rk@soda.berkeley.edu HARD |< O R A novella by Robert Kwong This Chapter finished Nov 30,1995 ver 1.0 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 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! Notes: Phrases in < > are characters thinking to themselves. [] indicates scene changes Legend: H=Hikaru M=Madoka R=Ryusei K=Kasuga BOOK A: Chapter 5: Opportunities M: That's the last of them. K: Except for my family, of course. M: And Hatta and Komatsu, no doubt. Manami: Don't worry. We're almost done here. We're be gone soon. Kurumi: I know why he's in a hurry to get rid of us. He justs wants some "Oh! A-fuhn" action! Takashi: (just behind her holding equipment) Kurumi-chan! Stop embarrassing your brother. Kurumi: Oops. (blushing) Takashi: Kasuga - I've finished packing all my equipment up. We're be going now. K: Thanks for photographing the whole affair. You shouldn't have gone through all this trouble. You should have been enjoying yourself. Takashi: I have. (jokingly) Taking snapshots of people in uncompromising positions has always been fun. Kidding aside, taking pictures always brought me joy in my life. So it's no bother. Good-bye. K: Dad! Before you go, could you tell me what he truly looked like? Takashi: Which person are you referring to? K: The one Hikaru came in with. Takashi: (thinking position) Ohh.. him. He looked pretty straight to me. Weather-beaten, chaffed-dark face, good distinguished chin, scarred forehead, and last but not least, forlorn melancholy eyes. (turns and heads for the car) K: Wow! That's pretty good. Kurumi: I think he looks creepy-looking. Manami: He gives me the chills! (We see Komatsu and Hatta walking over, with Hatta still eating) Komatsu: Thanks Kyosuke for the invite. We really enjoyed ourselves tonight. Hatta: Next time you stop by our neck of the woods, we're treat you to an adult movie showing of your choice, compliments of us. K: (sarcastically) Yeah. I'll keep that in mind. Komatsu: Good. We're be expecting you. Manami: (to Hatta) Hey! Those oranges were suppose to be for Oniichan and Madoka-san! //Note: In Asian cultures(at least in chinese tradition) it is customary for guests to bring oranges which is viewed as a good luck or blessing for the host party. Hatta: Uh oh. I might have gotten a little carried away. Sorry. Here. (hands Manami the bag) Manami: (looks inside) Only 4 left!? There were at least 20 in there before. You're such a pig! Hatta: Hey! You pack a pretty big appetite yourself! Komatsu: Excuse me..., I hate to break up the mini-party here, but there's still the cake left over there. Hatta: (turns head) Where? Komatsu: (leads Hatta out) I'd better get you outta here before your stomach takes over for your brain again. K: (bends down to talk to Jingoro who's in Kurumi's arms) Jingoro! That was a bad thing you did at the party. Now you be a good boy now, you hear? Jingoro: (in indifference) Meoooww. (Translation: Yaawwwwnn. Who cares?) Kurumi: He's a cat, not a dog. K: Ok ok. It's no use talking to anyone in my family. Now you two just scoot. Dad's waiting for you in the car. Manami & Kurumi: Hai! We're going. Bye Oniichan! Finally, everyone left as I escorted them out the door. It took this long, but at last, I was alone with Madoka all to myself. She had went upstairs to put on a little special "something" to celebrate the evening by. My heart was beating heavily in anticipation. I dimmed the lights, put on some romantic music, and crept into the kitchen to fetch a chardenaye, chilled in ice, making sure everything was just perfect. I sure didn't want to blow it on this night. Having prepared everything, I sat on the sofa, beat and tired, as I eagerly awaited Ayukawa's touch. And came she did. She slithered down those steps -- slowly -- seductively, in perfect unison with the music. Draped in only a see-thru black neglige, she resembled a temptress, who already was weaving her web of charms over me. It was irresistable. It was a side of Madoka people rarely saw: passionate and uninhibited. And It appeared that I was the only one who could release it from her. We didn't say a word -- there was no need to. We gazed deeply into each other's eyes as we slow danced to the sultry, soothing tunes of Sinatra. Her sensuous perfume was intoxicating; her skin felt like pure silk. Our bodies were synchronous.("in tune") My libido was screaming out at me. It didn't take long for us to "release" our passions as her soft, supple body melted into my experienced "hands". There we were, together in each others' arms, bathed in the glow of the moonlight, enjoying the moment of pleasure as a light breeze blew gently over our naked bodies. The ultimate climax to end this special day by. [Back in the limo again on its way to Kingdom Hotel] R: I've been meaning to ask you about this; What were were talking about back at the party when you were describing our alleged encounter in New York? H: Ryusei-san. I'm sorry about the wild stories I was making up. It was wrong to involve you in this sordid affair. But Madoka and Kasuga have such a great relationship together. I didn't want to appear threatening to them in the least bit by appearing detached, alone and desperate. R: Desperate, I don't know. But you are single and alone, aren't you? H: Yes, but that is the present. It wasn't always the case back then. R: Kyosuke was your old boyfriend, wasn't he? H: How did you know about that? R: At the party, I manage to get your former schoolmates to spill the beans on you two's former relationship. It must be awkward, meeting him, in this type of setting. You must have been really hung up on him to go through all this maneuverring. H: Yes, I still have feelings for him. But I try not to let it show. R: So you made it appear to them that you were involved in a relationship this past year with me? H: Well, you were the only logical choice. You have been to New York and you are a good talent agent, aren't you? R: Yes, that's true. However, I fail to see how it has to do with anything. I've got to hand it to you, though. That was some acting job back there. Even I couldn't have masterminded such a plan. H: (getting irate) Are you mocking me? R: (trying to stifle his laughter) No, no. I love a good charade as much as anyone else. I'll play along as long as you want me to. But you've have to realize that sooner or later, they're going to find out that this whole thing was a ruse. That the way it always happens in the movies. H: (assertive) I'll worry about that later. Right now, I have more pressing matters to concern myself with. Like that audition tomorrow. R: Right you are! You should save whatever strength you have left. Engaging in these outings does take a lot out of you. H: (nods in agreement) R: Here's some advice for your love trouble that has worked for me in the past: unattached commitments. It may sound oxymoronic but actually, it's the perfect arrangement. You decide who to see and have fun with. You meet each other for a get-together when it's convenient and see other people the rest of the time. Or if want to be alone, that's fine too. There's no jealously nor animosity. No emotional attachment. No chances for your heart to get broken. Clean and sanitary. The popular trend of the 90's. It suits my needs just fine. H: I don't believe such a scheme would ever work. Only someone really desperate would go for that. R: Of course I would never involve you in my circle. H: (adamant) And why not? Am I not worthy enough for you? R: No. I have a policy of not mixing business with pleasure. Nothing personal. You are an extremely attractive lady, and if I didn't know better, I would try to pick you up. But you have your own troubles to work out and I respect that. H: I appreciate your honesty. Just how many beautiful damsels do you have in your circle? R: (looking sheepish) Too many to remember. I've lost count. H: Modest, aren't we? R: And how many would you say have you "bagged" in your time? H: Exactly 3. No more, no less. R: Good. At least I'm dealing with an experienced combatant. Welcome to the war on love. (Raises glass of champangne) Here to love. It sucks! H: (picks up her glass and clinks it with Ryusei's and smiles back) It does indeed! [Segway back to "pillowtalk"] Random pieces of clothing scattered across the room signified the wild night of passion spent. Kasuga and Madoka are cuddled together, her head lying on his chest. M: It has been a wonderful night, hasn't it? K: A very special day I'll never forget. M: I am so glad to finally see Hikaru here in the flesh. K: I could tell. Your face never beamed with such exuberance before. M: She still seems her good old cheery self. K: But she has changed a bit. M: What do you mean? K: Living in New York and being exposed to all that western culture does things to a person. Affects their outlook and approach. M: I've noticed it too. She seemed more assertive and controlled in her manner. Certainly her persona and etiquette are more refined. K: I wonder why she's involving herself with that guy. M: You mean Haroken? K: Yeah. He doesn't seem to act or dress normal at all. I bet he has plenty of secrets. Hiding behind those tacky sunglasses. And look at all that facial hair. Ain't proper grooming for a respectable gentleman. M: Gentleman? Where? I don't see one! K: Madoka! M: I'm playing with you. You do seemed tense being around Ryusei. You must have had a bad experience with him. I admit my first impression of him wasn't too rosy. But he can be charming and suave when he wants to be. Why he even wants to hire me! K: He does? For what? M: He wants to be take charge of the musical orchestration for an upcoming play he's working on. K: You're not serious about the offer, are you? M: Why not? It's a great opportunity. It allows me to pursue other options in my songwriting career. I'm not going to be one of Hayakawa's lowly, unrecognized songwriters forever you know. K: So have you made your decision yet? M: I told Ryusei that I needed time to discuss it with you. So what do you think? K: Frankly, I don't like the idea of you working with that guy. But if this is what you really want, I'm not going to stand in the way. I'm willing to give this guy the benefit of the doubt for your sake. M: Oh thank you Kasuga. I knew you would understand. And Ryusei's not as bad as you portray him as. In fact, I have a familiar feeling about him. K: You do? I thought you said you didn't know him. M: I don't. (giggle) But remember when Jingoro jumped him? He partially knocked off his sunglasses in the process, and I was able to get a quick glimpse at his face. There's something about those eyes of his that I can't put my finger on. K: Funny you should say that. My father said the same thing. Said they were "melancholy" eyes. M:(Yawwnns) All this talk bores me. I want some more action superman! K: (turns to her) Oh Madoka.... [Meanwhile, at the Kingdom Hotel] R: I've arranged the reservation at the same hotel you're staying. Is that to your liking? H: Yes, that's fine. I wouldn't want to burden you with any further expense on account of me. Well then, goodbye. I'll see you tomorrow. R:Wait! I'm coming along. I'm also staying at the hotel tonight. H: (slightly shocked) You are? R: Yes. The shippers were delayed in moving my possessions into my new residency. So I'll have to tough it out for a few days. H: You did make reservations for two rooms, didn't you? R: Yes silly. Who do you think I am? I'm not as scandalous as you make me out to be. H: I never said you were. R: Good. Then its settled. Let's go. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow. (gets out of car with her) #1, #2. Get our bags up. #1 & #2: Sure thing boss! (They make their way into the hotel. In the lobby, Ryusei abruptly breaks away from Hikaru and makes his way to the Buddha statue in the fountain. ) H: What is he doing? #1: It looks like he's saying a prayer to that deity. #2: Palms together. Bow once, twice, three times. Yep. Looks like he's praying alright. H: I didn't know he was religious. #1: Well he wasn't before. But that all changed after the accident. H: What accident are you talking about... ??? R: Hi everyone. I'm back. Sorry to keep you waiting. I just had to pay my respects to the Buddha. I'm not devoutly religious, but I'm extremely superstitious. I just wanted to send a little prayer up there to bless our new-found arrival here in Tokyo. Well? What are you all standing here for? Let's get going! [in the hotel room] (Bags have already been unpacked and everyone is in their respective rooms) As I was laying in my hotel bed, my hands behind my head,I spent time reflecting over the events of tonight. Hearkening back to the wish I made earlier that day, I wondered if someone up there was trying to tell me something. Was Ryusei Haroken my Prince Charming? I hope not. Despite his good nature, he looked more like a Beast than a prince. He sometimes rubs people the wrong way with his rough, abrasive style. He looked like he had a deep, dark side to him, a panther waiting to strike quickly at its unwitting victims. And he was definitely not my type. I hardly knew him at all and he seemed too old for me. But he did have that air of mystery to him, similar to that man in my dreams. Maybe I'm just being too hard on him. Maybe I should give him a chance. Besides, too many strange things have happened while I'm with him; that might be a good sign. At least I was willing to take a chance to find out. All this weird activity reminded me of the old days in junior high. Back then, I was one screwed up juvenile delinquent. I was a tough and scruffy tomboy. Me and Madoka,... why we were the terrors of the school. We were probably akin to the evil stepsisters in the Cinderella story, now that I think about it. We were two mean bitches no one wanted to mess with. I certainly wasn't the sweet, innocent, cheerful Hikaru you saw later. That was all because of Kyosuke. You can say that Darling managed to save both of us from heading down a path of corruption and doom. I had thought previously that I was destined to be with Kyosuke. After all, our first encounter was certainly not normal. He ran and knocked me over in the hallway. But on the way down, he accidentally kissed me. A nice, innocent kiss. That lifted the spell over me and ended my mean spiritness streak. Much like how Sleeping Beauty was awoken by her Prince's kiss from her hundred years of slumber. To top it off, I secretly saw him make an impossible halfcourt basketball shot which went through the basket with a SWISH! It was right there I thought we were meant to be together. Little did I know that our relationship would end up as an impossible love. I radically changed my appearance and behavior just for my Darling. I thought that was what he wanted in a girlfriend. To be sweet, lovable, and cuddly. To dress nice and fashionably. To fawn all over him all the time. To spend all my time with him. I never asked for anything in return except for his affections. But even that was too much for him, as I later learned. I notice the same gradual change in Madoka-san also. She was being uplifted also from her immoral ways. It seemed Kyosuke had a way of bringing out the hidden goodness and strengths in both of us. Little did I know that we would be both competing for the same prize. Nonetheless, I don't regret what happened between me and Sempai. I've should have known better. I might have been too aggressive in going after Kyosuke, scaring him off. Plus, I figured something strange was going on between he and Madoka. Like they were hiding something from me. I refused to acknowledge the special relationship growing between the two of them right in front of my eyes! I've sensed it from the very beginning, when it seemed that he and Madoka always would end up together at all the special events and I would either get stuck with myself or Yuusaku. I was blind to the fact that Darling actually regarded me as his "little" sister. Childishly, I tried to "fight for my man". But he thwarted all my attempts, and in the end, my heart was broken. Time has mended back my heart, but the pain still lingers. Coupling that with the tragedy of my other love, I have never been the same since then. I had to run, far and away to escape my love troubles. I thought New York would be a fresh start for me. But since then, I haven't had any luck in any of my relationships. Even worse, I regressed back into my old ill-gotten ways. I can swear mercilessly at anyone when I'm provoked, which is pretty much all the time, living among the denizens of the city. I had to revert to my tough, hard-nosed "street" ways just to fend off the unsavory types and thieves. I can pretty much "lie, cheat, and steal" like Scarlet O'Hara if I need to if I am to survive in that jungle. It's a city that does brings out the worst in you. I was kind of glad not to be returning back to New York so soon. Some time off away might give me new appreciation of the city's strengths. And despite all its faults, it was still the city of opportunity for dance, whether I like it not. And if I am to hit the big time, it would have to be in New York. However, like Ryusei said, I needed to give the bigshot directors and producers a reason to even consider taking a look at me. And landing a choice part in this play could be the key. That's why I hoped to do well in my audition tomorrow. OK Hikaru. Enough talk for tonight. Time to go to sleep. You need your rest in order to do well tomorrow. Good night! [The next morning...] [9:00 a.m. Ayukawa Mansion] I was awoken to the aroma of breakfast being prepared. I looked around me. Madoka had already risen and was cooking breakfast for me. A pyramid of mandarin oranges had been constructed on the piano. Under the covers, I was still naked, on the sofa. Madoka, wearing a white teri-cloth robe, and carrying a breakfast tray laden with some of her finest culinary concoctions. M: Good morning Kasuga! K: Good morning, Madoka. Is all of this for me? M: Hai! I made all of this especially for you. You must be starving, especially from your ordeal abroad. All your favorites. But you have to eat it up quick and get cleaned and dressed up soon. K: Why? What's the rush? M: I phoned Hayakawa earlier this morning and I managed to get the location where Hikaru will be having her audition. I want both of us there to give her support and to cheer her on. (places tray on the table) Be sure to eat up the whole thing. I'm going upstairs to get dressed. K: Yes Maam! I wouldn't dream of leaving any leftovers from your cooking! [Meanwhile, in #1's humble Tokyo apartment...] (We are treated to a messy view of their apartment. As expected with most guys living areas, their are clothes, magazines, and food cartons scattered all around the place. Blaring in the background is the music "A Hard Days' Night") #2: (Exiting out of bathroom) I'm all done! It's all yours! #1: (Snoring and turns to one side) #2: Hey, did you hear me? (Goes over and peers into #1's room) Still sleeping, are you? (looks at clock) Hey! Wake up! It's 9:20 already! #1: (groans but continues his slumber) #2: (shakes #1 violently) Hmm, he's out cold. (Looks at guitar beside him) I knew he shouldn't have been playing his guitar late last night! Now what am I going to do? Go without him? (Innocently rolls his fingers across the guitar strings) #1: (Eyes instantly open, rises quickly, and lays out #2 flat on his back with a karate move) #2: Umm..., what do you think you're doing? It's just me, you remember? Your buddy? #1: (shaking the sleep out of his head and taking another look) Oh yeah, it is you. What the hell are you doing in my room? And why were you messing with my guitar? I thought someone was trying to steal it. #2: I wouldn't dream of taking your precious guitar. I was just trying to wake you up. And I guess this method worked, didn't it? You're up now! #1: Yeah, I guess it did work. But don't pull that stunt again or touch my guitar. OK! I'm real sensitive about my strings; got it tuned JUST right. Don't want no one messing it up. #2: I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Now would you mind releasing your grip on my chest so I can get up now? #1: (looks at hand and releases it) Oh, that. Sorry about the rough treatment. Just a natural reflex on my part. #2: Yeah, yeah. Save it for later. We need to be going soon. We have to pick up Miss Hiyama at the hotel at 10:00 for her audition at 10:30. I don't want the boss getting on my hide if she's late. #1: (Still feeling dizzy) Alright. But first, I'm going to treat myself to a nice, long, hot shower. #2: Uhh...., you can't... because I... I ... used up all the hot water already. #1: You did what? Why you ... Hey! Come back here! (chasing #2 around the apartment now) I can't wait to nail you back to the floor again. #2: (circling around couch while eluding #1's reach) Serves you right for not getting up first when the alarm sounded. And you can't catch me! [While this foolish scene is going on, we revert back to Hikaru's hotel room, where she is taking a shower] (Swish swosh sound of shower in the background) [10 minutes later] Yes? Mosh mosh. There's 2 men down there waiting to pick me up? Yes. Thank you for the information. Tell them I'll be down there right away. [5 minutes later] #1: Hello again, Miss Hiyama. Are you ready to go? H: Ready or not, I'm going! It feels so odd to be going through this whole routine again. I hope things go smoothly this time. #2: (situated to her right) I hope you get the part. You're such a nice person it's been a while since we had a pleasant, attractive lady working in our midsts. H: I'm flattered. Thank you for the kind words. #2: Also, don't forget to make an offering to the Buddha. You know what Master says: Never pass up a chance to improve your karma. H: Right you are! Thanks for reminding me. (Goes over to the fountain again) #1 to #2: She seems to be in a chirpy, lively mood today. #2: Must be the jitters. She's probably so strung up that she doesn't want us know. #1: Yeah, you're probably right. Here she comes. (They depart and drive off in the limo) [10:15] K: Are you sure this is the right place? She's not here yet. M: I'm positive. Hayakawa told me that she was having her audition at this location here. He's part of the five panel judges who will be evaluating her. (We see Mitsuru walking down the hallway) M: Hello Mitsuru. Can you help us out? Hayakawa: (turns towards Madoka) Ah, Madoka-san. And Kyosuke-san. I figured I would find you two here. M: Do you by any chance know where Hikaru is? Hayakawa: I was wondering the same thing myself. I was dispatched by Haroken to look for her. He was afraid she might get lost in the building. But I haven't had any luck finding her. She better get here soon if she knows what's good for her. The judges wouldn't appreciate tardiness. Personally, I won't hold it against her. K: So, you're one of the judges, aren't you? Hayakawa: Yes, it's my second time around. Me, Ryusei, Nagasi, and two other judges round out the group. Don't worry about a thing. She's got my vote already! M: Hayakawa! Really! I don't believe you would say such a thing. I hope Hikaru is not around to hear you talk like that. She'll think you're doing this because of me. Hayakawa: I am. But I've also seen what's she got. She's a very talented dancer. Since I voted for her before, I don't see why I shouldn't vote for her again. Unless she screws up real bad. (face changes to innocent look) So there's no need to get all riled up. Look. I promise to be objective about the whole thing. OK? K: (agitated look, annoyed at Hayakawa hitting on Madoka) Ah, don't you have some errand you need to attend to? Hayakawa: Why, as a matter of fact I do! Thanks for reminding me. Well, I better be going. If you bump into Hikaru first, tell her to go right down the hallway through that door to get to the stage. I wish your friend good luck. M: I be sure to tell her that. Thanks for your help. Hayakawa: No problem. (Exits out into some stairs) [In the limo, with the song "Help!" playing in the background] #1: Shit! 10:20 already. Damn this traffic jam. We're not going to make it. #2: I told you we should have left earlier. Who told you not to wake up on time? #1: Speaking of that, you interrupted a very vivid dream I was having. #2: So? What do I care? #1: You should care. It was a premonition of our upcoming date with the twins. I was watching you behind a tree while the two of you were sitting alone on a park bench. You seem to be doing alright until you made that bonehead blunder of touching her... H: Excuse me, but I think it's best we get our minds focused on getting out of this traffic mess. I'll give Ryusei a call to let him know we're be a few minutes late. #1: Sorry to bore you with our idle chatter, Miss Hiyama. We're keep it clean next time. Isn't that right? (winks at #2) #2: Sometimes, I'm not sure of half the things you're saying. #1: Sleep deprivation. Need more caffeine in the morning. #2: Huh? [10:35] Judge #1: Mr Haroken. I am on a very tight schedule! I have an engagement at 11:30, and I wish to make it, if possible. How much longer must I wait? Judge #2: I'm don't like to be kept waiting. I only came as a favor to you. Ryusei: Gentlemen, rest assured. It will only be a few minutes more. And don't worry. I will compensate you well for the time and effort you have spent coming here. Patience is a virtue, you know. Judge #1: And time is money! This dancer of yours had better be super for making us wait this long. Nagasi: (Comes between the two judges and puts arms around each of them) (seductive voice) Gentlemen! Please! Show the man a little patience. Instead of wasting your time waiting, why don't you come with me where I can fix you a special drink? I call it "Hotola". Judge #1: (sweating) Why, ... that sounds like a good idea. Judge #2: (shuddering) I con... concur! Nagasi: Good for you fellows to see it my way them. Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go? (As they leave towards Ryusei's office, Nagasi turns her head back and winks at Ryusei) [10:37] (They are on the sidewalks, and #1 and #2 are clearing the way through for Hikaru. They are about a block away from the studio) #2: (knocks into person) Whoops! Sorry. Passing through. Oww! Excuse me. (They finally reach the studio, after many bumps and bruises) #1: Whew! Finally made it. #2: Just go right down that hallway, Miss Hiyama and you should be at the stage area. H: (Takes off trench coat; already dressed in tights.) Thanks guys. (Tip toe running down and sees Madoka and Kyosuke in the middle) H: (speaking at double the speed) Hello Madoka. Hello Sempai. I didn't expect to see you two here. Thanks for coming. I would love to stay and chat, but I'm really late for my audition, so if you would excuse me, I have to be going. See you later. Bye! (Rushes off again) M: (yelling) Good luck Hikaru! And the audition through that doorway at the end! K: Break a leg! M: We're behind you 100% of the way! (Hikaru disappears from their line of sight) M: Let's go catch a glimpse of her from across the stage. K: Are you sure that's alright? I don't think that security guard seems accomadating. M: Damn! Let me find Hayakawa; I know he'll lets us through. K: No,... it would be too late by then. Plus he's one of the judges, so he can't help. (brief pause) Wait! I have a better idea. Come over here, by this tree. #2: Hey! Where did that couple go? I could swear they were in this hallway a minute ago. They could't have left so fast! #1: Oh, boy! Not one of your imaginary friends again. (starts to leave) #2: (following #1 down the hallway) No! Wait! I did see them! I swear! Hey! Can't you slow down and hear me out? [10:39] (Hikaru, upon entering stage area, blindsides into Ryusei who is waiting for her by the stage entrance.) H: Ryusei? Are you alright? I didn't see you and ... R: (Raises hand to stop her from speaking) No need for explanation. Just go out there now. The natives are getting restless. I'll be going the rest of the judges. (exits towards the audience area) [10:40] I wandered toward the center of the stage platform, feeling quite nervous and scared. I stood there still, staring into blank space for a few seconds. "Whenever you're ready!" shot a voice. I turned my head towards the soundman. A few yards away from him, I saw Madoka and Kasuga, hidden behind the curtains, smiling and waving to me in pantomine. I knew they were cheering me on, but it only made me more nervous. I took a deep breath. "It's now or never." I reminded myself. I fished out a red bandana and tied it around my forehead. That seemed to calm me down. It was then I knew I was ready. (Signaling to the sound guy) A 1, a 2, a 1 2 3 4 (Song=Flashdance playing) I felt as light as air, as I went through my routine. Several twirls here and there, and I was soon winded. I neglected to eat breakfast earlier and I felt depleted of energy. Yet on with the show I went. In the back of my mind, I remembered what he told me: "Do it for yourself! Don't worry about anything else." That, combined with the gift of the bandana draped around my forehead gave me the strength to continue on. The adrenaline kicked in and I was flying! With each step I took, I was gaining in confidence. I was nearing the end until I ... I had lost my balance on my final jump; I was sure of it. Yet I didn't fall flat on my face; I managed to regain my form. I was finally finished, exhausted and enervated. I wasn't sure what exactly happened. It felt like some mystical opposing force has propped me up long enough to regain my balance. I teetered a bit, but I didn't fall down. I wasn't sure how I did it, but I didn't care. I was done with the audition and I was glad. "Thank you, Miss Hiyama. We will now be conferring amongst ourselves. We will present our decision to you thereafter. You may leave the stage now. (We see Madoka and Kasuga approaching Hikaru on the stage) H: That was GREAT! (hugging her) H: Hi! How did you manage to sneak back here? K: Oh, we have our methods. H: So what did you two think? Did I do good or not? And I want your honest opinion. K: You were dynamite out there! You started out slow, trying to feel your way through, but once you found your rhythm, you were moving effortlessly to the beat. The ending was a little shaky though. H: Yeah, I thought so too. I probably ran out of gas. I didn't eat breakfast and ... (feels dizzy, puts her left hand towards her head, and starts to faint) (Kyosuke and Madoka catches her just in time) K: Hikaru! What's wrong? H: (small voice) I'm just feeling a little weak... M: You poor thing! You must be exhausted after that super performance. We're taking you to the lobby and out of this stuffy stage where you can rest. H: Thanks, you two. [In a a back room somewhere...] R: So what are your decisions, gentlemen? Judge #1: She was a little too herky, jerky for me. I would have to say no in this case. Judge #2: I agree. I also vote no. Now, if you excuse me, I have to be leaving. Judge #1: So do I. Thanks for having us here. (See Judge #1 and #2 leaving) Hayakawa: Well, I thought Hikaru was great out there. I placing my vote for her. (turns to Ryusei) So what you think, big guy? R: She definitely is raw, but she does have the talent. Like with any rough gem, she can be slowly honed down and refined. I think it's best to keep her. Hayakawa: Well, it looks like the decision is up to you now, Nagasi. Nagasi: (smiles wickedly) So, I get to have deciding vote? Ryusei. Let's go have a little talk in your office, won't you? You wait out here Hayakawa dear. OK? See you in a bit. [Back in the lobby] M: Feeling better now? H: (Sips her expresso) Yes. Still a little woozy, but I'll get over it. K: So what are you going to do after this? H: I haven't planned that far ahead yet. But I know that if I don't make it again, I probably would take the first flight back to NY. M: Don't doubt yourself HIkaru! I just know you will get the part. And aren't you going to see your parents? They haven't seen you in a long while. H: It all depends on the results. I wouldn't feel comfortable seeing them if I failed at this endeavor. Better for them to think I never came. K: (scolding voice) That's not like you Hikaru-chan. Your parents would be glad to see you, whether you're a failure or not. And you only have one set of parents. They should be revered and cherished rather than shunned and ignored. H: I'm sorry for coming across as being insensitive. You two are both right. I am an ungrateful daughter. I should go see them. It's been three years since I last saw them. It's just that I've been preoccupied with other matters like this audition. They will be in for a real shock once they see how much I have changed. (We see Hayakawa approaching them, looking depressed) M: Hi Hayakawa. Are you guys already done with the judging? Hayakawa: Hi everyone. Yes, I...have the results right here. I'm sorry Hikaru-san for all the trouble you went through, but I'm afraid I'm the bearer of bad news. Here, take this. (Hands it to Hikaru) Excuse me, but I have to be going now... (leaves abruptly) M: Hayakawa! Wait! [End of Chapter A5]