It was that day… He remembered it, clear as day. How could he ever forget?
It was the night after Kisaragi Academy's Culture Festival had taken place. He remembered the night when they all gathered together with Shinozaki Ayumi's ghost stories. The knock on the door secretly scared him back then, but he was barely holding in his laughter at the sight of Mochida Satoshi stumbling back in pure terror after Shishido Sensei managed to scare them all. Even to this day, he still laughed at that to himself.
He remembered coaxing Suzumoto Mayu for a last picture of her, before she would leave for the night. As they all gathered around to perform the Sachiko Ever After charm, he could remember gazing at Mayu, despite his stoic nature. She seemed so happy, yet… he knew her all too well enough to see a hint of sorrow in her eyes. She was always good at the drama aspect, yet even she couldn't hide her true feelings from him.
When they all chanted for each one of them, and finally one for Sachiko, the final tearing of each of the pieces rang through his mind, giving him one word that would have burdened him every day if he had given in so easily.
That was that. It was done….
When everybody walked out of the classroom, he remembered having a conversation with Mayu. If he was being honest, he wasn't ready to let her go that moment. So he did intend to stall her a little bit.
" Suzumoto…"
The short haired brunette stopped for a bit. She turned to look back, her eyes lighting up when she realized who called out to her.
"Shige-Nii! Sticking behind a little longer huh? "She called out to him. Although her tone was cheerful and bright, Sakutaro knew, just how she was feeling deep down within.
"So… I guess this is it huh? But… we'll still be able to keep in touch right? " He calmly responded, trying to hide the pain in his own heart.
"Yeah… always… you know, thank you so much Sakutaro…" She whispered a bit, before looking up to him. The sad smile on her expression seemed to pain the glasses wearing young man even further, flinching a bit.
"… For being there for me, always… "
A ringing of a phone woke Sakutaro Morishige from his slumber. He realized that he was lying on his marbled floating island kitchen counter. The high end kitchen room was dimmed in a comforting, cosy warm light.
" I must have fallen asleep…" He would whisper to himself. His phone would continue to ring, until he grabbed it and pressed the call button on the screen, before setting it to speaker mode.
" This is *Shuzo Shigetaro… who is this? " He responded, using his stage name, as usual these days. A male voice, scratchy and parched spoke through. He had instantly recognized this as his own personal assistant.
" Ah, Shigetaro-Sama! It is very urgent that I ask you this! Apparently there is a new movie being worked on by one of the studios that we know of. The director of the film actually wants to offer you the roll of a protagonist this time, a unique hero with an odd sense of viewing things in the world! Would you be accepting this, or no?
"…uh… I'll have to think about that one for the time being. My schedule is already filled to the brim of other acting rolls and interviews… when the interviews clear up, I'll see to it. Just tell him to hold onto that idea, alright? "
"Right! Thank you for your input Shigetaro-Sama! I'll have the director know of this! I wish you a pleasant day!"
"Likewise…"
As Sakutaro hung up, he let his head fall back gently onto the table. He was usually very passionate in his acting rolls. It was his dream job that he had managed to achieve after all. The world of acting wasn't as easy as he thought it was when he had got his first big break years ago. Here he was, Sakutaro Morishige, 24 years of age, single, wealthy, globally famous actor even outside of Japan. He had it all, and at quite a young age too.
Yet here he was, tired, exhausted. He didn't know why on this particular day. Maybe it was the fact that it was raining. Rainy days are always so gloomy… but then again, there could be people going through much worse than he was right now. He took comfort in that.
His eyes drifted to his wallet on the table. Something seemed to compel him to reach out for it. His fingers meeting the smooth leather casing, as he gently turned the wallet open. Closing his eyes, Sakutaro's finger absently traced among the various cards that he owned, his gaze resting on the surface line of the wallet. His finger stopped in an empty space, as he felt the corner of a foreign thin object poke out. Opening his eyes again, he gently slipped the object out from that slot. Adjusting his glasses, he moved the object in front of his face. He could feel comforting warmth that spread out within his entire body, as a small smiled appeared on his expression.
It was the piece of paper from the Sachiko ever after charm. After all these years, he managed to keep it safe. He couldn't help but miss all of his friends. Sure, they are all, including him, bounded for eternity, ensuring them of a way that they will find each other again someday.
Yet, with every little thing that sounded too good to be true, there were catches within them. Yes he still kept in contact with his friends, forming close relationships online and on social media… but that was just it. He could only talk to them through social media and texts. Every single one of them had been spread out… well, almost everyone. There is Satoshi Mochida and Naomi Nakashima, oh, Naomi Mochida to be precise. She works as a nurse at one of the most reliable hospital facilities in the world. There was also Yoshiki Kishinuma and Ayumi Shinozaki, Ayumi Kishinuma in fact. Last he had heard from them, Ayumi was expecting a child. In fact, Ayumi was booked in to have her ultrasound check up in a few weeks, the same hospital Naomi works at. Sakutaro was still amazed at how the two managed to end up together. She grew up from her thrill scare seeking attitude, and finally got around to see how much Yoshiki loved her. Sakutaro was happy for them of course.
Yuka Mochida grew up to be a beautiful young woman, or so what her older brother had told Sakutaro. In fact, Satoshi still cares for his younger sister so much, that he is quite worried and even slightly protective for every guy that tries to hit on her… which sort of annoys Yuka greatly. All she wanted to do was to find her Mr Right after all.
Then there was Seiko Shinohara, who Sakutaro heard that achieved her dream to be a hairstylist. He could definitely vouch for this, as Seiko was one of the people that he has managed to see in person more frequently than the others actually. What's to expect from a young woman whose profession was being able to be the hair stylist of some of the most famous celebrities in the world, including Sakutaro himself? Whenever he made his daily appointments with her, he was able to have conversations with her, which she gave cheeky, although helpful advice along the way.
The more that Sakutaro thought about this, it eased his thoughts a little more. No matter how far his friends were spread out, they will always be fated to connect to each other in some way, all thanks to the Satchiko Ever After.
But then… what about Mayu?
Truth be told, she was the only person whom he had not managed to contact with much. He did many years ago, but then he had remembered her telling him that her studies were piling up in her life, and that work got too busy for her. She did try her best to keep in contact with him, but sometimes she would forget. Sakutaro couldn't blame her for that, as he himself understood how complicated jobs can be.
However, he couldn't deny the fact, that out of all of his friends… Mayu was the one he would think about the most. What was she doing at the moment? Where is she now?
The dark blue haired male sighed to himself. All of this reminiscing was surely putting him in a blue mood. He might as well pick himself up again, before he would continue to dwell upon the past. Sitting up straight, he started to dial the number of the movie project Director.
"Hello? Yes, this is Shuzo Shigetaro… I would like to discuss about that offer you made for me for that feature film project of yours… "
Sakutaro had managed to arrive at the studio early the next day. The other night, he had wanted to see for himself, just how the film was going in terms of production. He did want to know what he was getting himself in the first place after all. From the moment he was driven to the building, courtesy of his own driver, the first thing he noticed was how large the building was. This movie project must have a lot under their budget, he would think.
When Sakutaro stepped out from the car, he was instantly greeted by the director himself.
" Welcome, Shigetaro-San! I am Ryu, Shimonami Ryu! I trust that your morning went well?" He greeted. Sakutaro could only respond back with a nod." Yes, thankyou… "
The Shimonami replied back with a grin "Great! How about we let ourselves inside already hm? I'll be able to discuss more of the film with you during then!
"So… a modern world action, with a twist of fantasy…would I be required to do my own stunts? "
"Ah, yes and no. I definitely am not going to put your life at risk Shigetaro! Although, I am thinking that some stunts should be able to be performed on your very own… to give a sense of authenticity! "
The discussion between the two proceeded to take place as the both strolled around the large studio area. So far, Sakutaro was keen on taking aboard on this project. He did consider himself to be quite of a daredevil. Critics even called him mad, crazy or insane, but his fans seem to love him just for that.
"I see… was there anything else that you wanted to show me? "
"Ah, yes! I wanted to show you the set designs! The Head Production Designer that I hired is immensely talented! She came up with all of the design concepts from her own ideas and inspirations! What she does, is truly a work of art! "
From the moment that Sakutaro was directed into a large room, he was instantly left in awe. The set depicted a magical library setting, illuminated by tall glass window panes and tall grand shelves. He noticed balls of lights that seem to 'float ', suspended by an almost invisible transparent string. He gently touched the decoration.
"Are these… just normal lights? This is incredible…"
"Indeed! You should definitely meet the new Production Designer in person too! Here let me find her, she's gotta be here somewhere… "
Sakutaro was left to marvel at his surroundings. Whoever was in charge of set designs, he would definitely give them his respect.
"Suzumoto-San! Are you around here? "
That name seemed to have struck his emotions to the core. Sakutaro felt like his heart had skipped a beat, His eyes widened at that question.
"No… No way, that can't be… Is she really-?" were the only thoughts present in his mind as he instantly turned around. He was met with the sight of a grinning Ryu, and a young lady standing near him.
"This is Suzumoto Mayu! She is the talented Designer around here, and the one I have mentioned who designed all of the sets! "He responded in a proud manner. However, Sakutaro wasn't even paying attention to what the director was even saying at all. He was too distracted taking in the female's appearance.
The Mayu he knew had grew her hair out longer, now reaching past her shoulders. She had a hair pin on the side, to keep the bangs away from her face. She wore a cardigan over her dress and black tights. Her large, dark green eyes held that same sparkle to them, the sparkle that he had never knew how much he had missed until now. God, she still looked so cute… so beautiful…
The glasses wearing man realized that he was left with his mouth open slightly. He tried to speak, but all he could respond in a stutter was her name.
" S-…Suzumoto... "
The young woman smiled at that, chuckling a bit. " Yes, that is my name alright! And you better remember it from now on! " she laughed as well in a cheerful manner, tilting her head slightly to the side as she gave a wink, as well has gesturing her fingers into a peace symbol.
"Su…Suzume…" he started to stutter again. Sakutaro was feeling a whole heaving of emotion within his chest, almost too much for him to bear. It was the last final reason that made him entirely believe in the ritual he was involved in all those years ago.
The smile on the brunette's face slowly faded, her mouth open slightly in a slow, shocking realization. Her eyes widened as her hands slowly moved up to cover her mouth. However, the happiest smile could be seen forming from behind her fingers right after.
" Shige-Nii?..."