A Step Towards The Future
Ren Tsuruga, age 22, the most popular up and coming novelist for two years in a row, is currently sitting at the outdoor patio of the Cafe Morocco on a sunny day in June, wishing that his agent, Yashiro would just show up some time soon. Really soon, Ren is getting really, really bored. He was never much of a people watcher and he's only at the cafe, rated to be one of the most outdoor friendly restaurants in one of those magazines that Yashiro likes to obsess over. Meeting at a patio restaurant/cafe in the middle of summer, Ren thought Yashiro must have gone off the deep end. Ren gave a heavy laddened sigh and put his chin on his hand.
"Ren, ah I apologize for being late." said a voice coming from behind Ren.
Ren turned around after quickly wiping the bored expression off his face.
"It was nothing really. It's not like I have somewhere urgent to go, or things to do." the dashing author said to his agent.
"After all, I've only been waiting here for 45 minutes." Ren said pointedly to Yashiro.
Yashiro blushed with embarrassment as he profusely apologizes again to the winsome author. Ren practically glowed like a nuclear reactor at his agent. Yashiro started to sweat under the pressure of Ren's smile going supernova.
"Well, I have here the advance editor's copy of your latest book from Sawara-san, the editor." said Yashiro, while pulling out a trade paperback.
"Matsushima-san in the art department would like you to come in Thursday, to go through and approve the cover art for it."
Ren reached for the plainly bounded black book and quickly glimpse through it.
"You have an appearance to make in Kyoto to accept a plaque from the city council of Kyoto, making you an honorary citizen of the city." Yashiro quickly ran down Ren's appointments in his day book.
"There is a book signing after that for your fans at Kyoto." Yashiro continued in his usual no nonsense manner.
"You are also appearing at the Tokyo University to do a guest teaching appearance, that's followed by an autograph session and possibly a book signing. They are still ironing out the details."
Yashiro looked at Ren while continue to list off his schedule knowing that Ren wasn't listening to any of his prattling.
"And, " Yashiro continued, "You are also scheduled to appear at the Kinokonokuniya, Bunseido, and the Blue Parrot Bookstore in Shibuya and Asahiya and Miwa Shoten in Akihabara and Shinjuku."*
Yashiro gave an inward sigh. Japan's most popular novelist wouldn't have gone anywhere if not for the concerted efforts of Yashiro, Sawara, and Takarada-san, the publisher. Yashiro wished once more that he could have known more about his charge. Yashiro was promoted to be his agent from being Sawara-san's senior assistant. In the last two years, he has proven to be the best agent in the business, keeping up with all of Ren's schedule and appointments, and also his quirks.
The way he had served Ren, with all the arrangements he had made for the author, was impeccable. All that he really knows about his charge is that Lory Takarada, the president of the largest publishing house in Japan, treats Ren as a nephew. Also, that the president's granddaughter, Maria, loves Ren to death. That in itself is a miracle, as Maria has the reputation of disliking the authors that runs through the corridors of LME, INC, since the tragic death of her mother.
Ren looked up after he was done with the book and said to Yashiro-san with a straight face, "I don't intend to make those appearances." Yashiro's jaw dropped to the floor, at Ren's declaration.
Yashiro jumped up and reached across the table, "You need to be more serious about your career. You are Japan's most notable author right now. Everyone and their mothers clamor to read your books. Your books have been translated into eleven languages. You can't disappoint your female fans."
Ren stood up and brushed off Yashiro's hands and straighten the collars of his shirt and the sport jacket.
"I need a couple of days off, now and again." Ren stated. "You always get like this around this time of the year," Yashiro asked Ren while giving him a dubious look.
"Something happened in Kyoto, where you spent your time during your childhood isn't it?" Ren gave Yashiro a blank stare, "Just as I thought. Takarada-san told me that you used to spend your summer in Kyoto as a child." Yashiro continued, "It's a girl isn't it? Did she leave you?"
Ren started to glisten and sparkle at Yashiro prodding. "Nothing of the sort happened. Just because I couldn't find her, doesn't mean she left me."
Yashiro forehead started to twitch.
"It's the same thing!" Yashiro nearly shouted.
"I think we should go back to headquarter, don't you think?" Ren tried to avoid the questions aimed at him.
Just then, a big gust of wind blew by a group of excited chattering college girls, and threw the big floppy summer hat off of the girl in the middle of group. She turned, as Ren caught the floppy hat. Ren, in one smooth motion, with the prowess of a well trained athletic, made a one handed leap over the fencing separating the cafe patio from the sidewalk.
"Excuse me, Miss." Ren said, "I believe this is yours."
* Real bookstores may or may not in the location specified.