(January 21st, 2020. 3:00 pm. Eigaharu Music Studio, recording room. Emiya and Aoi are going to record their last song for the album for finalization. They were standing across from each other in the booth, waiting for the producer to give them the signal to start singing.)
Emiya (thinking): We've practiced a lot since Aoi came to the studio, and it has been extremely helpful for me to regain my love for music again... I hope our rehearsals paid off...
Aoi (thinking): ...She seems a lot different from last month. I'm kinda glad she became her old self at least once.
(The producer gave them the signal and they got ready to sing.)
Music from speakers: 🎶🎶🎶
Aoi (singing): I'm living a normal life, spending my days in peace...🎵
Emiya (singing): I wonder if the sacrifices I made were worth it, to be the best of the best...🎵
Aoi and Emiya (singing): Even after many years I want to know...🎵
(15 minutes later, they were done with the finishing touches and final-check up with the producer and sound designers to make sure that it can be considered a hit. Aoi and Emiya hugged each other and they each shook hands with the producer, sound designer, manager, and everyone else who was on Emiya's team. Afterwards, they went out of the studio and stood there with Aoi.)
Aoi: So... is this it?
Emiya: Well... technically, yes. But...
Aoi: But what?
Emiya: I have something that I have been wanting to talk about for a long time... but I never got to say it in front of everyone.
(Aoi looks perplexed and her gut tightens when Emiya mentioned something she hadn't been able to say for a long time.)
Aoi: Okay... Do you want to go somewhere else to talk about this?
Emiya: Ah yeah, that would be a good idea. Probably somewhere private... Ah, how about the cafe downtown?
Aoi: Umm... I don't think that would be a good idea...
Emiya: Don't worry! There won't be too many people for anyone to see us. Also, we haven't had the chance to spend proper time with each other for a long time. Right?
(Aoi hesitated for a while and thought it would be risky since she hadn't seen her boyfriend within a few weeks before the final recording was done. But at the same time, she didn't want to let Emiya down again.)
Aoi: (*sighs*)... Alright, let's go.
Emiya: Okay! (She genuinely smiled like the day she played the song from high school.)
(Aoi couldn't let go of Emiya's hand, not when she had the chance to figure out what was going on with her and the company overall.)
(4:07 pm, a cafe in Tokyo. Since it was a weekday, there were more people present than before. Especially with tourists and local residents. Emiya and Aoi barely found a seat that was well hidden from everyone else. They both ordered water because their throats were dying from singing and talking too much with everyone.)
Aoi (thinking): (*sighs*) When was the last time I was able to spend quiet time with someone I care about...? Ah, right... I forgot... I have to go to their graves in two months... how many years has it been since they died... Ah, let's not think about it when Emiya's in front of me.
Emiya (thinking): Aoi's the same as ever. Always calm and composed on the outside, but worries and thinks too much on the inside... if only I could tell her to not worry too much...
(Once they finished drinking their water, Aoi spoke first.)
Aoi: So... tell me what's happening between you and Tonarigatchi-kun.
(Emiya shifted a little and took a deep breath before telling the whole truth.)
Emiya: *ahem* So... Masaki-kun and I aren't in a really good place, relationship-wise. He obviously takes control of the relationship, and... if things don't go his or his father's way... he beats me up and then... (She stops speaking as if her mind's becoming blank.)
Aoi: (She reaches out her hand and puts it on top of Emiya's.) Emiya, are you okay? You don't seem to look good at all... do you want to stop here?
(Emiya starts hyperventilating and forgets that Aoi's there. Aoi then gets up and gives Emiya a light hug so that she doesn't feel more suffocated than she already is. Emiya then hugs Aoi back intensely as she grabs onto Aoi's dress. A few minutes later, Emiya's breaths slowed down and released Aoi's embrace. Her face is still red from hyperventilation.)
Emiya: I... I'm sorry for doing that... I forgot to take my medicine today. I didn't mean to...
Aoi: (*shakes head*) It's okay Emiya. I understand it must be difficult to talk about this... I knew it... Anyways, you should go home now. It's better if you take a nap so that you feel refreshed.
Emiya: Okay... I thought I was going to have fun today... why did it have to turn out like this...
Aoi: If it makes you feel better, I can walk you home so you don't faint in the middle of the street if you end up in another panic attack.
Emiya: ... That would be nice. Thank you.
(While Aoi and Emiya walked away, a man with his friends nearby saw the two women leave the cafe. The man saw this and felt his head burning with rage, but subdued it due to being with other people who didn't know his true nature. He excused himself, and told them he was going home when in reality, he was going to follow the two women.)
YOU ARE READING
Aome (青目; Vol.2)
FanfictionAoi has decided to collaborate with Yame (Emiya) for her upcoming album. However, in the months before the album release comes around, something doesn't seem right with Emiya as she becomes quieter and less vocal about her wants and needs than befor...
