by Raine Koh
After ending the call, Mimi gave Kenta the evil eye. “You!” she cried, pointing at him.
“Hurry up, don’t keep him waiting. Call me if you need me to fetch you later.”
A black car was waiting for her at the carpark. Jun stood beside it, wearing dark sunglasses and a brown trench coat. “Come with me,” he instructed, opening the door of the car for her. Mimi resigned herself to her fate, sitting on the passenger’s seat and putting on the seat belt.
Jun was in his late twenties, had light brown short hair and was very tall. He had a no-nonsense air about him and they both sat in the car in silence. Mimi didn’t have a clue about where they were headed to and she didn’t have the guts to ask. They only traveled a short distance before reaching their destination, the Masahiro Aoyama Building. “We need to go to the basement,” Jun said. Mimi followed meekly behind. They ended up at the Aoyama Berry Parlour. She glanced inside to find that the interior was dimly lit. Somehow it reminded her of a sophisticated club, but it didn’t look menacing at all. “After you,” said Jun, motioning to her. Mimi stepped inside and was led by the waitress to their seats. “This place is renowned for their parfait. Pick one,” said Jun.
Mimi widened her eyes as she looked at the menu. Pictures of luxurious ice-cream sundaes adorned the pages, and everything looked too pretty to eat. “I’ll have the mango caramel please,” Mimi told the waitress. She looked at Jun and asked, “Aren’t you ordering too?” He shook his head and answered, “I don’t like sweet things.”
“Oh, we could go to a coffee house if you want...”
Jun shook his head coolly. Mimi placed both her hands on her lap, thinking of things to say but she thought that it might be better to hear what he had to say. The parfait arrived and the mangoes were carved in the shape of rose petals. “It’s so lovely,” she commented, thankful for the distraction.
Jun just continued staring at her. Mimi thought that his gaze held no meanness, though being stared at wasn’t really helping the situation or making her any less uncomfortable. “The Fire Boys love coming to this place, especially Yuki. The parfait you are eating, it happens to be his favourite too. I have been their manager since their debut and even though I may not look like it, I do care about them deeply,” said Jun.
Mimi listened intently and nodded. He continued, “Artistes under Fame Factory are different from others. They have an image to uphold to their fans and they need to be available to their fans. How marketable an idol is depends on how available he is personally, which means, no girlfriends.”
He took a deep breath and continued, “The CEO gives each artiste three strikes. Every time they commit a grave mistake, they get a strike. Once they hit three strikes, they get fired from Fame Factory and they will never get another chance at stardom. Due to his previous scandal with a model, Yuki already has one strike under his name. If the CEO knew what happened in the broadcasting studio that day, he would be in trouble. I have kept that matter under wraps for now, but if the CEO discovers the relationship between you and Yuki, it will spell the end of Yuki’s career and possibly even the Fire Boys. So I’m asking you, before anything serious happens, break all ties with Yuki and don’t ever see him again. Both of you have a bright future ahead, don’t complicate it by being together.”
Mimi let every word sink in. She placed the spoon down on the table and said, “I understand where you are coming from, but I really need Yuki to be in my life. I can’t possibly be the first one to have a relationship with an FF artiste. Please tell me how this relationship will ever be approved by the CEO.”
“There is nothing you can do, but let go of Yuki’s hand.”
“Unless he lets go of my hand first, if not I won’t let go of his.”
“Let him go, he is a star too bright for you to hold on to. He needs to be free to shine.”
“What do you mean?”
“You will find out eventually.”
The manager let out a loud sigh and stood up. “I guess that is the end of our discussion. Please finish the rest of your parfait, I will take my leave now.” Mimi thought he looked disappointed. He bowed politely and left the café. She stared at the ice cream as it slowly melted right before her eyes. Why should loving someone be so complicated? Mimi was tired.
She just wanted to go home.
*
Jun got into his car and sighed. He took out his cell phone and dialed the number of his boss. “How did it go?” asked a deep, gruff voice at the other end. “She is not going to give him up,” Jun replied. A deep silence was heard at the other end. Jun could imagine the CEO frowning in disapproval.
“We need to keep them apart,” Kon answered. “Let Yuki leave for America two months earlier and tell the media that the reason for his early departure is because he has to learn English and improve his dancing skills.”
“Does that mean he needs to leave next week? What’s going to happen to the Fire Boys then?” asked Jun, clearly worried. The Fire Boys were doing so well in the industry now despite having only debuted for three years. However, this could mean that the group, as a five-member unit, would be out-of-action for at least six months. The Fire Boys were popular, but they were not invincible – at least not yet. In a fickle pop world, being out of the public eye for so long could be fatal.
“We’ll have to see how well they can cope without him and how well he does in America. We’ll make the decision on whether to keep him in the group after the six months are up,” Kon answered. Jun didn’t think the bond the boys shared was that easily broken though. If the company decides to drop him from the group, he could forsee a barrage of different troubles. But the manager kept his thoughts to himself. Instead he said, “I understand. We can only decide after the six months are up.”
*
Mimi left the café with a million and one thoughts running through her head. She was worried sick about Yuki but Kenta had specifically instructed her to not contact him for a week. “Till things cool down a bit,” he said. She just couldn’t shake off this bad feeling that she was going to lose him. But no matter how tightly she held on to him, it seemed the end was inevitable. She hailed a cab and absent-mindedly told the driver that she wanted to go to Shibuya. She took out her mobile phone and stared at it. She really wanted to see him.
It was a chilly night. Mimi pulled her muffler higher up to cover her face partially, as a means of walking the streets unrecognised. As predicted, the music video for the Fire Boys’ “Violet Crush” was playing on the big LCD screen on one of the buildings at the Shibuya Crossing. She stared at the screen from across the road. Two teenage schoolgirls clad in their uniforms stood next to her, waiting for the green man to appear. One of them started pointing at the screen and talking animately to her friend. “Have you heard the latest news? Yuki landed a role in a Hollywood movie! He is going to leave for America next week.”
“What? Really? That’s amazing but what is going to happen to the Fire Boys?”
“I don’t know, he could be away for awhile.”
The traffic light had turned red but Mimi did not cross the road. She froze in her tracks before whipping out her phone. The first person she decided to call was Yamada. “Yamada, I’m so sorry to call you so suddenly, but I need to ask you something.”
“Mimi, how are you doing? I’ve heard your single is doing very well now. Congratulations,” replied the middle-aged lady brightly.
“Thank you, but I need your help urgently,” Mimi said, not really in the mood for chit-chat.
“Sure what is it?”
“Is it true that Yuki is leaving for America soon?”
“Why yes, the news have just been published on all the major entertainment news sites,” Yamada sounded surprised at her question. “I can’t believe you know about it already. He’s filming a dance movie in America.”
“When is he leaving?” She could feel tears welling up in her eyes.
“I believe next week.”
“Yamada, would you happen to know wh
ere Yuki is now?” She was certain that her questions made her sound like some crazed stalker. But if anyone knew where Yuki was right now, she was sure Yamada – the Fire Boys’ number one fan – would.
“Oh? Yuki? Hmm...The Fire Boys should be filming their variety show at the broadcasting station. They start quite late though in order to fit in all their schedules. They may start shooting only at ten. I’m sure you’ll be able to find them there now, but you still need a security pass to enter the building.”
Mimi glanced at her watch. It was now eight. She hurriedly said, “Thank you for your help, Yamada, and I am sorry I cannot chat now. I promise to visit you soon!”
“Sure, good luck Mimi. But remember, not everyone can get in the radio station without any prior appointment.”
“Okay,” Mimi said as she started running. The broadcasting station wasn’t too far from Shibuya and the only thing running through her mind was that she had to see Yuki. As Yamada predicted, the main entrance of the broadcasting station was heavily guarded by security and even though Mimi was a singer, she wasn’t able to enter without any reason. She walked towards the parking lot and saw some middle-aged women running towards a black car. Maybe someone was coming, she thought, joining them and trying to see who was inside the black vehicle. The person sitting at the driver’s seat rolled down the window and peered at her. The middle-aged ladies let out high pitched shrieks and cried, “Jiro! Jiro!”
Jiro opened the door and yelled at Mimi. “Make-up artist, why are you so late. Sorry ladies, my make-up artiste got a little lost. Hurry up and get in the car!” Mimi looked apologetically at the fans, who were glaring daggers at her. She quickly ran over to the passenger’s side and opened the door, while Jiro waved brightly at the adoring crowd before driving off. He drove past security checks at the carpark situated in the broadcast building and parked his car. He turned and looked at her. “I guess you heard the news.”
“So it’s true?”
“Yes, it is. But all of us only found out about it not too long ago. I mean, we always knew that Yuki had to leave for the shoot, but it wasn’t scheduled till two months later. But now they are saying that he is going to leave next week.”
“It’s because of me, isn’t it?” she said, looking at Jiro. The brown-haired boy placed his hand lightly on hers. “Mimi, let him go. If he comes back to you, then he’s meant to be yours forever.” It was as if those words shot a bullet through her heart. A tear dropped ran down her cheek as she smiled sadly. “I understand.”
“I’m sorry Mimi, but it’s for the best.”
She opened the door and got out of his car. More tears threatened to stream down her cheeks, but she tried her best to hold them back. She needed a place to gather her thoughts. Mimi got into the elevator and pressed the button to the highest floor. She wanted to go to the building’s rooftop.
Jiro wondered if he had said too much. He got out of his car and walked towards the elevator. He noticed that the lift had gone to the highest floor. Jiro made his way to the Fire Boys’ dressing room. From a distance, he could hear Yuki’s exasperated voice. Jiro shook his head and sighed. He entered the dressing room to see Yuki and Naoki seated on the sofa. Yuki was waving his hands around, clearly agitated.
“Does it make sense that I know about this through a news report? Why do reporters know that I’m leaving for America next week when I wasn’t even aware that I’ve passed the audition?!”
“Yuki, calm down,” said Naoki, placing his hand on Yuki’s shoulder.
“I mean, Naoki, think about it. Does Kon communicate to us through the media now?! Are we not even worth his attention that he can’t tell us directly? This is ridiculous!!” he yelled.
“Look, I understand why you are angry and you have a right to be. But you need to think about the bigger picture here,” said Naoki.
“But I don’t want to leave. I don’t want to leave her and I don’t want to leave the Fire Boys either.”
“If you don’t go, you may end up losing the both of us,” said Jiro softly. Yuki looked at Jiro. The brown-haired boy looked as if he was going to cry and Yuki felt all his anger melt away.
Jiro continued, looking at Yuki almost angrily, “You think we want you to leave? Of course not! But if you are serious about her, then shine as brightly as you can – for her, for us and for yourself. Just go.”
“Jiro...”
“And there’s someone waiting for you at the rooftop,” said Jiro. At those words, Yuki immediately dashed out of the room. He ran towards the fire escape and climbed up three flights of stairs to the top.
Mimi was standing there, looking at the night view in the distance, her eyes puffy from crying. Yuki ran towards her and flung his arms around her, hugging her tightly. Mimi gasped in surprise, before holding on him too. She wished they could stay this way forever. Something, quite slowly, quite tiny and white, fell from the sky. It floated down gracefully as if dancing in the air, and finally landed on Mimi’s nose.
“Yuki, it’s snowing.”
“It’s your first time seeing it, isn’t it?” he asked, not letting her go.
“Yes, it’s beautiful.” However, she felt extremely sad. She added softly, “Yuki, do you remember that day at Odaiba, I said if there ever came a day when I become more important than your dream, then that will be the day we have to part?”
“Are you saying that today is the day?” Yuki asked, closing his eyes. Snowflakes continued to float down from the sky. Mimi thought that it was so unfair that they had to part on such a beautiful night. She replied, holding on to him tightly, “When a star falls from the sky, its light dies. I don’t want to be the reason for you to stop shining.”
“Could you hold me till midnight then?” asked Yuki.
“We might freeze to death.”
“I don’t care,” he said.
“Yuki...” she loosened her hold on him and looked into his eyes. He looked back unblinkingly and placed his hands on her shoulders. Letting go is going to be so hard, thought Mimi.
“You’re dumping me, aren’t you. But I guess it’s only fair after all I’ve put you through,” he said, with a deep sigh.
“Goodbye Yuki,” said Mimi. She turned and walked away. “Don’t look back, don’t look back,” she muttered furiously at herself. And she didn’t. If she did, he would have seen her tear stricken face.
“Goodbye Mimi,” he whispered at the retreating figure.
Track #20
Not too far away on that same snowy night, Sato was sitting alone at his favourite steak restaurant, drowning himself in champagne, waiting for an old friend. Soon after, Hiroki arrived at his table and sat down opposite Sato. “And for what do I owe this honour?” asked Hiroki, lighting a cigarette.
“I have a favour to ask,” said Sato, placing a champagne glass at Hiroki's side, and poured him a glass.
“A favour?” He raised his eyebrows. Sato was behaving strangely. Maybe he had too much to drink, he thought.
Sato leaned towards him and whispered, “Everyone in the industry knows how close you are to Kon. Can you keep me in the loop if you hear anything about how he is going to deal with Mimi?”
Hiroto smirked and said, “You want me to betray my boss?”
“You know how he is. Please?”
“Are you begging me?” he asked, narrowing his eyes in suspicion.
“Yes.”
Hiroki was taken aback by his answer. This was the same man who after walking out of the doors of Fame Factory, had never lowered his head down for anyone. He shook his head in disbelief. “The girl who caused the great Sato to beg. I thought I would never see this day.”
“Can you do that for me?” Sato asked.
Hiroki took another puff of his cigarette and thought for a moment. He replied, “Sure. But answer my question, if you love her that much, why aren't you fighting for her?”
Sato gulped down Hiroki's glass of champagne and leaned back against his chair. The effects of the alcohol was taking its toll
on him. He closed his eyes and said, “Because I can't afford to lose her. I will die if she ever stops appearing infront of me.”
Hiroki looked at the already passed out figure before him and pitied him greatly. “You're cruel Sato. You are cruel to yourself. You never allow yourself to be happy.”
On the day of Yuki's departure, Mimi was preparing herself for a Music Stage broadcast. Her single, “Maybe” had moved up two spots on the music charts and the week has been jam-packed with fashion shoots and interviews. She had not seen Yuki or contacted him since that day on the rooftop and she was determined to stay focused on her music career. She was already dressed in her performance outfit (black and white polka-dotted dress by Yohji Yamamoto, which was short in front but had cascading frilly triers at the back of the dress) and sat down at the dressing table with her make-up artiste by her side. Ayaka was busy applying blush on her cheeks with a big make-up brush. Kenta was sitting down on the sofa behind Mimi, looking at the artiste line-up for the day's broadcast. She was going to perform the B-side of her single today, “Farewell”.How appropiate, she thought. Although he would most probably be on the plane during her performance. Mimi was starting to feel teary again when she saw Sato enter the waiting room. Kenta stood up and bowed politely, “Sato, I didn't know you were coming.”