Love So Sweet [an Ohno Satoshi love story] - Chapter 16, part 1
On the way to the studio to meet with her manager, Rina realized that her parents hadn’t even contacted her to wish her a happy birthday - they had probably forgotten about the time difference, and how Japan was practically a whole day ahead.
Rina also thought of how Michiyo was lucky to be on the verge of true romance. Sure, everyone said she had Izumi Akira, but she did not see him in that way. Despite her austere upbringing, Rina was a person driven fundamentally by emotion, and she felt no real heart in her association with Akira at all. She wanted love and passion and an amazing story, but love was just so risky and complicated. And who said she was cut out for it, anyway?
Her mind also kept regularly straying back to a certain peculiar idol. That night in Atami - staring out at the night sky and the dark ocean with him - felt like a precious memory, however simple. He was certainly very quirky, but she liked how he didn’t make any excuses for being himself. His talents were incredible, yet… This would continue, but then she would remind herself that he was surrounded by gorgeous, talented, eye-catching women every single day; why would she be anything special to him?
From across the cubicle, Sotomura-san got straight to the point, as inexpressively professional as always. “You’ve been offered a gravure contract. I think you should accept it.”
Rina blinked. She felt like she had been slapped. “W-what?”
“Gravure modeling is a specific genre aimed at men-“
“I’ve been here long enough to know what it IS!” she snapped. “A-Are you joking, Sotomura-san? Why would you even ask me to consider such a thing?”
“I’m obligated to inform you of all your offers, Katsumi-san.”
“As my manager, you’re supposed to look out for my interests! You should know my boundaries!”
“I am. This one in particular would give you a boost, a wider fan base. Every star that’s done it has only benefited.”
“By letting myself be the subject of some sick fantasies?!” Rina’s indignation sent her standing up out of her seat. “I will NOT degrade myself like that, ever. End of story.”
She stormed out of the office with her professionalism dissolved for the moment. What was with all this other-area-ventures business? She couldn’t believe some people…
After that, Rina was emotionally riled up the whole way home. It was draining. She turned the key and opened the door, back at the big Sakurai house.
“Tadaima~!” she announced uncertainly into the completely dark and silent house.
No response, of course. Perhaps they were holding a surprise party for her?! She carefully tiptoed around, but no one popped out from behind the furniture and startled her. There were no cheers and no waving of noise makers. Not even a balloon was in sight. Then she checked her cell phone; there was a text waiting for her from Satomi. Sora was playing at a rugby tournament in Hokkaido, there was an important convention in Sendai hosted by one of her dai-sensei’s that Satomi had to attend, and of course, Sho was working around the clock doing Arashi business or something or other. They all regretted that they weren’t there to celebrate with her - some other time, they promised.
Rina sighed and flipped down on the couch, a little cheerless. The cameras zoomed in on her lackluster expression. She turned the TV on and skimmed through the channels blankly. There was a romantic drama playing, a movie called Tada, Kimi Wo Aishiteru.
… “Then, give me a present too.”
“What?”
“A birthday present.”
“Sure. What do you want?”
“… A kiss. Kiss me - If you kissed me, I might die from happiness!”
“What are you talking about?” …
Suddenly, Rina’s phone lit up in bright colors; the cute Perfume techno ringtone rang out. On the little screen, Izumi Akira’s name popped up. After a few rings, she picked it up and answered suspiciously.
“Moshi moshi?”
“Katsumi-san, tanjoubi omedetou!” Izumi’s voice came through gaily. “Have you been having fun on your birthday?”
“Yes, my friend took me to the amusement park earlier.”
“Cool. Today’s White Day too, isn’t it? I would have given you something in return, but you never gave me any chocolate on Valentine’s to begin with!”
She smirked. “Sorry about that.”
“No, no it’s okay. Say - do you have any plans for tonight? I know your family is probably hosting a party for you or something…”
“… Actually, no. I’m all by myself right now. Everyone’s busy.”
“Majide? That’s horrible.” Even over the line, she could hear his happily sympathetic tone. “Hey, you know in that case, we should do something.”
“Do something?”
“Yeah. I’ll take you out for dinner, my treat. What do you say? I mean, you must be…”
Rina stared at screen; the romantic music got to her. The rest of the house was still silent. She didn’t have anything else to do, and she didn’t want to be alone. Why not? “Sure.”
“Really? Great! Then I’ll pick you up in half an hour.” How he had her address, she didn’t know.
A sleek black Lexus drove up to the restaurant. Izumi went to the other side to help Rina out the door. Presuming it would be a classier occasion, she had changed into a nice dress and exchanged her usual flats for heels. Izumi handed the car keys to a valet before leading the girl inside.
The past few frustrating days had put Rina in a bit of a dull rut. Still, she tried to enjoy her time with Izumi. The waiters were courteous, the décor stylish, the food delicious, but her companion… He was nice and interesting - she couldn’t put a finger on why, but the air about him was stifling. It made her lose her appetite.
“You know, I’ve been wondering,” Izumi mused. “Why is it that you never mention your friends from America?”
The girl slowly lowered her fork. Was he really bringing this up for the cameras to record? “You noticed?”
He nodded. “I would think you would maybe - miss them, or something - after being away for so long.”
Rina smiled bitterly to herself. “Who said I had friends back home?” she murmured sardonically, taking a taciturn sip of the red wine she had barely touched. This statement wasn’t completely true, but not all together false either. “High school was a really awkward phase for me... Once I got into college, things were better, but I was always wrapped up in my music and moving on from class to class you know? Nothing solid.”
“Yet things are changing, here, now?”
She spoke slowly. “I - I think so. It seems like… I’m growing into myself here.”
Izumi gave her a peculiar look before breaking out into an easy chuckle. “What’s with all this heavy meditative talk? It’s your birthday, yo! C’mon…” He seemed to totally ignore what she had been saying…
The dinner passed a little slowly for Rina. Their conversation was forced because he was trying to be a cool date, while she just wanted a comfortable companion. Just when things were finally coming to an end and the bill was put on the table, Izumi received a text message that made him smirk.
“There’s another thing you need to do as a newly turned 20-year-old in this fine city.”
There was a line of young, flashy people wrapping around the whole block waiting in anticipation to enter the New Lex Edo club, formerly known as the notorious Lexington Queen of Roppongi’s hipster crowd. Its allure that drew beautiful models (who got in and drank for free), international celebrities, up-and-comings, and anyone who was cool enough to mingle with them, made it one of the hottest partying spots in the city ever since its launch in the 80’s. The pumping music could be faintly heard from out on the street.
Izumi led her past the roped queue, right up to the front door guarded by two large bouncers in black.
“Hey guys, how about it, yeah? It’s this lady’s birthday.” Izumi spoke, confident and cool.
Although their clothes were a little too neat for the mood of the establishment, because of the cameras and Rina’s slightly pissed piercing look, the guards nodded and immediately welcomed them in.
True to its reputation, the place was booming. The lights were turned off, only to make use of black-lights, neon lasers and spotlights. Everyone was crowded on the dance floor, swaying to the wild beat with drinks in their hands. A terrace wrapped around the whole hall overhead. Rina and the cameras squeezed through the throng and followed Izumi up the stairs to this VIP section. This area was calmer and less swarming, and it was lit with warm sconces. Everything was bright red, from the walls to the lounge chairs and low tables to the cherry wood floors. There were people already waiting for them.
“Akira-kun!” Endo Shizuka cried, coming up to greet him brightly; then she saw Rina and her perfect smile fell a little. “… And Katsumi-san.”
“I thought that we should show her a good time on her birthday.” Izumi smirked.
“I didn’t know you were with her beforehand, that’s all.” the woman said to him only, regaining her face.
“Take care of Katsumi-chan, okay?” Izumi murmured. He then winked at Rina. “I’ll get us some drinks.”
Shizuka took a breath. “Well, come, sit with us. Don’t be shy.”
She had no choice but to take a seat between the strangers, who each introduced themselves. They were quite used to the cameras, from hanging out with Shizuka and Izumi.
The girls looked Rina over. “We need to fix this.” one of them said, with a cock of her hairsprayed head. They all nodded, sent her trench to the coat check, and reached into their purses, producing an assortment of beauty products. The guys looked on with amusement as they gave Rina a little makeover right then and there. By the time they were done, they’d put a heavy layer of makeup all over her face, sprayed strong perfume on her, and given her a little teased hair bump. This was what a club-goer should look like.
Most of them couldn’t have been more than three or so years older than her, yet she felt like a child amongst them. She had never been in such a place, but she held her own as best she could. When Izumi came back with drinks, he proposed a toast.
“Ii zo! As represented by Rina, let’s stay young forever! To Rina’s birthday!”
“To Rina’s birthday! Kampai~!” they all cheered, clinking their glasses together. Rina took a careful sip of the multicolored cocktail; despite its girly appearance it was shockingly strong and she choked a little as it warmly strung her throat. The rest laughed and patted her on the back, assuring her she’d get used to it very soon.
The rest finished their cocktails in only a few gulps. They were loosened up and getting restless, ready to join the frenzy enjoying the atmosphere below. Leading the table of friends, Shizuka stood up first; the rest followed and made their way down to the dance floor. They turned back to notice Rina wasn’t following.
“Iku ze (let’s go)!”
“I’m good for now… Maybe when the slow songs come on.” she said quietly. Her naive comment made the other young people laugh heartily, as if it were a joke.
“This isn’t some school function, Rina-chan! There are no slow songs.” Shizuka patted her on the head. “I doubt you’re going to find any sort of Prince Charming here anyway.” Impatiently, she finished Rina’s drink for her and pulled her with the rest down the stairs.
All the swaying, sweaty bodies were packed on the dance floor, high on the driving forces that were the entrancing music and the intoxicating alcohol. The bass pounded in Rina’s ears as they dove in deeper and became surrounded by nameless people and colorful flashing lights. The rest found the beat and let themselves go, whereas Rina felt baffled. Strobe lights distorted everyone; their faces were only visible in sharp flashes like a choppy slideshow.
(I imagine Shizuka to look like Meisa Kuroki)
She took a deep breath, and told herself - You used to love this. Dancing used to be your passion. Try to remember. Her perfect ears clung to the alluring song, and her feet shifted. Once again, her heart fought with her mind as she began slipping into a state of pure movement and music. The intuition was still there, just dormant. It slowly started coming back to her; swimming in the melody, the old joy of abandon started taking over, no matter the music, just to dance.
Then a random guy came around close to her, and she broke out of her rhythm. Startled, she wriggled away from his clammy, repelling touch. In her moment of bewilderment, she lost her group in the blinding strobe lights and gyrating bodies. So, she escaped. She just dodged around everyone in a roughly straight line, and eventually the dance floor gave way to a corridor. There was a women’s bathroom at the end of this hallway, which she sought refuge in. She took a seat in one of the lounge chairs in the empty powder room. Alas, this rest was short-lived as a stumbling trio drunkenly barged in. The handsome male had his arms around the shoulders of the girls on either side of him; he was none other than one of Johnny’s own elite. Rina’s nose wrinkled in slight aversion.
Akanishi Jin looked up, and recognition gradually showed in his slack face. “Hey, I know you!”
She sighed. “Good evening, Akanishi-san.”
“It’s funny that you were - our waitress, na? And now you’re, ahno--“ A fit of giggles overtook him as the woman on his left whispered in his ear.
Rina rolled her eyes and stood up. He was so stupid. What if those girls sold his drunken pictures to the magazines? Could the company’s PR cover it up as another malicious photoshop job?
“Johnny-san does not approve.” That was all she had to say before marching out. She retrieved her trench from the coat check, and left the club.
Just as she turned the corner, she received a text from Izumi.
Hey, we lost you! Where are you?
Gomen, I left. I was… just feeling really tired.
Are you sure you don’t want to come back? We can just hang around upstairs again if you want.
Thanks, but I’m very sure.
After a moment: The cameramen say that they need to at least get a shot of you leaving.
Rina sighed: Tell one of them to meet me by the front. She walked back and allowed the cameras to get the necessary shot. Was she sure she didn’t want to go back in? Yes, she was perfectly certain. So, they let her go off as she pleased. She was sapped of energy and frustrated with everyone’s gall. She needed to clear her head. Taking in the chilly city evening air, she walked on.
While going about, she passed by a night vendor and bought a cheap pair of 300 yen rubber slippers, wearing those instead and holding her heels which had been biting into her feet. She wasn’t going in any particular direction, yet somehow she ended up in front of the tv asahi studio for the second time that day. The building and grounds were actually quite beautiful at night; the glass glowed a soft milky blue like a giant ice cube, and beside it the elegant paths of Mohri Gardens were lit with orange lamps which reflected in the pond. She hadn’t realized it had been in such close vicinity, but that was Roppongi for you.
At the same moment as Rina was passing by unaware, another equally mismatched person stepped out of the building.
The entry guard bowed shortly. “Otsukare-sama deshita.”
The man murmured a quiet reply and passed through. He was dressed in a white collar button-up and tie and hip jacket, yet he wore an old, clashing trucker hat lowered over his face. This man was coming back from a staff party celebrating the conclusion of his drama; he walked with a slight hunch and with hands stuffed in his pockets. He heard the funny flip-flopping sound of the rubber sandals and looked up. His sleepy expression brightened ever so slightly. Kanpeki ne… he thought to himself. Yosh, I’ll do it tonight. Once he set his mind on something, he moved fast forward.
“Katsumi-chan!” he called out, approaching her casually. He noticed how she looked slightly gloomy.
Rina raised her head uncertainly at the sound of her name. Then she saw that it was him; she saw his pleasant face and somehow felt an immediate relief. “Ohno-san…! Konbanwa.” She gave a quick bow.
“What are you doing out here at this hour?” It didn’t look like she wanted to answer; she merely sighed. Ah, well, she didn’t need to say anything. Ohno cocked his head and smiled. “Why don’t I take you somewhere?"
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Part 2 (since LJ doesn't allow such large posts apparently)
Rina also thought of how Michiyo was lucky to be on the verge of true romance. Sure, everyone said she had Izumi Akira, but she did not see him in that way. Despite her austere upbringing, Rina was a person driven fundamentally by emotion, and she felt no real heart in her association with Akira at all. She wanted love and passion and an amazing story, but love was just so risky and complicated. And who said she was cut out for it, anyway?
Her mind also kept regularly straying back to a certain peculiar idol. That night in Atami - staring out at the night sky and the dark ocean with him - felt like a precious memory, however simple. He was certainly very quirky, but she liked how he didn’t make any excuses for being himself. His talents were incredible, yet… This would continue, but then she would remind herself that he was surrounded by gorgeous, talented, eye-catching women every single day; why would she be anything special to him?
From across the cubicle, Sotomura-san got straight to the point, as inexpressively professional as always. “You’ve been offered a gravure contract. I think you should accept it.”
Rina blinked. She felt like she had been slapped. “W-what?”
“Gravure modeling is a specific genre aimed at men-“
“I’ve been here long enough to know what it IS!” she snapped. “A-Are you joking, Sotomura-san? Why would you even ask me to consider such a thing?”
“I’m obligated to inform you of all your offers, Katsumi-san.”
“As my manager, you’re supposed to look out for my interests! You should know my boundaries!”
“I am. This one in particular would give you a boost, a wider fan base. Every star that’s done it has only benefited.”
“By letting myself be the subject of some sick fantasies?!” Rina’s indignation sent her standing up out of her seat. “I will NOT degrade myself like that, ever. End of story.”
She stormed out of the office with her professionalism dissolved for the moment. What was with all this other-area-ventures business? She couldn’t believe some people…
After that, Rina was emotionally riled up the whole way home. It was draining. She turned the key and opened the door, back at the big Sakurai house.
“Tadaima~!” she announced uncertainly into the completely dark and silent house.
No response, of course. Perhaps they were holding a surprise party for her?! She carefully tiptoed around, but no one popped out from behind the furniture and startled her. There were no cheers and no waving of noise makers. Not even a balloon was in sight. Then she checked her cell phone; there was a text waiting for her from Satomi. Sora was playing at a rugby tournament in Hokkaido, there was an important convention in Sendai hosted by one of her dai-sensei’s that Satomi had to attend, and of course, Sho was working around the clock doing Arashi business or something or other. They all regretted that they weren’t there to celebrate with her - some other time, they promised.
Rina sighed and flipped down on the couch, a little cheerless. The cameras zoomed in on her lackluster expression. She turned the TV on and skimmed through the channels blankly. There was a romantic drama playing, a movie called Tada, Kimi Wo Aishiteru.
… “Then, give me a present too.”
“What?”
“A birthday present.”
“Sure. What do you want?”
“… A kiss. Kiss me - If you kissed me, I might die from happiness!”
“What are you talking about?” …
Suddenly, Rina’s phone lit up in bright colors; the cute Perfume techno ringtone rang out. On the little screen, Izumi Akira’s name popped up. After a few rings, she picked it up and answered suspiciously.
“Moshi moshi?”
“Katsumi-san, tanjoubi omedetou!” Izumi’s voice came through gaily. “Have you been having fun on your birthday?”
“Yes, my friend took me to the amusement park earlier.”
“Cool. Today’s White Day too, isn’t it? I would have given you something in return, but you never gave me any chocolate on Valentine’s to begin with!”
She smirked. “Sorry about that.”
“No, no it’s okay. Say - do you have any plans for tonight? I know your family is probably hosting a party for you or something…”
“… Actually, no. I’m all by myself right now. Everyone’s busy.”
“Majide? That’s horrible.” Even over the line, she could hear his happily sympathetic tone. “Hey, you know in that case, we should do something.”
“Do something?”
“Yeah. I’ll take you out for dinner, my treat. What do you say? I mean, you must be…”
Rina stared at screen; the romantic music got to her. The rest of the house was still silent. She didn’t have anything else to do, and she didn’t want to be alone. Why not? “Sure.”
“Really? Great! Then I’ll pick you up in half an hour.” How he had her address, she didn’t know.
A sleek black Lexus drove up to the restaurant. Izumi went to the other side to help Rina out the door. Presuming it would be a classier occasion, she had changed into a nice dress and exchanged her usual flats for heels. Izumi handed the car keys to a valet before leading the girl inside.
The past few frustrating days had put Rina in a bit of a dull rut. Still, she tried to enjoy her time with Izumi. The waiters were courteous, the décor stylish, the food delicious, but her companion… He was nice and interesting - she couldn’t put a finger on why, but the air about him was stifling. It made her lose her appetite.
“You know, I’ve been wondering,” Izumi mused. “Why is it that you never mention your friends from America?”
The girl slowly lowered her fork. Was he really bringing this up for the cameras to record? “You noticed?”
He nodded. “I would think you would maybe - miss them, or something - after being away for so long.”
Rina smiled bitterly to herself. “Who said I had friends back home?” she murmured sardonically, taking a taciturn sip of the red wine she had barely touched. This statement wasn’t completely true, but not all together false either. “High school was a really awkward phase for me... Once I got into college, things were better, but I was always wrapped up in my music and moving on from class to class you know? Nothing solid.”
“Yet things are changing, here, now?”
She spoke slowly. “I - I think so. It seems like… I’m growing into myself here.”
Izumi gave her a peculiar look before breaking out into an easy chuckle. “What’s with all this heavy meditative talk? It’s your birthday, yo! C’mon…” He seemed to totally ignore what she had been saying…
The dinner passed a little slowly for Rina. Their conversation was forced because he was trying to be a cool date, while she just wanted a comfortable companion. Just when things were finally coming to an end and the bill was put on the table, Izumi received a text message that made him smirk.
“There’s another thing you need to do as a newly turned 20-year-old in this fine city.”
There was a line of young, flashy people wrapping around the whole block waiting in anticipation to enter the New Lex Edo club, formerly known as the notorious Lexington Queen of Roppongi’s hipster crowd. Its allure that drew beautiful models (who got in and drank for free), international celebrities, up-and-comings, and anyone who was cool enough to mingle with them, made it one of the hottest partying spots in the city ever since its launch in the 80’s. The pumping music could be faintly heard from out on the street.
Izumi led her past the roped queue, right up to the front door guarded by two large bouncers in black.
“Hey guys, how about it, yeah? It’s this lady’s birthday.” Izumi spoke, confident and cool.
Although their clothes were a little too neat for the mood of the establishment, because of the cameras and Rina’s slightly pissed piercing look, the guards nodded and immediately welcomed them in.
True to its reputation, the place was booming. The lights were turned off, only to make use of black-lights, neon lasers and spotlights. Everyone was crowded on the dance floor, swaying to the wild beat with drinks in their hands. A terrace wrapped around the whole hall overhead. Rina and the cameras squeezed through the throng and followed Izumi up the stairs to this VIP section. This area was calmer and less swarming, and it was lit with warm sconces. Everything was bright red, from the walls to the lounge chairs and low tables to the cherry wood floors. There were people already waiting for them.
“Akira-kun!” Endo Shizuka cried, coming up to greet him brightly; then she saw Rina and her perfect smile fell a little. “… And Katsumi-san.”
“I thought that we should show her a good time on her birthday.” Izumi smirked.
“I didn’t know you were with her beforehand, that’s all.” the woman said to him only, regaining her face.
“Take care of Katsumi-chan, okay?” Izumi murmured. He then winked at Rina. “I’ll get us some drinks.”
Shizuka took a breath. “Well, come, sit with us. Don’t be shy.”
She had no choice but to take a seat between the strangers, who each introduced themselves. They were quite used to the cameras, from hanging out with Shizuka and Izumi.
The girls looked Rina over. “We need to fix this.” one of them said, with a cock of her hairsprayed head. They all nodded, sent her trench to the coat check, and reached into their purses, producing an assortment of beauty products. The guys looked on with amusement as they gave Rina a little makeover right then and there. By the time they were done, they’d put a heavy layer of makeup all over her face, sprayed strong perfume on her, and given her a little teased hair bump. This was what a club-goer should look like.
Most of them couldn’t have been more than three or so years older than her, yet she felt like a child amongst them. She had never been in such a place, but she held her own as best she could. When Izumi came back with drinks, he proposed a toast.
“Ii zo! As represented by Rina, let’s stay young forever! To Rina’s birthday!”
“To Rina’s birthday! Kampai~!” they all cheered, clinking their glasses together. Rina took a careful sip of the multicolored cocktail; despite its girly appearance it was shockingly strong and she choked a little as it warmly strung her throat. The rest laughed and patted her on the back, assuring her she’d get used to it very soon.
The rest finished their cocktails in only a few gulps. They were loosened up and getting restless, ready to join the frenzy enjoying the atmosphere below. Leading the table of friends, Shizuka stood up first; the rest followed and made their way down to the dance floor. They turned back to notice Rina wasn’t following.
“Iku ze (let’s go)!”
“I’m good for now… Maybe when the slow songs come on.” she said quietly. Her naive comment made the other young people laugh heartily, as if it were a joke.
“This isn’t some school function, Rina-chan! There are no slow songs.” Shizuka patted her on the head. “I doubt you’re going to find any sort of Prince Charming here anyway.” Impatiently, she finished Rina’s drink for her and pulled her with the rest down the stairs.
All the swaying, sweaty bodies were packed on the dance floor, high on the driving forces that were the entrancing music and the intoxicating alcohol. The bass pounded in Rina’s ears as they dove in deeper and became surrounded by nameless people and colorful flashing lights. The rest found the beat and let themselves go, whereas Rina felt baffled. Strobe lights distorted everyone; their faces were only visible in sharp flashes like a choppy slideshow.
(I imagine Shizuka to look like Meisa Kuroki)
She took a deep breath, and told herself - You used to love this. Dancing used to be your passion. Try to remember. Her perfect ears clung to the alluring song, and her feet shifted. Once again, her heart fought with her mind as she began slipping into a state of pure movement and music. The intuition was still there, just dormant. It slowly started coming back to her; swimming in the melody, the old joy of abandon started taking over, no matter the music, just to dance.
Then a random guy came around close to her, and she broke out of her rhythm. Startled, she wriggled away from his clammy, repelling touch. In her moment of bewilderment, she lost her group in the blinding strobe lights and gyrating bodies. So, she escaped. She just dodged around everyone in a roughly straight line, and eventually the dance floor gave way to a corridor. There was a women’s bathroom at the end of this hallway, which she sought refuge in. She took a seat in one of the lounge chairs in the empty powder room. Alas, this rest was short-lived as a stumbling trio drunkenly barged in. The handsome male had his arms around the shoulders of the girls on either side of him; he was none other than one of Johnny’s own elite. Rina’s nose wrinkled in slight aversion.
Akanishi Jin looked up, and recognition gradually showed in his slack face. “Hey, I know you!”
She sighed. “Good evening, Akanishi-san.”
“It’s funny that you were - our waitress, na? And now you’re, ahno--“ A fit of giggles overtook him as the woman on his left whispered in his ear.
Rina rolled her eyes and stood up. He was so stupid. What if those girls sold his drunken pictures to the magazines? Could the company’s PR cover it up as another malicious photoshop job?
“Johnny-san does not approve.” That was all she had to say before marching out. She retrieved her trench from the coat check, and left the club.
Just as she turned the corner, she received a text from Izumi.
Hey, we lost you! Where are you?
Gomen, I left. I was… just feeling really tired.
Are you sure you don’t want to come back? We can just hang around upstairs again if you want.
Thanks, but I’m very sure.
After a moment: The cameramen say that they need to at least get a shot of you leaving.
Rina sighed: Tell one of them to meet me by the front. She walked back and allowed the cameras to get the necessary shot. Was she sure she didn’t want to go back in? Yes, she was perfectly certain. So, they let her go off as she pleased. She was sapped of energy and frustrated with everyone’s gall. She needed to clear her head. Taking in the chilly city evening air, she walked on.
While going about, she passed by a night vendor and bought a cheap pair of 300 yen rubber slippers, wearing those instead and holding her heels which had been biting into her feet. She wasn’t going in any particular direction, yet somehow she ended up in front of the tv asahi studio for the second time that day. The building and grounds were actually quite beautiful at night; the glass glowed a soft milky blue like a giant ice cube, and beside it the elegant paths of Mohri Gardens were lit with orange lamps which reflected in the pond. She hadn’t realized it had been in such close vicinity, but that was Roppongi for you.
At the same moment as Rina was passing by unaware, another equally mismatched person stepped out of the building.
The entry guard bowed shortly. “Otsukare-sama deshita.”
The man murmured a quiet reply and passed through. He was dressed in a white collar button-up and tie and hip jacket, yet he wore an old, clashing trucker hat lowered over his face. This man was coming back from a staff party celebrating the conclusion of his drama; he walked with a slight hunch and with hands stuffed in his pockets. He heard the funny flip-flopping sound of the rubber sandals and looked up. His sleepy expression brightened ever so slightly. Kanpeki ne… he thought to himself. Yosh, I’ll do it tonight. Once he set his mind on something, he moved fast forward.
“Katsumi-chan!” he called out, approaching her casually. He noticed how she looked slightly gloomy.
Rina raised her head uncertainly at the sound of her name. Then she saw that it was him; she saw his pleasant face and somehow felt an immediate relief. “Ohno-san…! Konbanwa.” She gave a quick bow.
“What are you doing out here at this hour?” It didn’t look like she wanted to answer; she merely sighed. Ah, well, she didn’t need to say anything. Ohno cocked his head and smiled. “Why don’t I take you somewhere?"
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Part 2 (since LJ doesn't allow such large posts apparently)