Back Into the Spotlight

As the smell of coffee filled the air, Jun placed a newspaper in front of Akari.

"What's this?" She asked, scanning the words.

"Shoji Nakamura." Jun said flatly. "He was an executive for the Hanakai Network - the syndicate behind the Lotus Room. Earlier this year, he was caught and sent to prison. The only high-ranking member they've ever managed to arrest."

"How was he caught?"

"Anonymous tip." Jun simply said. "Police received a call with a time and location and were able to catch Shoji in the act of receiving a shipment."

Akari leaned back, processing. "You think someone from the inside turned on them?"

"Maybe. Or maybe someone wanted him gone. Either way, the Hanakai lost millions and one of their best assets. That kind of hit doesn't go unanswered."

"I still don't see what this has to do with me..."

"They could want you for your connections. A rich, well-loved celebrity like yourself would get them connections they couldn't get on their own. Investors, politicians, other celebrities - people who would never meet with a Hanakai member but would welcome you."

"So, they want me for a pawn?" Her head tilted.

"Not just a pawn. A symbol. Someone the public trusts and looks up to. If they can control that, control you, they can buy legitimacy and influence."

Akari paused, her brow furrowed in thought. "But why me of all people? And how would they know about my past?"

Jun shook his head. "Hard to say for sure. Perhaps someone from your past tipped them off. Perhaps they found out by looking into you themselves." He hesitated, gaze narrowing. "Or perhaps someone inside already knows you."

"I really don't think I know anyone like that..."

Jun stared at her in silence, the gears in his mind running. This might all make sense if he's involved, but there's no way to prove it... Not yet at least.

Jun exhaled a deep breath. "You haven't heard of your father at all since you left?" His voice treaded carefully.

"No... Do you think he's involved in all this?" Her voice trembled without her realizing.

Jun's eyes fell onto the newspaper between them. "No. It's nothing more than a thought."

Before Akari could question any further, Jun spoke again. "I'll make a few calls and see if I can find any updated information on the Hanakai Network."

Akari nodded, but her phone buzzed before she could speak. She glanced at the screen, her posture tensing - not from fear, but from focus.

Jun's brow lifted. "Something wrong?"

Akari shook her head. "No. Just my concert is tomorrow night. I have to get back to work in the morning."

"You're still not fully recovered." Jun gestured to the faint marks on her neck.

"Nothing a little makeup can't fix." Akari replied, her voice a shade too bright. "I really shouldn't miss any more of my schedule. I can't let my fans down."

"I don't think it's a good idea. The people that are after you are waiting for you to get back out there to try again. It's still too dangerous."

Akari fell silent, her expression tightening as her thoughts turned inward. "Then let them."

"What?"

"We don't have enough information about what we're up against. So, let's create an opportunity to learn more... Use me as bait."

Jun stared at her; disbelief flashed across his face before anger quickly replaced it. "No. Absolutely not."

Akari didn't flinch. "We won't solve anything unless we take some risks."

"This isn't a risk. It's just plain stupid."

Her expression hardened. "Then what's your plan?"

"I will figure something out."

"We don't have enough time. I need to get back to work."

"I'm not putting you in danger again." Jun snapped.

"I don't want to do nothing. Let me help by doing this."

Jun ran a hand through his hair. "You can help in other ways, but this is too much."

Akari met his gaze, holding firm. "I am going to work tomorrow, and I am going to perform. We can either come up with a plan or go in blindly. Your call."

Silence stretched between them. Jun's jaw flexed, he rubbed his temples as the fight drained from his shoulders, replaced by cold resolve. "Fine." He muttered reluctantly. "But we do it my way."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning I'll be there. Wherever you are, I'll be somewhere close." He turned to her, eyes sharper. "I'll set up surveillance. You'll wear a mic and a tracker, disguised as one of your accessories. We'll have a safe car parked somewhere close for emergencies. If anything feels off, you leave immediately."

A small flicker of relief softened Akari's expression. "I knew we could rely on your experience."

"Don't be reckless." His voice tightened. "If you end up in enemy territory then don't do anything to put yourself in further danger. I will find you."

"You sound pretty sure of that."

"I have to be." Jun said, a wry of edge in his voice. "You don't give me much of a choice." He picked up his phone. "I'll call in favors and refine the plan. If they're watching, then we'll make sure they see what we want them to see."

-

Jun moved like a shadow through the empty venue hours before the show. Each step calculated, deliberate. He adjusted the final hidden camera to complete his web of silent eyes.

Akari spent her entire day rehearsing. Dancing, singing, smiling. She even made sure to refine her look and behavior to show obliviousness and no signs of distress. 

Jun discreetly approached Akari while she got ready in her dressing room.

"Here." He said softly, clipping a slim transmitter subtly into the lining of her outfit. "The mic connects to me. Tracker is in the pendant. Don't take it off."

She gave a short nod, though her hands trembled slightly.

"And if they come for you?" Jun pressed, voice firm.

"I act surprised. Keep them talking." Her voice was steady but was laced with a hint of doubt.

Jun's eyes lingered on her for a moment; a flash of regret flickered across his face. "I'll be close. You won't see me, but I'll be there."

-

The venue was electric. The roar of thousands filled the air. Akari stepped back into the spotlight, her transformation instant - every trace of fear and doubt replaced by pure charisma. Her sweet voice rose, bright and flawless, syncing perfectly with the beat and cheers. Every note, every move, every smile was rehearsed to perfection. To the crowd, she was radiant - unstoppable.

Jun watched nearby through the monitors. The plan was in motion. The bait was set.

And somewhere in that sea of faces, they were both sure danger was watching back.