CHAPTER 1: Daylight Breakout
Sigh, good morning to wonderful me. I can't believe it's raining today of all days; it's such a hassle to carry around a guitar and an umbrella at the same time. I probably should have gone with pants instead of a skirt...my legs are freezing, man. The rain better clear up by the time the music festival starts or else we're all screwed to the bones since it's an outdoor stage. The old geezers in charge of the festival must be fussing over about what they gonna do if the rain keeps up. Heh. Rain or shine, I'm still going to perform no matter what they say. If they decide to take the mic from me, I'd sing as loud as I can without it! I'm not going to let this weather put me down! I'll probably be the only performer who'd perform in this weather though. Oh well, more eyes and ears on me then; it's a perfect chance to publicize myself more for free. Heh.
Hah? An intersection? This isn't on the map the organizers gave me. I probably took a wrong turn somewhere but since I'm in the right area, I shouldn't be too far from the place. I'm not too familiar with this side of the town but I got nothing to fear as long as I have my guitar and there're people to ask directions from.
"S'cuse me. Yeah you, which way goes to the Shining MuFest?" Wait, did I come off too strong with my words?
"Y-Yes! U-Um..." the guy seems stiff and keeps looking from side to side.
Crap. I think I scared this guy or something. He better not run from me without telling me the directions. Do I really sound angry or scary most of the time? Urgh, it's probably the weather getting to me and that doesn't matter right now! I don't wanna be late darn it and I don't fancy the idea of getting soaked in the rain.
"So which way is it?" Answer me darn it.
Unintentionally, my voice came out louder and angrier than I thought. It doesn't help that my eyebrows are furrowed down and I unconsciously got a scowl on my face. This guy's getting more nervous by the second. C'mon just answer me before I lose my patience here, patience for you and for myself.
"T-Take the street on the left and j-just keep going straight until you see the b-big purple penguin."
"Purple penguin?"
"It's a m-mascot for the event."
Purple penguin? You gotta be kidding me. I'm already spending cash on Piyo-chan and now there's a purple penguin from Shining? I'm never gonna save money with all these cute things popping out of nowhere.
I find the guy staring at me in fear and confusion. I was lost in thought for a moment there.
"Hey."
"Y-Yes?!"
I find myself pausing for a moment before suddenly relaxing my expression, "...Thanks." I said in a calm voice.
I went on my way immediately and thank god I found the place. The purple penguin mascot was the first thing that greeted me and that sure made my day. I was so happy that I took a picture with it; this is definitely my new wallpaper.
I casually enter one of the tents found at the relief area that was labelled 'Performers'.
"Yo, Nakahara Koemi here at your ser—"
"NAKAHARA!"
"What the?! What the hell's your problem, lady?! Why'd you shout at me right in the ears for?! You want to make me lose my hearing?! Who are you anyway?"
The lady wearing corporate attire fixes her glasses a little and looks at me right in the eyes. Man, she's cold. You can feel an icicle hit you in an instant when she looks at you like that.
"My name is Rukawa Madoka, an agent or a manager from Shining Agency. I'm in charge of handling the outside performers like you so please do look for me if you have any concerns."
"Ah, okay. I'll remember that."
An awkward silence fills the atmosphere between me and her. Am I supposed to say something?
"...That's all you have to say?" She asks.
"Um...yeah. What else am I supposed to say anyway?"
"Usually people would ask some questions after introducing themselves or something."
"I don't have any questions to ask or anything to say though."
"Really?"
I shrug my shoulders.
She puts a hand over her forehead with an annoyed expression. "A lady like you should be more well-mannered."
"What are you saying?"
"The way you speak and move around is quite unpolished. It's as if you weren't taught manners by your parents, not to be mean, just saying."
"..." For a while, the cat caught my tongue. Was I insulted by her words? No, I'm not at all since her words hold some truth in them anyway. I hold nothing against her for saying that. "Say what you think; I may seem like that but that's only for show. I have to act the part or else I simply won't fit the image of a rock singer, right? I gotta tell you though, you're not that old but you sound and look like a mom."
"What?! I-I do not!"
I put a finger in one of my ears. "Yup, an uptight nagging mom right there. No doubt about it."
I pass thru her and head for an empty seat where I decide to practice my guitar. The annoying lady though comes back to me with an annoyed expression. I try to ignore her by playing my guitar right away.
"Nakahara Koemi. Born April 21, currently 21 years old, stage name is Eika, likes ice cream, plays tennis, favorite color is green, first gig was at a bar called Anathema, lives at..."
I quickly shut the file folder she was holding with all my might. I'm amazed at how she's able to keep her composure at my sudden action.
Woman, are you seriously going to read my whole application right here and now? You do know you're disclosing my personal information right out in public?! What is up with you?
She fixes her glasses a little and then looks at me with a straight face. "It's good that you're already here but I'm concerned about where your band mates are; I haven't seen them around at all."
"I don't have any of my own. Some of the other outside performers are going to play the drums, bass, and keyboard for me so don't fret about it; I've talked and approached some of them about it weeks before and we've practiced together so no worries."
"You don't have band mates? According to your application form, you wrote down that you're a band."
"I am a band—a one man band."
"Excuse me?"
"I can play the drums, keyboard, bass, and guitar. I usually play the guitar, bass, or keyboard live and the rest are pre-recorded for my gigs. You should come to one of my shows if you're free; I'd need the money hehe."
"I see. Why don't you get some actual band mates though? Wouldn't it be easier to have others play for and with you?"
I stop strumming my guitar and look at her with a small crooked smile, "This girl just isn't easy to handle. I'd be lucky to find people who'd be able to stay long with me. I take my passion seriously, you know. If they can't handle the fire then it's better to stay away from it."
She stares at me a little as I go back to playing my guitar. Thank god she leaves me alone after a while. Hello peace, I've missed you even though we've only parted for a while. All I need right now is just my guitar and the music I'll give for tonight's festival.
Actually, I feel like I need a sandwich too and some juice. Did I put the lasagna back inside the fridge before I left home? Crap. I don't remember. I hope I did.
Urghhhhh the convenience store was on the way! Why didn't I buy something earlier?! I guess I'll have to put up with the two packs of animal crackers in my bag until dinner time. Hm, is the agency going to provide us some food and drinks? If they will, I'll take advantage of the free food. Who doesn't take advantage of free food?
By the time the afternoon came, the rain thankfully stopped and went away. The cleaning crew did their job right away and the set up went on so fast that they all seemed like ants of a colony doing their thing. Finishing preparations within the three hours we had left before the music festival begins is amazing; just what I'd expect from Shining agency.
As I walk around the premises, I get caught from behind by the collar—literally.
"Nakahara, what are you doing?!"
"Walking around?"
"Why aren't you at the preparations tent?! You're supposed to get your hair and makeup done as well as to change into your performance outfit!"
"But I'm not performing yet until the evening—"
"Don't you know how many performers we have for the day?! We don't have as much stylists and makeup artists so if you don't get on queue now, you might not even have your turn before the time of your performance!"
"Chill! I have my outfit on already; I came in them to save the time from changing. I'll just fix my hair and put on makeup by myself later if the stations are busy."
Rukawa looks at me from top to bottom with such an irritated face. Does this woman not know what a smile is? I haven't seen her smile since I got here! Maybe she doesn't have the ability to smi—
"You have to be joking; you can't go on stage with such an outfit!"
"Eh?! What the hell is wrong with what I'm wearing?!" Urgh, this witch is facepalming again!
"Sigh. I know you have talent; you wouldn't have been accepted to perform in this festival without passing the auditions and screening from the project heads. However, in the entertainment industry, talent isn't enough. You have to look great at all times whether you're on stage or not. I'll tell you now that your outward appeal is nothing compared to everyone else. Your appearance makes me wonder who dressed you."
I feel like a rain of arrows just pierced me everywhere. Are you saying my sense of fashion is bad?! How dare you!? You can insult my singing, you can insult my personality but insulting my fashion sense will just call on a demon from inside me! I'm going to give you a piece of my mi—
"URK!"
"Now come! Time isn't cheap, you know."
She starts dragging me along by the collar. I feel like a puppy being dragged away by her owner...Wait! Why a puppy?! I'm a full grown dog! Wait! I'm not even a dog! I'm a human being!
"Hey! Let go!"
"Stop squirming and resisting; you'll get hurt if you do and I am not entertaining the idea of spending my salary on your medical fees if ever you break your neck."
Gods, this woman is so strong and cold!
"Wait! Stop dragging me! I can walk on my own!"
"With your walking speed, it'll be more efficient to drag you to the prep tent."
"Whaaa!" My neck hurts...help.
"Get in here!"
Madoka throws me right into a vacant room with full force. Thank god I fell onto a sofa. I would probably be out cold if I hit the floor or a wall!
"Wha—" Something hits me and renders me blind for a moment. I take off whatever was thrown to my face and see that they're clothing.
"Change into those within five minutes or so help me I'll dress you myself."
"O-Okay! Hold your horses! I'm changing! I'm changing!" she seriously hated the way I look, huh.
For all of my performances, I never really had anything as fancy as these clothes. Look at this top; it's like a military uniform that was combined with a kimono. The collar is filled with glitter and sequences that worked well with the embroidery design that flows around the collar. The cloth of the top was black with hints of white glitter and the tassels were white. The buttons seemed like golden stars that turned silver when you look at it from a different angle.
"Are you going to spend the next three minutes looking at those clothes or will you wear them?" A sudden voice cuts my thoughts.
"I'm wearing them!" There's no way I'm letting you dress me.
Racing against time, I quickly dress myself as if I was on fire.
Once I finished dressing up, I called Madoka to get back inside the room.
"There, are you happy now?" I say while flaunting the clothes she gave me.
"Hm, surprisingly it looks good on you. Now you look more like an idol or performer; that's more like it."
I dunno if she complimented me or still insulted me.
"Now that your clothes are settled, come this way."
Wha! She's pulling me by the collar again! Where are we going this time?!
"Urk!" Did she just throw me down onto a chair?!
The air smells of hair products and perfume. A lot of other performers are all being fixed up to perform on stage; this place is kind of cool with all the big mirrors and lights found on front of each chair.
"Yayoi-san, please fix this girl up with all you've got. Make sure she looks good enough to blend with everyone else. I'll leave her up to you."
A girl with a long bob appears from behind me and starts looking at my hair. "She's quite cute, Madoka-chan! I'll make sure she'll look great for her performance!"
"C-Cute?! I'm not cute! I'm not supposed to be cute!"
She pats my head with a big grin on her face. "There, there, no need to be shy. You're cute and there's nothing you can do about that except to accept the fact hehe. I'm going to make you look even better!"
"So what's your name, little cutie pie?" She asks with enthusiasm.
This woman is going to turn me blind; she's glowing with too much sunshine. "Um, Nakahara Koemi."
"Nico-chan! Such a cute name!"
"...Nico-chan?" You've got to be kidding me.
She stands on front of me and starts putting makeup on my face; she seems to be delighted doing her job. "Do you do your own makeup, Nico-chan?"
"Y-Yeah, I do my own makeup but all I can do are the basic stuff. I can't do anything complicated or as good as you professionals."
"I'd like to teach you about makeup then when you're free! You have good skin and you have a cute face; it would be fun to fix you up from time to time hehe."
"Well, I guess it won't be that bad?"
"Of course not! I will never allow any of my clients to look bad by one bit! My clients are my creations! I won't let them suck at any cost!"
"You're a determined cookie, aren't you?" I say with a crooked smile.
I decide to give in and let Yayoi do her thing to my face. I've got to hand it to her, she moves faster than the other makeup artists in the tent but doesn't lack or sacrifice the quality of the makeup at all; she's cool in her own way.
"And it's done! You look good with the makeup on, Nico-chan! See?"
She lets me look at the big mirror on front of me and to my surprise, I look great! No kidding!
"Is that really me I'm looking at?!" I point at the mirror in surprise.
"Yup! That is definitely you, my dear! Time to move on to your hair! Hmm, your hair is light brown. Is this your natural hair color?"
"My hair's naturally black."
"Awww, I can totally see you looking like a real beauty with black hair! Why did you color it?! A rocker would look nice with black hair too, you know!"
"Well, there were certain bars and places where they couldn't believe me that I was performer because I seemed 'plain' back then so I went thru different makeovers to be honest." I take a piece of my hair and look at it. "I also had to dye my hair to pretend I was a different person to get away with multiple venue reservations and to bypass some managers and owners too. The hardest to fool were shopkeepers; they have good memory and facial recognition skills."
"Shopkeepers?"
I tuck away the hair behind my ear. "I was a working student; I couldn't afford new guitars and other necessities with the money I had so I would ask for discounts, loans or have the stuff placed on my tab. Some of them were generous enough to let me ask for such things over and over again while the others weren't as flexible so I'd pretend to be another person each time I needed something from them."
"Whaaa sounds like you had it rough, Nico-chan. Couldn't you have asked for help from your parents?"
A lonely smile appears on my face. "They already left for a long term trip back then."
"Oh, I see. When did they return? Did they help you when they came back?"
"They still haven't come home until now. Anyway, they probably won't be coming back."
"Eh? Why not?"
"KYAAAAAAA!"
Screams of women and men suddenly fill the area. The audience have such powerful screams; the prep tent is all the way here at the back of the stage.
"Oh, they've started the program! We'll be hearing a whole lot more screams of joy and excitement from now on, Nico-chan. Do your best out there so that you'd get some fans, okay? Hehe."
"Of course I'll get fans!"
"That's the spirit! Take the opportunity to get more famous and to make connections!"
Yayoi continues on doing her job with my hair. It's been a long time since I've had anyone do my hair and makeup; it feels strange. Will things be like this if I ever get a leap in fame? It's not that bad. It will surely lift off some load on my shoulders; it's bad enough I carry and set up all of my equipment when I have gigs. Sigh, why is life so hard? Haha.
"There we go! Look at you, Nico-chan!" she puts her hands on my shoulders and smiles as she looks at the mirror on front of us.
"What the..." Is that really me?! Holy cows, I look great! No kidding! I've never looked this good before!
"I gave your hair some volume since your hair is so fine. Spiked it a little on some parts and gave you some nice little braids here on the left side. I made your bangs go a little to the side so that they'd look good without getting in your way. To compliment the little braids I made, I braided one section of your hair here on the right side. Do you like it?"
"I don't like it. I love it."
"Kyaaa! Thank you for your praise!" she says happily. "I also like what I did with your makeup. The eyeliner is strong and foxy and your lips aren't too pale. Your facial features were fun to work with; you ended up looking a little androgynous and I think it suits you!"
Yayoi sure is enthusiastic about makeup and styling; she went on and on about everything about them. Though I wasn't that interested, I wasn't going to be a jerk and ignore her; I tried my best to listen to everything she had to say. It's always enjoyable to listen to people talk about their passion with such energy and light in their eyes. It's amazing how they turn from little sparks into fireworks in an instant. They're precious people that we should take care of and never ignore; they're the ones that never cease to surprise us in our everyday lives.
"Yayoi, I need to use the ladies' room. Where do I find it?"
"Just leave the prep tent then go left towards the backstage. There's a hallway on the right side; go thru there then you'll see a door along the hall with the ladies' sign."
"Roger that, I'll be right back."
"Hurry back if you can! I want to fix your makeup and hair a little more!"
I remove the cloth that covers me and hand it to Yayoi. "Don't worry, I'll let you have your way with me when I return."
...Wait. What did I just say?
Yayoi shouts and it attracts everyone's attention in the prep tent. I try to calm her down but I'm not doing very well with it.
She suddenly throws her arms around me and hugs me tightly. "Nico-chan! You can take me or let me eat you!"
Her loud comment attracts even more attention and I could hear whispers in the air. Buddha, this is trouble...
"Uhm...Sorry, that's a, um, force of habit from the person who taught me image building. It's weird, I know."
"It's okay! I don't mind you acting that way! It makes you look and sound so cool! You can even make the heart of young maiden like mine leap out! Kyaaa! You'll surely be attractive to both men and women!"
I let out a sarcastic laugh. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not. Haha...ha.
I make my way towards the entrance of the prep tent. The moment I step out, I bump into a tall man.
"Oh, sorry about that. I wasn't looking."
The tall man looks at me and I ended up staring back. His spiky hair is silvery white and his eyes—they're of different colors. Are they natural? I think he's wearing one contact lens for the other eye. Even though he's only wearing a white t-shirt and black pants, he sure looks so cool...aesthetic! Is he also into rock music? He looks like he does.
"Just make sure you watch out next time." He says with his raspy voice.
Hm, his voice sounds familiar. I feel like I know who he is but it's at the back of my mind. He should be under Shining agency since he's here.
"Can you move aside?" he suddenly asks, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"Ah, yeah. Sorry." I give way for him to pass and he casually passes me without looking back. This guy sure is cool; I like the way he carries himself. I wonder what he's like on stage. If he's into rock like me, then I'd have to consider him as a rival in the industry! I'm not going to let myself be left behind in the world of music; I'll work and play even harder if I have to.
"Nakahara, you better eat as much as you need. You need to be able to perform just as well as the others on stage! Just because you're the last performer doesn't mean that you can slack off."
"Yeahm...I getch it, Madocha...Donch worry sho much...My performance ish good, chu know..."
"Please don't talk with your mouth full, Nakahara. It's improper."
I knew it! They provided food for everyone! Shining agency should become the deity of food if they can give this much food!
"Just four more performances before it's your turn. We'll go to the backstage position once the third performer finishes his performance so that you can enter right after the fourth one."
"Okay, rojar that."
"I just told you not to talk with your mouth full."
I decide not to talk and just nod in response when I saw her form a fist on her lap. Madoka is such a strict manager. I feel sorry for the idols who're under her management; they must have it rough. If I had a manager, I sure wish he or she would be more lenient and be nothing like her.
I don't mind waiting for my turn to perform but I didn't expect to wait this long. The line up of performances starts off with the performers from Shining Agency followed by us who came from outside the agency. Our order of performance was decided thru lottery and well, I got the shorter end of the stick; I'll be performing last for the festival so I'm gonna be on standby for a long while.
I look at Madoka who's sitting beside me at the eating area; she already ate earlier so she's only having coffee while looking thru her folder filled with files. I don't mind some company to talk to but...why does it have to be her? Couldn't I be given someone who's more, well, sociable and kind or something? Sigh. I'm out of luck for almost everything today. I bet the only good thing that'll happen tonight would be my performance on stage.
"Nakahara."
I quickly swallow the food that was in my mouth. "Yeah?"
"What made you decide to become a performer?"
"I've loved music ever since. I had my first band in high school but my so-called band mates didn't last and I ended up becoming a soloist. I remember I told my parents that if I wasn't going to push thru with becoming a zoologist or botanist, I was considering becoming a performer and they were okay with it."
"You like science?"
"Yup. Believe it or not, I'm a nerd haha. Looks can be deceiving."
"So why didn't you pursue science?"
"Well, some stuff happened here and there so I ended up becoming a performer."
"You can be quite vague, do you know that?"
"I'm used to people telling me that."
"Have you tried talking with the other performers? Even those from Shining agency?"
"I have. A lot of them are really fun to talk to and are nice but there are a few that are really annoying. Oh, there was this one guy—long haired, tall, and seems to be a foreigner, who was pretty annoying! When I tried to talk to him, he practically ignored me at first. Then when I told him that I was a rocker, he started bothering about it! He was saying stuff like rock wasn't music and that it was for monkeys and uncivilized people! That guy really made me want to strangle him! ARRRGH!"
"Could you stop raising your voice at me? Also, stop swinging and pointing your utensils around; you're getting food on me."
"What's his problem with rock music?! What is his problem?! I may not like classical music that much but you don't see or hear me going around saying bad stuff about it as if it was the word of the devil!"
"Yes, yes, please settle down already."
I take a deep breath and sit down. I drown my anger with the pleasure of the wonderful food that's on front of me.
"Nakahara, you sure can eat a lot. Don't you worry about gaining too much weight?"
"I don't really worry about my weight sine I have a fast metabolism. I actually have a harder time gaining weight instead of losing. Aside from my fast metabolism, my regular eating habit is bad enough."
"Your eating habit?"
"I actually only eat one to two meals a day because I usually don't feel hungry. I don't eat breakfast because it's either I sleep in and wake up in the afternoon or it's because I have no time for it because of my part-time jobs. Dinner is optional for me; I eat dinner only if I feel really hungry or if I'm not lazy enough to cook or buy food but I usually just skip and go straight to bed."
"What on earth is wrong with you? You're going to starve yourself to death that way."
"Meh."
Madoka suddenly takes a spoon and starts adding food on my plate.
"How about you? How did you end up as a manager at Shining agency?"
"I ended up working for Shining agency because of a high school friend of mine."
"High school friend? Is he or she a manager in the agency too?"
Madoka nods her head. "That's right, he's a manager of Shining agency too."
"Oh, so he's a dude?"
"Back in the day he wanted to become an idol but after tasting what it was like to be a manager, he liked it and requested the agency to let him become a manager instead of an idol after graduating from Saotome academy."
"So how did he make you into a manager?"
"Well, he was given a project by Saotome himself and then when the day of execution came, he got sick. He called me and asked me to take his place which by the way was annoying and selfish of him to put me on the spot all of a sudden. Saotome was on site and saw my performance. He said it was impressive that I was able to study and to remember all of the materials in a day and that my execution was great so he asked me to become a manager for his agency. I was hesitant at first but decided to take the job after he told me how much I'd be earning."
"Haha. Money pulled you in."
"It sure did but I have no regrets. It's fun managing the talents and events of the agency. I'm having fun and earning well so what's there to complain about, right?"
"I guess so. I think it's great to be able to work while having fun; you won't feel like you're enslaved by your job."
Madoka nods in agreement.
After filling myself up with the power of food, Madoka leads me to a small lounge at the backstage where we waited for the performances to finish. There was a flat screen tv where I could watch whoever was on stage. I wasn't able to watch the performances of those who were from the agency since I was held up at the prep tent and by Madoka so the performances I was watching at the lounge were those from outside performers like myself. They're not bad but to be honest, I feel like I'm better than them haha; I'll definitely outshine them.
"What are you grinning about, Nakahara?"
"Nothing. Don't mind me." Just thinking about how they'll seem lame after I perform haha.
"Maybe I should suggest to the president about having psychological tests for applicants next time." Madoka whispers to herself. "Then again, the president himself might not pass the tests either...How troublesome."
"How are you all tonight? Are you all still alive and having fun? Can I hear you guys scream?" the emcee says. "The music festival sure is great, isn't it? It makes me want to stay longer but sadly we'll be having our last two performances. Thank you so much for coming today so please enjoy until the very end!" the crowd cheers loudly while swinging their light torches in the air.
"Nakahara, let's go to the backstage upstairs."
"Alright! It's show time!" Well, after the person who's performing before me.
While waiting for my turn, I take a peek thru the curtains and I'm overwhelmed by the size of the crowd. There're so much people! I've never performed on front of so much people before! Instead of getting cold feet, it just makes me more excited about performing; I'm getting pumped up to go on stage! I'll make sure to burn my song into their heads so they'd never forget!
"Wasn't that a great performance, everybody? Thank you so much, Todokoro-san! Now for our last performance for the day, we'll be giving you an all out powerful rock song from an independent performer! Let's give her a round of applause!"
"You're up, Nakahara. The people who are playing for you are already in position so you're the only one they're waiting for now."
I give Madoka a thumb up. "I'll make sure to knock them out and make it a performance they'll remember."
I swipe the curtain on front of me to the side and walk towards the center of the stage, brimming with enthusiasm and confidence.
"I introduce to you, Eika!" the emcee leaves the stage right after introducing me.
The crowd applause for a while and then stop to give way for me to start. All of the lights turn off for a moment. The night gets darker and darker but I don't feel lost because in the darkest hours, I'm led by the light of those who listen to my music.
I gently lift the guitar that hangs on me.
Look at those lights right there on front of me; they're like stars that came down from heaven for me. I feel great whenever I see those lights. It reminds me that I'm alive and standing right here, right now. It reminds me that I didn't die then together with everyone else. Whether that's bad or good, I don't know.
What I do know is that I should repay everyone for showing me their light. The best way to do that is to gather them all in harmony and turn them into one giant constellation that'll hang up there in the sky no matter what!
With no hesitation, I strike a couple of chords to give 'em a taste of what's coming.
You all better get ready for me!
"Brace yourself." I whisper on the mic amidst the darkness and silence.
The second guitar and drums start to play and after a few notes, several lights suddenly burst on with the first note of the bass.
A loud scream escapes my mouth causing the audience to raise their hands up with a cheer.
BREAKOUT! (BREAKOUT!)
C'mon breakout!
BREAKOUT! (BREAKOUT!)
C'mon breakout!
YEAH!
At first, the song will come out strong; strong enough to attack you. A wonderful instrumental part will then follow, allowing you to enjoy the spirit and strength of the guitars, drums, bass, and keyboard.
The moment the lyrics start, you won't have time to breathe. You won't be able to breathe even if you wanted to. It will be as if you're stuck in the air, unable to get down.
I take a deep breath and clutch the mic tightly.
You've gotta be kidding me
Why are you drowning so deep?
You gonna let your soul sleep in this heaven forsaken cage?
A lousy lil' renegade
Your one and only way to escape
Now it's time to break and burn towards the rising daybreak
Heaven gave you wings
So fly away, fly fly away
Reach out and take out
Break a fight, fight fight today
Before the daylight hits these eyes that sleep before it
You gotta bring your game
You gotta break the cage
You gotta tear and soar!
"This kid's not bad. She sure can perform." Madoka says to herself as she watches from the backstage.
Hm?
*ring ring ring*
She takes out her cell phone from her blazer's pocket.
"The president's calling? Is there a problem?"
She presses the answer button.
"Rukawa, speaking. What made you call, president?"
"Ms. RRRRRukawa! I need you to do something for me."
"What is it, sir?"
"After the festival ends, please escort Ms. Eika to my limo at the parking lot. I will wait for you two there."
"Eh?! What's this about, sir?!"
Madoka listens intently to Shining Saotome's words.
"WHAT?! ARE YOU SERIOUS?!"
There's nothing to hold you, there's nothing to stop you
Death will never call you (catch you) or touch you, believe you
The day you escape crowned as king of the heavenly bodies
(Break Free!)
Just fight! (Fight!) Daylight Breakout!
"No, sir! I have no objections but—! Yes, I can see your point however—! Yes...Yes...That's true, however—!"
"Then there is nothing more to discussss. I will wait for you and Ms. Eika. That's all I have to say; see you laterrrrr!"
"Sigh...Yes sir, I'll bring Ms. Eika to you later. We'll go see you after the festival's closing remarks."
Madoka ends the call and puts away her cell phone back in her blazer's pocket. She looks at Koemi performing on the stage for one last time before heading to the preparation tent.
BREAKOUT! (GET OUT!)
Remember this prison break!
BREAKOUT! (GET OUT!)
Remember this name!
DAYLIGHT! (BREAKOUT!)
This is a lot of fun! The crowd ain't bad; they're reacting very well. It feels great to be on this stage. I feel so alive.
As the last word of the lyrics escapes my mouth, a grand instrumental plays to conclude the song which was cheered on until the very last note.
I take one good look at the audience and it fills my heart to see them all so happy and lively. They're so noisy that I can't hear myself think.
The emcee enters the stage. "Let's give another round of applause for Eika! What a stellar and powerful performance! You're a new and refreshing element today! Can we have a few words from you, Eika-san?"
"Well, I'd like to thank everyone here for being a wonderful audience tonight!"
The crowd cheers.
"To be honest, this is the first time I've performed for such a huge crowd; I was a little nervous but more of excited. I'm happy and thankful to be given the chance to perform on this stage and be heard by everyone. Did you guys enjoy?"
The crowd loudly says yes.
"It looks like everyone loved your performance! Are you currently signed to any agency? Where can we see you perform?"
"I'm freelance at the moment. I'd like to be able to tell you guys where I perform but I don't really have a permanent place for my gigs. All I can say is that I perform in bars and events that allows me to perform; I also perform on the streets sometimes haha. I guess our next encounter will be a Russian roulette!"
"Oh? Is that so? I guess we'll be lucky to be able to find you next time then! Do apply again to perform in next year's music festival! Do you guys want Eika-san to come back next year? Oh! Everyone loves you, Eika-san! Hahaha!"
"How sweet of you guys! I love ya all too! Haha! Thanks for all the support and fun you've given me tonight!"
"Well, the night is still quite young but sadly we've reached the end of this year's music festival! Let's call everyone back on stage and give them one last round of applause!"
All of the idols and singers that performed today come out from the back and fills the stage. The crowd becomes even louder as they see their favorites wave and smile at them.
"In behalf of Shining Agency and everyone who came here today to make you all smile, thank you very much for spending this day with us! We hope you enjoyed this year's music festival and we hope to see you once again next year! Thank you and have a great evening!"
"Thanks, you guys!" I shout aloud from the stage together with everyone else.
As everyone is still saying their thanks and goodbyes, I look around the stage; I try to take a good look at everyone who performed today. There are a lot of hot shots from Shining agency but there are also a lot of people who are outsiders like me. Oh, there's the guy I bumped into earlier; the one with silvery white hair. So I was right after all! He is from Shining agency! Now that I think about it, I think he's from that four man group. What was the group's name? I think it was Quartet Night? I remember now! He's Kurosaki Ranmaru!
I should take this chance to introduce myself! Gotta make good connections! What should I—
"Nakahara."
"Eh? Madoka? What are you—"
"This way, please."
She pulls my arm and drags me away from everybody.
Damn it, here I thought I'd make some connections in Shining agency! Madoka is such an expert in blocking everything!
Learning from my experience from earlier today, I just went along with Madoka without resisting. She brought me to the parking lot where a black limo was parked.
"Uh...Madoka, am I being kidnapped?"
"Nonsense. Just get in."
She opens the back door of the limo and I look at her with a strange expression. You totally sound like a kidnapper with those words and forceful tone.
I reluctantly get in and she follows after.
"GOODEVENINGGGGGG, MS. EIKAAAA!"
"WHA!" I get surprised by the sudden loud greeting.
"Sigh. Good job in surprising her, President Saotome."
"HAHAHAHA! I'M NATURALLY GREAT WITH SURPRISES, MS. RUKAWA! HAHAHAHA!"
"Wait...Saotome? As in Shining Saotome?!" I ask in disbelief.
"That's right. Nakahara, meet the former idol, founder of Saotome Academy, and Shining Agency—Shining Saotome."
My mouth hangs a little open in surprise.
I'm actually talking to Shining Saotome...This has to be a dream. I just know that this has to be a dream. I can't be this lucky, right?!
"Nakahara, close your mouth." Madoka says sternly.
Too happy to get angry, I obediently close my mouth and sit upright.
"So...uh, why am I here?" I ask awkwardly while containing my happiness. "Did I do something wrong? Is this about my performance?! Did I perform poorly? I'm sorry!"
"HAHAHAHA! Calm down, Ms. Eika! Your performance was very good! I enjoyed watching you shine on the stage!"
He was watching my performance?! I feel honoured!
Saotome takes out a thick stack of papers and hands them to me.
"What are these?" I ask as I take the papers from him.
"Ms. Eikaaaa, what you have there is a contract."
"Contract?"
"YESSSS! A contract that will let you be handled by Shiningggggg Agency!"
"EH?!"
I quickly flip the pages of the papers and right there on the top of each page with bold letters, "Shining Agency Contract".
"The president took interest in you while he was watching your performance. He called me to bring you here to him after the closing remarks to ask you to become an idol under Shining Agency." Madoka says.
"Your perrrrrformance illuminated the darkness of the night, Ms. Eika! Aside from producing your own light, you were able to gather everyone's light and formed one giant source of light! The intensity of your song captured everyone; I almost let myself be completely caught by you too! I knew then that you were suited to be a member of Shining Agency! If you join us, you can continue to shine brilliantly and reach higher levels of different fields! You can continue to captivate people with your songs at a wider rangeeee!"
Madoka takes out a pen from her blazer's pocket and hands it to me, "All you have to do is to sign the papers and you'll be officially under Shining Agency. It's your choice to sign them or not; think carefully so that you won't have any regrets."
I take the pen from her and look thru the papers. Hmm the working conditions and benefits are good and the work schedule is pretty much flexible. Shining Agency takes good care of their idols so I have no worries to be honest but...
"I have some questions and conditions to bargain." I say to Saotome.
"Ohhh? I'd like to hear them, Ms. Eika. I'm all ears."
"I can resign from the company anytime?"
"Yes."
"I have the right to refuse certain jobs if I feel uncomfortable or just don't like it?"
"As long as it's reasonable, yes."
"Okay." I put the papers on my lap and look at Saotome. "I think it would be stupid to refuse an offer from you. I'll sign the contract if you'll agree to three things."
"And what may they be, Msssss. Eika?" he asks with a grin.
"First, I refuse to live at the agency's dormitory. I wanna stay at my current apartment."
"You can certainly stay at your own apartment, Ms. Eika. There's no problem with that."
"Good. Second, I want to be 1000% ensured that I will have no work during the second and third Fridays of a month unless it's really important like a live concert, event, or anything like that."
"That's quite a tall request." Madoka says.
Saotome is quiet; the old man is probably thinking about it. If he disagrees to this, I can't accept their offer for me to be under their agency since that condition is important.
"SO what's your verdict, Saotome?" I ask after a while.
"Hmmmmmm, that request is quite interesting. May I know the reason behind it?"
I cross my arms over my chest and smile, "It's something you don't need to worry about."
"Hm..."
"Well, if you I can't have those days free, I guess I'll be on my way now." I take hold of the limo's door.
"I have decided." Saotome suddenly says. "I'll let you have those days off unless there are important events on those days. I shall agreeeee to your conditions, Ms. Eika."
"Is that so? Glad to hear that, old man." I say happily with a wide grin.
Suddenly, a fist comes down to the back of my head with full force.
"OUCH!" I cry out loud as I hold my head. "WHAT DID YOU DO THAT FOR?!" I shout at Madoka.
"Show some respect for the president! Don't just call him 'old man' all of a sudden!" She says sternly.
"HAHAHAHAAA! It's okay, Ms. Ruuuuukawa! I don't mind at all! Ms. Eika is quite a lively one, isn't she?" he laughs.
With a smile on my face, I spin the pen in my left hand and sign the contract papers one by one.
"And that's the last! Here you go, president." I say happily as I hand over the papers to Saotome.
"Thhhhhhhank you, Ms. Eika! Welcome to Shining Acgency! HAHAHAHAHAHA! It's a pleasure to have you in our team!"
"I look forward to workin' with everyone. Take care of me from now on." I lower my head a little. "So when do I start?" I excitedly ask.
"Your work will start right away after we've assigned a manager to handle you." Madoka says. "Your manager will be finalized by tomorrow so expect your first job to come around the day after tomorrow."
"Huh, okay." So it's gonna take two days before I actually start working; I thought the pace would be practically instant but I guess I expected too much?
"Exxxxxcuse me, Ms. Rukawa. I forgot to mention in my phone call earlier that I actually have chosen someone already to be Ms. Eika's manager."
"Oh? Handpicked by the president? You are lucky, Nakahara; I'm sure the person that the president chose is a capable manager that will certainly help you in your career. I hope you'll get along with your manager."
Saotome starts laughing all of a sudden.
"Um, did I say something funny, sir?" Madoka asks in confusion.
"Not intentionally, Ms. Rukawaaa...considering that you are the one I've chosen to be Ms. Eika's manager."
"Oh, ok. I see..." She fixes her blazer a little.
"WHAT?!" She and I shouted in unison.
"WAIT! You're telling me that my manager is this uptight nagger?!" I say in a panicked tone.
"SIR! THERE HAS TO BE A MISTAKE!"
"There is no mistake here, Ms. Rukawa. We've both read her application form and track records and based on her records alone, you are the most suited to keep an eye on her and you are the most capable in taking care of any incident that may haaaappen. Plus, you're very organized and persuasive! Jussssst the type of manager Ms. Eika would need!" he throws some confetti into the air over Madoka.
"BUT SIR!"
"May I remind you, Ms. Rukawa, of the trouble you gave me back when you were still new to the agency; have you forgotten about that?" he smiles.
Madoke suddenly becomes quite and sits obediently. What is Saotome talking about? I'm getting interested in this haha. Maybe Madoka screwed up big time when she was a newbie? Hahaha.
"Fine. I'll be Nakahara's manager..."
"Everything is settled then!" Saotome says cheerfully. "Ms. Eika, do you have any plans for the evening?"
"Hm, I don't have any. I was planning to go straight home."
"W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L!" he snaps his fingers and the limo suddenly zooms away.
"W-Wha! Where are we going?! Why is the driver driving so fast?! Why aren't you flying out of your seat?!"
"What's the meaning of this, president?!"
Madoka and I struggle to keep ourselves on our seats as we try to fasten our seat belts.
"Where else are we going? We're off to your contract signing party to celebrate the fact that you are now under Shining Agency! Hahahaha!"
"P-Party?! Now?! You planned this all along! You probably would have forced me to sign if I refused to!"
Saotome doesn't comment and just laughs all the way to the venue of the party.
"KUMAGAI, I KNOW YOU CAN HEAR ME FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT! SLOW DOWN OR I'LL KILL YOU!" Madoka shouts at the top of her lungs.
The car continues to race thru the road leaving me and Madoka clinging onto our seats for our lives. I wonder how on earth is Saotome able to laugh all the way without falling off his seat.