So chapter 1 is not doing well. Whatever!
Disclaimer: K-ON belong to Kakifly and Kyoto Animation
Houkago Tea Time for Life
Nakano Azusa stared at herself in the mirror again. Her face is sparkling clean, makeup's applied on, and she's pretty sure that her teeth are brushed thoroughly. Truth to be told, she's already wrapped up and ready to go. But yet the sight of her back on those childish pigtails extremely worries her. She remember dropping her hair down a few years back when she entered college, apparently some of her fellow classmates found it odd how someone by her age still used the childish hairstyle. Nevertheless, she stuck with it anyway. Always wanting to let her hair down and starting a new image of herself that shows more of maturity and elegance. But as soon as she heard that the old gang are meeting up again, she had the urge to tie her hair back to its unforgettable hairstyle for old time sake. That may be the case until she remembered that she's not a high schooler anymore, and pigtails would definitely look odd on an adult woman.
"Maybe this is a bad idea," she muttered to herself once after gathering her thoughts. She confirmed her choice by pulling the hair tie out, letting her long silky black hair down. "They better not mistook me as Mio." She stifled over a small snort thinking of a certain ditzy ex-upperclassman who happened to be the first one who mistook her as someone else.
"I hope she's doing okay," she wondered out loud again. It had always been one of her bad habits.
"Azusa-chan!" a voice called over behind the bathroom door. "You better hurry, or else you're going to be late."
"I'm almost done!" Azusa announced. She checked her face one last time, no zits or any other acne in sight. Make up is still on and not yet smudged, and her hair is still down as her instinct suggested. She then left the bathroom, heading straight towards the front door slipping into her shoes. Her boyfriend stood by the door watching her just right she's about to leave.
"Have a safe trip!" His smile is kind and genuine, and do resemble his sister a whole lot. "Give my regards to everyone there."
"Sure," Azusa smiled back. "Anything else?" she asked her boyfriend one last time before turning the door knob.
"Yeah, tell Nee-chan to come visit more often."
Somewhere else
Tainaka Ritsu quickly turned away just as she sneezed, avoiding any contacts to the lovely lady who is along with her.
"Getting a cold now?" her lovely partner Mio asked with a sighed tone. "That's what happens if you don't dress accordingly when you sleep."
"Ok, first of all, it's just a sneeze. So no need to go Dr. House on me," Ritsu assured her. "And second, even if I did get sick, you're partially to blame for that."
"And how is that my fault?" Mio asked defending her right.
"Because you are just too cute!" Ritsu grinned at her slyly. "And I can't just control myself seeing you last night wearing that skimpy…"
"Shut up, you idiot!" Mio jumped at Ritsu covering her mouth before she can finish that sentence. "Not in public."
It's just as Mio said, the two young lovers are currently in public, strolling through the shopping arcade nearby their next destination. It may be weekdays but the shopping arcade is bustling with many different types of people, from everyday locals to confused tourists.
"Okay, okay," Ritsu sighed. "I'm sorry. Let's just keep walking around alright?" She then lead on ahead, while Mio trailed on shortly after calming herself down.
The two young lovers stood by next to each other turning their heads over to one side and another, examining each of the store's specialty merchandise display. Ritsu and Mio know this area well. Not only that they visit the area occasionally, but this is also the exact same shopping arcade where they occasionally visit during their high school days. It's such a pity though how the place changed so much throughout the years, but the biggest and titular change of all, is the new Used Brand Store down where the music store used to be.
The exact same store where Ritsu, Mio and even Yui bought their very first musical instrument is no longer present. No more left handed bass or guitars hung proudly on neatly shelved racks, no more amplifiers or imported CDs available for sale. All musical goods are now replaced with second hand brand name handbags, wallets, watches and many more variety.
"Look, Mio," Ritsu stopped on track and point at the new Used Brand Store. "It's that wretched shop."
Ritsu may not be a regular customer at the 10GIÄ music store, but she's still disappointed at how it disappeared one day without a trace. Leaving nothing but a new owner who simply displayed their bizarre and overpriced goods. Ritsu vowed herself that she wouldn't even enter the shop. Mio, on the other hand, is another case.
"Ritsu," she called her partner. "They're having a sale."
"So?" she asked nonchalantly.
"So," Mio looked at her irritatingly. "Why don't we go in and take a quick look? We have plenty of time before we meet up with everybody else anyway."
Ritsu never understand fashion, neither have she tried to understand it. Her clothing has always been simple, even to the point where she would not fall into the line of brand names. She also know well that Mio is not that type of person who would show off the big brand either, since it would bring her numbers of attention that would embarrass her deeply. So it's a wonder for Ritsu to see Mio to show sudden interest to these things.
"Okay, fine," Ritsu gave in to Mio. "But for just a little bit."
"Thanks," Mio smiled out as a reply.
The two ladies entered through the Used Brand Store, and were they marvelled at the sight. Clothes, handbags, watches, wallets and much more different merchandises are proudly displayed over locked glass. Ritsu is surprised, she could not believe that this second hand store can accumulate the previous music store's spaces, considering how spacious the store is to begin with.
The two then browsed through the store, examining the merchandises for sale. Ritsu, at best, is suppressing her shock at the number of digits on the price tags, not wanting to look dumb nor ignorant in front of Mio and the kind saleslady. She turned to look at Mio, who seems to have her eyes fixed on a particular item. Ritsu approached her and she too glanced through at what Mio has been staring on, a Louis Vuitton handbag.
"I didn't know you like LV bag," Ritsu suddenly said to her partner. "Since when?"
"There's this girl at work showing it off to us a few days ago," Mio explained. "It looked really nice." It's very faint, but Ritsu can sense a hint of jealousy in Mio's tone when she explained of her co-worker.
"It might be a Taiwanese knock-offs," Ritsu tried to assure her.
"No, it's genuine," Mio sighed. "She said that her boyfriend got it for her when he was in France."
It may be a long story, but that comment still made Ritsu feel downhearted. "Really?" she tried to sound normal. "Well, good for her." Her tone may be faint and unnoticeable to people who are not close to her, but it could not fool Mio for a second.
"Come on, let's go," she simply said. Understanding that Ritsu is somehow upset, Mio grab a hold of her hand and pull her out of the store thanking the kind saleslady along the way. The two walked quite a few distances away from the store, or more like Mio is dragging Ritsu away from it as far as she can.
"Hey, Mio," Ritsu said suddenly bringing their footwork to a hold. "Am I good enough for you?"
"This again?" Mio asked not willing to look at Ritsu in the eye. "Do we really need to talk about this again?"
"Yes, we do," she pestered on. "I'm sorry but, it's just that every time I hear from you or from someone at work, I have this nagging feeling like I'm just not good enough for you or the kids."
"Have I ever told you that?" Mio turned her head around to face Ritsu. She looked furious, and her voice matched to her feelings compatibly well. Ritsu is glad that they managed to find a secluded area where hardly any people pass by. "Have I ever complained to you that you've never showered me with expensive gifts or take me to France?"
"Well, no," Ritsu's not too sure how to reply. "But, it's just that I keep thinking…"
"Then stop doubting yourself!" Mio scolded her harsh. "You've done plenty for me and the kids. You've given us a home, schooling for the girls, food at the table, security…"
"You paid half of the expenses and you know it!" Ritsu interrupted. "Or probably more, I'm not sure about it."
Mio was about to response again, but seeing Ritsu looking at her with that disheartened look made her to stop and think otherwise. Seeing how the girl is hurting inside, she did what she usually wouldn't do in public face. She wrapped her arms all around Ritsu affectionately.
"Ritsu," Mio said to her in a soothing tone. "When I agreed to marry you, I wasn't expecting a big house or expensive gifts or overseas trip.
"Oh gee, that's nice of you," Ritsu rolled her eyes sarcastically. "Didn't expect much from me, did ya."
"Shut up for a sec," Mio used that harsh tone again, before switching back to the previous gentle voice. "I wanted a marriage, and a family. And you've given me those two things I've yearned for all my life."
"Mio…" Ritsu is left speechless. Never in her life had she ever notice how much her life affected to Mio. She did influence her with music and made her into that stubborn woman she was back in high school. But this life now they both share, this little family of four, is what Mio had always wanted. And Ritsu delivered it to her.
"All those glitters and gold," Mio continued to sooth her crestfallen partner. "They all mean nothing to me when you're not in my life. I'd rather much to be with you."
"Oh geez, Mio," Ritsu wrapped her arms all over her beloved wife. "I'm sorry. I have no idea."
"Well, you do now," Mio replied. "All those trips, money and everything else can wait. I am very happy to have this cute little family we have. And I am very fortunate to have you as my dear wife." To prove her point, and to prevent this conversation from happening again, Mio seal the deal with her lips. Everything else, it's self-explanatory.
Yui's case
Yui bounced her head left and right rhythmically to the beat of her favourite catchy tune. She's very much engrossed to the music, she even sing along and imitate the guitar solo with an invisible instrument. She had never been this passionate with music before, a few years ago she wouldn't dream of using her love for music as a profession. But yet here she is, on her privately owned limo heading towards her hometown. It's hard to believe that this same ditzy Hirasawa Yui, who managed to pass high school with a close margin, have finally reached stardom with her breakthrough and appealing music.
"Yui!" her manager pulled off Yui's headphones. "Did you hear what I just said?"
"Ah, Nodoka-chan," Yui pouted at her trusted partner. "I was at the best part."
"Yeah, I can see that," she rolled her eyes. "But this is important."
"What is it?" Yui asked her innocently.
"I just got a call from Takanashi-kun at TBS," she started before taking a deep breath. "And they want to feature you on their celebrity talk show this Sunday."
"Really?" Yui looked at her with excitement sparkles in her eyes. "That's great, Nodoka-chan!" She's about to leap on her childhood friend, but Nodoka stopped her otherwise.
"No! Yui! It's not!" she said rather disappointingly.
"Eh?" Yui asked feeling confused of the sudden sad expression. "What do you mean?"
"Did you forget?" she asked. "You already agreed to guest star on another program on that same day."
"I did?" Yui asked tilting her head oblivious. Nodoka groaned while grabbing her face, still in disbelief that this young lady is almost as oblivious as to her past self back in high school.
"Yes, you did," Nodoka nodded. "What are we going to do now? We're in big trouble."
"Why?" Yui asked still feeling oblivious.
"Because you can only go to one of them," Nodoka explained. "I pleaded with TBS to re-schedule to another day but they can only fit us in on Sunday. And I can't re-schedule with the other talk show either."
"Why not?" Yui asked again wishing for the world to go around her way.
"Because, I begged them to guest starred you in their show," said Nodoka. "And if we blow them off, they will be seriously pissed off at us. Probably won't even to associate with us in future." Nodoka may still be inexperienced, but she know well when to cross the line. She did so with this network show, and they won't take too kindly when she called it off. Especially after finally abiding to Nodoka's selfish request. Oh how she wished she didn't begged to them in the first place.
"If it's that important, then let's just go with that talk show," Yui suggested.
"Well, we can but…" Nodoka stopped halfway shifting around uncomfortably.
"But…" Yui pressed on.
"But TBS is also bringing Kujikawa Rise in," Nodoka finished. "And this is your chance to get on screen with Rise Kujikawa at the same time." She looked over to her client, where as she expected, looked on with disbelief. After all, Yui was just listening to Rise Kujikawa before Nodoka interrupted her.
"Risette?" Yui gasped. "If we go with TBS, I get to meet Risette?" Nodoka nodded responsively, in which Yui burst out with happiness and delight. Risette started around at the same time with Yui and somewhat can be called as one of her rival, but despite of that Yui just adored her to the max.
"I know how much you love her," said Nodoka understanding her friend's love for the idol. "That's why I tried to get you in their talk show. But in then I screwed it up," she looked on rather disappointed. Yui noticed the upset look on her face, and she knows well what she must do.
"Then let's cancel the TBS show," she said to her manager. "We'll go with the other show instead."
"Huh!" Nodoka stared at Yui. "No! Yui, it's okay. We can go with TBS. I'll just apologize with the other network and place the blame on me."
"That's what I don't want!" Yui exclaimed firmly. "I don't want you to get into trouble for my sake, Nodoka-chan. There's always next time for Risette."
"Yui…" Nodoka looked at her dear old friend. She was surprised that she's not upset over this predicament, something that her previous clients would definitely do. But that's still did not sympathize Nodoka's feelings either. The spectacled lady is still upset at herself for not being able to manage Yui's schedule. "I'm sorry, this is still my fault."
"Huh?" Yui asked obliviously again. "What do you mean?"
"Yui," she looked at her. "I made a mistake, I shouldn't have pestered that TV network but yet I did. Now because of me, we have to go on that network's talk show or else we're going to get on their bad side. And I blew your chance to meet Kujikawa Rise too."
Nodoka had never doubt herself before. She's always been confident and headstrong. Of course that all change when she discovered how tough it is to make it into the corporate world. She's constantly slip-up at her previous job, and those corporate higher-ups did seem soulless as described. It's a good thing she escaped that path before she turned herself into one, even if it mean for her to be unemployed for a couple of months. But even after Yui hired Nodoka as her manager, she still doubts herself over her own ability.
"Truth to be told, Yui," Nodoka hung her head low. "You'd probably better off with a different manager."
"But, I want you to be my manager," Yui innocently expressed her matter.
"You hired me because I was unemployed," Nodoka exclaimed. "I was glad at first, but I realize that I'm just weighing you down. You're a great star, Yui. And you can get so much better with someone who is more experienced."
"Now don't you say that, Nodoka-chan!" Yui's tone suddenly feels harsh, and Nodoka noticed it too. This is her first time seeing Yui to use that kind of tone. "I hired you not only because you needed some help, it's also because I trust you."
"Trust me?" Nodoka asked looking surprised.
"The world is not that kind, and I know that," Yui continued. "People are getting swindled every single day. If I'm going to survive in this tough world, I need to be with you. I trust no one else but you, after all you've always been with me ever since kindergarten."
"I don't know, Yui," Nodoka hesitated. As touching as it sounds, Nodoka is still feeling hesitant.
"It's not only that as well," Yui go still not giving up. "You've done plenty for me throughout my career. You've helped me in my interviews, telling me what's appropriate and what's not. You limit me from alcohols, keeping me away from drugs or creating scandals, and stop me from making a fool of myself in parties and stuff."
"Well, those are just general things that you should be doing every day," Nodoka wondered how this woman managed to be this hopeless until the day she was hired.
"Okay," Yui nodded still trying to convince her childhood friend. "You disciplined me like telling me to hand my music scores on time, or keeping my health in check so I won't get sick during performances."
"Those are still general things that you should be doing whether you're a star or not," Nodoka smirked. For some reason she feel a lot more jolly than before. Have Yui's words are reaching up to her?
"Okay," Yui nodded again looking more troubled than before. "Uhmmm… well uhhh… you uhhh… let's see…" Yui fidgeted trying to come up with some good reasons for to convince Nodoka. Needless to say, Nodoka is laughing off Yui's feeble attempt. "Hey, stop laughing," she pouted like a cute child.
"Oh, Yui," Nodoka smiled. "You are so hopeless."
"Hey!"
"You'd definitely be lost without me," she continued on. "I guess I'd better stick around so I can keep an eye on you." Nodoka couldn't do it, she cannot just leave with Yui still acting irresponsible. And this is Yui, her childhood friend, the cute girl whose innocent smile can melt any ravaging monster's heart. She can never resist her childlike demeanour.
"You mean it?" Yui asked as a smile crept on her mouth. There it is again, the smile with no ill intention. The one that Nodoka always forgive no matter how severe she screwed up.
"I do," she nodded. "I'm sorry for doubting myself like that."
Similar to her former-self back in high school, and possibly middle school, Yui's arms flew on Nodoka wrapping them around her waist while she snuggled on her chest. Yui is never tired of hugging people, and people don't really mind. She had this amazing aura that can make any thrashing child to stop squirming.
"It's just one mistake," Yui comforted her. "And forget experience. You got instincts and you know what's best for me. That's why I don't want anybody else but you to be my manager."
Ever since Nodoka had her problem start of the day, she'd never thought that nothing can cheer her up. Guess she never account for Yui and her words that cherished her dearly.
While Nodoka worked on her soulless sucking job, she sometimes wondered if Yui is doing fine in her future. She wondered if she have changed and began to take more responsibility in her life. She also wondered if the fame and fortune had mind played Yui's head and turning her into someone more sinister and greedy. Through her previous job, she knows well how different people can be once they succumbed into the life of riches. She was very relieved when Yui appeared on her doorstep one day, still emitting that same innocence back then.
No matter how many years have passed by, Yui is still the same girl she was before. The same Yui that Nodoka fell in love with.
"Yui," Nodoka called bringing her attention.
"Yes?" she looked up from Nodoka's chest.
"Kiss," she mumbled while blushing. Yui understood well what she meant by that, and she's happy to obliged to her manager. Yui looked ahead first making sure that the limo driver's window is up, once confirmed, well she did as asked.
A lot of fluff in this one. Hope that will make things better than the no-action previous chapter. So, read up on every little words on this and piece up things together to picture what they currently have now. Especially to Mio and Ritsu's side cause i didn't stretch their future lot enough. But more on their certain future in later chapters.
Okay, notes.
Azusa is straight. Yeah, i'm sorry but i prefer Yui with Nodoka. Who's the mysterious boyfriend? I hope it's obvious enough who it is. If not, wait on the next chapter.
Ritsu is with Mio. No surprise there. Moving on!
Another Persona reference in Yui's story. Oh and TBS is the TV network that show K-ON! I visit their studio when i was in Japan last month. The whole Nodoka doubting herself as Yui's manager is also inspired from Vincent and E's moments in HBO's Entourage, my current obsession (Go watch it).
Anyway, most of the things in this chapter are all influenced from the screwed up Reqiem 5 A Dream doujinshi. But instead i boomed it up by making things all fluff. Personally, i don't like that doujin (or any of the other sequel and prequel that they made) and i need to recover from it. So i re-create it using the stuff they had in it as my medicine. And to you all as well who read the doujin and wanted to recover from the trauma, Here you go! You're welcome!
Thanks for reading. Don't forget to review.