Chapter Three: Student and Boyfriend

Stirring a cup of steaming tea Kazuya sat and watched as his favorite student and protege enter the coffee house as he did last time ending with a bow when he reached the table. Kazuya stood and motioned him to sit. Kazuya looked outside at the rain and said it started a few minutes after he arrived.

The student removed his jacket and ran his hand through his hair wet from the rain noting it is getting heavier. Kazuya signaled their server for a second cup of tea and asked if he was hungry.

"Oh no, I'm quite good. I just came from a date. A young lady wanted to get a burger at 'The W' and I'm full. She insisted we get the large size and I never eat that much. She was thrilled she had aced an exam and said she wanted to indulge," the student said.

"Yeah, that can happen and so can the inverse in that a client may be down on themselves and only want to have a small dish and water rather than tea. People can punish themselves and what's worse while some do it subconsciously others do it actively feeling they don't deserve it and it can be those we are called upon the most," Kazuya said while he nodded.

"I have seen that too a little so far. I am not sure what to always make of it. I know you said to 'write what you know' so I am basically doing what I'd want done in that situation or what was done for me."

"That's a good technique."

"Thank you."

"So Sapphire asked me to run over a few dates you've had since starting, part of the 'mentoring program.' The first was a very nice one where a date said you walked with her through the park along the river and were insightful on artwork and just a good listener, something she liked. The second is one where one person said you were a little too quiet for a date who wanted to go to dinner."

"Yeah, I need help when getting stuck."

"I know. You're not doing as well as they want, but the good news is that they feel you're more than capable. After all I am helping you. All ego-stroking aside the best advice I have is to deflect back to them whenever you're stuck. If they ask you what kind of movies you like ask them to tell you theirs first...everyone loves talking about themselves. You'll surely find some things in common and if you can't ask more about their kind of movies. The same goes for television shows, artwork, places to eat, and such. Just deflect it back."

"Thanks."

"I have every belief you'll be very good at this and someday mentor another.

"Thank you. What makes you say that?"

"Call it instinct. I was very much like you until my mentor started giving me some of the same advice. Lastly remember to just have fun. Someone is taking you out in a sense."

"It's good advice. What else?"

Kazuya nodded and asked," 'What else'? The word around 'the campfire' is that you're taking on some old...shall we say... 'habits' or maybe resuming an earlier 'calling'? Some parts of a former life. Some of us have nicknamed you 'Billy Joel'."

The student looked confused and asked, "Who is Billy Joel?"

Kazuya laughed and said, "I guess your kind of piano playing doesn't really cover his range, you may never have heard of him. You can look him up later, but suffice it to say to say he's a famous pianist...like you."

The student looked down and said, "I'm not...not anymore at least. I take it you heard about the cocktail lounge huh?"

"Only rumors, but I am lucky as I get to hear it from the source," Kazuya said giving a wicked smile.

"Well...it started as a normal date I suppose. The client was a middle-aged woman, maybe late 40s, and told me her husband had left her a little over a year ago. She was nice and seemed well adjusted...am I breaking rules of confidentiality?"

"Not unless you mention the client's name. Don't worry, I will gladly share my experiences if you feel they help. Until now I have been giving you examples, but in reality all the examples I've spoke of in the past happened to me or colleagues. Please continue."

"Where was I? Oh...the date started normally and I met her at the bus stop. She was dressed very nicely and I was too...I felt like I was on a real date, but with a 'cougar' in a sense...but no one looked twice. We go inside the cocktail lounge, we get drinks, but the pianist isn't there. We ordered appetizers and people were talking and suddenly the manager comes out apologizing saying their pianist called out sick. People looked disappointed. My client said she was looking forward to hearing her favorite song tonight. I looked both ways and went to the manager and told her I'd like to play the song for my client and asked if she had sheet music for the evening. She laughed and left for a moment and came back smiling as she handed them to me. She then said with beaming eyes I was more than welcome to play whatever I liked. I guess she was thrilled to have someone to play some live music."

"I'm sure that's not the only reason."

"Maybe. Anyway I invite my client to sit at a closer table and start to play the piece. She clasped both of her hands with a large smile never thinking I was 'such a skilled musician' as she said...I wanted to hug her. It just felt nice to hear that for a moment, but even more to make her smile."

"Sounds nice...now tell me the rest, I have to hear if the rumors are true."

"What exactly did you hear?

"I'll tell you in a moment. Please continue."

"...So there I am playing the music and she is enjoying it smiling softly and when I finished told me it was her parents' favorite song. The manager came over and thanked me and said I was welcome to keep playing and quickly said any drinks and food would be complimentary. I was about to get up and bow and say that was all when a couple at the next table said I should keep playing. I told them I wasn't their pianist and the two said they knew and happily asked I keep playing. I took a request and then a second and by then people had stopped talking and just listened to me play. People applauded and more requests came. Every time I stopped playing another request came and people started leaving money and the manager ran and got an empty jar and people started putting money in there."

"Seems the rumors are true. I need to hear the rest of the story."

"I am not sure what you think could have happened, but now I need to know it too."

"Just continue it, I love it so far. I'll tell you what I heard afterwards. Maybe only part of it is true."

"Well I continued playing for over an hour and a half...I didn't realize where the time had gone when I got the reminder the date was over. I was worried and apologized quickly and offered a free extension of time and the client said I should just keep playing a little longer...and..."

"And what?"

"She asked if she could give me a hug since I made her evening very special since she ended up getting to share a lot of music with everyone and made it a special night. I stood and I thought I must have looked awkward, but I gave her a hug and she just hugged me back tightly and took my hand as we went back to our table and had some drinks and light food."

"Then what?"

"Well when we finished I stood, helped her up, and took her hand as we left. The manager caught up to us and gave me a huge hug for making sure her lounge didn't have to listen to recorded music all night. She gave me her card saying to call her as she'd love to have me play again sometime. As I walked my client back to the bus stop she let me know at the end of our time together that it was actually the 'anniversary' of the day she divorced. She said I made a difficult night a lot happier."

Kazuya wiped a tear away and said it was lovely story and said he'll remember it among the better dates he'll have had as a Sapphire.

Looking both ways Kazuya said, "Okay, if that's all you want to hear the rumor?"

"Yes, please! What is this rumor? What have you heard?"

"I felt it had to be true since some things cannot be made up. The rumor is that you left with both women into the night presumably to go somewhere, maybe a hotel, where your two 'groupies' could show 'appreciation'."

The student looked shocked and then smiled before saying, "Well I'm glad to hear that people are giving me such credit. So how have you been sensei? What have you been up to lately?"

"It's a long story."

The student took off his glasses, placed them on the table, and said with a soft smile, "I'd love to hear it."

Monday morning started as it normally would and when Kazuya opened his door he found a wood chip on his doormat with a Post It note attached to it.

The note read: "Donny's tonight at 19:30, don't be late. -M"

Kazuya took the note, checked his calendar, and made a note to meet up as he headed off to class. All throughout the morning he wondered where she had been the last few weeks, but knew he had to focus on the day. In an acting class he by accident called a student playing Mary Antoinette "Mizuhara" to scattered laughter and at least one joking correction by a fellow thespian in training. Kazuya knew why he did it instinctively, but was in denial feeling it was just his mind reminding him of the meeting that night. At one point during the day he actually passed by her in the hallway and was tempted to stop her, but stuck to his own orders of avoiding eye contact. In the evening he found it difficult to study and kept on checking the time and was relieved when his reminder finally went off.

Walking into Donny's in his standard clothing the "real Kazuya" saw Mizuhara at a booth in the corner give an almost imperceptible nod. Kazuya figured she was learning how to act pretty fast and casually walked over and with a nod sat down.

Mizuhara looked at him with a straight face which showed little emotion and was silent.

Taken a little aback Kazuya said, "Well...the submarine has surfaced. Where have you been? Are you okay? I thought for sure I'd have heard from you by now. Where have you been?"

"I am okay, thank you for asking. I have been away. The thing which was stressing me out enough to want to rent you started a little sooner than I'd originally thought. It's not over yet, but she short version is that I was pulled with my class into a little business trip we were taking a week sooner. I then had to play catch-up at home and other responsibilities. A second business trip is occurring soon and it will be another week. We're traveling to Kyoto. So...what are your new personas you're trying out? Who is/are the 'new Kazuyas.' Mizuhara asked.

"Well you already know my 'refined' self and 'older brother' self so I got to thinking and thought led me to 'The Zen Practitioner'...someone who has a specific modus operandi."

"What?"

" 'Modus operandi'-it means the way one acts, his or her methods. A rock band may need to change theirs if a member left."

"I know what an 'M.O.' is...I meant what is that persona's way of acting?"

"Oh. Sorry. Ummm. Oh he will have a note that the date is a visit to a local shrine of their choice or monastery if they prefer. If they wish another place I just request it be a park or somewhere very quiet. The idea is that I provide a guided meditation and invite them to tell me what's on their mind, what drove them there, and see if I can help center them. The date would end with steaming tea."

"...That sounds pretty interesting. It sounds like quite a unique 'date.' Not something I'd expect. Is he a vegetarian?"

"No, but I didn't envision eating at all either."

"Who is the other new persona?"

"I haven't thought of a name yet, but I am just trying to make him 'normal'...kind of a 'The guy down the hall' guy in a dorm. Maybe the guy who lives on floor above you. Someone average, but well-rounded too. In other the words..."

"The guy you'd feel safe to take home to parents or the like. I get it, you're trying to play the part of a 'safe guy.' Well it sounds good. Maybe you could end up combining two somehow."

"That's a good idea. I could incorporate or graft on the 'older brother's friend' to the well-rounded one. It's not such a leap, but I just had the original character a little more 'Guy who plays 'Ultimate Frisbee' on the campus quad."

"Well I would like to see the 'Zen Practitioner.' Add him to your profile and I'll book him tonight."

"What else? Why did you want me to come out here tonight?"

"Just because I wanted to see you...off the clock. Don't let that go to your head, it's just that you're one of two people who could understand what I'm going through right now."

Mizuhara smiled and order some light fare as Kazuya did so too looking at her a little strangely.

The following evening Kazuya stood by the bus stop near a local shrine with a bronze swinging censer in one hand and checked his phone with the other. Mizuhara appeared at the agreed upon time wearing modest clothing and smiled at Kazuya.

"Mizuhara I presume?" Kazuya asked.

Rolling her eyes almost invisibly since she found the idea of introducing and confirming the client a little monotonous at this point, but let it go since it was the introduction of his newest persona.

"Yes, good evening," Mizuhara responded with a smile.

Kazuya smiled and bowed and motioned her towards the shrine

"I understand you're feeling quite stressed as of late. Please join me over here."

Mizuhara found herself engrossed in the character as he came off, once again, as a totally different person. It wasn't the refined fellow from the art museum, the compassionate neighbor who helped her get inside on a cold night, and it wasn't the angry guy upstairs accepting marble cake as an "incentive" to go on a date, but someone who seemed genuinely concerned.

Following Kazuya she saw him put money in a donation box, nod to a monk who tended to the grounds with a broom, and gestured to follow him down a path of stones to sit down on the wooden patio furthest from the street.

Kazuya was dressed modestly as well and with a kind gesture invited her to assume the lotus position and bowed to the monk who appeared and handed Kazuya a small cloth bag.

"What's that?" asked Mizuhara.

"Shhh...I will ask the questions. For the record it is a way to focus and quiet the mind. You told me you're feeling great stress as of late. It is time to quiet your mind," Kazuya said with soft eyes.

Taking some small pieces of coal and sandalwood incense he loaded the censer and lit the coals. Within moments a small amount of smoke appeared and the scent of sandalwood became quite apparent.

Mizuhara gently smiled at the work, but quickly followed "The Zen Kazuya"and looked on patiently as he told her to relax.

"O-okay I'm relaxed—-"

"Shhh...be relaxed by not speaking for the moment. Close your eyes, no really do it. It's time to quiet your mind. Inhale deeply, hold for a moment, and release. Listen not to the sound of cars, pedestrians, buses, or even the broom of the monk behind you sweeping. Allow the aroma of the sandalwood to relax you...now tell me, what is on your mind?"

"Well this session is...I wish I had come here before uh...'booking time with you', but I wouldn't know what to do anyway."

"Forget the 'session' itself, focus on what is being done during this guided meditation...now again, Mizuhara, what is on your mind?"

"Well...I am being given a major opportunity, almost more a test. This chance could lead to greater opportunities or possibly ruin something, something for which I deeply care."

"What exactly is this opportunity?"

"...I have been studying business and marketing in class, I have been on school trips about it too...I guess you could say it was a 'real-life class' as we visited with several businesses and observed their day to day operations. Hey...is this going to be kept private or are you going to know this too?"

"I know not of what you speak. I am just with my client as her companion who is conducting a guided meditation. Anything I learn tonight is strictly confidential. Please continue."

Mizuhara nodded and took a deep breath smelling the sandalwood more potently.

"Oh and uh...this opportunity is to decide on a marketing campaign for it. Success would lead to greater success, but failure could have a catastrophic effect, a fall from which I am not sure we could recover. It...it makes me want to cry, it encourages me, it makes me want to run, and it makes me want to stand my ground and fight. I don't know what to do. I feel that talking...that talking about it may be the best thing, but I don't know who I can talk to and that is why I am here. In a sense I am talking to someone and somehow talking to no one. That thought especially has me wound up."

Mizuhara started to strain and almost looked as if she would cry.

"Shhhh. Listen to the sound of the gentle breeze passing through the trees and branches. The leaves fly with the wind and land at your feet. They simply 'go with the flow', but the stones around the path simply stay put and block and redirect the wind to move elsewhere. One cannot stop it motion since it is too light and the other cannot gain motion since it is too heavy. The Ying Yang has said to have more than one meaning, but the most prevalent is the idea of cosmic duality, the hot and the cold, the motion and stillness, the great chaos and the great calm...and how they shift. The key to learning how to deal with one thing is to always keep in mind the other, find the balance. I was taught to memorize my studies not not only because lack of knowledge could hurt me, but to realize the great strength and benefit of which the knowledge it would provide. We don't eat only to stave off starvation, we eat because we know the nourishment & health it will provide."

"You...you really know your stuff. This not something I expected to hear about tonight. I just expected Tibetan singing bowls and their tones resonating in my ears and-"

"Another time perhaps, but if you wish them now we can stop."

"N-no. This is great, please continue. I agree: Another time perhaps."

"Mizuhara, you have several thoughts pulling you in different directions. You are concerned over failure, excited for success, & grappling with 'fight or flight.' You need to find the balance, walk with both and realize in reality they lead to the same place: a resolution. The difference, the path one takes, is dependent upon how we look at something. It is too easy to simply say 'relax and it will be okay', too passive. We should look things head on and then be able to relax understanding them both. What you face isn't a problem, but an opportunity in more than one way. You'll be able to guide yourself, find a center, and then proceed with the opportunity with a greater chance of success when you embrace them both. A mind cannot function in chaos, but cannot work in silence."

Mizuhara thought to herself just who her 'boyfriend' truly is as a persona and who he is an actor learning to better act, 'the real' Kazuya

"I feel I understand, a duality...an embracing of both sides of an event, any eventuality. How do we get there?"

"You start in darkness. Do not stand before your thoughts...walk up along either one of them. It doesn't matter which, it is not about 'the first one you thought of' or some psychological importance, but you're just listing them as your thoughts moments ago could have been on either. That said...keep your eyes closed gaze into the darkness. Just the darkness and focus on one thought, one outcome, then the other, and then stand between them. Take each of their 'hands' and show them they neither of them can 'pull you', but instead you stand together, that you are balanced. When you feel a calm hold onto it. Walk with it in the darkness and feel the bond. When you hear my voice again open your eyes."

"Oh...okay."

Kazuya opened his eyes and nodded at the monk who left for a moment and headed back into the monastery next to the shrine.

After some time the monk returned with two cups of steaming kava-root tea on a block of wood. Kazuya bowed and thanked him as he placed the block next to him.

Kazuya told Mizuhara to open her eyes and she looked very happy and started to get up when the monk motioned for her to sit and invited her to drink. The monk bowed and said they were free to stay as long as they wished. After finishing the tea Mizuhara said she honestly felt better knowing that while all the events she is currently facing are there she is in a more focused manor.

Kazuya nodded happily and was about to stand up when he felt Mizuhara take the palm of his hand and slowly pull him back to a seated position.

"What about you?" Mizuhara asked with a straight face.

"I'm sorry. What do you mean?" Kazuya asked as he wasn't sure who Mizuhara was speaking to at that moment.

"You, what about you? What is on 'my boyfriend's mind?"

Kazuya took pause and knew he had to react in a second and not break character. He felt himself trapped for a moment honestly not knowing what to say not having set up a backstory for his persona and worse not knowing if he could or should speak of himself. Thankfully he did have an old improv technique: deflect.

"What's on my mind? Your welfare and well-being. I want to make sure you're okay and—-"

"No, what is on your mind Kazuya?"

"My client, my companion's thoughts. I am guiding a meditation and enjoying tea with you and-"

"Kazuya...what is on your mind?"

"Well...it is difficult to put into words. I guess a lot."

Kazuya shrugged a little looking towards Mizuhara who looked him in the eye and locked on like a laser.

With a steady gaze and just a hint of a smile Mizuhara said, "Close your eyes, no really do it. It's time to quiet your mind. Inhale deeply, hold for a moment, and release. Listen not to the sound of cars, pedestrians, buses, or even the broom of the monk behind you sweeping."

Kazuya did it quickly without question and realized it was like taking orders from a director and quickly started imagining "his" backstory. Mizuhara also realized he was reacting to her requests like he was being directed on stage.

"Okay, now what?"

"Tell me what is on your mind. What has you wound up so much you cannot even put it into words?"

"Well I am thinking a lot about the next step on the path. Behind me I attempt to leave chaos and in front of me there is either serenity or more chaos, but I feel I cannot control which I will encounter."

"What exactly are you so concerned about? What has you unable to put into words?"

Mizuhara smiled to herself figuring a good salesperson can match the mannerisms and some of the speech of whomever they're dealing with fast and act as they do. Kazuya thought to himself Mizuhara may have a future in acting with her level of parroting and improv along with staying in character.

"I wonder that with all the modern day things we do will this shrine be around? Will people simply turn to the Internet? Will people simply decide alcohol is the best resolution to problems? Will people stop coming here, donations dry up, and the nearby monastery relocate its fellowship to another location and it be sold or knocked down only to turn into an Internet Cafe, a store selling overrated anime and manga & lacking things one wanted? Will it turn into a bubble tea cafe? A bar? A trendy restaurant? Where will I go? What can I do? I don't wish to substitute things I don't believe in and I hate feeling hopeless."

Mizuhara was impressed with both a realistic concern and how quickly he put into place. She wondered how much was improv on Kazuya's part and how much, if any, was real and took pause.

Taking a deep breath Mizuhara began,"I wish I knew what to tell you. There are things we can do such as-"

Kazuya opened his eyes and jumped in saying,"Actually there is a peace in knowing you cannot affect some things."

"Excuse me?" Mizuhara responded clearly having her rhythm interrupted.

Kazuya paused a moment and looked Mizuhara again strongly in the eye and said,"One must take an understanding that sometimes things are simply out of our control. Sometimes there are too many variables. When one realizes they are powerless to have any input they can relax knowing there is nothing they can do to help or hinder. There is a peace in knowing you should devote your attention, your very power to affect things, elsewhere."

"Does that mean ones doesn't care?"

"No, not at all. One should keep in mind one thing less to focus on allows us to focus on something else we may need."

Mizuhara took pause while Kazuya closed his eyes once again.

Alone in the darkness Kazuya pictured both being ridiculed and told his new character was cliched and unbelievable, that it was too much of a character and not the level of a rental boyfriend. Shifting from his earlier thought he pictured Mizuhara clapping and saying she was impressed and adding this character to his profile, one more "arrow in the quiver."

After some time Mizuhara said aloud, "Kazuya, slowly open your eyes and look me in mine."

Kazuya did as requested and sensed a calm in her and was happy to hear she felt one too. Standing up he extended his hand to help Mizuhara who stood too. Together they made a second donation to the shrine's collection box to see the monk nod and continued a walk together down the street each feeling a greater calm. Kazuya led Mizuhara to a small river and walked along it until they reached a tree and he motioned her to sit down and said to just listen to the river and birds above her, be focused on their sounds only.

"Mizuhara, we have had a chance to clear one's mind, to quiet it, with active process. Now it is just time to listen to the harmony, and chaos, above us and just observe it in action. Listen only and do not think of earlier," Kazuya said in the voice of someone leading a guided meditation session.

While seated together both listening Kazuya felt his phone vibrate indicating time was nearly over and brought Mizuhara back from the session and thanked her for joining him today and helped her up before bowing.

Mizuhara looked on with happy and soft eyes and Kazuya looked back with the eagerness of a student awaiting evaluation.

"I have to say that was quite something. I didn't feel attraction to him, but truly just as a companion. Not as a boyfriend and I am not sure that is what you want, but I felt he was a stand alone character all his own...not as a boyfriend who liked Zen...but a Zen practitioner who could become a boyfriend. I don't know, I hope that doesn't sound silly or isn't helpful...and I do feel better," Mizuhara ended with a goofy smile as she looked down at the ground kind of moving her foot like a ten-year old.

Kazuya nodded and said it was quite helpful feedback and returned with her to her door and bid her goodnight.

The following morning Kazuya awoke to a booking notification wishing to meet "The Boy Next Door" persona and smiled accepting the date for the following evening and planned to spend part of the day in preparation for his newest persona.

Arriving dressed in his new persona wearing pretty much an average guy's outfit with his hair combed nicely and decent clothing Kazuya met Mizuhara outside the local A&W at one of the tables. Greeting her in character he opened and held the door for her. Together they ordered some large burger meals and onion rings on the side. Sitting down Mizuhara couldn't help but laugh a little.

"What's so funny?" Kazuya asked genuinely curious.

Mizuhara smiled and looked up saying, "It's just...I haven't been here since I was like twelve or thirteen, but they are as large as I remember. Part of me feels like a kid again."

"That can be a good thing."

"It can...it can be a good thing. Do you eat here a lot?"

"No, but I just know they are surely part of our nation's identity, part of nostalgia I guess. Perhaps that's why I like it...it's not a trendy place, but something solid and gives a sense of character. It's something grounded."

"Something grounded like a character you know how to play?"

"I think you're overthinking it, but who knows? Perhaps that is part of the reason."

The two ate and joked about little things. Kazuya had the eerie feeling it was drifting into a real date, but then worried as he couldn't quite remember what that felt like being in character both in public and on stage or class. He had to think back to his last date, but couldn't focus.

Mizuhara waved her hand in front of his face and he blinked several times apologizing for zoning out.

Looking at him with a goofy smile Mizuhara said,"I asked your favorite color, mine is red."

"Oh...sorry...actually that's my favorite color too. It's why I have that jacket I wore to the museum."

"Did you play any musical instruments in primary school?"

"Huh? Uh no...Wait! Wait a moment...did you?"

"Kazuya, what's wrong? I am talking to my neighbor right now...what's wrong?"

"Sorry to break character, but I just realized if we are going to see our families again for at least a few more times, we may need to know a little more about each other. Call it 'preparation for a role.' I am going to jump back into character as I still need your evaluation when this is over."

Mizuhara smiled in a goofy way and felt almost like a director again and said with a clear voice, "Yes, yes I did. I played the flute. I still play it, but only for family and friends. I am told I am good at it, but I played since I always liked the music and not loftier goals."

"I never learned how to play any music. I wonder if I should have at times. I didn't learn how to draw, or wasn't 'gifted' as I told sometimes one has to have some skill. Sorry do I sound pathetic?"

"No, not at all. We all have skills and gifts. I bet you play Ultimate Frisbee well, people along the quad on the walk here asked you to play several times...right?"

"Oh...yeah they did."

Kazuya was getting close to breaking character feeling it just wasn't going well and wondered if it could be a character at all. Mizuhara noticed this and softened her voice back to her own and not a director and reached out and took his hand with both of hers and looked him in the eye.

"Tell me...tell me something which makes you smile, something unique about yourself. You already told you liked to act in school. What did you do with your free time growing up?"

Kazuya thought and thought and looked on blankly figuring perhaps too much of his life was devoted to the stage. Thinking and then calming remembering his own techniques smiled and looked up before saying, "I have always enjoyed meditation, listening to a nearby river, gazing at the stars, and classical music."

Kazuya started to smile a little and then smiled greatly as spoke of his love for classical music on the piano, orchestral, seeing concerts, and spoke more of himself and told stories of his outings for concerts of all kinds with his parents. He laughed and mentioned his favorite movies which made him laugh, be inspired by, and overall enjoy. Kazuya found himself acting almost out of character, but realized he wasn't sure which or what his "Boy Next Door" fully was at that point and zoned out again.

Mizuhara smiled softly to herself and said, "I enjoy writing poetry sometimes, I find it can be a stress-reliever. They don't follow any specific pattern. Sometimes they can rhyme, sometimes they be be haiku, other times just words to express thoughts on something...and sorry to fall into a stereotype, but as a little girl I read a lot of shoujo manga. What about you?"

Snapping back to reality Kazuya stuttered and said, "I...uh...I uh...I liked stories of the American West, cowboys. I guess that makes me a bit of a stereotype too. Gosh do I sound terrible?"

"Are you asking as my neighbor or 'my date'?

"The date, myself, both?"

"You sound great, you sound organic. You may even say...you sound like you're 'being yourself' or perhaps 'writing what you know'."

Kazuya smiled and felt relieved and asked with a smile if she wanted more root beer and stood to take his glass and then hers to refill as she nodded.

The two of them spent the rest of the date genuinely talking about themselves outside the realm of 'preparation for a role.' When the time ended Kazuya listened as Mizuhara gave an honest evaluation that his true side and his character were imperceptible.

Their date complete Kazuya walked with Mizuhara back to her door and she told him she would love to do something else with him as she felt it was actually a great help to her and said she wanted to see the "guy who lives one flight up."

Kazuya thought for a moment and said,"I know this great place for Italian food. It is right next to a tavern some of my friends visit with me when I'm not 'tutoring' and maybe we will finish there with an after dinner drink. That or maybe you'd just like to walk around the park at night, I know where the best street performers are after all."

"Sounds great. I know it will be full price, I know. I also know, however, that he better be in top form. After all...your dress rehearsal is complete. I'll let you know when to pick me up," Mizuhara said like a director.

A few nights later Kazuya met Mizuhara outside the Italian restaurant just beyond his favorite tavern and held the door for her as she approached. Entering together they were led to a table where he pulled out her chair causing a smile. Ordering some traditional Italian food Kazuya stayed in his new persona flawlessly and it impressed Mizuhara and made her feel perhaps he could incorporate all his personas into one or two. During their meal Mizuhara's phone buzzed with an incoming text when she excused herself and read a message from her grandmother for a moment asking if she wanted to have dinner Monday evening and quickly replied "yes" without fully reading it not wanting to waste a moment of her time on such a mundane request and promptly shut off her phone. After finishing with some traditional desserts the two left as Kazuya opened the door.

They walked towards the tavern when a sudden voice shouted from behind causing them both to turn around.

"Chizuru! Chizuru! I tried calling you 20 minutes ago, but it went to voice mail. Why don't you...who is this? Who's this guy?" a girl with red-framed glasses asked.

Mizuhara looked shocked and said, "K-Kazuya...this is my friend. Yuki, this is Kazuya my..."

Kazuya jumped in saying swiftly,"Her date for the evening. It is a pleasure to meet you Ms. Yuki."

Giving a bow like a Musketeer Kazuya smiled and when he rose back up he saw Yuki smile widely.

"Chizuru! W-When did you meet this charmer?! Why haven't you told me?! My gosh does Yoko know?! Who cares?! Come on! Come here you!" Yuki said as she grabbed Kazuya's arm and yanked him towards the tavern next door.

Mizuhara gasped and quickly said, "Y-Yuki let go! What are you doing?!"

With a look of shock and bewilderment Mizuhara dashed after her friend.

Yuki held onto Kazuya like he was her property and pulled him into the tavern to a large table by the back where a few people sat already drinking with fries and molten cheese, some tortillas, and other snack platters a tavern would serve.

"Yoko...Yoko! Here's the reason Chizuru's phone went to voicemail!" Yuki said as she pulled Kazuya to the table.

Mizuhara ran over to the table and looked around and felt a pair of eyes staring holes through her skull. As she turned her head she locked her eyes with a boy with dark spiked hair wearing a biker's jacket.

Kazuya looked and saw she had the look of fear to run and with the desire to stay and fight. Quickly taking her hand he pulled her towards him gently and pulled out her chair giving her a small smile and nod. The boy with the spiked hair looked Kazuya up and down and locked eyes with him.

The boy in the biker's jacket looked at Mizuhara and with a sly smile said, "Chizuru! I haven't seen you for a while. Where have you been hiding for the last six weeks?"

Mizuhara looked pale for a moment and looked back to Kazuya who gave her a nod and a small smile. He then turned towards the boy in the biker's jacket and with a hint of the eyes of a hunter locked his gaze upon him.