Mimi spent Christmas and New Years with her parents, who came from New York to celebrate with her and some of their family in Tokyo. She was so happy to hug them and didn't realize how lonely she felt without them and how much she missed the warmth of a family. She saw Yamato very briefly on the 1st of January when she met with everyone to go to the shrine, as tradition wanted. They couldn't really talk or do much as they were among all their friends, so that was it.. then the Tachikawas returned to New York and Mimi felt alone again. It was right then that she decided to join the agency on a impulse. And that's exactly what she did.
Mr Lee was ecstatic and after a meeting with her and another with the board of directors, having all documents settled, they signed an exclusive 3 years contract. They discussed a lot about her image and future projects, some saying she could do TV and be an all-around idol who sings, dance, act and do a bit of everything. But Mimi, despite having a lot of different interests, declined. She didn't want to go on TV shows at all, didn't want to dance in front of cameras, she knew she had a bit of a shrill voice so acting was definitely a no-go, and as for singing.. she loved it, was quite good at it, but wanted to keep it to herself for the moment.
As for her image, as was said before she didn't want to be an idol so she stressed how the too cutesy look wasn't for her.
Indeed, Mimi was surprised she was even took seriously as a magazine model. She wasn't too tall and definitely hadn't the model physique, on the contrary she had curves (for japanese standards).
Later, she also had to take some new shoots for her official profile on the company's website but what caught the teenager by surprise was when the business-man called her saying he booked two photoshoot for her.
-What? Already?- she almost screeched at the phone, startling Kari and Sora (with whom things were finally -almost- good) who were chilling at her house.
Mr Lee chuckled through the device -I already had big plans in my head from the moment I saw you, so it didn't take much time-
Sora and Kari frowned, whispering some 'Everything's ok?', while questioning Mimi's gaping.
-Mimi- the man spoke, his voice loud and clear -I'll make you a star, trust me-
When the call ended, Mimi flung herself on her carpeted floor, moaning -What did I get myself into?-
Sora patted her back -Come on now, that's what you decided to do, didn't you?-
-Yeah..- she mumbled weakly -I don't know anymore. Honestly, I don't know anything but it's sound so much work and so stressing- she sighed, now regretting her decisions and blaming her stupid impulsive personality.
-Mimi-san!- Kari called snapped her out of her jumbled out mind, gripping her hands tightly -It's going to be so much fun! You know, doing something you like is the most amazing thing you could ever wish for! Think about that- she smiled and hugged her -Also, congrats! We need to gather everyone and properly celebrate!-
-I know, you're right- she hugged her back, still unsure and scared of what was to come.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Indeed the photoshoots went great and Mimi really had lots of fun. Mr Lee appointed her a manager, a woman called Itsu-san who had worked for them for 6 plus years, to go with her and check things out. The photoshoots were for two different fashion magazines, both fairly known but with different targets (how Mr Lee could convince them to hire a complete nobody was beside her, but she guessed it was the power of connections).
The first set was very young and colorful, she had to do all kind of poses and facial expressions, but it was over soon as she came to know it would take about only 3 pages, which were still really a lot for a rookie like her.
The second one was even more fun as it had her go around the city with trendy clothes and doing more close up of her face as she rocked first a smokey eyes look and then a more funky one, somehow recreating the (better part of) 90s fashion.
Mimi was up for anything, she liked fashion and make up and didn't mind any style -although she was convinced the cute look didn't suit her as much. Mr Lee respected her wishes, and promised not to accept jobs she wouldn't be comfortable with first.
Mimi received, once again, lots of compliments and cards from the photographers, directors and such, making Mr Lee gloat. Some time later, he showed her the preview of the photos and told her they would be out in a month or so.
-You wouldn't believe it but the director of the XxX photoshoot recommended you for another one. This one's a magazine ad though.-
-Uh?- Mimi felt dizzy at the news, she just joined the company and she already had an offer? -What kind of ad?-
-It's for a new lipbalm brand- he turned his pc monitor and showed her the brand's info -I already contacted them and they set up a date to meet you. What do you say?-
-That's so cool!- still not believing the news, Mimi couldn't find it in herself to be more eloquent.
-Very much so, Mimi.- his eyes sparkled excitedly -You're gonna go far, believe me-
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
And so, Mimi's life became very busy. Mr. Lee kept booking her for more jobs for all the year, while she was trying to also manage her school and social life. She still saw little of Yamato, although they had a couple of dates that finished in one of their bedrooms.
When they were together, everything seemed fine. But the truth was, Mimi was full doubts and scared something changed between them. Yamato was stressed and so even less inclined than usual to talk, more moody and often busy with his studies or band, although they still had a good time together Mimi could feel he was restless and couldn't help but worry it was about her- them.
It also happened he texted her to meet up just for hooking up and Mimi obliged, feeling needed and missing him.
He told him as much, one night, after one of their fast hook ups.
-I miss you- she murmured, turning in her bed to look at him in the eyes.
Yamato had his arms under his head, gaze fixed on the ceiling as he flatly answered -Why? I'm right here-
-You are but you aren't- she reasoned, soft, poking his chest with her index finger. Usually, her playful gestures would always get her a smile or some kind of banter but this time, Yamato didn't bulge, instead sighing.
-Don't start- he huffed -Not you too-
-What?- Mimi took her hand back as if it was electrocuted and looked hurt -What do you mean?-
-You know what. I have so much on my plate, I can't have you on my back too- he lashed out, briefly looking at her with eyes flashing of something akin to frustration.
The girl gasped and suddenly sat up, feeling her heart clench painfully -On your back? What am I.. a dead weight? Is that what you're saying?- her eyes filled with tear but she refused to let them fall.
-No.. Mimi..- he sighed, sitting up in front of her -Look, I'm sorry, this is really a bad time for me. The entrance exams are right around the corner, the album too.. - he took a long breathe before continuing -They're both the most important things in my life now, I have to focus on them 100%.-
Mimi tore up her gaze from him, frowning at her cream colored sheets -Why are you telling me this? I know already, I didn't ask for anything did I? I just said I missed you but you're acting like I asked your hand in marriage.- she spit out, now clearly annoyed.
Yamato was a bit taken aback by her reply -Uh, okay then... I guess I'd better go now- he reached for his phone and quickly untangled himself from the sheets.
-Yeah, go.- she muttered, refusing to even look at him. She heard some rustling then the door opening and closing and finally, silence.
Mimi felt tears prickling her eyes and she let out the sobs she kept in earlier, feeling like someone ripped her heart out of her chest. Why was it so difficult?
She grabbed her head on her hands, pulling her hair out of frustration. Was she just a warm body to him?
-I must be a joke- she laughed umorelessly to herself.
She always knew Yamato was kinda difficult, with his aloof and non-string attached attitude, why was she so surprised then? Maybe, in one corner of her mind, Mimi thought it would be different with her. He was serious with Sora after all, so it's not like he was incapable of doing it. And, as for them, they were seeing each other for almost a year now..it started out casually but it became more serious as the months went by, although they didn't explicitly said anything of that sort. And then, suddenly, he went cold, speaking to her like she was a mere hook up and not a childhood friend turned somewhat-girlfriend for a year.
What the fuck?
Mimi stopped herself from grabbing her phone and texting him the 'fuck you' her hands were dying to type, it would be useless and surely led to a fight. A frown marred her face, to think she was considering confessing to him (saying the L word).. the irony!
But her own pity-party was interrupted by her cellphone ringtone blaring 'High hopes' of Panic!At the Disco, and it was Yamato.. once again, the irony.
She picked up but didn't speak at all, she was too mad and didn't want to say anything she could regret later.
-Mimi..- a heaving breath -I'm sorry.-
Wow.
Yamato Ishida apologized after his own shitty behavior. On the same day.
Miracles happened, it seemed.
But Mimi kept her surprise to herself and listened, not offering even a word to disrupt the boy's stream of consciousness. She knew how difficult it was for him to explain himself and even more to apologize and recognize he did something wrong, of course it was immature but it kinda was the 'bad boy brand' of Yamato Ishida.
-I didn't want to imply you were a bother. You're not.- another sigh and scraping sounds -I'm just very stressed, I don't know what came over me- he paused, since she kept her silence -Mimi..- he whispered, making her breath stop -I care about you..-
Mimi mentally snorted, if that was even a thing. She guessed 'care' was all she was gonna get after all.
-I need you. Just.. now I need to focus on my future-
Which clearly wasn't her, she thought.
-So what are you saying?- Mimi spoke for the first time, her voice was stable and didn't wave in anger or sadness.
-Let's take a break for a while-
And there it was.
She couldn't speak for several seconds, utter disbelief coloring her face but she somehow still kept her cool -It's not like I can say no- she reasoned.
-Just until I take my exams, please-
-Sure Yamato.- sighing she raked a hand into her hair. To be honest, she never expected anything from him. It just so happened that they fell for each other, or at least she did, and had something going for almost a year (not counting the summer they spent far away from each other). A year. It was unbelievable to her too that they kept a somehow-relationship for so long. So, even though this hit her like a lighting bolt, and it hurt like a bitch, she never expected anything more from him. Dreamed of, yes, for sure. But her delusions were another thing altogether..
-I wouldn't have bothered you anyways, I know how important it is. But whatever you want- she was muttered calmly. She was pissed, trying her best to stay composed but wanting nothing more than scream and cry into her pillow.
-Ok- she could hear his relieved voice -Hopefully it won't be too awkward until then- and at this Mimi wanted to punch him in the face -But I don't think we'll see each other much anyways.-
-Yeah- was all she offered. It was true, third years almost didn't have any classes and as they were preparing for university exams they could choose not to go to school. The exams were soon though, at the end of the month and so, technically, it was just a couple weeks apart. She wasn't going to say that aloud now, though, afraid Yamato would argue again.
(I'm not making it up btw, it's how it works in Japan. The entrance exams are at the end of January and the term starts in April, but I messed up in the previous chaps and said March, oops- AN)
-Cool. Then, I'll see you soon..-
They closed the call and Mimi let herself fall on the bed, she felt emotionally exhausted.
It was fine, she could go 2 weeks without seeing or hearing from him. But would Yamato change his mind in the meantime? What if it was just an excuse to get rid of her for good?
Mimi hated the insecure and miserable part of herself so she decide to stop thinking and live in the present.
2 weeks.
Sorry I've been gone for so long. I've got no excuses except.. life happens, lol. Anyways, I received a message about this story and I suddenly remembered about it (I know ahah), so here I am. I had already written half of this chapter before disappearing, just added the final touches (also why it's so short, sorry). Honestly, it's been a while since I wrote anything so I'm not sure it's good or anyone will be reading. But I like to finish what I start, even if it takes 10 years lol.