Aome (青目; Vol.2)

Chapter 6

(7:45 pm. November 10th, 2012. Broadcasting station, Tokyo, Japan. Emiya finished her interview with another artist who she collaborated with, though it was the day when Aoi debuted as a singer for the first time. However, Aoi told her to focus on her job instead of their relationship because they can always plan ahead to avoid schedule conflicts with their jobs such as radio interviews, live shows, TV interviews, and tours. They also made sure that their relationship doesn't get exposed in public, so they always spent most of their important days at home to avoid suspicion. Emiya said goodbye to everyone involved in the interview and went home on time.)

(8:15 pm, Emiya and Aoi's home.)

Emiya: I'm home!

(Aoi comes from the kitchen with her yukata and apron on.)

Aoi: Welcome home, how was the interview?

(Emiya took off her shoes and gave Aoi a hug.)

Emiya: (*sighs*) I'm sorry Aoi... I know you have been waiting for me for so long. I didn't realize that it was already this late.

Aoi: (*shakes head*) It's okay, I said that it's important to focus on your job instead of household things. I can take care of things from here, and... we can always plan things ahead.

Emiya: I know... if only they didn't let me know about a change of schedule last minute, then this probably wouldn't have happened... Anyways, let's go eat. Okay?

Aoi: Okay, I'm sure you're probably exhausted after today. So, we can do it another time.

Emiya: Yeah... it's a good idea.

(They both went to the dining room, ate dinner, and went to bed and slept together)

(January 28th, 2:00 pm, Eigaharu Entertainment main headquarters, Tokyo, Japan. Emiya was called up to the CEO's office to discuss this year's events. Her popularity made anime studios want to sing for their animes, and her team is helping her to make more songs at a faster rate [even though songs written solely by her are ama- mhpf!]. The CEO and his son took notice of this and took the opportunity to push her to work more and stay at home and spend time with her loved one less. Even though they know what they're doing is wrong, Emiya has no idea what they're up to. When Emiya reached the CEO's office, he was standing near the window, overlooking the parameters that cover the entirety of the company.)

Emiya: I'm here, Tonarigaichi-san.

Mr. Tonarigaichi: Ah, welcome Fujie-san. Or should I say, Yame-san?

Emiya: Ah... it's okay. I only use that name in public, and since this is in a well-protected building, I don't think using my real name would be a problem.

Mr. Tonarigaichi: (*nods*) Alright, the reason why I called you up here is that you have become a successful anisong singer, and your team has done an excellent job at producing songs at a fast rate that almost every anime studio has been asking for you to make openings and ending. Especially since you worked for the Unmei series.

Emiya: (nods and smiles) Yes... I'm really proud of that project, only because I've followed this series since I was in elementary school. If there are any more opportunities like this, please let me know.

Mr. Tonarigaichi: Yes... about that... I have something you can look over if you want. (He hands over a packet filled with anime projects and details about the projects in-depth)

(Emiya looks over the yearly schedule for this year and sees that most of the deadlines and other important aspects of the projects are due on the important days that Aoi and Emiya planned to spend time together, both in and out of Tokyo without any suspicion. But, with the overpacked schedules and tight deadlines, it's almost impossible.)

Emiya: Ummm... This looks great for the anime projects that are scheduled this year, but... I think I'll have to compromise on some of the projects since I need some parts of the month to take breaks from time to time. Also, today is my best friend's birthday, and I promised to take her out to her favorite place that she likes to go to every year, so...

Mr. Tonarigaichi: Ah... that's a shame. The companies were expecting you to perform for their anime openings, also... (He looks at the TV screen on the far corner of the room.) your popularity will be forgotten after Unmei becomes unpopular. If I remember correctly, weren't you in an audition sponsored by this company? (Emiya's eyes widen and her thoughts became blurry as she spiraled in her head.) You know I have the power to strip you of everything you have worked hard for.

(Emiya couldn't think straight since she can't tell him that she wants to be with her girlfriend in secret. At the same time, she doesn't want to lose any of the opportunities that are presented to her, even if means losing quality time with Aoi. She took a deep breath before telling the CEO her answer.)

Emiya: I... I'll do it. I'll let my team know about this so they can prepare for the openings and endings.

Mr. Tonarigaichi: Splendid! I'll let your manager know about this. Oh, and before you leave, I was wondering if you're interested in talking with my son. He asked me to let you know that, since you don't have a boyfriend.

(Emiya's gut tightens. She gets goosebumps when she hears what the CEO said and leaves the room.)

(7:00 pm, an alley between buildings in the residential area of Tokyo, Japan. Emiya had another day of work without any breaks today, and she had to cancel their birthday date with Aoi. When told the reason why she had to cancel, she lied and told her that she doesn't have time to spend time with her anymore. If she stops working, then no one will be able to listen to her songs anymore. Aoi accepted the reason and Emiya went to an alley where there was a vending machine selling alcoholic cans. She puts the money in and gets herself a can of beer with the highest alcohol content to forget what happened at the CEO's office. She drinks the beer, and immediately gags due to the bitter taste.)

Emiya: Ugh... (*sobs*) Why can't I stand up for myself anymore...? What's wrong with me now? I thought this wouldn't matter since Aoi's also doing the same thing on her own... Is it because she's not earning as much as I am with my music? Or am I jealous that she's free to do what she wants? AH FUCK! (She throws the can of beer to the ground and lets the contents of the can fall to the gutter, after realizing what she did, she grabs the can and throws it in the can section of the trash can and went home. Meanwhile...)

Aoi: Emiya... you promised me that you'll be here today... (she lets out a deep and heavy sigh and gets herself a small piece of vanilla cake that she made herself. She lights up a candle and puts it on the piece of cake.) Happy birthday to me... happy birthday, to me... (tears fall out of her eyes) (*sniff*) Happy... birthday... to... Ikuro Aoi... (She couldn't continue to sing the song and cried her eyes out as the candle wax reached the cake.)