A/N:

I am truly sorry! I was supposed to post this short chapter up earlier , but somehow I got lazy! I am so, so, so sorry.

Happy New Year to you guys. I hope you all have a great time during the holidays. I am still in the middle of things, when I finally got my lazy bum off the bed to get this thing ready to great your new year.

Well, my hope to finish this by end of 2013 didn't come true. I am still hoping I can wrap this series up as quickly as possible. For the meantime, please enjoy this. More notes below.

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 38- Blinded by Light

Ren Jinguuji took the copy of the contract handed to him by his manager, Aki. The thick sheaf of papers rustled inside the manila envelope and he opened the flap and peered inside.

"That's a pretty thick contract." he remarked, looking up at his manager quizzically. "I thought the deal was only for one theme song?"

"It was." Aki said, sitting down before unscrewing the cap of the bottle of sparkling water he grabbed from the small drinks bar installed inside the waiting room. The junior executive asked them to wait in the small room for a few minutes. Someone will inform them when they can go out and be seated in the conference room for the official contract signing arranged by Bright Televisions to generate hype and publicity for their newest project.

"Was?" Ren asked, still confused.

They both arrived at the same time inside studio's compound. The junior executive assigned to look after them was waiting at the rear entrance of one of the buildings, ushering them in immediately. Most of the journalists and members of the reporting media are waiting at the main lobby. While they appreciated all the efforts arranged by the management that day, Ren is looking forward for the day to end. His album was released a two weeks ago and he is itching to check the results and go over with Aki on the television guesting lists prepared for him. Official contract signings are boring. In actuality, he has signed the contract a few days ago, and the ceremony today was just for show. He already knows what the contract stipulates, though the management did informed him and his own management that there would be some changes because the other party has not confirmed yet. But they assured that the contract would be advantageous to all involved.

Ren, believing their assurances signed it on. Bright Televisions is one of their best clients, and always consistently delivered what they promised. So he did not hesitate over this minor detail.

But for once, he is not looking forward to the event. The airwaves are constantly playing his songs whenever possible. Aki's management hired the best marketing team around and their efforts is helping him enormously.

So far, most of the critics love his latest album. A few people even called up to congratulate him for a job well done. The album, they say, is steadily climbing up the charts and even gave bold predictions that it may be running to pick up a few recognition awards in the future.

"What's my current album ranking?" he casually asked one of the members of the critics association for music. The man is well known for keeping tabs on album rankings before information can be released to the public. Cultivating a close friendship with him certainly helps.

"Pretty good." Was the reply. "A lot better than what I expected." The critic replied enthusiastically.

He gave a boyish grin, unable to hold back his pride at his latest accomplishment.

"I can say that your album has a lot more range that its predecessors. It has the potential to stay on the top ten list before the year ends."

"Thank you." He replied. He was about to turn away when the man caught his arm and he turned back.

"Although, your album is running head to head with a newcomer's album. You should check her work out. You might be interested in collaborating with her."

The last remark puzzled Ren. He wasn't expecting that, and what does he care about someone else's new album when he had a lot of things to do and worry about like concerts, more tv guesting shows, photo shoots in magazine interviews and covers, album signings, etc.?

It wasn't until yesterday when he finished promoting his album and first single when the remark came back to him.

Snap! Snap!

Ren gave the young assistant a smile, thanking her for her support. She was holding her clipboard and a copy of his album when she approached him for an autograph and souvenir photo after he finished the interview of the morning show.

He obliged her, posing gamely in front of the handphone camera a colleague was kind enough to take photo with. Instant selfie with a celebrity. It's what people nowadays do. Social media sharing is easy with just a few clicks on the handphone.
"Thank you, Mr. Jinguuji." She shyly said, inching away from him.

Ren turned, looking around for Aki, when he heard the young lady's colleague talk.

"You'd better take my photo when HaruNa shows up next week."

"Of course! I wanted a photo of her too! I absolutely love her album! It's probably my bet for this year's best." She said enthusiastically.

Ren shook his head, recalling the incident. The artist's name is new to his ears. He knew most of his rivals' names and works, and since this one doesn't ring a bell, it's pretty simple math. HaruNa is probably the newcomer's name his critic friend mentioned. It wouldn't hurt to find out more about his rival's work right?

Except he barely had time to do his own research. Juggling his schedule with his work, not to mention Anri's increasing demands to start devoting more time on her and the wedding plans, it would be the last thing he thinks of as soon as his head hits the pillow. But his resolve to know a bit more about her is always soon forgotten once he is in a deep sleep.

He focused on what his manager was saying, feeling slightly guilty for being distracted and not listening closely.

"I'm sorry. Could you repeat that?" he interrupted sheepishly. "I blanked out for a second."

Aki chuckled. "What is wrong with you? Did you eat your lunch? Never mind, we can talk more after this contract signing event ends. It shouldn't last more than an hour. This ceremony is just for formalities. More for the press than for us, anyway."

Ren nodded absentmindedly. "Sure." He agreed.

"What I was saying is, Bright Televisions asked for two song collaborations and a short cameo in the movie they are producing."

"Oh."

That was unexpected. He was looking forward to a less hectic schedule. Anri insisted on a May wedding. It's more than eight months away, but a lot more needs to be done for the preparation. His family finally consented to hold an engagement party for him when they saw his determination to settle down with Anri. He suspected that it was all his mother's influence to force the family to accept the situation they are in and live with it. It was putting a bit of stress on his part knowing his father is still against his incoming nuptials. At least, his brother agreed to stand as his best man.

Ren frowned remembering all the things he still needed to do.

"Is there a problem?" Aki asked, concerned.

"Not really." Ren paused, thinking, then shrugged his shoulders. "Two songs, huh? And a cameo appearance. That's unusual. I guess it won't be a problem. Although it will probably put a strain on my wedding plans." Anri will be furious, he thought with a inward groan.

"They are probably banking on you and your partner's popularity." Aki said dryly.

"Have you heard who is going to be my partner? They did not settle for Rin Suzume in the end, right?" Ren could not suppress a shudder. He refused the earlier proposal by the management when rumors indicate that Rin Suzume would be teamed up with him. The woman is practicaly hounding him eversince he paired up with her for a fun game in one of the tv guesting shows he appeared into a couple of years ago. Rin kept on trying to bump into him and was forever inviting him to lunch and dinner engagements.

Aki shook his head. "I asked around. You were right about your hunch. The singer HaruNa was mentioned by one of my contacts. She's been getting a lot of exposure and gaining momentum. Apparently, she started doing a lot of commercials before releasing her first albums, enjoying the same popularity as yours in the airwaves."

"Oh really?" his curiosity was piqued. The newcomer's management and marketing team are very clever, slowly establishing her presence to the general audience through exploiting the lucrative world of commercials. A good way to make her more familiar to the populace. Plus it has a attracts people of all ages ready to sample more of what she has to offer with her talents in music. Almost like what he has been doing for the past four years now with his expansion of portfolio in movie and television shows.

"I did found out one more vital information about her though." Aki frowned slightly, hesitating a bit. "I'm not sure you will like it." He looked worried now.

"Your resource on information is astounding, Aki." Ren said, chuckling, unaffected by his manager's worried expression. "I'm sure this collaboration will be a success. She's a newcomer. I don't think she'll be displaying any kind of disturbing attitude to a veteran like me. She is just starting in the industry." He dismissed Aki's concerns with a wave of his hand.

"Well," Aki ran a hand through his hair. "I did found out that the Shinomiya twins are instrumental to establishing the newcomer's popularity."

The twins? Ren's eyebrows shot up in surprise. Natsuki and Satsuki? The Shinomiya twins?

"Well…." Ren struggled on the bit of information his manager shared. That bit of news was totally unexpected. So that's what the twins are doing of the late. Not that he cared much on what kind of projects the twins are involved with. After all, business is business. And the twins have the right to work on whatever projects they wanted to do. But he felt slightly annoyed that the brothers accepted work for a newcomer after declining to do another collaboration with him on a television mini-series he was involved with in another production studio. But then, he wasn't really in a close and smooth relationship with the twins. The only thing they have in common was their connection with Haruka Nanami. They bonded a bit after failing to find her. But it was more on a professional basis. He admires the twins' work and he can count himself lucky to be able to work with talented people like them. Both of the brothers may be annoying, giving him a hell of a time during Haruka's disappearance; though underneath their display of contempt towards him, he can understand what they went through too. Haruka has the power to single-handedly arouse a man's protective instincts. If he were in the twin's place, he would have been annoyed with himself too.

"Well," he continued, "I guess it's good that the time they invested on a new artist has paid off. With the information you shared, I am beginning to be even more intrigued by this newcomer." He joked, before stopping short. The last sentence came out as sort of a sneer. He bit the inside of his cheek, clutched the sheaf of contract he was still holding on and realized he is crumpling them. He smoothed out the paper and handed it back to Aki.

You, my friend, should never be doubtful of your abilities. All this extra talk about a newcomer is just hype. Who knows if she might end up as a one-hit wonder? Better make the best of this situation and be most gracious. He lasted this long in the music industry, and he can consider himself a veteran having released several albums, music videos, a number of commercials and a few movies. The newcomer won't be able to compare against his accomplishments.

Ren stood up and fussed a bit on the slight wrinkles from his perfectly tailored slacks. "We'll see how good she is in just a few minutes, Aki." He said, suddenly feeling the heat of competition pumping in his veins. If the twins preferred the mysterious HaruNa over working with him, then so be it. It would mean that she has some talent under her name at least. The twins are known for being choosy with their clients.

A knock on their door interrupted his reverie.

The same junior executive who assisted them when they first arrived poked his head in and said.

"We're ready for you, Mr. Jinguuji. If you will kindly follow me please."

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

Ren's eyes quickly swept across the room, noted the two openings on each side of the stage set up for the event. Beyond the wall is the small stage platform where a long, cloth-covered table with chairs was installed. The long table faced rows and rows of plush chairs, each one occupied by entertainment journalists and photographers invited to cover the event. Some of them have their recording devices and cameras all set up to capture the event to be included in the entertainment segment of the evening news. A few of them test out their bulky and heavy cameras by continuously clicking on the buttons and making sure that the flash mounted above the camera's body is working perfectly.

"This way please." the assistant said, extending out his hand and leading them away from the room, turning to the hallway where, Ren guessed, leads to the side entrance of the events room. The routine seemed second nature to him: all of the team, including the stars or musical artists involved in the project would be introduced to the media and they would come out from either side of the stage.

As soon as he entered the other part of the room, the first thing he noticed was it was unusually filled with people he could barely see the floor. Everyone seems excitedly anticipating the event.

"That's a lot of people in here." Aki murmured out his thoughts, and Ren nodded in agreement.

The assistant nodded, "Yes. The management is excited to welcome you in this project, but it is highly unusual for them to invite a newcomer in the business to do such a big piece of work. So we are really curious about the other party. Hoping they can deliver." He paused, smiling at both Ren and Aki professionally, "but we are very much familiar with your professional work, Mr. Jinguuji. Your part at least is guaranteed to bring more success to this project."

Ren nodded and opened his mouth to express his thanks. But before he can say anything, he was interrupted.

The program announcer's voice could be heard from the loud murmurings of journalists and media men gathered around the long table arranged in front of them.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for patiently waiting. Let me introduce you to the team in charge of handling and producing Bright Television's latest offer for our beloved audiences."

The announcer began to rattle off names, most of them Ren recognized. In his line of work, he is bound to encounter more than a few of them on several occasions. Seeing the line of people behind one of the side entrance to the stage, he silently approved the line-up of people he will work with. Clearly, the production team has thought out on this project and may yet be their biggest investment.

"And now, we are especially honoured to include once again one of Bright Television's most prominent artist to this project…"

Ren was ushered to the left side of the side entrance of the stage. Ruffling his blond hair, he quietly thanked the assistant, as he waited for his cue. From the corner of his eye, he saw Aki give him a thumbs up before taking his place on one of the spaces provided for managers and assistants, where a large television was set up to show them what's going on the stage.

As Ren watched, he could hear the remix of some of his most popular music videos being played in the speakers. He saw that the team prepared a quick, tastefully edited hash of his popular cameos on screen and his music videos.

"Let me present.." the speaker said, "Ren Jinguuji."

Ren closed his eyes, took a deep breath before opening his eyes and taking a large stride out on the stage amidst the cheers and clapping inside the room.

He waved at the audience, giddy with series of flashes directed on him, as a thousand camera clicks competed in the noise of his music playing in the background. He flashed his teeth in a smile that he always practiced, murmuring small thanks to his audience even though he knows they won't be able to hear it. But he is grateful nonetheless, drinking into the praises showered to him.

And then he turned and followed the smartly uniformed female usher, leading the way to his seat. Walking behind the bank of seated people, he recognized the Shinomiya twins sitting among them.

Huh?

But there was no time to ask. To show them that he acknowledge their presence, he placed a warm hand on both of the twins' shoulders.

"Welcome home." He said, smiling his winsome smile. "I didn't know you guys are back and would be involved with this project."

Natsuki smiled back. "Unforseen circumstances happened." He answered cryptically.

Satsuki nodded at him in greeting but remained silent.

Ren moved on and took his seat. It was then that it occurred to him that of course he should not be surprised to find the formidable twins here. Their protégé is included in the line up. That should explain their presence.

As he sat down, he did not realize that the announcer was halfway in his introductory speech on the newcomer. He sat up straight, focused his attention to the LED screen erected above them, just for the people on stage to see the overall view of themselves while on stage.

The lights dimmed slightly to give way to the mash of videos they put together for the next VIP.

He saw a mix and mash of familiar commercials: the airline commercial from Southeast Airlines; the jewelry commercial from Bruno Maglone; perfume commercial he once saw at the intersection; and finally the shampoo commercial that's been constantly being advertised in every corner of Tokyo.

Ren's eyes flickered, concentrating on the images being projected on the screen in front of him. The splashes of red color, brilliant lights, the haunting music. He could not explain it himself, but all of a sudden, he felt as if he missed something. But he doesn't know what. With all the ongoing presentations, his instincts started to act up at the wrong time.

He turned his left, caught Satsuki watching him. But the older Shinomiya twin quickly diverted his gaze on him that for a moment, he thought he was imagining things.

What the hell is going on?

He glanced again back at the screen before him. And then caught his breath.

Liquid gold eyes staring back at him. The camera focused on her eyes first, each hair on her eyelashes painstakingly mascaraed to perfection. As it slowly moved away from the focus, Ren exhaled painfully in recognition.

There's no mistaking that pair of eyes! They only belong to one person. The only woman that haunted his dream each and every night since he lost her one fateful morning not too long ago. Who knew he would be seeing her here of all places. He turned to his left side, waiting for her to come out. To finally see her again after so long.

"…Let us all give a warm welcome to HaruNa!"

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

Haruka Nanami has butterflies in her stomach. Clenching her fists at both side of her body, she caught herself in the mirror, her teeth absentmindedly biting her lower lip. She release her teeth's hold on her lip, scrutinized them for any lipstick stains and stood up.

She placed a hand at the back of her chair, her eyes meeting Masato Hirijikawa's amethyst colored ones.

She could see that the mask he often wore is now in place. It was such a long time since she last saw him slip his façade of cold and arrogant demeanor. She knew he is still angry by her defiance in agreeing with the Shinomiya twins' suggestion to take the project being offered to her by Bright Televisions.

She could see Masato's knuckles turn white, cooly gripping the wine glass he was holding. They were ensconced in one of the corners of the massive ballroom of the White Chrysanthemum Hotel, where a welcome party was given in his honor. The Hirijikawa groups of companies always hold its General Assembly meeting every third quarter of the year. It would be prudent to combine the celebration of their CEO's homecoming; hence, it would only be fitting to hold it at the White Chrysanthemum. It was the oldest hotel in operation managed by the family conglomerate.

Haruka toyed with the heavy diamond and ruby necklace hanging on her slim neck. Trust Masato to disapprove of the idea.

She barely watched the program currently played on stage for the celebration. The guest singer was enthusiastically encouraging the audience to participate in the dancing. The dancing floor constructed in the middle of the ballroom was jam-packed with prominent people invited for the event. The rest of the guest mingled around, exchanging bits of news with regards to their department and the business they are involved in; establishing roots, and snooping about for the latest information.

"This is not the time to be discussing such important decisions." Masato finally said.

Haruka looked up. She could see the dangerous glitter in his eyes, making them sparkle like jewels against the backdrop of the clear, cloudless sky above them.

She squared her jaw defiantly. These days, it seemed to her that Masato is interfering too much in her work. She knew he is exhausted with his own business empire to run, and yet he still insisted on making time in getting involved with her career. The Shinomiya twins are more than capable enough of handling her affairs, and the manager they hired to focus on her career demands is having a hard time finding the right tune when it comes to getting Masato's approval on the projects being offered to her.

She supposed she can confide a bit of her frustrations with his close friend and confidante, August Casimir. But these days, she scarcely see August alone. He was always about running errands for him; or busy with his investigations inside the company. Not to mention that investigations in her family's background has grinded to a halt. The university records of her deceased father was processed, and it seems like her father's feud with his family has long started even before he went to his university. It both amused and disappointed her that her deceased father falsified a few key information relevant to their search. From the looks of it, he was living on his own for quite some time before entering his freshman year in the university.

"I don't think anytime would be the right time to discuss the offer." She suppressed the urge to grind her teeth out of frustration. She took a deep breath and tried to persuade him to see her view. "This is the perfect opportunity for me and I don't see any reason not to accept."

"But you will work with Jinguuji!" Masato replied coldly. "Will you be able to handle being in the same room as him?"

Haruka understood his anger. It won't be easy even breathing the same air as Ren Jinguuji. And she has not forgotten the unpleasant way they separated. But how else can she see him? She doesn't understand why it is so very important for her to see him that everything in the past seemed so very distant. But then again at night, she is still reminded of his betrayal. Sometimes, she herself is confused by her needs and wants. But one thing she really is sure is that she just wanted to fulfill the overwhelming urge of seeing him face to face. It doesn't really matter if they talk or not, or whether he would remember what happened between them. She would worry about that later. Whatever is bound to come up with this meeting will happen whether she like it or not. She just needed to be brave and face it head on. After all, if it turns out that Ren Jinguuji does not factor in her life anymore, that is, she is ready to come out of his shadow, then she would know it once she comes face to face with him.

Surprisingly, when both Natsuki and Satsuki pitched the idea to her, the brothers are very supporting when she considered the project being offered. The twins are not stupid. They are well aware of what happened between her and Ren, just not the complete details of why. But they encourage her to go for it nevertheless. One of these days, when the timing is right, she owe them a great deal of explanation. She is grateful to them both that they never pressured her to tell them anything. They were both letting her do it at her own pace.

"Entertainment business is harsh. You need to swim in deep waters. Whatever grudges you may have against Jinguuji, when it comes to work, we all treat each other in a professional manner." Natsuki told her in a quiet and serious tone.

Unable to help herself, she reached out and gently cupped Masato's jaw. "I can handle anything that life throws at me." She said softly, wishing with all her heart that the uneasiness in her veins matches the steel in the tone of her voice. "Sooner or later I would be crossing paths with him. I don't want to constantly live in his shadow where I am always uncertain. This is the perfect opportunity for me to face him head on and in an equal footing. There is nothing to worry about this project. A job is a job. And what better way to show him that I am no longer hurt by what he did to me than showing him what I have become? A formidable rival."

She gazes steadily into his stony expression. For a moment, everything seemed quiet around them. The music faded into the background, and the nights became a bit warm.

"We did agree that you are free to decide and choose on what you want." Masato said in a resigned tone. "I am only concern that you are not ready for this."

"And when will I be ready?" Haruka gave a somewhat bitter laugh, placing a palm across her chest, as if to ward off the sudden pain in her heart. "In two years? Three? No, Masato. I am ready as I ever will be. Let me do this, and I will never again accept another job offer that involves him."

Her words were cut abruptly when she found herself engulfed in his embrace. Masato's scent filled her nostrils. She feels safe under his guidance. And if she were a bit honest with herself, now is the time to let herself go and be swept away by Masato's slow courtship.

But no, she still has something to do. Something she needed to prove. And until this has been resolved, she could not, would not give in completely just yet.

They both stared at each other. She could not interpret the expression on Masato's face, but she knows he is anxious, judging by the way his eyes seemed to devour her very presence.

From across the room, she saw him mouth the words good luck. She opened her mouth slightly to answer him, but her actions was interrupted by the female usher, touching her elbow.

"That's your cue." She said smiling, gesturing for her to go out to the stage.

Here goes.

Haruka stepped out onto the stage and finds herself blinded by the hundreds of flashing lights.

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

A/N:

A cliffy! :P

Sorry about that. Do stick around for the next chapter. I'm already writing the scenario inside my head.

I hope you don't mind my using a stage name for Haruka. I thought it is cute. At least Ren Jinguuji still doesn't know who she is until the last minute. What do you think of it? Too lame?

Thanks for reading.