Chapter 4



*BEEEP*

The sound of the hotel room bell buzzing alerted the tenant as she scurried towards the door while voicing out. “Who is it?”

There Mayu and Rena stood, with a tray of the hotel’s famous Breakfast Platter and a glass of orange juice. “Mayu and Rena here...”

After taking a quick peep at the peephole, the door opened slowly and a weird looking Maeda Atsuko showed up.

“What the...” Mayu and Rena frowned her eyebrows at the preposterous sight of Atsuko wrapping the bed comforter all around her body with the hoodie over her head. The only thing that can be seen is her pair of eyes and her nose. 

“Are you both here alone?” Atsuko popped her head out of the room and glanced left and right before pulling them into the room.

“What are you? Assassin’s Creed? Why are you covering your whole body like this?” Mayu continued glancing up and down at Atsuko.

“I can’t take chances, Mayu.. You should know that I should never be found by anyone.” Atsuko finally removed the comforter off her body and slid down her hoodie.

“You’re really serious about not wanting to be found, are you..” Rena 

“Yes I am...”

“Well, here’s the Breakfast Platter that you ordered, Miss Maeda..” Rena removed the stainless steel cover off the plate to reveal a plate containing two slices of toasted bread with blueberry jam, two slices of bacon and sausages, a baked potato with sour cream topping and a sunny-side up egg.

Acchan gave it a little sniff as her eyes closed by itself and then breathe out. “Mmm... It smells good.. And please, call me Atsuko.. Since we’re going to be really close from now on.”

Mayu shot a glance at Rena who replied with a blank stare. They then shifted their attention back at Atsuko. Rena voiced out. “Wow.. Friends with a celebrity? That’s like everybody’s dream come true.”

“Cool! If we are friends, then we should share food!” Mayu immediately lunged towards Atsuko’s Breakfast Platter.

Atsuko reflexes were fast enough to allow her to shift her plate away before Mayu could get her hands on it. Mayu ended up flat on the ground. “That hurts....”

“Nah-ah... Not so fast, Mayu.. This is my breakfast. If you want it, you have to order your own portion.” Atsuko smiled sweetly at her.

Mayu stood up and dusted her clothes. “Fine.. Don’t give then. And it’s $15.99..”

“Hey.... You’re charging me? I thought we were friends..”

“Hotel protocol.. We’re can’t just charge this platter for free. I mean, it’s not like we cooked this for you. We simply ”

“Here.. $50. Keep the change.” Atsuko literally placed a $50 note on Mayu’s hand.

“Well, if you insist..” Mayu kept the money immediately and shot a wink at Rena.

Rena pointed at Mayu. “We’re going to share that money, alright.”

“Deduct $15.99 from $50, we are still left with $34.01..” Mayu then placed an arm on Rena’s shoulder. “Rena, I’ll pay you one cent for being my loyal bodyguard.”

“The hell you’re paying me one cent. And I don’t have any memories of being your bodyguard.” Rena argued back.

“That’s because the aliens brainwashed you...” Mayu poked Rena’s forehead.

Atsuko was just sitting by her bed, enjoying her breakfast while watching their little skit. She giggled to herself. “You guys are funny..”

Both of them continued arguing with each other. Rena voiced out, “It’s $17 per person, Mayu... Alright, fine.. I’ll donate that one cent for your mental check up, so you get $17.01. Deal?”

Atsuko’s cellphone suddenly rang, bringing silence to both the girls. As soon as Atsuko looked at it, she lost her smile in an instant. Atsuko put her phone in silent mode and tossed it aside. Her expression changed from cheerful to gloomy.

“Work?” Rena was a little concerned because Atsuko’s face did not look that good.

Atsuko shook her head and smiled back at them. “Nah... Just some unnecessary calls.”

“There’s something fishy about this..” Mayu whispered to Rena.

“You don’t say.. I can sense it as well.. And I don’t think the reason she ran away was simply because she wanted to avoid work.” Rena whispered back.

“What are you two whispering to each other?”

“Oh, nothing... Just that you have a beautiful shirt, that’s all..”

Atsuko remained glancing at both of them silently before voicing out to them. “You think I have other reasons to be here don’t you?”

Rena quickly replied. “Oh, of course no-”

Mayu intercepted. “Yes, we do actually...”

“God damn it, Mayu..” Rena smacked herself on the head.

Atsuko looked away from them for a short moment.

“So, we were right.. There must be some other reason that drive you to run away. We can tell something else is bothering you.. Ad it’s definitely not your packed schedule.”

“You can tell us, Atsuko... It’s not 

“I......” Atsuko finally opens , attracting attention from the two girls.

“Yes? Go on..” Both the girls were anxiously waiting to hear Atsuko’s story.

Atsuko stood up suddenly and rushed them out of the door. “I’m sorry.. I’ll call you again if I need anything, ok? See you guys..” Atsuko smiled back at them before she slammed the door right at their faces.

They looked at each other for a short while before Mayu voiced out. “Definitely suspicious..”

“Yea.. But if she doesn’t want to reveal it, we are not going to force her to.” Rena looked at her watch. “Well, it’s 8.30am now. We still have about half an hour before our shift starts.”

“Let’s just hang around in the Staff Lounge..” Both Mayu and Rena made their way to the Staff Lounge. 

“Rena, one moment.” A familiar voice called out. It was Jurina.

“Ah, Miss Matsui? Is there a problem?” Rena asked.

Jurina shot a deep glance at Mayu signifying her to leave the area at once.

“I-I’ll just meet you back at the Staff Lounge, Rena..” Mayu quickly escaped from the area, leaving only Rena and Jurina in the hall way.

“I hope you still remember that you owe me $1000.”

“Oh, crap. I forgot all about that..” Rena thought.

“Just a reminder, you only have four more days to pay up.”

“But what If I really can’t get the money in four days time?”

“Then I will transfer you into another department.” Jurina answered right away.

“What? No, please Miss Matsui.. I don’t want to be transferred.” Rena begged.

Jurina giggled a little. “Pfft... Nah, I was just kidding.. Of course I am not going to transfer you.” 

“Phew..” Rena let out a loud sigh of relief. “For a moment, I really thought you were serious.”

“Nah.. I’m not transferring you anywhere.” Jurina’s tone changed into a serious one right away. “I will simply fire you. It’s faster and easier.”

“H-Huh?” Rena’s eyes widened in shock.

“You heard me, Rena.. You have four days to pay the money or you’re fired.”

“B-But you can’t do that..”

“Bad news for you, Rena. Apparently, I can.”

“B-But you can’t fire me just because I can’t pay you back the money..” Rena argued back.

Jurina became completely pissed off. “You think it is solely about the $1000? Since you ruined my clothes, I was forced to miss out on a very important business meeting with a CEO of another hotel about a project that costs millions of dollars.. Then the CEO now thinks that I am some stuck up who does not want to do business together. I had to write a letter of apology to the CEO and explain the matter in detail to her. Then you dare talk back to me like you’re above me? Yeah, I have more than enough reasons to fire you on the very first day itself. Don’t you start challenging me now, Rena. If I was any worse than I already am, I would have asked for a million dollar compensation! So don’t come complaining to me that you can’t pay up $1000 when you almost made me lose a million dollar worth project! I was going to keep this to myself. I really did not want to say all these but you forced me to.”

Rena did not realize that the little accident she caused will turn out to be a huge matter. She tilted her head down in guilt immediately. “I-I’m sorry..”

“Forget it.. Remember.. Four days, Rena...” Jurina reminded for for another time before leaving the area.

Rena was left dumbfounded for a short while. She then walked back to the Staff Lounge and sat beside Mayu.

Mayu, seemingly curious, asked Rena about the situation right away. “So, how was the little chat with Jurina?”

Rena sighed loudly. “Simple. No $1000 in four days time, no more job.”

“You mean she will fire you if you don’t pay her back? Isn’t she misusing her authority in this case? Jeez, that Jurina is really a pain in the ..”

“It’s a good thing that Jurina is doing all these to me, though.. It’s like a life’s challenge..” Rena suddenly looked up at the ceiling and smiled on her own.

“You know, sometimes I don’t understand you at all..” Mayu shook her head before her eyes shifted towards a couch nearby. “Hey, Rena.. Take a look at that tall lady laying on the couch over there.. She looks hot.” Mayu nudged Rena’s arm and pointed at the couch.

“Does everyone here attracts your attention?” Rena rolled her eyes at Mayu.

“Take a look at her yourself, Rena..” Mayu turned Rena’s head towards that direction. 

The lady lay on the couch, hands tucked behind her head. The headphones attached to her ears. She looked quite comfortable in her faded blue jeans and Converse shoes. Her lightly tanned skin shined in the beam of the chandelier that stole its way into the whole room. Her brunette hair was feathered back away from her face revealing the perfect lines of her lips. She had her eyes closed, his brain soaking up the music no one could hear.
The red light on the stereo flickered as the track on the tape changed. Her eyes opened and Rena saw that they were two very stunning, beautiful black orbs. She looked around the modernly furnished surroundings of the AKB Staff Lounge before removing the headphones from her ears and turned off the stereo. As the red light slowly faded out, the lady also faded off into a deep, restful sleep. Her body now lay motionless except for the soft rise and fall of his chest with every breath she took.

“Well, I have to admit it myself. She sure looks kinda hot..” Even Rena was amused by the lady laying on the couch. “But this is one rare time where I actually find a lady beautiful and handsome at the same time.”

“See? I told you.. Even her legs are long and slim..” Mayu smiled in satisfaction.

“She could pass as a good looking guy or even a beautiful lady..”

“Go talk to her..” Mayu pushed Rena’s shoulder a little, earning a shocked expression from Rena.

“Excuse me? Why does it always have to be me? Why don’t you go talk to her?” Rena pushed Mayu’s shoulder.

“Sorry but I am loyal to Miss Kashiwagi. I have no interest with other beings..”

Rena’s mouth was pried open from Mayu’s statement. “Other beings? I feel offended, Mayu. Am I just an ‘other being’ to you?”

It didn’t take Mayu a second to reply. “Compared to Miss Kashiwagi, you’re nothing but Hunchback of the Notre Dame. So, please never compare yourself to Miss Kashiwagi.”

Rena placed both her arms on her waist after hearing Mayu’s preposterous words. “Wow.. Is that how you treat your childhood friend? I’ve known you almost my whole life. That Miss Kashiwagi on the other hand, crossed her legs just once and you put her above me? Some best friend you are, Mayu.. Some best friend you are.. You are eligible of getting the worst friend award.”

Mayu let out an annoying snicker. “Pfft... If you’re trying to make me feel guilty by saying these things, let me just tell you straight. It’s not going to work. Not in a million years. And Miss Kashiwagi will forever be my angel..”

“Erm... Hi..” The tall lady who was dozing off on the couch was standing beside them, grabbing their attention. “Are you two new here?”

“Uh-huh..” Mayu and Rena nodded their heads simultaneously.

“Cool... What’s your name?” The tall lady asked.

Rena answered politely. “Oh, this is Watanabe Mayu and I’m Matsui Rena. Today is our third day working here as receptionists. And you are?”  

“Shinoda Mariko. The Executive Chef of this hotel. As the title already explained, I am the one who takes care of all the chefs in this hotel and make sure that all food served in this hotel are of the highest quality.” The lady explained.

“Wow.. You’re Shinoda Mariko? The one who wrote the famous gourmet book, ‘The Spice of Life’?” Rena seemed shocked.

“Well, that should be me..” Mariko smiled back.

“Oh my god, I’m a very big fan of your books, Miss Shinoda.” Rena clasped both her hands together in awe as her eyes shone brightly at Mariko.

“Please call me Mariko... And thank you for reading my books.” Mariko smiled back sweetly at Rena.

Rena got excited and she started blabbering about. “I have been trying out some of your recipes. I tasted it myself. It was delicious. My grandmother told me it tasted just like the original. Ask Mayu. She was there to try it out.”

Mayu nodded her head at Rena’s statement and placed an arm over Rena’s shoulder. “Yes, I agree that Rena’s cooking is AMAZING, Mariko.. So amazing that her cooking and your cooking had only one thing in difference.”

“Wow, Mayu I never knew you thought that way of my cooking before. You’re making me feel touched..” Gaining a compliment from Mayu had always been the hardest thing in the world. Rena was literally feeling touched by Mayu’s statement since she hardly received any compliments from her before. 

Except for, it wasn’t a compliment actually. “Don’t get emotional with me now, Rena. I’m not done. The one difference between both your cooking is that Rena’s dish 48 times more than yours, Mariko.. Yours was exquisite. Hers, rubbish.”

Rena was shocked. “Oi oi, it’s not that bad! And where the hell did you get the number 48 from?”

“Just telling the truth.. And the truth hurts. Welcome to the real world, Rena. Deal with it.” Mayu shrugged and smiled innocently.

“Rena, was it? So, do you like cooking?” Mariko asked Rena.

“I love it with all my heart..” Rena nodded.

“Good. Then don’t let those words from Mayu discourage you from that. Just keep on practicing and I will be looking forward for the day I can finally taste your cooking. Ok?” Somehow Mariko’s words got into Rena deep.

Rena nodded and smiled brightly at Mariko. “You’re an amazing woman, Mariko..”

“Mayu, Rena! What are you two still lazing around here for? It’s already 9.05am. You’re already five minutes late for work.” A loud voice roared at Mayu and Rena, and GUESS WHO?

Upon hearing the voice, Rena and Mayu automatically stood up straight as if they were boy scouts being called out by their leader. “M-Miss Matsui..”

Jurina looked over at Mariko and ordered. “Mariko, you too..”

“Yes, Miss Matsui.” Mariko nodded her head a little in respect before turning back at Mayu and Rena’s direction. “It’s been nice chatting with the both of you. Let’s chat again some time. I’ll be taking my leave now. I’ll see you two around.”

After grabbing her clothes from the locker, Mariko took them into the changing room and changed into her formal attire.

“Well, let’s get going Rena.” Mayu pulled Rena away from the lounge as fast as she can. Jurina managed to shoot a final glance at Rena’s guilty face for one final time bbefore they exited.

As they made their way towards the lobby, they stumbled upon the always beautiful CEO Kashiwagi Yuki.

“Good morning, Miss Kashiwagi.. You look beautiful as always..” Mayu bowed down in respect.

“Good morning, Miss Kashiwagi..” Rena bowed a little as well. She seemed disgusted with Mayu’s sudden change of attitude.

“Thank you for your compliments, Mayu..” Yuki smiled back at her and continued making her way to her office.

“Ah, M-Miss Kashiwagi!” Mayu called out again.

Yuki turned around. “Yes?”

“A-Are you free this this Saturday?” Mayu voiced out.

“You’re not asking her out on a date, are you?” Rena whispered into Mayu’s ears.

“Shut up, Rena.” Mayu whispered back.

As predicted by Rena, Yuki asked the same question. “Are you asking me out on a date?”

Mayu blushed so badly from Yuki’s one word. “D-D-D-Date? Err............. Y-Y-Y-Yes.. A date..”

“I would love to..” Yuki answered, causing Mayu’s face to bleam in happiness. It didn’t last long as Yuki continued her statement. “But unfortunately I will not be free this Saturday. I have a date with Jurina on Saturday.”

Mayu lost her smile in an instant. “A date with Jurina? O-Oh... It’s ok.. I mean...definitely Miss Matsui is more important than me, right... Ha Ha Ha...” Mayu let out a fake laughter.

“I’m sorry..” Yuki seemed a little guilty for turning Mayu down though.

“Please don’t apologize, Miss Kashiwagi... It’s alright. I understand.” Mayu couldn’t hide her disappointment at all.

Yuki gave it some thought before smiling back at Mayu. “How does Sunday sound?” 

“PERFECT!!” Mayu got excited.

“Cool.. So, Sunday 10am at AKB Park..” Yuki confirmed.

“Yes!!” Mayu cheered loudly as if she just scored a goal in a football match.

Yuki giggled a little at Mayu’s action and continued her way back to her office.

“Wow congratulations, Mayu.. You’re finally going on a date with Miss Kashiwagi..” Rena patted Mayu’s back.

Mayu squinted her eyes as she thought about something. “I’m still bothered by the fact that she is going out on a date with that Jurina..”

Rena placed her arm over Mayu’s shoulder. “Just let it go, Mayu.. Be happy that you even have the chance to go on a date with the CEO.”

They finally made their way to the reception and took their respective seats. “Fine. Forget about that.. What about you? What are you going to do about your case with Jurina?”

“Today I learnt a valuable lesson from Mariko..” Rena looked at Mayu with a bright expression.

“Yeah? Do enlighten me..”

“When there is someone or something who is trying to prevent you from reaching your goal in life, you have to keep on going and going until you overcome that obstacle. Life is bound to have obstacles, Mayu. It’s like a wall in your path. We will always have three choices. First, to do nothing and let the obstacle forever hinder you from getting to your destination. Second, we could use a detour and avoid that obstacle, but it is the same as running away from your problems. What is the meaning of life when there are no obstacles? Or third, I could break down that wall that is blocking my path and continue achieving my dreams. This way, I can be stronger and more experienced.. Jurina now thinks that I am not capable of bringing her the $1000 in four days time. So, I must find the $1000 and pay her back so that she would change her impression me. I want to prove to her that I am capable of solving this problem.”

“That’s freaking deep, Rena. So unlike you... I have to praise you a little..” Mayu applauded softly. 

“But I still can’t believe we were be able to meet up with so many amazing people while working here.. It feels like I’m dreaming.”

“Dream?” Mayu proceeded to pinch Rena’s face as hard as she could. Rena’s cheek was stretched by a few centimeters before Mayu finally let go of it and snapped it back onto Rena’s face. There was a red patch on her face. “Still think you’re dreaming?”

“OUCH!!” Rena covered her cheek and glared back at Mayu. “You used that as an excuse to pinch my cheek?”

“Hey, you’re the one who said that you’re dreaming. So don’t blame me for attempting to bring you back to Earth.” Mayu shrugged.

“Someday I am going to have my revenge on you, Mayu..”

“Bring it on, girl.. I can play this revenge forever with you.” Mayu leaned back on her seat and shot a look of confidence at Rena.

At that time, a short lady entered and walked towards the reception table. Mayu and Rena stopped arguing right away. The lady had short hair and she was wearing a brown, long coat. Her hands were tucked into her pocket.

As usual, Rena greeted her guest with a bright smile. “Yes, how may I help you?”

The lady passed them a card and introduced herself. “My name is Takahashi Minami. I know this may seem random but did Maeda Atsuko by any chance drop by this hotel?”

“M-M-Maeda Atsuko?? The super star Maeda Atsuko? Errr..........” Rena was a little surprised as she stuttered a little from the lady’s sudden question.

“Who wants to know?” Mayu quickly backed Rena up.

“I’m the official photographer for Maeda Atsuko and also a friend.” Minami answered.

“Sorry but she isn’t here..” Rena answered.

Minami reached for her cellphone and clicked on the ‘1’ button to speed-dial a number. She stood there for a few seconds with her phone placed on her ear. “Come on, Atsuko.. Pick up.....”

From here on, Mayu and Rena already knew that this short lady right here is very close with Atsuko since she was number 1 on the speed dial list.

Mayu suddenly remembered something. “Hey Rena, do you think this lady was the one who called Atsuko this morning?”

Hearing Mayu’s statement, Rena voiced out to Minami. “Excuse me. Sorry for asking this, but what is your relationship with Maeda Atsuko? Just a photographer and a friend?”

Minami rolled her eyes around and finally back to their direction. “Yea...”

Rena whispered into Mayu’s ear. “How suspicious....”

Mayu asked Minami. “Do you happen to be very close with Maeda Atsuko?”

“Yes, I am very close to her. She had been missing for three whole days. If you know where she is, please tell me.. I’ll do anything..” Minami begged.

“I have an idea... This could be a chance..” Rena was suddenly enlightened.

“What are you talking about, Rena?” Mayu was confused with Rena’s random statement.

“When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade, Mayu...” Rena grinned at Mayu before turning back to Minami. “How desperate are you to look for Maeda Atsuko?”

“Very...” Minami answered right away.

Rena gestured Minami to come closer and whispered into her ears. “What if I told you that Maeda Atsuko is here and we both are the only ones who know about it?”

Mayu nudged Rena’s shoulder and pulled her in for a whisper. “You traitor. We promised Atsuko that we will keep this a secret.”

“Mayu, you’re smart. So you should know what I am trying to do. This is the only chance I have.. It’s now or never.” Rena whispered.

“You’re trying to blackmail her? This is not the right way to get your money, Rena.. Blackmailing someone is a criminal offense!” Mayu whispered back.

“Don’t worry, Mayu... I got this..” Rena assured Mayu.

“I just want to confirm this. Do you REALLY know where Atsuko is?” Minami asked.

Rena gestured Minami to come closer once again and whispered into her ears. “She is definitely here, but she told me not to tell anyone about it.”

Minami reached for her purse, took out a pile of cash and placed them on the table directly in front of Rena’s face. Rena did not even get the chance to ask for the money as Minami already took out the pile of cash all by herself. Minami then voiced out to Rena. “I’ll pay you $5000 cash if you can bring me straight to her.”

“F-F-Five thousand!?” Rena was surprised.

“Holy crap, just how rich are the people here!?” Mayu couldn’t contain herself as well.

Rena pulled Mayu back in for another whisper. “You saw that? I didn’t even have to make a move. I didn’t blackmail her. She was the one who offered us the money by herself. Just take a look, Mayu.. It’s $5000.. That’s a lot of money...” 

“Bring me to her and this $5000 will be yours.. I’m not playing around.” Minami seemed serious about her offer.

Rena turned her head towards Mayu and grinned. “Like I said, Mayu.. When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade..”

Mayu grinned back at Rena. “This has got to be the most expensive lemonade I have ever seen..”


Chapter 4
END