The Only One

Chapter 11 : is it to late for me?

"Honestly," Sougo added with a gentle smile, "you've always been the heart of IDOLiSH7, Riku-kun. No matter how much time passes, that doesn't change. And I think the fans see that too."

Riku looked around the room at his friends, his family. Their words sank into his heart, filling him with a warmth that he hadn't felt in years. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice trembling. "I couldn't have done any of this without all of you."

"Don't sell yourself short," Mitsuki teased, ruffling Riku's hair. "You're the one who made it back to us. We just kept your spot warm."

"Exactly!" Tamaki grinned. "We knew you'd come back. You're Rikkun, after all."

As the room filled with laughter and light-hearted teasing, Yamato silently observed Riku. His gaze lingered on the younger idol's fragile smile, the way his shoulders still seemed to carry an invisible weight.

He's happy now, but how long can he keep pushing himself? Yamato thought to himself. We've got to make sure he knows he doesn't have to carry this alone anymore.

Yamato cleared his throat, catching everyone's attention. "Alright, enough with the mushy stuff. We've got work to do. Riku's comeback isn't just a gift for the fans; it's a new chapter for all of us. Let's make sure we write it right."

The team erupted in agreement, their renewed determination filling the room.

Later that night, after everyone had gone to bed, Riku sat alone by the window, looking out at the city lights. His phone buzzed with more notifications, but he set it aside, overwhelmed by the love and support pouring in from fans around the world.

Placing his hand over his chest, he whispered, "I'll do my best to make you all proud. No matter what happens."

=—=-=-=-=-=

The next morning, Riku woke up earlier than usual. As sunlight streamed into the dorm, he quietly shuffled into the common area, a notebook in hand. He had barely slept, too preoccupied with an idea that had taken root in his mind. Sitting at the kitchen table, he began jotting down notes and sketches, his brow furrowed in concentration.

"Planning something?" a familiar voice asked.

Riku jumped slightly, looking up to see Mitsuki standing there, a cup of coffee in hand and a knowing smirk on his face.

"Uh, yeah," Riku admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's Kichiro-san's birthday soon, and I... I wanted to do something special for him. You know, to thank him for everything he's done for me."

Mitsuki's grin widened. "Now this I've gotta see. What's the plan, Riku??"

Riku hesitated, flipping his notebook shut. "I... I was thinking of a small surprise party. Something intimate, just us and maybe a few people who are close to him. But I don't want to make it too obvious. He'd never let us go through with it if he found out."

Mitsuki chuckled. "Oh, he'd definitely lecture us about spending too much effort on him. But that's not going to stop us, right? Count me in."

"I'll handle the decorations," Sogo offered, a soft smile on his face. "Something simple and classy that won't overwhelm him."

"I can bake the cake!" Tamaki chimed in, his eyes lighting up. "Or... at least, I can try."

Everyone collectively hesitated, exchanging wary glances.

"Maybe I'll help with baking the cake," Mitsuki suggested diplomatically, placing a hand on Tamaki's shoulder. "But you can help with the toppings, Tamaki."

Tamaki pouted but nodded reluctantly. "Fine. But it better have lots of cream and strawberries."

"Leave the drink to me," Yamato said, leaning back in his chair. "Something chill but festive. Kichiro-san doesn't seem like the drink party type."