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[ please listen to the song above, it'll give better effect. ]
"Halt."
A nearby voice demanded. You halted, gazing at the ES housing. With a heavy sigh, you peered over your shoulder. Upon seeing a charcoal-haired idol, your expression dropped in shock. After so long of being away from Ensemble Square, you had managed to run into Hokuto as your first encounter. His navy blue hues glistened, something that rarely ever happened for him. Breathing in the bitter, cold air, you charged forth. "Hokuto!" "I— what? Wait, is this really Name?" He asked, urgently pushing you back. "Yeah! It's been so long!" You replied, instantly drawing the boy back into your embrace. He wore an outfit you'd never seen prior, one of plaid; the squares in blue and black. Beneath the jacket, he wore a typical, white t-shirt. It almost reminded you of an old hand-me-down.
"Hidaka~! What's taking you so long?!"
"Ah, come here!" Hokuto yelled over his shoulder, afterwards relaxing into a smile. You stepped away, breaking out of the reunion embrace. "Who were you talking with?" Asked the familiar Makoto, his blue glasses frames reflecting the nearby lamp-post lighting in the nighttime setting. "An old friend," Hokuto replied. "Isara, this is your first time meeting them." "Great~! I can't wait." Replied the washed-out magenta haired boy, his green hues gleaming with excitement. You lurched out from behind Hokuto, briefly waving to the stranger before hurtling towards Makoto.
Eyes wide with shock, he instantly tugged you into a hug. "Name—! It's been so long." He buried his face into your neck, a gesture you had anxiously been awaiting. Chuckling, you gave him a gentle squeeze. "I know! When I saw your concert as Trickstar, I was absolutely bawling. I'm so happy for you all, you came so far.." Being an ex-member of Trickstar, you knew you'd been replaced by someone. That someone seemed to be the 'Isara' Hokuto had addressed prior.
Upon turning towards him, you adopted a prideful smile. "Hi! You're the one who replaced me, right?" "Replaced?" He questioned aloud, afterwards beaming at you. "You look so cool~!" "Thank you," you chuckled awkwardly. "What should I call you?" "Mao! What can I call you?" He asked in an excited tone of voice. "Call me Name, please!" In a moment of pure excitement, you grasped his hands in yours, eagerly shaking them.
"Sorry I'm late!"
You froze in place, dropping Mao's hands from yours. Head lifting in anticipation, you stared at Makoto, whom hid the person that happened to be late. "What kept you?" Asked Makoto. "Daikichi wanted to play~," replied the energetic voice. "I heard you talking to someone. Who's here? I want to greet them~!" "Akehoshi—"
Whatever Hokuto said next had been tuned out. Your vision blurred with water, your heartbeat racing. It felt as though your ribcage would collapse under the pressure. It is him.
Makoto stepped aside.. [ skip to 3:39 in the song ]
"AHH, NAME—!"
Cried Subaru as he charged forth, tackling you onto the ground. As you fell onto your back, you wrapped your arms around him. Laughter followed as you squeezed the orange-haired boy close to yourself. "Subaru—!" "Haha, Name! I thought I'd never see you again!" Hollered he, his blue hues wide with excitement. He leaned back, in a position that pinned you to the ground. It seemed he was taking in how much you've changed since you were forced to leave. You latched onto him once more, feeling bitter tears sting your eyes from an overwhelming sense of joy. "Dear god, I missed you.." Sniveling, Subaru ducked into your chest, laughing as he did so. "You'll never believe what we have to show you!"
Meanwhile, stood aside, Makoto dried his eyes. Hokuto crossed his arms, a relieved smile on his stony features. Mao simply observed, eyes gleaming as he watched the bond between you and Subaru.
For the rest of the night, you would spend it being tugged about by both Subaru and Mao; eager to show you Trickstar's achievements thus far. Makoto and Hokuto would trail behind, happily chatting with you whenever they got the chance.
So it was true. You had missed the smiles of your comrades for so long, and now seeing it, it was like a fever dream. One you never wanted to awake from. Even as you see the things you could have had, regret it you do not. Every moment that lead up to this; being able to seat yourself in the apartment of Trickstar—Subaru's head in your lap—, idly chatting with the group as they told of stories that you never thought they would tell.
Such is life. For even when it comes down to our last goodbyes, I shall regret a moment naught. I shan't cry for having lost you, but smile, for I once had you.
