OUR STORY (BxB)

Chapter 6

-AKIRO-

Winter is here, and Tamaro's birthday is just five days away. He's turning eighteen, a milestone that falls on December —right on the cusp of a new year. I can't help but wonder... is it a coincidence that my own birthday, on September , marks the beginning of the BER months, and his closes them? It feels like something written in the stars, but maybe I'm just being hopeful.

We've returned from Malaysia, and honestly, it's one of the most unforgettable places I've ever been. Tamaro was playfully mischievous the entire trip. There was a moment when we showered together—and I'm not going to lie; I nearly lost control. We were bare, side by side, lathering each other with soap. I was this close to pulling him into my arms and kissing him.

He kisses me often, and I never stop him. He doesn't do that with the others—it's just me. Only me. How am I supposed to interpret that? They say actions speak louder than words, but silence can be just as loud—and far more confusing. Sweetness isn't always love, and I keep searching for that one clear word of assurance from him. What if he only sees me as a younger brother? That thought makes my heart ache.

What if he doesn't feel the same way? What if his "I love you" is wrapped in familiar affection? Should I ask him? Should I say something? But we're both still so young... I'm sixteen. Maybe it's wiser to set these feelings aside for now and focus on our shared career. Still, part of me longs for a truth I'm not sure I'm ready to hear.

The day before Tamaro's birthday, I gathered the members and shared my plan—I wanted to surprise him, even with something simple. Just a cake for him to blow out. Everyone agreed instantly, and even Manager Brandon offered to help. We mapped everything out, down to the smallest detail. While Tamaro was still asleep, we woke early, filled the room with balloons, and placed the cake carefully on the table. Manager Brandon brought it in, and Joshua cooked noodles for us all to share.

I gently woke Tamaro, telling him we had practice soon. He groggily got up, unaware of the plan. And the moment he stepped out of his room—we let the confetti fly and sang the birthday song with all our hearts. I stood at the center, holding the cake, smiling so wide it hurt.

He froze at the sight. Tears welled in his eyes as he covered his mouth in disbelief. We pulled him into a group hug—but I leaned in closer, kissed him on the cheek, and wrapped my arms around him.

"Happy birthday, Tamaro," I whispered into his ear.

And then he said it—softly, like breath in the cold:

"Thank you, baby."

My heart skipped. Did he just call me that? Baby? Did Tamaro Saito just...?

I pretended not to hear it, not wanting to make it bigger than it already felt—but inside, I was trembling. This was supposed to be his surprise, not mine.

Later, we gathered around a small table in the living room, eating noodles and laughing. I watched him—his smile like sunlight after rain. Something about him had me drowning. Drowning in beauty, in the way his laughter filled the space around us. I was completely entranced, lost in the softness of the moment... until Jemuel elbowed me back to reality.

"He might melt from that stare," Jemuel whispered beside me, voice low and teasing.

I turned to him, surprised. "What are you saying?" I asked, feigning ignorance.

He smiled knowingly. "Oh, Akiro... You really think I haven't noticed the way you look at Tamaro?"

I glanced quickly around the table, checking if the other members had heard. "You're imagining things," I muttered, returning to my food.

"If you say so," he chuckled softly.

I tried to ignore him, but... was I really that obvious? I guess I am. I lose myself sometimes when I look at Tamaro. What am I supposed to do? He's stunning. Pure gravity.

After we ate, we cleaned up and started getting ready for practice. Tamaro was in the room, changing, when I stepped in quietly to grab the gift I'd prepared.

"Tamaro," I said, offering him the small bracelet, "Happy birthday."

"For me?" His voice lit up with excitement. I nodded, nervously rubbing the back of my neck.

"Thank you, baby," he said, pulling me into a hug.

My heart stopped. I stiffened in his arms. He called me baby... again.

"B-baby? You called me baby?" I asked, the words tumbling out, this time needing clarity.

He grinned. "Yes, baby. You're our baby—being the youngest in the group, of course."

"O-okay..." I said, pretending the word hadn't pierced through me.

"Thanks for this," he added, "Can you put it on me?"

I slipped the bracelet onto his wrist, my hands trembling slightly.

"Ohhh, it's the same as yours," he said, noticing the identical bracelet on my wrist.

"Ahh, yeah—I bought mine too," I replied, meeting his gaze.

And in that moment, something simple passed between us. Just a glance. Just matching bracelets. But somehow, it felt like more.

He is looking with the bracelet with a smile. One thing that I like him is, he is not greedy. He appreciated everything even in a small thing. But one thing I feel right now is disappointment. Everything I thought about of what he treats me is just for brothers' love. Did I assume big time? Okay I am disappointed to be honest. Yes, I assume even a little. I think this time I will really stop these feelings to him. I am not going to put some malice on how he treats me. Baby? Baby my ass.

We celebrate new year's together again with the members. This is our two years celebrating without our family. I miss my mom and Dad. I left the house at the age of fourteen. And now I am sixteen without the parents.

After the new year celebration. I felt longing to my family especially with my mom. It's four in the morning and It's January 1. The start of the year. But the welcome of new year to me is not good. I felt I was rejected when Tamaro told me that I am the baby of the group. I thought I am his baby alone. I want to be his baby. Not a baby of all the members. I know it's childish but that's what I want. HIS BABY.

-TAMARO-

The members surprised me on my birthday. Jemuel had this glint in his eyes when he told me it was Akiro's idea all along—that he'd gone to the others to plan it just for me.

"Akiro really likes you," Jemuel teased, poking my side. I swatted his hand playfully, but he just laughed and walked out of the room, still grinning.

Akiro stepped in not long after, holding a small gift. My heart fluttered—I took it eagerly and hugged him, caught up in the warmth of the moment.

"Thank you, baby," I said, the word slipping out so naturally...

Too naturally.

He tensed in my arms. I felt it.

He pulled back slightly and looked at me, confused.

Maybe I should've held it back.

"B-baby?" he asked, voice uncertain. "Tamaro, you called me baby?"

I tried to play it off with a smile.

"Yes—baby, as in our youngest. The baby of the group," I said, keeping my tone light while inside, I was unraveling. I saw the flicker in his eyes—a flash of disappointment, too quick to hide.

"Ahh, o-okay," he replied, turning away and rubbing the back of his neck. I pretended to admire the bracelet in my hand, even though I could feel his gaze on me.

Why did he look so... hurt?

To shift the mood, I asked, "Can you put it on me?"

He slipped the bracelet onto my wrist, and our hands lingered just a little longer than needed.

"Ohhh—it's the same as yours," I said, pointing to the matching piece on his wrist.

Was it just coincidence? Or something unspoken between us?

The bracelet gleamed beneath the lights like a quiet promise—one we couldn't voice yet.

"Ahhh, yes—I bought mine too," he said, eyes meeting mine with a depth that felt like a quiet plea. There was something in his gaze I couldn't ignore. Disappointment, maybe. Regret. I could read it so easily, even in silence.

Was it because of the word baby?

We all celebrated New Year's Eve together. Laughter, music, warm light. But even as the party danced around us, I caught glimpses of something distant in Akiro's eyes. His thoughts wandered, tugged somewhere I couldn't reach.

It was four in the morning when the night finally quieted. The others were fast asleep—drunk, worn out, content. But Akiro remained in the living room, sitting alone, facing the balcony where snow was falling softly beyond the glass.

I stepped out into the cold and found him like that—legs folded, arms resting loosely, wrapped in silence. I sat beside him, and he flinched slightly at my presence.

"Tamaro," he breathed, startled.

"What are you thinking?" I asked gently.

He looked down, let out a long, fragile breath.

"I miss my mom," he whispered, and then the tears came.

Without a word, I slid closer and wrapped my arm around his shoulder, pulling him into me. He leaned in without hesitation, resting his head on mine. His sobs were soft, aching. I didn't speak. I didn't have to.

He left home when he was just a child—fourteen—and now, at sixteen, he carries that ache in the quiet corners of every celebration. He may be our youngest, yes. Our baby. But he's my baby, in ways none of the others could understand.

I held him until the silence soothed him. Until the snow faded into dawn.

And I remembered—this wasn't the first time I'd seen him cry alone.

The new year arrived with a surge of rehearsals. Our practice hours doubled, leaving barely enough room for sleep. The older members have been pouring themselves into writing and producing our songs. They're more than teammates to me—they're artists I deeply admire. One day, I'll write my own music too. One day, I'll have something that comes from me.

Tonight, we're at the stadium, sharing the stage with other performers for the annual music awards. It's crowded, chaotic—and beautiful. Amid all of it, Akiro clings to me. He always does that when he's overwhelmed by crowds. He's introverted, soft-spoken, and easily shy around unfamiliar energy. I know him. He hugged me from behind even as we walked across the venue. As we stood at the center of it all, I felt his arms wrap around me in quiet comfort. Throughout the program, he barely let go—and I didn't mind. Not at all.

We've been on a whirlwind of interviews and radio guesting's lately. Exposure is important, and we're doing everything with sincerity. That's our difference—we don't pretend. On camera, Akiro and I are visibly close. But off camera... it's something more. Something deeper.

We had a radio guesting, and they asked me something personal. The DJ leaned in and asked if I'd ever dated someone seriously. I answered honestly—no, not really. Just one brief relationship, and it lasted only twenty days. But even then, talking about girls feels strange when Akiro is around.

While I shared my story, I glanced at him. He was watching me quietly, lips pressed together, eyes intense. There was something in his gaze I couldn't name—but it made me nervous.

Later, during another interview, the question came up again. I explained it all. Truthfully, I never had a deep relationship. I dated to avoid hurting people who confessed to me, thinking that was kindness. I was wrong.

My first heartbreak wasn't from someone I loved—but from someone I hoped would. She turned me down because of who my father is. A farmer. As if that made me less. It broke something inside me.

Since then, I promised myself—if I ever fall in love again, she'd be the last. But life didn't follow my script.

Because this time... I fell for a boy.

His name is Akiro Yamamoto.

My groupmate. My quiet constant.

-AKIRO-



Introverted? Yes—I've always been that way. But becoming an idol wasn't about stepping into noise. It was about chasing a dream. I love to dance. I love to sing. That passion led me here.

I'm often tucked behind Tamaro's shoulder, quietly existing in his shadow—but he never lets me stay there. He always pulls me forward, insists I belong in the spotlight too. Even when the topic isn't about me, he finds ways to make sure I'm included. I don't think I could imagine this life without him.

We were at the radio station, mid-interview, when the DJ asked about Tamaro's dating history. I listened closely. Strange, how in two years of living together, we've never really talked about it. When he said he'd dated a girl... my heart tightened. I didn't want to hear that. But I had no choice—there were cameras, lights, and no way to look away.

I pretended I was interested. Smiled faintly. Nodded on cue.

But inside, I was shrinking.

I've dated, too—but honestly, I never even saw her once after we started "going out."

I think I agreed to it out of politeness more than anything.

This isn't the first time Tamaro's past relationship has been brought up in interviews.

Every time it happens, I sulk quietly.

Does anyone notice?

Maybe not. Maybe I don't care if they do.

We're about to release a new song soon. Tamaro dyed his hair orange, and I was there with him when he did. Honestly? He looks incredible. The others teased him—said he looked like a heartbreaker, someone ready to leave girls sobbing.

They're not wrong.

His handsomeness... it's on a whole different level now.

"Akiro, are you ready for our middle school visit?" Renz asked me as we sat in the car.

I glanced out the window, heart still tangled in unspoken things.

Ready? I don't know.

But I'll go anywhere—as long as Tamaro's walking beside me.

"Yes, I'm ready," I said with a smile that wouldn't quit.

I was dressed in my school uniform, nerves hidden behind excitement. Today was my entrance ceremony—and not only were the members there to support me, but my parents came too. The moment it began, they started teasing me, laughing gently at how I stayed quiet and didn't talk to anyone. But that's just me. Always observing. Always listening.

After the ceremony, Tamaro wrapped me in a hug, rubbing his nose against my ear with that trademark flirtiness—and his orange hair only made the moment bolder. He stayed close to me outside the school gates, arms loosely around me as we walked. Students passed by, watching us, but I didn't mind. This... this was normal for us—even when no cameras were around.

We went to a small restaurant afterward with my parents to celebrate the day. All the members joined us, laughter mixing with clinking plates and quiet joy. For once, I didn't feel small in the crowd. I felt... loved.

I get it now. Maybe Tamaro was right all along—maybe I really am their baby. The youngest. The one they always look after. But it's not just protection—it's care. They've taught me so much about myself, about how to hold back when emotions run wild. They've helped me grow.

And when it comes to Tamaro... I think they know.

They see it.

Even if they don't say a word, there's something in the way they look at us when we're together.

What we have—it's different. It just is.

There was a moment during one of our shows—we were on stage, the MC speaking to fans, and all the members listening. I stood beside Tamaro. Without thinking, maybe just to tease him, I loosened my tie in front of him.

Tamaro saw. He licked his lips. And loosened his tie too—locking eyes with me, mirroring the motion.

I'd meant to fluster him. But somehow, he turned the moment around, and suddenly I was the one gulping, trying to steady my breath. His presence has a way of short-circuiting my thoughts.

Stephen called out, snapping us back to reality.

We were still on camera. Still performing.

After the show, he pulled us aside.

"You need to control yourselves when the camera's on," he said, not angry, just firm. "That kind of sweetness might feel normal to you—but out there, people might misunderstand."

"Sorry," we replied together, voices overlapping.

"I'm saying this for both of you. I don't want the world to misjudge your closeness. You're brothers—I need them to see that."

We blinked. His tone was calm but laced with warning.

"You're acting like a young couple," he added bluntly.

"Are we?" we said in chorus again, half-shocked.

"Yes. And always remember—I'm watching. So be careful."

He walked away, leaving us with mouths slightly agape.

We looked at each other. Gulped.

Looked away.

Tamaro laughed under his breath.

I glanced at him. "Tamaro... are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," he said with a laugh, brushing it off. "It's funny that people think we're more than brothers."

But the moment those words left his mouth, something inside me tightened. Why did it sting? Why did it feel like he was drawing a line that I couldn't cross?

Does he really see me only as a brother?

Not as something... more?

"Yeah. Funny," I replied, voice laced with sarcasm I didn't bother to hide. Then I turned and walked away. He called after me, but I didn't stop. I headed toward the other members who were already packing up. Stephen looked at me—his gaze lingering, probably noticing the shift—but I didn't say anything. I focused on my things, keeping my eyes down while Tamaro entered the room behind me.

I didn't look directly, but I felt it—his stare, lingering in my peripheral vision.

Brother, I thought bitterly. Brother my ass.

"Akiro, let's go," Jemuel said, already slinging his bag over his shoulder.

I glanced at him, watching until he disappeared down the hallway. Then I took a deep breath and followed.

As we walked through the lobby, Jemuel wrapped an arm around me.

"Did you fight with Tamaro?" he asked casually.

"Why?" I replied, feigning indifference.

"Because you didn't come in together. You two always stick like glue. When that changes, it's obvious something's off."

"It's just... a misunderstanding," I said, hoping to end the conversation quickly.

But the truth is—it's not him. It's me. Tamaro didn't do anything wrong. He was just being himself. Kind. Honest.

I'm the one who twisted it in my head, who got caught up in feelings I didn't know how to carry.

Maybe I didn't realize just how transparent I've become. Maybe I've been wearing my heart too close to the surface.

And maybe... that's not fair to him.

We didn't speak the entire way home, but I kept catching him stealing glances at me when he thought I wasn't looking. Truthfully, I wanted to talk to him. I really did. But the memory of what I'd said... it made me feel too embarrassed to try.

I retreated to the bathroom and took a long shower, hoping the water would clear my thoughts. When I stepped out, the lights in the living room had already been turned off. The house was quiet, draped in a hush I wasn't used to.

As I walked toward the bedroom, I felt someone suddenly wrap their arms around me from behind. I gasped at first—but I didn't have to wonder. I knew that warmth. I knew that scent.

Tamaro.

He was holding me, his face buried against my neck. And when he breathed in—when he sniffed me ever so gently—it sent a shiver down my spine. I froze, completely still, my body caught between fight and surrender.

Should I push him away?

But his warmth... it wrapped around me like something familiar.

Something comforting.

-TAMARO-

I changed my hair color to orange just for something new, and honestly, it makes me look more mature. Along with the change in appearance, I've been trying to adjust my attitude too—be a little more playful, especially with Akiro. I'm hoping he might notice and realize how I feel.

It was his entrance ceremony for middle school, and all the members were there, even his parents. Seeing him in the middle of the crowd made me feel proud—he's really growing up. I keep thinking that once he's of legal age, maybe that will be the right time to tell him how I feel.

I don't want to rush anything or make a decision I'll regret later. I need to be sure of my own feelings. For now, I'll keep pretending he's just like a younger brother to me. It's not the right moment yet. That's also why, when Stephen scolded us about the stage incident, I brushed it off and acted like it was no big deal when people say we seem more than just close friends. But honestly, I felt nervous. I'm afraid of what people might say.

I didn't expect Akiro to get upset when I laughed about Stephen's comment. I assumed he wouldn't take it seriously. But he left me alone in the other room and didn't speak to me at all until we got home. I'm not used to that—we always talk. I kept thinking about what I might've said or done to make him mad, but I'm not sure. I don't want to assume anything. I know I need to talk to him.

He was in the bathroom, and everyone else was already in the room. I turned off the lights in the living room and waited quietly outside. A minute later, he stepped out. I could smell his soap—it was fresh and familiar. He walked slowly in the dark, and I took the chance to hug him from behind.

He froze when I did it, clearly surprised. But I couldn't stop myself. I pressed my face against his neck and breathed in his scent. It was comforting. I didn't want to let go.

"T-Tamaro," he said quietly, and that's when I realized I might've gone too far. I turned him around to face me. The only light in the room was coming from outside, just enough for me to see his eyes—confused and questioning.

"Akiro, I'm sorry if I said something that upset you," I said, still holding onto him as I pulled him into a hug.

"T-Tamaro," he repeated. That's all he said.

"I don't know why you've been ignoring me, but I don't like it. It's not like you, and I'm not used to it," I added, keeping my hand gently on his shoulder.

"You didn't do anything wrong," he replied seriously, lowering his eyes. "It's me. I don't know why I got annoyed when you laughed about what Stephen said. I'm sorry."

I lifted his chin so he'd look at me. "What do you mean?"

He glanced away. I could guess the reason, but I didn't want to push.

"Just forget about it, Tamaro. Let's move on," he said while rubbing his neck, obviously feeling shy now.

"Alright," I replied. "Let's get some rest." I pulled him into our room slowly, since the others were already asleep.

"Can I sleep beside you?" I asked.

"S-sure. No problem," he answered, stuttering a little.

He lay down first, then I joined him. I turned to face him while he stared up at the ceiling. I wrapped my arms around him. He held my hand and gently pulled me closer. I rested my head on his shoulder and shut my eyes.

"Goodnight, baby," I said, on purpose.

"G-goodnight, Tamaro," he whispered back, and I could feel his heartbeat speed up. I smiled to myself. I was so tired I fell asleep quickly, but right before drifting off, I felt a soft warmth on my cheek.

Did he just kiss me?

Did he really?

We're back to our busy schedule of rehearsals and guest appearances. As usual, Akiro tends to be shy on camera. In one of the shows, the MC asked him to dance to one of our songs, but he hesitated. So, I took his drink and gently pushed him to the center to encourage him. I wanted him to have his moment in the spotlight. He danced shyly, and when he finished, we laughed together. I walked over to hug him, and he hugged me back, still laughing. I was genuinely proud of him.

At another show, we were guests again, and Akiro had to dance to the same song. Watching him move—I didn't even know how to react. He was surprisingly sexy while dancing. I caught myself biting my lip, completely forgetting that cameras were pointing at us. I had to quickly pull myself together and laugh along with the other members to play it off. I knew I was being way too obvious.

We also had a filming session where we were asked to perform a skit with the group. Akiro's role was to act as someone experiencing love for the first time but hasn't confessed yet. The rest of us were supposed to give him advice on how to confess. We were handed a script with our lines. The others were practicing, but I didn't even bother to read mine.

When the director called us to begin, I felt a rush of excitement. I saw it as my chance to show Akiro how it's done—how to confess. The scene began, and when it was my turn, I walked right up to him. I grabbed him gently by the neck and pulled him closer. He looked into my eyes, but my focus went straight to his lips. They looked like they were inviting me to kiss him.

He didn't move away. He didn't flinch at all when I got close.

Then everyone watching gasped and quickly pulled me away from him.

I honestly thought the director would cut the scene and maybe even scold me, but instead he shouted, "Good job!" Jemuel pulled me close and whispered,

"What was that, Tamaro?"

"What?" I answered, playing innocent.

"What you did earlier—that wasn't in the script. You improvised, didn't you?" he asked as we walked back to the dressing room. Akiro was walking nearby with Joshua.

"I just wanted to change things up," I said. He laughed, and I couldn't help but laugh a little too. Jemuel's my best friend. I know he's noticed how differently I treat Akiro, but he never brings it up directly. Sometimes I catch him watching me, and then he flashes that mischievous smile. He definitely gets it.

When we got to the dressing room, everyone was already packing up. I saw Akiro in the corner organizing his stuff. I walked over and rubbed his head gently.

"Tamaro, did you pack already?" he asked as I sat down next to him.

"Not yet," I replied.

"What you did earlier—that wasn't in the script. You really like improvising, huh?" he said, chuckling.

"It keeps things fresh," I said, and we both laughed.

Before leaving, I said something that caught him off guard.

"Now you know what to do if you ever want to confess your feelings to someone. I'm looking forward to it."

I saw his mouth drop slightly in surprise as I walked away smiling.

I'll wait, Akiro. I'm not in a rush. I'll wait.