บท 92: Mad Hatter and A Cord
It was 7am. All crew finished their breakfast and immediately prepared for the photoshoot of Kumo Bell. The set was located in the hotel traditional garden where they overlooked the beautiful mount Fuji.
The garden was all about symmetrical round plants and trees with a small waterfall that decorated the beautiful fish pond and the natural guardian stones.
'Princess Kaguya in the Mad Hatter's Tea Party' was the theme of the photoshoot.
They specifically privatized the entire area for the photoshoot. 2 hours passed, the Stars still did not show up causing the crew to feel restless. After all, everyone prepared early for them.
After another two hours, the director received a text message from Natsu to inform the change of schedule.
Shizu took a glance at Lee Changhyuk. The Star was sitting gracefully on a chair, groomed and glowing and smelling pleasant, reading a newspaper. He didn't wear the usual black beanie to complete the disguise. The white colored beanie was somehow smaller than the black one but since it was still wet from last night, Lee Changhyuk had no other choice.
To her surprise, Lee Changhyuk didn't make any remarks regarding the delay. As a big Star, he knew how normal it was for crews to wait for an hour or even the whole day for the artist. The Stars were the center of their entire project, so they had no choice but to comply with their request.
After another hour, Ritsuo arrived in the photo set while carrying a bottle of water. The 23 y.o drummer was dressing casually like a college student, with green shorts and white t-shirts. He was heading towards the director, as the tallest member in Kumo Bell with 180cm, it wasn't hard to spot his figure from afar.
Unlike the triplet troublemakers that were shining bright from the moment you landed your eyes on them, Ritsuo's sparkle lied in his demeanor. With a mole under his right eye that made his clean-cut face even more candy to the eye.
He didn't have the prince charming attitude like Kira but the more you talk to him, the more you'll find him captivating. If Kira was always smiling in front of the camera, Ritsuo was the honest type that would show different expression to the public. He was also an altruistic leader that gladly let the other members outshine him.
After excusing himself on behalf of the group to the entire crew, he went to the reserved area for Kumo Bell and sat on a deckchair. The Food Team came and gave him some refreshments and beverages. After they left, a sigh escaped from his lips. He pulled his hair back, as his face turned dark.
His eyes met Shizu's, he bowed his head lightly but strangely she caught it wasn't a normal greeting. His eyes didn't leave hers. He wanted to talk to her.
Shizu was looking around as she was not sure whether she should approach him or not. She always respected Ritsuo, so she gathered her courage and walked towards him.
"Suo-nii.. I mean.. Mr. Tani.." She bowed politely.
"You can still call me Suo-nii, Shizu." Ritsuo threw a casual smile and offered a pack of snack to her. The milk girl took it and thanked him.
"Did anything happen between you and Kira last night?" He asked her.
Shizu blinked twice as she tried to remember what happened the night before. An apologetic smile slowly appeared as she scratched her head. "He wanted to talk to me, but I didn't stay cause I had some emergency."
"I see." Ritsuo threw another quick smile. That's exactly what Kira said to the entire members. So what upset Kira greatly must be something else.
"Could you please pick him up from the gym? Sano has been trying to drag him and the Twins here but they wouldn't move."
"At this hour?"
"Yes. Kira is trying his best so if he asks for more time.." He paused as he carefully choose his words. "Then you should wait with him. I'll take the responsibility."
Shizu did not answer immediately, she seemed lost in her thought before finally gave her answer. "I'll bring him here. In which Gym is he?"
"That would be unnecessary." Kira's angelic voice butted in.
Ritsuo just watched quietly as a the vocalist sat on the deckchair next to him. The darkness on his face was gone. It seemed that 6 hours in the gym he spent to throw tantrum was worth it. Ritsuo put his gaze on Kira's hands which the vocalist casually rested in his pockets.
Apart from the dark circle under his eyes, he looked as dazzling as always. His hair was slightly damp and there was refreshing scent blowing as he came. He must have just taken a shower.
"Are you ok?" She asked which he replied with a straight nod.
"Can I request for a pair of gloves? The Twins and Sano will be here shortly. Tell your team to get ready in 10 minutes." An angelic smile appeared on his handsome face but Ritsuo recognized that fake on-camera smile, he was sure Shizu noticed it too.
She nodded to acknowledge him then turned back and walked towards Le Sucre.
Kira took his hands out of his pockets and Ritsuo couldn't help but wince at the shape of them. They were overused and swollen, some skin was off on the knuckles. He could already imagine the state of the poor punchbag.
"Dude, did you wrap your hands properly? Can you even hold a chopstick with that?"
"Lower your voice or she might hear you." Kira lowered his lids as he was opening and closing his palms. Kumo Bell's corner was actually pretty secluded so they had some privacy, still Kira prefered to wait until she was far enough to start any conversation.
Ritsuo couldn't help but sigh. "Fortunately you're the vocalist, wait.. Those two idiots, did they damage their hands??" A dagger was shot from his eyes.
Kira shifted his gaze to him, his heavenly face remained neutral.
"I'm gonna kill the three of you if one of them damaged a finger." Ritsuo cursed under his breath. The Twins were basisst and guitarist so their hands were equal to their life.
"They're fine, Suo-nii.."
Ritsuo was taken aback for an instant. Then his smile snapped on. "You heard us?"
"No, but she most likely felt awkward to talk to you after so long. You must be really worried about me if you decided to talk to her behind my back."
"You're not gonna ask about what we're talking?"
"No, you probably didn't really get to talk to her cause I interrupted you. Loser."
Bullseye! Ritsuo's puffy lips twitched in amusement. When did the last time this gloomy rascal talk this much? The leader gave a middle finger to the vocalist. "Bastard."
"We're here!!" A lively voice was heard from behind. Ritsuo turned his head and raised an eyebrow.
Moreno was using big sunnies, it didn't take a genius to know that he was trying to cover something. There was also a black spot on his fleshy lips that was obviously dry blood.
"Did you really have to aim for his face?" Ritsuo growled, irritated.
"It wasn't me. I only destroyed a punchbag and already compensated the damage." Kira put his hands back in the pockets as his eyes calmly followed the Twins and Sano.
Kuran was limping as they came closer, earning a frown from Ritsuo. Sano immediately snapped, avoiding eye contact with the leader causing the latter to heave a heavy sigh. Not that he could say anything to Sano, he did warn him about it.
Before the leader said anything Kuran raised one hand like a good obedient boy scout, giving his excuse. "I didn't create any trouble. I fell from the threadmill!"
Defending Kuran was his twin, Moreno "Well, Kuran accidentally punched my face when we were sparing. It was a fair fight, so I wasn't upset! I immediately suggested to run on the threadmill!" He removed the sunnies and revealed a purple mark on his prominent cheekbone.
Rosie and the other 3 people from Le Sucre came with the costumes, stopping Ritsuo from giving the Twins an earful. Sano just scratched his head as he was sure the Twins would not be spared from some beatings after the photoshoot's over.
The artists were getting ready.
Kira - The Mad Hatter
Sano - The White Rabbit
Ritsuo - The Cheshire Cat
Yamada Twins - The Tweedles
Another hour passed and the artists were almost ready with their blinding costumes.
"Shizu could you please help me with the necktie?" A gorgeous Mad Hatter appeared before Shizu, wading in violet-and-silver suit and a pair of red gloves.
A shy blush blossomed on her cheeks. "Kira, I have to remind you that I'm not good with ties." As a supervisor of a fashion brand this was embarassing to her so she had to shake her head and that caused his heavenly eyes to drop in disappointment.
"I'll help you!" Lee Yuki carefreely raised one hand, volunteering like a good pupil causing the former lovers to snap.
The former disregarded the gaze from the two and approched the main Star of the day. He took the blue-tie from Kira's hand and started doing what he said.
Before Shizu had the chance to even say anything, Rosie appeared and informed her that Ritsuo's costume required her attention. There was a hint of uneasiness on Shizu's face as she saw Kira's expression. It might appear neutral for most people but Shizu knew he was greatly annoyed.
Putting a tie is quick, what could go wrong? She told herself.
"Kira, please call me if you need anything." She said before leaving with Rosie. Kira didn't answer her as he stared at the tall man before him.
"Lee Yuki, it just doesn't feel right to have a man knot my tie."
"Your hands are pretty messed up."
"It's none of your business."
"Just saying. Never said I care."
"Did you know that your supervisor is my ex girlfriend?" Kira asked with the most neutral voice, out of the blue. It was irritating to the core.
Which Lee Yuki replied with a sweet apple smile. "I see that you are someone who lives in the past."
"A wise man would never underestimate the bond formed in the past."
"The past always looks better cause it isn't here Mr. Atsui..." Lee Yuki held his words as he slided the front knot up to finish the tie. However, instead of stopping at the collar, he went all the way up.
COUGH COUGH
Kira harshly yanked Lee Yuki's hands to the side as he snapped back and loosened the tie on his neck. Cursing under his breath- that build of Lee Yuki wasn't only for a show. Normal people would fall from his brute bash but the latter didn't budge nor did he change his expression.
His lips twitched wickedly as he watched Kira Atsui coughing like crazy. "But right now, I am here." The rest of the words finally slipped from his mouth.
It was a war declaration.
Andy wasn't too far from the two so he dashed towards them while carrying a bottle of water. "Are you okay, Mr. Atsui?" Andy's voice butted in.
Kira's turned terribly black, he grabbed Andy's collar to pull him further causing the big guy to lose his footing. With all the muscles and strength he had thanks to boxing, throwing big Andy to the towering Lee Yuki was a piece of cake.
But just before he really shoved the big guy, his gaze fell on the string behind the white beanie. His eyes widened as he noticed something unusual about that beard.
'Is that a cord?'
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