Chapter Twenty-Seven
Seiya was rather confused at the sudden disappearance of both Haruka and Michiru. She was at a loss as to whether to follow them or not. The manager had decided to stay behind with Usagi who was equally as baffled.
"What just happened?" Seiya asked.
"I'm not sure… It looked a bit worrying though. Michiru-san seemed really startled," answered Usagi.
It concerned Seiya. She wondered if Haruka had handled the whole deal efficiently enough... Had the blonde done something to make Michiru cry again?
"I swear, if Haruka fucked up again I'll wring her damn neck myself," muttered Seiya.
"Haruka looked just as startled, Seiya...I don't think it actually had anything to do with a disagreement between them this time. I wonder who set them off actually if it wasn't each other…" Usagi mused.
"I'm sure we'll figure out soon enough. I'm at a loss at what to do. I guess I'll just wait here until Michi is ready for dinner. We planned to have a little bonding session after this whole shindig," said Seiya.
Usagi pouted at the explanation.
"Bonding session?"
Seiya chuckled, "Are you jealous? Do you want me to make it up to you Tsukidango?"
"Maybe Michiru-san is better company. You would have Haruka-san as your competition though, just so you know!" Usagi retorted.
"I've told you before. I have no interest in a woman like Michiru. I like cute girls with unique senses of style and a good appetite," the raven-haired woman explained.
Usagi flushed at the comment knowing exactly what Seiya was implying; which thrilled the suit-clad woman immensely. Getting the bunny flustered perhaps was a good sign…
"You could have fooled me," Usagi scoffed.
"If you think I'm fooling you, then let me not joke about asking you out tomorrow," Seiya answered. It was a bold move but it was worth a shot. Especially considering how strapped for time she was...
It shouldn't have been possible for Usagi to turn a deeper shade of red as she did-but somehow, she did.
"You're teasing me… out of all days," she protested gently looking away.
"I told you I wasn't joking. I'm dead serious Usadango. I'm genuinely asking if you'd like to go on a date with me," Seiya confirmed further. She really hoped that she wasn't getting passively rejected by the bun-haired girl. She'd feel like a complete idiot otherwise for mustering up the courage so boldly…
"Are you sure you'd want to take me out?" pressed Usagi seeming hesitant to give in to the idea of going on a date. As if she were tainted or not good enough for the person asking her-which Seiya found absolutely ridiculous. Usagi was perfect.
"Why wouldn't I? I told you that I had a massive crush on you before. Honestly, this is me taking a leap of faith here. So throw me a bone at the least," answered Seiya.
As soon as she had said that, Michiru flew past her-grabbed her arm violently dragging her away quickly.
"H-Hey! Michi! What the hell?! I'm in the middle of something!" Seiya exclaimed in protest attempting to get her feet to halt to a stop. Michiru had more strength than she let on, because she had been able to still pull her manager forward enough for her to stumble on forward towards whatever direct she was being led…
"This is an emergency. You'll have to call her later," Michiru insisted.
"Seiya!" Usagi called out weaving through the crowd of models and staff to catch up somewhat, "It's a yes! I will!"
Seiya's heart leaped out of her chest. It was a sudden answer, but it was one that she was happy with.
"Good! I'll pick you up in the morning!" she exclaimed.
With that, Seiya was dragged outside and quickly lead to her red Porche by Michiru who seemed distraught. Feeling victorious and happy would have to wait. Michiru needed her for now…
Michiru attempted to stay as composed as she possibly could be as she talked to staff about the valet of the car. Seiya promptly handed the keys over to the man who would retrieve the car from them. Tears were brimming the musician's eyes as she attempted to speak openly. Her mouth opened and then instantly closed… She couldn't bring herself to make a sound in the state she was in without her tears threatening to fall. Michiru did not have the luxury of being vulnerable in public with onlookers lingering.
As soon as the man left to find the Porsche, Seiya immediately asked, "What's wrong? What happened? Is it Haruka? Did she hurt you?"
"No… Haruka did not," Michiru answered with a tremor in her voice. She was still attempting to hold back but her voice gave it all away.
"Michi you have to tell me what is wrong or I can't help you," coaxed Seiya. She grabbed Michiru's hand into her own gently squeezing for comfort.
"I'm done for… Seiya...she's going to hate me. Everyone will," mumbled Michiru.
"What are you talking about? Why would anyone hate you? You're making no sense…."
The man returned with the car-exiting out of the driver's side in which Seiya opened the door for Michiru and then proceeded to enter from the driver's side. The pair proceeded to drive out of the lot and out into the roadway. It took them hitting the expressway for Michiru to finally let loose and to finally cry.
"Seiya….what do I do?" she sobbed.
Seiya was baffled. What had happened? She wanted nothing more than to throw her arms around her friend and hug her tightly, but she was in charge of driving. She quickly debated on an area to head to and decided promptly to head out towards the bay waters to where she and Michiru could properly converse in private.
"You have to tell me what happened in order for me to tell you what to do," the raven-haired manager reminded her.
"Minako Aino knows who I am. I don't know how she figured out but….she knows everything," Michiru explained shortly.
Seiya felt as if she was falling hearing such a thing. It was like all hell broke loose in her mind. She couldn't believe what exactly she was hearing and even said in denial, "Everyone knows who you are Michiru. I'm sure she's just trying to assume who you are."
"Seiya Kou, do not fuck around right now, I am serious. I'm not being dramatic or overreacting. She used my family name-right in front of Haruka too…. I feel like I'm done for and for real this time," Michiru snapped.
Seiya sighed. The gig was up. This wasn't a false alarm. Her mind was moving at a million miles a minute but knew she couldn't let her friend know this. It would panic her more than she already was, and Seiya couldn't have that happening. Michiru being the person she was, panicked often. She was naturally an anxious person; with or without surgery. Even without her talents, she had that sort of personality type. It had been why Michiru had kept hidden for so long with no intention of really coming forward until she had been pushed with purpose. However, this time she had every right to panic. This had to do with that pushed purpose... Minako knowing Michiru's secret was a critical hit on so many different levels.
There was one thing Seiya was curious about, however; which level was more so of a critical hit to Michiru…?
Silence filled the car for a brief period until they had reached the parking lot of a park overlooking the bay waters. The sun was slowly setting casting an orange cast to the sky that reflected off of the water. The scene was as relaxing as it possibly got despite the issue at hand. Seiya had made an attempt at bringing them to a place where Michiru would feel comfortable and more so at peace in hopes that it would calm her. The dark-haired female shut off the car and finally asked, "So what will you do?"
"I-I...I don't know. I haven't figured it out yet. That's why I came to you," answered Michiru.
"At this point it's bound to come out. It's just a matter of how we-no, how you will handle it," Seiya state. She emphasized the correction to prove her point. She hated to be blunt but it was the truth. The violinist in the car could no longer run away, no matter how hard she had tried to. Her attempt to physically erase her past had come back to haunt her and in the form of vengeance.
"I feel like this is over..." Michiru murmured. Tears fell down her cheeks and she looked utterly defeated. Seiya hadn't seen her in such a pathetic state since her admittance over her intentions with herself and Haruka a very long time ago-back when she had literally slapped some sense into her.
"What's over?" Seiya asked. She was playing dumb in a sly attempt to push Michiru into admitting what her priorities were…
"Everything!" Michiru exclaimed throwing her hands up in emphasis, looking baffled that the woman beside her would even dare ask such a question.
"You know that's not what I'm asking Michi… Be specific," Seiya coaxed.
"My career first and foremost," answered Michiru dryly.
A laugh escaped Seiya's lips, "Fine. You're gonna lie to yourself as well I suppose."
Michiru blinked confused as she gazed over at her, "Excuse me?"
"You heard me. You're still lying to yourself. Even beyond this facade, you know exactly what you're worked up over. As much as you love what you do...as much as you love your craft Michiru, there is something you love far more," said Seiya.
Michiru's stare broke away in an instance and her face suddenly turned heated under her tears.
"You're in love with her," Seiya continued, "And what terrifies you the most is her realizing that you're not who you seem."
There was a pause between them once again. Michiru bit her lip as if she was deep in thought. She was most likely within an inner battle with herself on such a subject. Seiya knew she was too afraid to admit that she had once again, fallen madly in love with Haruka Tennou. She had been brought back to her adolescence. The feelings that had once been on pause had returned her to a state of childish romance that she had kept wanting to deny. However, this time Haruka truly did lure her. This time, it wasn't just Michiru's own doing…
"Shit..." Michiru cursed quietly.
Seiya couldn't help but grin. The whole ordeal had lead to her friend only having a vulgarity to say about it…
"No shit indeed," she slyly repeated.
"Seiya...I'm serious! What the hell do we do...and what the hell do I do?" Michiru questioned again.
"You still haven't told me from your mouth that you're in love with her," Seiya pushed.
The aquamarine haired woman glared at her, "Why are you so determined for me to say it? Out of everyone, you disliked her the most!"
"You're the one who is affected by her. You'd do everyone and even yourself a favor to admitting that your feelings never truly went away for her," pointed out Seiya.
"If she wouldn't have been so….so nice maybe it would have been easier to deny her," Michiru muttered.
Seiya cackled, "Oh she was more than nice, but hey, we're getting somewhere. You still haven't confessed fully to it yet."
"Oh for Christ's sake! I'm in love her okay?! Are you happy now?! Now you can gloat all you want!" snapped Michiru.
The passenger in Seiya's car looked superbly frustrated at being called out. However, Seiya knew it would do her good. Michiru at least needed to come to terms with her priorities.
"So what do I do? What do we do? Did you forget this does affect you too…?"
"In terms of the album release, I'll admit, this is shitty timing. I think we can deal with this all though. If we can somehow bribe Minako into telling us where she got her information that would be helpful. Once we find the source we might be able to nip it in the bud before it can come out to the public at the least. The "Idol of Love" being a pain in our ass might be an issue but I'm sure we can figure out something if the cards are played right. The obstacle with that however is….Haruka needs to know. In order for this to be solved, she has to know in order to handle it. It is her company. I'm merely your manager and PR Michiru… Yes, I'm your handler for most things and more importantly, I'm your friend-but in terms of business matters this isn't something that's fully within my authority. The power lies with the person that you love the most," explained Seiya.
A troubled look passed over Michiru's face as Seiya mapped out the plan...
"I suppose you're right. I will have to tell her…. I feel like I'm not ready to do so yet," she said.
Seiya grabbed at her friend's hand, once again squeezing it tightly in encouragement, "You're going to have to be in order to take care of this before your album comes out."
"What if she drops the album? What a waste of everyone's time… What if she's completely disgusted with me?" Michiru asked. She didn't even look in Seiya's direction as she asked this question-as if she were asking herself out loud.
"Then I'll handle Haruka Tennou myself. If she's disgusted with you, she doesn't deserve you. The world doesn't deserve you if that's the case," Seiya wryly answered.
"My full-on career started out on my looks. It's been a lie this entire time," pointed out Michiru.
"You're forgetting your roots Michi… You are Michiru Kaiou deep down. While you may not have been stunning in your own eyes, you were still talented. You are still talented. Nobody can argue with that or take that away from you. The public can talk about your lack of natural beauty all they want. They can make nasty tabloid stories about whatever they wish to. You can gain haters that will harass you. However, what they can not disapprove of or take from you is your raw talent and growth as a person. Michiru Kisaki deep down is still regardless of everything-she's still Michiru Kaiou," Seiya stated.
"Seiya..."
A look of awe flashed through Michiru's face as her gaze was drawn over to her passionately opinionated friend.
"In my opinion, you have grown so much. You've become graceful and confident. Beyond even just looks. That merely was a boost up but the effort truly had to come from you and from within. Michiru Kaiou went from a girl to a woman. Your heart changed. I'm sure that it will always grow and change. This time you are panicked not because of a past grudge, but over something that is very much so in your present. Haruka is your present. This is relevant. Your feelings of worry are relevant. I would be lying to your face if I told you that this isn't an obstacle or that it wasn't challenging. It's going to be. I have confidence that you will handle it with the grace and dignity that you have handled everything with so far. You are a different person than you were when you played at your first recital long ago… While your feelings for her are the same as they were, the circumstances are different now. You both are on the same playing field and if anything had always been. You just lacked the self-confidence due to her own blind ass mistake. She sees you now; and goddammit, if she doesn't truly see you Michiru Kaiou then she is not worth the salt in your tears. I'll make her pay for making you cry and I'll ensure that you rise from the ashes. Even if it means transferring to a different agency or re-branding you from the ground up!" Seiya continued.
Michiru burst out crying at her monologue, touched by her friend's reassuring words and plans to unrelentingly stick by her. Seiya meant every single word. She had seen Michiru grow as a person. She did not start out as a singer or a model. That had merely been a side hustle because the woman was lost and wanted to challenge herself. Modeling was a confidence booster after plastic surgery. Singing became a task because of her fan following-they were more likely to follow vocals than instrumentals. It had merely been a marketing plot. Michiru was so much more than a marketing scheme. Beyond all the fame and glitter, she was truly talented. She was a skilled violinist and painted beautifully. She had forced herself to become externally loud while her internal talents had taken a backseat for the longest time.
If Seiya thought about it; Michiru had merely done what she had to in order to be on the same level as the woman she admired. It had been to bring her closer to Haruka. If it weren't for her first love, she would have been famous for a completely different skill set. Michiru had chosen to be extroverted to grow closer to Haruka and at one point-to prove a point. The point being that she had the ability to grow even if it meant being aided by plastic surgery… If that could put her on the same playing field finally then she would endure it.
"If anything, I do not deserve you Seiya. You truly have been my most loyal friend… I'm so grateful. I feel like I've taken you for granted… Usagi is incredibly lucky to have your admiration. Really...she's going to be in such good hands," commented Michiru. She wiped her tears away with a thin smile playing upon her lips as she tried to compose herself.
Seiya laughed, "Don't tell me that you're finally falling for my charm Michiru!"
"There is a certain someone that unfortunately, is much more charming than you," Michiru teased back.
"Regardless, I am glad we met," Seiya said.
Michiru silently nodded in agreement.
"It's going to be okay… Even if it isn't, you're not alone. We'll figure this out," continued Seiya.
"Give me some time… I know you want me to be immediate about this….but… I want to cherish the small amount of time I might have with her. At least for the next couple of weeks. The album isn't ready yet, thanks to you. It comes out right before the awards show we have to attend the day after. It's soon enough. We will let the album come out and hopefully without a word said before. I have a feeling that Minako will not be angered until anything releases. I'll let Haruka know the day of the release. That way no one else is truly affected by this. I'd hate for all of the label's hard work to go to waste. I'll have something to leave behind if I decide to choose a different path," Michiru coaxed.
"It's a risky move…."
"I'm willing to risk it. It will give us all time to brace ourselves and handle it calmly. It will also give me time with her… I've been happy. Even if it's just a hint of what I had wanted when I was teenaged girl-it's made the happiest I've ever been," said Michiru.
Seiya sighed, "Agh! All for love! Seriously Michiru, you're truly too much!"
"I could say the same for you, Seiya Kou! Last I remember, I think I did interrupt you asking Usagi out on a date tomorrow no?" Michiru retorted.
Seiya grinned, "So you heard her reply..."
Michiru nodded with a contented smile as she turned to face her friend to sincerely say, "Congratulations."
"Thanks… I just hope I can make her happy," Seiya said.
"You will. You are the best person for her. I'm sure you'll make her forget all about the boy who left her," reassured Michiru.
"If only it were that easy. If I can just make her smile then I feel like I will have done my job. I'm glad that she's giving me a chance. This probably is foreign for her….another woman liking her I mean," Seiya explained.
Michiru knowingly peered over at her friend, "I think that's the first time I've ever heard you refer to yourself as one without flinching..."
Seiya blinked confused by what Michiru was implying.. It had probably been the first time she had proudly referred to herself as a woman without any wavering feelings. Ironically, the only other time recently had been when she had first encountered Usagi; prompting mind-fucking the girl who thought she had been a host boy.. It had been used as a source of short-lived amusement. However, now Seiya couldn't figure out why she was using the pronoun so loosely. Indeed she was a woman, but she had never been comfortable identifying fully as such. With that said, she couldn't see herself calling herself a man either despite her way of dressing. She had never been fond of dressing or acting feminine… Yet, Seiya also had negative opinions on most men save for a select few. She constantly got harassed by men in her youth. She always lost to men… Perhaps she wanted to be on par with them…
"I'm sure that's how Usagi sees me. I'm not exactly sure as to what I see myself as," the raven-haired manager pondered.
"Oh?" Michiru questioned.
"I just see myself as being… It's complicated. However, biology says I'm a woman. Tsukidango is used to men...so this would be different for her. I'm going to have to be as gentle and as accommodating as possible," explained Seiya.
"It will be fine. She will see your heart before anything else. Anyway, it's getting dark out. Last I checked I promised you dinner. I don't want anywhere to close on us before we get a chance to eat," mentioned Michiru.
"Hell yes you did. Let's go. I'll take you home after," Seiya said as she restarted the car and exited the parking lot.
The blonde-haired idol was infuriated. She immediately made Artemis fetch her from the arena that Girls Collection was held at and headed off to the Hino Hotel. She avoided answering too many interviewers' questions stating that she had happened to have a long morning and couldn't wait to rest. She thanked everyone for supporting her on the runway before storming off to her ride. She was thoroughly going to abuse the hell out of the hotel bar that neighbored the lounge.
Minako had taken matters into her own hands. Seeing Michiru and Haruka perform on stage had made her see red. It took everything in her to have herself remain bright and cheerful on the runway. The way the pair looked adoringly at each together...it had made her feel sick. However, what truly made the idol of love nauseated wasn't love-it was where Haruka's priorities happened to reside… Michiru had been given special treatment. Not only was she permitted a single, but an album as well. She was a headliner ShiTennou's runway show. Yet here stood Minako, yes modeling-but with a delayed album because Haruka didn't want Minako stepping on the newly debuting artist's toes…. One that was now canceled considering the fiasco that had just taken place. The blonde was at a loss and if anything, this whole ordeal had been a loss. She was frustrated. She was frustrated that Haruka had played her after signing her onto her label. She was frustrated that she always got the rejected projects as a fill-in. She was frustrated a fake could take it all without working her way up to the top like Minako had…
Minako exited the car, dismissing Artemis for the rest of his day stating that she would not need a ride back until the morning. She sauntered her way over to the sleek architecture of the Hino Hotel and made her way inside. Time went by and the idol could not recall how long she had been there at the bar or how many drinks she had consumed. She knew publicly drinking in the open looked bad on her idol-like image. To hell with her image though! That was about to be no more.
"Hey, I'm ordering another," she slurred to the bartender.
The uniform-clad bartender looked rather uncomfortable as if he was unsure as to what to do. She was a paying customer with plenty of money but usually, there was a limit on how many drinks a patron was allowed in a night. Sometimes though, money spoke and people would get their way.
"Aino-san, as much as that probably sounds like a grand idea...I think you've had enough for one night," the bartender coaxed empathetically.
Minako was taken aback…
"Am I not paying you plenty? Keep them coming," she demanded.
"I-I don't think you understand. I could lose my job," the male insisted.
"You'll for sure lose your job if you don't give me what I am asking of you," Minako threatened. She slammed her shot glass down as if to make a point. She hadn't realized how hard she exactly slammed it down before it shattered into a million tiny pieces. The sound echoed throughout the bar and lounge startling a number of lingering guests.
"Shit!" the blonde hissed. Her hand hurt so badly...why was she being so aggressively stupid?
"You're a fucking mess," a familiar voice rang out.
Rei Hino moved quickly across the lounge and grabbed Minako by the arm.
"Hino-sama..." the bartender began as if to apologize.
"You did your job. No worries. I'll take care of her," the raven-haired heiress assured.
"Let go of me! Who do you think you are?!" shrieked Minako attempting to pull away from the woman's incredibly strong grip on her arm.
"So you can hurt yourself and distress my staff with your temper tantrum? I think not," Rei answered coldly.
They both quickly were let onto one of the hotel's shiny black and gold elevators. Rei's long blood-red manicured nailed pressed one of the highest floor buttons as they made their way up. It was funny...her nails matched her hand that was slowly becoming stained with Minako's blood. Thankfully, the woman was as always, wearing a combination of dark colors tonight. Rei's ensemble for tonight consisted of a plum-colored velvet crushed dress that hit mid-thigh. There was a sparkling ruby red waist belt that cinched her in and relatively high red over-the-knee boots on her feet giving her a slight height advantage over Minako, who hadn't been as smart given the circumstances and had worn a coral blouse and white miniskirt… She looked like she had partaken in a murder scene.
"Where exactly are you taking me?" Minako asked.
"To my personal quarters to clean you the hell up before you cause more trouble. What in the hell are you thinking? Do you realize what trouble you could have gotten the staff in? More importantly, aren't you even thinking about how these types of stunts are ruining your image as an idol? No wonder Tennou neglects you! If you just took your job more seriously then you-"
"SHUT UP! Shut up! Just stop! You have no idea what type of crap you're even trying to lecture me about. Step into my fucking shoes for a moment Rei Hino!" interrupted Minako. She was infuriated. How dare she?! The raven-haired woman beside her had no idea how much bullshit Minako had gone through….
"I wouldn't even know where to start. What I sure as hell do know is that I wouldn't be handling it like you are," Rei said.
The elevator opened and the woman tugged the blonde by her bleeding arm towards the end of the hallway where a large double-door suite resided that Minako could only assume was Rei's personal quarters. She fished out her card key and swiped it-being allowed access inside. The lights were already on in the room as the idol was tugged across the suite's living room. She was shoved down into a chair.
"Don't move," Rei commanded as she strode off to what Minako assumed would be the bathroom.
The blonde still felt sick to her stomach. She felt anxious and the alcohol wasn't helping her situation at all. Her hand hurt like hell. Why had she slammed down the glass so hard?
The raven hair heiress had quickly returned as she had left. This time, with a first aid kit in her possession as she knelt next to where Minako sat and tended to her bleeding hand.
"Why the hell are you here anyway? Aren't you occupied with a date or something? You got your boy didn't you?" Minako questioned.
"I just got back. He dropped me off here and then the first thing I saw as I came into the hotel happened to be you acting like a raging monster," explained Rei.
Minako flushed in embarrassment. She sure hadn't been subtle with her tantrum this time if Rei had noticed as soon as she walked into the lounge. How many other people had seen her acting out..?
"I had a rough day..." she mumbled.
"You'd make it less rough on yourself if you'd stop drinking. You do know you have a problem right? It's hindering your work," Rei pointed out.
"Are you calling me an alcoholic?" asked Minako mortified.
Rei's amethyst hues instantly shot up into Minako's-challenging and dead serious, "If the shoe fits."
The idol didn't know if she had a right to be insulted or not… Lately, it had been a problem. Actually, it had always been a problem for as long as Minako could remember... It had just not been one that had been hindering her life as harshly as it had been as of recent. It had been a long time. Drinking occurred due to a variety of different things. For a while, it had helped her deal with her anxiousness and give her liquid courage to perform. It had been a coping mechanism when she had been a hopeless romantic with a long list of lovers attached to her broken heart. Lately, it had been due to the neglect of her career. She now considered her first loves alcohol, late-night escapades that usually lead to one-night-stands, and shopping. Rinse and repeat. How she managed to still get up in the morning and do her ad promos for sponsors and her acting job was beyond her. Usually, she was stupidly hungover…
"Anyhow, you got what you wanted out of this deal. I'm finished. Regardless of this shit show, my career has ended as of tonight. I might as well give Haruka a good parting gift while I still have some motivation in me… You all will get what you want still. I'm just speeding up our plan. I acted out of anger. I've outed Michiru partially...just to scare her. She knows that I know. However, Haruka doesn't. No one else does. It was enough to take Michiru down a couple of notches for sure... I want her to end her career herself and stay away from Haruka. If she does that; maybe she can live quietly. I think I am starting I feel sorry for her…. I think I might be showing her some mercy. It must not be easy having all that shit done to your face and body.. I have gotten a couple of things done myself, but she's basically all out plastic," Minako found herself rambling. She was very drunk and was probably not cohesively placing all of her thoughts in order placing random off-topic things into her speech.. She got sidetracked a lot when she was this obliterated.
"Excuse me. You did what? Are you really that stupid Minako? What if Michiru tells Haruka? What if they figure out how to cover this shit up?! You're really going to let her combat our plan? Oh man..not only that but Setsuna is going to be furious! You didn't even let us know before you decided to do it! Ugh!" Rei hissed in annoyance as she finished bandaging up Minako's arm.
Minako dryly laughed, "Fuck the plan. I told you, I acted out of my own anger right then. I want what I want and do what I want. You do know...Setsuna was a part of the problem for me at one point. You think I'm not going to give her a little bit of hell for putting me through the same mess? Haruka dated her after me. You don't know what it's like to be me."
"You're a spoiled brat," snapped Rei.
"So says the hotel heiress with your rich girl problems. Do you know how many people I had to fuck to make it up to the top? Before Tennou's agency..I had to mess with so many people finally get introduced to her. There was this man named Kunzite…." Minako's voice trailed off. It hurt to think about that time.
"Kunzite of ShiTennou?" inquired Rei.
"Yes, that one. I don't know if I liked him or what… At first, he was kind and charming towards me. I was still a senior in high school... I liked expensive clothes at 109 and he was a budding designer with cash to blow on pretty girls. It was rumored that he liked having a good time you know? There were a couple of men who claimed they knew him and told me if I did them favors that they'd introduce me to him and that he in turn, could have me cross paths with the right people. I did a ton of favors to meet the right people. One had a domino effect on the other. I'd sleep with one to meet another and then sleep with the other in order to move up in the world. Though, Kunzite really did know all the right people due to him being an up and coming designer with a pedigree name in the business world. However, he seemed lonely. He didn't like hostess clubs… He wanted something more real than that supposedly. I had no idea what that meant at the time.. I suppose it was a little bit of Enjou Kosai*… Money for sex. Though he was low-key playing *catch in an ocean of fish. I just happened to be in the right path thanks to the other things I had done. He was good looking, so I couldn't exactly turn him down. Eventually, instead of money, I asked for his connections. I told him I wanted to become an idol. He told me that he would introduce me to Haruka if I did what he said... He was such an asshole in the end though. I realized I was his beard the entire time. He had an unhealthy infatuation with his partner Zoicite whom he designed clothes with. He used me and other women to make him jealous.. He liked a good time in order to run away. He wanted to have fun with a completely different person on his mind. They weren't dating as of yet, but were playing games to get them to notice each other.. Zoicite flirted with a lot of different men and Kunzite would just shove women in his face to perturb him.. It didn't work in Kunzite's favor though. The thing is-he is the jealous type. It did the opposite he wanted.. Zoicite had the upper hand. Kunzite would get frustrated and have rough sex with me. When I first figured out...I was hurt. I felt betrayed. However, I got over it quick. I felt like it was worth it because I would get nice things and knew that Kunzite would introduce me to the right people if I just endured it just like I had with everyone else," Minako began.
Rei looked shocked at the sudden confession but patiently listened.
"You eventually did leave him I assume. They're dating now…"
"Yeah... Actually, he was really angry when I left him. He thought that he still needed me. However, it was stupid on his part. He had already unintentionally introduced me to Haruka, and Haruka was really something... She saved me from him. They got in a rift that they eventually settled..they work together now. She's friends with both Zoicite and Kunzite. However, before all of that, she figured out what Kunzite did and comforted me. She protected me from his abuse. Quite literally at one point. I felt so loved… I felt treated right. Haruka promised to make me the best idol there was. Apparently, she admired my spirit and charisma... She sponsored my singing and dance lessons; I thought that she actually loved me. I tried to become this eccentric woman all for her. I came from a poor family so I really did have to work my way up. I had flaws I tried to make up for. I still had problems though. I had used alcohol to cope with many things. Kunzite was one of many. Actually, he and I both drank together often. I couldn't shake the habit after him exactly... I vaguely remember Haruka begging me to stop even at one point. Funny, because at first...she didn't mind the partying but I suppose I took it too far. It never stopped me from performing or acting. It just made me ill often. She didn't like it but tolerated it. When she broke up with me though...she was cruel," continued Minako.
"Do you ever think that maybe it's because of your addiction that she dumped you?" Rei asked. She stayed silent beyond just that. Minako was shocked at how much she was giving away and how intently the other woman in the room listened with very few words.
"Maybe... One day, we had a date in Mori Tower. That stylist of hers wasn't her stylist at first. She went up to the wrong floor and ran into us mid-argument. Haruka saved her in the crossfire of me being furious over dumping me. Haruka told me she was bored with me in front of her. I should have known better. She's known for playing around. She had fought so vigilantly for me though with Kunzite that I had thought that maybe she had actually fallen for me. I was stupid enough to think that I had changed her," explained Minako.
"You couldn't change her… Hell, she couldn't change you. She has a habit of womanizing and you have an alcohol problem. You weren't good for each other," Rei said.
Minako nodded in agreement. It was true. They had been awful for each other. Haruka enabled her out of love until she couldn't take it anymore. She had tried to make her happy and had found happiness elsewhere-with Setsuna apparently... It caused Minako to drink even more than she had before… She was still functional. It was only on evenings or at night that she got out of control. Sometimes, she'd show up tipsy to her own lives. It wasn't something to proudly brag about but it had definitely occurred.
"I'm over her and that bit. If anything, I have empathy for Michiru in that regard. I'm still a hopeless romantic. I don't like breaking hearts…not truly," Minako admitted.
"Yet, you're in the presence of the biggest of heartbreakers. I stole another my best friend's boyfriend and you helped me," pointed out Rei.
"That isn't my greatest achievement. In order for Haruka to get a reality check, I needed you to help me. Usagi means nothing to me. I don't know her. However, idol to idol-I can't help but feel for Michiru in that regard. I've experienced how our boss is myself. She will build her up only to break her down. Haruka will rip her heart out. The least I can do is warn her. I did my good deed. I gave her options. She can back out and away. If she doesn't, then it justifies all this because she's too stupid to know when to get out of the rain. My impulsive anger worked to my benefit… I'll feel better about all of this mess if she doesn't heed my warning," explained Minako.
"Then what even is your intention anymore?" Rei asked with a raised eyebrow. She lifted herself off of the floor finally, standing over a sitting Minako..suddenly looking intimidating at a greater height.
"To leave Haruka with a parting gift. Not for breaking my heart but for neglecting my career. I've had an album made for ages that never got approved and cleaned up. It was shoved aside for Michiru. That woman was given everything for nothing. All over Tennou's admiration of her. I would have been dropped anyway eventually given my state. I did my job though-regardless of my addiction. I struggled through an album and went through the trouble of completing it with a fake deadline. I came in hungover and sang. I've performed on various shows. I've obligated myself to various commitments...variety shows and the like. I might be a party girl but I still have integrity. I still have that dream to be an idol. I've never been the cute and pure one that everyone tried to market me as… I gave my virginity to some guy I met at a karaoke bar at sixteen. I drank when I was underage. I got myself in so much trouble… All for the sake to be an idol and be in love. I hate being abandoned. I loathe being alone…. Now I'm alone," Minako murmured. Tears threatened to fall from her eyes and she leaned back in the chair she had been pushed down in.
There was so many other things she wasn't revealing that had been her norm… Her family life had never been good. Domestic violence had been a regular occurrence in her youth. It was what got her in the predicament she had been in-offering herself to men who played catch in order to look stylish on the weekends all whilst dreaming of becoming an idol. She was so adapt to chaos that she didn't know how and when to get out of it…
"Don't be ridiculous. You're not alone. I'm here in this room am I not?" Rei scoffed.
"You have no idea… I've lost my dream. I'm no longer an idol. I'm alone. I have no Kunzite. No Haruka…. All I have is myself. That's the only thing I get out of this shit. I have nothing to go back to. You get to go back to this cushy hotel with your boy-toy and live happily ever after… So just who is the spoiled brat hm? You've lost nothing and have gained everything," Minako snapped.
Rei looming body drew closer and her arm violently hit the wall behind Minako, blocking her and trapping her in the chair… Her eyes were full of fire as she spoke, "I lost my best friend…."
"You fucked that up on your own with your choices," challenged Minako.
"And you didn't with your antics?!" Rei hissed.
"That makes us even now doesn't it….? You and I… Though, I do think you still get your happy ending."
"Make your own god damn happy ending, bitch," Rei spat.
"Easier said than done princess. I'd like to bet that you have never had to work a day in your life. You probably got everything han-"
SMACK.
Minako felt the whiplash from the lash of Rei's hand against her face. It wasn't sober before-she definitely was now.
"Are you TRYING to irritate me?! You have no right to assume what the fuck my life has ever been! You're lucky you're piss ass drunk or I would have done a lot worse than hit you!" Rei screamed before launching herself off the wall. She stormed off into the bathroom slamming the door.
Minako found laughter escaping her despite the pain now radiating off of her face and hand now.
"What the hell is so funny?!" Rei screamed through the door.
"We're going in circles. Like it's "The Pain Olympics" or some shit. This is ridiculous. You should have left me alone and let me drink in peace..."
"And have you terrorize the staff with your temper tantrum? I think not! You had more than enough you crazy bitch!"
Minako chuckled, "Maybe I have… Thank you for fixing up my hand. Though, slapping me put me in more pain than I needed but I suppose I deserved it."
The door clicked open again, Rei peeking out behind it.
"What will you do? Do you have a plan beyond all of this…?" she inquired quietly.
Minako shrugged in response.
"Honey, don't tell me you're feeling pity for me after all of that… Like I told you, I have nothing to salvage after this. I'll play it by ear. I've survived this long. I have a name… Maybe Diamond will take me under his label. He did offer after all…"
"I'd rather you eat dirt," wretched Rei in disgust.
Minako grinned, "Aw, and you act like you care. What's it to you? He's gave me an offer and he's cute to boot."
"You have no pride..." Rei muttered.
"After all of this mess, I suppose I don't," admitted Minako.
"Speaking of mess...how do you think we'll tell Setsuna about your change to our plan?" asked Rei.
"We don't," Minako answered.
"All over your muddled and conflicting feelings towards both Haruka and Michiru…? You're ridiculous. We have to tell her something. She'll figure out eventually if Michiru acts on your threat," Rei said.
"You forget, I'm not fully fond of Setsuna myself… This has fully turned into her little revenge scheme. I'm merely a small part of it. As are you. I just get to spectate at this point. My career wasn't moving anywhere under Tennou Entertainment. You both just happened to run into the right person. When I truly think about it, it was bound to happen. I'm calm now. At the end of this, I had nothing to lose in the first place. Now I just get to watch Michiru scurry around in panic. I'm irritated with the neglect of my career-not about them being together," Minako pointed out.
"Do you ever think that this would possibly ever bring Michiru and Haruka closer together…?" Rei pondered.
"If that is so, then they're meant for each other," Minako said with a nonchalant wave of her uninjured hand.
Rei blinked shocked.
"I'm not the idol of love for nothing. True love is true love. I told you, I'm over Haruka. I'm merely a spectator now. I'll give my final performance at this hotel and give it everything I have. Either Michiru will not show up or I'll ruin her there. I'm giving her time to think about it. This can end silently and nobody win if things go as I want. Otherwise, I'll give a swift blow that everyone will remember me by. I don't need her stealing my thunder at that show. I'm hijacking hers. That's the new plan," continued Minako.
"And if I tell Setsuna all about this sideshow mess of yours?" Rei threatened.
Minako glanced over at her, "It has nothing to do with you. You got what you wanted. I'd stay out of it if I were you. Otherwise, you'll have more shit on your hands and less time with that boyfriend of yours."
Rei looked hesitant.
"Just sit back and be entertained with me, Rei. Watch people scramble. People do crazy things once they're backed into a wall…."
(A/N: I'm bacccck. So I have a confession. This chapter was actually longer but I've split it and I am working on the next bit. So much has happened since I last updated. I transferred to a university back in the fall and moved to a completely different city to live on my own for the first time. That was an adjustment... I kind of fulfilled one of my big goals only for COVID-19 to force me back home for a bit. Before all of that, I also I did some youtube stuff, started a gyaru circle, started up a magazine that's still rather successful-however I left both my gyaru circle and magazine which was also occupying a lot of my time. Being involved in a gyaru comm actually did. However, I'm a solo type of gal now but have rarely gotten to indulge in dressing pretty because of school and stress lately. Ugh.. SO...In a way, all of these major changes will give me more time to write possibly. Especially after school is out for the summer hopefully. I'm still in school completing final papers and projects but I felt an obligation to update this to scream to the world that I haven't forgotten about this story. This was a particularly hard chapter to write because there was a lot of backstory that I needed to make consistent. Minako is a pretty complicated and complex character and shit got kind of muddled by her impulsiveness. Hopefully, I've redeemed her a little bit as a character in this chapter and made her seem more human despite her still being a bitch. I wrote her part while listening to Chanmina's song "Sober" which I felt was really fitting for that bit of her explaining her past with her multiple lovers and gain to fame. In terms of some of the comments that I'm very long overdue replying to that I got, yes I do watch SeraMyu. Discode's Akira is really dreamy and very personable. She had really pretty nails when I met her. LMAO. I love nail art. I've actually had the honor of meeting her once but she's def not Seiya. She's way too cool. Amber is more of Seiya in terms of characterization. There's something about Amber and my characterization of Seiya that just fits. THOUGH...I can say...Akira would fit for Seiya in a certain circumstance if I end up indulging in a story after this one. ;) Anyways, hopefully I will be able to update soon. Most of the next chapter is written, I just need to end it in a decent spot!)