Chapter Eleven: Tokyo Tower
Tsukushi was lying in bed wide awake. She remembered how stupid she must have looked in front of Hiro. She hadn't meant to reveal that much about herself. How could she make such an awful slip up like that? She sat up. The day was starting. She had a lot to do before her day started.
Tsukshi's daily route, if she was allowed, included yoga, a shower, some breakfast, and a skim through the morning paper. She didn't have time for all that this morning. There was a meeting that morning that Sammi had insisted she showed up for. It was a big surprise. Sammi wouldn't give any hints.
She settled for a quick shower and some toast and coffee. There was bound to be some food at the meeting. There was a bodyguard at the door by the time she was ready. She was carefully escorted to a waiting car and drove to Gaia Records. She disliked having so much protect around her. It limited her freedom so much. The extra security didn't make her feel safer.
Finally, the car pulled up to Gaia. She waited for the door to be opened for her. Sammi met her at the front. She had a smile on her face that made Tsukushi think Sammi was a cat with a large carnary. "This better be good," said Tsukushi with a smile.
"Oh, it is. There's someone who's been dying to meet you," said Sammi.
"Who?" asked Tsukushi.
"Her," replied Sammi as she opened the door to a conference room. There sat a young woman who looked like she was around Sammi's age. There was a man who was sitting next to one of the other representatives of Gaia Records, and he appeared to be American. "May I introduce Michiko Kimura. She's a playwright from California and a big fan of yours, Arisu."
"Ringo-san, please pardon my Japanese. I'm half American. Like Ms. Collins said, I have been a big fan of yours ever since you got your start in London," said Michiko.
"Thank you very much, but why am I here, Sammi?" asked Tsukushi with her British accented English.
"Well, it seems that Ms. Kimura has written a play. It's called The Butterfly Lovers. This is Mr. Joseph Sheppard. He's a representative from Miramax Films in Hollywood. They want to make the play into a movie. It's a musical. Ms. Kimura wrote the main character with you in mind for the lead," said Sammi.
Tsukushi was stunned. "You're serious?" she asked.
"I have been a fan of yours even before your music career started. You truly are one of the best actresses I've ever seen. It's a musical. It's a love story of a wealthy merchant's daughter and a U.S. soldier who fall in love despite race and social rank. The script is written in a combination of Japanese and English. It is a homage to my heritage as someone of mixed blood. I heard you were in Miss Saigon, Ms. Ringo. I would ask that you would consider being in it," said Michiko as she gave her a bow.
"May I see the script?" asked Arisu. Despite being stunned, Tsukushi had woken up enough to go into her Arisu persona. Michiko handed it to her. "I will consider this only after I have read the script. I find it a little hard to believe that I do not need to audition for the part. I have always auditioned for my roles. But, I would like to read this. May I keep this copy, Ms. Kimura?"
"Of course!" exclaimed Michiko as she bowed again.
"Very well. If I do agree to do this, my attorney will contact Miramax with the arrangements. Thank you very much for taking your time to meet with me this morning," said Arisu as she gave a smile.
"Well, that concludes our business. Please allow one week for Ms. Ringo to decide. She must read the script," said Sammi.
"Of course. We'll get to enjoy more of Tokyo," said Mr. Sheppard as he stood up. "Let's all have something to eat. It's really early for this meeting."
Everyone enjoyed a leisurely breakfast. During the breakfast, Michiko worked up enough courage to ask for an autograph from Arisu, who was more than happy to oblige her. The meeting was over before eleven in the morning. Tsukushi went straight to the part of the building that was set aside just for her. She opened up the script and was prepared to read it.
"Do you have class today?" asked Sammi as she waltzed in.
"No, it's my day off, so I can read this," replied Tsukushi.
"I know that your friends said you should take a day off. But, you had to go to Kyoto, right?" asked Sammi.
"Yes, but it's okay. I don't mind," answered Tsukushi. Sammi grabbed the script right out of her hands. "What are you doing?!"
"Something for your own good. Get out of here. Have the rest of the day off," said Sammi. "And maybe you could call your parents. You haven't seen them in five years, Tsukushi."
"I don't have the time to go over to Osaka just for a visit, Sammi. I have a lot of work to do in Tokyo," insisted Tsukushi. She really didn't want to face her parents. So much time had passed. She was too embarrassed to face them.
"You at least call them, but I'm not going to make you do something you obviously don't want to do," said Sammi with a sigh.
"Since when has that ever stopped you?" retorted Tsukushi. "Now, give me back my script."
"No. You're going to have a real day off," insisted Sammi. "Go on. Get out of here."
Tsukushi stood up and sighed. She could tell that Sammi wasn't kidding around. "Where do you want to go?" she asked.
"I'm not going with you. I have some business to handle here. Besides, if I go, we'll end up talking about business," pointed out Sammi. "Go and have some fun. Why don't you call up Kin-san or Yuki?"
"Yuki's at school and she has to work today. Kin-san's probably already at the restaurant. Susumu's at school. Why should I take time off, when no one else is off?" asked Tsukushi.
"Never mind that. Just take a personal day off. Go shopping," suggested Sammi.
"Maybe I could do some composing somewhere or catch up on my school work," said Tsukushi thoughtfully. Sammi shook her head. "I'm sorry, but you're not going to be able to find any of the tools you need for your work. I've confiscated your school bag, laptop, and music notebook."
"What?" asked Tsukushi.
"That's right. Now go on and have some fun. Enjoy your day off. Your things will be returned to you by seven tonight," said Sammi. Tsukushi sighed in defeat and walked out of the room. She walked until she realized that the car was waiting for her in the front. Today was her day off.
For just one day, she wanted to indulge in just being Makino Tsukushi. Ringo Arisu was the one who needed the bodyguards. She looked around before she took off for another exit. She was going to be free today. No matter what it took.
*
Hanazawa Rui was walking back to his car in the Eitoku parking lot. It had been years since he had a driver drive him to school. He was now in the master's program at Eitoku's College of Business and Economics. It was part of the deal with his father. If Rui wasn't going to assume power in his father's company right away, then he might as well continue in school. Rui was more than happy to accommodate his father. He preferred his studies and the freedom he was allowed.
During this term, his academic adviser made a request to him. Rui was requested to help instruct an introductory course in microeconomics. He was surprised at first, but then agreed to. He found that it was very satisfying work. He wondered if the rest of the F4 could say that about their work. He knew full well what Tsukasa thought of his academic pursuits.
Rui decided to go to a cafe he frequented. He got out more during the afternoons by himself. Sometimes, he go home for a nap, but today he had decided not to. Rui felt like some fresh air. His favorite season was approaching, winter. It was still fall, but it wouldn't be long before he could enjoy sleeping more.
Fate had a way of making things even more worthwhile because Rui spotted Tsukushi at the bookstore that was adjacent to the cafe. He smiled as he went to the bookstore, deciding he could forgo his tea. He saw her browsing through the English Literature section. For a moment, he allowed himself to just watch her.
"Tsukushi," he called quietly. She looked up at him with surprise.
"Hanazawa Rui? What are you doing here?" she asked as she smiled.
"I was having a cup of tea at the cafe over there," he replied. He hadn't expected to see her alone like this. "Where's your usual entourage?"
"I took the day off and I ditched my bodyguards back at Gaia," replied Tsukushi. "I haven't had a day off for a long time. Even though I had a meeting this morning, I'm still glad to have the rest of the day off."
Rui looked at the book in her hand. It was a book of Shakespeare's sonnets. "You like to read English Literature?"
"That's why it's my major. I had a copy of Shakespeare's sonnets, but I forgot to pack it with my things when I came here. I know it's only for a year, but my library's too small for my taste," she replied. "I've been thinking of ordering some books to expand it."
"Do you mind spending your day with me? I've got nothing else better to do," said Rui.
Tsukushi smiled at him. "Well, seeing that Kin-san and Yuki are at school and then they're going to work. Susumu's at school and has track practice. And Sammi won't go out with me because she knows we'll end up discussing business, so I guess that leaves you. You're fifth down the list."
"You still really know how to flatter a guy, Tsukushi," said Rui with a smile. The amusement was apparent in his eyes.
She started to laugh. "Okay, we'll spend the day together. Unless I'm going to get in the way of your afternoon nap."
"There are some things better than any nap," said Rui truthfully. The way he looked at her made her heart go a bit faster. It made her think of that time in New York. Did he think of that, too? Tsukushi remembered when Rui said he loved her. Did he still?
"Where do you want to go?" asked Tsukushi.
"Anywhere. Just as long as it's with you," replied Rui. This was enough to make Tsukushi blush. She gave him a nod.
"I want to see Tokyo. It's been a while. They've moved things around," said Tsukushi. Rui smiled at her as he offered her his arm, which she took.
They went around Tokyo, taking in the sights. Tsukushi felt like a tourist. She told him about her life in London, while Rui shared things about his life. They went to a museum and a temple. After that, they settled to have some lunch at a restaurant called On Top of the World. It was on a rooftop that had the entire view of Tokyo. Tsukushi kept looking out the window in wonder.
"It's amazing how everything looks the same from one perspective, but from another everything looks different," said Tsukushi, referring to Tokyo.
"Things change, yet they still remain the same," said Rui.
"There's the large wheel in London. The London Eye. You can practically see the whole city at the top. The whole ride takes thirty minutes. Have you been on that?" asked Tsukushi.
"I haven't been to London in a while," said Rui as he shook his head. "There was nothing there that interested me. At least that's what I thought."
"You can do the same thing here in Tokyo at the Tokyo Tower," said Tsukushi. "I remember when I went there for a school trip. It was so much fun. The view is spectacular."
"I've never been to the Tower. I think there was a trip when I was younger, but I didn't make it," said Rui.
Tsukushi's jaw dropped. "You mean you've never been to Tokyo Tower and you're a Tokyo native?" she asked in disbelief.
"I've been to the real Eiffel Tower in Paris, Tsukushi," said Rui calmly.
"But, you've never been to the tower here? How can you call yourself a native to Tokyo, if you've never been to the Tower?" insisted Tsukushi.
"Do you want to go there next?" asked Rui with a smile.
"Yes, we should go there. It's high time you've seen it," agreed Tsukushi.
"You know I bought your CD the day after your performance in Kyoto," said Rui.
"You did?" asked Tsukushi in disbelief.
"That's where I was coming from when we ran into each other in Kyoto. I never told the others that I ran into you, but Tsukasa ended up keeping my copy," replied Rui.
Tsukushi thought briefly about what had happened on her date with Tsukasa. She felt her temper flair up at the thought of it, but she calmed herself by taking a sip of water. She looked at Rui for a moment before averting her gaze. "I know it probably doesn't look like he's changed at all. But, he has. He has grown up a little bit," continued Rui.
"I would rather not talk about him," said Tsukushi in a soft voice.
"You've done a lot with your life. I feel like I'm the only one standing still," said Rui.
"But you have your freedom. You don't have to worry about honoring contracts that have much more to them than what is written," said Tsukushi.
"What's freedom, if you're not with the person you care about the most?" asked Rui, startling Tsukushi with his question. He asked for the check and paid for it without asking Tsukushi if they should split. She was puzzled over his question. "Come," he said as he stood up. He helped her with her coat.
They walked to Tokyo Tower. They took the elevator to the top to take a look around. Tsukushi didn't seem at all surprised to see a group of students exploring the Tower and looking through the telescopes. One of the students spotted her and walked up to her. "You look so familiar. I was wondering are your Ringo Arisu?" asked the student with a hopeful look on her face.
"No, she's not. She gets that all the time," Rui stepped in. The student looked embarrassed. Either that or she was startled by Rui's good looks.
"Oh, I'm sorry for my mistake," said the flustered girl as she went to join her friends.
"You must get that all the time when you go out. You didn't look prepared for it," said Rui.
"Because I wasn't prepared for it, Rui. In London, I would have been. I didn't realize that so many people in Tokyo know who Ringo Arisu is," said Tsukushi.
"There are a lot of people who like Ringo Arisu. It's not just her music, but her story. There are a lot of people who are hopeful to get a career like hers. To rise from the bottom to the top like that," said Rui.
"You really are the son of a record producer," said Tsukushi quietly and in English, so she wouldn't draw any attention to him. "Let's go find a free telescope so we can look around."
Tsukushi found one. Rui looked through it and it was black. "It's coin operated," explained Tsukushi.
"I don't have any loose change," admitted Rui.
"I do. You paid for lunch. This is the least I could do," said Tsukushi as she slipped a 100 yen coin into the slot. Rui's view flickered from black to a clear view of Tokyo. He had to admit the view was wonderful. Tsukushi contented herself by looking out without the aid of a telescope. The wind was kicking up.
She smiled at her view. She was starting to feel like she was home again. Rui's company relaxed and comforted her. She was not how she felt about anyone at this point. There were only a few people she loved all those relationships were based on friendship, kinship, and something strictly platonic. She wasn't sure what kind of love she felt towards Rui. She had felt the pull of a familiar attraction towards Rui. She sighed out loud, catching Rui's attention.
Rui looked at her. The sight of her made caught him by surprise. The wind was whipping around her as she pulled her coat tighter around her body. To him, she was a vision out of a dream. He thought of reaching out to her, but he was afraid for a moment that it was just a dream and that he would wake up. She smiled at him. "Are you done? May I take a look?" asked Tsukushi.
"Sure," said Rui as he checked to look through. He only saw black. He had spent too much time looking at Tsukushi that time had run out. "I think you'll need another coin," he said.
"That's okay," said Tsukushi as she slipped in another 100 yen coin. She looked at the scenery, while Rui watched her. They ended up spending almost an hour at the tower. They left to go out to dinner, which Tsukushi insisted on paying on.
"I know that it may have probably seemed boring for you to go to Tokyo Tower. I just wanted to see it again. I wanted to see the places I've been to before I grew up," said Tsukushi.
"No, I didn't mind at all. I can now call myself a true Tokyo native," said Rui with a laugh. Tsukushi realized how much more relaxed he was now. He was now easygoing at the same time he was talking to her more freely in public now. He didn't look much different from before. Tsukushi thought he was more handsome now.
"It feels strange to be home. You know I was going to return after one year, but then I got that scholarship in England. It seemed like the rest of the world was offering me more opportunities than Japan. I wanted a fresh start away from here," said Tsukushi. "No one ever really asked me what my dreams were, Rui."
"They don't ask me either. That's why I had to fight my father to keep going to school," said Rui. "I don't think he was too happy with it, but he's learned to accept it."
"I got tired of people telling me how I should live my life. I got tired of people telling me what I should be. I know that sounds sort of strange, considering that Sammi pushed me into this direction. However, I was the one who really wanted it," said Tsukushi.
"You've done so well for yourself. I can't help, but be proud of you. I probably sound like a parent. Have you been to Osaka to visit them?" asked Rui. He had met them after Doumyouji lost his memory. He hung out with Tsukushi to keep her company during that time. Her parents were happy to meet him after they had heard that Doumyouji had lost his memories, thus his feelings for their daughter.
"I haven't had the chance to. I'll see if I can go sometime soon, but I don't think it's possible. I may have other engagements soon." Her tone sounded evading.
"There's more going on than anyone is seeing isn't there?" asked Rui.
"I think I'll be making a movie soon. It's been a while since I've had the chance to act," replied Tsukushi.
"But, you act everyday, don't you?" asked Rui. Tsukushi opened her mouth. She realized that he was the second person in two days to see through her.
"Sometimes, I feel like I'm building a house of cards, Rui. I've made a life for myself. It's not perfect, but whose life really is? I'm happy with how things turned out," said Tsukushi. "And I will not do anything to mess it up. I have worked hard to earn everything I have, Rui. Everything. That's the way it is."
"People think that having money makes things easy. Only for materialistic things, but not for what the soul and the heart needs, Tsukushi," said Rui.
"That's something I knew even before I had the money, Rui. Have I really changed that much from before? Am I that unrecognizable?"
Rui shook his head. "I would know you anywhere."
*
They took a cab back to Tsukushi's apartment. He walked her up to the front door. "So, this is where you live?" he asked.
"Yes, it's my home in Tokyo," said Tsukushi.
"I thought that you would have lived with your brother," said Rui.
"I don't. I didn't want to invade upon his privacy. I am paying for his apartment though along with his tuition and track equipment," said Tsukushi with a smile. "He really has the potential to go anywhere." She sounded rather proud of him.
"I still can't believe you stepped into that fight he and Soujirou's brother were having," chuckled Rui. "That was what made coming to the track meet worthwhile. The rest of Eitoku doesn't recognize you that well."
"That was what I was going for," said Tsukushi.
"Would you meet me sometime at Eitoku?" asked Rui.
Tsukushi wasn't sure how to answer. He was the link to another world that she didn't really want to be a part of. Somehow she couldn't tell him no or come up with some other excuse about having to do some work. Rui would see through it. Tsukushi was feeling more and more uncomfortable. She had that same feeling from last night when she was with Megumi Hiro. She felt exposed again.
"Sure," said Tsukushi without any hint of reluctance. Rui gave her a smile as he wrote down his cell phone number.
"I'll call you," he told her as he walked off without so much as a backward glance. Tsukushi waited for him to go into the cab and disappear into the night before going upstairs to her apartment to get some rest.
Tsukushi found a few messages waiting for her when she returned to her flat. It seemed that Sammi had spent the rest of the day trying to hunt her down, so Tsukushi erased Sammi's messages without listening to them. She was sure that her cell phone's voice box would be filled with messages from Sammi as well.
The last message on the machine held the most interest for Tsukushi. "Hello, Tsukushi-chan. This is Shizuka. I'm still in Ireland, but I'll be taking flight later tomorrow to come and do the contract negotiations for your movie. Will you tell Sammi that I need to be picked up? I'll give you a call when I get the flight number. Bye."
Tsukushi needed some advice from Shizuka. She was relieved to hear her voice. Finally, Tsukushi went to bed.
AN: There you have it. Shizuka will be for the next part. It hasn't been very funny lately. So, I'll put some funny stuff in next part. There's a lot of things going on here. The movie shot will happen soon in about two or three parts right after the track meet.
Disclaimer: I do not own Hana Yori Dango.