. Completely different from the songs he composed. “It's nice. Have you composed the lyrics for it yet?”
“No. I wanted to know your thoughts first.” He stretched and looked at him. “Hey, Akito.”
“Hm?”
“Do you know when Miku will release us from Elysion?” Touya stared at his computer screen and Akito felt a frown appear on his face.
“No…I think it should be soon, though. Maybe. Unless something goes wrong.” He looked out the window. “OWN has been getting better. Miku’s whole goal was to help them out anyway, so it shouldn't be too much of a problem. Why?”
“I’ve been thinking.” The other spun a pen in his hand as he spoke. “I want to return to reality as soon as possible so we can meet each other there. I want to show my family properly…what made me choose you and street music over them and classical music.”
“...choosing me, huh.” Akito ruffled the other’s hair and gave him a wry smile. “I don't know if I'm ready for that. They’d probably look at me like I was trash for leading you astray.”
“If that happens, then it will be okay. I’ll still stay by your side.” Touya placed his hand over his chest. “You were the one who showed me this happiness after all.”
Oh.
What the fuck.
Touya’s words were like a one hit K.O on his heart and suddenly he felt like bashing his head against the wall. He wasn't even sure Touya liked him the same way he did. It would be better if Touya never found out, though. Sure, the signs might’ve been there in other people’s eyes, but…Touya was always earnest with his feelings. That was just how he was and Akito could easily mistake it to be love.
He just wasn't sure how he’d react and…damn. He was pathetic, wasn't he? Running away from his own feelings like this. Now that he thought about it, he spent this entire time running away. He was able to hide and think things over, and maybe he was ready.
“Hey, Touya.” Maybe he was ready to stop running away. If he could start moving forward in his dream with Touya by his side…yeah. He’d start to face everything headfirst. Like he should've been doing. “I don't want to leave the Musicians, and if Miku releases everyone from Elysion then we'll never have our confrontation, but…” He trailed off.
“Akito?” The other frowned as he said the word ‘confrontation.’ It was a subject they never talked about, so he understood the hesitancy. And yet…he didn’t want to see that expression on his face.
“...don’t look at me like that.” He gently patted his shoulder with a soft smile. “If we do end up having to fight each other…I’m not gonna hold back. So I don't want you to hold back either.” He gently put his fist over Touya’s heart. “When and if the time comes…show me your resolve.”
This wasn't a confession. It was something that was completely unavoidable and necessary before he could even consider a confession. He knew Touya’s side would win, so…when they all went back to reality, he’d confess then. If the timing was right.
“If that's what you want.” He looked conflicted before speaking slowly. “Actually…the others have been getting anxious. They've already beat a few of your Musicians and they're planning on going to your base to end it.”
He was aware that the others had come back with injuries and news of defeat, but he didn’t know they were about to raid their base. “...I was thinking it was getting a little too quiet.” Akito crossed his arms. “Is it okay to tell me this?”
“Yeah.” Touya closed his eyes. “I don't think we can avoid a confrontation either. I just…didn’t want to talk about it.”
“I see.” He looked outside the window and watched the sunset. “Are you gonna defeat me here?”
“No.” The other whispered softly. “I want to…face you on your terms. Your stage.”
“...” Akito looked back at Touya and ruffled his hair. “Then, I look forward to seeing you in battle, partner.” He walked over to the window and placed his hand on it. “By the way, did you know? There was a way to end it all earlier, but if you guys had chosen that path, I wouldn't have forgiven any of you.”
“Earlier…?”
“If we die here, we die in real life.” Akito didn't turn around. “OWN is the center of Elysion. It revolves around her survival along with Miku’s management. I told Ena already, but if you guys had chosen to kill OWN…this place wouldn't exist anymore.”
“Shinonome-san knew…?” Touya’s voice was in disbelief. “We wouldn't have chosen that path. We're going back to reality together.”
“...Ena said the same thing.” He finally turned around. “But even though those are your thoughts, a lot of the Musicians will see this as their ‘last stand.’ They will be willing to give up their lives for this. So…” He trailed off before gripping Touya’s shoulders. “I want you and Ena to make sure to keep them alive. This is my last request to you.”
“...okay.”
“Touya. The time I spent with you here was the most fun I've had in a while. I…don’t regret being partners with you.” Akito smiled. “So find me in reality. I’ll be waiting for you there.”
“!” Touya suddenly looked at him with wide eyes. “Akito, you…want to go back?”
“It's inevitable at this point, right?” He laughed. “I’ve come to terms with things for real this time. So like I said earlier, show me your resolve and don't hold back. I don't know which hospital I’m at in real life, but if you find Ena, you'll probably find me. You're probably gonna wake up first anyway.”
“When I find you…” Touya gave him the brightest smile he's ever seen. “If you aren't awake, I’ll stay by your side until you wake up.” He held out his pinky finger. “I promise.”
“...we aren’t kids anymore, you know.” Akito wrapped his pinky around the other’s as he spoke in exasperation, a helpless smile on his face. “Then…I’ll be waiting for you, Touya. Don’t keep me waiting for too long.”
Touya slowly opened his eyes, squinting from seeing the bright light in front of him. His movements were sluggish as he tried to move his hands. He looked around and noticed the beeping monitor and the fresh scent of…the hospital…?
So this was reality. They really made it back.
He closed his eyes again and thought about their confrontation with the Musicians. Like Akito said, there were some who were prepared to die and have their last stand there. However, he and Ena made the decision to tell the rest of the Go-Home Club about what would happen if they killed them in that world, and everyone…made sure to spare the Musicians. They made the Musicians promise to go home together with them.
Akito…was the fight before OWN. He really didn’t hold back at all- in fact, they almost lost to him.
“Touya, this isn’t the extent of your feelings, right? Properly show me your resolve! You made a promise, didn’t you? Beat my ‘Unreachable Dream’ with your song! You finished it, didn’t you?”
And it was those words that spurred him forward to knock him down. Akito had given him a tired smile at the time before softly telling him to end Elysion and return. It was a little ironic. He defeated Akito, but only because Akito gave him the willpower to continue. He didn’t know what Akito was thinking after they left to confront OWN and the other vocal synths, but his eyes…
…they were filled with relief and acceptance.
“I need to…” Touya struggled to sit up and could barely hear what the nurses were saying. He stared at his hands before slowly curling his fingers up into a fist. “I need to see him.” He had to go. He had to keep their promise. If Akito woke up and he wasn't there...he would've broken his promise.
“Aoyagi-kun, please stay in your bed.” The nurse shook her head. “You just woke up. You’re not fit to go anywhere in your current state.”
“But I need to go. I…made a promise.” He grit his teeth and moved to leave the bed. The nurse looked like she was about to stop him before shaking her head.
“I can’t let you leave. At least wait until your father comes to sign you out.”
“...if I wait, then he won’t let me see who I want to see.” Touya stared at his feet. He wanted to see Akito right away. He wanted to make sure that he wouldn’t wake up alone. He wanted to keep his promise no matter what. His father…was probably angry at him, so he didn’t want to wait until he came.
Miku also gave them a chance to see each other and he didn’t want to waste it.
“Don’t worry,” Miku smiled at them as the world started to collapse. “everyone will wake up safely. I’ll make sure of it. And…I think you should all know this. Everyone is currently in the same hospital.”
Everyone in the Go-Home Club looked at each other in surprise before Miku continued to talk.
“You’ve all made friends with the Musicians, and I’m grateful.” She looked out into the digital sky. “So…I decided to speed up your reunion a little. Please continue to bring each other happiness. If you find yourself lost again, there won’t be another Elysion like this, but…I hope my songs, as well as the others, will continue to bring you the courage to continue moving on. Humans gave me a voice and gave me a life, so I will always be grateful. Remember, I love all of you no matter what. Even if I’m left behind in the end, my love for you won’t change. You’re strong enough to stand on your own now.
Thank you for not giving up on yourselves and your dreams.” She gave them the most pure and genuine smile she could muster before disappearing.
…in the end, all Miku wanted was the best for them. She was just a little misguided in her methods.
Touya looked at the nurse, who looked like she was conflicted. “...he's in this hospital. Please, let me go see him. His name is Shinonome Akito.”
“Shinonome Akito…” The nurse sighed. “Alright, alright. As long as I'm there to accompany you it should be fine.” She brought out a wheelchair and helped Touya in before walking him to Akito’s room.
On the way there, Touya saw familiar faces walking around the hospital. The rest of the Go-Home Club were sneaking around to see each other. It almost made him laugh out loud, but he couldn't look at them for too long or else they'd be found out.
Once he arrived at Akito’s room, the nurse opened the door for him and pushed him inside. Akito wasn't awake yet and the nurse quietly spoke to him.
“He's one of the first ones affected by this third wave of Astral Syndrome. Considering that everyone else seems to be waking up though…well, I have high hopes.” She pushed his wheelchair so that he could be next to Akito’s bed. “I'll check in on the other patients. If you two need anything, go ahead and press the button on the wall.”
Touya thanked her as she left and he carefully held Akito’s hand in his own. It still felt surreal. He was seeing Akito for real this time. This was reality…they were really here together. They really did it.
Akito didn't open his eyes yet, but his steady breathing and the warmth of his hands were comforting. He was alive. He wondered if Miku was saying her own goodbyes to the Musicians. Luka, Rin and Kaito all said something before they left, but for some reason, Touya couldn't remember it well. It was vague and he could remember them smiling, but nothing else.
It might've been some type of encouragement, because they all gave them one last push to go.
They would be able to press play on their lives again. He would be able to pursue music with Akito and continue to be partners with him. They could continue to perform together and spend more time with each other. And…they could try and reach the same dream. He didn’t want to let Akito down. He didn’t want him to be alone like he was when he was a Musician.
Touya just…wanted to stay by Akito’s side.
“...Tou…ya…?” Akito’s hoarse voice brought him out of his thoughts and at first, he thought he was hearing things. However, he noticed that his eyes were open- well, he was squinting. It was probably because it was too bright.
He quickly blocked the light for Akito and gripped his hand tighter, his voice filled with relief. “Good morning, Akito.”
“...Good morning…” Akito’s mouth slowly formed a grin before he weakly put his fist against Touya’s chest. “You kept your promise.”
“Of course. I said I would.” Touya looked over Akito’s face. “How are you feeling?”
“Like shit. It’s been a couple years since I woke up from that dream.” Akito stared at the ceiling. “It’s funny. I never thought about returning to reality during my time there. I was content with just making music with Asahina, Yoisaki and Mochizuki. But after I met you, I became greedy.” The other looked at him. “In the end, it was you that revived my dream and made me think that returning wouldn’t be so bad. Thank you, Touya.”
“Akito…I had my own doubts as well. It was because of you that I was able to prepare myself to return with everyone else.” He smiled. “So I should also tell you thank you. For giving me the resolve to return and giving me a new dream that I can pursue by your side.”
“...Hey.” Akito spoke quietly. “Help me sit up for a second.”
Touya did as he asked and helped him sit up. Akito looked like he had something important to say, but his mouth didn’t open again. His eyes were filled with conflict as if he were having an internal battle with himself. Eventually though, he started to talk again.
“Touya, I…” Akito gripped the sheets on the hospital bed. “I like being partners with you, but I feel like before we continue, I have to tell you something. I was able to really be myself around you, after living as BeatsP for so long. It was like a breath of fresh air. At the same time, you showed who you were to me, and…er. What I’m trying to say is.” The other’s ears became red. “I think I’m in love with you.”
His words were so quiet that Touya could barely hear them, but once he registered them, he wanted to…hear it again. Those words brought him immense joy- almost as much as when Akito finally accepted him as his partner. He felt the same way after all. Being with Akito just felt right, as if they were two puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together.
He held the other’s hand close to his face before intertwining their fingers. “Me too. I’m in love with you too.” He didn’t speak with any hesitance. How could he? Akito had found the courage to be vulnerable around him, so he had to respond in kind.
Akito seemed to be stunned into silence and Touya couldn’t help but stand on his shaky legs and get closer to the other. Right now, he really…
“Akito.” He used his other hand that wasn’t intertwining their fingers to gently cup his cheek. It was burning- almost like he had a fever. “Can I kiss you?”
“...” The other opened his mouth to say something, but no words came out. Akito seemed to hesitate before ruffling his own hair with his free hand and placing it behind Touya’s neck, leaning in for a soft kiss. Of course, Touya tried to reciprocate the best he could but he didn’t expect it at all and rather than a kiss, it was more like they just smashed their lips together. Alas…
This was their first kiss after all.
“...shit.” Akito immediately cursed after parting. “Can we do that again? That was embarrassing…and it kinda hurt.”
“Okay.” Touya nodded and took the initiative this time, thinking that the way Akito immediately closed his eyes was cute. He gently pressed their lips together and it was better than the first one, but it was a little bit short. That was probably enough anyway- Akito looked like he was going to combust if he tried to kiss him again, so he sat back in his wheelchair. “Akito?”
“Hm?”
Touya felt so much joy in his heart that he couldn’t help but laugh as he spoke. “I’m…really glad that we met.”
“...yeah, me too.” Akito grinned and it was the brightest he's ever seen him smile. "Let's continue working together, partner."