Chapter Two; Satsuki Ichinose
"Thank you, everyone! Good night!" I shouted into the mic, closing my set on stage. I set my Acoustic down in its stand, and I stood up from my stool to bow. The crowd cheered loudly, "Encore! Encore! Encore!" With a smile on my face, I simply waved and exited the side of the stage to the back that was excluded from the audience by a thick, black curtain. My assistant and best friend, Mayu gave me a high five.
"Satsuki, that was incredible! I've never heard "Starless Night" arranged that way before. I think it's better than Reira ever sang it." I laughed, amused by her energy. "Don't let Auntie hear you say that. It would break her heart," I said. Reira gave me her blessing to sing any of her songs I wanted as covers for my performances. I wrote songs of my own too, but singing original Trapnest material helped put my name out there. It was a plus that I was Takumi Ichinose's daughter, however I was no longer the tiny, gangly girl with pigtails anymore that the Paparazzi was forbidden to take pictures of. At seventeen years old, I welcomed the attention, and I was determined to go somewhere with my talent. I wanted to be better than Trapnest, better than Reira. And, I knew I could do it.
"Did you see that crowd, Satsuki? Maybe there was an Agent out there ready to approach you," Mayu said, helping me take bobby pins out of my hair. I finally stood up and pulled the curtain back, scanning the venue. "Hmm, no suits," I said, observing the crowd.
"They could be in disguise," she offered, resting her chin on her hands. "I know I keep stating the obvious, but your dad is a producer. You should get in contact with his people," she said, making quotation marks with her fingers. I sighed, "I want to do this on my own. He didn't have any help when he first started out, I'm no exception. And, I don't want to be the musician that rode on her parent's coattails." What I didn't include was that my mom and dad really weren't comfortable with the idea of me being in the spotlight.
I was their only daughter, and in their eyes, I was constantly in need of protection. If we ever spotted someone with a camera, we were taught to call them "mosquitoes" as a code word, like preying insects. Any old pictures taken when I was a child were of me hiding behind my mother's leg or my face buried in my dad's shoulder. My brothers however were treated a little differently. They didn't crave attention like I did, but my parents just didn't worry about them as much. As children, I was the one interested in music. But my brothers got guitars for Christmas, and I was rewarded with an extravagant dollhouse from England. When I was ten, Senri gave his guitar to me, and I never put it down.
"Heads up, Satsuki! Look who's heading this way," Mayu said with a wink. I turned my head, and the crowd parted like the Red Sea while Yutaro Kobayashi made his way towards me at the back of the stage. He was tall, with spiky black hair and the warmest, yet mysterious brown eyes I could easily get lost in. He approached me about four months ago after I had finished performing on stage and he bought me a few drinks. What started out to be a simple, carefree conversation turned into a full night of dancing in the club, then a more intimate kind of dance at the hotel across the street. As far as serious relationships go, he's my first one. There had been other guys in the past, but none of them compared. I couldn't put my finger on why our connection was so strong, so fast, but I wanted more of him any way I could have him. I wasn't ready to say the L word yet, but it was pretty damn close.
I stepped out from the curtain and approached Yutaro, wrapping my arms around his broad shoulders. "I didn't think you were going to make it," I whispered in his ear. He held me tightly in his arms, kissing my cheek. "The store closed early tonight, so I thought I'd make a surprise visit. I saw you had a full house tonight." I grinned from ear to ear. "I did, didn't I-"
"Satsuki!" I turned around and a line of people were in front of me, holding out papers and pens. Some of them were holding their cell phones and cameras too. Autographs and photos. I lived for them. I patted Yutaro's hand, and he nodded, pulling away from me so I could address my fans. I scribbled my signature while smiling happily at flashing lights. I always tried to leave personal touches with each person I spoke to. And, I always made sure to get their name. I was fortunate to have excellent photographic memory, and I would go home later and write their names down to memorize. When I did become famous, I wanted to be able to remember my first group of fans who came to my shows when I wasn't quite off the ground yet.
When I finished with my last fan of the night, Mayu stepped out from backstage with her laptop case in her hand. "You out of here?" I asked.
"Yeah, unlike some people, I can't make straight A's without studying," she said. I stuck my tongue out playfully, and she hugged me goodbye.
"You're the best, Mayu," I said, squeezing her.
"Tell your brother I said hello," she said. "I miss seeing him around." I rolled my eyes, but nodded and waved anyway while she exited the club safely and confidently hailed her cab ride home. My brother, Senri, was Mayu's biggest crush. We had been best friends since grade school, but she was always caught following my brother around. He was only five months older than me, so he was in the same grade as us. Unfortunately for her, Senri never saw her in a romantic way. And, as we got older, I honestly felt like she could do better. I loved my brother, but he battled quite a few inner demons that someone like Mayu couldn't handle.
I went to join Yutaro who was standing close to the bar waiting for me, when an older man approached me. Not soon after, Yutaro had stepped behind me, the notable scent of his spiced cologne hitting my nostrils. The man smiled, towering over my five feet eight inches.
"You put on quite a show, kid. You're Takumi's girl, right?" I rolled my eyes internally but attempted to keep my expression professional.
"You can call me Satsuki," I said. He nodded, a peculiar gleam in his eye.
"Yes. Brings back memories." He pulled out his wallet and slipped out a card. He handed it over to me, and my hands slightly trembled when I took it. "My name is Jin Shinbo. I manage a host of musicians, and back when Trapnest first started out, I managed their competitor, Blast. I'm sure you've heard of them?"
"Yes," I said, hesitantly. Blast was my father's biggest rival, but my mother was their biggest fan. She met the lead singer, Nana Osaki on a train. They were the same age and coincidentally shared the same name, Nana. They became roommates, and a close friendship developed between them. Nana Osaki dated Trapnest's lead guitarist, Ren Honjo, and he was the key that allowed my mother and father to cross paths. The rest was history. But, before I was born, Ren passed away, and Nana disappeared. My mom had been trying to find her ever since, even now, eighteen years later. It was my Dad's best friend and Trapnest's lead singer, Reira, who suggested naming my little brother, Ren, after him.
Yutaro squeezed my hand, and I blinked, realizing that my emotions were point blank across my face. "Are you okay?" he whispered.
"I'm sorry," Jin said. "It seems I've disturbed you." I quickly pulled myself together and smiled.
"Oh. No, it's just that Trapnest and Blast had went through so much back then," I said. Jin nodded. "Indeed, they did. But, I didn't really come here to talk about bands from the past. I want to talk about you," he said. He obtained my full attention as I clenched Yutaro's hand tightly. Was this really happening? A manager appeared to be falling into my lap, it seemed. But, I couldn't deny that he recognized me by association. I would still give him a chance. Anything for my chance at a big break.
"I'm sure Takumi already has people hand picked for you at your disposal-"
"No, sir. He doesn't. I manage myself right now, and I'm not using anyone from his team," I said. Jin's eyes lit up.
"Ah, well that makes things easier for me. My number is on that card. If you're interested, I'd love to sit and have a meeting with you and see if we can't push your music to the next level." I flipped the card over and read his name and company he worked for. At the bottom were his phone numbers, e-mail, and website. I would send this information to Mayu, and she and I both would do our research. A dim thought did occur though, and I remembered I would have to bring this up to my parents. Since I was under eighteen, the company would need some parental consent. Truth be told, I wasn't sure I was ready for that conversation.
I held the card tightly in my hand. "That sounds great. I'll be in contact." I stretched my arm out and briefly shook his hand.
"It was a pleasure to finally meet you, Satsuki Ichinose. I see bright things for you," he said. He looked over at Yutaro once and looked him over, like he was just noticing him. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're…" he trailed off. Yutaro grew tense, and I started to worry, but Jin shook his head. "Nah, never mind. Have a good night," he said, leaving us alone. I watched him walk out the door of the club, and once the door shut, I immediately turned around and hugged Yutaro tightly.
"Oh, my God!" I squealed. "You heard all that, right? He wants to work with me! He could sign me, this could really happen!" I said, my words running a million miles per second. Yutaro didn't seem to mind though as he held me tightly in his arms. He buried his face in my neck, and I wanted more than anything to disappear with him. But, I remembered it was a weeknight, and…
"Yutaro..." I began, losing my train of thought as he placed gentle kisses along the column of my neck. I sighed quietly, "I have to go home tonight, I can't.." He pulled away from me and placed his hands on my shoulders.
"So, we stay here for a bit," he said, gently pushing me backwards.
"Wait, Yutaro. Where are we going?" My back suddenly hit the curtain that was attached to the stage, and he parted it to the side so we could go through. Once inside, he pushed me against the closest wall, and his lips welded against mine instantly. "Are you insane?" I pulled apart slightly. "We can't!" An exhilarated laugh erupted from my throat. Yutaro chuckled in return and picked me up, prompting my legs to wrap around his waist.
"Don't worry. Just keep your voice down," he said, placing me on top of the dressing table. No one would come back here. I kept telling myself that as I reached the edge of his shirt and pulled it up over his head. I could never turn him away, I wanted him too much. Yutaro kissed me again, running his tongue along mine while he lifted my skirt up my thighs. I easily discarded my shirt and he wrapped his arm around to unhook my bra. Within seconds, I was completely naked. Yutaro kept his jeans on, but I didn't mind. I often enjoyed the quick bite of denim against my skin.
"You know, someone might come in here and see me like this," I said. He covered me completely with his body and pushed my knees apart.
"They would see you naked beneath me and know they can't have you?" His hand was between my legs, and I moaned, quickly biting my bottom my lip as his fingers penetrated me. The idea of possibly getting caught was thrilling for me. We could hear the music beating from the pounding speakers. The desk I sat on quaked beneath me, and I pulled Yutaro closer to me, wanting him as close as possible. His hand continued to work his magic when I heard the familiar sound of foil crinkling, then I felt the head of his erection press against my sensitive skin.
"Yutaro," I sighed, as he slid inside. His lips sealed against mine, and he rocked against me, hard and fast. I whimpered and moaned against his mouth, while my arms and legs stayed hooked around his shoulders and waist. The table shook harder with each harsh jerk of his hips. I loved every second of it. His fingers dug into my ass, and he lifted me, pressing even deeper inside me. This time, I couldn't hold back my desperate cries. This wasn't supposed to last long, unfortunately. Any forethought to keep our escapade a secret had flown away. Yutaro's soft groans and dirty nothings mingled with mine. My nails dug into his back, and I could feel my orgasm crawling up my spine intensely.
"Please," I begged. Yutaro ran his fingers against my clit, and I was gone. My back bowed off of the table as my muscles clenched. I screamed, spewing random expletives in his ear. He thrust into me one last time, holding still and panting against my ear following his own release.
"Satsuki," he said, placing his perspired forehead against mine. He slid out from inside me, quickly discarding the condom, and turned back to help me off the table. I started to dress when I heard my phone buzzing in my purse. "Can you see who that is?" I asked, slipping my shirt over my bra.
"Uh, Mina?" he said, pulling my phone out for me.
Why would Senri's girlfriend be calling at this time? I was 95% sure that's where he would be. He was hardly ever home these days, and I knew he grew quite attached to her.
"Why is she calling?" I quickly took it from his hands, and answered.
"Mina? It's me," I said.
"Satsuki, I'm so glad you answered. I need your help," she said, her voice rising an octave anxiously.
"What's the matter? Isn't Senri with you?" I asked.
"He was with me, Satsuki. But… He just left. He went to see her."
Stella.
My blood instantly boiled, and I had to take a deep breath to calm myself. The old wench was becoming nothing but trouble ever since Senri met her by coincidence. He trusted me with everything, and I had kept every secret he had locked tight within myself. I don't even think Ren knew as much as I did. But, this was becoming too difficult for me. I loved my brothers, both of them. They came before absolutely anyone.
"When did he leave?" I asked.
"About fifteen minutes ago. He left me the key to the room, but he didn't say he was coming back."
"Why wouldn't he come back, unless he…" He would be going home then. "I'll find him," I promised.
"Please call me when you do. I'm so worried. He wasn't himself, Satsuki. Worse than usual. He couldn't even look me in the eyes when I begged him to stay." I heard her voice catch, and she cleared her throat to regain composure. I closed my eyes, trying to hold my own emotions at bay.
"I'll call. I promise," I said, quickly hanging up the phone. "Yutaro, I-" His arms enveloped me instantly, squeezing confidence into me.
"Do you need me to come with you?" he asked. I quickly shook my head.
"No. Thank you, but no. I have to do this on my own. Senri will only talk to me, and I need to talk sense into him before he does something stupid." Well, stupider than his usual.
I gathered all of my things and rushed out of the secluded room. Yutaro held me one last time, and I met his lips with a kiss. "Please, be safe. Take care of yourself," he said, leaving a chaste kiss against my black hair.
"I will. I'll call you tonight," I promised. I never realized how true that would be as I sped through Tokyo traffic in my sports car. It probably wasn't the best idea, but if I knew my brother, he'd beat me home by now. I quickly parked my car, and sure enough, his SUV was half-assed parked next to Ren's. I ran passed the security desk, waving at the attendant who was barely awake. I passed the elevators and decided to run up the stairs instead. My long legs could go faster than that rising carriage anyway.
I unlocked the door and kicked off my shoes, running for Senri's room. I jiggled my hand on the door knob and thank God, it came free as the door swung open.
"Senri?" I called. I heard a clatter from his bathroom and that's where I found him, hunched over the sink, a small mirror just beneath his nose with white lines of powder on it. "Senri," I called again.
"Dammit," he muttered, quietly. He lifted his head and turned to look at me. He looked terrible, like he hadn't slept in days. When was the last time he actually did sleep?
"What are you doing here?" he asked, harshly. I sat down on the edge of the bathtub, attempting to have a civil conversation. I hoped he was sober enough to comprehend civil. I wasn't home anymore than he was. But, I abided if our parents decided to give us a curfew or if any dinner plans were made. It made it much easier for me to get away with staying out late and even staying overnight. Senri, however, was an in your face rebel. He didn't care about consequences or how his actions affected people. I could probably think of one exception, but in this case now, he'd dug himself into quite a hole. But, I would try pleading with him, begging him to put his habits away and act like a normal teenager slash young adult again. He could date Mina, because I knew without a doubt, he did have deeper feelings than just a casual fling girl. He could graduate and go to University and be the genius we all know he is. Help the world because, I knew through the hardships of his life, he could find it in himself to assist the greater good.
"Senri, please. I can't do this anymore," I heard myself pleading with him. "You can't keep doing this to yourself, can't you see it's killing you?" I wasn't sure what all he was comprehending, but I kept trying. "What about the rest of us? Your mom, our dad, me and Ren? Mina too! She called me tonight, Senri! She's so worried about you!" Senri's jaw clenched, and his grey eyes grew cold.
"I don't want to hear this right now, Satsuki. Just go on, get out of here. Go out in the world and play your music and maybe a kind mosquito will sneak a picture of your tits." I gasped in shock. He couldn't have said things more hurtful. "Now, that would be something to break dear Daddy's heart. Meanwhile, I'm going to get high, as high as I possibly can, and no one will worry about a damn thing!" Veins bulged against his neck, and I knew at any moment, he would crack. But, at least he had ignored the drugs, for a moment.
I stood up, ready to take him down if needed. I was determined that he wouldn't take another hit tonight. Based on the information from Mina, I knew Senri had more than enough for the day. "Senri, no more. I don't care what you think about me right now. No more," I said. Senri's fist smashed into the wall, mere inches from my face. He has not, and never would actually hit me. This was his way of trying to scare me off. "Get out of my room," he demanded. His eyes narrowed, but they quickly lost focus. I wondered for a moment if he even realized what was going on? Did he know what he was saying, what I was saying? The fight in me began to dissipate. If I reached his drugs and decided to flush them down the toilet, I couldn't predict what he would do next. If he got high and slept it off, I could revisit this conversation in the morning when he's sober again. I hoped…
"Satsuki, get out now!" He grabbed my arm, and shoved me out of the room. He slammed the door shut and I heard the lock click in place.
Dammit.
I turned around and placed my ear against the door. I could hear Senri mumble to himself, then the disgusting sounds of him inhaling the awful substance. I cringed, and placed my hands against the door. I heard him inhale again, and again.
"Senri," I called. No response, but another inhale. Then, he chuckled. He was losing it. "Senri!" I was outside of his room in the hallway, but I banged on the door anyway, no longer afraid of disturbing the home or waking someone up. "If you don't open this door right now, I'm getting our Father! Do you hear me? He's going to know everything!" I shrieked, my palms flat smacking against the door.
"FUCK YOU, SATSUKI!" His only response, before I heard a loud crash. Then, silence. Panic crawled up my throat and choked my words, but I knew I had no choice. I needed help, and Senri needed help. There was nothing else on the other side of the door. No inhales, no scuffle, nothing. Releasing the door, I screamed through the dark hallways.
"DADDY!" I shrieked, barging into my parents bedroom. The bedside lamp instantly turned on, and dad was already sitting up out of the bed. Mom was slowly stirring awake on the other side.
"Satsuki? What's the matter?" dad said. A shaking breath escaped me and I pointed back from the room. "Satsuki, talk to me. What is it?" he demanded. Tears leaked from my eyes, and this time, I saw mom sitting up in bed with concern.
"Satsuki, sweetheart?" She said in her soft, naturally kind voice. I trembled and shook like my body would fall apart. Dad grasped my shoulders, and finally, I found my voice.
"Senri... Dad, Senri's in trouble." I said. I grasped his hand and pulled him with me. "Hurry!" Mom was scurrying out of the bed to join us when dad turned around.
"Stay here, Nana," he said, and she didn't move. We ran out of the bedroom together to the other side of the house and came to a stop at Senri's bedroom. "He's locked himself inside!" I said. Dad jostled the doorknob and banged his fist on the door. "Hey, Senri! Open the door now!" Complete, utter silence filled the air, and I fell to my knees. Dad didn't stop though. He rammed his shoulders against the door a few times, until finally, he managed to push it open off its hinges. I remained still on the floor, while watching him run into the room after his eldest son. Senri was completely passed out on the tile floor of the bathroom. Dad reached him, lifting his body up quickly.
"Senri? Senri! What have you done?" He shouted, trying to rouse Senri awake, but he didn't budge. Dad noticed residue from the powder on Senri's nose. His eyes were open, yet vacant, as if he were…
"Senri!" Dad shouted again, smacking his cheek with the side of his hand. Sobs racked my body, but I couldn't move from my spot on my knees. This was all my fault. I let him do this to himself, all this time. And, nobody knew it. It took until tonight.
"Satsuki!" dad snapped me to attention. I slowly crawled to where he sat with Senri. "Listen, go get your mom and call for an ambulance. Right now, understand?" I looked down at my brother, his eyes had finally closed. But, he laid there in dad's arms like he were nothing. He held Senri's wrist tightly in his hand, and his veins didn't move or thump. He didn't have a pulse!
I quickly stood up from my spot on shaky legs, and ran back to where Mom was waiting. I couldn't believe this. What started out as the most eventful night of my adult life, turning into absolutely nothing. Listening to my dad's feeble attempts to wake my brother, I exclaimed to Mom what had happened and she called the ambulance herself. Someone would have to call Senri's mother, Kaoru. He was her only son. How could I possibly face her, after the many times I covered for him to her face?
Then I remembered that Ren wasn't home. He was out too, just like Senri and I had been.
With a trembling hand, I speed dialed and heard the alarms of an ambulance.
"Satsuki?" He answered in a tired voice.
"Ren!" I gasped. Mom had rushed to the front of the house and escorted two EMTs inside with a stretcher. I didn't think I had anymore tears to cry, but they still slid down my cheeks unheeded.
"Senri is dead!"
