Situated beyond the Juban high level bridge overlooking the ocean was the Princess starlight hotel. It boasted luxury rooms with views of the city lights and around the clock security. It was a hot spot for celebrities and idols. Paparazzi lined the sidewalk at the front of the hotel but Haruka knew the famous slipped in through the back. She drove around to the hidden driveway setting her sunglasses on her head as the cement awning blocked the sun. Her door was opened by a valet and she handed him her keys as she slid out of the car. He handed her a ticket she would use late to retrieve her Astin Martin. 'Be gentle with her.' Haruka teased. The sound of the engine roaring made her smile, she made her way into the hotel. Security stopped her, reviewed her ID and made several calls before she was lead into the main lobby. 'I have an appointment with Minako Aino.' She explained to the desk girl. It was nice being in the Princess Starlight, the staff wasn't excited to see Haruka; they had already seen so many famous people. 'I've rung the room, her assistant will meet you in the lounge.' Haruka nodded and made her way into the bar.

Anticipation wasn't something Haruka was used to, no one typically dared to keep her waiting; anyone in Haruka's life knew she would sooner leave than wait but Minako was special. After five minutes she'd ordered a drink, she was on her second now as Ami made her way into the lounge. 'Sorry Haruka, she was on a conference call.' Ami had been Minako's assistant since her career had started, Haruka knew her well. They exchanged a quick hug before Ami lead Haruka to the elevators.

'How've you been?' Ami asked pressing the button to the tenth floor.

'Just fine.' Haruka smiled. She followed Ami from the elevator to the locked room of Minako, Ami pulled a key card from her pocket and let Haruka in. Haruka wasn't sure it was possible but Minako seemed lovelier now than she had been three years earlier. Dressed in a tight orange dress, her long hair pulled back with a red bow. Her manager was sitting at a table, two security men flanked each side of the room and her manager's assistant was balancing papers demanding Minako's signature. Haruka cleared her throat and Minako stiffened. 'Leave.' She demanded. Each member of her entourage disappeared through a different exit. Haruka smiled.

'Such power.' She teased.

'It comes with success.' Minako said flatly. 'They'd jump from the window for my amusement if I requested.'

'Is that what I'm here for?' Haruka asked tossing her jacket on the chair vacated by Minako's manager. 'Your amusement?'

'Oh Haruka, don't be cruel.'

'Apologies Mina love, you called out of the blue. I'm curious.'

'Where did Eugeal go?' Minako asked making her way to the corner of her room, a small bar and fridge were stocked. She poured herself a drink and grabbed a bottle of water for Haruka.

'She moved to Australia.' Haruka said taking the bottle from Minako. She placed it on the table and closed the space between them wrapping her arms around Minako. 'I'm here for small talk?'

'I missed you.' Minako said finally meeting Haruka's gaze.

'Mmm. I doubt that.' Haruka said. 'How's Yaten?'

'Boring.'

'I saw you two were a couple. It's all over the magazines.'

'You don't read those.' Minako protested.

'Maybe I do.' Haruka laughed. 'Are they wrong?'

'No, Yaten and I are engaged.' Minako held out her hand, a large square diamond engagement ring anchored her finger.

'Eh!' Haruka mocked grabbing Minako's hand.

'I know.' Minako laughed. 'He asked me months ago but I kept refusing. Finally I said yes. But.' Minako paused.

'But you missed me.' Haruka sat, she took the lid off of her water and downed a draft.

'Don't make it sound like that Haruka!' Minako sighed padding across the room to the large window, she pulled the curtains open and gazed out. Haruka got comfortable. The silence became thick, Minako shrugged, turned to face Haruka and sighed heavy. 'I need a favor.' She said.

'From me?' Haruka mused.

Minako paced around the room. 'I'm going on tour in the fall, it's a great opportunity for me but there's an issue with the headlining artist.'

'What does that have to do with me?'

'The tour is held up because no one wants to work with this artist, she's pent up, angry and difficult.'

'You want me to sleep with her?' Haruka laughed.

'I'm serious Haruka, no one will accompany her.'

'And?'

'And you're the best pianist I know.' Minako's voice became small as she said these words. Haruka blushed, few people knew her musical talents.

'I can't.' Haruka said flatly. 'You'd have gotten further if you wanted me to sleep with her.'

'Come on Haruka, please. I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important.'

'I can't.' she said again.

'Can't or won't?' Minako challenged.

'Both.' Haruka ran her hand through her hair. 'I race cars Mina, I ride bikes and get dirty. I don't dress up and play music.'

'But you do.' Minako challenged. 'Better than anyone I've heard.'

Haruka frowned, she knew Minako well enough to know this was serious. Minako didn't like to seem weak. 'Ask Yaten, he plays.'

'I can't, he's part of the tour.'

'Then you'll have to cancel Mina, I can't help you.' Haruka sighed. Tears formed in Minako's eyes and escaped down her cheek. Haruka's heart dropped.

'I can't cancel Haruka, I can't. I need this.' Slowly through sobs Minako explained her situation. 'A year ago I got a call from an ex, a girl I dated just after you she was mostly just a fling. It was fun, experimental and totally hushed. I didn't know that she'd filmed anything.' Minako pulled a tissue from the box next to the sofa and dabbed her eyes. 'She called just after the premiere of my movie, wanted to catch up, but I had already started seeing Yaten publicly so I had Ami get rid of her. That's when the threats started, she was staling me, she wanted money and would release the tapes if I didn't obey.' Minako took a deep breath and continued. 'At first it was a few thousand, then it was more. I had the police looking for her, a private investigator but no one could find her. Then it stopped, just like that.' Minako snapped her fingers. 'I felt free, Yaten was really supportive, he knew about my past understood that I was with him, loved him. But he wanted it kept quiet too, it didn't look good for his career to have a girlfriend with such a past. She tried calling me again two months ago, Ami blocked her calls and when she couldn't get through she released the tapes, pictures and private phone calls. Everything flooded the internet. My security has managed to keep it pretty quiet but it's there and people know. Since then I've been black listed.'

'I'm so sorry Mina.'

'Before the release I had three movies deals on my agenda but I've been pulled from all of them. I was supposed to work with an American producer on a new album but he's decided to go with another artist. The only people still willing to honor my contract is this tour, which won't happen if no pianist is found.

Haruka sighed. 'Who is the artist?'

'Her name is Michiru Kaioh.'

'The violinist?'

'Yes, she's written a concert.' Minako explained. 'She's asked for myself and the three lights to do the singing while she and the pianist provide the music.'

'I've heard her, she's amazing.'

'And a perfectionist, no one is good enough to play with her.'

'Even if I could Mina, what makes you think she's agree?'

'I don't know.' Minako tossed her hands in the air. 'You're brilliant, you're charming? You'd woo her Haruka, I know you. And you're an amazing pianist.' Haruka made a face.

'Look, I can't do it. But maybe I can help you find someone else.'

'Thank you.' Minako frowned.

'Are you going to the Ocean club on Friday?'

'Of course.'

'Isn't Yurrichio Animiko going to be there?' Minako shrugged. 'Isn't he a world famous pianist?'

'He is Haruka, but he already declined.

'Ah, but he owes me a favor.' Haruka smiled.