-[Two years later]-
-[Narita Airport]-
Overhead:
The flight from Los Angeles, USA to Tokyo, Japan had just arrived…
A woman in silky long dark chocolate hair, stepped out of the gate, dragged a maroon briefcase behind her. She looked around and smiled.
Mika:
Yamada… I’m home.
-[Next]-
Mika (22) stood in front of the pay phone, impatiently waiting.
<dial tone> <dial tone>
Mika:
Come on, Takeshi. Pick up!!!
Voice mail:
… Please leave a message after the beep.
<beep>
Mika:
Takeshi, where are you, huh? I’ve been waiting at the airport for 2 hours and I haven’t seen anyone picking me up. <sigh> Please send someone here to pick me up.
She hangs up. Mika grabbed the handle of the luggage and dragged it toward the seats. She sat down the seat. Her eyes glued to the pay phone across from her.
Mika:
<sigh>
She pouted her lips.
Mika:
Ah!
She stood up and dragged the luggage toward the pay phone. Mika inserted some coin and dialed.
<dial tone> <dial tone> <dial tone> <dial tone>
Voice mail:
The number you’re trying to call-
Mika:
No, no. Not you too!
Voice mail:
… Leave a message after the beep.
<beep>
Mika:
Yamada… I hope you still remember that today I arrive to Japan. <sigh> How come no one come pick me up??
She hangs up.
-[Next]-
-[1 hour later]-
Mika looked at her watch. 4:35 PM.
Mika:
<sigh>
She stood up.
-[Next]-
Mika:
Taxi!
A yellow cab pulled over. Mika stepped in.
Mika:
1-3 Fujimicho, Naka-ku, Yokohama. Kannai Apartment, please.
-[Next]-
-[Mika’s apartment]-
Mika stood in front of her apartment, shuffling through a chain full of keys.
Mika:
Hmm… where’s the key? Ah! Found it!
She inserted the key into the lock. Mika unlocked the door and entered. She flicked the light switch on.
All:
Welcome home, Mika!!!
Mika:
Sousuke! Kimiko! Ryuu! You’re all here!!!
Takeshi:
We haven’t seen for only two years you’ve already forgot me?
A voice came from behind her. Mika turned around and saw Takeshi stood behind her.
Mika:
Takeshi!
She instantly hugged him.
Yamada:
How cruel… How could hug other guys before me?
Mika turned around and saw Yamada, who stood among the crowd, holding a bouquet of roses.
Yamada:
<sigh> What should I do? I just spent my money buying this bouquet and found out my girl hugged another guy in front of me? I guess I’ll give this to another girl.
Mika:
Go ahead… If you do I’ll kill you.
Yamada:
Really? You would do that? If you do than I won’t love you anymore.
Mika:
Then go on, love someone else <sniffle>
Yamada(23) walked toward Mika and handed the bouquet.
Yamada:
You’re finally home.
He smiled. Tears flowed from Mika’s eyes. She immediately hugged him. Yamada held her tight.
Yamada:
Baka! How could I love someone else when I’m already in love with you?
He whispered.
-[Next]-
All:
Kanpai!
Everyone around the table joined glasses.
Mika:
How are auntie and uncle? Are they well?
Sousuke:
Uh. They apologized for not making her today.
Mika:
It’s fine. I’m the one who should visit them. How’s Airi-chan?
Sousuke:
She’s more adorable then ever!
Mika:
<chuckle> I thought so.
Ryuu:
How was America? I want to take my Mariko there for our anniversary.
Mika:
It was ok… Pretty dangerous at night.
Ryuu:
Never mind. I can’t let anyone hurt her.
Mika:
That’s what I thought.
Ryuu:
But hey! Did any guys hit on you?
Yamada stopped and looked at him.
Ryuu:
I heard strangers could hit you on over there.
Mika:
Yeah but…
Yamada:
But what? Did anyone hit on you?
Mika:
No… I was too busy with studying.
Yamada stared at her.
Mika:
What?
Kimiko:
Ah! We’re out of nori.
Mika:
I’ll get it.
She stood up and headed to the kitchen. Yamada followed behind her.
Takeshi:
<chuckle> Seems like someone is anxious.
-[Next]-
Yamada approached Mika while she tried to grab the nori sheets in the cabinet above her head. He reached his hand upward and grabbed the nori sheets.
Mika:
Thanks.
Yamada:
Are you sure that no one ever tried to hit on you?
Mika:
Huh?
Yamada:
Like any guy come up to you and flirt-
Mika:
No. Do you know how I spent my day when I was there?
Yamada:
Tell me.
Mika:
<sigh> I woke up at 6 to catch the bus to the music school and spent 6 hours there. After I’m done with my classes I have a job at a coffee shop and when I’m done with work it’s around 8. I go home take a bath, eat and study and then head to bed. And it repeats days after days. Do you think I have to get hit on?
Yamada looked at her but couldn’t answer.
Yamada:
Have you told people that you have a boyfriend?
Mika:
No.
Yamada:
Why?
Mika:
Because no one asked.
<ding dong> <ding dong>
Sousuke:
I’ll get it!
Mika:
Why are you asking me all this questions?
Yamada:
Be-because! Like you said it’s pretty dangerous there.
Sousuke:
Sorry.
He peaked his head in.
Sousuke:
Don’t mean to interrupt but there’s someone…
Mika:
Huh?
-[Next]-
With Yamada behind her, Mika stepped out of the kitchen. The couple saw Rina(22) and Keito(23) stood in front of them.
Rina:
Mika?
She smiled.
Yamada’s eyes flicked to Keito.
Rina:
Long time no see. How are you?
Mika:
I’m fine.
Sousuke:
Oh whoa~ Look at the time! It’s already pass 10. Honey, I think we should go home. Mom and dad probably are waiting.
Kimiko:
Ye-Yeah… I bet Airi are probably bothering them.
They quickly grabbed their belongings.
Sousuke:
Sorry~ I’ll see you later, Mika.
Mika:
Uh. I’ll visit the ramen shop soon.
The couple waved as they exited.
Ryuu:
It’s already 10? <yawn> I have to go. I have class tomorrow.
He grabbed his jacket.
Ryuu:
Good night. I’ll see you soon.
He tabbed on Mika’s shoulder.
Mika:
Uh, bye.
Ryuu waved as he exited.
Takeshi:
Well… I have a meeting tomorrow so I guess I’ll be leaving.
He stood up.
Takeshi:
Be sure to report to the studio at 8 sharp, got it?
Mika:
Uh.
He stepped out of the apartment.
-[Next]-
The awkward atmosphere lingered between the four, who sat around the table.
Keito:
<clear throat> How are you, Mika?
Mika:
I’m fine.
She smiled.
Rina:
How was life abroad? Did you have fun?
Mika:
Uh, it was fun.
Rina:
I heard you were abroad to study. What did you study?
Mika:
Producing music and vocal.
Rina:
Oh, I see.
She looked at Yamada.
Rina:
You know… Yamada hadn’t looked at any girl ever since you’re gone <chuckle> You’re so lucky, Mika-chan to have such a faithful boyfriend like Yamada.
Mika glanced at Yamada.
Mika:
Thanks.
She smiled.
Keito:
Do you have any plan since you’re back?
Mika:
Yeah. I’m going back to the studio and record.
Rina:
Really? A new single?
Mika:
Yeah.
Rina:
What a coincidence? I also am recording my 4th album.
Mika:
Hmm… I guess we’ll see each other on the chart.
She smiled.
Rina:
I guess so.
She smirked.
-[Next]-
Mika:
<scoff> I can’t believe she has the gut to show her face here.
She placed the dishes back to the cabinets above her.
Yamada:
I can’t believe you didn’t slap her.
Mika turned around.
Yamada:
Wouldn’t you?
Mika:
No. What’s the point?
Yamada:
<chuckle> For two years abroad really changed you, huh?
Mika:
No… I’ve learned that everything will fall into place as long as you wait.
She smiled.
Mika:
Why are you still doing here? Don’t have any events tomorrow?
Yamada:
Yes… No. Can I sleep over?
He smiled.
-[Next]-
Mika pushed Yamada out of the door. Yamada turned around.
Yamada:
<scoff> How could you do that to your boyfriend? I can’t stay?
Mika:
No! You have work so go home and rest.
Yamada:
I can rest in there. What’s the difference?
Mika:
A lot! Just go home and rest! What if people caught us? What would your agency say?
Yamada:
A man can’t sleep over his girl’s place?
Mika:
No. Now, go home!
She shuts the door.
Yamada:
<chuckle> Fine.
-[Next]-
-[SMEJ Studio]-
<door open>
Takeshi stepped in.
Mika:
Good morning, boss.
She swirled the chair to faced Takeshi.
Takeshi:
You’re here early.
Mika:
How could I miss the first day?
Takeshi:
<chuckle> When do you get so commitment?
He marched forward and sat down beside her.
Mika:
I’m always committed?
Takeshi:
Really.
Mika:
Listen, Takeshi… I was wondering if I could compose and write my own song for my comeback.
Takeshi inhaled and then exhaled.
Takeshi:
Honestly… I don’t kn-
Mika:
Trust me. I can do this. Here.
She grabbed a notebook in her bag.
Mika:
This is some song that I’ve worked on while I was in America.
She handed him a black notebook. Takeshi grabbed and glanced at it.
Mika:
So… What do you think?
Takeshi:
I’ll let you try.
A huge smile appeared on her face.
Takeshi:
But!
Mika:
I knew it.
Takeshi:
If this single failed to reach the Oricon chart… you have to leave everything to me, got it?
Mika:
Yes, sir. I guarantee you it will reach top 20.
She smirked.
-[Next]-
-[A month later]-
-[Music Champ]-
<applause>
Yoshie:
Hai. Our next guest debuted 2 years with the single, Puzzle. Now, she’s back with a very popular hit called, Hello! Radio. Please welcome, Mikki.
<applause>
Mika entered the staged with a huge smile, waving at the audience. She settled down beside the hosts Yoshie Takeuchi and Tomari.
Tomari:
During those 2 years, what were you doing?
Mika:
<chuckle> I was abroad studying producing music and vocal.
Yoshie:
Really?
Mika:
Hai!
Yoshie:
Is it hard to adapt to the life abroad?
Mika:
Well, at first everything is very different but then I get used to it.
Yoshie:
Are you surprise that your single, Hello! Radio made to #12 the first week and then to #1 on the third week?
Mika:
Yes <chuckle> I was very shocked. I told my manager that I, at least made it to the top 20 but… I’ve never thought it’d go this far.
Tomari:
But you debut as an R&B singer, right?
Mika:
Hai.
Tomari:
I believe the song has a different feel…
Mika:
Yes. That’s correct. I thought it’d be more fun to mix with Techno and Pop.
Tomari:
Oh I see.
Mika:
Hai.
Yoshie:
Performing her comeback single, Hello! Radio. Mikki.
-[Next]-
-[Restaurant]-
All:
Kanpai!!
Everyone around the table joined glasses.
Mariko:
Congrats on your success, Mika.
Mika:
<chuckle> Arigatou, Mariko-chan
Ryuu:
Eh? Where’s Yamada?
Mika:
Him? He’s filming a movie in Hawaii.
Ryuu:
Ah~
<vibrate> <vibrate>
Yamada’s name appeared on the screen.
Mika:
<light chuckle> Speaking of the devil.
-[Next]-
Mika exited the crowd room.
Mika:
Hello?
She picked up.
Yamada:
What take you so long?
Mika:
I was talking with Ryuu. Why? What’s the emergency?
Yamada:
I just want to hear your voice.
Mika:
<chuckle> You miss me that much?
Yamada:
Uh.
Mika:
How’s the whether in Hawaii?
Yamada:
It’s really hot.
Mika:
Are done with filming?
Yamada:
No, not really. We’re on break right now. I heard your single made #1 on the Oricon Chart.
Mika:
Wow~ News do travel fast.
Yamada:
<chuckle> You can rest now.
Mika:
Who said I’m resting?
Yamada:
Eh? I thought you’re done with the promotion.
Mika:
Yeah… But I have to go back to the studio next week to work on another single.
Yamada:
That means it’d be hard for me too see you, huh?
Mika:
Uh…
-[Hawaii. Film set]-
Akira:
Yamada!!! Break’s over!!!
Yamada:
Hey, I’ll text you later. Gotta go. Break’s over.
Mika:
Uh. Have fun.
Yamada:
Thanks…
Mika pulled her phone away from her ears.
Yamada:
Mika!
Mika:
Huh?
Yamada:
I… I love you.
<click>
He hangs up.
Mika:
<chuckle> Baka…
Takeshi:
I love you. How cheesy. Make me wanna shiver.
Mika turned around and saw Takeshi stood behind her.
Mika:
Were you eardrops my conversation this whole time?
Takeshi:
Just half of it. Anyway, any inspiration lately?
Mika:
No, not yet.
Takeshi:
Well… I guess we could figure something out next week. So enjoy these 3 days break, huh?
He turned around.
Mika:
Takeshi.
Takeshi:
Hmm?
He turned around.
Mika:
I was wondering if you could compose the song in my next single.
Takeshi:
You know that I-
Mika:
Please… I know you can do it.
Takeshi:
I can’t-
Mika:
Why? Because of what? Takeshi, you’re the greatest producer in the industry… don’t let a little mistake get in your way.
Takeshi looked into her eyes.
Takeshi:
I’ll think about it.
Mika smiled.
-[Next]-
-[SMEJ Studio]-
Mika:
So???
Takeshi:
So what??
Mika:
The request…
Takeshi:
What request?
Mika:
Don’t play dumb with me.
Takeshi:
I’m just joking. I’ve thought about it and I guess I’ll give it a try.
Mika:
Yatta!!!
She threw her arms upward.
Takeshi:
I have something in mind for quite some time now…
Mika:
How long?
Takeshi:
About 7 or 8 years.
Mika:
Hmm… I began to have second thought about this.
She mumbled.
Takeshi:
Do you want me to-
Mika:
I’m just playing. What is it?
Takeshi:
As I was saying… Have you heard a very intense violin before?
Mika:
Yeah… Is it classical?
Takeshi:
Yup! But what if you mix with today’s beat, hmm?
Mika:
I know what you mean now.
She smiled.
-[3 weeks later]-
Posters of Mika in black and white with her hair are all teased and her make up are smeared with hatreds in her eyes, the word “MONSTER” printed in bold underneath, was in every corners of Shibuya.
-[Next]-
-[Waratte Iitomo!]-
<applause>
Tamori:
We have Mika Tanaka, Mikki here with us today. So welcome.
<applause>
Mika bowed.
Mika:
Thanks for having me here.
She bowed.
Tamori:
Tell us about your new single, MONSTER. Were you afraid about the outcome while working on it?
Mika:
Well, a little. Because it’s very different from the other Japanese songs… so I was afraid that the audience wouldn’t like it.
Tamori:
But it rank #2 on the chart.
Mika:
<chuckle> Hai. I was very happy when I saw the result.
Tamori:
The lyric… What’s the meaning behind it?
Mika:
The lyric itself means… rage and anger toward someone whose had betrayed by someone close…
Tamori:
I see. You wrote the lyric, correct?
Mika:
Hai! Once I listen to the music, I immediately came up with the lyric.
Tamori:
I heard Takeshi Nakahara was behind this and I was like “Ah~ it’s him. No wonder it’s so famous”
The audience laughed.
Mika:
<chuckle> Hai! I was very lucky to have him produce this song. At first I was very skeptical about his idea…
Tamori:
Why? He’s a very talent producer.
Mika:
Yeah but when he asked me, “Have you ever heard intense violin?” I was very scared because I thought he might produce an old song… I mean, he haven’t produce any song for a while so…
The audience lightly chuckled.
Tamori:
<chuckle> I see. How long haven’t he produce?
Mika:
Hmm… I don’t know. Probably a very long time.
Everyone laughed.
Tamori:
Well, shall we call him and ask?
Mika:
Hounto?
A staff entered the stage carried a phone. She handed over to Mika.
Mika:
Hello?
Takeshi:
How dare you called my idea old, huh?!!
Everyone laughed.
Mika:
<laugh> Sorry…
Takeshi:
After all the success I brought you…
Mika:
Gomen, gomen. I’ll buy some ramen after this.
The audience laughed.
Mika:
Tamori wants to talk to you.
She handed the phone to Tamori.
Tamori:
Hello?
Takeshi:
Good evening, sir.
He changed into a calm voice. Everyone laughed.
Mika:
<chuckle> Nani? How can he switch tone so quick?
Tamori:
How are you? I haven’t seen you for a long time now.
Takeshi:
Hai. It’s been a long time.
Tamori:
Do you have a family yet?
Takeshi:
No, sir. I’m too busy.
Tamori:
Really? What’s so urgent that keep you from having a family?
Takeshi:
Taking care of Mika is already taking half of my day.
Everyone included Mika laughed.
Tamori:
Ah, sou~ Let meet sometime over a drink, ne.
Takeshi:
Hai. Please take care of the brat for me, sir.
Tamori:
<chukle> Alright. I will.
He hangs up.
Tamori:
I bet you will be busy later on, huh?
Mika:
Hai. I have an album that will be release soon.
Tamori:
When will that be?
Mika:
Umm… The end of June.
Tamori:
Then we should all looking out for that.
Mika:
Hai.
-[Next]-
-[SMEJ Studio]-
Takeshi:
I have news…
He announced as he stepped inside the studio.
Mika:
What is it?
She removed her eyes off the sheet of music.
Takeshi:
I just got information that Rina’s album will be release on the same day as your album. I think we should postpone-
Mika:
No.
He looked at her.
Mika:
I won’t postpone it. It’s my comeback album. You, the staffs and I worked really hard on it. I don’t want a little competition make everyone disappoint.
Takeshi:
Ok. I guess we just have to hope for the best.
Mika:
Hope? I have the feeling that we will win.
To be continue…
[Star★Dom] 