'This is where we Part'

Chapter 7 - "This Is How I am"

After a few days, Idolish7 was back to their schedule. Today's agenda was a high-profile meeting. Their mew project, a collaborationg with TRIGGER, called "Happy Together". The conference room buzzed quietly with anticipation as both groups settled around the long table. Staff from both agencies busied themselves with notes, laptops and presentation materials.

Yamato leaned back in his chair, whispering to Iori, "I hope this goes smoothly, last time TRIGGER was kind of intimidating."

Iori gave a faint nod but kept his eyes on Riku. The youngest member fidgeted with his notebook, already tense. He had performed with TRIGGER before in fan events, but this was different, this was an official collaboration.

Soon, the doors opened and TRIGGER entered. Tenn's presence immediately filled the room. He moved with his usual sharp posture, eyes scanning each member, finally resting briefly on Riku. The youngest flinched subtly but tried to compose himself.

Ryunosuke smiled warmly, setting down his folder. "it's great to be working together on this project. I'm sure it'll be fun!"

Tenn however, barely acknowledged anoyone, sliding into his seat with a cool almost indifferent air. His gaze, though, did linger on Riku a fraction too long. The project manager stood up, clicking through slides on the projector. "So,Happy Together will be a joint digital single. Idolish7 and TRIGGER will alternate lines, some duets and we're aiming for a mix of upbeat energy with heartfelt lyric. We need to finalize recording schedules and promotional content."

Gaku nodded. "Sounds great. But we'll need to discuss vocal arrangements carefully, both groups have distinct styles."

Yamato glanced at Riku. "Riku, are you ready for this? We'll support you in every part."

Riku forced a smile. "i...I'll do my best."

Tenn's voice cut through the calm, sharp and direct. "if you're going to sing this properly don't think about playing cute. Don't think about being liked by the fans. Just do your job."

The words hit Riku like ice. He blinked, swallowing hard, feeling a familiar, unwelcome pressure settle in his chest. The other members stiffened slightly, Mitsuki's jaw clenched, Yamato's eyes narrowed, but no one spoke immediately. Tenn continued, still looking directly at Riku.

"This isn't stage for feelings or for being sentimental. If you can't handle you part professionally, don't waste anyone's time, including mine."

Riku's hands clenched the notebook in front of him. He forced a polite nod. "i...I understand..."

Iori's fingers tapped the table, restless, but he stayed silent. He knew it wasn't time to intervene in front of everyone.

Minna and Noehatsu's previous warnings echoed in his mind. "Riku doesn't need to hide here, but he has to pace himself"

Ryunosuke, sensing the tension, tried to lighten the atmosphere. "okay, okay, let's focus on the duet parts first. Riku-kun and Tenn, you two will handle the bridge section together. We can adjust if necessary."

Tenn's eyes didn't leave Riku. "Make sure you can hit your notes. If you struggle, you embarrass yourself."

Riku's stomach tightened. He wanted to explain to tell Tenn that he could do it, but he swallowed the words. He didn't want to appear weak in front of the others.

Yamato leaned closer, whispering, "ignore him for now. Just focus on what we practiced."

The rest of the meeting went smoothly enough with technical discussion and schedule planning. But everyone time Tenn's gaze met Riku's, the young idol felt it, cold, critical, impossible to shake off. Even the casual smiles and nods from TRIGGER's other members couldn't hide the tension Tenn carried.