Chapter 4 – Preparing to meet work buddies
I awoke from my peaceful slumber to the sound of birds, with the contour of the book drawn onto my face. I must've fallen asleep on it again… That was usually how my nights went: always the same nightmare, small chat with Ai on the game, read a book, fall asleep on the book… I took a look at my calendar. Today was a big day: I had a singing practice with STARISH and Quartet Night. It had been planned a year ago, and with all that had happened, I never got the time or thought to call in to say that I had gone mute. That I couldn't sing anymore. If I even could call in.
My job as a singer had stopped 6 months ago (a 6 months paid vacation - less epic than it sounds, since half of it was in a hospital), right after the accident, and today was the day I was supposed to start it again. How could I make them understand that I had gone mute for a while, without losing this job opportunity?
I had to go, at least. I couldn't chicken out of this. I needed to be strong and get this job, whatever the cost. I had to stop being weak. For Daisuke.
I put on a cute shirt and a pair of ripped jeans. It looked more casual than professional, but would do. The least I could do was put on professional-looking make up. Then I quickly put my hair into a messy side braid and was off.
In the bus, I listened to Headphones from Britt Nicole to try to calm my nerves. It worked, kind of. When I arrived, I headed straight towards Shining Saotome's office to show him then and there that I couldn't sing the practice with STARISH and Quartet Night. I had taken a portable blackboard and some chalk to be able to communicate.
I knocked twice before opening the door. Shining Saotome was there, at his desk.
"Ah, you're early, Aika. That's great! You'll be able to meet STARISH and Quartet Night before the repetition." He boomed.
I took out the blackboard and started writing: I'm sorry, but I still haven't completely recovered from my accident. I won't be singing today.
Shining Saotome squinted at me. "Oh, and why, may I ask?"
I lost my voice 6 months ago and haven't got it back yet.
"Listen up kid. You have 2 weeks to get your voice back, or this job proposal won't be for you anymore."
I nodded.
"On a second note, I've found a modeling job proposition for you. Would you like to model with one of the boys you'll meet today? You'll be both modeling in a publicity for perfume. I haven't chosen the male model yet. I was going to choose Cecil, as your skins would likely contrast well, but he left for the week with Tokiya and Miss Nanami back to Agnapolis… What do you say?"
I nodded again. At least I wouldn't have come here for nothing today.
"Go meet the boys now, and don't forget: you have 2 weeks to find your voice again, or else!"
I nodded a third time and bowed respectfully before hurrying from the room towards the artists' lounge. I walked over to the door, and could hear people talking on the side.
I do not own any of the characters, or the bands in Uta No Prince-Sama, but the protagonist (and her -dead- best friend) of this story is my own creation. Please do not steal them without authorization (just ask). Thanks dudes. :) Peace