Right as his alarm sounded Syo bolted upright and practically punched the off button. He looked towards his hanging calendar of Hyuga-senpai and swelled with excitement at the exaggerated red marks on today's date.
From across the room Ai gazed on tilting his head slightly, usually Syo was last to get up and yet? In masked surprise he watched from the reflection of his vanity mirror as Syo frantically jammed a shirt over his head. Not many things surprised Ai Mikaze but for once he was at a loss as to what possibly could have made Syo wake up this early without heavy intervention.
Natsuki snored softly from the top bunk tightening his clutch around the plethora of stuffed animals as light began to seep through the shutters. Ai turned up his lamp and kept a wary eye on Syo as he pinned back his hair. The boisterous blonde ruffled his hair as he emerged from the bathroom and slung a bag over his shoulder, "I'm off!" Ai watched from his mirror as Syo bowed properly. He inclined his head and the blonde sent him a dazzling smile before dashing out the door.
'How peculiar.' Ai tapped a finger to his lips deep in thought. 'He wasn't even this excited when he began working with Hyuga-san.' Ai glanced at his clock and deemed it time to wake Natsuki up; perhaps he knew the reason behind this.
As if on cue a loud yawn sounded behind him as Shinomiya-san sprang to life, he felt around his bed and with clumsy hands put on his glasses. "Oh! Good morning Mikaze-san!" he waved from the top bunk once his vision cleared. He climbed down from his bunk and looked questionably at Syo's empty bed before putting a hand to his forehead laughing heartily. 'The morning was getting stranger by the second.'
"Boy, he wasn't kidding, he really is excited to her!"
Before he knew it production for 'Prince of Fighting!' ended in a haze of 'Actions!' and 'Cuts!'
Syo was highly praised for the energy he brought on set and gave an outstanding performance as the dashing hero. The reassuring words from Hyuga-senpai only added to his heightened state of euphoria. After thanking the production staff profusely, Syo hopped into the company van and nestled into the comforting feel of leather. The sun was setting behind the towering buildings lighting the sky on fire with vibrant oranges and slashes of red. He did feel slightly spent but his insurmountable excitement allowed him to push past his fatigue. After what seemed so long he'd be damned if he let his exhaustion get in the way of his plans.
Upon his arrival back to the company building Syo judged he had about an hour until it started. That gave him enough time to eat and situate himself if the anticipation didn't kill him first. By then most of the members of STARISH had caught wind of what exactly was happening but the day had been long for everyone and in an act of kindness Reiji had bought an exorbitant amount of take-out food. The plastic bags steamed with inviting aromas as the members of Quartet Night warily looked on as Reiji and Otoya passed out food.
"Hey! I bought food for everyone so the least you could do is eat it!" Reiji exclaimed at his hesitant members. For once the members of STARISH and Quartet Night were together without any sort of skirmish united by the take-out food. Everyone congregated around the living area in front of the large monitor and conversed pleasantly until Syo began to gesticulate wildly, "I think he might be dying." Ai calmly noted. Otoya and Natsuki began to thump his back until the strained veins began to dispel from his face, he took a deep breath and suggested that someone invite Haruka.
A small 'yes?' sounded from around the corner as said girl walked into view, she blinked once at the scene and softly inquired if they were celebrating something. Ren chuckled and guided her to the set of couches, "Celebrating your arrival of course, my lady." The talented saxophone player raised Haruka's delicate hand and brushed his lips against her knuckles, Masato rolled his eyes at the scene as he popped another dumpling into his mouth. "Would you like anything to eat Nanami?" Otoya offered to which she politely declined. Haruka looked between the large screen and Syo's intense concentration and opened her mouth to inquire but hesitated.
"Syo-chan is excited about a program that's about to come on." Natsuki explained, "Oh really? What kind of program?" Syo grabbed a throw pillow and clutched it tightly against his chest, "Wah! You look so cute like that Syo-chan!" Said boy sent him a glare before returning his gaze to Haruka. "You've heard of MIRAI right Nanami?" The talented composer's eyes twinkled in delight, "Yes! I have!"
The rest of the members of STARISH went into an uproar, "Eh? Nanami you know who MIRAI is? Not even Tokiya knows who they are!" Otoya exclaimed looking between everyone incredulously. "Of course I know who MIRAI is." The seasoned idol replied narrowing his eyes, "YOU DO?"
"Tch, if all you're going to do is yell then I'm leaving." Ranmaru's low tenor pierced the atmosphere and everyone immediately settled down. "According to my data MIRAI is a guitarist that debuted around the same time as STARISH, they are known for their passionate live performances. They are exceptional in the rock genre and are becoming quite popular." Ai stated informatively. "Yes! She's very talented in composing as well." Haruka added with a smile that made Masato's throat close up dryly.
"She?" Ranmaru echoed with disdain, "A girl can never-"
"It's starting!" Syo practically squeaked as he jammed his finger on the volume. Everyone turned their attention to the screen as a title sequence began. "Eh? Where's Camus?" Reiji inquired before being shushed violently by the ecstatic blonde.
'We welcome you to another episode of 'Idols' with special guest MIRAI!'
A middle-aged man's voice was heard before the cheering of the audience drowned him out as a figure became illuminated by the sudden spotlight. Syo's knuckles went white as his breathing slowed, "Hello everyone! Thank you for having me!"
A beautiful young woman waved towards the crowd as her eyes crinkled into small crescent moons. She certainly fit the rock genre with her tattered black pants and oversized white shirt that clung off an exposed shoulder. Her obsidian locks were cut in a masculine manner that gave her androgynous look while the multiple piercings in her ears gleamed under the lights. Without hesitation long fingers began to dance across her glossy electric guitar as a devilish smirk spread across her face. The speed at which her fingers picked the strings was remarkable, "ARE YOU READY?" she exclaimed into the mic and was met with a monstrous roar. The hair on Ranmaru's arms pricked as she flashed her teeth before ripping out an incredible rift, her head banging to the electric beat as it became heavier. She whipped her face towards the mic and began to sing; her voice, her style, everything seemed so effortless.
"Tch, amateur." Ranmaru murmured and stalked out of the living area, the rift still reverberating in his ears.
Her eyes were closed as she concentrated hard on singing before ripping once again into her guitar sending chills down Ren's spine. It was throaty and easily reached through the ranges, what was amazing was the audience singing along heartily. Her mouth pricked at the corners and gestured for them to continue before she raised her guitar and violently picked through the strings before stopping abruptly. The cheers from the audience were overwhelming as she placed a hand to her chest and bowed. She slicked her hair back and laughed shaking her head at their incessant applause, everything, everything about her was absolutely breathtaking.
'MIRAI will be back after these messages!'
For a bit no one spoke until Cecil let out a shaky laugh, "She was…amazing." Otoya spoke softly trying to find the words to express himself. As a fellow guitarist he felt she was light-years ahead of him in terms of talent and skill. "It is hard to believe she debuted around the same time we did." Masato noted thoughtfully, "She already seems professional."
Syo let out a jagged breath, "This is her first time on television and I just had to watch her." His eyes welled up, "Oi, oi! Don't cry Syo!" Ren exclaimed. "I'm not crying!" his voice cracked as he blinked rapidly.
Reiji hummed and looked at Ai knowingly, "She's a monster rookie eh Ai-chan?" He sounded uncharacteristically sage-like which drew their attention. "Until I see it in person, I cannot validate her talent." Ai began in his monotone, "However, her looks and style are certainly of star quality." Reiji nodded in agreement as he sprung from the couch and reached for the ceiling in a stretch, "I'm calling it in; we have a big gig tomorrow, right Ai-chan?" The teal-haired youth gave a curt nod and inclined his head towards STARISH before departing with Reiji.
Ren looked between everyone intrigued as the program came back on.
'We're back with MIRAI, the rock sensation that has swept the current idol scene!'
The audience clapped and hollered as she took a seat next to the host lowering her head in embarrassment. The host chuckled as the cheering died down, "Not used to it yet MIRAI?" She smiled toothlessly and Syo focused intently on her cherry lips. The camera panned across her face and showcased her edgy appearance; the makeup around her eyes was dramatic and added a mystifying glint that haunted Otoya. "Sort of, it's still very new to me." Her voice was slightly raspy and Masato felt his skin shiver.
The host began to ask about her past and it astonished STARISH how calm she was, it was hard to believe this was her first time on television. She was so witty and charming in her responses that she seemed a natural, even Tokiya watched on silently in awe of her presence.
Once the barrage of questions ended the program came to a section where the guests had to name a random song being played. "Are you ready MIRAI?" She responded with a deliberate nod and bit her lip slightly in anticipation.
It was as if time had stopped when the all too familiar melody sounded exuberantly…
Doki doki de koware sou 1000% love HEY!
"I know this song." She began with a sly smile.
Syo fell back into the couch choking on air while everyone looked on in amazement. She bobbed her head along until the music stopped abruptly. "That was Maji Love 1000%" by STARISH." She stated confidently as overhead a congratulatory siren went off. The host blinked a few times before finding his footing, "Y-you listen to STARISH?" She smirked triumphantly, "Of course, seeing as we debuted around the same time it's only natural."
Otoya's eyes bugged out of his skull while Haruka held a hand over her mouth in astonishment. Syo croaked. "R-right, do you know STARISH?" MIRAI shook her head slowly, "No unfortunately, but I do know their names," She began to name them off on her fingers without skipping a beat. When she added a –kun to Syo's name he gasped. Suddenly, the rest of STARISH that had no previous knowledge of MIRAI began to feel remorseful. "Do you have a favorite in STARISH?" She waved off the question claiming she liked all of the members. The host queried if she would ever work with STARISH to which she answered, "I would love to work with STARISH, however, seeing as our images are quite different I'm not sure if an opportunity would present itself."
Syo felt as if his soul had left his body, he was drained emotionally and physically. It was everything he imagined and so much more it was all so overwhelming. "I hope you're not getting too excited," Tokiya began in his wary tone, "What you see on television and what you see in real life are two completely different things." Everyone understood the meaning behind his words and took it to heart.
"In any case we might be hearing more of MIRAI." Ren murmured to the rest of them, "I'm sure the President will have something to say about this in the morning." After tidying up everyone went their separate ways thoroughly exhausted from the arduous day.
In his bed Syo found it nearly impossible sleep. How could he? Everything that happened today seemed dream-like and when Syo thought of what tomorrow might bring he shivered in anticipation.
"GOOD MORNING STARISH!"
"GOOOOOD MORNING Quartet Night!"
The President zipped into the main hall assisted by various cords as he pirouetted into view. The two groups plus Haruka watched from below in the main hall completely desensitized by his antics. He stood triumphantly on a balcony overhead and began to laugh boisterously, "It has been brought to my attention that a certain MIRAI has shown interest in our very own STARISH." He exclaimed drawing out the 'I's. "So I have decided to take full ACTION!" Saotome boomed the word 'action' in English accompanied by his signature poses.
"MISTER Kurosaki Rannnmaru!" He pointed below at the silver-haired bassist who narrowed his eyes in response. "Expect future events with MISS MIRAI!" His face darkened thunderously as his jaw set in indignation, Haruka looked above his head half expecting crackling thunder clouds to form. Syo straightened up as his nails dug into his palms anxiously; everyone looked towards Shining Saotome who had been sporting a suspicious glint in his eyes for some time.
"THAT IS ALL."
Syo shut his eyes tightly as his head hung defeated by fate. "Aw, don't worry Syo-chan. I'm sure we'll get to work with her soon." Natsuki placated patting his back soothingly. He gave a deep sigh and trudged behind the rest of his members out of the hall. Haruka followed close behind before a loud voice stopped her in her tracks, "MISS NANAMI and MISTER ITTOKI." A hand flew to her mouth, barely managing to catch a surprised squeak as Otoya whipped around in confusion. Their eyes traveled up to find Shining Saotome hanging limply by the cords as he slowly began to spin. "MY OFFICE!" Haruka gave a wary nod and headed for the exit accompanied by the redheaded youth, "Could you uh, get someone please?"
A biting air rushed into the room as Mirai scrambled to close the window. This was the fourth time she forgot to close the damned thing. She shivered violently as the freezing temperature of the room greeted her skin with goosebumps. Running her hands up and down her arms abated the chill a bit as she looked helplessly around her apartment. She doubted it still qualified to be called that seeing there was clothes, picks, and everything in between strewn haphazardly about. However the mere thought of cleaning drained her strength, the young woman picked her way through the chaos and arrived at her room. Throwing open the door the sight of her bed beckoned, her shoulders slumped as she face planted into the delicious warmth. Unceremoniously her pocket began to vibrate obnoxiously. Mirai prayed it was a dream but when it continued on she dug out her phone and answered with a garble. On the other line was her President requesting her immediate presence at his office, she drew herself up and glanced at the digitized clock that read three thirty-four. Running a hand across her face she complied and sluggishly got to her feet in search of clean clothes.
Her manager was already waiting with a company car outside the building, Mirai slurred out a thank you as he held the passenger door for her. Despite being an ungodly hour in the morning cars still zoomed about the bustling city as beams of red, the young woman drew her sweater tightly around her lithe body as she strapped herself in. The car took off swiftly and immediately Mirai began to doze off, her head stooped forward and bobbed back slowly. "Here." Her manager, a thoughtful middle-aged man handed her a steaming cup, "Green tea?" she piqued handling the beverage carefully. He gave a curt nod as he turned on the blinker, "You know me so well, thank you Abe-san." She graciously took a sip and felt her insides reactive slowly with the warmth.
"How long has it been?" Mirai studied his silhouette waiting for an elaboration, "How long has it been since you've slept?" he continued in his baritone. She swished her tea around, stalling, "Two days." He sighed as he pulled into the company parking space, "You look awful." She sneered at his bluntness and smoothed clammy palms down her pants, "Prepare yourself, the President is angry." He murmured ominously. She inquired why as he held the door for her, "Because of you."
She tried to stop the panic from setting in but it was no use, she was definitely on edge. Knocking on his door once she was met with a familiar 'Enter'. Padding her way across the tatami she knelt on a silk cushion a few feet away from the President and bowed lowly. She raised herself upright and maintained an erect posture as he regarded her levelly. The President was very traditional in terms of customs and preferred to be in his kimono when he had no meetings that warranted a suit. Despite being in his late forties the President still held a distinct handsome appearance. However his face was marred with a thin white scar trailed from the corner of his lip and twisted up giving him a sneering appearance. His hair was streaked with gray and was combed back; despite his initial impression the President was quite sympathetic.
"Ishihara Mirai."
She inclined her head and waited patiently for him to continue. "I saw your variety performance and you did well." She listened on for the inevitable rebuttal, "However, your mention of STARISH did not sit right with me." Mirai bit the inside of her cheek in worry, "You and STARISH are two completely different kinds of entertainers. It would be in our best interest never to mention them again."
She gripped the fabric of her jeans at his words sweat threatening to break on her brow. Why did she feel so dizzy? "Of course once the program ended I received a phone call from Saotome asking for a special meet-up of some sorts." A grimace flashed across his face so quickly Mirai thought she might have imagined it. "I placated him with possibilities but did follow up on one thing he suggested that might be beneficial."
She tilted her head, "You are familiar with Kurosaki Ranmaru correct?"
Her eyebrows pinched together at his name, "Not very well I'm afraid." His faced remained placid, "You might find yourself working with him these next few months. In the meantime take care not to mention STARISH again, I don't have to start writing scripts for you do I?" She shook her head slightly embarrassed he would consider that. "Also, use the time you have now to rest. You look like a raccoon."
She felt…unsure on the car ride back home. The only thing she knew about Kurosaki Ranmaru was that he was in Quartet Night. Everything suddenly seemed so rushed and without explanation. 'What exactly is the President up to and why would it be beneficial for me to work with Kurosaki…?' Too tired to think anymore she fell asleep at last in the passenger seat.