Track #012: You were…

-[One week later]-

-[Yamada’s apartment]-

T.V Anchor:
… Earlier this morning, Avex announced the official suspension of the starlet, Rina Hoshino (22). An insider reported the reason for Rina’s suspension was due to an suspicion of Rina’s famous song, Confession. Apparently, the song, Confession, was stolen without the owner’s right. The identity of this unknown song-writer remains mystery…

<click>

Yamada:
I was gone for two weeks and all this trouble happened?

Mika turned around.

Mika:
Ah! You’re home.

She smiled as she stood up.

Yamada:
Uh, I’m home.

He smiled. Yamada stepped closer to Mika. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to him.

Yamada:
Are you ok?

Mika:
<soft chuckle> Of course. I’m Mika Tanaka, the toughest Udon that ever exist.

Yamada:
<chuckle> I’m glad to hear that.

Mika:
How was Okinawa?

Yamada released her and looked into her eyes.

Yamada:
What are you planning to do?

Mika:
About this?

Yamada:
Uh.

Mika:
I don’t know.

She looked down.

Mika:
This is too sudden. I couldn’t imagine that it happened so quickly like this. I’m still shock because of this.

Yamada:
But do you know who revealed this?

Mika:
<sigh> I don’t know. Rina dashed to the T.V station out of nowhere and created a riot… at first, I thought she was being paranoid… I’ve never imagined that she was suspend.

Yamada:
Do you think someone slip out?

Mika:
Only Kenji and I know about this…

-[flash back]-

Rina marched toward Mika and slapped her. Everyone in the room were completely shocked.

Mariko:
Hey! What the hell do you think you’re doing?!

Rina:
Shut up!

She glanced at Mariko and back at Mika.

Rina:
You did this, didn’t you?!

Mika:
What?

Rina:
<scoff> Don’t play dumb with me. It was you who told Keito about me stealing your song, didn’t you? And you’re also the one who told Max-san about this too, huh?! What happened to “I’ll never be like you. I’ll never do such coward thing”?!! For a second, I actually believe you but… I‘d never believe you would do such dirty thing!

-[flash back]-

Mika:
<gasp> Keito…

Yamada:
Huh?

-[Next]-

-[Keito’s residence]-

<ring> <ring> <ring>

Keito marched toward his phone, which laid on the bed. He grabbed the phone and glanced at the screen. Mika’s name appeared. He flipped the cover upward.

Keito:
Hello?

Mika:
Are you busy right now?

Keito:
No. Why?

Mika:
Can we meet?

Keito:
<sigh> Sure. Where would you like to meet?

Mika:
At the coffee house last time.

Keito:
Uh. I also have something to say to you.

-[Next]-

-[Coffee House]-

The waitress placed a cup of hot coffee in front of Mika and Keito.

The Waitress:
Please enjoy.

She bowed and departed from the table. Keito took a sip out of the cup.

Mika:
You did this, didn’t you? You’re the one who told Max-san?

Keito:
Uh. I reported it to Max-san.

Mika:
Why?

Keito:
Like you said… the truth cannot disappear. Sooner or later it will reveal. Plus, I don’t wanna be a fool anymore. Why? Aren’t you waiting for this day to come?

Mika:
Yeah, but not like this. Don’t you love her? Don’t care about how she must feels-

Keito:
Of course I do. You think I’m enjoying this? Do you how many day and sleepless nights I’ve thought out this? <sigh> Is this the whole reason why you called me out?

Mika:
Uh.

Keito:
Is that all?

Mika looked at him. Keito took another sip from the warm coffee.

Keito:
You know what’s the hardest thing about making this decision?

Mika couldn’t answered.

Keito:
The hardest thing isn’t about the facing the cruel truth nor accepting it but… forgetting it.

Mika glazed into his eyes.

Keito:
Forget everything… Every memory I had with her. Every hug, every kiss and everything involve her… even her name <inhale and sigh> But I guess it would be easier now to forget.

Mika:
What do you mean by that?

Keito:
I’m going back to England and continue my study there.

Mika:
What? When are you leaving?

Keito:
Today at 7 o’clock

Mika:
Are you coming back?

Keito:
I don’t know. I guess I will when that name has completely erase from my head. Then I could come back with ease.

Mika look down at the cup of coffee in front of her.

Keito:
You know, honestly… I used to like you.

Mika instantly looked at him.

Keito:
You were bright and always cheerful. Just being near you, make me feel at ease. The biggest mistake I’ve ever done was believing you at first. Wouldn’t it be nice if time could reverse… If I could’ve known about your feelings a little bit sooner, you and I would be holding each other’s hands now, huh?

He smiled as the tears lingered in his eyes. Keito turned his eyes to the scene outside.

Keito:
<soft chuckle> The weather is very nice today, huh?

Mika glazed at him and tears fell down from her eyes.

-[Next]-

-[Yamada’s apartment]-

<door shut>

Mika slipped off her shoes.

Yamada:
You’re home?

Mika lifted her head up and saw Yamada stood before her.

Mika:
Uh.

She marched passed Yamada with her head down. Yamada followed her into the bedroom.

Yamada:
What’s wrong?

He sat down the bed while Mika placed the hand bag into the clothes.

Mika:
<sigh> Nothing really…

Yamada:
Mika.

Mika:
Huh?

Yamada:
Mika.

Mika turned around.

Mika:
Huh?

Yamada:
Come here.

He lays his hand before her. Mika stepped closer to him. She reached out her arms and grabbed his hand. Yamada pulled her closer to him.

Yamada:
You know, you really sucks at lying… Tell me, what’s bothering you? Aren’t relieve that everything fell back to its rightful place?

Mika:
Well, I do… at first.

Yamada looked at her with many wonders in mind.

Mika:
But I don’t want things to end like this… I’ve never had any thought of hurting Rina. All I’ve wanted her to do is realize her mistake and sincerity apologize to me. Not in a million years I thought that it would be Keito whom behind this… I just understand why he would do that.

Yamada:
Keito and I known each other for a very long time. Even though we barely talk but I could understand why he would do that.

Mika:
Huh?

Yamada:
Every man has pride… No man would continue being a fool for someone whom had lied to him. He did a right thing. If he’s a real man he’d never protect whom at wrong.

Mika:
But… he loves her… it’s too-

Yamada:
That’s why he must do what he did. He did it because he also wants to protect Rina from continue doing wrongful deeds.

Mika:
Would you do the same if did the same crime that Rina committed? Would you march into the president’s office and reveal everything?

Tears dropped down her eyes as her eyes gazed at his. He swept tears on her cheek.

Yamada:
No… Because I trust you. I believe in you. I know that you, Mika Tanaka, would never committed such crime.

Mika:
<scoff> Baka.

She wrapped her arms around his neck.

Yamada:
<chuckle> Uh… You can call that.

He smiled.

-[Next]-

Wrapped in Yamada’s arms, Mika slept peacefully.

<ring> <ring> <ring>

The sounds woke the two up. Yamada pulled himself up, trying to find his phone. He grabbed the phone under his pillow and flipped the cover up.

Mika:
It’s mine, it’s mine.

Mika grabbed her phone that laid on the nightstand.

Mika:
Hello?

Takeshi:
Mika?

Mika:
Takeshi? What is it so important that you have to call 2 in the morning?

Takeshi:
<sigh> Something happened. Something bad happened?

Mika:
Huh? What is it?

Takeshi:
That girl, Rina…  I just got a call from a friend, he told me that she had been rushed to hospital an hour earlier.

Mika:
Wh-what?

Mika sat up. Yamada followed her.

Mika:
What did you said? Rina had been rushed to the hospital?!

Takeshi:
Uh. It seems like she tried to commit suicide by over-dosed herself with sleeping pills. I heard she had passed the dangerous course but still unconscious.  I think you should pay a visit.

Mika:
Uh. What’s hospital is she hospitalizing?

-[Next]-

-[Hospital]-

With Yamada behind her, Mika dashed to the front desk.

Mika:
Excuse me. What’s the condition of Rina Hoshino?

Nurse:
Are you her relative?

Mika:
Umm… I’m her friend.

Nurse:
Than I’m sorry, I can’t reveal the patient’s condition.

Mika:
But I’m-

Mrs. Hoshino:
Mika?

A familiar voice came from behind her. Mika turned around and saw Mrs. Hoshino, Rina’s mother, stood in front of her.

Mika:
Mrs. Hoshino…

-[Next]-

-[Hospital’s Cafeteria]-

Mrs. Hoshino:
I haven’t seen you for a while and now… You’ve changed so much.

She smiled. Mika peaked a smile.

Mika:
Hai.

She looked down her fingers.

Mika:
I heard the news earlier so I rushed here. How is she?

Mrs. Hoshino:
<sigh> The doctors are unable to determine her condition until she wake up.

Mika:
I’m sorry.

Mrs. Hoshino looked at her.

Mrs. Hoshino:
Why would you said that? It’s not your fault-

Mika:
But I feel like it is.

Mrs. Hoshino:
Sweetie, don’t blame yourself. It’s my fault… I heard about what Rina did to you; all of the pain she had caused you… I should be the one who should apologize to you.

Mika:
No.

She shook her head.

Mika:
Mika:
At first, I was hurt and felt betrayed by her but once I entered the entertainment industry I can understand why she did it. She must felt a lot of pressure and may had a lot of insecurities.

Mrs. Hoshino:
Rina have such a kind friend but she couldn’t see that.

She smiled.

Mika:
Is it ok if I could see her for a while?

Mrs. Hoshino:
Uh.

-[Next]-

Mika opened the door and stepped inside. She stepped closer toward where Rina laid. Mika sat on the chair beside Rina’s bed.

Mika:
Rina… I’m here. It’s me, Mika. Why did you do it, huh? Why did you do such a foolish thing? <inhale and sigh> I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Rina. If I could foresee this… I swear I’d never do it. Rina, please… open your eyes. Please just open your eyes… I don’t care if you hate me for the rest of your life, I just want you to open your eyes.

Mika held Rina’s hand with her hands.

Mika:
Rina… What happened to us? We were once so close… we used to share many secrets. You are always so gracious and gentle and I <scoff> was immature and careless. You’re the one who help me realize my dream. You’re the first one who believe me…

Tears flowed from her eyes.

Mika:
<sniffle> Please… just open your eyes.

Yamada silently stood at the door, looked at Mika while she was in tears. He quietly closed the door.

-[Next]-

Mika swept the tears in her eyes as she stepped out of the room. She closed the door behind. Mrs. Hoshino walked toward Mika.

Mrs. Hoshino:
Did you talked to her?

Mika:
Hai. Arigatou.

She bowed.

Mrs. Hoshino:
Uh. And thanks for visiting at the time like this.

Mika:
No, it’s fine.

Mrs. Hoshino:
You should head home… you must be tired.

Mika:
Hai. I’ll take me leave.

She bowed. Mika departed from Mrs. Hoshino. As she lifted her head up, Mika saw Yamada.

Mika:
You’re still here?

Yamada:
Uh.

Mika:
I’m sorry.

Yamada:
No, it’s ok. Let’s go home

He smiled. Mika spread her arms open and hugged him.

Mika:
Arigatou.

Yamada:
Huh? For what?

Mika:
For being here… For stay by my side… And for everything.

She smiled.

Yamada:
<soft chuckle> Baka.

He held her tightly.

Yamada:
I’d always be here for you no matter what… after all, I’m the idiot in love.

Mika:
<chuckle> Uh, you are… my idiot.

-[Next]-

-[Three days later. Max’s Office]-

T.V Anchor:
… The beloved idol, Rina Hoshino was rushed to the hospital three days ago due to the overdose of sleeping pills. Her mother found Rina laid on the bathroom floor, unconscious and immediately called the ambulance. Rina’s fans blamed on Max Matsuura, the CEO of one of the largest music label of Asia, about the situation and left many cruel comment on his Twitter page…

<click>

Max placed the remote control on the table. He released a sigh.

Max:
Mina-san? Are you there?

Mina, Max’s assistant stepped in the office.

Mina:
Hai. Do you need something?

Max:
Can you find out what’s Mika Tanaka’s phone number?

-[Next]-

Mika stepped out of the bathroom and into the bedroom. She marched toward the closet.

<ring> <ring> <ring> <ring>

Mika freezes and looked at the phone on the bed. She stepped toward the bed and grabbed the phone.

Mika:
Hello?

Max:
Is this Mika Tanaka?

Mika:
Hai. Who is this?

Max:
This is Max Matsuura… I’d like to meet you, is that ok?

-[Next]-

-[Max’s Office]-

<knock> <knock>

Max:
Come in.

Mika stepped in.

Mika:
Please excuse my intrusion.

She bowed.

Max:
Oh! You’re here.

He stood up from the chair.

Max:
Please sit down.

Mika settled down at the chair across from Max. He looked at Mika.

Max:
You look familiar. Have we met?

Mika:
Hai. About three years ago I auditioned to Avex but was rejected. I worked as a janitor at the Avex Academy and I accidentally swept the mop on your shoes.

Max:
Ah~ I remember.

Mika:
Sorry…

Max:
<chuckle> It’s fine. You said you auditioned before?

Mika:
Hai. At that time my skill was lacking so I didn’t make it.

Max:
Ah…

Mika:
Is there something you’d like to discuss with me?

Max:
Yeah. It’s regarding to the Rina’s situation.

Mika:
Oh.

Max:
I’d like to apologize for not knowing this earlier. As the CEO of this company I feel ashamed for not knowing what’s had happened inside the company. I hope you could forgive me.

Mika:
It’s fine. It’s just a song… Plus, it’s better that it was Rina than anyone else.

Max:
I’m glad you understand.

Mika:
Hai.

Max:
It’s a lost, ne~

Mika:
Huh?

She looked at him.

Max:
I heard your song and honestly… I was blew away by your strong vocal. It’s a lost that you couldn’t be a part of Avex.

Mika:
<chuckle> Arigatou.

Max:
Is it too late to ask you to switch to Avex?

Mika:
<chuckle> I’m sorry.

Max:
<chuckle> I won’t force you then.

He smiled.

-[Next]-

-[Hospital]-

Rina laid on the bed very still. The sounds of the clock ticking by echo in the cold room. Suddenly, Rina slowly opened her eyes.

Rina:
Mika…

She whispered.

-[Next]-

-[Yamada’s apartment]-

<door shut>

Mika:
Tadaima~

She slipped off her shoes and stepped into the house.

Yamada:
Where did you go?

Mika:
I just met with Max.

She marched into the living and collapsed on the sofa.

Yamada:
Max?

Mika:
Uh.

Yamada:
What did he said?

He sat beside her.

Mika:
He just apologizing for what had happened <sigh>

She leaned on his shoulder.

Mika:
I’m so tired.

Yamada:
I guess it’s kinda a bad time to tell you that I’ll be leaving tomorrow, huh?

Mika:
Huh?

She pulled herself up and looked at him.

Mika:
Tomorrow? Where?

Yamada:
A movie that I’m in right now has a setting in Korea… I just receive a call from Akira that I’ll be flying to Korea tomorrow.

Mika:
Really?

Yamada:
Uh.

Mika leaned on his shoulder.

Mika:
Ok, then.

Yamada:
Are you ok?

Mika:
I’m fine. Just go… and kiss a very pretty girl there.

Yamada:
<chuckle> You think I’ll enjoy it.

Mika:
Isn’t that the reason why you chose to be an actor at first? To kiss many hot girls as you can without anyone calling you a man-whore.

Yamada:
<chuckle> You think that’s the reason?

Mika:
Just be honest.

Yamada:
Ok fine. How about this? You become an actress too. Then hopefully we would end up in a same movie as the main characters and then we got to kiss each other.

Mika:
No thanks… Acting is not my thing.

Yamada chuckled.

<ring> <ring> <ring>

Mika grabbed the phone in her pocket.

Mika:
Hello?

Mrs. Hoshino:
Mika?

Mika:
Hai.

Mrs. Hoshino:
Rina… Rina…

Mika:
Did something happened to Rina?

Mrs. Hoshino:
She-she’s just woke up.

Mika:
Really?!

She got up from the sofa.

-[Next]-

-[Hospital]-

Yamada’s car pulled in front of the hospital. Mika opened the door and stepped out. She peaked her head in the car.

Mika:
Thanks. I’ll call you later.

Yamada:
Do you want me-

Mika shut the door and ran into the hospital. Yamada released a sigh as he started the engine. Before he step on the accelerator, Yamada glanced at Mika’s trace.

-[Next]-

Mika dashed to where Mrs. Hoshino stood.

Mika:
Mrs. Hoshino… How is Rina?

She tried to catch a breath.

Mrs. Hoshino:
She woke up an hour ago and the first thing she said was wanting to see you.

Mika:
Ok. Where is she now?

Mrs. Hoshino:
She’s in the room. You should go in.

Mika:
Hai.

-[Next]-

Mika opened the door and stepped in. She shut the door behind her. She saw Rina sat on the chair, staring at the starry sky out of the window.

Mika:
Rina? It’s me, Mika… I’m here.

She stepped closer to where Rina sat.

Mika:
Rina? Rina? It’s Mika…

She placed her hand on Rina’s shoulder. Rina slowly turned around. Suddenly, Rina held a knife aimed straight at Mika. Mika immediately flinched back.

Mika:
Rina! What’s wrong?!

Rina:
What’s wrong? It’s all your fault!!!

She screamed.

Rina:
You made me like this!!! I lost everything because of you!! You thought you saved me? <scoff> Don’t make me laugh. You just ruined everything!!

Mika:
What do you mean?

Rina:
Don’t you get it? If I die… the reputation of that company will be ruin. But… thanks to you, I couldn’t do the last thing that I want! Since I couldn’t die… I guess, you should take my place. That’s right. That’s a great idea… once you die, I could regain everything <chuckle>

Mika:
Rina! Snap out of it!!

Rina
Didn’t you said we were friends?

Mika:
Huh?

Rina:
Then be a good friend and die!!

She ran to Mika with the sharp knife in her hand. Mika tightly closed her eyes.

To be continued…