"So how are my favorite ex-students fairing this fine day?" Kuu's character inquires as he sweeps through the doorway that proclaims the space as belonging to Keystones and Castles Architectures Inc. His inquiry is met with three different yet ultimately frazzled expressions.
Riku, Kijima's character, greets their former teacher without looking up from his workspace. Likewise, Ren's character, Fuji, offers a verbal greeting. He even stands and offers the new arrival a pressured smile while he runs his hand through already messy hair. Despite the friendly gesture, he quickly diverts his attention back to his computer drafting program.
Kai, the third architect who is played by Hiromune, grunts but doesn't even look up from what he is doing. Instead, he flips through a pile of blueprints that are piled haphazardly all over his drafting desk.
The architects' former teacher smiles indulgently at the three hard working young men. With the exception of his current work in progress, these three were his favorite students during his tenure. Much like his current favorite, they combine raw talent with hard work and perseverience. He always expected great things from them and he had yet to be disappointed.
"A little birdie told me that you nailed the presentation for the Himori Resorts revitalization. Even without considering their international assets, that has to be a daunting undertaking. They have high end hotels all over the country. So when are you going to find some more help? Another set of eyes and hands would really benefit your company."
"When we find someone with the right eyes and hands," Riku replies as he swivels in his office chair to better communicate with the unexpected visitor. Just as quickly, he turns back to his work.
Kai snorts derisively.
Fuji glances towards Kai and rolls his eyes.
"There has to be someone out there that will fit into our vision for the firm," Fuji states optimistically.
Again, Kai snorts. He shakes his head while pulling free another plan and running his finger over the printed blueprint with a far off look on his face. It is obvious that he is seeing the completed project in his mind as he considers the schematics. He jots a couple notes along the border before rolling it and tossing it onto the pile beside Riku's computer.
"We've been interviewing for months," Riku admits with a quick glance over his shoulder to meet their mentor's eyes while reaching for the print just tossed to him. "No one fit."
The teacher tilts his head slightly and a tiny frown mars his handsome face. Suddenly, a mischievous smirk blooms. Perhaps he can address two problems at once. His eyes twinkle merrily as he offers a challenging suggestion.
"Why don't you have a contest?"
His suggestion surprises the three young men. They all stop their work. Leaving their stations, they move to surround their guest. Before the actors can continue the scene, the director interrupts to request the they change positions slightly so that the camera will be better able to detect their expressions. Surprisingly, the direction lacks any type of insults and the four actors slip smoothly back into the practice scene as soon as they slightly adjust their positioning.
"What kind of contest, Hara-Sensei?" Kai asks suspiciously.
Kuu's character chuckles as if he expected the less than enthusiastic response from Koga's role before he launches into an expanded explanation. Instead of seeking an established architect to join their business, the older man believes the trio would have a easier time finding someone young who they could help mold into a designer that fit seamlessly in their firm. Hara offers to present the contest to his senior architectural, design and engineering students. He also suggests that they open the contest to other schools in the area as well. It is his belief that exposure to the student ideas might even benefit their own work. Although they have only been out of school for a couple years, seeing other ideas and angles can always benefit their own creativity.
"We could offer a cash prize as well as a chance at an internship," Fuji adds thoughtfully. Of the three, Ren's character is the most easily excited and enthusiastic about new things and ideas. The actor works to convey these traits with his tone and body language.
Although more conservative and business oriented, Riku also embraces the idea.
"We could offer it as a paid internship even. We have it in our yearly business plan to hire another architect. It would definitely save us money to pay an intern or possibly even two instead of a full time architect. If the winner ends up fitting into the firm well, we could offer them the full time position once they graduate."
All eyes focus on Kai. As the partner most likely to be moody, he will be the biggest obstacle to overcome in the endeavor. He is sure to find something wrong with the idea since it wasn't his own.
Kai rubs his head and glances over his shoulder at the cluttered workspace. He sighs and his shoulders slump slightly.
"Oh, just go with it."
The silence from the other three speaks volumes.
"What?" Kai grumbles. "You were expecting me to shoot down the idea?"
Fuji laughs.
"Well, yeah," Riku admits.
Shaking his head, the tired architect who is the most artistically creative of the three explains how he is so overworked that he would almost be happy with an extra pair of hands from someone they arbitrarily picked off the street. The discussion slips into a light and friendly teasing exchange among the three young men which obviously amuses their previous teacher.
"It is so good to see that the pressures of success have not ruined your friendships," Hara compliments.
The three business associates halt their playful bickering and offer the older man genuine smiles that show just how comfortable they are in their current lives.
"Well, hopefully, you can help us find someone who will mesh just as well," Fuji wishes.
"I will see what I can do," Saito promises. He already has a good idea of a student that he believes will work perfectly for his former students. As Kuu turns to leave the mock office, a truly mischievous expression settles on his face. He rubs his hands together in anticipation. He can't wait to work some magic on his end and make everyone's lives a bit better.
Dark turns to his head cameraman after the scene ends.
"Make sure that you focus on Kuu when the scene ends. The better to catch his anticipation and the hint of the plotting on his end. It will help make the connections with our make-shift Cinderella all the more believable."
Nodding in understanding, the technician readily agrees.
"Thanks," Dark intones quietly as he turns from the exchange and announces that they will take a short break for lunch. In the wake of his announcement and minor politeness, the technical staff stare in utter amazement. They are even further amazed when they exit the main production stage to find a caterer setting up long tables with boxed lunches for all the actors and support staff involved in the production.
As a pair of lighting techs approach the table, they whisper to each other about the alien that must have replaced the director. A soft chuckle sounds behind them and they turn with guilty expressions at being caught insulting the man in charge.
"You are both so young. You wouldn't know it but no one convinces Hizuri Kuu to step onto a stage without providing some sort of food," the older woman states as she nods towards the end of the long table where the Hollywood star has corralled a number of flustered wait staff into piling lunch boxes five high and three thick in his extended arms. The observers' mouths drop in utter disbelief as their image of the world famous star shatters. Unaffected by the quirky appetite of the acting guest, Sato Iku snags a box lunch for herself and for her charge before adding that Kuu will most likely be back for seconds before needing dessert. She leaves the pair in frozen silence as they wonder if the famous actor is also an alien.
"Kyoko, will you join your father and I for lunch?" Juli inquires as she motions towards the corner of the set where Kuu has settled into place with his piles of food. He has clustered a number of folding chairs around him in hopes that the younger actors and actresses will join him for the quick meal.
Kyoko nods but says that she will be a minute. Greedily, the young woman wants to spend all the time that she can with her pretend parents. She knows that she will sorely miss them when they head back to the United States after the New Year. Unfortunately, she has something else to address before she can enjoy their company.
"Make sure to save me a lunchbox," she pleads with the model. "Hopefully, Father has not snagged all the best boxes. I need to speak with the director before I can eat."
"Of course, dear," Juli promises before she heads towards her husband. On the way, she snags two lunchboxes, one for herself and one for her pretend son. After a pause, she grabs another one when she notices her real son take a seat beside her husband. He is distinctly lacking in a lunch box and the mother can't help but notice the missing meal. Her tongue makes a slight ticking sound as she shakes her head. She isn't sure how her son survives without someone to ensure that he eats. She chuckles as a quick glance over her shoulder reminds her that her other child does an excellent job of taking care of her wayward one.
With a quick kiss on Kuu's cheek, the model settles into a seat after conveying that Kyoko will join them shortly. She only has time to open her box when her husband starts waving in an animated manner.
"Come and join us, Little Bug on the Wall," the actor cheerfully calls to Chiori who is skulking along the wall. Embarrassed at having all eyes suddenly focused on her, the third member of the Love Me section hugs her lunch box against her chest but finds her feet carrying her towards the small group of entertainment veterans. She soon finds herself relating how she came to be part of the Love Me section despite the fact that she is actually a talent associated with Softhat. Ren and Juli find themselves barely able to cover their amusement as Kuu and Chiori fall into an almost overdone competition of complimenting Kyoko.
Meanwhile, the subject of their lively discussion approaches their distracted director who has withdrawn from the main production area to a secluded alcove that he has used in the past to work undisturbed. It is the first time anyone has approached the previously unapproachable tyrant.
"Umm, begging your pardon, sir, but could I... umm... that is, would you have few moments to answer a couple questions for me?" Kyoko inquires nervously. She doesn't want to interrupt the previously prickly man but her thoughts keep racing around her mind and she believes that the only way to stop the deluge is to bluntly attack the source of at least some of her concerns.
Although he sighs as if quite put out by the request, Dark closes the thick script he is taking notes inside and offers the actress his full attention.
"I am sorry to disturb you if you are doing something important," she offers but Kingo waves off the apology.
"It's not as if it is time sensitive," the director admits as he set the large book on the table where he is sitting with a cup of coffee and a convenience store melon pan. Although he obviously secured the lunch for the staff, he still unconsciously remains separated from everyone through his meal choice. "It was an old tale ten years ago so a few more minutes isn't going to make any type of difference, Kyoko. Now how may I help you because I somehow doubt you have any issues with your characterization of Cinderella."
Kyoko waves her hands in denial and assures the director that she is quite familiar with her newest role and is dedicated to pouring her heart into the part.
"I would expect nothing less. Now, what was your question?"
"Oh," Kyoko suddenly finds her clasped hands fascinating. "You didn't actually disapprove of everyone's performances last week in Beauty and the Beast, did you?"
She steals a glance up at the older man and just catches the slight smile and head shake he offers at her unexpected observation. He isn't sure if she is the only one to notice or the only one brave enough to confront him on it. He is betting on the latter. Throughout the production, the young actress has been the one most likely to beard the lion in his den. In fact, Tsuruga is the only other one who has even attempted it and then only on behalf of the young females in the production.
Kingo sighs before admitting that she is correct.
"You just wanted to keep it a secret about this week's guest stars, right? That's why you kept all the parts undisclosed."
"It wasn't my choice," Dark admits with a hint of chagrin evident. "You are correct though. It was an requirement by the producer that the Hizuris appearance remain a secret. I had to manufacture some reason for the stipulation. I figured that punishment for poor performance was the easy route."
"So you were not unhappy with my acting?" Kyoko asks since she often needs reassurances that she does not need to improve on any specific parts of her contributions to the drama.
"You were fine, Kyoko. In fact, I believe everyone did a fine job. I have been nothing but happy with the skills the cast has shown. I am even pleased to say that I am impressed with everyone's work today despite the rocky start."
Kyoko once again tries to apologize for the earlier altercation but Kingo again waves off her contrition.
"Was there anything else?" the director prompts when the actress remains standing beside him silently.
"Is President Takarada the producer of Innocent Whispers?" she blurts.
Although the fact that Lory is behind the production was supposed to be undisclosed during production, Kurayami respects Kyoko enough to conveniently forget that tiny detail. He nods.
"His part in the production was supposed to remain undisclosed."
With her theory confirmed, Kyoko has one more question.
"Do you know what we have to do to properly fulfill this Love Me assignment?"
Now it is Dark's turn to be confused.
"What do you mean by Love Me assignment?"
Startled that the director does not know about the Pink Curse, Kyoko provides him with a rapid explanation of the program and her belief that the entire project is actually a Love Me task. Shaking his head, Kingo denies any knowledge of any underlying mission with the production.
Disappointed, Kyoko thanks the older man and excuses herself to complete her lunch before their break time is completed. As she turns to leave Dark calls her name and stalls her exit.
"Kyoko..." he calls. The actress stops and turns back to him with an expectant expression.
This time, it is his turn to be a bit uncomfortable.
"I... that is... I realize that something has happened and I suspect it has something to do with you and Hiro. Whatever it is, you seem to be handling it well and I know that you have all manner of friends who I am sure support you. That said, if you need anything from me, please know that you can rely on me. As I told Hiro and his manager when we discussed his return to the program, I may be a bit of a bastard but I am an old man and I have seen a lot. If there is anything I can do to aid you, I will try my best to offer you the benefit of my experience.
Utterly floored by the unexpected offer, Kyoko just stares at Kingo for a moment. An utterly captivating smile blossoms on her face though just before she bows to the older man.
"Thank you so very much, sir," she replies before raising her head. The pair share a moment of silent respect before Kyoko excuses herself to scurry off to finally enjoy what is left of her lunch break. As she leaves, neither the actor nor the director realize that they had just completed Lory's ultimate Love Me assignment for Innocent Whispers. As he had hoped, the young talent assigned to the program succeeded in pulling his old friend out of the darkness and back into the entertainment world with a renewed love for his craft along with the more important and newly found desire to once again be part of life beyond the recorded work.
"Sir, I have secured the transcripts you requested," the aide explains as he places a folder containing a rather extensive record of texts that Kotonami Kanae had received on her company supplied phone over the past couple months. He stands comfortably in a pair of flannel pajamas with black bears on a red background. On his feet, he wears a pair of fuzzy bear claw slippers. Despite his attire, he holds himself with all the dignity as he would possess when dressed in a suit and tie. "You will most likely find the ones between Kijima and herself to be the most relevant."
Uncrossing his bunny pajama clad legs before he swivels towards his work space, Lory thanks his assistant. His long eared bunny slippers brush against the wood as he slides properly into place at the desk. Takarada pulls off his glasses and sets them beside the thick script he had been perusing. It had been many years since he had originally read the proposed movie dialogue and he hopes to reacquaint himself with it before his meeting with Kingo later in the week. If Dark truly feels comfortably with completing the project after the wrap of Innocent Whispers, he suspects it will be the perfect graduation present to share with Mogami Kyoko. Given his friend's enthusiasm with working with his number one LoveMe girl, he doubts the director will have a problem considering her for the lead. Although the story will need some minor updating, the storytelling is just as good today as it was more than a decade ago when he first read it. It would be the perfect vehicle to fulfill his promise of a major picture debut for the young woman when she finally found her missing emotion thereby releasing her from the supposed pink curse.
Saddened at the impending loss for the LoveMe section, the president pouts instead of opening the thick folder containing insight into his second LoveMe girl's progress in the same curse.
"Sir," encourages his assistant who is well aware of what is bothering the older gentleman. "You are doing the right thing. She has developed her wings just like you wanted. It's time to allow her out of the nest."
"We both know you are right," Lory admits. "It doesn't make it any easier."
"For what it is worth, Kotonomi-san does not seem to be quite there yet. If she was needing to embrace the same kind of love as Kyoko-san, then her budding relationship with Kijima-san would more than meet the requirements. Since you want her to build her appreciation of familial love, she still has room for improvement. She does have a number of references on the positive side though in her conversations with her new young man. She has repeatedly referenced to the place that houses her siblings and all the various children as home."
Takarada picks up his glasses once more. He opens the folder as he taps the one earpiece against his lip.
"You think Kijima-kun is actually a good influence on her personal growth?"
His companion nods silently.
Lory smiles.
"Who would have thought that a pretty playboy would be a nudge in the right direction for her."
"His only living relative is a slightly estranged grandparent," the aide offers. "Because of the lack, he seems to have an appreciation for the family that Kotonami-san has previously rejected. His interactions have been slowly changing her attitude."
"Do you think she has made enough progress to warrant graduation as well?" the president inquires.
"Not yet, Sir. Have no fear. I doubt you will be losing her from the section in the immediate future."
"Good to hear," Lory responds as he places his glasses on his face and shuffles through the transcripts in the folder. Although the president values the opinions of his long standing assistant, he still wants to form his own opinion based on the recorded conversations.
When the president realizes that his companion has not withdrawn, he raises his eyes and nods in encouragement.
"Have you considered placing Koga-san in the LoveMe section?" the younger man inquires. Given how much enjoyment he has gotten from Mogami Kyoko's presence, the aide is not quite sure how he feels about the troubled talent. He understands why the president took on the case but he worries that it will ultimately not end as well as the LoveMe girls seem to be progressing.
Although he smiles in amusement at the image of Hiromune slinking about in a pink jumpsuit, Takarada shakes his head.
"That boy doesn't need to learn the merit of love. He is desperate for it. Not to mention, I don't think his psyche is quite strong enough to handle the pressures of the program. That section takes a certain strength of conviction and desire to grow that few seem to embrace. I think Saito-san is just what he needs. She will give him all the encouragement, direction, and regulation that he needs to flourish."
"I hope you are right, Sir."
"So do I, my friend," Lory admits. "So do I.
Author note: Okay... so this has been a ridiculous amount of time between updates... this is no longer a cold child left naked in the snow. It is practically a teenager and I really feel poorly for not finishing it when it is so close to the end. Hopefully, I will not lose the drive before we reach that point (given that there remains very little on the outline yet to complete anyway). I hope that folks still find interest in finishing reading this and that one can ignore years worth of manga that renders much of it obsolete. Oh well... until next time... which I hope is less than the last break because really I need to finish this before I reach retirement. -Me
