Kyoko absentmindedly twirls the ring on her finger.
"We are almost there Kyoko-san," says Yashiro.
"Right," she replies and takes off the ring.
Yashiro parks the car and Kyoko and Yashiro get out.
"Reminding you once more of the schedule for today," Yashiro says, "Right now is the meeting with the director and then to the airport to receive Shin and then in the evening -" he pauses.
"Ren," says Kyoko with a sigh.
They walk to the meeting room and meet director Hyuga coming in the opposite direction. After pleasantries, they go inside.
"About the script," begins Kyoko.
"Yes. It is very good. A lot of groundbreaking ideas, very bold and modern. And that is what I like. I have a lot of ideas on how to make it work. But, the reason I asked for this second meeting is two-fold. I know LME President Takarada pulled a lot of strings to get the team assembled. The scriptwriter and the main actress. But I'd like to be blunt with you, I am not convinced. Despite LME's considerable clout in the entertainment industry, I cannot work when casting choices and decisions are forced down my throat. I want to bring the "Mirror project" into reality but I don't want to cast you as Elena. "
Two weeks ago, Kyoko's hand had trembled as she held the note. 'He can't. He can't leave again. He promised.' Her mind felt trapped in a maze.
Yashiro who had handed her the note was saying something but Kyoko couldn't hear. Reality itself felt faded and far away to her. She forcibly blinked. 'I can't. I won't faint this time.' she told herself.
"It is only two weeks and he will come back." Yashiro was saying.
Kyoko nodded dumbly. Yashiro put a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"You understand right? He told me that if there was a chance that you will not be able to handle it, then he would simply cancel the whole-."
"No!" said Kyoko forcefully and when she looked at Yashiro, he was shocked to see a brilliant and confident smile on her face.
Kyoko glanced once more at the note, ' I need two weeks to come back as a different person.,' it read. 'It is safer for me to be not seen with you as well. The president has given me an LME mission- to sort through about two hundred English auditions for a course called "Acting in English". Turns out they severely underestimated the demand for such a course. I am not complaining, it is good practice for me. But given everything that is going on, I think it is better I stay away for a while. I know you will understand. Yours always, Ren"
Director Hyuga braces for a full-blown tantrum. He does not like LME or any of the big entertainment agencies. They had too much power in his opinion. He had not wanted to work on this project but his good friend and lover, Producer Ueda had worked with this Shin before and the script was good. But he was damned if he had to accept casting choices from LME. In his experience actors and actresses from that agency were too arrogant and attention-seeking. He is sure Kyoko will act true to form and threaten to pull LME support if she is not cast. Well, that suited him just fine. He didn't want to work with the agency or her.
Yashiro is the first to speak, "What is the reason, if I may be permitted to ask, that you do not wish to cast Kyoko-san?"
Director Hyuga quickly glances at Kyoko and sees her sit up very straight, hands on her lap - a perfect image of poise and control, he inwardly tuts in annoyance.
"The character of Elena in this story is cool and elegant and beautiful. The person sitting in front of me," he says gesturing in Kyoko's direction, " is none of those things. Elena is a fashion supermodel, Kyoko-san can perhaps be a door-to-door saleswoman selling soap at best, she cannot sell anything fashionable."
Neither Kyoko nor Yashiro balk at the rude statement, once again disappointing Director Hyuga.
"Kyoko-san has played fashionable roles in the past Her role of Natsu in Box-R-" Yashiro starts to say.
"Never even heard of it." Director Hyuga returns blandly.
"Yashiro-san. I am sure the Director does not want an example from so long ago." Kyoko says.
Director Hyuga stares at Kyoko. 'Credit where it is due. I have insulted her and completely disregarded her talent and she is still sitting there calmly. Perhaps she is the kind to not show her displeasure. Perhaps she will yet refuse LME's support and walk away.,' he thinks. He braces himself.
"I am thinking," says Kyoko. "Perhaps a more recent example?"
"Recent?" Director Hyuga asks puzzled.