Scoop II – The journalist in love
Disclaimer: I do not own anything except this paper-thin plot
Act I: Girl talk
Scene 1: Inside a delicatessen at lunch time
Kahoko looked around her with a delighted expression.
– This place is really charming, I'm so glad you brought me here, Nami. You seem to know the best places to go to in Yokohama.
–That's right! So…if you ever want to shop for a wedding dress, you know how to reach me!
She winked at her friend who just sighed.
The two of them had come to the city centre on a morning shopping trip and after three exciting hours spent checking out summer sales and trying on various outfits, had gratefully collapsed onto the comfortable seats of Nami's favourite lunch place.
As Kahoko enthusiastically went through the menu, Nami let her eyes wander, taking in the familiar sights, and trying to spot things that had not been there the last time she visited.
When a rather large group of people came in, the smiling waitress went to meet them eagerly and asked them to follow her to a free table. Nothing unusual there… but she could vaguely make out that one of the guys had blue hair.
Blue hair?!
Her heart skipped a beat; she instinctively grabbed the menu from Kahoko's hand and hid her face behind it.
Kahoko was rather shocked.
–Nami… what's wrong?
–Over there… is that Len?
–Eh? Tsukimori-kun?
She turned around to have a look then smiled at her friend.
–No, it's not.
Relieved and somewhat embarrassed, Nami put down the menu.
–Gomen, for a moment I really thought it was him…
–But why would you hide? Could it be… that something happened last time at the Blue Pearl?
Nami laughed weakly.
–No, not exactly, but… he did say something that freaked me out a little… and he sort of invited me to go to the Osaka music festival with him…
–Ehhh?! That's quite…
–…unexpected I know…
–But it's great!
Kahoko was smiling now.
–Since Ousaki-kun has also been invited to participate in this festival, we can all go together… it will be fun!
–Mmmm…
If Kahoko and Ousaki-senpai are really going too, then I guess it will be enjoyable. I just need to clear one or two things with Len first…
Kahoko never thought she would get the chance to tease Nami about a guy so she didn't mind turning the tables around for once.
–Don't you think it will be an opportunity for you to get to know him better? After all, you used to be very interested in him at Seiso!
–Huh? Well, as a journalist of course I was! Mostly because he was the son of famous musicians, and the most determined contestant in the concours, but also because I thought that he would be involved in the Violin Romance… although, as we all know, that didn't work out as I expected…
–Well, four years later, what do you think of him now?
– Mmmm… Let's see… Tall, blue and handsome. Unsmiling, musical genius. Perfect background. Occasionally considerate, but all too often tactless. Surprisingly good dancer. Currently learning to drive…
At this point Kahoko couldn't help laughing.
–There... he does have some good points!
–I'm afraid he would still miss out on the most eligible bachelor of Yokohama title, according to me!
Although Kahoko secretly agreed to that, she felt that she had to defend her friend a little.
–It's true that Tsukimori-kun has a tendency to keep people at arm's length and appears to be very self-reliant, so he doesn't get appreciated as much as he deserves… but when you get to know him, he's not as cold as he seems. And I think that deep down he likes to be part of a group, even if he doesn't show it… plus he would probably appreciate a hug from time to time, just like anyone else.
–I say he's lucky to have you as a friend Kaho.
–Well… perhaps I should have asked him to join us today...
Nami raised an eyebrow in disbelief.
–You're joking, right? Can you imagine Tsukimori Len giving us advice on ladies' fashion?! Or helping us to carry our shopping bags?!?
–Actually, I was talking about him joining us for lunch. I think shopping would be quite beyond him…
Both girls giggled uncontrollably as they pictured Len in that unlikely situation.
Other people looked at them with indulgence. It was summer after all, a little madness was understandable.
Scene II: That same evening, in the Tsukimori mansion
Len looked at the clock; it was eight thirty. He gathered the music scores he had been studying into his flip file, and went down to the living room where his mother played soothing classics on the piano.
She greeted him with a warm smile.
–It's a nice evening, isn't it?
–Yes.
–Apparently, the weather will be fine all of next week as well. Do you have any plans, Len?
–Actually, I'll be playing at the Osaka music festival.
–That should be interesting. You could invite some friends to go with you!
–…
They both heard the sound of the phone ringing in the study next door. Less than a minute later, Len's father appeared in the doorway.
–There's a call for you Len. It's Amou-san.
As Len got up and went to pick up the receiver, he was grateful that his father's smile was the only teasing he would have to endure.
–Hello?
–Hi Len! It's Nami… I hope I'm not disturbing you?
–It's fine. What is it?
She took a deep breath.
–I'm calling to clear up some misunderstandings Len… you know…about Osaka… that was a joke, right?
Len's free hand went to his forehead.
Every time he remembered that conversation with Nami after the dance, a part of him really cringed…
–Yes… of course… I don't need a PRO Amou…
…but a part of him did not!
–…although, as a freelance journalist, it would probably be useful for you to attend.
There was a pause at the other end of the line, as Nami considered this.
–Sure, I guess I could always write an article and sell it to a newspaper or magazine afterwards…
–Yes.
She suddenly sounded cheerful again.
–Does that mean you're paying for my trip? I'll pay you back when I get a job!
He sighed inwardly.
–Fine…
–Thanks! By the way, did you know that Kaho and Ousaki-senpai are going too? We could travel together, what do you say?
–Sure.
After agreeing to discuss the trip details later, he put the phone down and went back to the living room.
His parents politely refrained from asking him anything, but he could sense their curiosity.
–I'm going to Osaka with Amou-san, Hino-san and Ousaki-senpai…
His mother's smile widened.
–How wonderful!
To be continued