デミ人間 (Demi Human)

Chapter 8 : Lucy

(Koutani opens the door and sees Keisuke)

Koutani : Nani? (What is it?)
Keisuke : Anou, I came here to give Tamaki-san's schedule for today. (gives him a folder)
Koutani : (chuckles) Hey. You're so formal. Just call me Koutani.
Keisuke : Demo... (But...)
Koutani : It's ok. (takes the folder) Arigatou na, Kei-kun. (looks at his schedule)
Keisuke : Please excuse me now. (bows and starts to walk)
Koutani : Ah chotto, Kei.
Keisuke : Hai?
Koutani : You're close friends with Azuki Minami, right?
Keisuke : Mi-chan? Uh... hai... why?
Koutani : I heard there's an art exhibit going on in Azabu Gallery. I plan to go there. Maybe you guys want to come... She's into arts, if I remember it quite right?
Keisuke : Hai. She's a painter.
Koutani : Sugoii ne.
Keisuke : Hai. So... I should inform her about your invitation...?
Koutani : Can you do it for me, Kei-kun? (suddenly changed his mind) Iya! It would be a little informal. I think it's better if I invite her myself. What do you think?
Keisuke : I think so too...
Koutani : Sou deshou? Hmm... but I don't have any contact info about her... (looks at Kei) You do know her e-mail or mobile number?
Keisuke : Ah... I do.
Koutani : Hontou?  That's great!
Keisuke : (smiles) Iya. Tamaki-san is very thoughtful. I'm sure she'll appreciate it a lot. (takes his mobile)
Koutani : (hides a smile)

(Keisuke gives Koutani Minami's contact info)

Koutani : I'll call her right away. And umm... do you know where my new manager went to?
Keisuke : Lucy? Anou... I think she left... she was talking about having lots of plans...
Koutani : Just great... seems like she has a world of her own.
Keisuke : Do you want me to contact her?
Koutani : Iya. No need. Leave her... if she's too busy doing things on her own, fine. I've got things to do also... (starts to leave) (stops) You can wait by the van. I'll be right ahead as soon as I talk to Azuki-chan. (leaves)
Keisuke : Hai. (bows and goes on his way)

(Koutani goes to his dressing room to change clothes)

Koutani : (finished dressing up) (gets his mobile and calls Minami)

(Minami is at her house, starting to paint Keisuke) (she hears her phone ring and picks it up)

Minami : Who could this be...? (answers) Moshi moshi?
Koutani : Azuki-san?
Minami : Hai?
Koutani : Minami?
Minami : Hai. Dochirasama desuka? (Yes. Who's this please?)
Koutani : Oh. It's me. Koutani. Umm... we met in your uncle's studio.
Minami : Koutani...? Aahh... (recalls) Yes... the model?
Koutani : (chuckles) If that's how you remembered... yes.
Minami : It's a surprise that you know my number.
Koutani : I asked your number from Keisuke.
Minami : Keisuke. Oh, I almost forgot... he works as your manager's assistant already. How is he? I hope he's doing okay there.
Koutani : Oh he's doing well. He's a very nice guy. I think we could get along well.
Minami : Please do take care of him.
Koutani : Nothing to worry about.
Minami : Thank you for your kindness.
Koutani : (chuckles) It's okay. Oh by the way, I really called because I wanted to invite you to go with us to this art exhibit in Azabu Gallery.
Minami : Art exhibit?
Koutani : Hai. I suggested to Keisuke that we invite you and he thinks it was a great idea. Are you willing to accompany us?
Minami : Keisuke too? ... Un. When?
Koutani : Today.
Minami : Sou ka. I'll get ready then. I'll just see both of you there.
Koutani : That's great. And um... how about lunch afterwards?
Minami : Uh... okay.
Koutani : Ii ne. Well then... see you later.
Minami : Jaa.
Koutani : (hangs up and fixes his hair) (chuckles) Lunch for two... coming right up. (winks at himself at the mirror and finally puts on his jacket) Three people is simply just a crowd... ne? (seems amused and then leaves)

(At the art gallery, Koutani and Keisuke came first and were looking at some paintings when Minami finally arrived)

Minami : Keisuke...!
(Keisuke and Koutani turns)
Keisuke : Mi-chan. (goes to her)
Minami : I'm sorry for being a little late. (looks at Koutani and bows) Hontou ni sumimasen.
Koutani : Don't worry. There was no exact time... and I do not wish to hurry you.
Minami : (smiles) Arigatou.
Koutani : If I may ask, Minami. Which subject do you prefer to paint... people or landscapes?
Minami : (thinks) Um... a combination... I usually paint a person with a scene... and I usually paint outdoors.
Koutani : Interesting. I used to be taught how to paint by my grandfather... he was also a great painter in the family. Tamaki Shinichi.
Minami : Eh? Tamaki Shinichi??
Koutani : Un. Why? Do you know him?
Minami : Hai. He was one of my teachers when I was still attending the art school.
Koutani : Really? What a coincidence!
Minami : Hai.
Koutani : My grandfather's preferred to paint landscapes, seascapes and all sorts of nature views.
Minami : Yes. I've seen his works. It's really nice.
Koutani : (smiles and leads her the way) Would you mind if we discuss about art and tell me all your knowledge while moving around?
Minami : Uh... (feels shy) Sure... I'll do my best.
Koutani : (chuckles) No need. I know you are already the best in your own way. (smiles with charm) Iku.
Minami : Hai. (looks at Keisuke) Let's go.
Keisuke : (nods)

(While they looked around, Koutani kept asking many questions to Minami and Keisuke was somehow left out... it seems like Koutani also knows a lot about paintings and arts and so he got Minami's point of interest. Minami tried to talk to Keisuke too, but Koutani would sometimes cut in between the two...)

Koutani : I really admire your knowledge, Minami. Really.
Minami : Oh but I'm not really good at explaining this and that... but I'd rather just paint... (unsure laugh)
Girl's voice : Kou-chan~~!
Koutani : (wonders and turns around)
Lucy : Ooi, ooi! I didn't expect to see my Kou-chan in an art gallery! (laughs)
Koutani : What are YOU doing here? (sounds annoyed)
Lucy : I was meeting some clients... you know... for you endorsements.
Koutani : Really now? Or are you just really following me?
Lucy : But of course! (laughs again and pinches his cheeks) The manager has to keep an eye to her talent.
Koutani : (gets away) Don't even act too comfortable with me. Can't you see I'm with someone.
Lucy : (notices Minami) O...oooh! I see. (smiles at Minami) Your kanojo?
Koutani : (pauses)
Minami : Oh no. (unsure laugh) It's nothing like that... We're just friends.
Lucy : (observes her) Really?
Minami : Really. I came here because Tamaki-san and Keisuke invited me to be here to see the gallery.
Lucy : Oh... I'm sorry for that mistake then.
Koutani : (sighs and looks away)
Lucy : I'm not yet that oriented about Kou-chan... as his new manager, I think it's also my responsibility to know him thoroughly... which also means I have the right to know who is he dating or whatsoever.
Koutani : (raises an eyebrow to her)
Lucy : (looks back) (looks at Minami) I'm sorry again. But you look good together. People would really think you two are a couple... seeing how close you two are. (giggles)
Minami : Oh... (feels a bit awkward)
Koutani : That's enough already. Don't you embarrass Minami. (turns to Minami) Sorry about that.
Minami : Iie. It was a misunderstanding.
Koutani : Please don't mind her. Shall we have lunch then?
Minami : Uh... okay.
Koutani : Kei-kun. Please join us for lunch ne. Let's go.
Keisuke : H-hai.
Lucy : Chotto.
Koutani : What now?
Lucy : Not you. Keisuke.
Keisuke : Hai?
Lucy : I'm having a lunch meeting with some clients as well. As my assistant, I would require you to come with me.
Koutani : (notices something queer)
Keisuke : ... Hai.
Lucy : Ikimashou. (Let's go.)
Koutani : Wait. I already asked him to eat lunch with us.
Lucy : But he's my assistant, isn't he?
Koutani : Ne. You just suddenly meet us here and then asked Keisuke to go with you?
Lucy : Well, of course as assistant manager, he should also get involved with the meetings...
Koutani : That's not the point... the point is...
Keisuke : Anou...
Koutani : (silence)
Keisuke : If Lucy-san says I should be there... then I think I should be...
Koutani : Demo Kei-kun...
Keisuke : Daijoubu. I'm grateful to have this job... so I will do my part. I will do my best to perform my duty.
Koutani : Kei-kun... (looks at Lucy)
Lucy : Well. You heard the boy. Don't worry, as soon as we're done talking, Keisuke can join you afterwards. How about that, Keisuke?
Keisuke : Wakarimashita. (looks at Minami and smiles) (whispers) Ganbarimasu.
Minami : (smiles) Un. But you try your best to catch up? Ne?
Keisuke : (nods)
Lucy : Come along. (leaves)
Keisuke : Jaa ne. (bows and follows Lucy)
Minami : (looks at Keisuke leaving and feels a bit lonely)
Koutani : (goes to her) Are you still available for lunch...?
Minami : Eh? Ahh... (nods) Sure.
Koutani : Yokatta na... I feel really bad he had to go too...
Minami : Iie. Keisuke decides to do what he thinks he's ought to do. There'll be a next time anyway...
Koutani : Yeah... you're right. I'm sure we can hang out again together... you, me and Kei-kun.
Minami : Un.
Koutani : Shall we?
Minami : Un.
Koutani : (smiles)