The sunlight was barely peaking through the intricate design of Tokyo Tower, which was just a replica of Paris' Eiffel Tower. The tower served as a backdrop for the photo shoot taking place atop a nearby building. At any moment, the sun would completely break through and show the world why Japan was known as the "Land of the Rising Sun."
The photographer hurried to get the last of the predawn shots of Ringo Arisu who was posing and smiling for the camera. The air was warmer than England, but it was still cool enough to signal that winter was approaching. She tried to smile, even though she felt chilly. Arisu was a professional, so it was important that she looked unbothered.
"That's it, Ringo-san. Smile," said the photographer in Japanese.
She obligingly turned and smiled. A breeze came and chilled her more as it whipped up her hair. She hoped that they would be finished soon. She had to wake up at four in the morning to get to the appointed rooftop to take pictures for Vanity Fair magazine.
The sun burst through the clouds, heralding a new day. The photographer had no choice but to stop and get ready for the next round.
"Okay, change up!" ordered the photographer.
The crew scrambled to get the next round of shots ready. Arisu sighed as they changed her clothes into another outfit. Yuki walked up to her when they steered her to the make up table. She had arrived halfway through the shoot.
"Good morning, early enough for you, Yuki?" asked Arisu.
"Too early, but I met you here so that we can go to school together, Tsu—I mean Arisu," said Yuki, quickly recovering herself from calling Arisu by her real name.
"Good morning, Yuki-san," said Ryan McCormick as he showed up with two cups of coffee. "Here's a cup of coffee for you."
"Thanks, Ryan-san," said Yuki in English.
"Is that for me?" asked Arisu, eyeing the other cup. Ryan looked at the cup of coffee. "It is now. I'll just get myself another," he told her as he passed her the cup.
"Thank you, Ryan-san," said Arisu as she accepted it. He left to go and get another cup of coffee for himself.
"Where's Sammi?" asked Yuki.
"She's not exactly a predawn kind of person, so she sent Ryan in her stead. Actually, she's never been much of a morning person in general. Thanks for coming, Yuki. I know that it's early," said Tsukushi as she smiled.
"You are so busy these days. It's hard to spend time with you otherwise, so I don't mind," said Yuki with a shake of her head.
"Ringo-san, we're ready for the next part," called the photographer. Arisu got out of her chair and polished off the coffee.
The next couple of shots went off easier now that she was more awake. Yuki watched with amazement. She knew that her best friend had changed, but to what degree she wasn't completely certain until she saw her pose for the camera. At the end of the shoot, an interviewer from Vanity Fair asked her to sit down and have some breakfast while talking.
"We'll have to finish this interview quickly. I've got a class at eight," said Arisu.
"That's okay. First off all, I have to say that I am a big fan of your music and you've got a lot of talent," said the reporter with a smile. "I wanted to do this interview, so I could meet you. My first question is: how are you readjusting to living in Japan after being gone for such a long period of time?"
"I haven't been gone all that long. I only left for five years. And I don't think I ever completely left Japan. I am Japanese. I take my culture everywhere I go," replied Arisu.
"How long do you think it will take you to release this new album?"
"I hope to have it out in about a year. In the meantime, I'm going to do some performances and perhaps a live concert."
"You received such a wonderful welcome in Europe and the Americas by the music critics. Does it bother you that some Japanese critics aren't so welcoming?"
"I know it will be hard to break through here. I thought it was going to be a big challenge in the West. I am a little anxious about what will happen here. All I can do is try my best."
"There is so much that the public doesn't know about you, which makes you even more intriguing, Ringo-san. You started out as a stage actress in England, tell me do you miss doing stage work like that?"
"Actually, I do. I really miss acting on stage. What I miss the most are the people I used to perform with. When I'm by myself, I feel more exposed on stage. I feel most comfortable when I'm on the stage."
"So, why don't you tell me a little bit about your childhood?"
"I was born in Tokyo. I lived here for seventeen years of my life. My family didn't have much money growing up, so we didn't have much growing up. There really isn't much to say. My first stage experience was when I was six-years-old. I forget what the play was about, but it's one of my fondest memories growing up. But I had a pretty normal childhood, nothing really extraordinary," replied Arisu. For a brief moment, she almost went into a long story about her parents and brother. She didn't want to give too much information abut herself.
"Did your parents promote your interest in music?"
"Not really. We couldn't afford those kinds of luxuries. No, I got into music more when I came to England from Australia. I started taking guitar lessons because I found that it was easier to learn than English at the time. Besides, I wanted to learn a language that transcended cultures and that's what music does."
"You write all your own lyrics and compose all your own music. Do you sometimes have trouble doing so?"
"I've never had a problem. If anything, I need to learn to focus more on one song at a time. It's hard when I have so many wonderful ideas floating around in my head. I keep a notebook with me, so that I can write things down to work with later."
The interviewer nodded. "You are a very fast learn when it came to English and music. Was it very hard for you to adjust to such speed?"
"I am a product of one of the best educational systems in the world. I am used to learning at fast speeds. I also like to do my best in everything I do," said Arisu with a laugh.
The reporter laughed as she quickly jotted down her response. There was also a tape recorder near Arisu. She glanced at her watch. "You've also performed for royalty and politicians around the world. The next question is about the charity ball. The heir to one of the richest families in Japan, Doumyouji Tsukasa, was the highest bidder for a date with you. 100,000,000 Yen. What do you have to say about that?"
"I was very surprised. I had no idea that he was fan of my music. The date was just a friendly get together. Nothing serious."
"So you're saying that you do not have a relationship with Doumyouji Tsukasa?"
"I would rather not comment on that."
"What about the rumors about Megumi Hiro?"
"We will be doing an exchange with Hanazawa Records. He will help with one song on my next album, while I'll work on a song for his. It's strictly business."
"So, you're not going to disclose any thing about your love life are you?"
"I'm sorry, but I must get going to school now," said Arisu as she took another glance at her watch. She gave the reporter a bow before standing up. She walked up to Ryan. "What are my other appointments today?" she asked him.
"You have to meet with Megumi Hiro today. His offices called our offices to make an appointment. Do you want me to schedule it or do you want me to do it yourself?" asked Ryan.
"I'll do it myself. Give me his number. I don't know what's going to happen at school today. Thanks, Ryan. Come on Yuki, we'll be late, if we don't leave now. Traffic's just starting out there," said Tsukushi, slowly slipping out of her Ringo Arisu persona.
Yuki nodded and they both left the building. There was an unmarked car waiting for them. Yuki noticed how quickly the bodyguards coordinated themselves. They were going to follow in other unmarked car. She was positive that the driver of the car they were in was also a fully trained bodyguard. Yuki took a deep breath, but she couldn't relax. She had no idea why.
"What's wrong?" asked Tsukushi after some silence.
"I can't help thinking about it. Tsukushi, do you realize that he could watch you from anywhere at anytime," said Yuki.
"I'd rather not think of it, Yuki. I would rather live my life like I'm supposed to rather than give in," said Tsukushi. "It's a game to him. I'm nothing more but his hobby. It's not like I haven't been the source of someone's obsession before."
"Yeah, but Tsukasa wouldn't make a good stalker at all. He's far from subtle," joked Yuki, but she quickly wiped the grin off her face, realizing what a tasteless joke it was.
"Don't feel bad, Yuki. I'm safe," said Tsukushi, virtually unaware of how unsafe she really was.
*
"We're screwed," concluded Kin-san as they emerged from the only class that Yuki, Tsukushi, and he were taking as a group. He was reading the group assignment that the professor had assigned. "Why didn't I just graduate when I had the chance?"
"No we're not," Tsukushi assured him.
"Yes, we are," insisted Kin-san. "I mean how are we supposed to get together as a group to pull this off. A group presentation using a Power Point presentation. Of what? Something that has to do with Biology. None of us are that good with Biology. I should have taken the class on Human Sexuality instead of this basic Bio class."
"Oh, I'm sure you would like the assignments there," said Tsukushi playfully. He rolled his eyes at her. "Besides, all we have to do is plan it really well. And it doesn't have to be that hard. I didn't get bad grades in Biology when I took."
"But, Tsukushi, not all of us can get through Bachelor's Degrees in the top five of our entire class," said Yuki. "Aren't you taking on a lot already?"
"I like keeping busy, Yuki. Oh, wait. I forgot. I'm supposed to call Megumi Hiro's people and set up an appointment to meet with him," said Tsukushi as she took out the piece of paper that Ryan had written the number on.
"I find it funny that she can just causally do that. Oh, I have to make an appointment to meet with the Heartthrob of Tokyo," teased Kin-san. Tsukushi playfully smacked him.
"Hello?" asked the familiar voice of Megumi Hiro on the other end of the line. "Who said that?"
"Um...This is Ringo Arisu. That was my friend," said Tsukushi with a laugh.
"That's okay. I suppose. I do have a lot of male fans," said Hiro also with a laugh.
"I don't think my friend meant it that way. Anyway, I was calling to set up a meeting with you. We need to go over what we're going to do for each other's album," said Tsukushi.
"Oh, I see. Well, how does this evening sound like to you?" he asked. "We could meet after dinner."
"That would be great. Where?"
"How about Hanazawa Records? Do you know where that is?"
"I'll find out."
"Good. I'll bring some things for us to go over. Do you have any idea what you want to do with your album?"
"I'm not sure. I haven't had much time to think about it. Do you?"
"I think I do. For both albums, but we'll talk about it more when we get together. See you then."
"See you then," said Tsukushi, closing the call. "I'll have to meet him after dinner, but first let me call Gaia and find out where Hanazawa Records is." She dialed Sammi's number, but Ryan answered. "Ryan, I supposed it's still to early for her. Anyway, I need to go to Hanazawa Records tonight to work with Megumi Hiro. Could you pass along the message for me? Thanks."
"Looks like you've got some free time after all to work on our project, but we've still got no ideas," said Yuki.
"I think I have an idea," said Tsukushi brightly.
*
Megumi Hiro meet her at a back entrance of the recording studios at Hanazawa Records. For the first time since Tsukushi had ever met, he was wearing casual dress clothes. He grinned at her as he walked up to her, noticing the bodyguards.
"Let's go and do some work, shall we?" said Hiro.
Tsukushi nodded, "Let's get down to business. Now, tell me what did you have planned?"
"I was thinking of doing a remake of an old song that hardly anyone knows for my album. As for yours, I think that's up to you. All I can do is suggest things, but you seem swamped by a lot of work."
"It's fine. I like doing a lot of things and keeping busy. What song is it?" asked Tsukushi as she slipped into her professional persona.
"It's a song written in the late eighties to early nineties. You have a wonderful voice that doesn't have the octave range of Celine Dion, but it's very soft and gently. I like it. Why don't we try it out?" He handed her the lyrics and the music.
Tsukushi read it over with a careful eye. It was a song written in English. "Why is it in English?"
"Um...I do have a bit of a confession to make. I don't read Japanese very well," admitted Hiro. "You see my grandfather lives in San Francisco and my grandmother is American on my mother's side. I couldn't pass the entrance exams to get into a high school in this country, so I went to school in San Francisco."
Tsukushi's jaw dropped. He didn't sound very book smart at all. It was amazing how looks could be deceiving. Hiro looked like the studious, serious type. "That's why you're more comfortable speaking English," said Tsukushi.
"I went to Berkeley for college with a degree in Liberal Arts. So, yes, I feel more comfortable speaking English than Japanese, even though I can speak both fluently. I just can't write in Japanese. I have to see it in Romanji."
"Why don't we give this a try, shall we?" suggested Tsukushi gesturing at the song.
"I'll play the piano for it," agreed Hiro.
He walked up to a piano and put the notes on the holder. He began to play and he sang the first part.
"I see your face cloud over like a little
girls
And your eyes have lost their shine
You
whisper something softly
I'm not meant to hear Baby,
tell me
what's on your mind"
Tsukushi took over for the next part.
"I
don't care what people say
about the two of us from different worlds
I love you so much that it hurts inside
Are you listening"
"Please, listen to me girl," sang Hiro.
Together they sang:
"Can't we try just a little bit harder
Can't we give just a little bit more
Can't we try to understand
that it's love we're fighting for
Can't we try just a little more passion
Can't we try just a little less pride
Love you so much baby,
That it tears me up inside"
Hiro sang the next verse.
"I hear you on the telephone,
with god knows who
Spilling out your heart for free
Everyone needs someone they can talk to
Girl, that someone should be me..."
Tsukushi continued it.
"So many times, I've tried to tell you
You just turned away
How did I know
My life is changing so fast now
Leaves me lonely and afraid..."
Together they sang the rest of the song:
"Don't let our love fade away
(Don't let our love fade away)
No matter what people say
(No matter, no matter what they say)
I need you more and more these days
Don't let our love fade away
No matter what people say
(No matter, no matter what they say)
Can't we try just a little bit harder
Can't we give just a little bit more
Can't we try just a little bit harder
Can't we give
Can't we try just a little more passion
Can't we try just a little less pride
Can't we try just a little bit harder
Can't we give just a little bit more
Can't we try just a little more passion..."
They sang the last part into a fade out. At the end, Hiro looked at her. "You sang this song with such feeling. One would think you've been through something like this before," he said.
Tsukushi froze at his words. It seemed like he could see straight through her. "I'm an actress, Hiro. I like to put in just the right emotion into a song. This song warrants this reaction from me," as she denied anything he was saying.
"No, there's more to it. I'm a fan of yours. I've listened to your music. There's more to what you're saying than you're letting on. You're not really happy with all this attention are you? You're just playing a role, aren't you? We all do that, Arisu? Or is it something else? I know that it's not your real name."
"It's none of your business, Hiro. I don't have to tell you anything. This is strictly business. I would ask you to refrain from going into anything personal," said Tsukushi coldly as she stood up. She wanted to get away from him. Hiro was getting too close for comfort. She wanted to escape the walls were closing in on her.
She pulled on her coat and walked out of the room, not knowing that the clasp on her necklace was lose. It fell on the floor. "Arisu!" called out Hiro as she quickly left the room. He was going to go after her, but he stopped when he saw something glittering on the floor. He picked it up, he whispered, "Saturn."
Tsukushi didn't care that she had gone outside without her bodyguards. She didn't realize that it was raining outside. Nor did she care. The rain made her feel cold, but comforted at the same time. Why was she letting Megumi Hiro get to her like that? She was afraid. Afraid of letting anyone get close enough to hurt her. She was afraid of exposing any vulnerability for the whole world to see.
The sound of footsteps approaching her caused her to flinch. She turned around and saw Hiro standing there, holding the necklace out to her. She didn't realize that she had lost it. She pressed her hand against her chest at the spot where it normally was. She snitched it out of his hand. "That's mine!" she declared.
"I'm sorry about what happened in there. It's just that you're so mysterious. I can't help, but ask questions," said Hiro. "What does that necklace mean to you?"
"It's my good luck charm," she replied. All he could do was stare at her. It was strange. He felt like he was seeing the real Ringo Arisu. He had only caught a mere glimpse of a very complicated and seemingly troubled young woman.
AN: That's the end of this chapter. I tried to put on a realistic interview. This chapter was really going towards the last part. When I first heard this song, I thought that it worked really well, describing Tsukushi's and Tsukasa's relationship. This story's central character is Tsukushi. I'm finally done with finals, so look forward for more chapters. I'll be going home soon, so I don't know when I'll be able to upload. I intend to have Tsukushi and Rui spend some time together...perhaps the next chapter? I have to plan it out. Along with an appearance from Shizuka.
By the way, I've been reading a modern mystery series by Sujata Massey, so I've been learn some modern Japanese culture. I'm going to incorporate some tea ceremony and ikebana later on for Tsukushi's role in the movie she gets to star in.
Disclaimer: Hana Yori Dango belongs to Yoko Kamio and the song "Can't We Try" belongs to Dan Hill. Please don't sue. I make no money. At least not enough for a good lawsuit.