Chapter 7
"Oh God, we're gonna die!!" wailed Sakano.
"Didn't you see all those people standing outside waving signs that said 'release Mizerable'?" said Hiro. "Seguchi-san can't kill us!"
"I'll admit it was a pretty rash thing K-san did," said Suguru. "But this is the music business. If we don't keep up the good work people will forget about us."
"I don't care if 'Mizerable' is successful," said Shuichi. "I just hope that Yuki was able to hear the song."
"With the amount of spare time he has, he probably did," said Hiro. "So stop worrying. Whoever K-san sent out to send our single succeeded."
"Speaking of which," said Sakano, looking around. "Where is K?"
"Seguchi-san called him in," said Suguru. "Wanted to ask him a few questions."
***
"You think you're a funny person, don't you?" said Tohma.
K grinned evilly. "Actually, yes I do!!"
Tohma counted to ten silently before continuing. "Did you see what was going on outside? There are 250 people out there!! And just an hour ago a riot nearly broke out!!"
K shrugged. "That's the music industry for you."
Tohma shook his head. "Although it's against my better judgment, I'm going to HAVE to release 'Mizerable' as a single. THEM," he pointed out the window to the protesters below. "And ten thousand people all over Tokyo who called in since yesterday want that song. I have to release it because it's good for business."
K cheered. "All right!!!!!"
"I'm not finished. You may have won this round, but that doesn't mean you won't get away with it. You are hereby suspended for three weeks. You have five minutes to gather your things before I call security."
K looked crestfallen. "Okay." He started away, but then stopped. "Wait, I'm not finished either." He walked back to the desk. "There is still the matter of a certain thing."
Tohma glared. "What?!"
"This." K pulled out a hand-held recorder and pressed play.
["Do you think I'm stupid, Shindou-san?" Tohma's voice growled on the recorder. "Did you honestly think I wouldn't notice the true meaning of this song? It's not even a song; it's a message!! A message directed at Eiri-san!!"
"I-"
"You tried to see him, didn't you?! You went against Mika-san and I and tried to see him!!"
"I-"
"And it failed because he doesn't want to see you!! And so you're trying to get this message past me so Eiri-san can hear it!!"
"I-"
"As long as I am Sachou of NG studios, this message will not be heard."
A soft crashed followed it.
"I won't tell you again, Shindou-san. Stay away from Eiri-san. Don't pull such cheap stunts like this again, or more drastic measures shall be taken."]
K stopped the recorder. Tohma was bright red. "H-H-How did you-"
"Did you see the smiley pin Shuichi wore during your meeting?" asked K.
"No, I didn't!!"
"Neither did he!! I kind of guessed what you were you going to talk to him about, so I secretly pinned it on him."
Tohma eyed the recorder. "What do you plan on doing with that?"
K grinned. "Wouldn't it be interesting to the press if they heard that you not only didn't want to release this single because of Yuki, but that you were trying to keep them apart?"
Tohma looked angrier. "You're blackmailing me!!"
"It's just business."
Tohma sighed heavily, running his fingers through his hair. "Fine, what do you want?"
"Drop the suspension. I don't like those; gives me too much free time. And I want your full cooperation with the singles we release in the future."
Tohma stared at him. "That's it? No, 'keep out of their relationship'?"
"Even if I told you to do that, you wouldn't so I won't bother. But I will request that you stop blaming Shuichi for what happened. It's not fair to him, plus it's gets him in stumps and no songs are written."
Tohma was silent for several long moments. "Fine, you have a deal. I'm going to have a press conference announcing the official release of 'Mizerable'. I trust you won't show up."
"On the contrary, I WILL show up to make sure you don't pull a fast one. Tootles!!" then he was quickly gone.
***
Tohma growled in fury, trying to re-organize the papers on his desk.
That damn American!! he fumed to himself. Blackmailing ME of all people! I couldn't care less who knew what I felt for Eiri-san, but the press would tear me to pieces!! God, if I had my way they'd ALL be fired right now!!!
It was then that there was a knock at the door. Tohma held onto his anger, not wanting to see anyone at the moment. "I'm a little busy!!"
The door opened anyway. "Tohma?"
It was Mika. Someone Tohma didn't want to see right now.
"Mika-san, I'm just about to go to a meeting. Can this wait?"
She looked insulted. "Actually it can't, Tohma. I need to talk to you about something."
Tohma shook his head. "Mika-san, I'm in a hurry-"
"I went to see my doctor today to see if I was sick."
"Mika-san, why would you do that?! You've been rather healthy lately."
Mika's face fell. "Tohma, I've been vomiting for the past two weeks."
Tohma stopped. He hadn't known about that. "Why didn't you tell me?"
She looked irritated. "Look at me, I'm as white as a ghost!! And I HAVE mentioned to you about my condition, but you've been too wrapped up in your work to care!!"
Tohma slammed his hands onto his desk. "Mika-san, I don't need to hear this!! I've had a really rough day, now I have to endure a press conference where I have to abide to someone else's wishes!!"
Her anger disappeared. "I'm sorry. But the doctor said-"
"Mika-san, please tell me later. I have to go now." He brushed past her. "I'll be home tonight so you'll have plenty of time." Then he was gone.
Tohma knew she hadn't deserved that. Then again, he was angry and needed to vent his frustrations. Unfortunately it had to be on his wife.
Well, I WILL be home tonight, he thought. So whatever is the problem she can tell me then so she has my attention.
***
Mika stood still in Tohma's empty office. A numbing feeling was coursing through her.
"'Wait until later', he says," she murmured. She walked to the windows. "What if I had a deadly disease and later didn't come for me because I was dead?"
Tohma hardly came home anymore, as it was. Even if he did, he first went to see Eiri to make sure he was all right. Making Mika wait an extra hour for him to get home.
And even when he is home, I don't have his attention, she thought. He either pretends to listen or says he's too tired. I bet that's what will happen tonight. He'll be too tired or too wrapped up in Eiri to even care about his wife's condition.
What had happened before had probably been their first real fight. Tohma would probably brush it off, but it struck home for Mika. She came there ready to give him good news, and he brushes her off like she was a nobody.
Why can't he make time for me? He makes time for Eiri, he makes time for Nittle Grasper, and he makes time for NG studios. But he almost never spends any time with me, and I am his wife!! I'm his wife, but I'm sure he's given more affection for Eiri than he'll ever give me!!
Mika sighed heavily, tears sliding down her face. This wasn't like her. Getting all emotional; making a big deal out of everything.
Then again, in her current condition, she was prone to meltdowns and emotional crises.
So she came to a conclusion. Not the best one by far, but it seemed to help her feel better.
"I won't tell him," she said aloud. "I don't know if he'd care, but right now I don't care for him to know. I won't tell him what's really wrong with me. If he truly loves me, he'll figure it out on his own."
Smiling to that, she left the door. This resolve made her feel better about the situation.
***
"KUMAGOROU BEAM!!!!!!!" shrieked Ryuichi, throwing his Kumagorou into various objects.
Yuki watched all of this. "Um, Tatsuha, why did you bring an mentally disabled man to my apartment?"
Tatsuha glared. "Aniki, he ain't mentally disabled, he's just different!!"
Yuki shook his head, wincing as another object broke. "He'd better pay for all my stuff he's breaking."
"He's rich enough to!!" said Tatsuha. "He's in a rock band, after all!!"
Yuki sighed. "Tatsuha, I have a question."
"Okay, shoot!!"
"It's about Shuichi."
Tatsuha's face brightened. "You remember him?"
"I know that he's in a rock band and has pink hair. But did I know him personally? You know, before I got amnesia?"
"...You heard his song?"
"Yeah."
"KUMAGOROU BEAM!!!!!!" Ryuichi threw Kumagorou against the windows. "Hey, you hit your reflection, Kumagorou!!!"
Tatsuha coughed. "I'll tell you a little so the memories don't overpower you. But you have to promise you won't tell Onee-san and Tohma-san about this."
"Why not?"
"Just don't."
"All right."
"Okay. It's like this..."
***
"Okay people!! We're on a roll!!" yelled K. "Seguchi-san just had a press conference stating he'll release 'Mizerable'!!!!!"
Everyone cheered loudly.
"How did you manage it without punishment?!" asked Shuichi.
K held up a smiley pin. "Remember this?"
"Um, no."
"Of course you don't!!! I secretly placed it on your shirt before we went up to see Seguchi-san!! It recorded your entire conversation!!"
Shuichi paled. "Wait...you didn't blackmail Seguchi-san, did you?!"
K grinned evilly, causing everyone else to freak out.
"Are you crazy?!" yelled Suguru. "When my cousin gets mad, he gets MAD!!!! If he finds a way out of this, he'll kill us!!"
"I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die!!!!!" wailed Sakano, running around the room.
Hiro sat down. "What's important is that the song is legit now."
"Maybe I can see Yuki again!!!" Shuichi suddenly cried. He started floating around the room.
"I wouldn't count on it," said K. "Seguchi-san promised to stop blaming you for Yuki's amnesia. He didn't promise to stop interfering in your relationship."
Shuichi fell to the floor.
K clapped his hands. "Today's been a rough day, so I'm letting you all go home early. Get rested up, we're starting productions for the music video tomorrow!!"
***
"I don't like making music videos as much as I like live shows," said Shuichi. "The recording is playing during the video, but I'm actually singing during the live shows."
"It's part of the music industry," said Hiro. "We have to do things we don't exactly agree to. Especially K-san's MANY promotional ideas."
"I guess so."
Hiro headed towards his bike. "Well, I'm going home. Want a ride?"
Shuichi nodded. "I don't want to take the train today." He skipped over to Hiro's bike.
Hiro fastened on his helmet. "Well, at least making music videos are fun-" he stopped.
"What?" asked Shuichi, not hearing an approaching car.
"On second thought," said Hiro. "I think I'll go home alone today. It looks like you have a ride today."
"Eh?" Shuichi turned, seeing a familiar black car slowing down next to them.
"I'll see you tomorrow." Hiro started his motorcycle and drove away. Shuichi barely noticed his exit as the car came to a complete stop next to him.
The driver door open and someone stepped out. "Shindou Shuichi? I need to talk to you."
Shuichi stood frozen to his spot. "Yuki..."
A little short, but I think this went okay. At least Yuki and Shuichi truly saw each other this time.
"Oh God, we're gonna die!!" wailed Sakano.
"Didn't you see all those people standing outside waving signs that said 'release Mizerable'?" said Hiro. "Seguchi-san can't kill us!"
"I'll admit it was a pretty rash thing K-san did," said Suguru. "But this is the music business. If we don't keep up the good work people will forget about us."
"I don't care if 'Mizerable' is successful," said Shuichi. "I just hope that Yuki was able to hear the song."
"With the amount of spare time he has, he probably did," said Hiro. "So stop worrying. Whoever K-san sent out to send our single succeeded."
"Speaking of which," said Sakano, looking around. "Where is K?"
"Seguchi-san called him in," said Suguru. "Wanted to ask him a few questions."
***
"You think you're a funny person, don't you?" said Tohma.
K grinned evilly. "Actually, yes I do!!"
Tohma counted to ten silently before continuing. "Did you see what was going on outside? There are 250 people out there!! And just an hour ago a riot nearly broke out!!"
K shrugged. "That's the music industry for you."
Tohma shook his head. "Although it's against my better judgment, I'm going to HAVE to release 'Mizerable' as a single. THEM," he pointed out the window to the protesters below. "And ten thousand people all over Tokyo who called in since yesterday want that song. I have to release it because it's good for business."
K cheered. "All right!!!!!"
"I'm not finished. You may have won this round, but that doesn't mean you won't get away with it. You are hereby suspended for three weeks. You have five minutes to gather your things before I call security."
K looked crestfallen. "Okay." He started away, but then stopped. "Wait, I'm not finished either." He walked back to the desk. "There is still the matter of a certain thing."
Tohma glared. "What?!"
"This." K pulled out a hand-held recorder and pressed play.
["Do you think I'm stupid, Shindou-san?" Tohma's voice growled on the recorder. "Did you honestly think I wouldn't notice the true meaning of this song? It's not even a song; it's a message!! A message directed at Eiri-san!!"
"I-"
"You tried to see him, didn't you?! You went against Mika-san and I and tried to see him!!"
"I-"
"And it failed because he doesn't want to see you!! And so you're trying to get this message past me so Eiri-san can hear it!!"
"I-"
"As long as I am Sachou of NG studios, this message will not be heard."
A soft crashed followed it.
"I won't tell you again, Shindou-san. Stay away from Eiri-san. Don't pull such cheap stunts like this again, or more drastic measures shall be taken."]
K stopped the recorder. Tohma was bright red. "H-H-How did you-"
"Did you see the smiley pin Shuichi wore during your meeting?" asked K.
"No, I didn't!!"
"Neither did he!! I kind of guessed what you were you going to talk to him about, so I secretly pinned it on him."
Tohma eyed the recorder. "What do you plan on doing with that?"
K grinned. "Wouldn't it be interesting to the press if they heard that you not only didn't want to release this single because of Yuki, but that you were trying to keep them apart?"
Tohma looked angrier. "You're blackmailing me!!"
"It's just business."
Tohma sighed heavily, running his fingers through his hair. "Fine, what do you want?"
"Drop the suspension. I don't like those; gives me too much free time. And I want your full cooperation with the singles we release in the future."
Tohma stared at him. "That's it? No, 'keep out of their relationship'?"
"Even if I told you to do that, you wouldn't so I won't bother. But I will request that you stop blaming Shuichi for what happened. It's not fair to him, plus it's gets him in stumps and no songs are written."
Tohma was silent for several long moments. "Fine, you have a deal. I'm going to have a press conference announcing the official release of 'Mizerable'. I trust you won't show up."
"On the contrary, I WILL show up to make sure you don't pull a fast one. Tootles!!" then he was quickly gone.
***
Tohma growled in fury, trying to re-organize the papers on his desk.
That damn American!! he fumed to himself. Blackmailing ME of all people! I couldn't care less who knew what I felt for Eiri-san, but the press would tear me to pieces!! God, if I had my way they'd ALL be fired right now!!!
It was then that there was a knock at the door. Tohma held onto his anger, not wanting to see anyone at the moment. "I'm a little busy!!"
The door opened anyway. "Tohma?"
It was Mika. Someone Tohma didn't want to see right now.
"Mika-san, I'm just about to go to a meeting. Can this wait?"
She looked insulted. "Actually it can't, Tohma. I need to talk to you about something."
Tohma shook his head. "Mika-san, I'm in a hurry-"
"I went to see my doctor today to see if I was sick."
"Mika-san, why would you do that?! You've been rather healthy lately."
Mika's face fell. "Tohma, I've been vomiting for the past two weeks."
Tohma stopped. He hadn't known about that. "Why didn't you tell me?"
She looked irritated. "Look at me, I'm as white as a ghost!! And I HAVE mentioned to you about my condition, but you've been too wrapped up in your work to care!!"
Tohma slammed his hands onto his desk. "Mika-san, I don't need to hear this!! I've had a really rough day, now I have to endure a press conference where I have to abide to someone else's wishes!!"
Her anger disappeared. "I'm sorry. But the doctor said-"
"Mika-san, please tell me later. I have to go now." He brushed past her. "I'll be home tonight so you'll have plenty of time." Then he was gone.
Tohma knew she hadn't deserved that. Then again, he was angry and needed to vent his frustrations. Unfortunately it had to be on his wife.
Well, I WILL be home tonight, he thought. So whatever is the problem she can tell me then so she has my attention.
***
Mika stood still in Tohma's empty office. A numbing feeling was coursing through her.
"'Wait until later', he says," she murmured. She walked to the windows. "What if I had a deadly disease and later didn't come for me because I was dead?"
Tohma hardly came home anymore, as it was. Even if he did, he first went to see Eiri to make sure he was all right. Making Mika wait an extra hour for him to get home.
And even when he is home, I don't have his attention, she thought. He either pretends to listen or says he's too tired. I bet that's what will happen tonight. He'll be too tired or too wrapped up in Eiri to even care about his wife's condition.
What had happened before had probably been their first real fight. Tohma would probably brush it off, but it struck home for Mika. She came there ready to give him good news, and he brushes her off like she was a nobody.
Why can't he make time for me? He makes time for Eiri, he makes time for Nittle Grasper, and he makes time for NG studios. But he almost never spends any time with me, and I am his wife!! I'm his wife, but I'm sure he's given more affection for Eiri than he'll ever give me!!
Mika sighed heavily, tears sliding down her face. This wasn't like her. Getting all emotional; making a big deal out of everything.
Then again, in her current condition, she was prone to meltdowns and emotional crises.
So she came to a conclusion. Not the best one by far, but it seemed to help her feel better.
"I won't tell him," she said aloud. "I don't know if he'd care, but right now I don't care for him to know. I won't tell him what's really wrong with me. If he truly loves me, he'll figure it out on his own."
Smiling to that, she left the door. This resolve made her feel better about the situation.
***
"KUMAGOROU BEAM!!!!!!!" shrieked Ryuichi, throwing his Kumagorou into various objects.
Yuki watched all of this. "Um, Tatsuha, why did you bring an mentally disabled man to my apartment?"
Tatsuha glared. "Aniki, he ain't mentally disabled, he's just different!!"
Yuki shook his head, wincing as another object broke. "He'd better pay for all my stuff he's breaking."
"He's rich enough to!!" said Tatsuha. "He's in a rock band, after all!!"
Yuki sighed. "Tatsuha, I have a question."
"Okay, shoot!!"
"It's about Shuichi."
Tatsuha's face brightened. "You remember him?"
"I know that he's in a rock band and has pink hair. But did I know him personally? You know, before I got amnesia?"
"...You heard his song?"
"Yeah."
"KUMAGOROU BEAM!!!!!!" Ryuichi threw Kumagorou against the windows. "Hey, you hit your reflection, Kumagorou!!!"
Tatsuha coughed. "I'll tell you a little so the memories don't overpower you. But you have to promise you won't tell Onee-san and Tohma-san about this."
"Why not?"
"Just don't."
"All right."
"Okay. It's like this..."
***
"Okay people!! We're on a roll!!" yelled K. "Seguchi-san just had a press conference stating he'll release 'Mizerable'!!!!!"
Everyone cheered loudly.
"How did you manage it without punishment?!" asked Shuichi.
K held up a smiley pin. "Remember this?"
"Um, no."
"Of course you don't!!! I secretly placed it on your shirt before we went up to see Seguchi-san!! It recorded your entire conversation!!"
Shuichi paled. "Wait...you didn't blackmail Seguchi-san, did you?!"
K grinned evilly, causing everyone else to freak out.
"Are you crazy?!" yelled Suguru. "When my cousin gets mad, he gets MAD!!!! If he finds a way out of this, he'll kill us!!"
"I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die!!!!!" wailed Sakano, running around the room.
Hiro sat down. "What's important is that the song is legit now."
"Maybe I can see Yuki again!!!" Shuichi suddenly cried. He started floating around the room.
"I wouldn't count on it," said K. "Seguchi-san promised to stop blaming you for Yuki's amnesia. He didn't promise to stop interfering in your relationship."
Shuichi fell to the floor.
K clapped his hands. "Today's been a rough day, so I'm letting you all go home early. Get rested up, we're starting productions for the music video tomorrow!!"
***
"I don't like making music videos as much as I like live shows," said Shuichi. "The recording is playing during the video, but I'm actually singing during the live shows."
"It's part of the music industry," said Hiro. "We have to do things we don't exactly agree to. Especially K-san's MANY promotional ideas."
"I guess so."
Hiro headed towards his bike. "Well, I'm going home. Want a ride?"
Shuichi nodded. "I don't want to take the train today." He skipped over to Hiro's bike.
Hiro fastened on his helmet. "Well, at least making music videos are fun-" he stopped.
"What?" asked Shuichi, not hearing an approaching car.
"On second thought," said Hiro. "I think I'll go home alone today. It looks like you have a ride today."
"Eh?" Shuichi turned, seeing a familiar black car slowing down next to them.
"I'll see you tomorrow." Hiro started his motorcycle and drove away. Shuichi barely noticed his exit as the car came to a complete stop next to him.
The driver door open and someone stepped out. "Shindou Shuichi? I need to talk to you."
Shuichi stood frozen to his spot. "Yuki..."
A little short, but I think this went okay. At least Yuki and Shuichi truly saw each other this time.
