18 X-Factor Minus One

November 20, 2019

8:37pm

The studio lights were blinding, the heat of them bearing down on Jiro as he sat in the plush interview chair. He smiled, the practiced, easy grin that had charmed audiences for years, but inside, he could feel a flicker of unease.

This interview was supposed to be about his solo career, his meteoric rise since leaving X-Factor. But from the moment he'd stepped on set, there had been a certain tension in the air, a sense of anticipation from the crew that set his teeth on edge.

The interviewer, a stylish woman in her thirties with sharp eyes and an even sharper tongue, leaned forward, her smile a perfect match for Jiro's own.

"Jiro, thank you so much for being here. It's an honor to have you on the show."

Jiro inclined his head, the picture of gracious humility. "The pleasure is mine, Emi. I'm always happy to connect with my fans."

Emi's smile widened, but there was a glint in her eye that made Jiro's stomach clench. "Speaking of your fans, they've been buzzing about your latest single. 'Shattered Dreams' is a powerful track. Many have speculated that it's about your time with X-Factor, and your decision to leave the group. Can you speak to that?"

Jiro felt a muscle in his jaw twitch, but he kept his expression neutral. "Every artist draws from their personal experiences. 'Shattered Dreams' is about the realization that sometimes, you have to let go of the past to embrace your future."

Emi nodded, her gaze sharpening. "And was X-Factor holding you back? Is that why you chose to leave?"

Jiro paused, choosing his words carefully. "X-Factor was an important part of my journey. But there comes a time when you have to follow your own path, to pursue your individual dreams."

"Dreams that didn't align with the group's?" Emi pressed. "There have been rumors of creative differences, of tensions within X-Factor before your departure."

Jiro's smile tightened. This wasn't the direction he'd anticipated the interview taking. "Every group has its challenges. But my decision to leave was about my growth as an artist, not any interpersonal issues."

Emi leaned back, her expression calculating. "And what do you make of X-Factor's decision to continue on? To replace you with a new member?"

Jiro felt a flare of irritation, hot and sharp in his chest. Replace him? As if anyone could fill his shoes, could match his talent and charisma.

He chuckled, the sound harsh in the sudden quiet of the studio. "X-Factor is welcome to do as they please. But let's be real - replacing me? That's not an easy feat."

Emi's eyebrows shot up, a hint of a smirk playing on her lips. "Are you suggesting that X-Factor won't be able to succeed without you?"

Jiro spread his hands, a gesture of false modesty. "I'm simply saying that I brought a certain... je ne sais quoi to the group. A star power that will be hard to replicate."

"And what about Akira, your replacement?" Emi asked, her tone sly. "He's rumored to be the new face of X-Factor, the leader they need to take them to new heights."

At the mention of Akira's name, Jiro felt a surge of emotion - part anger, part disdain, part something he couldn't quite name.

Akira. The rookie, the upstart who thought he could fill Jiro's place, could claim his legacy.

Jiro's laugh was sharp, derisive. "Akira is a talented kid, I'll give him that. But leader? Face of the group? He's got a long way to go before he can claim those titles."

Emi's eyes gleamed, like a hunter who'd just spotted her prey. "So you don't think he has what it takes to lead X-Factor?"

Jiro shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "I think he has potential. But potential doesn't equal success. It takes more than a pretty face and a decent voice to carry a group. It takes experience, it takes the X factor."

"The X factor?" Emi repeated, her tone inviting elaboration.

"That indefinable quality, the thing that separates the stars from the wannabes. The drive, the charisma, the sheer force of will to make it to the top and stay there."

Jiro leaned forward, his gaze intense. "That's what I brought to X-Factor. That's what made us great. And that's what they'll be missing, no matter who they bring in to replace me."

The studio was silent, the weight of Jiro's words hanging in the air.

Then Emi smiled, a slow, satisfied curve of her lips. "Strong words, Jiro. I'm sure X-Factor will have something to say about that."

Jiro sat back, a flicker of unease in his gut. Had he gone too far? Had he let his ego, his pride, get the best of him?

But it was too late now. The words were out there, a gauntlet thrown down in front of the world.

The interview wrapped up quickly after that, Emi thanking Jiro for his candor, his insights.

But as Jiro left the studio, he couldn't shake the feeling that he'd just set something in motion. Something big, something that could change the course of X-Factor - and his own career - forever.

=====

November 21, 2019

6:58am

[Akira POV]

As Jiro's final words rang out, Takeshi paused the video. For a moment, there was only silence, a collective breath held as we processed what we'd just heard.

Then, Kenji slammed his fist against the wall, making us all jump. "This is bullshit," he snarled. "Jiro thinks he can just spout off like that? Disrespect us? After everything we've been through together?"

I could see the hurt beneath the anger, the sense of betrayal. Kenji had always been the most loyal, the most dedicated to X-Factor. To hear Jiro dismiss us so easily... it cut deep.

Satoru was on his phone, his brow furrowed as he scrolled through Twitter. "Guys, it's still trending. The interview. People are talking."

I felt a knot form in my stomach. "What are they saying?"

Satoru hesitated, his eyes scanning the screen. "It's mixed. Some are supporting us, calling out Jiro for his ego. But others..."

He trailed off, but I could read the truth in his face. "They're agreeing with him. Saying we can't make it without him."

Satoru nodded, his usually cheerful expression clouded. "Some are even saying... saying you don't have what it takes to lead, Akira."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. I knew I should've been prepared for this, should've expected the backlash. But seeing it, hearing it out loud... it fucking sucks.

Haruto was quieter, but I could see the pain in his eyes. "Does he really think so little of us?" he asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Of our talents, our hard work? We've poured our hearts into this group, just as much as he did."

Daisuke said nothing, but I could see him scribbling furiously in his notebook, his pen flying across the pages. I knew him well enough to know that he was channeling his emotions into his lyrics, turning pain into art.

And then there was Satoru, trying to lighten the mood with a forced laugh. "Come on, guys. We can't let him get to us. We're X-Factor, with or without Jiro."

But I could hear the strain in his voice, the uncertainty. Satoru was always the one cracking jokes, keeping our spirits up. But even he wasn't immune to the doubts, the insecurities that Jiro's words had stirred up.

Was I really cut out for this? Did I have the "X factor", as Jiro put it? That indefinable quality that made a true star?

I thought of all the comments, the fans questioning my place in X-Factor. Thought of the pressure, the expectations that now weighed on my shoulders.

Calm down Akira, those doubts, those fears… they had no place here, not now. Not when we had so much to prove.

"Guys," I said, my voice cutting through the tense silence. "I know this is hard. I know Jiro's words hurt. But we can't let him define us. We can't let him control our narrative."

I looked each of them in the eye, trying to convey the conviction, the belief that I felt in my heart. "We are X-Factor. We are talented, hardworking, and dedicated. And we are going to prove to everyone - to Jiro, to the fans, to the whole damn world - that we are here to stay."

A flicker of hope sparked in their eyes. Kenji nodded, his jaw set. Haruto managed a small smile. Even Daisuke looked up from his notebook, a fire burning in his gaze.

Yumi, who had been quietly observing our reactions, finally spoke up. "Akira is right. This is a pivotal moment for X-Factor. How you respond, both publicly and privately, will define the future of this group."

She looked around at each of us, her gaze sharp but not unkind. "The truth is, the idol industry has always been a double-edged sword. The fans who love you today can turn on you tomorrow. The pressure to be perfect, to always say and do the right thing... it can be crushing."

I nodded, my heart heavy. I had seen it happen to other groups, other idols in my old life. The way the public could build you up and tear you down, often on the whims of a single misstep or misunderstanding.

"But," Yumi continued, "that's why it's so important to stay true to yourselves. To focus on your music, your message, and the bond you share as a group. That's what will see you through the tough times."

Haruto leaned forward. "But what about the fans? What if they believe what Jiro said? What if they turn against us, against Akira?"

Yumi sighed, a look of understanding on her face. "I won't lie to you. Some might. The nature of fandom is complex, and not always healthy. But your true fans, the ones who believe in you and your music? They'll stand by you."

"So what do we do?" Satoru asked, looking around at each of us. "How do we move forward from here?"

"We do what we've always done," I said, my voice steady. "We make music. We put on the best damn performances of our lives."

I could see the fire igniting in their eyes, the determination taking root. "And we do it together," I added, putting my hand out. "As a team. As a family."

One by one, they placed their hands on top of mine. Kenji, Haruto, Daisuke, Satoru. Even Yumi, after a moment's hesitation, added her hand to the pile.

"Together," they echoed, their voices ringing with conviction.

We knew the road ahead wouldn't be smooth. Knew that Jiro's interview was just the first hurdle in what was sure to be a marathon of challenges.

But we also knew that we had each other. And that, in the end, was what would make all the difference.

Yumi clapped her hands, breaking the moment. "Alright, then. Let's get to work. You have a showcase to prepare for, and we have a narrative to control."

As we dove into planning, into rehearsals and strategy sessions, I could feel the doubts, the fears, starting to melt away.

They weren't gone completely. I knew they'd rear their heads again, in the quiet moments when I was alone with my thoughts.

But for now, I pushed them aside. I had a job to do, a group to lead.

A narrative to destroy.