-[Coffee House]-
Raindrops fell down from the dull gray sky one by one. Mika dazed out at the pouring rain.
Mika:
<sigh> Why did it suddenly rain?<sigh>
Keito:
<chuckle> Your sigh might blow away the table.
Mika turned around and saw Keito stood in front of her, holding 2 mugs.
Keito:
Here. Have some hot coco.
He placed the large mug in front of Mika.
Mika:
Oh! Thank you.
The two exchanged a smile as he settled across from Mika.
Keito:
When your ride comes?
Mika:
My stylist will pick me up me soon.
Keito:
Oh I see.
Mika took a sip of the hot coco.
Mika:
Hmm… It sounds like an audience clapping all at once.
Keito listened.
Keito:
Uh, you’re right. It does sounds like an audience clapping.
He smiled. Mika looked at him. Keito noticed her.
Keito:
Ah! I forgot… I apologized about that day.
Mika:
Huh? That day? When?
Keito:
The day at your place… Rina and I were a little bit rude to come without an invitation.
Mika:
Oh… It’s fine.
She smiled.
Keito:
It’s good to see you smile. Years may fly by, things may change but your smile is still the same.
Mika:
Huh?
Keito:
Uh, I admire your smile. It’s full of joy. It make other happy just to see you smile.
Mika:
You’re happy to see me?
Keito:
Of course.
She looked down at her fingers. Keito took a sip of the warm hot coco.
Mika:
I thought you don’t wanna see me again.
Keito stopped and looked at Mika.
Mika:
Two years ago, around this time of the year… You coldly exclaimed, no… more like warned me to not to come near you nor see your face.
Keito:
Mika…
Mika:
<chuckle> Do you even know how much those words hurts me?
She looked into his eyes.
Keito:
Mika, I was saying those words out of frustration-
Mika:
I know. I know how much you cherish her.
Keito:
Indeed, I love Rina more than anything… <chuckle> I know it might sounds cliché but that’s how truly feel toward her.
Mika:
Of course, you would be the fool who madly in love… while I was also a fool who loved that other fool <sniffle>
Keito:
Mika, I-
Mika:
You know, you would make me laugh when there’s nothing seems right. When I’m around you, I feel calm as if the time had stopped and there’s an unknown world has created. Your aura is warm and gentle… I guess that’s why I like you.
Tears filled in her eyes. Mika looked down at her fingers.
Mika:
But once I acknowledge the fact that’s your heart goes to someone else… not just anyone but my best of friend, my heart ached so much that I couldn’t breath. And once you said those harsh words, my whole world collapsed.
Tears dropped upon her eyes as she quickly swept it away.
Keito:
Mika… I’m sorry.
Mika:
Don’t say that. Because of you, I know what’s love is. I learned to become stronger and more determined. I learned on that rainy day that no one would believe you when you’re a loser who has no power.
Keito:
Mika, please-
Mika:
That song… “Confession” are you familiar of that song?
Keito:
Uh. She wrote it to indicate her feelings toward-
Mika:
Don’t you mean I, Mika Tanaka, was the one who wrote that?
Keito:
Wh-what do you mean?
She smiled.
Mika:
Ah! My ride is here.
Keito turned around and saw a white mini van pulled over in front of the coffee house.
Mika:
It’s nice to see you again, Keito and thanks for the hot coco.
She smiled as she stood up.
Keito:
That’s a lie, right?
He looked at Mika.
Keito:
Ho-how could that song be yours?
Mika:
I think you should ask your girlfriend that question. You might find it very interesting.
-[Next]-
-[Ami’s Apartment]-
Ami threw a dry towel on Takeshi’s face. He swept it off his face.
Takeshi:
Don’t have to be cruel… I was just-
Ami:
Shut up before I kick you out in the rain.
Takeshi:
Ok, ok. I’ll be quiet.
Ami:
<clear throat> I have to change so don’t you dare peak at-
Takeshi:
Then don’t tell me! Just go and do whatever you want. Why report to me?
Ami glared at him.
Ami:
Don’t you dare, you disgusting old pervert!
Takeshi:
Ok, ok, ok. Just go.
Ami marched into her room. Takeshi looked around the apartment. He saw a row of box set of drama that had been organized be alphabet.
Takeshi:
<soft chuckle> Drama freak.
He glanced at the calendar.
Takeshi:
Damn!
-[Next]-
-[Dressing Room]-
Mika:
What?! You’re at Ami’s house?!!
She stood up from the chair, holding her cell phone.
Takeshi:
Shhh!
Mika sat back down.
Mika:
<chuckle> How could this be? How could you make such a fast move?
Takeshi:
Shut up. I’m just stuck here cause my car had towed away.
Mika:
<laugh> What? <laugh> Your car had towed away? <laugh> I’m not surprise. So how’s the date? Did you have fun?
Takeshi:
Fun? Don’t you mean torture? Not only she slapped me and kick me but also embarrassed me in front of thousand of people.
Mika:
Because you deserve it! Why didn’t you just tell her that it was you from the start?
Takeshi:
Be-because I thought it would be a little fun to make her wait.
Mika:
Tch, tch… <scoff> Why didn’t Ami kick you at your private? She’s being too nice. If it was me, I make sure that you would never have children.
Takeshi:
Whose side are you on, huh? I’m your manager!!
Mika:
Really. Then why aren’t you here?
Takeshi:
How could I go out in such horrible weather?
Mika:
Just say you want to stay at her place.
-[Ami’s Apartment]-
Takeshi:
Hey! You better watch-
Ami:
AAAAHHHHH!!!!
Takeshi:
Ami!
-[Next]-
Takeshi opened the door and dashed in.
Takeshi:
What’s wrong?
He looked at Ami, who’s fully naked.
Takeshi:
<gasp> You’re…
Ami:
Shut up and turn around!!!
Takeshi immediately turned around. Ami grabbed a blanket and covered herself.
Takeshi:
Why did you scream, you idiot?!
Ami:
The-there-there’s a spider over there.
Takeshi:
Where? Where?
Ami:
Over there. At the corner.
She pointed at a big black spider.
Takeshi:
Whoa!
He jumped as he held Ami tightly.
Ami:
What you are you doing? Kill it!!!
Takeshi:
No~ Why should I?
Ami:
Then remove it!
Takeshi:
Bu-but I’m afraid of spider.
Ami:
WHAT?!!! How could you call yourself a man?
She pushed him. Takeshi landed on the ground.
-[Next]-
-[Avex building, Max’s office]-
Kenji:
…Please understand, sir.
He bowed. Max smiled.
Max:
Don’t worry. Thanks for coming.
Kenji:
No problem.
He smiled.
Kenji:
Ah! Sir…
Max:
Huh?
Kenji:
Do you still keep Rina’s song?
Max:
Uh. Why?
Kenji:
There’s something I’d like to confirm.
He smiled.
-[Next]-
Ren approached the elevator and exchanged a friendly smile at the ladies who had been waited. The two ladies giggled and mumbled. He pressed the button at the elevator.
<ding>
As the elevator door pulled away, Ren lifted his head and saw Kenji stood in the elevator. Their eyes met. Ren smirked as he stepped into the elevator along with the ladies behind him. He pressed the number 1 button.
Ren:
<clear throat> You still have some stuff left behind or something?
Kenji:
No, sir.
Ren:
Really… Then why are you here?
Kenji:
Oh! I thought you’ve heard the news.
Ren:
Huh? What news?
Kenji:
Max-san called me yesterday, asked me to come back to Avex. I just met with him.
Ren:
<scoff> What? I think there’s a misunderstanding. Why would Max-san called a useless composer like you-
Kenji:
You’ve heard of a singer name, Mika- I mean, Mikki?
Ren:
Yeah. What about her?
Kenji:
Her latest single had landed on the top 10 of the Oricon chart.
Ren:
And?
Kenji:
I composed those songs.
Ren’s eyes opened wide.
Kenji:
Since those songs made the top 10, I think you should took back those cruel words of me being a “useless” and all.
He smirked.
Ren:
You-you worked for Mika Tanaka?
Kenji:
Uh. Not only she’s an amazing singer but also a good songwriter. Hmm… I wonder why her early work got into the wrong hand.
Ren:
Huh? What do you mean?
<ding>
The elevator door pulled away.
Kenji:
Ah! I believe this is where I get off. It’s good to see you again, Ren Osawa.
He smiled as he exit the elevator. Ren breath rapidly as the elevator door closed.
-[Next]-
<knock> <knock>
Max:
Enter.
Ren marched into his office.
Ren:
Max-san, Kenji was here?
Max:
Uh, you just missed him.
Ren:
Did he ask for anything?
Max:
Hmm… he asked to look at Rina’s song.
Ren:
Huh? Which one?
Max:
Confession.
Ren turned pale.
-[Next]-
-[Keito’s car]-
Keito’s car stopped at the red light.
Rina:
So what do you wanna eat today? Chinese? Italian? Ah! We should stop by this new Italian restaurant…
Keito stared blankly at the road.
-[flash back]-
Mika:
That song… “Confession” are you familiar of that song?
Keito:
Uh. She wrote it to indicate her feelings toward-
Mika:
Don’t you mean I, Mika Tanaka, was the one who wrote that?
Keito:
Wh-what do you mean?
She smiled.
Mika:
Ah! My ride is here.
Keito turned around and saw a white mini van pulled over in front of the coffee house.
Mika:
It’s nice to see you again, Keito and thanks for the hot coco.
She smiled as she stood up.
Keito:
That’s a lie, right?
He looked at Mika.
Keito:
Ho-how could that song be yours?
Mika:
I think you should ask your girlfriend that question. You might find it very interesting.
-[flash back]-
Rina:
Keito. Keito?
She shook his arm.
Keito:
Huh?
Rina:
Are you ok? You seem a little distracted today?
Keito:
Me? <nervous chuckle> I’m fine. What were you saying?
Rina looked at him.
-[Next]-
-[Italian restaurant]-
Keito stared blankly at the dish as he swirled the pasta round the fork.
Rina:
Keito?
Keito:
Huh?
Rina:
Are you sure you’re ok? Perhaps you’ve caught a cold?
Keito:
No… I don’t think so.
He revealed an awkward smile.
Keito:
Rina…
He looked into her eyes.
Keito:
About the-
<ring> <ring> <ring>
Rina:
Ah! My cell phone!
She reached into her purse and grabbed the cell phone. Ren’s number appeared on the screen.
Rina:
<clear throat> Excuse me.
She smiled as she stood up from the table.
-[Next]-
Rina hide herself at a corner near the restroom.
Rina:
Hello?
Ren:
Something had happened…
Rina:
Huh? What happened?
Ren:
That bastard Kenji… Do you know whom he’s working with right now?
Rina:
No. Who could’ve wanted to work with him? He’s just a hopeless composer-
Ren:
Mika. Mika Tanaka.
Rina’s eyes opened wide.
Rina:
What?! How could this possible- are you sure?
Ren:
I spoke with him. I’m afraid he’ll reveal the song-
Rina:
No! That’s not possible! There isn’t any prove that that song was written by Mika.
Ren:
But her name was written on the paper.
Rina:
Huh? What?! Scratch it out! Make it disappear.
She whispered.
Ren:
No, I can’t. If I asked Max-san to borrow that music sheet, he’d be suspicious.
Rina:
<sigh> It’s a long time, he’d probably forgot about it- No! He might not notice it so… don’t worry.
Ren:
Yeah, you’re right.
Rina:
I’ll call you later.
She hangs up the phone and turned around however Keito was behind her. Rina flinched as soon as she saw Keito.
Rina:
Keito… What are you doing here?
Keito:
You’ve been away for a long time so I was worried about you.
Rina:
Oh… I’m fine.
She peaked a smile.
Keito:
Are you sure? Your face is all pale. Did something happen?
Rina:
No, no… Nothing happened.
Keito:
Do you wanna go home?
Rina:
Uh, uh… yeah.
Keito:
Ok.
He smiled.
-[Next]-
Keito’s car pulled over in front of Rina’s apartment. Rina unbuckled the seat belt.
Rina:
Do you wanna coming in?
Keito:
No. I have to meet someone.
Rina:
At this hour? Who?
Keito:
A friend from England… He visits here and he’s not familiar with the place so he asked me for help.
Rina:
Is it ok if I come along?
Keito:
Maybe next time. He has some unsolved problem and need a drinking buddy.
Rina:
Oh, ok. Good night then.
She smiled.
Keito:
Sweet dream.
He smiled.
-[Next]-
-[Fuji TV Station]-
Mika and Mariko exited the building.
Mariko:
<laugh> She really kicked him?
Mika:
<laugh> Uh, Takeshi had finally met his match <laugh>
As they lifted their heads up, they saw Keito stood in front of them. Keito’s eyes met Mika’s eyes.
Mariko:
Umm… I’m just gonna wait for you in the car.
Mika:
Uh.
She smiled. Mariko departed from the two. Keito and Mika took a step closer to each other.
Mika:
You were waiting for me?
Keito:
Is it true?
Mika:
Huh?
Keito:
What you said earlier… is it true?
Mika:
<sigh> Uh. I wrote that song. I was about to apply it to a record company but she took it and makes it hers.
Keito:
Why? Why didn’t you tell me, huh? Is this your revenge? You made me look and feel like a fool because I rejected your feelings?
Mika looked straight into his eyes.
Mika:
Would you believe me if I told you the truth?
Keito couldn’t answer.
Mika:
Huh? Would you… believe me?
Keito:
Then why did you tell me now? Why didn’t you just keep it as a secret?
Mika:
It’s the truth… The truth could not disappear. Sooner or later you would find out… I’d rather be the one who told you this.
Tears lingered in Keito’s eyes.
<honk> <honk>
Mariko peaked her head out of the window.
Mariko:
Mika~ It’s getting late! We should head home!!!
Mika:
Uh. Good night, Keito
She took a step.
Keito:
What should I do now? What do you want me to do?
Mika:
It’s a decision that you have to decide because I accomplished my goal. That secret would never burden me anymore. I can smile now.
She departed from Keito. Mika stepped into the car and zoomed away. Keito bust into tears and kneel down on the ground. Mika glanced at the rear view mirror and saw Keito in tears.
Mika (Thinking):
Keito… I’m doing this so you can wake up from the lies that she had created. I don’t you to be a fool forever… I’m sorry.
She looked away. A tear fell from her eyes.
To be continue…
[Star★Dom] 