BLURRY EYES

Shinobu retreated backstage as fast as he could. Locking himself in the dressing room, he let loose pent-up anxiety and hatred as he threw drinking glasses against the wall.

A knock on the door jolted him as someone from The Need yelled, "Hey. Shinobu, you ok?"

Shinobu forced a light tone as he replied, "Yeah, just fine!"

Storming around and around in angry steps, he felt a crazed urge to twist that damn Riki's neck.

"I can take it, I can take it...! Shinobu tried to calm down.

*+*

Outside, in the audience where another band was now on stage, Sakuya was thinking up a billion ways and more to rip Riki's soul from his body. Usually reckless and carefree unless provoked which was apparent now, he wondered for a brief moment at his self-control which was what was holding him back from lunging at that Riki.

Shinji was looking rather white, otherwise, he behaved or tried to behave normally. At least, Sendoh did not detect anything strange.

Sakuya made his eyes divert somewhere else and to his surprise, caught sight of a familiar and somewhat dazed guy. Stroding over without hesitation, he caught the guy by the arm and whispered, "Kaji-kun?!"

The guy swiftly raised a finger to sweep off tears and smiled weakly, "Hey, Saku-kun..."

Sakuya dragged Kaji over to join Shinji and Sendoh.

"Where did you go all along??" Shinji exclaimed. Kaji gave a wistful smile without replying.

Just then the announcer declared, "The judges will now make their final decision!"

*+*

Shinobu paced about in the dressing room as he heard that. He hoped The Need would win. But if they won... He wished he could talk to someone now. Preferably his brothers. But if Riki sees Shinji in the crowd... Shinobu was on tenterhooks as he prayed against the worst. He wanted to tell Shinji aniki himself. He needed advice and solace. Desperate thoughts raced in his mind.

He froze as he heard the announcer's voice again, "And now, we have our Winner of the Amateur Band Competition! The winning band will be entitled to a 3-year contract to Dark Records, which is also the company of Black Moon...and the winner is...none other than..." Shinobu's breath stopped.
"...THE NEED!..." screams rocked the audience.

*+*

Sendoh wolf-whistled and cheered along with the others, but the other 3 were silent.

Shinobu stepped on stage again with the band. He shook his head as Makoto handed the trophy to him. "No, I'm not part of this. You have a better chance in this than me." Makoto grinned happily, " Thank you!"

Riki frowned as Shinobu left for backstage again. Leaning sideways, he asked his manager, "You mean, Shinobu is not part of The Need?"

His manager nodded in surprise, "Why yes! Makoto is the one. But luckily, our record rep has already heard Makoto sing before and we are confident that The Need will be awesome!"

Riki's eyes gleamed in annoyance as he cussed under his breath.

Chapter 15