Chapter 30 - Chapter 30: Stars on a Collision Course

🌟✨: Legends Collide

(The COSMIC PRODUCTION Studio thrummed with a familiar, high-tech energy. Lights danced, cameras clicked, and staff moved like a well-oiled machine. Raito Hikari and Tsuki Kuroi, Polar Opposites, were still buzzing from their successful solo shoot, a pleasant hum of accomplishment in their veins. The last encouraging words of Kazehaya Tatsumi or perhaps Himemiya Tori—in their excitement, the details blurred—still echoed.)

[SOUND of a door clicking open, cutting through the studio's ambient hum]

NARRATOR: The studio door clicked open, and there he was. Saegusa Ibara, Unit Producer and COSMIC's executive, strode in like a storm rolling back, calm, composed, but carrying a calculated weight in every precise step. Raito and Tsuki turned instantly, their bright post-shoot glow momentarily dimming under his sharp gaze. Ibara stopped before them, eyes as keen as ever.

IBARA: "Change of plans," he said coolly, his voice slicing through the air.

(The room quieted. Staff paused, sensing the sudden shift in atmosphere.)

IBARA: "Starmaker Production's fine—Tenshouin Eichi, Hibiki Wataru, Himemiya Tori, Fushimi Yuzuru—" he listed, each name a weight in itself, a testament to their legendary status. "—They've aligned schedules. They'll be joining your photoshoot."

(A beat of stunned silence permeated the studio, heavy and unexpected.)

RAITO: (Blinking, his usual bright energy short-circuiting like a tripped wire.) "Wait... the fine? The 'voice of a thousand colors' fine?! As in Tenshouin Eichi, the guy whose smile is literally trademarked?!"

TSUKI: (Didn't speak, but his breath hitched, a faint, almost imperceptible catch. His eyes, usually so steady, flickered towards the studio entrance as if expecting them to materialize. He had analyzed fine's performances countless times, meticulously studied their intricate choreography, knew precisely how vast the gap was between their rising duo and these industry titans.)

IBARA: (Watched their reactions with careful observation, a subtle, almost imperceptible smirk playing at his lips as he tilted his head.) "Yes. And when they arrive... you don't freeze." (His gaze sharpened, a clear challenge in his eyes, a spark to ignite their ambition.) "You rise."

(Ibara stepped closer, his voice dropping, carrying an undercurrent of cold, strategic intent.)

IBARA: "This isn't a crossover for fun. It's COSMIC testing what happens when two forces collide." (His gaze locked onto theirs, a sunbeam away from burning through any flicker of doubt.) "So tell me... Will you shine brighter... or fade out?"

(The unspoken answer hung heavy in the air, a profound question of destiny. Raito's characteristic smile froze for a second, a crack appearing in his sunny demeanor. Tsuki's fingers twitched at his sides, clenching as if he could physically grip the rising fear and crush it beneath his steady resolve.)

NARRATOR: Tenshouin Eichi. The name alone was a weight, a legend in its own right. Calm. Calculating. A leader who didn't shout—he orchestrated symphonies of success. Hibiki Wataru, the genius composer, his eyes often like storm clouds before a miraculous performance. Himemiya Tori, whose charm melted crowds without even trying. Fushimi Yuzuru—the elegant dancer who made perfection look effortless. And now? They were coming here. To share their stage. Their light... their moment.

RAITO: (Swallowed hard, then forced his spine straight, shoulders back, as if suddenly remembering the lessons learned from UNDEAD, the fire they had ignited. His voice wavered at first, then grew firmer, a spark reigniting.) "So what if they're legends? We're not here to bow... we're here to compete."

TSUKI: (Took a slow, measured breath, his eyes low, then met Raito's gaze. A familiar, almost imperceptible nod passed between them—a silent pact of their opposing yet united wills, a promise forged in the heat of a challenge.) "Then let them see what polar fire really looks like."

(Just then, the studio doors slid open with a soft hiss. A gentle breeze, as if carrying the scent of grandeur, swept through the space.)

NARRATOR: And there they stood—fine: Eichi Tenshouin, with his perpetually soft, unreadable smile. Hibiki Wataru, adjusting his hair with quiet, theatrical focus. Himemiya Tori, grinning like sunlight on water, radiating pure idol charm. Fushimi Yuzuru, gliding forward with an almost poetic grace. For one heartbeat... no words. Just two units sizing each other up—not as simple rivals... but as stars on a collision course, burning toward the same sky. The air in the room seemed to hum with an almost palpable energy. Raito and Tsuki had faced pressure before – from the intense scrutiny of the DreamFes system, the raw power of UNDEAD, the fierce artistry of Valkyrie. But this moment wasn't just about them. It wasn't about Eden, Valkyrie, or 2wink – it was about COSMIC's vision: a new era, where talents as different as the sun and the moon could share the same spotlight.

NARRATOR: Neither unit looked away... until Eichi's smile widened ever so slightly, a glint of amusement in his eyes, a softening that belied his reputation.

EICHI: "Well now... we meet at last, Polar Opposites."

(Raito and Tsuki snapped into a sharp, synchronized bow—fast, deep, and just a little shaky, a testament to their nerves and respect.)

RAITO: "F-fine-sama! W-welcome!" (He blurted out, his voice cracking slightly mid-bow, a hint of his inner turmoil seeping through.) "We're h-honored to share the s-stage with you!"

TSUKI: (Stayed bowed lower a second longer, his quiet respect cutting through the nerves like moonlight through fog.) "...We've... watched every one of your performances. ...Please... guide us."

(The room stilled. Even Ibara, ever composed, raised an eyebrow at Tsuki's earnest plea, a rare show of vulnerability. Because, yes, Polar Opposites were trembling. Their hands nearly buzzed at their sides. Their knees felt tight, as if they might bolt at any moment. But they didn't run. They bowed—not out of fear... but reverence. And that? That earned a silence more powerful than any cheer.)

EICHI: (Stepped forward, his smile softening—not mocking, not cold, but genuine, a warmth that was both surprising and disarming. He reached out and gently tapped Raito's forehead with two fingers, a gesture as legendary as his voice, one that often preceded a moment of profound observation or a playful tease.) "No need to call me 'sama.' Just Eichi."

WATARU: (Chuckled, a rich, theatrical sound, from behind Eichi, a dramatic flourish even in a quiet moment.) "You're braver than you look, little stars! Ahaha!"

TORI: (Leaned in, a charming, almost mischievous grin on his face, enjoying the spectacle.) "Ooooh~ They're cute when they panic! Heehee!"

YUZURU: (Simply gave a small, dignified nod—one seasoned professional acknowledging the potential of burgeoning talent with understated grace.) "...Let's make something beautiful together."

(And just like that... the tension cracked—not broken... but transformed. Into warmth? No. Into fire, a new kind of energy sparking between the units.)

NARRATOR: Raito and Tsuki's eyes widened. Then they both ducked behind Ibara almost in sync, clutching at the back of his stylish coat like a lifeline, seeking refuge from the sheer star power. The rest of fine watched with amused smiles—except Yuzuru, who remained largely unreadable, though his eyes softened just slightly, a flicker of understanding. Ibara himself, meanwhile, had raised an eyebrow behind the cover of his bangs, a dry amusement playing on his features.

IBARA: (Without turning, a dry tone in his voice, perfectly capturing his deadpan wit.) "You two are about to see one of the most famous idols in the industry... and you take cover like rabbits."

(Eichi—and his unit—exchanged glances. Raito and Tsuki had potential, that was obvious. But... they were shaking like rabbits. Literally, their nerves palpable.)

EICHI: (His eyes softened, a thoughtful expression on his face, observing them with genuine curiosity.) "Are they always this... nervous?"

(Ibara didn't move as Raito and Tsuki clung to his back like startled kittens, their fingers tightening with every soft word Eichi spoke. He sighed—a low, dry sound—and turned his head just enough to glance over his shoulder at them.)

IBARA: "Hmph. They weren't trembling when we judged them." (He flicked his eyes pointedly toward the direction of the Eden members who had been observing, a subtle jab.) "No flinching during Valkyrie's stare-down. Not even when Crazy:B dropped their 'final form' surprise choreo." (Then he looked straight at Eichi, a faint, almost imperceptible smirk touching his lips, a challenge in his voice.) "But you? You're not just an idol unit. You're legends who walk like they own the sky."

(A beat of silence. Raito whimpered slightly, a faint sound of pure awe-induced terror, a high-pitched squeak of overwhelm.)

TSUKI: (Whispered, his voice barely audible, as if relaying a forbidden secret, the ultimate testament to fine's intimidating aura.) "...He once canceled a fan event because someone used the wrong shade of blue in a lightstick wave..."

(Eichi blinked, a moment of genuine surprise. Then—he chuckled. A low, warm, utterly unfiltered sound that rolled through the room like sunlight breaking through clouds, dissipating the tension.)

WATARU: (Muttering, more to himself than anyone else, a dramatic flair even in observation.) "So they fear him... as a concept. Ahaha!"

TORI: (Grinned, finding the whole situation endlessly amusing, his eyes sparkling with mischief.) "Iconic."

YUZURU: (Stepped forward quietly, kneeling slightly so he was eye-level with their hiding spot behind Ibara, his voice soft but resonant, a gentle hand extended.) "...We were scared too... once."

(The words were gentle—but cut deep, a stark reminder of their shared human experience in a demanding industry, a bridge across the chasm of experience. And slowly... Raito peeked out again. Tsuki loosened his grip—just a little—as Eichi smiled that impossible smile—the one that wasn't about power... but promise.)

EICHI: "Let's stop being scary legends... And start being rivals who shine together?"

(The rabbits? Still trembling... But now? They dared to take one tiny step forward—not away from fear... but toward fire, drawn by the irresistible warmth of possibility.)

🤘🔥: The Unscripted Shot

(The photoshoot resumed. Lights flared, cameras clicked, and a new kind of magic sparked. Raito and Tsuki moved with surprising grace beside Wataru, Tori, and Yuzuru—syncing poses as if their polar contrast inherently belonged beside fine's refined brilliance, a natural harmony emerging.)

NARRATOR: With Wataru? They matched his calm intensity—one frame capturing Raito leaning forward with an inquisitive look as Wataru looked up in quiet challenge, a spark of playful rivalry igniting between them. With Tori? Pure charm chaos—Tori winking mid-pose while Raito burst into laughter, completely disarmed, and Tsuki deadpanning behind them both, a silent guardian of their unit's cool. With Yuzuru? A dance of silence and elegance—their hands almost touching in a mirrored stance that looked like fate drawn in light, a perfect blend of discipline and fluid motion.

(But then—the director's voice boomed, cutting through the creative flow.)

DIRECTOR: "Alright! Final grouping! Let's get Eichi with Polar Opposites!"

(And just like that—Raito froze mid-smile. Tsuki instinctively took a half-step back. Both twitched—like rabbits sensing the storm sky shift—and slowly turned... to see Eichi approaching with serene grace, his soft smile somehow more terrifying now that he was mere inches away. He stopped between them, looked down at their stiff shoulders, and sighed—not annoyed... but amused, a wry twist to his lips.)

EICHI: (Crouched slightly—just enough to meet their eye level, his voice a conspiratorial whisper, as if sharing a secret.) "What if I told you... I was nervous too?"

(Silence. Camera flashes paused mid-burst. Even the staff leaned in slightly—because no one had ever heard those words from Tenshouin Eichi before, a confession from a living legend.)

EICHI: (His voice stayed low, almost intimate, painting a picture of a youthful, awkward Eichi.) "My first shoot? I tripped over a cord. I once bowed so deep I knocked over a light stand." (He tilted his head, a playful smirk playing at his lips, sharing a moment of shared humanity.) "And yeah... I hid behind my senpai for ten minutes."

RAITO: (Blinked. Slowly... slowly... a giggle escaped him. Then another. Then full-blown laughter, the tension finally breaking.) "Y-you?! N-nervous?!"

TSUKI: (Finally exhaled—and for the first time since fine arrived? Looked at Eichi not as an untouchable idol... but as someone who had once stood where they now trembled, a kindred spirit.)

PHOTOGRAPHER: (Grinned, sensing the shift, the new energy sparking.) "Okay! One last shot!"

(Eichi stood tall again—but this time placed one hand on each of their shoulders, pulled them close, and faced the camera—three generations of light aligned under one flash, a moment of unity and burgeoning legend.)

NARRATOR: Polar Opposites... finally standing without fear... beside the legend who taught them how to rise.

[SOUND of a camera flash, followed by a sudden stumble]

NARRATOR: "—wait, what?" One second, Eichi was stepping back with effortless grace—the next? His foot caught on a stray monitor cable, a sudden, clumsy interruption to his perfect composure. A blink. A stumble. Then—thud. Not a fall... but a dramatic lean—his hands slamming both palms against the wall on either side of Raito and Tsuki's heads—trapping them in place—close, too close. Eichi's perfect composure cracked into wide-eyed surprise—and Raito & Tsuki?

RAITO: "EEEEEE-!!" (He squeaked, freezing like he'd been struck by lightning, eyes wide with pure, unadulterated terror.)

TSUKI: (Went completely rigid—eyes wide, face pale, his soul possibly already halfway to the afterlife, preparing for absorption.) "H-HE'S GONNA ABSORB US..."

(And in that one wild, unplanned second—FLASH! The photographer didn't hesitate. Captured it all: Eichi mid-stumble—hair slightly messy, tie askew, Polar Opposites trapped between his arms like protagonists in some forbidden drama, pure terror radiating off them like heat waves, and somehow... still incredibly photogenic? Silence fell.)

NARRATOR: Then—Hibiki Wataru snorted, barely stifling a laugh, his dramatic flair still present even in suppressed amusement. Himemiya Tori burst out laughing, unable to contain his glee, finding the situation endlessly entertaining. Fushimi Yuzuru covered his mouth, but his shaking shoulders betrayed his amusement, a rare crack in his elegant composure.

EICHI: (Slowly pulled back and straightened up with a cough, brushing dust off his sleeve as if nothing had happened, attempting to regain his regal bearing.) "...I tripped. ...It meant nothing." (But then he glanced at the monitor where the photo displayed... and actually blushed, a rare flush of genuine embarrassment spreading across his cheeks.) (Because honestly? It looked iconic. And Ibara? From the corner—he smirked, a knowing, satisfied glint in his eye.)

IBARA: "Publish it."

RAITO: (Finally unfroze—with tears in his eyes, clutching his chest, his voice a bewildered cry.) "W-Was that... real life or simulation?!"

TSUKI: (Whispered, eyes still wide with a mix of shock and dawning horror, a chilling realization.) "...I think we just got framed for romance."

📞🌌: The Aftermath & Mama Hikari

(At STARMAKER PRODUCTION... Eichi Tenshouin leaned back against the wall, holding up a magazine with a grimace, a sight as rare as a comet. His eyes scanned the cover:

POLAR OPPOSITES x fine

And there—splashed across the front? A perfectly timed shot of his fall: his hands planted on either side of Raito & Tsuki's heads, their faces frozen in rabbit-mode terror, his own expression caught in that brief moment of shock—and a bold caption beneath:

Polar Opposites: Trapped between a wall)

EICHI: (Shook his head, mumbling to himself, a frustrated sigh escaping him.) "That photographer had no sense of self-preservation..."

WATARU: (Suddenly appeared beside him, grinning like a demon, seemingly materializing out of thin air, his eyes alight with mischief.) "But you gotta admit... that was a gorgeous shot, Eichi-chan ✨"

EICHI: (Shot a flat glare, a rare display of genuine annoyance, his usual composure momentarily shattered.) "Don't call me that."

WATARU: (Feigned innocence, shrugging dramatically, enjoying Eichi's rare fluster.) "I'm just saying... you look great! Like some handsome villain who's cornered two helpless victims. Very 'main character' moment. Ahaha!

(Eichi didn't respond—but he glanced at the magazine again, then quickly turned and tried to walk away, but Wataru fell into step beside him, still grinning ear-to-ear. Eichi walked faster, trying to slip away—but Wataru matched his pace perfectly, still talking.)

WATARU: "Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if it became an iconic photo. The internet's probably losing it right now—"

(Eichi quickened his stride—nearly a march now, but Wataru? He kept moving like he was having the time of his life, always just a few steps away.)

WATARU: "—you know how social media is. All it takes is one good meme... and that photo could blow up. Fufufu!"

(Eichi clenched his jaw—and suddenly broke into a run, trying to outpace his annoyingly chatty unit member, a rare display of undignified haste.)

WATARU: "—or even become some weird trend, like the whole necktie challenge thing from last year—" (Wataru's casual voice chased him down the hall, laughing, running, still talking.) "—can you imagine if it spawned a bunch of copycat photos? Like fans trying to recreate the pose—"

(Setting: Starmaker Production hallway – Tori and Yuzuru watch Eichi and Wataru's chaotic chase.)

TORI: (Blinked slowly, then sighed, leaning against the wall with a dramatic flourish, an amused spectator.) "...Is this what happens when Eichi finally meets something he can't control?"

YUZURU: (Didn't answer right away. Just stared, serene, observant, deep in thought, his wisdom quiet. Then—a single, calm word, profound in its simplicity.) "No. This is what happens when Eichi meets something he can't deny."

(Tori's eyes widened slightly—then crinkled into a grin, understanding dawning.)

TORI: (Leaned forward, voice dropping to a playful whisper.) "Ohhhh... so you're saying... The untouchable king has been flustered?"

(Yuzuru remained still—but just for a second... then turned away, hiding it well... but not well enough: a flicker, a tiny smirk, the ghost of amusement in his moonlight eyes, betraying his own quiet entertainment. And somewhere far behind them—Eichi finally slammed the practice room door shut... only to realize—he was now alone... except for his reflection... and that cursed magazine cover staring back at him from his own hands.)

[SOUND of a door slamming shut, followed by an angry shout]

EICHI: (Slumped against the wall, exhaling sharply, the last vestiges of his composure crumbling. For a few seconds, the room was quiet. Peaceful. Then the silence shattered as he hurled the magazine hard against the wall, yelling.) "DAMN IT!!!" (His voice echoed back at him—sharp and venomous in the empty space. Eichi clenched his fists, chest heaving with anger and frustration.)

👏📰: Mama Hikari's Scoop

(Setting: COSMIC PRODUCTION – A break room, where various idols from COSMIC units are gathered, their attention drawn to a tablet displaying the controversial magazine cover, the mood a mix of concern and morbid curiosity.)

NARRATOR: Meanwhile, the Crazy:B unit leaned in closer, their eyes fixed on the tablet.

RINNE: (Let out a low whistle, shaking his head with a wide, knowing smile, appreciating the chaos.) "Hoo boy... look at that. Our boy's famous."

HINATA: (From 2wink, who had been chatting nearby, let out a similar low whistle, a hint of envy in his tone.) "More like 'infamous,' Nii-san."

KOHAKU: (Ever the pragmatist, simply commented, his usual wisdom cutting through the noise.) "I guess there really is no such thing as bad publicity, 'kay?"

RINNE: (Lounging on the sofa, raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eye.) "I mean, he looks pretty good, though."

YUTA: (Nodded in agreement, adding, his twin's horror contagious.) "Yeah, in a kind of dramatic, villainous way. Very 'main character' of him."

NIKI: (The group's resident foodie, looked up from the snack he was munching on, his mouth full, his eyes wide in genuine terror.) "I wonder what the online rumors will say, ne~?"

(The room fell into a momentary silence as that thought sunk in. Everyone knew that rumors in the entertainment industry, especially surrounding a figure like Tenshouin Eichi, could spread like wildfire. Even more so with a single viral photo, its implications far-reaching.)

JUN: (From Eden, broke the silence, glancing at the tablet again, a hint of concern in his usually cool demeanor.) "The gossip sites are going to have a field day with this one, Ohii-san."

IBARA: (Ever the voice of reason, spoke up, cutting through the chatter with a professional tone, his composure unwavering.) "It's not just the gossip sites. Fans will be reacting too."

HIYORI: (Nodded, adding with a sigh, a touch of weary understanding.) "Some might be supportive, but others... well, they might not take kindly to their idol being portrayed like this. Hmph."

SHU: (From Valkyrie, his gaze darkened slightly, his voice sharp with a hint of disdain for such crude publicity stunts, an artist's distaste for the unrefined.) "Precisely. This could have an impact on his reputation. Utterly tasteless."

MIKA: (Who'd been quiet until now, spoke up bluntly, his eyes wide with concern, ever protective.) "It's risky, Oshi-san..."

RINNE: (Ever the optimist, though with a mischievous glint in his eye, threw in a playful retort, embracing the chaos.) "Or it could be amazing PR! Fufufu!"

(Across the room, the unit from Polar Opposites sat silently on a couch, their usually energetic spirits noticeably dampened, a stark contrast to the lively discussion. Tsuki was leaned back, staring off into space, his usual stoicism tinged with something darker, almost resignation. Raito had a pillow clutched tightly against his chest, his normally bright eyes now dulled with uncertainty. They looked like shadows compared to the vibrant units around them, their own personal storm brewing.)

HIYORI: (Was the first to break the silence regarding them, a gentle concern in his voice.) "They look... off, don't they, Jun-kun?"

(The others nodded in agreement, their eyes drifting toward the quiet unit in the corner, a collective understanding.)

JUN: (Sighed, folding his arms, a hint of sympathy in his voice.) "To be expected, I guess. That photo... it must've been shocking for them."

IBARA: (Spoke again, his voice quieter this time, a rare note of genuine concern, a hint of a protective instinct surfacing.) "They'd been doing well until now. Handling their rise with dignity."

SHU: (His eyes lingered on Polar Opposites for a moment. There was a hint of compassion in his usually distant expression, a recognition of their artistic vulnerability, a fellow performer's empathy.)

MIKA: (Ever blunt, voiced his observation softly, cutting to the heart of the matter.) "They're scared, 'innit?"

[SOUND of a phone buzzing loudly]

NARRATOR: Raito froze. The phone buzzed in his hand—vibrating like a warning bell, a harbinger of doom.

RAITO'S PHONE SCREEN: Caller ID: Mom (23 Missed Calls)

NARRATOR: His face drained of color, the last vestiges of his sunny disposition fleeing. Tsuki slowly turned his head, eyes widening in silent dread, mirroring Raito's horror. Across the room, everyone noticed it—the way Raito's fingers trembled, the way he stared at the screen like it was about to summon a demon, and how—without a word—he slowly began to lower the phone... face first... into the couch cushion... a desperate attempt to outrun the inevitable.

RAITO: (Muffled, desperate, into the pillow, his voice a wail of despair.) "Noooo... not now... Anything but her knowing."

JUN: (Blinked, trying to piece together the sudden, profound panic, bewildered by the intensity of the reaction.) "Wait. You mean..."

IBARA: (Sighed, adjusting his glove with quiet finality, his voice a low, ominous pronouncement, a strategic warning.) "Raito's mother runs half of Japan's idol gossip forums. A formidable force."

(Silence fell again—but this time, it was laced with horror. Because suddenly? That magazine cover wasn't just scandalous... it was apocalyptic, a cataclysm unleashed by a single photo.)

HINATA: (Gasped dramatically, clutching his cheeks, his imagination running wild.) "Oh no... she'll turn it into fan fiction!"

YUTA: (Added, his twin's horror contagious, amplifying the impending doom.) "With tags. And shipping names!"

NIKI: (Dropped his snack, his eyes wide in genuine terror, the worst possible scenario forming in his mind.) "...She'll call them 'Sunwall Shipping'."

RAITO: (Screamed into the pillow—muffled but desperate—his legs kicking slightly in pure, unadulterated panic, a frantic dance of despair.) "NO!"

TSUKI: (Looked pale now, a rare display of vulnerability, his usual calm shattered.) "...We're trending, aren't we?"

[SOUND of a new notification on Raito's phone]

NARRATOR: At that exact moment—Raito's phone lit up again—not with a call... but with a notification from "IDOL SCOOP DAILY - by Mama Hikari".

PHONE PREVIEW HEADLINE: "MY SON TRAPPED BY A HANDSOME VILLAIN?! EICHI TENSOUIN'S WALL SLAM SCANDAL EXPOSED!! 😱💖🔥"

(Polar Opposites collapsed inward—curling into each other like two souls caught in an internet storm, seeking refuge in each other's terror, as the idols of COSMIC watched... and realized something terrifying: the real villain wasn't Eichi... It was Mama Hikari.)

💫✨: Plushie Power

(Setting: COSMIC PRODUCTION break room, moments later. The collective panic has been somewhat reined in, though the lingering dread of Mama Hikari's influence remained.)

IBARA: (The ever-practical leader, swiftly re-centered the group's focus, his voice firm, bringing them back to reality.) "We should focus on preparing for the plushie advertisement shoot."

(As the word "plushie" left his mouth, Raito and Tsuki snapped to attention, the stress momentarily displaced by the mention of their upcoming task. It was like a magic charm, breaking Mama Hikari's spell.)

RAITO: (His bright energy flickered back on, though a little frazzled, a glimmer of his usual self returning.) "Plushie... right!"

(The mood in the room slightly lifted, the absurdity a welcome distraction. Raito and Tsuki stood up from the couch, all thoughts of the gossip magazine and Mama Hikari momentarily fading as they mentally prepared for their plushie ad shoot, a new mission pushing the old one aside.)

HINATA: (Ever the optimistic one, couldn't help but smile at the abrupt shift, marveling at the power of simple cuteness.) "There they go... the power of cute stuff!"

NIKI: (Still holding his snack, nodded in agreement, his priorities clear.) "Plushies > gossip any day, ne~?"

YUTA: (Chuckled, shaking his head slightly, amused by the predictability of his peers.) "Plushies, the ultimate distraction."

TORI: (From fine, who had rejoined his unit, nodded with a pout, a touch of knowing envy in his voice.) "And Raito and Tsuki's plushie ad shoot will probably be even more distracting. Those two together in plushie form... it's just too much cuteness!"

(A collective sigh of agreement, and perhaps some internal fangirling, went through the room. Even Ibara was not immune to the power of idol merchandising, a tiny smirk playing on his lips.)

NARRATOR: Raito and Tsuki exchanged a quick look, both realizing what everyone was implying, a blush creeping onto their cheeks.

TSUKI: (Coughed, slightly flustered, a rare hint of pink on his cheeks, attempting to regain his cool.) "Just... a regular commercial, everyone. Nothing dramatic."

RAITO: (Added, the pink tinge deepening, trying to play it down.) "Yeah, it's just... well, a plushie ad."

(The others chuckled at their reactions, clearly amused, knowing better.)

YUTA: "Sure, 'regular' when it's those two..."

📸💡: The Plushie's Comfort

(Setting: Plushie Ad Set – Raito and Tsuki, holding miniature plushie versions of themselves, bathed in soft, inviting light.)

NARRATOR: The ad began. On-screen, Raito and Tsuki held the miniature representations of themselves—plushie versions, perfect in every detail. Almost too cute to be real. Raito looked down, gently holding his plushie self against his chest, a soft, genuine smile on his face, radiating warmth. Tsuki, on the other hand, was carefully inspecting the plushie version of himself, his eyes slightly widening in surprise as he noted the tiny, meticulous details, a rare moment of soft wonder.

IBARA: (His voice, heard from off-camera, professional and crisp, cutting through the quiet charm of the set.) "And... ACTION!"

RAITO: (Immediately switched into performance mode, holding the plushie version of himself up to the camera with a bright, dazzling smile, his natural charisma shining through.) "Hey hey~ Have you seen these cute plushies?"

TSUKI: (Held up his plushie self as well, a more natural, albeit still reserved, smile on his face, his quiet charm captivating.) "They're soft, they're cuddly, and... they actually look like us."

(The camera panned slowly between the plushies and the real Raito and Tsuki, emphasizing the uncanny likeness, a perfect blend of reality and adorable merchandise.)

RAITO: (Continued, a touch of playful innocence in his voice, inviting comfort.) "Perfect for cuddling on cold nights... or when you're feeling lonely..."

TSUKI: (Added in a quiet, but sincere tone, his eyes fixed on the plushie in his hand, a genuine sentiment.) "...or when you just need a little comfort."

[To be continued...]