Broken Fragments
Chapter 42: Interests and Business
The couple headed back to the MEC building to meet up with their respective managers. There, Yuuhi and Hiroto found out that they were both attending the same meeting. Without waiting any longer, the idols and their managers made their way to the meeting room.
The room wasn't too big or too small. It had an oval glass table in the center, a podium in the front for a presenter, if needed, and a projector and screen. The floor was carpeted, and heavy curtains blocked any light from coming in through the window.
The party seated and made themselves comfortable while silence also sat with them. They didn't really know what to talk about, and the idols' managers were busy checking their idols' schedules on their tablets.
At exactly five o'clock, the winter night sky appeared as the sun came down. The other party, which consisted of Kumoi-san and two other foreigners, came in right on time. The idols and managers stood up to greet them, also beginning their meeting.
"I'm Genevieve Laurent, it's nice to meet you, Ms. Tsubasa," the lady introduced herself as she asked for a handshake.
Yuuhi knew the lady she just shook hands with because after all, Laurent was a name that everyone associated with fashion. The idol just couldn't believe that she would meet the fashion empress in person.
Genevieve Laurent, a French fashion designer, is one of the most famous fashion designers in the industry. She started her career when she was a college student and after a fashion show in her university showcased her designs, her career just skyrocketed and stayed on top. The sophisticated fashionista has also designed many gowns and dresses for most of the A-list celebrities. Laurent has launched clothing lines not just for the rich, but also for the middle class, which is one of the reasons why she's also well-known.
Yuuhi, still astonished, kept her composure for she is a professional.
After Yuuhi and Genevieve shook hands, the other foreigner introduced himself to Hiroto.
"Good evening, Mr. Kazama. I'm Christopher Ray," the man shook Hiroto's hand.
Hiroto also knew Christopher Ray, who's an American TV series director that's slowly gaining more popularity from the show he's currently directing. The series director is actually still young, but his behavior, according to the people he has worked with, is very mature and professional. He has directed short films that have been featured during movie recognition events, even winning some awards for them. These films and series he worked on is also helping his career and making the top.
Hiroto was excited to meet the man, but of course, he remained stern and professional.
Christopher and Hiroto began their discussion after the managers also introduced themselves.
"Mr. Kazama, I'm here to personally ask you to take part in the new short film that I'm going to start working on in a few weeks. The reason as to why I wanted to come here myself is because I know that you've just began your career again as an artist after leaving the industry to travel the world. I'm aware of the reason why you left, but I will not mention it for I know how you felt during the time," Christopher spoke.
Hiroto kept a serious look on his face, listening to the director's statements. He was relieved that Christopher was considerate enough not to mention the reason why Hiroto stopped his career. Hiroto didn't want to open any wounds, especially in front of the person he was now trying to move on with.
"Since you've just returned, I also know that you probably won't be agreeing to any movie projects soon to focus on your singing career. That is why I'm here," the director paused as he took out a paper from his satchel.
"I was very moved by your performance in the last film you were in that I waited patiently for you to come back in the industry so that I could start on this short film," Christopher pushed the paper towards Hiroto to reveal the flyer for the movie, Distant Hearts.
Distant Hearts was about four childhood friends who fell in love with the wrong people. When they realized their mistakes, it was already too late for them to fix it. The movie, which showed four years ago, had the top four idols of Japan, Hiroto, Seiji, Fubuki, and the late Kirari, as the lead actors. The movie became a hit in Japan and overseas, which also caught Christopher Ray's attention.
Hiroto stared at the flyer, memories flowing in his head. He could feel pangs of pain in his heart. He could feel his eyes tearing up, but before he could continue to think about the past, the director got up from his seat and bowed like a Japanese native.
"That's why I'm begging you with all my heart to please become a part of the short film I wrote and will direct!"
Everyone in the room was surprised of the action that Christopher had taken. They could all feel his feelings of sincerity, especially Hiroto, the direct recipient of Christopher's sincere demand.
The room was silent as they waited for Hiroto's reply. The male idol didn't think about the past, but thought about his future, even including Yuuhi in them. After a few moments of silence, Hiroto put on a more serious face and gave his reply.
"Then, I'm looking forward to working with you, sir," Hiroto also bowed, relieving the director's mind.
The room clapped for their settled business and excitement for what they'll be working on. Hiroto and Chairman Muranishi were given packets with all the information regarding the short movie. After it was settled and some papers were signed, the group transitioned to Yuuhi and Genevieve's business.
"I have not released the news to the press yet, but I'm launching my first annual New Year's fashion show on New Year's Day. In this fashion show, I'm gathering the top models and celebrities from around the world to represent their country's traditional fashion. Of course, these dresses have been modified to look modern," Genevieve explained with a hint of excitement in her voice.
"And so, I've chosen you, Ms. Yuuhi Tsubasa, to represent Japan and its lovely kimonos," she friendly smiled.
Yuuhi was confused as to why Genevieve chose her. The idol admitted to herself that she was lacking, especially if compared to the other female idols. After all, Fubuki was currently the top female idol, and Akane Minami was the top model.
"Why me?" Yuuhi asked, feeling a little horrible for doubting the fashion empress' decision.
"I've observed you ever since you debuted. Your mysterious and seductive aura makes you the best person to represent the kimono, which has the same feel of elegance as you, Ms. 'Fallen Angel.'," the empress called Yuuhi by what she had been nicknamed on her debut.
Yuuhi was still called the 'Fallen Angel' by her fans and other celebrity coworkers, but she would change her image from time to time. The changes weren't drastic enough to make her fans go crazy or upset, but it was enough to keep her popularity from going down for staying with a dark yet seductive and mysterious image. After her semi-hiatus, Yuuhi was slowly promoting more of her ballads, too.
"I'm really flattered, Ms. Genevieve," Yuuhi spoke in English, glad that she worked hard during her training before becoming an idol.
"Are you sure about me, though? There's Fubuki Todou and Akane Minami. Those two are more experienced than me and they're more beau—"
"Are you doubting my choices?" the empress' kind smile became a deadly weapon, her eyes also showing a hint of sharpness.
"No, ma'am!" Yuuhi's face turned red, surprising everyone in the room, especially Hiroto.
Hiroto had never seen Yuuhi look so nervous in front of any employer, not even Takada Pinau during their discussion about the movie that Yuuhi starred in. Yuuhi's colleagues and employers knew her for her great composure and professional impression, and Hiroto had always experienced the auburn-haired idol's coldness. However, in frot of the one and only Genevieve Laurent, Yuuhi seemed like a lost child.
The male idol tried his best to keep his laugh inside, but ended up letting out a small giggle, only to get a glare from Yuuhi.
"I'll take your offer!" the 'Fallen Angel' blurted out, her face still flushed.
"I'm really glad," Genevieve's kind smile returned.
Yuuhi quietly let out a sigh of relief then returned to paying attention to the fashion designer.
"I've already collected your sizes from your costume designer, so everything is actually already settled. My assistant will give you and your manager your plane tickets before I leave tonight," the fashionista said, looking down on her phone to message her assistant.
"Umm, exactly where is the show going to be?" Yuuhi asked, still a little nervous.
"It will be in New York City. I scheduled your flight for after Christmas so you can arrive in the States a few days before the show," Genevieve continued typing.
"No!"
Yuuhi turned her head to find Hiroto standing up after banging his hands on the glass table. His expression showed anger and disapproval, upsetting and worrying Yuuhi.
"Hiroto-kun! You have no say in their business!" Chairman Muranishi, Hiroto's manager, scolded him.
"I don't care! She's not taking this offer!"
"Hiroto! You're being immature!" Kumoi-san also yelled.
Yuuhi wanted to say something, but she knew that it could give out their secret relationship. Hiroto was already making it strange to disapprove of Yuuhi's business, so she'd only be adding fuel to the fire if she were to argue with the male idol.
"You're not her manager anymore, Hiroto. Let us handle this," Subaru calmly tried to stop Hiroto from creating anymore trouble.
"No! She's not taking this! Just ask Fubuki or Akane to do it!" Hiroto yelled at the calm Genevieve who still looked at her phone.
She kept typing, scaring everyone in the room. Genevieve was too calm for a fashion royalty who was getting yelled at by an idol.
"I already knew this was going to happen," after she hit the 'send' button, she placed her phone down and looked at Hiroto with sharp eyes and a grin that showed her true power.
"Why do you think we combined our meetings today?" the empress smirked, also exchanging a glance with Christopher.
Taken aback, a drop of sweat rolled down from Hiroto's forehead. They were all surprised and terrified of what the empress had stated.
"You and Ms. Yuuhi are in a secret relationship, am I right?"
The whole room was shocked except for Christopher Ray. Yuuhi began to tremble in nervousness, also feeling threatened. Kumoi-san's demeanor was still cold, but it was obvious that she too was shocked. Chairman Muranishi and Subaru exchanged glances as if they were sending a secret message to each other. They were as terrified as the couple because, after all, they would be the ones to deal with paparazzi after the news of their idols' relationship leaks.
"Don't worry, I'm good at keeping secrets." Genevieve flung her black hair with a smile, enjoying the terrified looks of the idols.
"R-really?" nervously, Chairman Muranishi smiled.
"Yeah," she replied.
Everyone let out sighs of relief, making the situation even more entertaining to the fashion empress. She had the upper hand, after all.
"That's if Yuuhi comes to New York."
Hiroto's face turned pale again, hearing about the exchange for keeping their relationship a secret.
"But—" he roared, banging his hand on the table again.
"Won't you be going to America, too? Am I right, Mr. Ray?" Genevieve turned to the director, who was still calm about the whole situation.
"Yeah, though we're filming in California," he replied.
"See?" she smiled at the director, revealing that the two had actually already planned everything so that the two idols would have to take their offers with no way to refuse.
"We'll just be across the country, Hiroto," Yuuhi nervously smiled with hopes that her boyfriend would eventually agree.
Yuuhi still would've gone without his permission, but she didn't want to argue with Hiroto until it was time for her to leave.
Clenching his fist and closing his eyes, Hiroto thought and sat back down.
"Fine," Hiroto finally gave in, also remembering that Yuuhi's determination would always beat him.
"Perfect!" the empress stood up and raised her arms up in celebration.
Everything was settled as soon as Yuuhi signed papers for Genevieve. Before the two foreigners also left, their assistants came and gave the plane tickets to the idols and their managers.
The stars already covered the winter night sky after the meeting ended with everyone exhausted over the tensions. They all separated ways after spending a little more time to discuss what was bound to happen.
The celebrity couple made their way to Hiroto's condo in silence, feeling as if they'd just had an argument without even actually arguing.
The radio played slow and tranquil jazz songs as if they were trying to keep the couple from roaring at each other. Hiroto drove smoothly just like how the road was clear of traffic.
Before Hiroto reached the house, he felt a surge of thirst and craving for smoothies. After all, he had just argued with one of the most influential fashion designers in the world. The only way to calm himself down would be to drink something he was craving.
"Yuuhi, let's stop by and get—" Hiroto smiled, turning to his side to find a surprise.
There, he found Yuuhi peacefully sound asleep, her head on the car's window.
Not wanting to disturb her, Hiroto just kept driving with a smile until he reached his house.
Author's note:
Hey, readers! I'm so sorry for the super long hiatus! I was busy with school and also getting ready to move back to the States. I'm really sorry it took awhile for this story to update, but I will try my best to keep updating during the summer when I have time. I hope you guys like the new chapter and also look forward to the next ones. Don't forget to review! Thank you! :3