Aome (青目; Vol.2)

Chapter 7

(12:30 pm; December 12th, 2013. 11 months passed by since Emiya agreed to the schedule planned out by the CEO of Eigaharu Entertainment. The relationship between Aoi and Emiya became strained to the point that they didn't see each other in the house anymore because of Emiya's schedule [from 6 am to almost 1 am]. At the same time, Aoi became more career-focused so that she can surpass Emiya's goal of becoming a famous musician. However, due to the genre of music Aoi makes, her songs are not well-known, unlike Emiya's songs which are already in several animes. Fortunately, Aoi's mentor's words gave her enough hope to continue making the songs that she likes. Emiya's songs, on the other hand, were generated by the company to fit the deadline for the opening of a new anime series. It matched the theme of the anime, but there was no novelty from Emiya's side. The only thing that kept her songs from becoming irrelevant is her unique voice, and the record company took advantage of that. With multiple days filled with recording sessions, interviews [radio and TV], premiere screenings, and conventions [both domestic and overseas], she hasn't had time to breathe or take time to relax a bit. The worst part is that she started dating the son of the CEO in March, but never told Aoi about it since the relationship was supposed to be "work-related". Eventually, her mental state deteriorated gradually. Today in particular was the day things would become... worse. Emiya came back from an anime premiere. When she entered the house, Aoi was standing in front of the entrance.)

Emiya: Aoi...? What are you doing up so late? Don't you go to sleep at this time?

Aoi: I didn't think you'd be back so early today, so I was thinking of waiting for you the whole night. Also... (Aoi walks up to Emiya without wearing outside shoes [in Japan, they have a boundary where outside shoes are kept on the side while inside shoes are provided for both guests and owners of the house.]) I think it's time to talk about our relationship as of late.

(Emiya stepped back out of fear and the feeling of being uncomfortable since she was already exhausted from keeping a facade of being fine in front of others. She sighed and fixed herself before opening her mouth)

Emiya: ...I suppose you're right about that. Let's go in and talk about this...

(They both went to the living room and sat down on the sofa across from each other.)

Aoi: So... I wanted to ask you if... your record company is making you work to the point of exhaustion? I know how things can be with record companies and all, but they can't make you overwork. Right...?

(Emiya stayed silent when Aoi asked her the question. Aoi burrows her eyebrows and her voice becomes agitated.)

Aoi: Then... why are you still in the company if they're going to exploit you for your talent!? Also... (Aoi's holding her tears back.) we haven't spent time together in a long time, doesn't it bother you at all?

(Again, Emiya stayed silent. Not responding to Aoi's questions.)

Aoi: Emiya... are you listening to me—

(All of a sudden, Emiya gets up from her seat and intensely slaps Aoi out of pure rage.)

Emiya: (shouts in rage) STOP ASKING ME SO MANY QUESTIONS YOU STUPID BITCH! DO YOU REALIZE HOW MANY DAYS I'VE BEEN LIKE THIS?! WHY DID YOU NOTICE THIS NOW?!?! HUH?! YOU DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT TO HAVE A SAY IN THIS!

(Aoi's taken aback, puts one hand on her right cheek and the other on her mouth to keep her voice closed as Emiya comes back to her senses. Emiya sees Aoi's reaction and immediately feels guilty for what she said and did.)

Emiya: A-Aoi-chan, I-I-I'm s-sorry. I d-didn't m-mean t-

(Before Emiya can finish her sentence, Aoi runs away and goes to her room. Emiya starts breaking things around her all over the house without any regard for the value or memories any of the furniture had over the years. When this was happening, Aoi was booking a train ticket for Kyoto and packing her bags since the house was no longer a safe place for her anymore. In the middle of packing things, Emiya comes to the room and grabs Aoi's arms.)

Emiya: Please... don't...

(Aoi shakes out of Emiya's grip, finishes packing her suitcase, throws a bunch of papers at Emiya's face, and leaves the room with a cold gaze. Emiya skims through the thrown papers and sees that Aoi's been writing lyrics for Emiya, but Emiya never had the chance to take a look since she was going through her busy schedule. She runs out of the house, trying to catch up with Aoi's pace.)