Chapter Seven

"This is the girl whom I was speaking to you and Miyazaki-san about on the phone. Her name is Tsukino Usagi. Usa-chan, this is Yamada Shouta, the director."

- - -

"And producer," the older man added, "director and producer."

"Hai," Mamoru agreed. "My mistake. Gomen nasai."

"Don't worry about it, my friend. Welcome back. And you, child," Shouta said to me, "you may yet save this entire production. I must say, Mamoru- san, you were right. She does bear a great resemblance to Aino-san. Yet," he paused without breaking eye contact with me, "she still somehow manages to maintain an air of her own. A pretty little thing she is."

I blushed and mumbled a thank you.

"Ah, no need to thank me, my dear. I am already in your debt."

"But, you haven't even seen what I can do or what I can't."

Yamada-san shook his head causing his dark hair the sway. "You'll be fine. Chiba-san has yet to lead me astray."

Mamoru gave me a look that directly translated into 'I told you so.'

"Come in, you two and have a seat," Yamada said, opening the door wider.

We entered the office which was furnished with dark woods. The older man went behind the large desk as Mamoru and I sat in the chairs in front of it. Opening on of the drawers, he pulled out a thick pile of papers bound by a set of black plastic rings. He handed it to me.

"This is your copy of the script. You can highlight your lines or do anything else you think will help. It won't be long until we get to film your parts."

I eyed the cover of the book. "Yumemiru," I whispered to myself, reading the title.

"Hai, I believe Mamoru-san has already gone over the basic storyline with you."

Slowly I shook my head from side to side.

"Actually," Mamoru said, slightly embarrassed, "I didn't."

Yamada gave me a shocked look. "You followed blindly?"

"I was trying to help out a friend," I replied.

"Ah, well it doesn't matter. What does is that you find out what this whole movie is about." He folded his arms on top of the desk. "Basically it's the story of a young girl, Yamaguchi Miki, who's played by you. She's your average teenage girl, but she's going on seventeen and has never had a boyfriend or been kissed. By the way, how old are you, Usagi-san?"

"I'll be going on seventeen on June thirtieth."

"Really?" Yamada-san asked. "That's perfect. Have you ever been kissed? Had a boyfriend?"

My cheeks flushed a deep cherry red. I could sense Mamoru's eyes burning into me expectantly. "With all do respect, Yamada-san, I don't think that's necessary information."

"Of course it isn't, but it may help the production."

I sighed in defeat and muttered a 'no.'

"Cheer up, kid. It'll be okay. The longer you wait, the sweeter the pot gets, I always say. It might even end up being an advantage," the older man said. "Anyway, back to the story. So one night Miki goes to sleep as usual, but she wakes up to find herself in a place which resembles feudal Japan. This new land is currently being conquered village by village by forces beyond the natural world. The people's last hopes lie within an ancient prophecy. When Miki first appears, she's treated as a hostile intruder especially by the young man who found her, Narai Kyoshi. Who, as you may have already guessed, is played by Mamoru. Kyoshi, by the way, is also training to become a samurai.

"It isn't until the people witness Miki's forehead flash with the moon insignia that they begin to speculate about her being the woman of the prophecy who will lead their land to victory. Kyoshi, however, remains doubtful. Yet despite these doubts, he is designated as her protector, and together they set off with a small party to find the legendary ginzuishou. It is said that only the chosen one has the ability to find and wield the powerful crystal.

"As the story develops, Miki and Kyoshi get closer, but Kyoshi isn't alone. Or so it seems to him. Miki also develops a close relationship with Kyoshi's best friend and fellow party member, Toshiro. This sends Kyoshi into a jealous state, during which he and Kyoshi get into a fight.

"Eventually, Miki saves the land from the hands of evil and Kyoshi comes clean with his feeling. He gives her a necklace as a token of his affection. But, fate has something else in store for them. That night, Miki goes to bed and wakes up back at home in the present day. So then we leave the audience questioning the validity of the whole adventure-whether it was a bizarre reality or a simple dream."

"Wow," I breathed, taking everything in.

"Are you still interested?"

"Of course!"

Yamada-san smiled. "Well then, I think we should get going and give you the royal tour. What do you think Mamoru-san? Or have you already fallen asleep on me."

"No, I'm still here."

"Good, let's go."

- - -

"And this is another office hall. It's basically the same as the one you took to get to my office except at the end of this one is Toshiro's office. He's the assistant producer. I would introduce him to you, but he's on leave today," Yamada-san informed me.

"What's behind the one-way mirrors?" I asked.

This time Mamoru answered. "Most of them are meeting rooms, but a few are small offices."

"Oh."

Yamada-san pushed his sleeve up to check his watch. "Speaking of meeting, I have one in about ten minutes so I'll have to be leaving now. I'm sorry I won't be able to finish the tour, Usagi-san, but I believe we only had the bottom two levels to visit. I'm sure Mamoru will be able to handle then."

The young man nodded.

"Have fun, kids," Yamada said as he entered the elevator.

"Well that was fun," I commented once the doors had closed.

"Yeah," Mamoru agreed. "I would just stop now, but I think you'll actually really enjoy the next stop.

"And where's that?"

"Make-up and wardrobe," Mamoru answered, stepping into another elevator.

"And I'm supposed to really enjoy those because."

"You're a girl. Girls like that sort of stuff," he said grinning.

"You are such a sexist jerk."

"Yet, I'm one of your best friends."

"I know. Ironic, isn't it?"

"Extremely."

"At least they have good elevator music."

My voice was met with a moment of silence.

"That," Mamoru said, "that was really random, Usa-chan."

"I know," I replied as we entered the second floor. "So which way, left or right?"

"Right."

We entered the first floor we came across.

"This is a makeup room. They're all basically set up the same way," Mamoru informed me.

"Wow, that's a lot of mirrors."

Mamoru and I spent a few minutes gazing around the room before moving to the exit. Just as Mamoru was about to turn the knob, the door opened and a tall, dark-skinned female entered. She jolted slightly when she came face to face with Mamoru who still stood a couple of inches above her. A smile broke out on his face.

"Konnichi, Kimi-chan," he greeted. "How have you been?"

"Konnichi. I've been great. You?"

"Same."

"That's good," Kimi replied. "So what are you doing?"

"I'm just showing Usagi-chan, here, around. It's her first day."

"I see. I hope you have fun here, Usagi-san."

I smiled gratefully.

"Do you know where the gang is, Kimi-chan?" Mamoru asked.

"Yeah, they're in the café."

"Domou. Ja!"

"Ja!"

As soon as we left the room, I turned to Mamoru. "Who is she?"

"Part of the make-up team. We hang out together often. Come on, I want you to meet the rest of our little group."

- - -

"That's them," Mamoru told me.

I followed his gaze to a table in the corner of the café. A small group of six was seated around it, chatting away.

"Konnichi, minna!" Mamoru said.

"Mamoru-kun, hey! What's up?" A young man with brown hair replied as he stood and exchanged a secret handshake with my friend.

"Not much, but I hear Minako left."

The strange grimaced. "Yeah, they announced that a new girl's coming today to fill her spot. I wonder if she's pretty."

"I guess you could say that."

The eyes of the stranger widened. "How would you know?"

"I guess you could say we've met."

"You guess?"

Mamoru shrugged. "I should probably take that back. I know."

"You know?"

"Yup."

"So."

"So what?"

"What's she like?"

"You should figure that out for yourself."

"Yeah, I suppose."

"I'm sure she'll be happy to meet you," I said smiling.

The brown-haired guy finally took notice of me. "Thanks, but who are you?"

"She."

"Huh?"

"The girl you were just referring to as 'she.'"

"You mean, you're."

"Tsukino Usagi, Aino-san's replacement," I finished for him.

He grinned. "Well, it's a pleasure to meet you. The name's Ken." Motioning towards the table, he continued. "And that's Miya, she's part of the makeup and hairdressing crew; Midori, she's in wardrobe; Yoshi, he's the camera operator; and Daichi and Aya, they're both in the props department."

My smile widened as I held my hand up in greeting.

"Why don't you join us?" Ken offered. "We've still got a while before we have to go back."

"Sure," Mamoru replied. "I'm always up for another meal."

- - -

"Thank you so much for coming, Tsukino-san," Midori said. She gave me a quick hug before striding back to the clothes racks.

"Please just call me Usagi. 'Tuskino-san' sounds too much like my parents."

Midori laughed, her green eyes sparkling. "Of course, but really, you have no idea how much of a help you are. You're making my job so much easier."

"My pleasure."

It was my second day on the job. All we had done on the first day was tours and introductions, but today I was to start costume fittings.

"Okay," Midori said, her hand hovering above a pale pink kimono with a cheery blossom design, "I think we'll start with this one."

Briskly she walked over to a dressing room and handed the clothing item to me. "Come out when you've got it one and we'll see if we need to do any alterations."

I nodded as I entered the room. After divesting myself of my t-shirt and jeans, I slid into a simple slip-like dress which I later placed the elegant kimono over. The smooth silk felt so good against my skin. Unsure of how tight to tie the sash, I gathered in my hands and headed out. Midori was standing right beside the door.

"I didn't know how you wanted it tied," I explained holding the sash out to her.

Midori smiled softly. "It's okay. I don't think we really needed it anyway. Follow me."

She led me to a small platform which was surrounded half-way by three mirrors as I stood on the top, she carefully inspected my outfit. Every once in a while she would lightly reposition the kimono.

"Well it looks pretty good to me," she commented when a few minutes had passed. "I think all I'll have to do is lift the bottom hem a little and maybe even tuck the dress' waistline a tennie bit. Otherwise, it's fine."

Satisfied, we went back to the clothes rack and I tried on a few other kimonos, all of which were much simpler than the first. The hours ticked by with each outfit. I noticed Midori glance at the clock.

"We only have time for one more so let's make it a good one," she said as she searched through the clothing rack. "How about this?"

I gasped, awestruck by the dress she had just pulled out. It was deep maroon with a tight bodice and a bellowing skirt. The shoulder straps were thin but their simplicity only added to its grace. It was the dress that Miki was to wear to the dance where she got slammed by the most popular guys in school at the beginning of the movie.

"If I remember correctly this was the one outfit that didn't fit Aino-san," Midori informed me. "The measurements were off so the dress came out a little too small. Hopefully it'll fit you."

I anxiously took the dress and changed into it in record timing. When I was done, I made my way over to the platform.

Midori smiled approvingly. "How does it feel?"

"Like a dream."

"That's good to hear."

Just as she had done with the previous outfits, she inspected the dress carefully, tugging and pulling.

"So how do you like Tokyo?"

I beamed, glad to have something to do other than just stand. "It's been great so far, but I haven't really been able to go out and take a good look at it yet."

"Oh. I'm sure you'll be able to see it soon."

"Yeah, that is if we can actually go anywhere without Mamoru getting bombarded by a bunch of flirting girls."

Midori gave a light laugh. "They always seem to do that when he's around."

"Tell me about it."

"Can I try something?" She asked, straightening her posture.

"Sure."

"Would you mind if I took your hair down?"

I shook my head. "Go for it."

She stepped onto the platform and released my trademark buns causing blonde hair to cascade in waves all the way down to my waist.

"That's great," Midori said as she stepped back to get a better look. "So what about you?"

"What about me?"

"You interested in Mamoru?"

I struggled to fight with an oncoming blush. "You've got to be kidding me."

"Why?"

"He's my best friend."

"So."

"It'll seem all wrong."

"You know, Usagi-san, some of the best relationships come out of friendships."

"Well this one's a part of the some that aren't."

"Are you sure?"

I decided it was best to leave that question unanswered. Luckily just as Midori was about to say something else, the door opened.

"Konnichi wa, minna! I hope you all had a good day. Not working too hard I- " His words faded away when he saw us by the mirrors.

"Hi, Mamo-chan."

"Whoa, nice dress."

My cheeks flooded with colour. "Domou."

In one of the mirrors, I noticed Midori raise he eyebrow. I shook my head with a sigh.

"You were saying?" I asked, returning my attention to Mamoru.

He appeared to snap out of his daze at my words, but confusion was clearly written all over his face. "What?"

"You were in the middle of saying something when you came in."

"Ah, right. I just came in to pick you up. It's time to go."

"Already?"

"Yeah, it's five-thirty."

"I guess what they say is true," I said. "Time flies when you're having fun. Thanks for everything, Midori."

"No problem."

"Well, I'm gonna go change real quick," I announced before walking back to the dressing rooms.

As I undressed, I heard Mamoru and Midori talking, but their voices were too faint to make out what they were saying.

From the previous event, I figured that Mamoru probably liked Midori. The way that he had stared at her was just a little too obvious. But, it would make sense. After all, they were both nineteen and gifted. I had learned yesterday that Midori had graduated from school early and entered her profession despite her parents' protests. Not to mention the fact that she was built like a model with her tall, slim body and perfectly styled brown hair. They were perfect for each other.

After carefully placing the dress back on the hanger, I returned to the area where the platform was situated. Midori met me with a smile.

"I'll take that," she said, gathering the dress in her arms. "You two can run along now. Have a good night and don't stay up too late."

"Yes, mother," Mamoru said sarcastically causing Midori to stick her tongue out at him.

"Thanks again, Midori-san."

"Hey, no problem. Besides, I'm just doing my job. I'll see you tomorrow.

I nodded with a smile, but as Mamoru and I exited the room, I couldn't help but be aware of the way that Midori and Mamoru winked at each other.

- - -

"Hey, Usa-chan, get up," I heard Mamoru whisper as he nudged my shoulder.

I rolled over and tucked my head under the fluffy pillow. "Just a few more minutes, I swear."

"You said that ten minutes ago."

"Then just ten more."

Mamoru gave an exasperated sigh. "Come one, Usa-chan. You've got a big day ahead of you."

I remained unmoving within the comfort of my blanket.

"Fine, fine," Mamoru said, giving in.

I smiled smugly from beneath the pillow when I felt the left side of the bed rise up.

"Gomen, but she's too sleepy to come to the phone right now," I heard Mamoru say as he headed for the door. "Hai, I did. She ignored me. Okay, I'll be sure to tell her that you and the girls sent her your birthday wished, Ikuko-san. Hai, Kenji and Shingo too. I'll remember."

My ears perked up. Ikuko? Kenji? Shingo? Girls? I immediately dashed from the bed and over to Mamoru.

"Give me that," I said, reaching for the phone.

Mamoru chuckled, easily dodging my attempt. "Hai, that's her. I think she's wide awake now. Hold on a sec. Here she is." He handed me the phone; a smirk plastered on his face.

I glared playfully at him as he exited the room. When he was gone, I brought the phone up to my ear.

"Ohayou!" I said, all sign of sleepiness gone.

I was replied by a chorus of "Usagi-chan"'s and a single "Oneesan" which was followed by an original rendition of the Happy Birthday song. My laugh rang through the room.

Thank goodness for speaker phones.

- - -

"You ready for you first day?"

I glanced at Midori from out of the corner of my eye so as not to disturb Miya's work. "If this is ready, I really don't want to know what it's like when I'm not."

"Eh, you'll be fine," Midori assured me.

"Tell me that when I come out dead."

"Close," Miya ordered, holding up a palette of eye shadow. Obediently I shut my eyes.

"You're not going to come out dead. I can guarantee you that."

"Don't make promises you can't keep."

"I'll keep that in mind, but I intend on keeping this one."

"Okay, we're done," Miya declared standing. "All I can say now is ganbatte."

"Arigatou."

I sat admiring her handiwork until I noticed that the two older women were staring at me. "What?" I asked, puzzled.

"What are you still doing here? Get your but out of the chair and into the studio."

I laughed nervously. "Right, right."

Though I was due at studio three as soon as make-up was done with me, I decided it would be best for my sanity to take the longest route. I was glad that my first day in front of the camera would be in one of the main building studios instead of on the actual studio campus a mile away. Being in familiar territory helped calm my nerves some. Or at least I thought it did. I couldn't really tell considering how rattled my nerves were. Did that just defeat the whole purpose of this ramble?

When I reached the dreaded door, I released a long gush of air. I opened the door quickly so as to eliminate any chance of backing out.

"Hey, Usa-chan, glad you made it," Mamoru said when he saw me. "You ready?"

I frowned. "Please don't make me go through that conversation again."

"What ever you want."

"So where do I go?"

"There a set situated on the other side of the room," he explained as we walked. "It's simple but effective."

"The bedroom, right?"

"You got it."

"Usagi-san," Yamada yelled, "you're on in five."

My face paled and my hands began to clam with sweat. Mamoru must have noticed since a worried look passed over his face.

"Usa-chan, are you okay?"

I took my eyes off the set momentarily and dryly said, "It's my birthday. I can cry if I want to."

Mamoru grimaced. "You'll be okay. It's only two scenes. They'll go by really fast."

"I just don't want to let anyone down."

"Hey," Mamoru pulled me into a friendly hug, "you're not going to let anyone down. Don't think like that."

"But what about-"

"Shhh. you're giving this whole production hope just by being here. Now go and show them what you've got."

I nodded and headed towards the custom built set. Carefully I dusted off the elegant maroon dress along the way.

"Okay, Usagi-san, we're going to be doing one of the first scenes and then the last one. The earlier scene starts with you entering the bedroom after eth dance. Do you remember this scene?"

"Hai, Yamada-san."

"Good. Everyone get into your position!" The director ordered. "All right. Lights, camera, action!"

- - -

Miki stormed into the room, causing the door to swing wildly.

"I can't believe he did that to me!" She screamed at the ceiling. "Unbelievable! It's completely unbelievable! And in front of everyone too!"

She stalked to center of the room and tossed a random pillow at the wall. "It's not fair! It's not."

With a frustrated sigh, she fell back onto the bed. A lone tear slid down her cheek.

"Why me? Oh, Kami-sama, I hate my life."

Taking in a long, deep breath, Miki unbuckled her shoes before kicking them off. Turning, she gave a nearby teddy bear a sad smile.

"At least I've always got you, Wellington," she said, hugging the light- coloured bear.

Then she crawled to the head of the bed. Without bothering to change out of her dress, she slipped under his pale blue and white blankets. Then she reached out for the bedside lamp and switched it off.

- - -

"And cut!" Yamada shouted.

I breathed a huge sigh of relief, barely registering the round of applause I had received.

"Switch the lights back on," Yamada ordered. "Kimi-san, I need some touch up on Usagi's makeup."

Everyone began to scurry around as the middle-aged man came up to me.

"That was great, Usagi-san, but I just want to try it a few more takes. This time try it with a little more anger. I know you're a sweet girl, but remember the supposed 'love of your life' just shot you down and burned you in front of the entire school. You're not liking this one bit."

I nodded.

"By the way, I loved the tear. It was perfect."

Beaming, I thanked him.

"Okay, people," Yamada said, returning to his designated chair. "Placed, places, places. We're going for take two."

- - -

We finished the first scene after three takes and now we were onto the second which basically picked up right where the first scene had taken off.

"Usagi-san, are you set?"

I sent the director a thumbs-up sign.

"Okay, people," he said, "you know the drill. Take one, action!"

- - -

Miki slowly rolled over, repositioning herself. She felt her teddy bear and then her bed, but it wasn't until she opened her eyes that it truly hit her. She was back in her room.

"Was it just a dream?" She whispered to herself as sadness crept over her. She wanted to cry all over again.

Suppressing her tears, she stumbled out of her bed and over to a mirror. She was the same as the night she had gone to sleep except now her dress was wrinkled. Overcome with the silent pain, she began to cry, but as the tears came flooding down she noticed something on her dresser catch the morning light. Cautiously she walked over to the object. It was the necklace that Toshiro had given her.

She picked it up and delicately traced it with her fingers. A soft smile spread out on her features.

"Aishiteru Toshiro-kun. Aishiteru."

- - -

"And that's a wrap for today!" Yamada announced.

I stared at him flabbergasted. "Are you serious?"

He grinned. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

"It was only the first take."

"And a brilliant first take it was."

I continued to stare at him as he retreated. Then I felt an arm go around my shoulder. Tilting my head, I saw Mamoru's proud face.

"See?" He said. "What'd I tell ya."

- - -

"Usa-chan," Mamoru called as he knocked on the door, "hurry up or we're going to be late."

"Just a second. I'm almost done," I replied as I hooked on the diamond string earrings my parents had given me exactly a year ago. I had never found an appropriate occasion to wear them until now. After all, Mamoru had told me to dress fancy.

I glanced into the full length mirror. I adorned in a simple yet elegant black dress with inch thick straps. To match the dress, I wore a pair of two-and-a-half-inch heeled buckle shoes. My hair was pulled up in a messy bun, but I was currently debating on whether put it down or leave it up.

After giving a sigh, I picked up my sleek black handbag and headed out where I found Mamoru sprawled out on a couch.

"I'm ready," I said.

Mamoru turned his head in my direction, but didn't say a word.

I coughed and repeated myself just in case he hadn't heard the first time. However the only reaction I got out of him was another "nice dress" comment.

I thanked him politely before adding, "You seem to have a thing for dresses. Are you sure you don't want one too?"

He grinned. "Depends."

I smiled and eyed his keys which lay on the coffee table. "Why won't you tell me where we're going?"

"It's a surprise," he told me mysteriously as he picked up his keys.

I followed him out of the penthouse. "A surprise?"

"Don't tell me you don't like surprises."

"They're agonizing."

"But that's the fun part."

"Easy for you to say. You know what's going on."

When we entered his car, he turned towards me with a cheeky look.

"What are you going to do?" I asked, backing up as close as I could to the door.

"Nothing," he nonchalantly replied.

"Uh-huh, and I'm supposed to believe that."

"Okay, so I need you to wear this."

I glanced down at his fist and saw a black cloth clutched between his long fingers.

"What is it?"

"A blindfold. You don't mind do you?"

Shrugging, I said, "I'm already in this far."

The last thing I saw prior to the dark fabric slipping over my eyes was Mamoru's grinning countenance.

- - -

The rest of the car ride was quiet save for the engine humming and the radio. I found that holding a normal conversation with something you can't see made me feel insane.

After what seemed like an eternity, the car came to a stop. I heard Mamoru step out and began to do the same.

"Good afternoon, ma'am," I heard a young man say. The voice was completely unknown to me, but the formality in his tone gave me the idea that he was on the job.

"I've got her," Mamoru's voice cut through my thought. "Thank you anyway."

"My pleasure, sir."

"Take my hand," Mamoru told me softly. "Now slowly get out-careful! Watch your step. Good. Just wait a sec; I'll be right back."

His hand slipped out of mine momentarily as I heard the car door shut, but he was back at my side in the blink of an eye.

"Okay, just walk slow and follow my movements."

I nodded mutely.

"You do know that you can talk, right?"

"I know."

We continued walking forward until Mamoru tugged me back. I was about to ask him what happened when a new voice spoke up. "Name please, sir."

"Chiba."

"Chiba. Chiba. Chiba," I heard the old man repeat as he flipped through what sounded like a stack of papers. "Ah, here you are. Chiba Mamoru, I presume."

"Hai."

"Kouhei!" The old man called out.

There was some scurrying as he waited for the designated person to arrive.

"Kouhei, can you please take this gentleman and his lady to their table?"

I opened my mouth to correct him, but Kouhei beat me to speaking.

"Yes, sir. Please follow me, Chiba-sama."

Mamoru led me into an elevator where we stayed for a few minutes. It was then that the bell sounded, announcing that we had arrived at our destination. We only had to take a few steps out of the elevator.

"This is it, sir," Kouhei said. "Please make yourselves comfortable. Someone will be with you shortly."

"Arigatou," replied Mamoru. He then waited for him to leave before continuing. "Okay, Usa-chan. Are you ready?"

"Of course," I said, despite the fact that people seemed to be asking me that question an awful lot lately.

I could feel him tug on the blindfold as he attempted to untie the knot. He grunted at his failures.

"Mamo-chan, hurry up."

"I'm trying. There, I got it."

The cloth fell away from my eyes revealing a large group of people huddled in between the elegant tables.

"Happy birthday, Usagi-chan!" They all shouted together. Some blew whistles while others cheered. It was so loud that I was a little taken back. I smiled none-the-less, but the smile grew even wider when I recognized the people were-the crew, my family, and even my friends from back home.

Kioko was the first to reach me, or rather fly into me. Her giant bear hug was almost suffocating; however I managed to return it.

"Oh my gosh! Have you seen what I've seen?!" She exclaimed. "There are so many actors here. Oh my gosh! Ah! Yamada Shouta! Yamada-san, may I please have your autograph?" She ran off in her usual bubbly mode leaving me to laugh after her.

"Usagi-chan," I hear Yuki say in a quiet voice from behind. I turned around and came face to face with the platinum blonde.

"Hey," I greeted, hugging her. "It's been so long."

"I know. Too long."

"How'd you all get here?" I asked curiously.

Yuki glanced over my shoulder. "It was all Mamoru's work. This whole thing was his idea."

I unconsciously smiled at the newfound knowledge.

"Maybe you should go talk to him," she suggested.

Nodding, I went off to look for the ebony-haired man. I found him chatting with Motoki and a bunch of the crew members.

"Hi," I said, poking him in the side.

He glanced down at me, smirking. "Hey."

"Yuki told me. Thanks for everything, Mamo-chan. This has been a great birthday."

I was surprised when he frowned. "Already? But I haven't even finished with you yet."

"What?"

Without replying, he led me to one of the more secluded areas of the building level.

"Have you looked out the windows yet?" he asked me.

"Not really."

"Well, I recommend that you do."

Glancing out of the large windows, I could see specks of light peaking through the sky's dark blue blanket. They city streets hovered below.

I gasped. "Is this."

He nodded. "The Tokyo Tower."

"Oh my gosh." I bombarded him with a hug. "Thank you so much."

"Don't get too excited. I'm still not done."

"But, you've already done so much. and I didn't get you anything."

Mamoru gave a loud laugh. "It's your birthday, silly. Not mine. Just one more," he promised. "Close your eyes and hold out your hands."

I stared at him skeptically.

"Trust me," he said, but I still wasn't convinced. "Have I ever steered you wrong?"

I raised my eyebrow.

"I mean today," he added.

Sighing I did as he had asked. I felt something light being placed into my hand.

"Okay, you can open your eyes."

When I did I saw a ticket lying in my hands. I raised it higher to get a better look.

"It's a backstage pass to the next Three Lights concert in Tokyo," he timidly explained, something that I was not accustomed to seeing him do. "I overheard you on the phone when I first arrived in Toya. You were talking about how you had to skip out on their concert to hang around with me so I wanted to make it up to you and say thanks. But, I figured it wouldn't hurt to do you one better and get you backstage to meet the group. I had to pull a few strings but."

I immediately wrapped him up in another hug. "Arigatou, Mamo-chan, for the best birthday ever."