Be Careful What You Wish For (PUBLISHED)

(20) - Reminders, Ruses, and Regrets (Ni)

Ana sat in the van in silence as her companions discussed the concert they were attending. Takashi informed them that the event was usually held at Tokyo Dome, but they managed to snag a slot at the Budokan so they changed venues this year. Tessa was busy perusing the list of performers, while Kaye and Takashi launched into a discussion of the Japanese entertainment industry.

Ana was surprised when Jon suddenly nudged her with his elbow, "You okay, hon?" he asked.

Ana shrugged in response and Jon grinned, "You know me hon, I'm never one to offer unsolicited advice to people about their personal lives. But since you oh-so-clearly told us that this whole affair is a business deal, how about I give you some business advice?"

When she continued to look at him curiously, he continued, "You know in business, there are times when the status quo changes and the terms of contract aren't applicable anymore. And do you know what needs to be done?"

Ana shook her head, perplexed.

"Both parties should adjust and renegotiate the term of the contract," Jon sighed, "What I mean to say is everything that's currently whirling around in your head can be resolved. You just need to talk to him about it. Communication is the key. Remember that." With that, he started studying the event program Takashi had handed him earlier.

Ana sat back, silently contemplating his words.

In a little while, they arrived at the Budokan. Takashi helped them out of the van and led them into the hall, “Your other guests are already here,” he told her.

Ana nodded, thinking of Nakano and Tanaka and how excited they must be.

Takashi continued, “As you know, Ken will join you after the program because he has to take care of hosting duties,” when Ana nodded, he gestured to a row of seats in front, “Most of the companions of the performers are seated with the VIPs in the first few rows, but Ken thought you’d be more comfortable with your friends,” he said, indicating a few rows behind the VIP seats.

“Arigatou,” Ana smiled her appreciation.

She looked around, the Nippon Budokan, an arena that was originally built as a venue for the Tokyo Olympics in 1964, was filled almost to capacity and there was an excited buzz in the air. Although this arena had been built with Japanese martial arts in mind, it has since served as a stage for a host of performers ranging from the Beatles to Beyonce. In fact, for most foreigners in Tokyo, the Budokan is synonymous with large-scale rock concerts.

The stage was positioned to one side of the vast arena. It was large, semi-circular and had several catwalks projecting from it. The longest one was down the center aisle and helped define the VIP areas. Several rows of seats were positioned in front of it. The stage itself was a maze of stairs and platforms that went up, down, and nowhere. The area behind the stage, which Ana assumed led to the dressing rooms, was completely covered in black canvas. From the flat, middle area, seats surrounded the stage in two tiers.

As they approached, Nakano and Tanaka jumped up from their seats to greet them. Ken had also graciously invited them to the party afterwards so they were dressed up nicely. As Takashi excused himself, Ana introduced her friends to her lab assistants.

“Ana-san, I think you’re supposed to sit over here,” Tanaka said indicating a chair nearest the aisle.

Nakano nodded, “Yes, your friend wanted to sit there, but an usher told her that the seat was for you.”

Ana looked at Nakano, puzzled, “What friend are you…”

“Hey guys, what took you so long? We were here ages ago.”