New Face

\\CELEBNEWS7\\BREAKING NEWS\\
Maria, the beloved main singer from PomPom, has been dropped by her label for hiding a relationship with a fellow idol. We don't yet know who it is. We'll keep you updated!

Haku scoffs at the screen. "Yeah, I'll never be in that position."

"What's that?"

"I'm not stupid enough to fall in love with a coworker."

"Oh, you are stupid enough. You're pretty cold though, I'll give you that."

"Look who's talking. I gotta go now, good talk."

"See ya."

Haku puts his leather jacket on and bolts out of the room, wearing a black cap to help him stay incognito.

He looks up at the sky. It's gonna rain today.

He signals a taxi. It pulls up beside him and he gets in.

"Where to, boss?"

"Hamaka."

The driver adjusts his mirror and checks him out. Could this guy be...?

Haku's on his phone the whole way, texting friends and scrolling social media. The driver doesn't bother him despite his curiosity.

As they make it to Hamaka's headquarters, it's time to pay.

"That'll be 4200 yen."

Haku hands him a ten-thousand note. "Keep the change."

The driver blinks. "S-sir, that's too much!"

"I'm in a hurry. Thanks for the ride!"

The driver is left rattled, but Haku quickly gets out and starts toward the entrance.

The rain is picking up. I'd better run.

He quickens his pace. The towering building seems near, but there's still distance to close.

He remains unnoticed as bystanders are busy opening up umbrellas.

Close call. A couple minutes later and I'd be drenched.

He slides his member card into the slot and the door clicks open.

He checks in at the front desk. The receptionist greets him with a cheeky smile.

"Late again?"

"Better late than never?"

"I... Sure. Big day today, right?"

Haku's confused. "Huh?"

"Of course you don't know. We have a new face joining us!"

"And? What's so interesting about that?"

"Oh, nothing... she's just the most promising rising star we've ever had."

Haku frowns. "What about me? Thought I held that title."

"I hope you enjoyed it while it lasted. You'll understand when you meet her."

"Sure, sure. Whatever you say. Alright, I'm going up!"

"See ya. And Haku?"

"What?"

"Don't get too sad. Second best is still impressive!"

"Fuck you."

She chuckles and waves him off.

He gets in the elevator. I don't believe anything she said. Nobody can beat me.

As he makes it to the third floor and the doors slide open, someone stands in the way.

This girl... I've never seen her before. She's quite beautiful. Is she...?

She's starstruck herself. Is this Haku? He looks even better in person.

After staring at each other for a second too long, she steps aside and excuses herself.

"Please go on!"

"Thanks. Don't just stand in the middle next time."

"I-I'm sorry." Why did I get flustered by that?

Haku walks into the meeting room where he's met by staff.

"So, when can I meet the big shot I've been hearing about?"

The staff look to each other, then back to him. "She just left."

Haku looks startled. My instinct was right. That was her. She's definitely beautiful, but she seems pretty weird. I don't get it.

Just as he finishes the thought, the door creaks open behind him.

"I'm sorry, I think I forgot my phone!"

He facepalms internally. I knew it, she's a klutz too.

She slowly walks past Haku as everyone's eyes silently follow her. This is so awkward.

"Stop right there!" Haku shouts. She freezes.

"What's your name?"

She slowly turns around. "Shika Suriname."

He laughs. She gets upset. "Is my name really that funny?"

"If you know any English, kind of."

She pouts.

"I'm sorry, that was disrespectful. Shika, right? I like that name."

This guy is so confusing. "That's me."

"I'm Haku Toriyama. Nice to meet you."

Yeah, I know who you are. "Never heard of that name before. Nice to meet you!"

As if! There's no way she doesn't know me. "Well, you'll learn soon enough. I'm the top dog around here. Funny thing though... people tell me you're a threat to my throne. What do you even do?"

Haku's manager steps closer. "She's a top-notch singer and dancer, on top of possessing unusual beauty. That is why we signed a contract; I'll be her manager starting today."

No way... "Aren't you a bit too quick to jump ship?"

The manager chuckles. "I'm not jumping ship. I have enough time for both of you. And don't you remember, Haku? I signed you as soon as you came in. This is no different."

Tch. He's not wrong. "You're wrong. This is not the same."

Shika chimes in. "I don't expect you to accept me as is. Just watch as I prove myself."

I like her confidence. "That's quite the statement. Make sure this pride of yours doesn't trip you up."

The manager interjects. "Enough talk! Haku, you're two hours late. TWO!"

"I'm a night owl, you know that."

"IT'S 4PM!"

"Touché. Well, I'm here now. Let's work."

The manager sighs in defeat. Normally I wouldn't accept this behavior, but... he is the best.

Shika excuses herself and says goodbye. Haku watches her as she leaves.

I don't know what it is about her, but something tells me this won't end well.