Everyone says they're good at keeping secrets, but how good are they, really?
Due to the Contract: Blackmail Setups
Miku's P.O.V
Since Rin and I skipped rehearsal yesterday, Teto made us go in early for extra practice. And boy, was she working us hard!
"Teto, I'm tired! Can I take a break please? I didn't sleep until 3 this morning!" Rin whined.
"Nope! You should've remembered I don't take rehearsal ditching to lightly. 2 more laps!" She commanded.
"This is worse than P.E. at my school! Whose bright idea was it to put a running track at a music studio anyway?" I complained.
"Miku, you need this. I can see now you have no endurance or upper body strength what-so-ever." Teto noted. We let out a groan and finished the laps. Afterwards, we did some flexibility stretches and practiced some more dance steps. When that was over and done with, we took a break and drank some water.
"Teto, can that please be all for today? I'm really exhausted!" Rin admitted. Teto laughed.
"Sure! As long as you don't skip rehearsal again."
"No promises." Rin muttered under her breath.
"Besides, Miku has that interview today, right?" Teto asked.
"Huh? Oh right! I forgot all about that!"
"Oh yeah that up and coming artist bit in that one really popular music magazine." Rin pointed out.
"Did you have a interview when you first started, Rin?" I asked.
"Yup! Its not a big interview, they're just gonna ask stupid stuff that anyone would want to know." She pointed out. My headphones, which were laying on the ground beside us, starting flashing.
"I'm guessing its time for me to go." I said and stood up, which caused a lot of pain to do.
"Looks like it! Good luck, Miku!" Teto said.
"Yes! Time for a nap!" Rin said and walked inside the dormitory.
After I got cleaned up, a car was sent for me to head to my interview. Since I was still exhausted from earlier, I decided to take a nap in the backseat. I had a dream about me and Kaito eating ice cream. I woke up moments before we pulled up to the building. Inside was the television studio, home to SLTV, aka one of the most popular TV stations ever! Almost everything they show that's worth airing is filmed live. That's probably why I have that nervous feeling right now. My driver opened my door, for which I thanked him, then I exited the car and entered the building. Mr. Satou, one of our many managers, escorted me inside. We walked up to the front desk to ask the secretary where to go. She pointed us in the direction towards the elevator.
"So, Ms. Miku," my manager spoke for the first time since we've arrived. "Are you nervous for your interview?"
"No, not really. Honestly, my mom and I used to do fake interviews all the time, so I think I can handle it." He smiled at that and I looked around the shiny space. My stomach got that jumpy feeling, so I knew the elevator stopped. The doors opened and we exited and some other people entered. We headed into the lobby of that floor and there was a man about 20-something waiting for us.
"Mr. Satou! Nice to see you again." The two shook hands.
"It's been a while." Mr. Satou said.
"And this must be the Miku Hatsune I've been hearing great things about!" he said, addressing me, of course.
"That would be me!" I said with a smile. "It's nice to meet you, Mr.…"
"Masoko Kinori. But you can just call me Kinori"
"Well, Kinori, let's get this interview rolling, huh?"
"That would be a good idea! We can talk over there by the window. Would you like anything to drink?"
"Umm…do you have leek soda?"
"I'm afraid not…" he admitted.
"Ah, well I'll be fine with water."
"I'll wait here, Miku." Mr. Satou said. I nodded and we headed away towards the window.
"Let's start with your latest single release. How does it feel to have one song create such a huge fan base seemingly overnight?"
"It feels like a dream! I never would've dreamed that it would be so popular. It's amazing really."
"When was it when you decided to become a singer?"
"Well, I've loved singing since I was a little kid, but I didn't decide for sure until I went to my first live concert. I went to see the singer Gumi preform back when she was still a Vocaloid and she looked like she was having fun and I was inspired."
"What are some of your hobbies?" He asked. All is going smooth so far...
"Um, I guess I like to spend a lot of time with my family and writing songs or trying new recipes since I like cooking."
"So, what kind of guys are you into?" He asked. I had to admit I was sort of taken off guard with that one.
"Um…wow, I've never been asked that before. I guess I would want to be with someone who's fun, but can be serious when I need them too. They have to be sweet but will fight for me if I need them too. Like a best friend."
"Are you interested in anyone now?"
"No one really comes to mind…Well there is Kai- erm, never mind!" I said and waved my hands as if I were waving away the words that just slipped out.
"We're you about to say Kaito..?"
"No! No, I was not. Me and Kaito are just friends." I could feel my face getting warmer. Kinori laughed.
"That's weird, I thought you Vocaloids aren't allowed to date." He said.
"That's right…It's really a dumb rule if you ask me." I muttered. He leaned closer and said in a lower voice,
"Well you know, there's always loopholes in contracts. Besides you can always date in secret." He smirked.
"…Huh?" is all I said. And is if things weren't awkward enough, he placed his hand on mine, which was resting by my glass.
"I mean, that you could always have a secret love life, maybe one with me?" What a creep.
"Uhh…I'm flattered, but I'm not interested. And I don't wanna seem blunt, but if you touch me again, I'll break your hand. I thought I came here for an interview." He laughed again.
"I'd take that back if I were you, considering I know a rather compromising secret of yours. And as the influential person I am, I can ruin your career before it even starts."
"You're all talk. I don't have any secrets."
"Am I?" He played back the tape recorder that seemed to come from no where, and sure enough I almost revealed my crush on Kaito. My heart started pounding. I don't want to mess up my opportunity over something so trivial.
"You…You're a loser, you know that?" I retorted.
"Call me what you want, but if this tape goes public…"
"A Movie." I muttered. He gave me a questionable look. "I'll go see a movie with you tomorrow night. If you promise to destroy that tape." He smirked again.
"It's a date, then." I stuck my tongue out at him. He stood up so I don't think he noticed, and I stood too.
"Well, Miku, I'm glad this interview went so well. It was a pleasure talking with you." He said that loud enough for my manager to hear, and he did because he was looking our way.
"Thanks." I muttered, again.
As soon as I got back to the Oster building, I went to the kitchen to find a bottle of leek-flavored soda. I needed to calm down. But it didn't work out so good because it was too stubborn to open and I slammed it on the counter in frustration.
"Someone looks upset." I looked over to the owner of that dreamy voice.
"Oh, hey, Kaito!" I tried to open the bottle again, but it was still tough to open for some reason. "Can you?" I asked and held it towards him.
"Sure." He said with a smile. He always seems to be happy. He opened it in one turn, making me feel helpless. "Here you go!"
"Thanks!" I said and returned the smile.
"So," he leaned against the counter. "How'd the interview with Kinori-san go?"
"Well, it started off okay. And it ended with me having a date with him." I admitted.
"A what? How?"
"It's complicated. Anyway, I'm going to my room. See you." I headed out the kitchen and into my room.
Kaito's P.O.V
"Miku has a movie date tomorrow night."
"She does? With who?" Rin and Len asked simultaneously.
"That Kinori guy." I answered.
"Really? That…doesn't make sense to me. Besides she knows about the no dating rule." Rin said with a puzzled look.
"Did she seem all happy and girly about it?" Len asked.
"Now that you mention it, not really. In fact, she wasn't looking forward to it.."
"Hmm…I wonder why…Oh! I just got an idea! Hey, Len, how about we go see a movie?"
"But, Rin, we just went to the movies jut the other-oh, I get it." He responded.
"You catch on so fast! So it's settled!" she clapped her hands together. "I'm going to go get some disguises ready!" and with that, she left the lounge.
"So, Kaito has a crush on Miku." Len said.
"Well, if she into that other guy, then I'll forget about it."
"Wait, you seriously do? I was joking!" He said and laughed.
"You'd better not say anything about it!" I whispered harshly.
"Don't worry, I know how to keep a secret." Just as he said this Rin returned.
"Okay, so I talked to Miku and she's getting picked up at 7:30. I arranged for a car to take us at 7:40. Then, we'll wait to see what movie they pick and we'll buy the same tickets. Thus commencing operation: Spy-On-Miku's-Mysterious-And-Very-Forbidden-Date." Rin explained. She beamed and looked very proud of herself.
"Did you ask if she wanted to go on the date at all?" I asked.
"Um, no, that slipped my mind…" She admitted, more shyly.
"It would've made things much more simple." Len commented.
"Hey, I'm only one person! I make mistakes sometimes." She defended.
"You idiots realize it's just about 7:30, right?" A voice said from behind. The owner was Luka.
"It is? Ah, we have to hurry and get dressed in out disguises!" Rin exclaimed.
"And, I restate, idiots."
We all headed back and put on the "disguises" Rin picked out and left for the movie theater.
"Do you see them?" Len asked.
"No…weird considering Miku's hair isn't hard to miss." Rin stated.
"Well, we can at least buy the tickets and wait to see them come in." I suggested.
"Not a bad idea. But I forgot to ask which movie." Rin admitted.
"Look, I see them! Miku doesn't seem upset, maybe she wanted to come after all…" Len said. I frowned a little at that.
"Well, the disguises are to stay hidden right? So one of us should go in line and see what movie they're seeing."
"Wow, Kaito, two good ideas in one day. Now go ahead and get in line." Rin said and pushed me towards the forming line before I could protest. I walked up and was careful not to be directly behind the two but not far enough so I wouldn't hear.
"So I was thinking of seeing the movie 'Cindrillion' is that okay?" he asked her.
"Sure, anything's fine with me."
"Where do you like to sit? I prefer the back. It's more...private." I left the two and went back to the twins.
"So?" Rin started
"What are they watching?" Len finished.
"'Cindrillion' but I heard him say they're going to sit in the back for some privacy."
"That can't be good. Hurry and get the tickets! Or else she'll fall in love with him and you'll miss your chance!" Len exclaimed.
"You're pushing it..." I said.
"Speaking of pushing..." Rin gave me another shove towards the line. "Go and buy the tickets already!" she called out. I walked back to the booth.
"Three tickets for 'Cindrillion', please?" I asked the girl.
"Sorry, sir, there's only two left. Do you still want them?"
"Um...sure. Okay." she handed me the tickets and Rin and Len skipped up to me. "They only had two left."
"Two? This messes up everything." Rin said looking a little defeated. Then her face lit up.
"Hey, Len! Remember the two-for-one?" she said with a mischievous look.
"Oh, yeah!" His face mimicking hers.
"Okay, so come on Kaito!" she said grabbing my arm.
"But what about Len?" I asked.
"Don't worry, we have it under control."
Rin and me were inside the theater now at the end of the row out of sight of Miku and her date. Suddenly we see Len coming up the dimly lit steps towards us.
"Did I miss anything?" he asked tying his hair in a ponytail. I get it, he pretended to be Rin to get in.
"Nope they've just been talking." I answered.
"Or flirting..." Len pointed out. My jaw clenched. Just then, the lights faded to black and the previews started followed by the movie.
After my eyes flickered from the screen from Miku and that guy for the millionth time, I began to think. Why am I even here? I mean, it's not like we're dating or anything. Not that that wouldn't be nice. I mean, Miku's nice and fun and cute...not to mention an awesome singer... And she's cute...
Ah, what are you thinking, idiot? She might not even like you back. Anyway, they seem like they're enjoying themselves.
"Guys, maybe we should..." I looked at the two who now seemed engrossed in the movie.
"Huh, what was that, Kaito?" Len asked in a whisper.
"Hey, look, Miku's leaving. And that guy is following her." Rin pointed out.
"Looks like she's trying to leave him." Len said.
"C'mon let's go after 'em!" I said. The three of us stood up and stealthily followed them out of the theater. As we were walking through the theater aisle, an usher suddenly appeared.
"Can I have another look at your tickets?" He asked Rin and Len.
"Kaito, go ahead." Rin whispered.
"Right." I replied with a nod. I then hurried out of the lobby. There was Miku and Kinori standing under a streetlamp
Miku's P.O.V
"I'm ready to go back home." I said.
"What's the matter, Miku? You seemed like you were having fun earlier." Kinori said and wrapped his arm around my shoulder.
"Can't say I was. Can you just take me home then?"
"Can't say I will." He replied with a smirk.
"Fine," I slapped his arm off of me. "I'll just go myself." I started in the opposite direction.
"Go ahead! I'll just be sure that your little contract-violating secret will be in the next issue of my magazine." I froze. And grit my teeth. "Atta girl." He walked to me and brought his face close. "Now, let's say we finish our date at my place, eh?" I was two seconds away from punching him in the face but someone else did. A guy wearing a black topcoat with jet-black hair now stood over Kinori, cracking their knuckles.
"Miku are you alright?" He asked. At first, I was confused because he knew my name but that voice...
"Kaito?" I asked in a whisper.
"Oh, this is great! This will make my article even better!" Kinori said as he struggled back on his feet.
"You might want to change your mind about publishing that article." I looked over to the owner of the voice, Len.
"Oh no, it's the fearsome Len Kagamine." Kinori said in a sarcastic tone.
"Unless..." Rin suddenly appeared from behind with a somewhat menacing smirk. "We'll just have to take care of you like last time?"
"Oh no, it's Rin Kagamine!" he said with sincere fear in his voice. He crawled back as the two cornered him.
"It's best that you get out of here now. And if I so much as hear gossip about Miku from you as a source, well,"
"Let's say you won't be able to do much writing or of anything afterwards." Len finished. And with that, Kinori and his bloody nose ran off into the darkness.
"You alright, Miku?" Kaito asked again.
"Yeah, thanks to you, to all of you. He really was a jerk. I can't believe I got caught up in all that!" I said, crossing my arms.
"Yeah he's scum." Rin said. "He tried something similar to me when I first signed with Crypton. He always prays on new faces in the industry."
"And we scared him off, just like last time."
"Next time, just come to us if you're having trouble with anything. We're on the same team now!" Kaito said.
"That's right! You're a Vocaloid now. And we stick together!" Rin and Len said. I smiled.
"You guys...it makes me happy to hear that!"
General P.O.V.
Miku's tired feet dragged through the hallway towards the kitchen. She suddenly awoke in the middle of the night with a parched throat. She let out a soft yawn and when she opened her eyes, she reached her destination. But she wasn't alone.
"Oh! Kaito, I didn't know you were still awake." She said with a shy smile.
"Yeah, just getting some water." He immediately felt stupid for saying such a dumb sounding reply, even though it was the truth..
"Weird, me too." It's not that weird...people get thirsty during the night. Duh, Miku, she thought. She went to the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of water. She really didn't feel like going back to her room just yet. She wanted to stay and talk with Kaito but...she couldn't think of anything to say.
"Well...goodnight then." Kaito said and turned away.
"Wait!" she said a little too loudly. He faced her again. "I just...wanted to thank you. Again. You know, for earlier." she muttered.
"It's nothing. I'd do anything for you, Miku." She blushed a little. "I-I mean for any of you Vocaloids. You know, Rin, Len, and Luka, too." Miku giggled at his awkwardness. He laughed back, although he was just confused.
"See ya tomorrow, Kaito." she said and the two returned to their rooms, both with a smile on their faces.
END!
When something is forbidden, yet feels right, it only makes you want to go for it more…that's how it goes, right?