NINO’s POV.
Last week was the most stressful week that we ever had. Every single minute was filled with appointments. There were interviews and press conferences left and right. I guess this was the price we had to pay for what we did during the concert.
Announcing Shin’s existence to the world was just the beginning. The fans are not stupid to immediately accept Shin without asking where he came from. Obviously Riida did not make him on his own. Everyone’s next question was “who’s the mother?” Well actually it was more of “where is the mother”. We can’t just announce who Shin’s mother is, especially if she’s not here.
I was still busy trying to ponder on how to work around this situation without exposing Riya when my keitai rang.
“Hai.”
“Ninomiya? Where are you? You’re supposed to be here 30 minutes ago.” Manager’s voice rang from the other end of the line.
“Huh? I’m on my way home manager-san? Why what’s wrong?”
“What do you mean on your way home? Your supposed to be here at the Jimusho. We’re conducting the audition today remember?”
“What? That was today? I thought it wasn’t until next week.”
“It’s today, so get your ass moving and come over right away.” With that the line went dead.
Shoot. I totally forgot. Today’s the audition and I need to be there. Maybe I was too engrossed in the current situation that I lost track of my schedules.
The Jimusho was unusually packed today. Throngs of parents and kids were scattered all over. I did not realize that the auditions were such a big deal. To think it wasn’t even an audition to become a trainee. It was more of an audition for a certain part in a movie.
I slowly walked towards the studio where the auditions were being held, not mindful of the pair of eyes slowly following me.
OC’s POV
I watched him as he walked past where I was seated. From my point of view there was nothing special about him. He looked ordinary. I continued to watch him until he closed the door of the studio.
“Itsuka…”
NINO’s POV
It has been almost 3 hours since the audition started and the number of kids aren’t even half yet. It’s not that I’m picky or anything but there’s something that I’m looking for in a kid. Well the kid’s supposed to play my son in the movie so there’s that spark that I’m looking for.
One after the other, the kids tried to impress us with their “talents”. Some sang. Some danced. Some did all sorts of tricks, but there was just nothing that had me interested.
“Ok next.” I heard the assistant call out.
“ Anou… can this be the last one for me today? You can go on and continue the audition. I really need to rest.” I asked.
“ Ah souka? Ok Ninomiya-san. You can listen to this last one then we can continue on our own. We’ll just inform you when we find a suitable applicant.” The director said.
“Ok next we have 8 year old Miyamoto Kenji.”
The boy walked towards the front, his head down as he dragged his guitar.
“So I guess you’re going to play the guitar fro us today?” I asked.
“You’re stating the obvious.” He retorted without raising his head.
“Ehh?” My brows furrowed with what I heard. Who does this kid think he is?
“What are you going to play fro us today?” I asked again.
The boy did not answer. He raised his guitar, began to strum and sung the lyrics of a familiar song…
Kiritotta Melody Kurikaeshita
Wasurenai You Ni
Kotoba yori mo Taisetsu na mono
Koko Ni Wa Aru Kara
The people inside the studio cheered as the boy continued to sing. I don’t blame them. The way he strummed the guitar wasn’t normal for an 8 year old. He’s a genius. And the way he sang the song, I hate to admit it but it was way better than the way I sang it.
When he finished singing the whole studio erupted in cheers. He stood in front of us and silently waited for the verdict.
“That was excellent Kenji-kun…” I began.
“We’re not related so don’t call me Kenji-kun. I prefer that you call me Miyamoto-san.” He said stopping me in mid sentence.
“Chotto matte.” I said as I stood from my chair and walked towards the boy. His head still down and eyes on the floor.
“What’s your problem? You’re acting like a brat. Have you forgotten you’re the one auditioning?” I said.
“Chotto matte Ninomiya-san…” The staff said as he tried to stop me from charging the little boy.
“Have you forgotten? You’re the one in need of a child actor.” The little boy shot back.
“Why you little…”
“What are you going to do Ninomiya-san? Hit me?” He mocked still not raising his head.
“No, I’m not going to hit you I’m just going to throw you out of room.” I was already shaking of anger. This can’t be. I can’t be beaten by a mere little boy.
“Are you sure about that Ninomiya-san?” The boy asked this time raising his head.
His eyes met mine.
I stopped. There was something familiar about him.
Those eyes, I’ve seen them before.
