The morning sun shrines through the clouds and the sun ray bounced off the shiny glass window of the Fuji TV Headquarter building. 

 

 

Staff:

Yamada-san, 5 minutes before stepping on stage.The staff called out. 

 

Yamada:

Hai. 

 

He replied. Inside the dressing room, Yamada Ryosuke(25) seated on the couch while staring at the phone that he held in his hand while talking to his manager, Shun Miyaji(38).

 

Shun:

So after this you’ll head to the photo shoot of NYLON Men and after that you have an another interview at Coming Soon!!! And-

 

Yamada:

I got it, I got it…

 

His eyes glued to his phone while replied to Shun.

 

Shun:

Oi! Can you at least give me an enthusiasm response.  

 

Yamada briefly glanced at Shun and back to the phone. 

 

Yamada:

I got it.

 

Shun:

Close enough… What are you doing? Texting your girlfriend?

 

Yamada:

Do you think the jimusho would let me? 

 

Shun:

Who knows… If you’re slick enough, you can. I mean you did with Mirai-

 

Yamada immediately glared at Shun. Once Shun noticed his stare, he instantly stopped. 

 

Shun:

Gomen… It slipped. 

 

Yamada turned back to the phone. 

 

Yamada:

Where’s the assistant? That Youta guy.

 

Shun:

You mean Yoshi?

 

Yamada stopped and looked at Shun.

 

Yamada:

Really? His name is Yoshi? 

 

Shun:

You’ve been calling Youta, haven’t you?

 

The suddenly silence entered the room. 

 

Shun:

Anyway… Be careful when they ask you questions about the “rumor” ok? 

 

Yamada:

I got it. I’ve been in this industry long enough to know what I should and should not say so don’t worry. 

 

Shun:

I just wanna remind you that’s all… after all… this is your first album and the promotion is crucial. And you know how Johnny-san is… If you don’t do what you suppose to do he’ll-

 

Yamada:

Shun-san.

 

Shun:

Huh?

 

Yamada:

Did you became my mom over night? 

 

Shun:

Oi.

 

Yamada:

Where’s the assistant anyway?

 

Shun:

What do you need him for? 

 

Yamada:

I forgot my phone at home so I asked him to get it for me.

 

Shun:

So… the phone that you’re holding right now… 

 

Yamada:

Oh yeah… It’s his. 

 

Shun:

And you just looking at it without his permission?

 

Yamada:

Yeah… He have some ridiculous videos in here. Look.

 

Shun bend down at Yamada’s level and looked at it. Yamada played the video. In the video, Yoshi were dancing to AKB48’s new song. Shun busted into laughter. 

 

Shun:

What is this? This is AKB48 gone wrong.

 

Yamada:

See… I told you.

 

At the moment, a familiar voice called out.

 

Yoshi:

I’m here! 

 

Shun and Yamada looked up and saw Yoshi stood at the door, trying to catch his breath. At the moment, the TV show staff peaked his head in.

 

Staff:

Yamada-san. You’re up next.

 

Yamada stood up from the couch.

 

Yamada:

Yosh! I’m off.

 

He marched toward Yoshi and placed his palm forward. Yoshi looked at Yamada.

 

Yamada:

Phone. 

 

Yoshi:

Oh! Hai!

 

He quickly handed the phone in his phone to Yamada. He grabbed the phone from Yoshi and handed Yoshi’s phone. Yamada took a step and then stopped.

 

Yamada:

By the way… your dancing . Your timing is way off and you can’t even do a simple body wave…If you’re thinking about getting into the entertaining business, I suggest you should not.

 

Yoshi and Shun immediately looked at him. 

 

Shun:

Oi…

 

Yamada:

Don’t bother to come tomorrow. Your assistant will no longer be needed. Otsukare.

 

He took a step out of the room. 

 

Shun:

Again? Oi! Ryousuke! Wait!!! 

 

He chased after Yamada. He briefly stopped at Yoshi.

 

Shun:

Thanks for your assistant. I’ll send your next payment into your bank account.

 

He slightly bowed and then quickly chased after Yamada. 

 

Shun:

Oi! Ryosuke!!!

 

Yoshi stood still and squeezed his phone tight. 

 

~<><><>~

 

[At the Tower Record store]

 

A large crowd of girls waited outside the store in their winter outfits. 

 

Girl #1:

Aww, come on. Open already!!

 

Girl #2:

I know… When do the store open again?

 

The girl next to her checked her watch and replied.

 

Girl #3:

In 20 minutes or so.

 

Girl #1:

EH?! Really?!?! Aww… 

 

Girl #2: 

We waited for so long~

 

Girl #3:

I know… We waited for Yama-chan’s first album to release since September and now we have to wait another 20 minutes… 

 

Girl #1:

Gosh! I can’t take this anymore! OPEN IT! OPEN IT! OPEN IT!!

 

She chanted. Soon after, the crowd began to chanted along. 

 

Crowd:

OPEN IT! OPEN IT!!! 

 

~<><><>~

 

[At a run-down apartment]

 

 

 

A loud footsteps quickly approached a room and quickly opened the door.

 

Ran:

SORA!!!! WAKE UP ALREADY, you LAZY BUM!!!! 

 

Sora Sakamoto(19) slowly lifted her head up from her pillow and mumbled.

 

Sora:

Who are you calling a bum? You hobo~

 

Ran(22) marched toward Sora’s bed.

 

Ran:

Wake up or you’ll be late for work!!! 

 

Sora immediately rose up from her bed. 

 

Sora:

Oh yeah! 

 

Ran:

You finally realized-

 

Sora:

OF COURSE!!! TODAY IS THE DAY!!!! 

 

Ran:

Eh?

 

Sora:

It release today!!

 

She picked herself up and climbed out of bed. Sora dashed toward her closet and sought for her clothes. 

 

Ran:

Wha-what release today??

 

Sora stopped and looked at Ran.

 

Sora:

Something I’ve been waited for since September.

 

She smiled.

 

~<><><>~

 

Sora dashed out of the her room and saw Eri(19) calmly consumed her breakfast. Sora greeted;

 

Sora: 

Ohayou!

 

And then sit down on the chair across from Eri. Once she settled down on the chair, Sora immediately jugged down the food in front of her. She glanced at the book in front of Eri. 

 

Sora: 

Caakyurasu? 

 

She attempted pronouncing the large, bold print on the book. 

 

Eri:

Wrong. It pronounced “Calculus.” 

 

Sora: 

Cool! Eri-chan, your English is perfect!

 

She smiled. 

 

Eri: 

Thanks.

 

Sora:

But what’s that? 

 

Eri:

It’s math but higher level. 

 

Sora:

Oh… I see… 

 

Ran approached Sora.

 

Ran: 

Sora.

 

Sora: 

Huh?

 

She turned and look at Ran. 

 

Ran:

Hurry up!!!!! 

 

Sora:

I know~ 

 

~<>~<>~<>~

 

[At Happy-Go-CD]

 

The employees gather around. 

 

Kouki(20) glanced at his watch and mumbled.

 

Kouki:

For God’s sake… where is she? 

 

Minako:

Who?

 

Kouki looked at her.

 

Kouki:

Oh! Today is your first day, isn’t it?

 

Minako(19) smiled and nodded.

 

Minako:

Hai!

 

Kouki:

You see… The team leader always have the key and she’s also the person who always the last person to leave-

 

Ichirou:

Where is she?!?!

 

Ichirou(26), the manager of the store marched down the aisle while shouted.

The employees immediately looked at him.

 

Kouki:

Oh God… He discovered it.

 

He mumbled. 

 

Ichirou:

Kouki!

 

Kouki:

Hai!

 

Ichirou marched toward Kouki. 

 

Ichirou:

Where is she?

 

Kouki:

Eh? Who?

 

Ichirou:

You know who I’m talking about! Sora! Where is she?! 

 

Kouki:

About that…

 

Ichirou:

Don’t cover for her! 

 

Kouki:

Bu-but manager… the store won’t open until another 5 min-

 

Ichirou:

Do you see the crowd out there?! If we don’t open the store right now they gonna destroyed the place!

 

Kouki:

I understand. I’m pretty sure she’ll be here soon.

 

Ichirou:

If she’s not here in this instant, I’ll make sure she’ll-

 

Sora:

You’ll do what??

 

Kouki and Ichirou immediately looked at where the voice were coming from. 

 

Sora:

Go on… Finish your sentence.

 

Ichirou:

Just open it the door right now.

 

Sora:

Yosh!!!

 

~<><><>~

 

[At Fuji TV. Mezamashi set]

 

All of the announcers entered the stage and exchanged a brief greeting each other. They all settled down on the long glass table.

 

Otsuka:

How’s everyone?

 

Takashima:

Good. How are you?

 

Otsuka:

I’m fine. How about you Karube-san?

 

Karube looked at Otsuka and smiled.

 

Karube:

I’m doing good today. Thank you. 

 

Otsuka:

That’s good to hear. How about you, Kaito-san?

 

Kaito bowed and smiled.

 

Kaito:

I’m doing great. Thank you.

 

Otsuka:

Good. And you, Nakano-san?

 

Nakano looked at him and smiled.

 

Nakano:

I’m having a good day so far. Thank you.

 

Otsuka:

Good to hear.

 

He smiled.

 

Staff:

We’re on in 30 seconds!

 

Otsuka:

Yosh! Everyone ready for another day?

 

The announcers replied.

 

Announcers:

Hai!

 

Staff:

We’re on in 10, 9, 8... 

 

[Happy-Go-CD]

 

Sora:

Alright everyone! Are you guys ready for another day?!

 

Everyone:

Hai!! 

 

Sora:

Alright! Let’s get today over with!!!!! 

 

Kouki:

Don’t say it with such positive attitude… 

 

[Mezamashi set]

 

Staff:

…7, 6, 5...

 

He count down.

 

[Happy-Go-CD]

 

Sora:

4... 3...

 

She held onto the door knob. 

 

[Mezamashi set]

 

Staff:

Two…

 

He mouth “one”. 

 

Otsuka:

Ohayou gozamasu!!! 

 

He exclaimed with excitement. 

 

[Happy-Go-CD]

 

Sora:

One!!! We’re officially OPEN!!!

 

The employee pulled the door open and the second they do, a crowd of girls raced into the store. 

 

Sora:

Mina-san! Please don’t push! There’s one for everyone!

 

She shouted though no one pay attention to her. Everyone dashed toward Yamada Ryosuke’s huge promotion stand. 

 

~<><><>~

 

Kaito:

… And for today guest, please welcome Yamada Ryosuke!

 

Everyone clapped while Yamada entered the stage. He bowed while marched toward the long glass table.

 

Yamada:

Ohayou gozaimasu.

 

He smiled and greeted. 

 

Announcers:

Ohayou~

 

Yamada:

Akemae omedetou!!

 

He slightly bowed as he settled down on the chair. 

 

Announcers:

Akemae omedetou. 

 

Yamada:

Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

 

He bowed.

 

Kaito:

Ano… This is your first time here alone, isn’t it?

 

Yamada:

Hai!

 

Kaito:

Today your first solo album release… 

 

Yamada:

Hai.

 

Kaito:

You must be exciting, ne~

 

Yamada:

Hai. Just a little bit.

 

Karube:

Speaking of which, you’re the first solo throughout Hey! Say! JUMP! Ne

 

Yamada:

Seems like it. 

 

He smiled.

 

Kaito:

Now, there were a lot of rumors between you and Mirai Shida and I bet our viewers is pretty curious too. 

 

Yamada:

No. Mirai Shida and I are just friends. 

 

Karube:

I heard she’s recently married. 

 

Yamada:

Yes. I’m very happy for her. 

 

Kaito:

So are you dating anyone at the moment?

 

Otsuka:

Eh~ So there’s still hope for other girls, ne

 

Everyone in the room laughed.

 

Yamada:

You can say that.  

 

~<><><>~

 

[At Happy-Go-CD]

 

Sora:

Arigatou gozaimaa!!

 

She bowed as she handed the bag to the girl who stood across from her. The girl grabbed the bag and headed toward the exist.

 

Girl #1:

Yokatta ne~ We got the last ones.

 

Girl #2:

Uh. I can’t wait for Yama-chan first solo tour!!

 

Girl #1:

Kyaa~ I’ll differently go!

 

Girl #2:

Uh. Me too!!

 

The two girls stepped out of the store with a smile on their faces. Sora watched the two as they existed. 

 

Sora:

Thank god, it’s over~

 

Kouki walked toward her and asked.

 

Kouki:

Oi! Why were you late today, huh?

 

Sora turned around and face him.

 

Sora:

Oh yeah!

 

Sora bent down and grabbed a something in the drawer below.

 

Sora:

I stop at the convenience store for this! Ta-da!!!

 

She showed him the Pocky Fuyu no Kuchidoke. 

 

Kouki:

EH?!?! You were late because of a Pocky?!

 

Sora:

Oi! It’s not just any Pocky. It’s Pocky Fuyu no Kuchidoke!! 

 

Kouki:

So?

 

Sora:

So it’s the special edition of Pocky that only… I repeat… only available in winter and winter only.

 

Kouki:

I know that, stupid. It’s in the title already. 

 

Sora:

I’ve been waited for this since September and now… it finally here!!!

 

Kouki:

You ignored me… 

 

Sora:

Kyaa~ One bite out of the sensational chocolate mousse, the bitter of the coated coco and the sweetness of the chocolate will elevate you to paradise.

 

Kouki:

Oi! Why can’t you be like every normal girls at your age?

 

Sora:

Eh?

 

Kouki:

Look around you. Do you see all of these cute girls around your age wearing? They all wear skirt and cute blouses and when they talk, they speaks with soft voice. And look at yourself… over size t-shirt, rip-out jean and dirty looking sneaker and don’t get me start on your annoying voice…

 

Sora glared at him.

 

Sora:

Oi! Do you think I have money and time to doll up everyday? Who the hell would wear skirt in winter? What’s wrong with the way I dress, huh? I’m dressing for my sake not for your pleasure! 

 

She leaned toward him caused Kouki to flinch backward.

 

Sora:

And what about my voice?! Annoying? 

 

Kouki:

I was just joking-

 

Minako:

Ano…

 

Both Sora and Kouki stopped and looked at Minako, who stood in front of them. 

 

Minako:

I’m done with stacking the CD’s in A and B sections as your told me to. What should I do next?

 

Kouki:

Oh yeah! 

 

He escaped from Sora and marched toward Minako.

 

Kouki:

Since you’re done with stacking, maybe Sora will have something for you. Right?

 

He glanced at Sora.

 

Sora:

Who are you?

 

Kouki:

Oi! Don’t you remember? She’s the new employee!!

 

Sora:

Oh yeah!! Sorry~ Hi! My name is Sakamoto Sora . Nice to meet you.

 

She smiled.

 

Minako:

My name is Minako Matsuya. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!!

 

She bowed.

 

Sora:

Eh! Don’t bow with such formative way. We’re all around the same age, after all.

 

Minako:

Hai. Um… Sakamoto-san?

 

Sora:

Call me Sora.

 

Minako:

Eh… Sora-san.

 

Sora:

Hai.

 

Minako:

Is there anything you’d like me to do?

 

Sora:

Hmm… Maybe, I can show you around.

 

She smiled.

 

~<><><>~

 

Yamada pushed the door open and stepped into the parking lot.

 

Shun:

Oi! Ryosuke!! 

 

He chased after Yamada.

 

Shun:

Wait for me!!

 

However, Yamada continued to walk. Shun increased his speed and caught up to him.

 

Yamada:

Maybe you should schedule some time to work out, Shun.  

 

Shun:

Hey! Don’t mock me!! Anyway… About Yoshi-

 

Yamada:

Look for a new assistant for me. Someone who can do something right. 

 

Shun:

Do you know how many assistants you had already? 

 

Yamada didn’t replied.

 

Shun:

17 already! You’d fired them over little things they do!

 

Yamada:

Because they didn’t fulfill their job properly. 

 

Yamada reached into his pocket and grabbed his key. He pressed the button which caused the headlights blinked. 

 

Shun:

“Properly?” Every single one of them bust their asses to fulfill your every need and yet…

 

They stopped at the black car and Yamada opened the driver’s seat door. 

 

Yamada:

And yet the result turn out ty. Shun-san, would you go to the store and buy a watch that is ty for an expensive price? 

 

Shun:

What’s that have to do with this? 

 

Yamada:

Who pay the assistant? 20% of my payment goes toward the assistant. Do you know how much that 20% is? Once I distribute a good amount of money toward something, I expect them to fulfill it to my preference. I do not wanna waste my money and time onto something ty… Therefore, please look for a new assistant for me. 

 

He lowed his head and stepped into the car, and buckled his seatbelt.

 

Shun:

Tsk. For God’s sake… 

 

He mumbled as he opened the passenger’s door and entered; he buckled his seatbelt. Yamada started the engine and stepped on the gas. As the car exist the parking lot, suddenly, out of the blue, a shadow jumped in front of the car cause Yamada to make a sudden stop.

 

 

 

Yamada and Shun forcefully flinched from their seats and the seatbelts pulled them back to their seats. 

 

Shun:

What was that?

 

Yamada:

Some idiot just ran out of no where. 

 

He unbuckled his seatbelt, opened the door and stepped out.

 

Shun:

Oi! 

 

He followed the same pattern and stepped out of the car. 

 

Yamada:

What are you thinking?! Do you have a death wish or something?!!

 

Shun:

Oi! Don’t say that! You’re the one who’s driving. 

 

He bent down and tried to assisted the person who’s on the ground.

 

Shun:

Are you ok? 

 

He looked closely and recognized Yoshi.

 

Shun:

Eh? Why are you-

 

Yoshi lifted his face up. Yamada turned around and saw him.

 

Yamada:

You? What were you thinking?

 

Yoshi:

Please give me another chance!

 

He was down on both of his knees and his forehead touched the rough, dirty ground.

 

Yoshi:

I want to be in this music industry. I want to be a star. My dream is to be like you, Yamada-san. You’re my idol! I know I can do this!! Please! Please give me another chance!!!

 

He bowed.

 

Yamada:

Ah… I see… So I’m your idol… You said your dream is to be like me?

 

Yoshi:

Hai!

 

Yamada:

Well… stop dreaming!! Cause it’ll never come true. You will never be like me. I know who’s a star when I see one. And you… 

 

He looked straight into his eyes.

 

Yamada:

You are NOT a star. 

 

Yoshi stared at Yamada with his eyes opened wide. Yamada turned and marched toward his car. 

 

Shun:

Oi! 

 

He quickly looked at Yoshi and then at Yamada.

 

Shun:

For God’s sake!!! 

 

He followed Yamada into the car. Once Shun entered the car, Yamada start the engine and drove around where Yoshi kneeled. Yoshi’s eyes followed the car while he gripped his fingers together and formed a fist. 

 

Yoshi:

Yamada Ryosuke… You’ll regret this. 

 

~<><><>~

 

[At Happy-Go-CD]

 

Kouki and Sora grabbed the CD’s from the box and placed it on the shelves. 

 

Kouki:

That Yamada guy is really popular nowadays, huh

 

Sora:

Huh? 

 

Kouki:

Yamada Ryousuke. 

 

Sora:

Who’s that?

 

Kouki:

The guy who just released his solo album, which you are holding right now. 

 

Sora looked at the CD in her hand. 

 

Sora:

Oh~ It’s this dude. 

 

Kouki:

You lived in Tokyo for four years and yet you’re still slow at catching up to the news. 

 

Sora:

What are you talking about? I am up-to-date with everything! 

 

Kouki:

Yeah… Mostly Ayu’s stuffs.

 

Sora:

Because I’m a fan of her so of course I know more stuffs about her than any other artists. 

 

Kouki:

But Yamada is the national idol! How could you- You know what… Never mind… Hey! You remember that kid, Yoshi, who worked here for couple months? 

 

Sora:

Yeah. He’s the one who suddenly quit out of the blue

 

Kouki:

Yeah. I heard the reason why he quit is because he got a job as Yamada’s assistant.

 

Sora:

Really? 

 

Kouki:

Uh. He’s a big fan of his too

 

Sora:

Eh~ Lucky! I want to be Ayu’s assistant~ 

 

She turned her head and noticed the clock. 

 

Sora:

! 

 

Kouki:

What?

 

Sora:

I’m late! 

 

Kouki:

For what?

 

Sora:

My audition! I’m late for my audition!! Can you cover my shift? 

 

She headed toward the staff’s lockers.

Kouki:

Again?

 

Sora:

Sorry~ I’ll buy dinner. 

 

She quickly ran into the locker room.

 

Kouki:

OI!!! I have to study-

 

Sora:

Sorry!! I owe you one! 

 

She disappeared into the locker.

 

Kouki:

Why does she always have audition on the day that I work? 

 

Minako passed by and heard him.

 

Sora:

Audition?

 

Kouki turned around and noticed the new girl. 

 

Kouki:

Uh. Sora’s dream is to be a singer. So ever since she moved here, she always auditioning for many record labels. 

 

Minako:

Eh~ That sounds nice. 

 

Kouki:

Yeah… Try being rejected 48 times. Sometime, before she could even sings, they already reject her because she’s not “pretty” enough or the fact she‘s an orphan. Poor thing. And yet, she still applied for audition. 

 

Minako:

Eh? Sakamoto-san is an orphan?!

 

Kouki:

Shoot! 

 

He whispered. 

 

Kouki:

You wanna help me put these CD’s on the shelves?

 

~<>~<>~<>~

 

[At Universal Record Label] 

 

Sora sat on the chair along with the other contestants. She inhale and then exhale. 

 

Sora:

Why am I nervous? 

 

She whispered. 

 

Staff:

Sakamoto Sora? 

 

He called out. 

 

Sora:

Hai!

 

She raised her hand. 

 

~<>~<>~<>~

 

Sora stepped into the room and saw a man in a white T-shirt and dark jean, sitting next to him is another man, who wore a casual shirt and a black blazer on the outside. Sitting on the edge of the table is a woman, around her mid 30’s, in a peach blouse and black pencil skirt. Sora marched forward and stood in the middle of the room. 

 

Sora:

Hello. My name is Sakamoto Sora and I’m 20 years old. Nice to meet you.

 

She bowed. 

 

Kana:

Sakamoto-san? 

 

Sora:

Hai. 

 

Kana:

I’m looking at your profile and it written that you’ve auditioned for Universal Record Label for 11 times now… 

 

Sora:

Hai. 

 

She nodded.

 

Kana:

Please tell me why you still persistent to audition?

 

Sora:

My dream is to become a singer and I don’t want to give after a several times.

 

Kana:

But you’re already 20 years old… Let say you passed this audition… how long do you think you have to train before debut?

 

Sora:

Umm… About a year?

 

The three who sat behind the table burst out laughing. Sora looked at them in dazed. 

 

Shinichi:

Gomen. A year is a little short. Around 5 years sounds better. 

 

Sora:

Five years?

 

Kouta:

To become a professional singer, you must undergo 5 years of training.

 

Sora:

I see… 

 

Kana:

Put that aside. What will you sing for us today?

 

Sora:

I will sing JUJU’s “Mata Aa”

 

Kana:

Ok. Go ahead. 

 

Sora:

♪♪See you tomorrow…If I

Can’t promise to hold you

Now I want to surround you only with unlimited love

Without saying goodbye

I can’t answer you when you called me but

Even we’re far apart I will continue to love you♪♪

 

Sora stopped and looked at the judges. 

 

Kana:

You’re voice is very soft and yet strong at the same time. 

 

Kouta:

I agree.

 

Sora smiled.

 

Sora:

Thank you. 

 

She bowed.

 

Shinichi:

Eh! Ms. Sakamoto.

 

Sora:

Hai.

 

She turned to the guy who sat in the middle. 

 

Shinichi:

I’m looking at your parents’ information and there seems to be empty. 

 

Sora:

Umm…

 

Kana glanced at the profile in front of Shinichi and then at Sora.

 

Kana:

Ms. Sakamoto, since you’ve auditioned for many times before, I’m guessing that you understand the rule of audition… We cannot accept you unless we have your parents’ permission-

 

Sora:

I’m an orphan. 

 

Everyone stopped and stared at her.

 

Sora:

I don’t have such thing as parents. But I’ll be 20 in a couple months-

 

Shinichi:

I’m sorry but we can’t continue the process without the parents’ consent.

 

Sora stood still and stared blankly at them. 

 

~<>~<>~<>~

 

Sora stepped out of the bathroom with a towel hung over her neck. 

 

Sora:

The water is still hot. 

 

Eri:

Uh.

 

He marched toward where Eri sat and settled down at the table and glanced at the book in front of Eri. She held up the book and looked at it. 

 

Sora:

So this is what college students do? Boring complex math problems?

 

Eri lifted her head up and looked at Sora through her glasses. 

 

Eri:

For your information, it called Calculus and it’s not boring… it’s challenging. 

 

She grabbed the book and pulled away from Sora’s hands. Eri continued her work. 

 

Sora:

Ne, Eri~ is college fun? 

 

Eri lifted her head up. 

 

Eri:

It’s ok, I guess…

 

She return to her work.

 

Sora:

It must be fun, huh? I mean… every college students that came to the record store looks so happy and professional. Plus, it must be exciting to go to class everyday and surround yourself with many different people, ne.

 

Eri:

Uh…

 

Sora:

Everyone seems so kind. It reminds me of Clover Hills Orphanage, doesn’t it? 

 

At the moment, Ran opened the door and stepped into the apartment. 

 

Ran:

Tadai-

 

Eri:

Shut up, Sora!!! I can’t do this assignment when you keep talking!!! 

 

Sora:

Jeez… calm down… I was just asking a few-

 

Eri:

If you wanna know it so bad why didn’t continued high school?! 

 

Sora:

Because I-

 

Eri:

Because you’re a coward! When something it’s too complicate for you, instead of dealing it you just run away! 

 

She quickly gathered her stuff and marched into her room and slammed the door. 

 

Ran:

And I thought I would find peace and quiet at home… 

 

Sora turned and saw Ran, who stood at the door with the key chains in her hand. 

 

Sora:

Did I said something wrong? 

 

Ran took out her shoes and slipped into the slippers in front of her. She marched toward Sora and sat beside her.

 

Ran:

Don’t take it to the heart. She’s really stress right now. She have finals coming up and if she doesn’t pass the semester, her scholarships will be taken away. 

 

Sora:

Oh, I see… 

 

Ran:

What about you?

 

Sora:

Huh?

 

Ran:

The audition. 

 

Sora:

Oh. It was ok. 

 

She tilted her head down, avoiding Ran’s eyes.

 

Ran:

What do they say this time?

 

Sora:

They asked for my parents’ consent and I don’t have it. 

 

Ran:

Did you tell them that you’re an-

 

Sora:

Yeah. I did… But they still rejected me.

 

Ran:

Ne, Sora.

 

Sora:

Huh?

 

She turned her eyes to Ran. 

 

Ran:

Did you find you mom seven years ago?

 

Sora stared blankly into her eyes without saying a word. 

 

Ran:

Sora. Sora!

 

Sora:

I need to blow dry my hair. 

 

She immediately stood up.

 

Ran:

Oi.

 

Sora:

Night.

 

She headed toward her room. 

 

Ran:

Oh! Don’t forget that tomorrow is the deadline so gather money to pay your rent!! 

 

She called.

 

Sora:

I won’t~

 

She replied as she stepped into her room and closed the door behind her. Sora rest her back against the door and slowly slide down ,and sat on the floor with her back against the door. She stared at the shadows of the furniture. 

 

Sora:

♪♪Why am I crying?

Why am I lost?

Why did I stop?

Please tell me…♪♪

 

She whispered. 

 

~~