So Haku's survived the audition. Let's see if she got what it takes to actually go somewhere.
"" "" ""
When she left the room, she noticed that most of the people had already left. After a few minutes, she realized that her audition was one of the last of the day. The snobby woman that she met up with earlier was gone, making her sigh and relax her muscles. The last thing that she needed was bitching. Without hesitating, she immediately left the building and headed down the road.
"You were great, Haku."
She didn't have to turn her head to see Akaito floating behind her. He floated into a walking position as he trotted in front of Haku. She turned her head away from him, but allowed the comment to sink into her consciousness.
"I mean, I haven't heard a natural voice sounding like that in a long time."
"That's because a lot of people want to be perfect. They don't realize that being perfect means that there won't be emotions in what they sing."
"There are few that can sound perfect while handing out emotions."
"Those are actually gifted people. Unlike Auto-Tune, they're actually rare."
Akaito began to laugh out loud, leaving Haku to be happy that no one can actually hear him. She sighed as she walked into her job, seeing that the boss was waiting right there for her with her apron and a look that screamed GET TO WORK. She didn't have to blink twice before doing so.
"" "" ""
When she came home, she saw that the light on her home phone was flashing. She looked confused (since the only people that know of her home number are the government and her credit card company). She slid the door behind her as she pressed the play button on the machine and thudded down on the floor.
[You have ONE unheard message.]
Oh no, really? That's why I pressed the play button, you damn machine.
[Hello, this is the Crypton Records. I'm calling for Haku Yowane.]
She darted up to a sitting position as she stared at the answering machine. THAT WAS A FAST REACTION.
[We just wanted to say that the judges liked your performance and that we are inviting you to our semi-finals tomorrow in the Nico Nico stadium at 7:30 AM. We hope to see you there.]
She jumped up to her feet as she stared at her answering machine. With shaking hands, she reached over and pressed the play button again, listening to the message say the same good news again.
And then she pressed it again.
And again.
And one more time just to be sure.
"Come on, get the hint already. They like you."
She didn't even jump anymore. Turning her head, she saw Akaito hovering just across the dining tale with a grin on his face. Haku couldn't contain her excitement any longer, and began to jump around in the room screaming praise off the top of her lungs.
"I'm in the semi-finals! I'm in the semi-finals!" She jumped in front of him. "This is the first time that I've ever been called back before!"
"That's good to hear! Finally, someone has noticed the amount of talent that you have." Akaito grinned. "You should probably tell the others about what's going on."
"Yes…yes of course! Yes, and Meiko's going to bring all of us for a party!" Haku grabbed the phone. "I won't drink at it for tomorrow, but still!"
Akaito stared at Haku as she began to dial the first number off the top of her head. As he heard the voices reaching higher and higher in excitement, he floated out of the room and into the garden. Even then, he could still hear Haku's joy from across the wall.
Congratulations, Haku. You're so close now. He closed his eyes. You're closer than I ever was…
"" "" ""
Next chapter!