A/N:
Hello! How are you? Latest chapter. Unedited version! well, that's because there are no limes/lemon here. LOL. Still a few weeks more before the year ends. I hope I can still post a couple more chapters before December ends.
For any grammar mistakes and inconsistencies, do post a review or pm me. I will try to amend them as best as I could.
Chapter 37- Breakeven
Ken Ryouichi could barely suppress his irritation at the man bowing low in apology before him. Rubbing his thumb and forefinger on the bridge of his nose, he gritted his teeth as he spoke evenly.
"I'm sorry, Yoshirou. I think I did not hear correctly what you have just said."
The tall, gangly man wearing the spectacles lifted up his head, a thin sheen of sweat forming on his forehead, making his thinning hair look even duller than necessary.
"I would like to extend my humblest apologies but my client won't be able to continue doing the song collaborations for Bright Television's latest movie installment."
A vein throbbed dangerously on Ken's temple, and he lifted his eyebrows. "And do, pray tell me, what is wrong this time, with your client, Ms. Rin?"
The man hesitated, fumbled about in his pockets for a folded handkerchief to wipe the sweat off his face, causing his eyeglasses to dislodge from its perch on his nose.
"Well..Ummm. You see, Ms. Rin impressed that she wanted to make a music video with Mr. Jinguuji. She has been trying to get his management to get Mr. Jinguuji to contribute on her upcoming album, but her offers has been declined repeatedly due to reasons unspecified…" his voice faltered when he saw the fierce look thrown in at him by Ken.
Hmm. I wonder why?Ken thought sarcastically before answering, his mind quickly analyzing the situation Ms. Rin is trying to create. She was chosen out of the panel of artists presented during the project team meeting and a lot voted in favor. Frankly, he was one of those who did not vote for her, but since the majority selected her, he thought it best to make the most of it. However, they have not started the planning stage yet, and here is one of her insipid minions delivering her demands when the ink has not dried on the paper yet.
"You know, Yoshirou, I have enough trouble trying to complete the works before the slated deadline, which gives me-" paused, glanced at his calendar sitting within reach on his desk littered with papers, pens and a pile of A3 size story boards waiting for his review, "about five months to tidy up this task."
"I u-understand, Mr. Ryouichi," he replied hurriedly, "Ms. Rin wants to get a sweeter deal before the contract signing next week-"
Ken held out a hand to stop him from continuing. Frankly he has had enough with the arrogant and vain Rin Suzume, Tokyo's version of a teen queen who is trying to pass herself off as a mature singer after spending several years singing teeny bopper songs. Apparently, years in the industry and experiencing success after success have made the ambitious Rin into such a voracious and greedy client. There has been whispers in the industry that she always try to get want she wants by demanding outrageous things from producers in order for her to commit to doing songs and collaborations. It can't be helped that despite her bossy attitude and antics to get more attention to herself; she has quite a number of followers and her talent is real. It's no wonder that there are still healthy offers for her to do more work.
But he, as a producer, has been getting weary from dealing with these kind of people. Sure, they are bankable and could line a businessman's pocket easily with profit money. But he is not sure whether all the fuss and trouble is worth it. And Bright Televisions prides itself on bringing quality shows and movies. After a slew of prestigious awards and recognition they were receiving in the past years since the revamp in their top management, they started gaining a steady stream of audiences who rely on them to produce and deliver quality entertainment.
Rin Suzume, might be able to deliver, but he has this uneasy feeling that the quality of works will be compromised with the way she has been living her life on the edge lately: rumors on a sex tape circulating on the net, medication abuse, partying, temper tantrums, prima donna attitude, etc.
Without missing a beat, Ken made a split second decision.
"Alright, Yoshirou. I get your point." He carefully watched the man fixed his askewed glasses in relief. For a moment, he let him savor a small fake victory, leading him to think that, once again, Rin Suzume has managed to weasel something in her favor. "But," he added with measure, meeting Yoshirou's eyes with a stern look, "You can tell your beloved Ms. Rin that with her display of poor professionalism, I have decided to drop her from the collaboration plans."
"B-b-but.." Yoshirou stuttered, dropping the handkerchief from his hand, "Ms. Rin is willing to do the job as long as you will ensure the benefits she has been asking for…" he flinched a bit when Ken threw him a contemptuous look.
"Ms. Rin's services are no longer required. As one of the producers of this project, I think it would be more prudent if we use another replacement for her. I have enough authority to override the project team's original decision if it would compromise and affect other parties involved with this collaboration. There are a lot of other talented singers whom Ren Jinguuji can work with. Please kindly inform Rin that her pathetic attempts to capture the attention of her supposed co-partner in this project won't happen with my blessing."
Yoshiro looked as white as a sheet when he finished his short speech. He opened his mouth to try to reason out with him but thought better of it. He bowed low again, and he can see his hand tremble slightly. He spun on his heel, and walked out of his office room, slinked down the hallway as seen through the glass enclosure.
Ken waited for him to disappear, saw his visitor turn at the end of the hallway going towards the lift lobby before he leaned back, and sighed.
There goes my plans, he thought sourly. Frankly speaking, without a proper schedule on how they all can put together the supporting works for the movie, he cannot fathom how much work they needed to do to meet the deadline. There would be songs to review, music videos to produce, promotional commercials to shoot, radio network interviews, marketing, etcetera, etcetera.
He grabbed his computer mouse, turned his attention back to the computer monitor and opened up another window message and began typing a quick, terse note. An emergency meeting is in order. But the latest they can have is in three days from today, since two of his team partners is out of the country on a business trip.
As soon as he sends the message, a sudden vibration caught his attention and he glanced down at his smart phone, the screen blinking its lights to show who is calling him.
Are my eyes deceiving me? Is that really him calling?
He gripped the phone and pressed the unlocked button eagerly. "Hello?"
"You're still alive then?" a chuckle at the end of the line.
"Of course. And you're still acting like a bastard, Satsuki Shinomiya." He replied with a hearty chuckle. "What brings you to call me?"
"We're back in town. I just wanted to see whether you have interesting projects for me."
Ken smiled broadly. Thank the gods, the Shinomiya twins are back. They can get this show moving. Any work done by a Shinomiya is guaranteed to be pure success.
"Why don't we meet up for lunch today? I have something that might interest you and your brother."
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
August Casimir opened the Business Times newspaper and tried to concentrate on reading the articles printed in bold letters in front of him. The crisp paper made a reassuring sound when it rustled as he turned the pages slowly, scanning relevant news he deemed important. Keeping up with the latest events helps him give advance notices to his friend and employer, Masato Hirijikawa; not that he always needed to be informed. The man is still makes him marvel when it comes to arming himself with knowledge when facing business rivals and enemies. But it helps that he can keep up in times when Masato opens up to him to occasionally ask his opinion or two on certain sensitive matters. It brings a lot of pride and joy when someone like him values his personal opinion.
A few minutes later, a waiter arrived, bearing a pot of steaming tea for him, a delicate china cup, and a tray of freshly baked scones, containers of jam and clotted cream. Allowing the waiter to arranged the breakfast meal before him, he comfortably sat in silence, keeping out a watchful eye on the patrons coming and going inside the The Imperial, a well known restaurant, bar and café of the prestigious The Continental Hotel, a five star hotel built in the heart of Tokyo during the late 1800s and one of the few handfuls of old buildings that survived the war. Masato has always admired the owners of the hotel and counts the current heir as one of his friends.
The restaurant is always on the traveler's list and guidebooks on best establishments to visit. They are always popular with Europeans, who love to have their traditional afternoon tea even while travelling, especially business class travellers. The establishment's ambience of oak-paneled walls, leather seats and fine chine made one think of their home country.
"Is there anything else I can get for you, sire?" the uniformed Japanese waiter with the slicked back hair, politely asked in a slight accent.
"That would be all, thank you." He regarded his server with a benevolent smile of thanks.
The waiter bowed, before retreating behind him. Folding the newspaper before replacing it with the rest of it in a neat stack, he took the pot of tea and poured some of the light brown liquid in the cup with deft, precise motions. Without putting any sugar or milk, he inhaled the scent appreciatively, liking the aroma emitted by the hot liquid.
He took a sip, closed his eyes to savor the taste before placing the cup back on its saucer without making a noise. Masato Hirijikawa has invested heavily on him learning impeccable table manners, and he could not thank him enough when he takes time to spend a quiet hour in between his work and errands.
He started to eat some of the scones, cutting one piece into half and spreading some jam and clotted cream on top of the sliced half.
Barely finishing his half scone, he eyed one newcomer walking gracefully towards him. And he studied the new comer in a subtle glance.
The woman is in her mid-thirties. Hair artfully done in a careless bun, her make-up is flawless; lips painted in a elegant shade of red, to compliment her well-manicured hands in the same shade. She was dripping in tiny diamonds, and he noted a large diamond engagement ring blinking against the weak afternoon sunlight pouring through the windows of the establishment.
Her dark-jewel toned eyes made eye contact with him, and for a moment, August felt his heart stopped, sure that she knows him, or would at least recognize him.
But the woman, wearing the black and white striped, silky blouse and black A-line ruffled skirt, gave no indication that she knew him. Nor did she barely react when she caught his eyes for a few moments. Instead, her doll-like neutral expression did not change as she let herself be seated by another waiter a few tables away from him.
August breathed a small sigh of relief. His carefully schooled expression has helped him lots of times, and Masato always counted on him when he needed to become intimidating when the situation calls for it. But today of all days, he decided to seize his opportunity to go out and do a couple of hours of his own investigation. Reasons being purely personal.
He tried his best to look nonchalant, finishing his tea quietly, gazing out of the clear window of the restaurant. Outside, the streets are filled with cars, shoppers, tourists and female high school teenagers, window-shopping in their school uniforms. Salarymen walked briskly to and fro, some carrying briefcases, a few holding just their smart phones, while others talked in hushed voices as they darted in the crowd. Summer season is coming to an end. Already, the trees are getting its autumn foliage ready, where the leaves are slowly, but surely turning into red, yellow and gold. However, the promise of cold winds are still months away, and the residents can still enjoy the warm weather.
All too soon, the scones are gone and his tea was finished. He refused more refills by the waiter, trying to prolong his stay as long as he can, but he knew he needed to leave soon. Masato would be waiting for him.
He continued to throw discreet glances at the lady sitting near him, busy with her handphone, calling people every other five minutes, scribbling notes on her expensive leather planner, and checking her mail on her tablet. She took out swatches of white and cream fabric from a black paper bag she was carrying with her as she took down notes. From a stranger's point of view, the woman is hard at work on planning the perfect wedding.
August was about ready to leave when his ears perked with the tingle of the bells at the entrance door. A new patron emerged from the streets outside, one that caught the same interest he had with the woman. He looked up and held his breath, unable to believe at the scene about to unfold in his eyes.
The tall man, whose soft blond hair seemed almost platinum in its paleness, sported piercing cornflower blue eyes. He usually associate people with blue eyes as warm people, carefree and easy to approach; but the male approaching the beautifully petite lady sitting near him, does not exude any warmth or kindness. In fact, every gesture he made speaks of underlying menace. The coldness of his demeanor only enhanced his masculine beauty; and as he sidled up against the sitting woman, he could see that they made such a striking couple. Their contrast complements and suits each other.
August leaned slightly forward, his keen ears attuned to the conversation about to take place.
"Hello, Anri." The male said in a husky voice.
"Louis." The woman replied silkily, the irritation barely concealed in her voice. "I specifically said I am not free to come with you today. I am about to meet Ren in half an hour."
August felt his phone vibrate on his pocket, still watching the scene before him with interest. He fished the phone out and clicked the button on its third ring, letting the conversation melt into the background of noises.
"Have your investigators reported back anything?" Masato's deep voice said at the other end of the line.
August inclined his head in a thoughtful manner. The investigators digging up clues on a possible coup within the Hirijikawa empire are still busy going after paper trails of money being transferred to off shore bank accounts. They are still in the middle of processing the accounts they have dug up and who arranged for it.
"I have some info. Just some additional evidence on your suspicions. I will inform you about it." He paused, eyes still trained on the couple in front of him. The man named Louis seemed to be holding on too tightly at the woman's wrist. He gripped the armrest of his chair, trying to decided whether he should interfere or not.
"Where are you?"
"At a tailoring shop, getting fitted for some new items. I gained some weight during our sojourn in Paris. The in house chef you hired is excellent." He lied smoothly, glancing at his watch. "Should I swing by now at the Riverside Park Suites to pick you and Haruka up for the party?"
A deep sigh.
August's forehead creased in concern. In front of him, the blond-haired man's face looked pissed off and was hissing something near the ear of his companion. The woman muttered something which he didn't catch before turning her head away from him.
"Masato? Is there anything wrong?"
"Nothing. I think I am just exhausted." He said. It was rare for him to open up something so personal. Sure, he and Masato have been friends for more than a decade. And they both shared a strong bond, almost similar to real brothers. And there are times that even if he crosses some line with him when he is concerned about his friend, Masato never rebuffed him nor acted all sensitive and high strung like other snobbish people.
"Is it because of Lady Chiyoko?" he asked.
"No. Haruka is just.." his voice trailed off. "Never mind. I will see you in fifteen minutes?" he asked.
August inclined his head as if Masato is just in front of him. "Fifteen minutes." He reiterated.
There was a click and the line went dead.
When he looked back at the couple near him, he saw that the male has left. August signaled for the bill, and a waiter immediately materialized at his elbow, ready and waiting. He signed the receipt, using his card to pay and tucked his wallet in his coat pocket.
As he walked passed the woman, he saw her sitting silently, the cup of tea in front of her has gone cold judging from the lack of steam rising from the china cup. She has this faraway look on her face, making her seemed like an eleven-year-old kid rather than a sophisticated woman that she is when she first came in. He glanced around briefly, checking for the male to really see if he is gone. The handsome man has some real and formidable talent in making the opposite sex reduce almost in tears. He could just make out her eyelashes looking dewy.
He felt a tiny stab of guilt when he thought of the little lie he told Masato just now. It was the first time he ever told of such a lie and knew he would be committing a few more offences in the future. He wanted to keep his friend in the dark for as much as he can without gathering enough evidence. Masato is not stupid; he will soon realize that something is happening under his nose. He is prepared for the consequences, but he needed to deal with it on his own if possible and resolve it without drawing too much attention from him.
His friend's decision to come to Japan has never been a much more welcome news for him. Masato thought it would only be beneficial to him and Haruka by transporting their home base in Japan.
But he was wrong there. For August Casimir, everything is at stake if he doesn't go back to Japan as soon as possible. And he was racking his brains day and night for weeks and months on how to get back here personally and stay for as long as possible.
He couldn't very well give a valid reason to Masato on his sudden need to go to Japan, except maybe citing it as personal one. After all, he agreed to be Masato's shadow, and he doesn't deviate from his oath and agreement with him. But how he wished for a time that he could get a longer break to do some investigating of his own. He even considered a year long sabbatical if he could not find a proper reason.
And he could not thank the gods enough when Masato was finally forced to go back and attend to his family and businesses in Japan. He can do his personal business without arousing his friend's curiosity and suspicion. At least for the time being.
"We wish you a good week, sir. And hope to see you again soon." The maître d' intoned to him as he opened the door to let him pass.
But just before his foot stepped into the threshold outside, a shadow loomed before him.
Automatically lifting his head, his eyes met the ice blue eyes of Ren Jinguuji.
"Oh, pardon me." Ren smiled politely, almost bumping into him. Wearing grey slacks, a black silky, long sleeved shirt, and his blond locks combed neatly in a somewhat slick back look, Jinguuji looked impeccably handsome. Like the proper business heir he ought to be instead of a rockstar. A complete waste of an heir, in his personal opinion. But then, to each his own.
"It's alright." He replied, nodding his head. "I was not paying attention just now." He stepped aside to let him enter first.
Ren Jinguuji smiled in friendly manner, expression already in the process of dismissing his encounter with him, when he scanned the room, face brightening when he saw who he was looking for.
"See you." He hurriedly rushed past him.
August Casimir gave one last look at the woman named Anri, where Ren Jinguuji is now enthusiastically greeting with a peck on the cheek before taking a seat next to her.
"I'll be back again, same time next week." He murmured to the maître d'.
"Very good, sir." The old man replied, ushering him out of the door.
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Satsuki Shinomiya twirled his smart phone on his hands impatiently. Glancing down at his watch, he saw he arrived right on time for his meeting with his friend, Ken Ryouichi.
Maybe he should order beer? He thought, his stomach grumbling in acknowledgement. After all, more than three hours passed since he ate his lunch. And his brother would probably be spending more than the allotted time prowling about the chic galleries around this area, leaving him alone to meet up with his friend. Natsuki will catch up with them later.
He leaned back on his chair, as soon as placing an order of beer and some roasted pork knuckle, hand poised over the buttons of his phone, trying to concentrate on the list of things he needed to do over the week. Barely three days passed since he and his brother came back to Tokyo and already, his list is getting longer and longer.
Their home needed to be cleaned and aired. Amazing how almost a year of not staying inside their home can make it look like a cave. A team of cleaners will come to do their work. So they booked a week's stay at one of Masato's hotels. August arranged for them to stay in a special suite. However, he is contemplating on whether getting someone to redecorate their place. He is getting sick of staring at the stark white blank walls. He needs to see some color.
Meanwhile, Haruka and Masato are ensconsed cozily at the Riverside Park Suites where a two-level penthouse occupied the last two levels of the building. He wondered whether Haruka is experiencing some unwanted nostalgia. The penthouse has commanding views of the Tokyo skyline. And clearly visible to the west part of the penthouse, is the building where she used to stay with Jinguuji previously. He should know. He was there to retrieve some borrowed books for his brother that Masato generously lend him.
It was hard to believe that a week ago, they spent their last few days saying goodbye to Paris, their home for the past year.
"Tokyo?" his ears perked up suspiciously, looking up at Haruka's somewhat too enthusiastic face. "We are relocating to Tokyo, or you are relocating to Tokyo?" He searched her face to see whether she is joking.
Tokyo.
For some strange reason, he felt uncomfortable from the déjà vu feeling he is experiencing. Three days ago Natsuki was just proposing that they convince Haruka to move back to Tokyo with them. They were prepared to argue with Masato; prepared to present the pros and cons to Haruka should her 'unofficial' guardian and keeper disagree. And it turns out that there was no need to do it.
Haruka's golden eyes avoided looking into his. His eyes narrowed. Clearly, the idea of going back to Tokyo was not her own idea. Someone posed it to her and the idea took root.
She landed a somewhat hard punched on his shoulder. "We. Are. Relocating. To. Tokyo. I wanted to look for my relatives and Masato is willing to help me. So I said yes." Her words poured out in a rush, like she wants no questions to be asked.
He saw that she glanced briefly at his brother, Natsuki, sitting silently opposite them, toying with the salt and pepper shaker awkwardly like a kid grounded by its parents.
Before he could land a few jabs of his foot underneath the table towards his brother to warn him to stop acting morose, Haruka beat him up to it.
Unexpectedly, she tipped the eyeglasses from his nose, before pulling it from his face and began to twirl it between her fingers.
"Natsuki, you and I are going out today to take one last look at the Louvre. You are not allowed to back out." She gave him a quirky smile, designed to make them both forgot about the bombshell she dropped on their laps.
Satsuki felt the familiar stab of jealousy bloom on his chest, before clamping it down when he saw his brother smile weakly, shyly, before nodding quietly. It's been days, but the smile on his brother's face somewhat eased the pain he felt.
"And what about me?" he suddenly spoke out loud before he could stop himself, forcing the two to look at him. He doesn't want to be left out of the closeness they are beginning to rekindle. It left him feeling slightly suffocated, like loosing the oxygen he needed to breathe.
Haruka raised her eyebrows at him, as if about to scold him, but then flashed him a big teasing smile. "You are coming with us of course. You'll be buying the entrance tickets. And tonight, you will need to arrange a boat ride for us at the Siene. I want to eat buffet dinner with you two. And Tomochika will join us tonight."
And with that, she excused herself to go to the ladies' restroom.
Satsuki closed his eyes. God, when she smiles at him like that, it felt like a thousand knives twist his insides.
When he turned his head to say something to his brother, he found Natsuki looking at him seriously.
"Something's up. This sudden decision to go back to Tokyo has the makings of a thick plot complete with all the trimmings." Natsuki said quietly.
"I always knew Masato's plans for Haruka is extremely well-crafted." He acknowledges his brother's statement, gulping down some of the water from the glass in front of him. He signaled for the waiter to bring him the bill. They were about to leave the cozy restaurant where they had a delicious lunch, when Haruka called to meet up with them. He was waiting for her to make the first move, since his brother is still unsure on how to get around to apologizing to her after their fight in the studio. But he did not expect such a quick change of events. They literally just finished most of the things they needed to do before her album's release. And to relocate to another country in the middle of all the activity is unusual.
Fortunately, they are both confident that the 9 track song album would be well received by critics. In a few week's time, they would start sending advance copies to them for review. Masato has helped laid out a plan to do a simultaneous release in the airwaves down to the day and hour they are supposed to play on air. Talk about meticulous planning with the management team Hirijikawa arranged for them.
"But to involve digging about her past?" Natsuki clenched his fist in annoyance, interrupting Satsuki's thoughts. "Didn't he realize that he is crossing too much of the boundaries when it comes to her?"
Satsuki let out a deep, resigned sigh. "Well apparently, when it comes to her, he is willing to do anything and risk everything to keep up his hold on her."
They both became silent, each contemplating on what the future holds for them. How long will Masato keep on making them both dance around Haruka like puppets? The months they spend trying their best to find out what Masato's real agenda behind Haruka, still remains hidden to them.
Satsuki was even open to the conclusion of Masato being in love with Haruka. A girl like her is easy to fall in love with. But Masato Hirijikawa is too much of an enigma; a man of his caliber will eat her alive if she is not careful. He could easily dismiss her like a used rag if he so wishes to.
Satsuki is not stupid. Having worked in the entertainment industry, the people he dealt with knew all the little tidbits of everyone involved in the business they are in. And most of the rumors, however ridiculous they may all seem, doesn't even surprise him because most of the time, they proved true in the end.
Masato Hirijikawa is known in the higher circles as someone who is ruthless; a heartless bastard who doesn't give a damn when he hurt someone's feelings. All the women involved with him are either famous actresses, models and singers who tried and failed to win his heart. A black Prince with a black heart. And most unfortunately, he worked with some of them in the industry and witnessed firsthand how much they go through. He never would have dreamed that someone he cares so much about would be indirectly involved with him.
If Haruka doesn't keep her wits about her, she would soon be joining their ranks. It only seems incredible that she manages to hold his attention for this long. But he, Satsuki Shinomiya, knew that it would only be a matter of time when Masato will show his true colors. And when it happens, who knows how Haruka can manage to pick up her pieces when he breaks her?
He saw that the large, television screen screening the latest football matches in Europe, was showing a series of commercial breaks. He paused when the next commercial showed the Southeast Airlines commercial. His smile turned wistful when he saw the close-up shot of the young girl, looking so cuddly and adorable in her dress. Haruka's lovely, ethereal voice singing in the background.
"What I wouldn't give to find out who sang that song." A voice behind him drawled.
Unsurprised, Satsuki looked up and saw his friend took the seat next to him. The number of patrons inside the Irish-themed pub has doubled in the last ten minutes, and a lot of tourists are guzzling large mugs of ale and beer after a hard day of strolling around the streets of Tokyo. The female waitresses are kept busy as they hefted trays of food filled with pork knuckles, pickled cabbages, rolls of bratwurst and German sausages.
Satsuki slap Ken's shoulder in a friendly fashion when he let another waitress pass beside them before taking a seat. "Good to see you. You lost weight." He observed. His friend is now sporting a goatee, trimmed neatly. His dark eyes twinkled with mischief. Though Ken is older than him by five years or so, he acted like a close brother to him, even made him godfather to his eldest son. Natsuki sometimes crashed on his bachelor pad during those his old partying days.
His friend signaled for his order and they both settled into casual conversation ranging on topics such as people they know who transferred to other companies, which project they are involved now, what project is being shelved; the latest movies and music to be released in a few months' time and the trends of the listening consumers.
Their plate of food arrived and they both dug in. Halfway through the meal, they chatted more about work, what Ken is involved in and the last projects he recently finished. And peppered with his news, Ken asked pointed questions on what kind of work he accepted while in Europe.
"You were really gone for quite some time. Almost a year. I never could have imagine you tearing yourself away from your work here for just a simple vacation."
He hesitated before answering, causing Ken to chide him.
"Come on, man! Spill! Is it really true that you hid your latest lover out of the country?" he asked, eyes wide coupled with a serious expression.
Satsuki snorted. Lover? If only it was true. He would gladly confirm the news. But sadly…
He took a big gulp of beer from his glass mug, wiped his mouth with some napkins provided by the waitress before answering. "No! Where did you get that piece of crap? I'm not hiding some lover, nor did I get her pregnant or something! That's dumb! I'm not a coward who skivvies away from responsibilities." He could not keep out the slight indignation from the tone of his voice. People these days. They like to keep spinning webs of tales until it spirals out of control.
Ken laughed. "I was just pulling your leg, bro! I never knew you would react like this! Of course I'm in contact with Natsuki, too! He told you guys were involved in some secret project."
"It's not actually a secret, it's just special." he smiled, remembering the times he watched Haruka do whatever task she was required to complete: photo shoots, commercials, music videos, fashion catwalks. To see her accept all kinds of jobs to enhance her skill and improve her talents. It was a special time for him that he wanted to relive over and over again.
"I'm guessing that special project is a woman." Ken mused, studying his face critically. "The great Satsuki Shinomiya can only produce that kind of expression if it is someone from the opposite sex. Now I'm really curious on what kind of woman she is and what work you did with her to make you look like some starstrucked, lovesick puppy." He shook his head in amusement.
Satsuki was about to retort back when he heard the familiar piano tune played by Haruka. It was one of the television commercials she did three months ago. Before the perfume commercial.
It was a commercial about the role of parents supporting their children. It was an especially powerful tribute to the Olympic athletes who wouldn't be competing if it were not for their parents' support. Haruka was not shown in the commercial, but her soul-stirring piano piece won a couple of modest awards in recognition for the commercial.
Out of the corner of his eye, he through he saw Ken wiped a stray tear.
"I love that commercial." He sniffled unashamedly. "I always remember my two children when I see it."
Satsuki smothered a laugh. "That's one of my works."
Ken stopped sniffling. "Are you serious?"
He shrugged. "I meant to say, Natsuki contributed a bit on the editing, I helped on the melody on the piano. The person who played the piano piece and sung the song is the woman we are looking after." He spied Ken, staring at him dumbstruck, mouth open. "I originally thought they just want the piano piece. It was lucky that they decided to complete the package. She penned the lyrics beautifully."
"That's incredible!" there was a clatter of some cutlery which made a loud noise above the din of the chatter inside the pub. Satsuki winced, noting a few of the patrons turning their heads to look at them pointedly, conversations interrupted.
"Shhh! Keep your hair on!" he hissed, scolding him. Some of the beer sloshed on the table, and he quickly gathered a few handfuls of napkins and began wiping of the liquid mess. "Idiot! You are unnaturally excited over this commercial. If I had known you will act like this, I should not have told you that small bit of info."
"Satsuki!" Ken grabbed his arm, forcing him to back out a little when he saw his friend's slightly pathetic, pleading look. "I want that piano woman you collaborated with. I want her for my movie theme song!"
What the hell? Haruka?
"Just what are you implying?" he narrowed his eyes, frowning. Didn't Ken just mention to him earlier that he is working on a movie for Bright Televisions.
"Please, please, please!" Ken said, his beer and meal forgotten. " I really, really, really need a replacement for one of the female musicians who backed out.
Bright Televisions. Ren Jinguuji. Uh-oh.
He took a deep breath, not wanting to panic. One of the things that concern him when Natsuki first broached the subject of them going back to Japan with Haruka in tow, is running into Ren Jinguuji. It's not as if they can hide her in the basement or attic like some prisoner. Haruka's popularity is on the rise. Pretty soon a lot of people will recognize her. But being in the same industry, Jinguuji is bound to encounter her one way or another. It was the topic that either of them doesn't want to address until they have some concrete plan to work on. And he also wondered what Haruka herself would do if she meet Jinguuji in the flesh. Would she ignore him? Acknowledge him? Besides, he still does not know why the hell she walked out on him in the first place. He already braced himself to the inevitable of seeing them together after Natsuki told him Haruka is not coming, three years ago. He thought it was the end of the world for him. And now things are different. In the blink of an eye, what he supposed to be the start of a good relationship, Haruka suddenly and mysteriously disappeared with no proper explanation, no trace. Nothing.
Why on earth did she leave him?
Intrigued at the question, he ignored his friend's tirade and focused on that sole question alone for a few minutes, toying with the salt and peppershaker in front of him.
Why should he be concerned about Haruka meeting Ren when she was the one who left? Not the other way around. Whatever Ren did, or whatever she found out about Ren, it was enough for her to turn back and sever all possible contacts. It was proof enough of how she hated him. And a when a woman hates, it was usually for a good reason. He has nothing to worry about that, right?
"I would like to read the terms on the contract." He murmured, more to himself, but his friend immediately pounced on his slight relent.
"Oh, absolutely!" Ken said, twirling his car keys between them. "I have a copy in my car now."
"Look! I am not promising anything." He said warningly. "I will consider passing your proposal to her."
"Of course! Of course!" Ken let out a huge sigh of relief.
In his mind's eye, Haruka and Jinguuji meeting again may not be such a bad idea. After all, Haruka can handle herself well enough. It would be easier to deal with Jinguuji than with Hirijikawa. Hirijikawa would be busy with other engagements. He and Natsuki can work out on convincing her to move out of Hirijikawa's influence and become more independent. Jinguuji might be able to convince her, too. On a friendly level, that is. Whatever. With or without his help is fine. Besides, he already knows from the grapevine that Jinguuji is engaged to marry. Soon. It's not as if Haruka is the type of woman to get between the relationship of two people about to be married. She knows what she has been through with Jinguuji, and if his hunch is right, the possibility of getting involved with Ren on a personal basis again has left a bitter mark on her- a lesson to remember.
He needed to think things through first. Maybe he should talk to Natsuki about this plan? Natsuki can give his input. But he can convince his brother to agree. After all, they can set the terms of their meeting between the two. It is better that they can watch closely on her- see her reaction and lend the support she needs. If and when she needs it.
Satsuki frowned slightly at his friend, shaking his head, still a bit reluctant. Still doubtful. I hope I won't regret this. "Give me your copy and I will read through this week. I will let you know whether I am willing to help you with your dilemma. The person you are asking to do the job is very precious to me."
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A/N:
Ren made a short appeareance. Sorry for that. I wanted Ren and Haruka to meet on this chapter, but I realized setting the tone for August Casimir's mysterious agenda is important too. You'd be surprised in the future chapters.
Thanks for reading.