rk@soda.berkeley.edu HARD |< O R A novella by Robert Kwong This Chapter finished Oct 31,1995 ver 1.01 As you can see, this is fanfiction harkening back to the old Kimagure Orange Road series. The turn of events and timeline depicted here occur right after Shin Kor I, but before Shin Kor II. This is the graphic reaccount of the adult lives of Madoka, Hikaru, and Kyosuke. Like the Shin KOR novels, these stories contain adult themes, situations, and language.Thus parental guidance is advised. Thus read with your own discretion! Please read Disclaimer on http://www-ucsee.eecs.berkeley.edu/~rk/HardKor.html 1st Email comments or flames to rk@soda.berkeley.edu Based on characters by Izumi Matsumoto Notes: Phrases in < > are characters thinking to themselves. [] indicates scene changes () indicates action BOOK A: Chapter 3: Offerings Intercom: We're here! "Ok. I'll carry her up and put her on my couch to sleep it off. In the meantime, you two stay in the limo until I come back." "Alright. See ya later boss". [Inside the limo, windows all shut] #1: Remember the roles we're playing. If she sees you again, she better not recognize you. And don't talk! Just nod. Your squeaky voice might give you away. #2: But what about you? #1: Don't worry about me. I'm a pro. I'll take care of my end. You must REMEMBER! It's for the good of the master that he's kept in the dark on this matter. #2: Alright. But it still doesn't feel right. I think we should tell him. #1: When the time comes, we will. I'll even let you break the news to him. But not now. There are things yet to be resolved. [Meanwhile...] Uneasily, I lifted her up -- slowly, gently, being careful not to touch her in the wrong places. It must have looked bad, me carrying this unconscious lady into the studio and arousing suspicious looks from onlookers. "To hell with them!" I thought to myself. I didn't care what they thought of me. The important thing was to avoid getting distracted and ignoring them completely. For I wasn't about to drop this woman in my arms for anything. (Enters elevator) My fear of accidentally letting her go had more to do with my carelessness and clumsiness. I sure wasn't the world's handiest person. As I thought more about the possibility of dropping her, I subconsciously tightened my grip around her, causing her squirm in my arms. I looked at her and smiled. I enjoyed that reaction from her. (Elevator opens up right at that moment) "Ryusei Haroken. Just what do think you're doing with that girl in your arms? And what's that devilish look on your face? Hmm...????" I quickly raised my head up to see who it was. It was who I feared it was. Nagasi, the boss's niece! Her eyes were glaring, her brows raised, and her arms crossed as she stamped the floor with her right high heel. Adorned in a skin-type black leather get-up, she was the slinky vixen of whom I've been in constant contact with during these past two years. To be fair, I should give you a description of her. Her dimensions tall, thin, and slinky and a body to die for. Her personality loud, rude, obnoxious, and overbearing. Her attitude childish, snobbish, and crass, grating on the nerves. Her motivations scheming, daring, and vengeful. Get the picture? As you can see, she always gets what she wants. And she's not a person you would want to cross. The only reason her uncle hired me was because I was the only person who could put her in line, although I do try not to get on her bad side. Despite all her shortcomings, her one redeeming quality was her sexual prowess! "Well? Don't stand there like an idiot! I'm waiting for an answer!" "Umm, let's see, where do I begin. (thinking...) #1 found her, passed out at the airport while they were picking me up. They convinced me to be a good samaritarian and bring her back here to rest till we can find out what's going on." "Is that what REALLY happened?" "Of course! Do you think I can make up such a story?" "Yes. But you do seem genuine in your delivery, so I'll let it go for now." "Listen Nagasi. You got to remember that I'm running the show around here..." "Yes, yes. I know. Uncle's orders. But you know I'm not use to being placed in a subordinate position, being your administrative assistant. " "I know. I'll try not to be so hard on you next time." "So... #1 has an eye for the girls... Where are they now? They were suppose to take me to the beauty parlor!" "They're outside in the limo right now. But they're my men. Why don't you get #3 and #4 to drive you around?" "I've sent them on a special assignment. So they are unavailable right now. Besides, I'm the one who got them hired in the first place." (Looks at watch) "I have an appointment I have to attend to." [goes into elevator as Ryusei and company exits out] [As elevator is closing] "Oh! Before I forget, you have to meet Hayakawa at the Ayukawa mansion at 7:00 for a party to welcome back Kyosuke ... " (elevator slams shut) "Damn. I hate going to social gatherings. And who the hell is this Kyosuke figure anyway?" Ow. My arms were getting tired, so decided I better place her on the couch while I still had my strength. Gingerly, I layed her on my black leather couch. [Inside Hikaru's head....] There he was, this mysterious man, cloaked in darkness, coming towards me. I looked back at the bronze Buddha; he was laughing. At me, I wasn't sure. I didn't know what it meant. I was frightened, so I decided to run. And ran I did, for miles and miles I think. I would have collapsed, but I willed my body to continue, ignoring the sharp pain in my calves and knees. I looked back in dismay. He was getting closer to me! I tried to run harder but I lost my concentration and tripped, flying forward. But instead of landing on hard pavement, I found myself falling into some murky, black void. It looked like I was trapped inside a tornado, for there was blackness circling around me.I tried to scream, but nothing came out of my mouth. The swirling currents around me was making me dizzy, so I closed my eyes. I must have fallen for about a minute before I landed, with a thud -- not the crash landing I was expecting. I let out a sigh of relief. I had escaped. I opened my eyes and fell back in fear. Right across from me was him, staring at me, his face a bright shiny blur... I stirred and sat up slightly. I had woken up. I placed my hand over the sharp pain emanating on the right side of my head. Hangover. I felt groggy and dizzy. So it was a dream after all... [she opens here eyes...] "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" I stopped screaming, but this strange man across from me continued to scream. Finally after realizing he was the only one screaming now, stopped and drew back slightly, feeling foolish and embarrassed. Was this man the strange shadowly figure in my dream? He did look spooky and mysterious, dressed tastefully in all black, right down to his leather shoes. His facial features were not discernable. His face looked more like a mask than anything else: his shaggy, vine-like hair swooped down to shield his forehead; his sunglasses hid his eyes, and his beard and mustache covered up the rest of his face. He looked pretty old; probably in his late twenties. And he looked like someone with something to hide. (Defensive, assertive voice) "Who are you? What am I doing here? What do you want from me?" "Easy. Calm down. I'm not going to hurt you. Are you OK? Please don't be frightened. I hope I didn't startle you. I admit I do appear quite imposing at times, but please don't be intimidated." "No. I'm just wondering what I'm doing here in this strange place when I should on my flight." "Please sit up and rest. I'll get you a cup of expresso. And when I come back, I'll explain the whole, messy, sordid affair to you. OK?" "OK." [He leaves the room.] I sat up in the couch and looked around. It was an office of an agent, that much I could discern. There were album covers plastered everywhere on the wall. In the center of the room was a large black-lacquered desk with CD's and folders strewn all over it. To my left was a mini bar with a whole complement of drinks to entertain clients. A fern was located next to the door entrance. Last, behind the desk was a breathtaking, scenic view of Tokyo. (He returns with the expresso and hands it to her. He walks over to his desk and sits in the executive chair) [Brief moment of silence] Uhh... Sorry I'm late. I had a hard time with the expresso machine. Let me first apologize to you personally for the imprudence of my men. They originally had planned to pick me up at the airport when they [pauses to think of the next segment...] uhh , received a call from my associate Mitsuru Hayakawa to send you to the airport for your flight. You see, Hayakawa knew of my flight and saw that they could drive you to the airport and pick me up at the same time. Like 'killing two birds with one stone' as the Americans like to say. But things didn't go according to as planned. My men, who are new to the area, got lost traversing the streets of Tokyo. Subsequently, they missed your flight and now you're here. "But why was I unconscious?" "You've must have had a little too much of the champagne. The particular brand really packs a punch. Just a little of it could incapacitate a person. I'm sorry my men acted carelessly in that matter. Are you feeling better? And how is the expresso?" "The expresso tastes fine, thank you. I'm gradually building up my strength back. Still, I feel a little groggy though." "Again, I'm truly sorry for the whole affair. I promise you that I'll find a way to make it up to you." "No need to. Really, ... I'm fine." "May I ask you a personal question?" "Well, ... it depends what the question is?" "Are you by any change Hikaru-san Hiyama?" "Yes, how do you know?" "Someone in the office mentioned seeing you here for an audition." "You mean this is the studio? Yes, I did try out, but I didn't get the part I wanted. I was just on my way back to New York." "Funny you should mention that. I came back from New York myself. And..." "Sorry to interrupt you, but since we're getting personal here, I was wondering if I might get your name?" "My name? Yes, ... how rude of me not to introduce myself. I am known as Ryusei Haroken. Please call me Ryusei." "Please to meet you Ryusei-san." "The same to you too Hikaru-san." "Please.. Hikaru. I usually don't bother with formalities." "Then Hikaru it is." "I don't want to sound insolent, but you don't look like nor act like your typical agent." "Oh? Is that so? Well, you see, I'm quite new to the field. I've only been in the business for a little over a year now. So I'm still learning the ropes. But I have to thank my associate's uncle for landing me the position." "So it's like that..." "Don't get me wrong. I didn't really want the job. But he convinced me that I was the best person for the job and that I would be a fool to refuse it. Given the circumstances surrounding it, I couldn't turn him down. He based his decision on my special 'persuasion' technique." "Persuasion technique?" "For a lack of a better way to put it, yes. It seems I have the uncanny ability to convincing people to go along with what I think is good for them." "That's a handy skill to have." "Yes, and it shows, with the deals I've negotiate with my clients. And I always end up landing the best talent as a result." "So you must be one of the top super agents?" "I wouldn't say that. I was never one to gloat. I just let me clients do the talking for me. But enough about me. I hear you're a dancer, as my file indicates. Is that right?" "Well, only an aspiring dancer. I'm currently studying dance at Actors College Guild in New York." "I see. Have you had any prior theatrical experience?" "Yes, but it doesn't really count. I was the lead in my high school play titled 'Downtown Cats.' That role was what inspired me to become a dancer. Afterwards, I decided to pursue my dream ; so I moved to New York, dance and Broadway capital of the world, to study." "Very good choice indeed. And how long have you been studying" "A little over three years now." "And how do you support yourself in the meantime?" "I worked at some odd-endjobs, but my most steady gig is as a waitress in Greenwich Village." "And have you been in any plays in New York since then?" "No, I haven't. It seems my poor english skills have proven to be a handicap for me." "So it must be tough living in New York, isn't it?" "Yes, it is, but I've made some good friends over there to help me pass through the hard times. But NY can mentally drain a person if you let it get to you. Instead, I choose to fight, hoping one day I'll get my chance to hit it big and fulfill my dream. Yes, that is my hope. Silly, isn't it?" "No, it isn't. We all have our problems that we have to deal with that act as impediments to our goals. Many would give up and give in to these troubles. But only a special few can persevere and overcome and succeed. From personal experience, I find that during my years of struggle, good, loyal friends help make the journey less burdensome." [Pause; a moment of reflection and change of mood] "Where was I? Yes. I'm sorry I kept you here so long with my idle babble. I hardly ever talk to anyone that openly before." "No, the pleasure is all mine. I enjoyed our talk. I found the whole experience to be rather carthartic. Why, I'm feeling better already!" "That's good to here. Here's what I'll do. I'll make the necessary arrangements to get you a ticket back to New York and for hotel accomadations for tonight. (feels something in pocket, and reaches in and remembers what it was.) Also, as a token of my apology, I present you with this gift." (Takes out black, fuzzy-felt, case) "No.... I reallly can't accept any gifts on my account. " (military glare) "Please say no more and accept this gift without guilt. After all you have been through, it would be the least I can do. And I would be shamed if a pretty lady like you refused my offering from the likes of me. (Hikaru still looks undecided, so he thrusts the case into her hands.) "Please open it." (opens up box to see a simple, green jade bracelet. Hikaru's eyes widen) "Wow! I never received a gift like this before." "Just a trinket I picked up during my trip to New York. Consider it a momento to mark this eventful day by." "I love it. Thank you very much." "I'm glad you like it. Please try it on." (She likes it around her wrist and twirls of wrist around looking at it. Then a inquisitive look appears on her face) "Say, do you mind if I ask you what you were doing in New York? After all, you might come by again and I would be happy to show you around the city." "Well, it seems I was in charge of finding a person to fill a relatively substantial role in an upcoming play. So I went to NY in hopes of finding such a person. You see, the rehearsals begin next week, so I am under the gun right now." "You must have someone good. There's plenty of hidden gems in the Big Apple." "To tell you the truth, no. I went to all the major clubs, playhouses, and talent agencies. Nothing. No one really dazzled me. But now that I think about it more, the person I'm looking for could be just right under my nose!" "What do you mean?" "Would you be interested in trying out for the part?" "Me? I really don't know... I've already been turned down for one part already, and I'm not sure if I'm ready for more rejection..." "Now that doesn't sound like the same person I heard a minute ago who wanted to make her dream come true! Where's the fight? Where's the spirit? "The body may be strong, but the spirit is low." "Come on! I've heard your story and you deserve a break. Who knows? Maybe someone up there deliberately made you miss your flight so you're get an opportunity like this. If I were you, I wouldn't pass up an chance like this. You can't cross fate, you know! "But I feel you're giving me this chance because you feel sorry for me." (stern voice) "Listen here miss. Let me get this straight. I didn't get this far by recruiting anything less than the best. If you stink, I'll tell you, even if we're the best of friends. That's the way I operate. So don't worry about any bias on my part. I won't give you an advantage either way. "But I'm still feel uneasy about this..." Besides, I feel you're the one helping me out. I have an impossible deadline to make. So it's in my best interest to see you succeed. I believe in your ability. Just make sure you prove me right! (looks at her straight in the eyes with deep emotion) "Alright! You've convinced me. Nothing to lose and everything to gain, right? I guess it won't hurt if I at least give it a try." "That's wonderful. I'll have Nagasi call you tonight in your hotel with the time for the audition tomorrow. (Friday) And don't forget to bring your good luck charm (pointing at the bracelet) In the meantime, I would be honored if a gorgeous lady like you would accompany me as my escort to a affair I have to attend to at 7:00. " "Isn't it a little forward of you? Why I hardly know you." "Yes; and usually I'm just a big chicken. But today, I feel great! Meeting you and getting a chance to fill the part in the play has done wonders for my confidence. Besides, it would be a chance to celebrate our good fortune. "You're not going to make it easy for me if I decline, will you?" (devilish smile) "No I am not. " "So it would better to give in now than be sweet-talked by the likes of you. 'Persuasive technique, right?'" "Right." "Ok. I'll go with you. But only on the condition that it's purely for business." "Yeah. I personally don't believe in mixing business with pleasure." "That good then." "Alright. [looks at watch] It's 5:00 now. Let's make this the plan. I drive you downtown to shop for an evening gown and anything else you might need. We then drive back to your hotel room where you can get ready. How's that sound?" "That sounds fine." "Ok then. Let's go!" [As they are leaving, we see Hikaru thinking to herself:] [End of Chapter A3]