Chapter Four: Profiling 101 & A New Occupation For Nanami Haruka…
~Oh, oh, oh~
You'll step into our world.
Full of dreams and desires.
It should sound simple.
But everything comes with a catch.
No need to worry.
~Yeah~
You're a tempting individual.
~Oh~
You're dreams and desires we know it all.
"… Shou Kurusu, you're definitely the fashionista in the group. You're quite talented at the violin. Tokiya Ichinose, you're known to be a perfectionist but you're actually quite calm. You prefer a singing career over an acting career, which you'll have to improve on in the future…"
Asami Lee had her facts down correct for no one had said anything to her yet.
"… Ren Jinguji, you're quite a carefree and flirtatious individual. The saxophone that you play often gives off a nice jazzy feeling. But you don't take you're education very seriously. I don't know whether it's a bad or good thing for a person like you."
"My sweet rose. What makes you say such a thing?"
"Jinguji-san… this morning you didn't even bother to show up in class. Now the A class…- Nanami Haruka-chan, is it alright if I just call you by Nanami-chan?"
"Y-yes… it's ok."
"Nanami-chan, don't worry I'm not here to bully you. I know that I may sound very intimidating right now. But I'm really a nice person at heart when you get to know me a bit better. Saotome-san has told me about you. From what I was told, you're quite talented at the piano and you're even a composer, at the same time a manager to STARISH."
"T-T-that's true."
From Haruka's stuttering voice, Asami could tell that the young composer was quite shy.
"Where was I... ah… yes… Masato Hijirikawa, you're also talented with the piano, but you're state of thinking is… old-fashioned."
"…"
"Sorry. Otoya Ittoki, very energetic and positive from what I've heard from other students. I now can see that it's true. An acoustic guitar is a must have for this year. Shinomiya Natsuki, you play the viola, yet you're on the same level as Chi-chan for liking adorable things."
"Excellent, just like your mother! Asami-chan you have an impressive memory," Saotome boomed in a very loud voice, throwing rainbow confetti in the air.
"I can see why you wanted to attend another academy overseas, "Said Masumi from which Asami could only nod her head.
"Now let's get down to business. As you all can see from the booklets that have been handed out, this is a collaboration between EKSTASIS and STARISH. Everyone turn to the second page. I'll start explaining the business."
Haruka opened her booklet to the second page, right away her eyes scanned the text.
"EKSTASIS & STARISH"
[Cast & Crew]
Bands: EKSTASIS and STARISH
Composers: Masumi Li and Nanami Haruka
Dance Choreographers: Chie .W. Tanaka and Ryuuga Hyuuga
Hair Stylists: Chi Tsukiyomi and Ringo Tsuyukimiya
Music Video Director: J.J Brooks
Photo shoot Director: J.A Brooks
Wardrobe Stylists: Hitachiin Inc. and J.A Brooks
SPONSERS:
Electronics: DAZZLE, OHM, & X-ZONE
Food: CRIMSON, SPLASH, & S&S
Clothing: Bridal Fantasy, J.A, & S.S.A
"You all can see we have a certain role to act out in this collaboration. I know that a few of you are nervous and at the same time very excited for the New Year to start. New endorsements to look over that is, but we won't rush in too quickly. STARISH is going to conquer a whole new level. Which is why… EKSTASIS is here! Even though they'll be your sempai's, there is a catch to this whole collaboration."
Asami rolled her eyes towards what her uncle had just said. Her only thought was," Your crazy plans always end up with a catch." Everyone was curious about this whole sempai and kouhai routine except for Alexander Takahashi, who was nodding off once in a while.
"Shining Saotome since we're already on the topic of collaboration. I never agreed to sign onto this project, "Said Chi Tsukiyomi, referring to the second page in the booklet.
"Ms. Tsukiyomi, my dear there is no need to worry about that. Your uncle was the one who signed you up for the position."
"My uncle was the person who signed me up?!"
"Yes, yes. Don't worry my dear. I have confidence in your style. All of you have this booklet in hand, don't lose your own copy. The booklets will be very important for the days ahead of us. Events are listed on some pages, while reminders that are very important will be sent to your email. But seeing as this is the first day of school, I can't explain everything in such a short time. I'll send an email later on in the evening. Now remember this, even though each of you are in separate bands, getting along with each other is very important. As time will roll on, there are a few things that we can learn from one another. By the time another year comes around, I hope that STARISH will show another side, personality-wise."
~ EKSTASIS ~ EKSTASIS ~ EKSTASIS ~ EKSTASIS ~
When the meeting came to a close, Asami was the first to leave the office since she didn't want to hang around any longer. If she did her uncle would've tried to ambush her with a "long time no see" hug. Besides she wanted to get a head start in a few of her textbooks. Everyone else decided to head to the cafeteria under Chi's suggestion. Only the teachers were left with Shining Saotome to discuss a few important issues. The large cafeteria was half deserted by the time the group had arrived. Tomochika wasn't in sight since she was at the main academy gym.
"I hope all of you are not to shocked at what occurred back at the office. Akai… I mean Asami-chan… she would want the issue kept under wrap for now." Said Chi, mainly towards Nanami and STARISH.
"I understand. "Smiled Nanami, who sat between Masato and Syo.
"So cute, Nanami-chan someday you and I are going shopping together. You would look totally cute in an animal costume!" Squealed Chi.
Nanami and STARISH were thinking the same thought, "Chi is too hyper." But the members in EKSTASIS were used to Chi.
"… and the best hair accessories that I find best suited for Asami-chan are those little clip on barrettes, dangling charm pins, and animal-themed bobby pins. I think bright colored ribbons would be most suitable for you, Nanami-Chan. "Said Chi, then continued to talk about a dress that would fit Nanami.
"Chi-chan… pardon me for asking out of curiosity, how did you first meet Asami-Chan? "Asked Masato.
"Oh…hmm, well if you must know. It was three years ago, Asami-chan and I both attended the same girls academy overseas. But we were in different classes. I remember the incident well, as if it happened yesterday. I was helping out in the academy kitchen. At that time I was alone when…"
~ EKSTASIS ~ EKSTASIS ~ EKSTASIS ~ EKSTASIS ~
[3 year ago: September 10th, 2009.
Location: United States, RQ Private Academy For Young Ladies; main kitchen
Time: Around 3:00PM]
"Let's see now. The teacher told me that the boxes with the cookies should go on the top of the trolley and the egg tarts should be placed on the bottom."
Chi had placed two squared black boxes on a silver trolley before placing a blue rectangular box on the bottom of the trolley. She made sure that the boxes wouldn't fall off. She grabbed another box, which was full of cookies that were baked by the students in the academy. She had meant to place the box on top of the other two boxes, but the bottom broke unexpectedly. All the bagged cookies scattered across the white linoleum floor.
"Son of a bitch!"
Immediately Chi got down on her hands and knees picking up the cookies. Halfway through her arms were full of sweets, knees aching, aside from the fact that the box had a big tear. The box now useless, Chi still had a lot more to pick up. Standing up she could only groan.
"Out of all the things that could've happened to me…piece of cardboard shit!"
Chi wanted to shake her fist at the ceiling but she wouldn't. As if her day could get any worse. The cookies were placed on a nearby table in a pile since Chi figured that she could get another box later on. Pushing the trolley she quickly headed out of the academy kitchen, through the swinging doors. By the stroke of bad luck, she wasn't expecting it to happen so quickly. The front of the trolley came into contact with an individual passing by. Only that individual happened to be juggling a stack full of library textbooks, copies of worksheets, tin case of pencils, and a bundle of posters. A shriek from the targeted individual, at the same time everything went flying everywhere. Only the egg tarts had practically flown through the air in the chaotic mess. Chi didn't know what to do. The mess, oh dear…scattered everywhere. Chi slapped herself on the forehead. The egg tarts had landed on the individual.
~ EKSTASIS ~ EKSTASIS ~ EKSTASIS ~ EKSTASIS ~
"…In the end I had to help Asami-chan get cleaned up. But the professor who I had been helping… told me that it was better to stay away from the kitchen for a while. I had expected Asami-chan to be angry at me about the whole egg tart incident. Only it turned out quite the opposite, in fact she even joked that I should have given her a slice of bacon to go with the egg tarts. Ha, at that moment I knew we were going to become best friends."
By the end of Chi's story everyone had a good laugh. Even Tokiya emitted a lighthearted chuckle and Masato… well he just slightly smiled. Everything was going well between the two groups as minutes passed on quickly. Soon enough everyone had exchanged cell phone numbers. But between Chi and Nanami, the two exchanged business cards.
"Nanami-chan, even though it's listed on your card that you're a composer/manager of STARISH, I think you might have to list another occupation."
"Another occupation?"
"Modeling, of course."
"Eh?! I don't know… I'm not…"
"Oh come on. You should totally audition for a CF. I'm sure Asami-chan would agree as well."
~ EKSTASIS ~ EKSTASIS ~ EKSTASIS ~ EKSTASIS ~
When it came down to studying, Asami always followed her five simple guidelines, which she had learned over the past few years.
Ask questions if you don't understand what your working on.
Don't study all the time. Relax, 1-3 hours a day is enough.
Study groups can be helpful to those who need it. It's a great bonus for meeting new people and making new friends.
Take a 5-10 minute break between each study period.
Food, it's not only meant to keep you body in check, its meant for your brain too.
Asami followed her last guideline; she left the dorm and headed directly to the school store. She purchased a few dry goods, a package of freshly prepared sushi, and a small carton of white milk. The sushi and milk would have to satisfy her hunger, since she wanted to leave the rest of her evening looking through the booklet. On her way back she decided to take a break, sitting under the white bandstand she started on the milk first. The two plastic white bags, which contained the dry goods, were on the grass beside her.
"Ah…everything at the moment seems so peaceful. Too bad the months ahead are going to be a bit stressful," Thought Asami, taking another sip of her milk.
She set the carton aside, reaching for her sushi. Suddenly she realized that she wasn't alone anymore. A black cat with light green eyes sat on the grass in front of her. Not having any knowledge to where the cat had came from, she held out her right hand, slowly beckoning the animal close to her. All it took was one motion of her hand. The cat was now sitting her lap, slightly purring.
"Good kitty. Hmm… I wonder where you came from. Maybe Saotome-san? No, I don't think so. As I recall, he's fonder of lions. Too bad you can't talk. If you could then I'd know where you came from and to whom you belong too."
The cat was pawing at Asami's package of fresh sushi. Everything that Asami had said to the cat went through one ear and out the other. Asami could only sigh in resignation; giving into the actions of the cat she took a piece of salmon breaking it into little bits upon the lid of her container.
"At least I have some company. Interesting little kitty... you remind me a bit of Chi and her older brother, Ikuto. Those two love sushi, but they never get along with each other. Then again they both have catlike features. Chi can be compared to a feminine domestic cat, while Ikuto can be compared to a playboy alley cat."
Just thinking about the "Tsukiyomi Siblings", Asami smiled. She had last seen Ikuto two years ago at a photo shoot, one that allowed her to grace the cover of a famous fashion magazine. Ikuto did have the habit of appearing out of nowhere unexpected. Whenever Ikuto was around, Chi would become highly protective of Asami, and then the fighting between the siblings would start.
"I wonder where Ikuto is now… Oyy… kitty where are you going? Don't you want some of the milk too?"
Too late, the cat wandered away from Asami, disappearing behind a vast amount of bushes. Right away, Ren appeared with his own booklet in hand. Asami knew the cat couldn't have picked a better moment to wander off somewhere.
"Well, well, well. My sweet rose this is quite a surprise," Ren Chuckled, "I'm reminded of how we first met like this. Only we're not in Rome, Italy and Hijirikawa isn't here with us."
"A flirt as always, Jinguji. Ah… your hair is longer that I remembered… it's great to see you again."
"Sweet rose, I could say the same to you. Your always full of surprises yet your appearance has drastically changed so much."
"So you've noticed. I guess anyone would. Long hair is a style of the past for me. I prefer this haircut for now. But when it's required for modeling I…" Asami paused for a moment, "Jinguji, about what happened back in the principal's office. I hope that you…"
"The whole relationship between Shining Saotome-san and you?" Asked Ren before sitting beside Asami.
"Yes. In the past you've always been curious about the identity of my real guardian. Now you know."
"My sweet rose, I know very well at what you're trying to say. No need to fret, Chi-chan did explain your reasons."
"She did? That's odd… well never mind. I'm just thankful, more likely glad that I've got the issue off my mind," Asami sighed in relief.
"I guess this means I'll have to start addressing you by the title of sempai from now on."
"Oh god, no! I'm already trying to get Toki-toki to stop addressing me with that 'sempai' business. I swear that guy needs to loosen up a bit. For once I'd like to see him smile."
"~Then how about this? Instead of the sempai and kouhai routine, we'll address each other without any suffix's."
Asami tapped her chin for a moment, "Unexpected, but I'll go with the flow on that idea."
"Excellent. ~ I look forward to working with you from now on, Asami."
"The same to you, Ren."
~ EKSTASIS ~ EKSTASIS ~ EKSTASIS ~ EKSTASIS ~
Location: Tokyo Haneda Airport; VIP Lounge
Time: Close to 5:30 PM
"How in the hell are we supposed to figure out the identity of the person that Saotome-san told us to pick up?! There's hardly anybody here."
"~Now calm down Ryuuya-kun. I'm sure the person will arrive shortly. After all~, Saotome-san did explain to us that the person will recognize us."
"Ringo-chan, we both know that Saotome-san is the type to speak in riddles. What he told us back at the office wasn't a lot to tell from."
"~Yes, yes. But we've always had the patience to put up with Saotome-san."
While Ringo and Hyuuga continued chatting, a young male in his late twenties, carrying a black briefcase, entered the VIP lounge. He held an aura of confidence but his ebony eyes gave off vibes of terror. Although his traditionally long silky black hair was tied back in a long red silk ribbon, it matched quite well with his features. His outfit that he wore; an expensively tailored changshan specifically designed for the male gender. The embroidery of a golden dragon contrasted against a black background, an illusion as if the dragon itself was coiling the very being. The presence of the male caught the attention of other people in the lounge, including Ringo and Hyuuga. The male had no problem spotting the two standing by the bar counter.
"Right on time, as I had expected from the principal to send his two finest teachers. I'm fairly impressed so far. I am Yuudai Huang of the Huang Corporation in China. and , I look forward to working with you both."
"~ , I knew you looked familiar. Lovely ~ to finally meet one of our various sponsors for the concerts that we always hold at Saotome Academy."
"Actually, , that is one of the numerous reasons to why I'm here in Japan. Long story short, I'd like to be quickly escorted to the academy, for I have some business to discuss with the principal."
"Of course, right this way. We have a company car at hand, ready to take you to the academy."
"Thank you, ."
~ EKSTASIS ~ EKSTASIS ~ EKSTASIS ~ EKSTASIS ~
Location: S.S.A
Time: 6:00 PM
Haruka Nanami couldn't believe at what she was seeing on the screen of her laptop. No it couldn't be true?! She scanned the email… twice. Nanami read the email once more.
' , in regards abooout the meeting earlier. ~ Your daily composer/manager scheeedule had been chaaanged. I've have assigned a new manager for STARISH. ~ But don't worrry my dear. ~ Business has been discuuused. I assiiign you as the neeew maaanageeer of Akai SIREN. ~ Yeees, a bright neeew path isss already aheeed of you. Haaave a great eveeening!
Sincerrrly, Shining Saotome'