An Unexpected Offer

While Miyuki did not want to leave Jin earlier than planned, Hiroshi sounded more serious than he usually does. She sat on the training, quietly contemplating what could be bothering Hiroshi. This was the one time she was not grateful that his office was based in Akita. 

The train rolled to a stop, and Miyuki slipped off the train into the cool Akita air. The sun had gone down, replaced with an awakening moon. She made a pit stop at her apartment to change out of her disguise, into a soft purple blouse and a white skirt. 

Her eye was caught by a makeup bag that sat on the bathroom counter, next to the sink. “Should I…?” She knew Hiroshi wanted her at his office without delay, but she didn't quite feel like an idol without applying makeup. She shrugged, figuring that if he was able to wait eight hours for her to get back to Akita, he could wait a few extra minutes for her to look presentable. 

By the time she had reached Hiroshi's office, it was already a quarter to eleven. A wooden door guarded the entrance with a tag that read Hiroshi Konda, Talent Manager. 

Miyuki was not Hiroshi's only client, but she was by far his most successful one. Thanks to her popularity, more rookie musicians wanted him to be their manager, and Hiroshi was grateful for her. 

Raising her hand, she knocked on the dark wood. It swung open upon the first contact. Hiroshi hurried her inside and shut the door. 

“Fashionably late, I see,” a disdainful feminine voice sounded. The voice came from a woman that sat with her legs crossed on the hard wood chair across from Hiroshi's desk. Her blonde hair was smooth as silk, and curled at the tips that fell around her waist. Haughty blue eyes fixated on Miyuki with intrigue. She was a siren of beauty, and her form-fitting sky blue dress served to heighten her charm. Miyuki recognized her as Luna Rihara, the winner from last year’s Idol Awards.

Standing next to her was her manager, a woman in a black and white suit who had her brown hair tied back in a ponytail. She stared at Miyuki behind her glasses with an expressionless look. 

“Rihara,” Miyuki addressed her. “What brings you to Akita?”

“I’m here to talk about this year’s Idol Awards, of course,” she smirked, resting her cheek on her fingers. 

“But that’s still a few months away,” Miyuki pointed out. “Why come here to talk about it this early?”

“Because,” Luna narrowed her eyes. “I want to remind everyone why I won last year, and why I should win again. I’ve written a new single that I will release a week before the Idol Awards start, and I’m looking for a backing vocalist. My thoughts turned to you, and I’m sure you’d be honored to sing alongside Japan’s most beloved idol.”

Luna’s invitation baffled her. “You want me to sing in one of your songs?”

“That’s what I said, is it not?” Luna leaned forward. “What do you say?”

Hiroshi cleared his throat to attract Miyuki’s attention. “Can I discuss this with you in private?”

Miyuki nodded and followed Hiroshi into the hall. “This is… unexpected,” she said.

“I can think of two reasons why she might be asking you,” Hiroshi whispered to her. “Either she wants to take advantage of your rising popularity to boost her own, or she believes that people will prefer her over you when they hear you both singing side by side.”

“Even if that’s true, wouldn’t this be mutually beneficial? She has a different fanbase than I do, so if I sing in one of her songs, I’ll probably gain a few more fans. Don’t you agree?” Miyuki asked.

“Ultimately it’s your choice if you want to agree to her request or not. But if it were me, I’d refuse. This is obviously a strategy to put you below her.”

“I understand your concern,” she said. “However, I do think this could be a good opportunity for me as well.”

Hiroshi sighed. “If you say so. I take it that means you’ll accept her offer?”

“That’s right,” she smiled. 

“Okay. They’ve been waiting long enough, so let’s go tell them your answer,” he opened the door and allowed Miyuki through first. 

“Well? What’ll it be?” Luna prodded, subtly tapping her foot out of impatience.

“Thank you for thinking of me,” Miyuki bowed. “I’ll happily be your backup singer.”

Luna’s lips curled in an arrogant smile. “Excellent. I knew you’d accept. Do you have time next Saturday to come to my studio in Tokyo?”

“Next Saturday?” If it were anywhere else, Miyuki would have to say no. Jin lives in Tokyo, though, so it worked perfectly. “That should work. What time?”

Let’s plan for nine in the morning,” she suggested. “That way, I won’t be waiting all day if you’re late again.”

“I’ll be there,” Miyuki said. “I have some business in Tokyo that day anyway.”

“Oh?” Luna pushed herself to her feet and closed the gap between her and Miyuki. “What business does an Akita girl have in Tokyo?

“I um…” Miyuki stuttered. This close, it was plain how much taller Luna was than her. She craned her neck back to maintain eye contact with her. “I have private matters to attend to there.”

“Private matters, hmm?” Luna smiled and stepped back. “Well, I’m sure it’s none of my business. Goodbye, Miyuki Haruno. I’ll be seeing you next week. Come on, Niko. It’s time to check into our hotel.” 

Her manager bowed and exited the room behind her client. With Luna gone, the air itself could finally breathe. 

Hiroshi let out a long, overdue sigh. “They’re finally gone. That girl is not someone you want to come across.”

“I know she doesn't have the best personality,” Miyuki said, “but that doesn't mean she's a terrible person. I'll bet that abrasive behavior is a front.”

“It would be nice if she was as sweet as you,” he shook his head. “While we are on the subject, are you going to write a new song for the Idol Awards or do one you've already made?”

“Give me a few days to think about that.”

“As long as you're taking it seriously. You lost last year. If you're aiming to win this year you have to be fully invested,” he said. “The idols participating alongside you are your toughest competition.”