A/N: This story hasn't updated in a long time, huh? Other projects dominated all my time, and not until recently that I've had free time to get back to this. But rest assured, my full focus is back on this tale! So look forward to more chapters in the near future. Enjoy, my readers!
Even with how long Kiria Kurono has been performing, it still felt like she had a lot to learn. It was only recently that Kiria began to do performances that didn't match the "cool" image that most fans had of her. The first such job was being the M.C. of "Absolutely Cute". The upcoming performance was of a similar nature, as a guest on "Microwavin Mamorin" with Tsubasa.
So upon first arriving at Fortuna Entertainment, Kiria watched some reruns of the show, to get a grasp of the tone. One episode had none other than Yashiro as a guest, and Kiria couldn't help but be impressed by how flawlessly he pulled off a character so different from his usual personality.
Mamori entered the agency, and noticed Kiria watching her show. "Good morning. It's a little surreal, seeing you watch Microwavin Mamorin."
"I am going to be part of your show soon, so I want to treat it with proper respect," Kiria said. "And that begins with making sure I won't disrupt it with my performance."
"Still, this isn't going to be like most episodes. You and Tsubasa are going to be there!" Mamori said cheerfully. "I know Itsuki told us there'd be a script from Maiko, but I came up with a few ideas of my own."
"I'm certainly open to hearing them," Kiria said, focusing her attention on the younger girl.
"Since this show is where you and Tsubasa are going to talk about being a couple, maybe you could do something romantic like make food together," Mamori said, her cheeks red. "I know frozen meals aren't the best for that, but I could convince my producer to let you both work with real food."
"You already had an idea that integrated the nature of your show with our request," Kiria said, impressed. Which made Kiria feel bad about what she was going to say. "Unfortunately, I don't think that can be done."
"Was that asking for too much?" Mamori asked, disheartened.
"It's not your fault. The thing is…" Now Kiria's cheeks turned red, from embarrassment. "Tsubasa and I haven't made food for each other before."
"That really surprises me. I guess I assumed that since you're both adults, you already knew how to cook," Mamori said, her eyes wide.
"I know how to cook for myself. But cooking for Tsubasa is a different matter," Kiria admitted. "We've only been dating for a few months, so we're still trying to figure out boundaries. If I ever cooked for Tsubasa, I would want to make sure it's something she likes."
Mamori couldn't help but be swept up by the romance of Kiria's words. Wanting to hear more, Mamori said, "The script hasn't arrived yet, so we have some time to spare. If it isn't too much trouble, could you tell me when you developed feelings for Tsubasa?"
As Kira considered that question, she realized that there wasn't a simple answer. There didn't seem to be any harm in telling it to Mamori. In fact, speaking it out loud might help Kiria get her feelings in order. The events of yesterday had been a whirlwind.
"It doesn't feel like it's been that long since Tsubasa joined Fortuna Entertainment. I decided to keep an eye on her, because she is Ayaha's younger sister. Yet, it didn't take long for Tsubasa to surprise me, when she personally took it upon herself to save Ayaha."
At the time, Kiria had described Tsubasa as "a child that did not know how to use her voice". When faced with the idea that she would need to fight Ayaha, Tsubasa found her voice, and used it to break Ayaha from Mirage control.
"The longer I spent time with Tsubasa, the more she surprised me. Looking from the outside, she was a strange girl that talked to stray cats in the street." Kiria smiled to herself, recalling that memory. "But as an idol, what I saw in Tsubasa is a passion for being an idol that I had not seen in many years."
"I think I can understand that as an entertainer. I've watched the duets that you and Tsubasa perform together," Mamori said. "And both of you look like you're having so much fun."
"That actually relates to your original question. Because I've performed alongside many artists before. There are those such as Yashiro that challenge me as an artist," Kiria continued. "Performing with Tsubasa felt different. Even as I taught her, she drew out parts of me I was previously unaware of. I would always feel my heart racing after we got off stage. But being an idol is physically demanding, so I never thought any harder about it."
"What happened next?" Mamori asked breathlessly, all her attention squarely focused on the older woman.
Kiria considered the answer to that question, and realized it would need a bit of lead up. "You may remember the makeup commercial we filmed. It was a new type of music that Tsubasa hadn't performed before, and I was curious how she would fare when pushed out of her comfort zone."
"The music video for that commercial was really good! I liked the black and white motif," Mamori said. She looked down at her own clothes. "Later, I should ask you what color scheme would look good in a kimono! I want to be more fashionable."
Kiria would certainly be open to giving fashion tips to the younger girl later, but for now she would finish her story. "After the success of the commercial, I asked Tsubasa if she wanted to return to the 'cool and cute' aesthetic for our next collaboration. Tsubasa's answer was that she wanted to keep challenging herself by performing new genres."
Within that memory was the answer to Mamori's question. Kiria could understand it better, saying it out loud. "Seeing Tsubasa's desire to improve herself, I felt an urge to push myself as well, to be able to challenge her on even keel. At the same time, I wanted to keep performing alongside her, no matter what genre or style. It was a strong feeling that I didn't have a name for. And shortly after the wrap party for the makeup commercial…"
We combined our styles when we performed "Give Me!". We pushed our boundaries with a new style when we performed "She is…" So what are we going to do next?
Those thoughts swirled in Kiria's head as she walked with Tsubasa towards the train station from Fortuna. Once they arrived at the station, they would get on different lines, so this would be the last time they would spend time together today.
"I've been doing a lot of pop music so far in my career. Doing that commercial with you is the first time I've done something with a more mature feel," Tsubasa said. "I kind of want to continue with that trend."
"You did cover Reincarnation. So from my perspective, that's the first time that you performed a song with a more mature tone," Kiria pointed out.
"That's not quite what I meant, but I guess I didn't explain myself that well," Tsubasa said sheepishly. "When I covered Reincarnation, I was doing my best to copy you, Kiria. But 'She Is..' feels like the first time I performed with you as my own idol. That's why I want to keep trying new things- the next time we collaborate, I want to be able to have a unique voice to contribute."
Once again, Kiria felt her heart begin to race. What is this feeling? It's more than being impressed with Tsubasa's growth as an idol. It feels deeper than that.
"But as I said back at Fortuna, don't expect me to be complacent," Kiria said, trying to calm down her emotions. "Now that I'm growing my style, I will integrate it into what I can already do."
"I'm looking forward to that, Kiria! Maybe you'll come up with a new song that will help people like Reincarnation helped me!" Shortly after saying this, Tsubasa became flustered. "Torget I said fhat! It was nothing important!"
"Tsubasa." Kiria ducked into an alley away from prying eyes, and Tsubasa followed her. When it seemed no one else was around, Kiria continued. "That song means a lot to me as well- Reincarnation is what truly launched my career. So I would like to hear why you love that song too."
For the first time since they began their trip to the train station, Tsubasa stopped smiling. "You already know that Ayaha vanished when I was little, during the mass disappearance. That was already bad enough, but there was absolutely no one I could talk about it with besides Itsuki. They all told me that what I saw and felt that day was all in my mind."
"That must have felt so lonely for you." Kiria wasn't sure what else to say, and it made her feel a bit guilty. She had received training to wield her potential as a Mirage Master, with guidance by Maiko and Touma. Tsubasa didn't have that when she was younger.
"Then one day, I heard your voice on the radio. It sounded so beautiful, I had to listen. That's when I heard Reincarnation for the first time. Somehow, the lyrics perfectly fit what I was feeling." Tsubasa's expression held a deep sadness, yet it had a trace of fondness as well. "I ended up downloading that song and listening to it on repeat for an entire day."
Now Tsubasa smiled at Kiria. "With your song, I began working through my feelings. Itsuki told me it was the first time I showed interest in anything since Ayaha vanished, and I was happy to share the song with him. I ended up looking up more of your songs, and then recordings of your live performances. I couldn't imagine that one day, I'd be on the same stage as you. So that's why… that's why I want to develop my own style! I want to become to other people what you are to me!"
Even as someone that had watched Tsubasa's rise as an idol in real time, Kiria did not expect how brightly that Tsubasa was shining right now. Yet, if Tsubasa truly saw Kiria like this… "As I said before, I'm not finished growing as an idol. Our careers will continue to reach new heights, as individual artists and as a duo unit. Reincarnation means a lot to me, and I am glad the song is special to you too. Which is why I want to encourage you to surpass that song, and I will strive to do the same thing. I know that we can make music that can reach as many people as possible."
"You want us to surpass Reincarnation…" Tsubasa's eyes began to sparkle. "I'm probably a long way off from being that good of an idol, but it won't stop me from trying! And I want to be by your side for every step of it, Kiria!"
"I feel the same way, Tsubasa." It was only after saying it out loud that Kiria realized exactly what she was saying. She had been a solo idol for most of her career. Yet in the short amount of time she's known Tsubasa, the younger girl had already become someone that Kiria couldn't imagine performing without.
Kiria's life was taking unknown paths recently, with her change in performing style and adjusting to no longer having Tharja. But whatever direction that Kiria's life took, she wanted Tsubasa there with her.
This was more than being fellow idols. Kiria's bond with Tsubasa was changing, and it felt intimidating… but Kiria wanted to see how it would change, and embrace it.
"That's so romantic!" Mamori bowed respectfully to Kiria. "Thank you for answering my questions, Kiria!"
Talking about her feelings wasn't the easiest for Kiria, and her cheeks were red from divulging these details. Yet Mamori's earnest happiness at hearing this story made Kiria feel warm too. Kiria had many people in her life that would accept every side of her, when not too long ago she believed that only "cool" Kiria was accepted.
Yet Kiria's self-reflection got interrupted by the sound of the fax machine beeping loudly. "That should be the fax from Maiko with the script."
"Then it's time to get back to work! I'll get ready to talk with my producer once you finish reading the script," Mamori said, clenching her fists as a show of resolve.
Kiria picked up the pages from the fax machine, and looked over them with her eyes. Then she read the script a second time, more slowly. Even after a third read, she couldn't make sense of what she was seeing.
"...What is this?"
Itsuki was not having a good morning. He walked halfway to the train station before he realized he'd neglected to put on his suit, so he had to double back to his apartment to get it. After putting it on, Itsuki's stomach let him know he'd also neglected breakfast, so he was further delayed as he went to Cafe Seiren for a quick meal.
Normally Itsuki wouldn't be this careless, but his nervousness from yesterday had not abated. This publicity event that centered around Tsubasa and Kiria would be the biggest event that Itsuki had participated in since he became president of Fortuna.
At least Maiko's script will make the process smoother. Once I review it, I need to talk with my friends about the best way to put it into action.
For now, Itsuki would apologize for his tardiness once he arrived at the office. He entered the office building and rode the elevator to Fortuna Entertainment. Mentally, Itsuki prepared his apologies as he entered the office- but they flew right out of his head as he saw the sight on the other side of the door.
For a moment, Itsuki thought that something had exploded, because the floor of the office was covered in sheets of paper. In the middle of the office stood Kiria, and fury radiated off of her in waves. Itsuki had only seen this one other time and became immediately concerned.
Itsuki slowly approached Kiria, and as he did he heard words coming from her mouth: "ImgoingtokillMaikoImgoingtokillMaikoImgoingtokillMaiko…"
"She's been like this for a while now," Mamori said, watching Kiria with a scared expression. "I tried to read the script to see what caused this, but she won't let me."
"The script from Maiko?" Itsuki picked up one of the sheets of paper, and glanced over it. Then he read it again, more carefully. "...What is this?"
"That's the same way that Kiria reacted when she first read Maiko's script," Mamori said nervously. "Before she got like that. What is in the script that caused such a reaction?"
"I'mgoingtoburnFortunaEntertainmenttothegroundafterIkillMaiko-" Kiria kept muttering to herself.
"Could you do me a favor, Mamori? Tsubasa should be arriving soon, and I need you to keep her from entering until I calm down Kiria," Itsuki said, keeping the sheets of the script far from Mamori's eyes.
"Understood, President!" Mamori left the agency, after which Itsuki turned his attention to Kiria. "Is this really all that Maiko sent? There hasn't been anything else?"
Itsuki didn't get a coherent answer from the older idol, so he decided the best course of action was to go right to the source. He took out his cell phone and dialed Maiko.
"If it isn't my adorable little protege. Did you miss me that much to call me again so soon?" Maiko asked teasingly.
Itsuki wasn't in the mood. "It's about the script you sent just now. Are you sure this is the correct script? You didn't send something from one of your own modeling jobs by accident?"
"It was no accident. But you seem rather upset at what I sent, and I don't understand why," Maiko said in a coy tone. "You asked me to give you a script, and that's what I did."
Itsuki looked at his phone as if he could glare at Maiko personally. Somehow, he had forgotten how difficult the former president could be. "Well, this kind of script is completely inappropriate on a show with Mamori's age demographic. Could you send another script?"
"Oh, I would hate to disappoint you, Itsuki. But I'm just so busy right now," Maiko said languidly. "But you're the president now. I'm sure you could figure something out."
Before Itsuki could say anything else, Maiko disconnected the call. Further attempts to call Maiko were denied.
"What is she playing at?" Itsuki asked out loud, feeling himself get a headache from this mess.
"You called Maiko?" Kiria asked, having apparently calmed down during that phone call. "What did she say?"
Itsuki wondered if talking about it was a good idea, and he certainly didn't want Kiria to get any angrier. But he told the full story regardless- and to his surprise, it didn't make Kiria angrier. Instead, her face became thoughtful.
"I've worked with Maiko since the beginning of my career. And in all the time I've known her, she has never been reckless or flighty when it comes to business," Kiria said. "She must have a reason for her actions- though what that reason is, I can't begin to guess."
"What's this about Miss Maiko?" Tsubasa asked, walking into the agency. With her was Ahaya and Mamori.
"My apologies for not arriving on time," Ayaha said, bowing at the waist. "I was doing some paperwork at home and lost track of time."
"You're not the only one that arrived late. This has been a rather trying morning." Kiria launched into an explanation of the script received from Maiko, with Itsuki filling in the details about the call he made to the former president.
"Oh dear. While I agree with Kiria's assessment that Miss Shimazaki has ulterior motives in mind, this is still a huge gamble for her to take," Ayaha said, currently reading the controversial script. "One mistake and it would spell the end of Fortuna."
"You're not saying we actually air something like this, are you?" Itsuki asked Ayaha.
"All I am saying is that Miss Shimazaki has guided Fortuna for years. She has proven that she has the best intentions of the company at heart," Ayaha pointed out. "We should at least consider what she's trying to tell us with this script."
Even though I hold the title of President, it feels like Maiko is still in charge. Itsuki sighed to himself. I suppose I'm too new at this to know how to handle it alone.
During this conversation, the normally excitable Tsubasa had been quiet, her expression intensely focused. Then she finally spoke up. "We can't forget why we're doing this in the first place! This isn't about Fortuna Entertainment- it's about using our fame to help our fans!"
Kiria nodded, smiling at her girlfriend. "This may have become more complicated than originally planned, but this is far from the worst issue that Fortuna has faced."
"I hate to bring down the mood, but no one will let me look at the script," Mamori said, as indeed it was currently being held out of her eyesight. "How can I work like that?"
"I don't imagine that Barry will be happy to hear about Mamori being involved in something like this either." Itsuki turned to Ayaha. "Can you find a way to keep him away from Fortuna until all of this blows over?"
"If we're lucky, there could be a Dia Witch Iroha event in the city that can keep him distracted. If not, I will brainstorm other ways of keeping him out of our hair." Ayaha was already scrolling her phone to find such an event. "Anything else, President Aoi?"
"Order some takeout for everyone. Something tells me this is going to be a very long day."
A/N: So now we have a set up for how chapters will progress going forward. Where does everyone think this story is going? I will reveal it as our cast tackle this issue. This has been Orion Fowl, and thank you for visiting my Corner of Romance.
