"Ladies and gentlemen, may we please have your attention for just a few minutes," the restaurant manager announces into the microphone, quieting the dinner guests. "We have a special treat here for you tonight. Virtuoso Michelle Kaioh, who is on a break from the music scene, has agreed to play a short piece for us. Some of you may even remember her first performances here as a teenager, before she left us for the Big Apple and beyond. Now can you please join me in welcoming Miss Kaioh back to the Top of the World stage."
Feeling home again in the warm applause, Michiru takes over the microphone to make a short introduction. "Thank you Richard, everyone. Yes, it's true that I've been on a retirement of sorts. But I do have an original piece that I've been working on, and I hope you enjoy it. I call it...Requiem for the Outer Galaxy."
Taking a deep breath, Michiru holds the violin and concentrates on the feeling of the bow on the strings. While she had not played the instrument in public since her last concert over three years ago, Michiru had continued to practice at home as often as possible. So even though the violin at the restaurant is not of the same quality as her treasured Stradivarius, it still feels comfortable enough in her hands to do the trick.
Beginning the first strokes, Michiru is pleased with the sound and tempo. She had been experimenting with techno elements and a fast beat for the piece, to make it a better fit with the pop-classical hits that now played on radio, but this stripped down version is more in line with the sad nature of the notes.
The few minutes flash by in a moment, and Michiru sets down the violin to the sound of enthusiastic applause and cries for an encore. With a gracious "thank you, merci, arigato", she steps off the stage and walks towards her table of married fans. "I hope you liked it." Their beaming faces give Michiru all the feedback she needs.
Returning to her seat, Michiru finds another full glass of wine and a slice of cheesecake awaiting her.
"That was incredible...Michelle," Haruka praises, her eyes full of curiosity and wonder.
"Really, Haruka, I would have thought it'd be easy enough to find out my entire background online. I was critically praised for both my concert performances and albums, well respected in North America, Asia, and Australia, and still have a considerable fan base encompassing all genders and age groups. For being such a big shot business tycoon, your basic research techniques leave much to be desired."
Haruka seems speechless as she digests this information. But while her look of shock had turned to one of anger at that morning's press conference, the blonde's face now changes to one of pure desire. "Why don't we finish our drinks and desserts, and get out of here?"
"Sounds like a plan", Michiru agrees, slowly licking the cheesecake off her spoon.
Sometimes the game is just so easy.