The morning light barely touched the sky when Mamoru woke up.

For a moment, he just lay there, eyes open, mind already running. Emails. Meetings. Rehearsals. The launch party tonight. Seeing Anna again.

He didn’t like that last one. Anna who was the idol they where colaburating with had this …. Feeling to her that mamorus just could not pinpoint what was but it put him off. Nachi where swooning all around her snice he had met her at the charity events afterparty too.

With a sigh, he got up, stretching the tension out of his shoulders as he grabbed his phone. 5:48 AM. He was used to this. Waking before the rest of the world.

But when he stepped into the kitchen, someone was already there.

Hideki.

Sitting at the counter, one leg pulled up onto the stool, scrolling through his phone with a half-empty mug beside him.

Mamoru knew what it was before he even smelled it.

Black coffee.

His fingers twitched.

Hideki wasn’t supposed to be drinking that. Not straight, not this often. Mamoru had made his peace with occasional decaf, because even that had caffeine, but not enough to count.

But this?

This was normal coffee.

And Hideki had been drinking more of it lately.

Not just coffee. Chocolate. Burgers. Fries.

Small things.

Small things that added up.

Mamoru pulled out a chair, watching as Hideki took another sip, completely unfazed.

“You shouldn’t be drinking that.”

Hideki didn’t even blink. “Morning to you too.”

Mamoru exhaled slowly, forcing himself to keep his voice even. “I’m serious.”

“So am I.” Hideki took another sip, smirking. “Caffeine is good for cognitive function. Sharpens the mind.”

“It’s also bad for you. You know that.”

Hideki hummed in mock consideration. “Yeah, but so is existing. You ever think about that?”

Mamoru stared at him

Hideki stared back, unbothered. The same smirk, the same unshakable attitude.

There was no point arguing anymore.

Instead, he reached across the table, picked up Hideki’s cup—

And dumped it in the sink.

“Hey!” Hideki protested, but his laugh gave him away.

Mamoru didn’t smile. “You shouldn’t be drinking that.”

Hideki tilted his head, amused. “What are you, my doctor?”

“No,” Mamoru said, voice flat. “I’m your brother.”

For a moment, Hideki didn’t have a snarky comeback.

Then—a chuckle. A quiet, amused shake of his head.

“Yeah,” Hideki muttered, “I guess you are.”

📌 Enter Mimmi – The First Europe Tour Announcement

Mamoru had just sat back down when the kitchen door swung open.

Mimmi walked in with her long stillettos with red bottoms and her to tight sitting suit.

Which, in a way, she did in fact like.

She was already dressed, already working, a sleek black folder in one hand and a tablet in the other.

Mamoru could tell, even before she said a word—this wasn’t just a normal morning check-in.

She was about to ruin his day.

“Good, you’re both up.” She placed the folder on the table, flipping it open. “Here’s today’s schedule. Press, rehearsals, wardrobe fittings—”

Mamoru barely looked at it.

“And,” she continued, scrolling through her tablet, “we’re confirming the first leg of the Europe and Skandinavia . tour today. Starting with—”

She didn’t even get to finish.

Because Mamoru slammed his hand against the table.

“Are you fucking kidding me?”

The words came out sharp. Too sharp.

For a second, the room went silent.

Even Hideki raised an eyebrow. Surprised.

Mimmi, of course, didn’t flinch.

“No, Mamoru, I am not ‘fucking kidding you.’” Her voice was smooth, controlled. “This has been in the works for months. You knew this was coming, I told you at the recording studio remenber?.”

Mamoru stood up. “We just been there! And besides We haven’t even recovered from the last leg of the Asia tour.”

“The last time you where in Europe ? A year ago.” She corrected and folded her arms. “WØF isn’t a part-time job.”

Mamoru could feel the anger rising.

But Mimmi wasn’t done.

“This is what being number one looks like.” She tilted her head slightly, eyes locked onto him. “Or do you want to be number two?”

That did it.

Mamoru exhaled sharply, dragging a hand through his hair.

F this, f her. .

He turned, grabbing his tablet off the table, not even looking back. “Whatever.”

And then—he walked out gritting his teeth .

Mimmi just smirked.

Hideki, still sitting at the table, took another sip of coffee from a second cup.

Mamoru hadn’t even noticed.

The venue was perfect.

Luxury without trying too hard. Muted lighting, deep red velvet seating, and an atmosphere that whispered exclusivity. The kind of place where every conversation felt like a secret.

Mamoru hated it.

Not because of the venue itself—but because of who they were here for.

Tonight was Anna’s night.

Her new single was launching, and the event was packed with industry executives, models, actors, and the usual crowd of influencers pretending to be too important to be impressed.

And, of course, WØF.

Mamoru leaned against the bar, watching everything unfold. The band had been briefed before they arrived—stay visible, be polite, don’t start anything.

But Mamoru was already in a bad mood.

His mind was still stuck on the upcoming. tour. On Mimmi. On how she’d pushed the schedule through without listening to a single f’g word.

His jaw tightened. He took a slow sip of water, barely masking his irritation.

Then—a microphone crackled.

Mamoru’s grip on the glass froze.

Anna stood on the small stage, effortlessly poised, a champagne flute in hand.

And she was smiling.

That smile.

The kind Mamoru never trusted.

“Thank you, everyone, for coming tonight.” Her voice was warm, smooth, practiced. “This is a big moment for me, and I’m honored to celebrate it with all of you.”

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

Polite applause. Cameras flashing.

Mamoru exhaled slowly.Cheers. More camera flashes. Industry vultures smelled blood and opportunity.

Mamoru?

He just stared.

Because across the room, Hideki was smirking.

Like he was enjoying every second of this.

The announcement should have shifted the atmosphere completely. But instead, it did the opposite.

It made everything feel sharper

Anna, meanwhile, was handling it perfectly.

Effortlessly poised. Not over-explaining, not deflecting. She let the reaction wash over her like she had planned for it.

Like she wanted it.

Mamoru was still processing it all when—

Another tiny detail.

A small noise.

He turned his head just in time to see it.

Nachi had been offering Anna a burger slider from his plate. She hadn’t taken it yet.

But Hideki had.

Not just a bite. He took the whole thing.

Right out of her hand.

And he was grinning when he did it.

Anna made a small, amused noise. “At least let me try my own food first.”

Hideki wiped his thumb against the corner of his mouth, completely unbothered.

“You’re too slow.”

Anna just shook her head, laughing softly.

Mamoru, watching from the bar, felt his teeth clench.

The food stealing.the burgers the tiny bites. The caffeine.

It was all happening too often.

And Hideki? He was enjoying it.

Even worse?

So was Anna.

Mamoru should’ve let it go.

He should’ve just focused on, playing the part of the responsible brother, made sure Hideki didn’t get too drunk or do something worse.

But now?

Now, all he could focus on was the habits stacking up.

The slow, creeping changes in what Hideki ate, drank, craved.

And the fact that Anna had slipped into his life seamlessly.

Was she encouraging this?

Was she just letting it happen?

Or was she doing something worse?

Mamoru didn’t know.

The studio lounge smelled like coffee and convenience store snacks.

Mamoru had seen it happening before he even turned his head.

A small movement. A shift of weight. A hand sliding over Nachi’s plate.

He didn’t have to look to know what was coming next.

A fry went missing.

Then another.

Nachi didn’t react. Not at first.

Then, slowly, he lifted his gaze from his phone, chewed lazily, and arched a brow.

“Damn, Hide. You want me to just order you your own?”

Hideki, fully unbothered, plucked another fry from Nachi’s plate and popped it into his mouth.

“No need,” he said, voice light, like this was a normal, everyday thing. “Yours taste better.”

Mamoru watched it happen without moving, without speaking.

It wasn’t just the fries ether his caffeine usage lately…

Mamoru rolled his eyes.

Finally, he spoke.

“You shouldn’t have that much sugar.”

Hideki barely acknowledged him. He just licked a bit of chocolate off his thumb and grabbed another piece.

“It’s dark chocolate,” he said, sounding vaguely amused. “High cacao. Full of antioxidants. Actually pretty good for you.”

Mamoru didn’t blink.

“You’re not eating it for the antioxidants.”

That earned him a glance. Hideki tilted his head slightly, like he was debating whether or not to mess with him further. Then, slowly, he smirked.

Another slow-burning nerve pressed.

Mamoru wasn’t looking at the food anymore. He was looking at the pattern.

Small at first. Barely noticeable.

But it was always like this.

A little here. A little there. A joke. A habit. A nothing moment.

Until suddenly, it wasn’t.

At some point, Nachi had given up on reclaiming his food. He just sighed, stretching his arms behind his head.

“Y’know, at this rate, you should just sit in my lap and let me feed you properly.”

Hideki, without hesitation, opened his mouth slightly, tilting his chin up.

Nachi blinked. Then, with a lazy grin, he picked up another fry and placed it between Hideki’s lips.

Mamoru closed his eyes for a second.

Jesus Christ.

Nachi chuckled. “Like a stray cat.”

This wasn’t new. This was years of enabling, turned into casual routine. He used to pick at Akis food too when they where little. She never finished her plate and Hideki out of rebellion had tried to finish it for her. He had even stayed up late to sneek into the kitchen to grab it.

Nowrdays he had gotten better but Hideki would always let Nachi spoil him.

Because Nachi never told him no.

Because Nachi never made him stop.

Because Nachi—unlike Mamoru—didn’t believe in control.

Mamoru exhaled slowly, pushing off the counter.

“Enough.”

Hideki chewed lazily, not looking up. “Enough what?”

A pause.

Then—a smirk.

“What’s wrong?” Hideki mused. “Worried about me?”

Mamoru’s fingers curled slightly at his sides.

“I don’t have to be worried,” he said evenly. “I know exactly where this leads.”

A shadow passed over Hideki’s expression. A flicker. A memory.

Then, just as quickly—it was gone.

He grinned.

“Relax, Mamo. I’m in great shape.”

Mamoru didn’t move.

Didn’t look away.

Then why do I already know how this ends?

The words didn’t leave his mouth.

But they didn’t have to.

Because Hideki had always known what Mamoru was thinking, even when no one else did.

And he was choosing to ignore, Mamoru gleaned.. “ about Horshikaze” he sighed before his eyes became sharper

Finally—he broke.

“You didn’t tell me.”

“Tell you what?”

“That your dating”

Hideki didn’t even look up. “Didn’t think I needed your permission.”

“It’s not about permission.It’s about not finding out at the same time as the rest of the world.”

“It’s just a rumor “

Hideki hummed in response , chewing his frie tapping out a message. “Then maybe you should check your texts more often.”

Mamoru inhaled sharply.After a while his anger came down “Are you serious about this, Hideki?”

That made Hideki glance up—just for a second.

Not annoyed. Amused.

“Define serious.”

Mamoru exhaled through his nose. “You know exactly what I mean.”

Hideki’s smirk didn’t fade. But it was slower this time.

He tilted his head, considering.

Then—shrugged. “Guess we’ll find out.”

Mamoru stared at him. “That’s it?”

“What do you want me to say?” Hideki shut off his phone, slipping it into his pocket. “That I love her? That it’s a business move? That it’s a joke? Just some gossip?”

A pause.

Then, a quiet chuckle.

“Maybe it’s all .”

Mamoru felt his patience snap.

“Do you even understand what you just did?” His voice was low now. Not yelling. More dangerous.

Hideki’s expression didn’t change. But his eyes darkened.

“What exactly did I do, Mamoru?”

He didn’t answer.

Not because he didn’t have a response.

But because he wasn’t sure if Hideki even wanted one.

✔ They were leaving for the Europe . in a week.

✔ On Takao’s birthday.

✔ He had seven days to figure out what was happening. Mamoru didn’t even know where to start.

He hadn’t planned on saying anything.

He had watched Hideki all day, silently keeping track—the stolen fries, the chocolates, the iced coffee, the little indulgences stacking up like loose threads unraveling. It wasn’t just the sugar, or the sodium, or the caffeine.

It was the pattern.

And now, here they were.

Hideki was lounging on the studio couch, elbow propped up, legs stretched out, completely unbothered.

But Mamoru saw it immediately.

His ankles.

Swollen.

Too much. Too fast. The kind of swelling that meant the body wasn’t handling it.

Mamoru’s stomach dropped.

And then Hideki, in perfect obliviousness, took another sip of his iced coffee.

Enough. This has to stop.

He didn’t go to Hideki.

He went to Nachi.

Grabbed his arm, firm enough to make his point. “Come with me.”

Nachi frowned, caught off guard. “What—?”

Mamoru didn’t wait. Didn’t ask. He dragged Nachi down the hallway, away from Hideki’s lazy smile, away from the casualness of it all.

When they were alone, when the door shut behind them, Mamoru turned.

His voice was low, sharp, just short of snapping.

“What the hell are you doing?”

Nachi blinked, then scoffed, rubbing his wrist. “Uh, existing? What’s your problem?”

Mamoru didn’t take the bait. “His feet are swollen.”

Nachi’s face didn’t change. “So we have been performing a lately ?”

Mamoru’s patience snapped like wire.

“So, you’re feeding him like a goddamn stray cat while his body is telling him to stop.”

Nachi’s easy smirk flickered, but only for a second. “He’s fine.”

Mamoru’s stare was cold, unrelenting. “He’s not fine.”

Silence.

Then Nachi sighed, tilting his head against the wall. “Jesus, Mamo. You act like the guy’s on his deathbed. He’s in good spirits for once. Even if it shortens his life a little, I think it’s worth it.”

Mamoru’s breath hitched.

His fingers curled at his sides. His whole body felt wired too tight, stretched too thin.

Worth it?

Worth it?

His voice came out low, edged with something dangerous.

“That’s financial suicide.”

Nachi’s smirk dropped.

Mamoru pressed on, voice cutting like a blade. “Do you know how many people depend on WØF staying at the top?This isn’t just about him.”

Nachi laughed, but there was no humor in it.

“Right. Of course.” His voice was light, mocking. “Because at the end of the day, that’s what matters, right? The investors? The sponsorships?”

Mamoru’s jaw clenched. Nachi would never understand his need for Hideki to be by his side , so instead

“Yes,” he said flatly. “It does.”

Silence.

A long, stretched moment.

Nachi stared at him for a second too long, then exhaled through his nose, shaking his head.

“You’re exhausting.”

Mamoru didn’t blink. “And you’re irresponsible.”

Nachi pushed off the wall. “Then it’s a good thing Hideki listens to me more than you.”

That was true. And that was the problem.

Before Mamoru could respond, Nachi walked off, leaving him standing there.

Mamoru was mentally exhausted.

The fight with Mimmi. The conversation with Nachi. Hideki’s habits slipping again.

Or at least, he thought he was.

Then—

“Hey.”

Mamoru stopped.

Takao was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, smiling but his face where serious.

Mamoru exhaled slowly, not in the mood for this. “What?”

Takao tilted his head slightly. “About earlier.”

Mamoru froze.

He didn’t answer.

Takao’s gaze sharpened.

“You and Mimmi need to have a meeting.”

Mamoru’s expression barely changed. “Excuse me?”

Takao pushed off the wall. “There are laws in place to protect artists from being exploited by their labels. You do realize that, right?”

Mamoru’s fingers tightened at his sides.

Of course he knew that.

Takao smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “I’ll set it up.”

Mamoru narrowed his eyes. “You don’t get to set up meetings.”

Takao shrugged. “I just did.”

A slow, sinking feeling settled in Mamoru’s chest.

Another fire to put out.

Another fight he wasn’t ready for.

And this time, he wasn’t the one in control.

The air outside the studio was cold.

Not quite winter anymore, but still sharp enough to bite. The kind of cold that kept you awake, even when your body wanted to shut down.

Mamoru stood just outside the entrance, hands in his coat pockets, watching the city move without really seeing it.

He hadn’t meant to step out.

But after everything—**Mimmi, Nachi, Hideki, Takao pushing for a meeting he didn’t have time for—**he needed a moment where no one was talking at him.

Where he could just exist, for a second, without holding something together.

He heated footsteps behind him, heels red bottoms pumps.

He didn’t turn.

Didn’t have to.

A presence settled beside him, light but deliberate.

Anna.

She didn’t say anything right away.

Just stood there, eyes on the street ahead, as if she had been planning to take a walk around Roppongi-dori. Her grey frilly Stella mc cartney dress a statement to Mach her black leather louburtin pumps and mini bag from longchamp. Her clothes nothing like her public prersona as the white perfect siren idol. Her hair where not in pigtails but a cute lazy half up style.

Like this where just a coincidence happening in her off time.

But Mamoru knew better.

She was watching him.

Waiting.

After a long silence, she tilted her head slightly. “You always clean up his messes.”

Mamoru’s stomach tensed.

His gaze flicked toward her, sharp. “Excuse me?”

Anna gave a slow, almost absent shrug. “Hideki.”

Her voice was light, conversational.

Like she wasn’t testing something. Like she wasn’t pushing a specific button just to see how he’d react.

Mamoru’s fingers curled in his pockets.

It was a statement, not a question.

And that was what made it worse.

She wasn’t asking if it was true. She already knew.

She let the silence stretch between them. Then—**just as he was about to look away—**she smiled, slow and unreadable.

“Must be exhausting.”

A trap.

A simple, easy, well-placed trap.

Mamoru recognized it instantly.

He had played this game before. Had seen Mimmi do the same thing in meetings—dangle a statement that sounded harmless, then wait to see how the other person filled in the silence.

But knowing it was a game didn’t stop him from feeling the impact.

His jaw tensed, but his voice stayed even. “If you have something to say, just say it.”

Anna turned her head slightly, looking at him now. Like she was trying to decide if he was worth the effort.

Then she exhaled, soft and amused.

“I already did.”

And that was it.

She turned and walked back inside.

Mamoru stayed where he was, jaw tight, watching her disappear into the warm glow of the hallway.

His pulse was steady. Controlled. His body language gave nothing away.

But the moment replayed anyway.

Not what she said.

What she didn’t.