Her back pocket began to vibrate and she fished it out in a fury to save face. "Yes? Haruka? Ah, what time? Well," She glanced the clock that hung above his stove, "Let's say in two hours, does that work? Hai, I'll see you then." The line disconnected and it was back to reality. This type of situation required the utmost care and she rationalized there were a few ways this could play this out;
(1.) Blame the drugs
(2.)Tell him he must have imagined it
And, arguably the worst option; tell the truth.
Mirai cleared her throat forcibly and offered a meek, toothless smile.
"Alright," A pregnant pause passed, "You were right, we shouldn't see each other anymore. I'll leave." With that she lifted her coffee mug and downed the cooled liquid in one go. The young guitarist hopped down from the stool as an empty feeling weighed her down. Mirai was never one to turn tail and run but after weighing the options, she could see no other way.
He regarded her with narrowed eyes, he had yet to see this defeatist side of her. "Don't be stupid. There are people outside that will recognize you. Instead of causing me more trouble just stay for a bit. They usually leave around lunch anyway." Her hand was already gripping the doorknob when she stiffened at his response.
"Tch, I was messing with you. Don't you know what a joke is?" Ranmaru shook his head at her capriciousness.
'Is this how I die God?' If there was one thing she prided herself in, it was being honest and owning up to her mistakes. She wasn't going to let him stop her now.
"We need to talk about your management. How is that you are nearly killed every other weekend? Why hasn't your President done anything-" Ranmaru heard her mutter under her breath and impatiently told her to speak up.
"You weren't kidding, I remember everything from last night."
He inhaled deeply through his nose, 'This girl is going to be the death of me'.
"Come, sit." She looked anywhere to avoid his gaze, "I realize that I've caused you a lot of problems. I'm sorry." Her voice was quiet, bordering a whisper, and he exhaled sharply.
"Sure. You are by no means my responsibility Mirai. Don't ask me why but I feel compelled to … help you," He cast his gaze to the ceiling wondering if he should end it here or risk sounding stupid by continuing, "Ever since I met you, I've sensed something … dark following you." To prevent from further sounding like a lunatic, he took a long drink from his mug.
This was the longest she had heard him speak. She leaned against the opposing wall and ruminated over his words.
Her body began to tremble and felt her energy dwindle. She slid down until she sat on the floor hugging her knees close.
No matter what came to pass, she could weather it. That was her belief. Now everything had stacked up one after the other threatening to crush her spirit; the repeated premediated attacks, their unspoken feelings towards each other, but above it all hung a crippling isolation. There was no one to turn to, no one to confide in. She couldn't possibly burden Haruka and Itokki with her problems, especially when their friendship was barely in bloom.
Her parents had died from a car accident years ago, leaving her to fend for herself at the age of fifteen since she had no other living relatives.
Abe-san? The thought of him with Mayu lounging on a sunny beach brought her some solace but it was image she wished to preserve not destroy.
They was no energy left to cry. Mirai could only keep herself together by maintaining her crouched position.
Ranmaru looked on vexed at the situation.
There are many times when an artist is tested by the absurdities of life. Most turn to drugs to numb the drilling sensation of living a public persona. Some adopt a reclusive lifestyle, obsessing over safeguarding their privacy. Sex, parties, money, the list of coping mechanisms goes on and on.
Fame takes a heavy toll. Many idols come and go with time. While most fade into obscurity or are ripped to shreds over scandals, a select few can become cornerstones in the industry. Very few, like Shining, are able to rest comfortably on their laurels and invest in the future.
Mirai is too talented to fall off the map, anyone could see that.
Ranmaru knew that her career was reaching a turning point; it can either take a nosedive or continue to rise higher and higher. With the release of a new album or EP, she could go on tour to solidify her space as a powerhouse in the music industry. Demand would only increase from there.
If she tanked her career now, he would never forgive himself for turning his back on her. It would hurt, and the regret would haunt him for the rest of his life. The realization that had slowly been coming together piece by piece finally clicked. He wanted to capture that sound again; a sound produced by the two of them, together.
Ranmaru gathered his thoughts and took on his mentor persona. Now was not the time to be sentimental, what Mirai needed was a wakeup call.
"Enough, get up. Forget about last night. You were drugged."
He continued in a stern voice, "People like you always have it easy. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. It's making me sick."
His bitter tone made her tremble in rage. The Ranmaru she was warned about finally made himself known. Like the piercing sound of a guitar, the callous words cut deep. "People like me, huh," She drew herself up and regarded him with a thunderous expression. The hurt was clear on her face but she masked it well with her words. "You are the worst Kurosaki. I never asked you for help." Her voice pitched in anger.
With that she took off and slammed the door behind her.
The sound reverberated. Ranmaru sank into the couch. He butted the back of his head against the wall in frustration.
Mirai sat in the lobby lost and trapped. On the other side of the revolving doors was the parking lot which served as an open range for paparazzi to photograph her career into ruin. She had a little over an hour left until her meet up with Haruka.
With her head hung in despair, she failed to notice the man standing before her. "Caught in a bind, hm?" She looked up to see a bespectacled Reiji grinning down at her. He held out a fluffy black coat, sunglasses, and a long curly blonde wig. "Care for an escort, Katya Bulanova?" His grin never left his attractive face as he bowed.
Mirai made sure to thank the higher power before donning on the disguise.
They walked out, her arm fixed in the crook of his elbow, as the photographers descended on them like vultures over carrion.
Reiji helped her into the passenger seat amidst the badgering. Before taking off he gave a lazy wave and revved the car, effectively dispersing the crowd.
A moment of silence passed between them before she expressed her gratitude. He waved a hand dismissively, "Please, think nothing of it." Silence settled between the two again. Despite coming off as dimwitted, Mirai was surprised at his maturity. He made it seem her being there was the most natural thing. The way he carried himself, loose but in control, expressed to her that Reiji had no desire to know why she was at their apartment building. Stylists that she worked with dubbed him the 'Perfect Gentleman' and now she understood why.
"I'm heading to pick up Otoya-kun, is it alright if I drop you off there?" His soft voice stopped her train of thought. Mirai nodded, thankful their plans lined up perfectly.
The silence was comforting. Outside the window the passing buildings towered above them, blurring into the other.
Reflecting on the past twenty-four hours left a sour taste in her mouth. She lamented over how foolish she'd been. In thinking that Ranmaru was different than what was said of him was nothing short of being naïve. The fantasy had run its course. All she had to do now was steel her heart on the off chance they would see each other again.
It was time to redirect her energy back to music; the one constant and predictable thing in her life.
The sleek black car came to a slow stop in front of the company building. Mirai thanked Reiji once again before handing him back the disguise. The seasoned idol gave a two-finger salute before turning into the underground parking lot.
After shooting a quick text to Haruka, the young composer emerged from the lobby wearing a pink peacoat that complimented her pale skin perfectly. The two young women greeted each other with a lingering hug and set off with no particular destination in mind.
In truth Mirai was drained, physically and emotionally, by the events that transpired earlier and the night before. Again, another thing she prided herself in was not being a flake. The distress in her voice from their call didn't sit right with her. Plus, above all, she just missed her adorable friend.
After strolling around and catching up, they came across an outdoor coffee stand. Cocky businessmen, couples and friends chatted in the inviting outdoor seating area. Mirai bought them both cappuccinos and the two settled into a vacant shaded table. They took in the scene with faint smiles. Their silence was golden before Haruka gave a troubled sigh.
The poor girl stammered through her explanation as to why she called earlier. When Mirai burst with laughter, Haruka hid her blushing face.
"That's rich. Poor thing, those men don't deserve you." Mirai's lightness helped Haruka get over her embarrassment and soon she was giggling along as well.
The guitarist leaned back into her chair and clenched her jaw, wondering if she should tell Haruka what's been troubling her. Said girl tilted her head at her giving an inquisitive look. Throwing caution into the wind Mirai went for it, "Y'know Haru-chan, I think someone has it out for me." She blinked back at her with a blank expression.
Mirai held her hand parallel to the ground and slid it across her throat.
Haruka's eyes grew wide as saucers and she scooted her chair to her side urging her to go on. After she explained the dangerous encounters she experienced and the involvement of her unlikely savior, Haruka sat back in her seat, quiet in deep thought.
A growing sense of dread began to fill Haruka. What Mirai had just described was beyond both of them. Paranoia took root in the pit of her stomach, she suddenly became wary of their surroundings. Her eyes darted every which way.
A happy couple taking selfies. Two finely dressed businessmen conversing over tiny cups of espresso. A figure hidden behind a newspaper with no visible drink. He peeked from behind at them.
Haruka bolted upright out of her chair. Cold sweat made her hands tremble. Mirai saw the distress on her face and came to her side. The shorter of the two grabbed her arm and took off briskly. "The man reading the newspaper, he was looking at us." Haruka's voice was low.
Mirai's face looked stonily ahead, she then abruptly stopped at the street corner and hailed a passing taxi car. She helped Haruka in first and slid in after. The driver inquired for a destination but Mirai gave no answer. Shock was beginning to set in. "Take us to Shining's studio please!" Haruka's answered decisively with conviction. She took Mirai's hand in a tight squeeze and gave an assuring nod.
Security guards were already outside waiting to receive them as they arrived at the recording studio. The two beefy men ushered them inside and walked them to the elevator. Mirai watched as Haruka's finger pressed a combination of numbers before a soft 'ding' was heard. "We're safe now," Haruka's looked at her determinedly. Mirai wanted to marry her right then and there.
The elevator door shuttered open and they waited inside the mirrored lift.
Rage began to boil in Mirai. "What the fuck!" She slammed her fist against the wall frightening poor Haruka.
She apologized after a series of deep breaths. "I'm sorry Haru-chan, I'm just thinking if anything were to happen to you I-" The composer wrapped her arms around her causing her to stop midsentence. "It's okay, don't worry. We're friends Mi-chan, plus, I have a plan." Mirai hugged her back tightly gritting her teeth to will any tears away.
The doors slid open and Haruka guided her to the private studio STARISH used. All of the members gathered in the lounge conversing when, like a snubbed candle, they quieted as the two young women entered.
"Everyone, this is Mirai, she'll be staying with us from now on. So please-," Haruka's conviction wavered but she pressed on despite her creeping blush, "-please look after her!" Her head lowered. Mirai stared dumbfounded but mirrored her bow all whilst biting down hard on her lip.
What in the world was becoming of her life?