Yohei: A Fortunate Change of Dinner Plans

The energetic tones of Echo Lights thump through the rehearsal studio, and Yohei’s sneakers squeak across the floor. The dance practice goes just as well, or badly, as can be expected since it’s only the second time he’s doing this routine together with the support dancers.

He lands the final turn a half-beat late, breathing heavier than he’d like, a drop of sweat sliding down the edge of his jaw. Decent, but not brilliant, there’s definitely room for improvement. The fans both expect and deserve his best, and he intends to give it to them. He gets back up and gives the team an encouraging smile.

“Again!” he says, and there are many ‘agains’ until Yohei’s knees are aching. But it’s worth it, his timing has improved, and they’re moving more like a synchronized group.

“Good job, everyone,” the choreographer concludes, making notes on his clipboard before throwing Yohei a small towel. “That’s all for today. We’ll polish the transitions tomorrow, yeah?”

“Right!”

Yohei wipes his face, leaving stains of makeup and sweat on the white towel as the last notes of the track fade. The mirrored wall shows the small team of dancers doing the same, chatting as they gather their things.

He bows lightly, then gives everyone a wave before he leaves with his usual,

“See you tomorrow. Keep shining, okay?”

*

“Here, we can go for some proper food after the radio interview,” Tanaka says when they’re outside, handing him a store-bought wrapped triangular sandwich.

“Working dinner?” As if there were other kinds.

“Yes, we have some new contracts to discuss, and the producer is pushing about the lyrics for the New Year’s song. What we have isn’t romantic enough.” The manager smiles wryly, taking a sip of water from his own bottle before unlocking the car. “Also, I took some pictures during the shoot and rehearsal, we can post them as sneak peeks before the release.”

“Good idea. The fans always seem to enjoy my behind-the-scenes bloopers.” Yohei laughs softly, affectionately. “Perhaps a little too much.”

“Your messy hair is a legend.”

Yohei laughs, dragging the fingers of one hand through the legendary mess as they turn into one of the main streets.

Tanaka pauses, fingers tapping the wheel as he waits for traffic to start moving again. “Speaking of those pictures, we can go over your social media together, make a few posts, and you can answer some of the questions our team hasn’t gotten to yet.”

“Sounds good. You know I always enjoy chatting with the fans.” He quiets, stomach making a very un-idol-like growl, prompting him to take another bite of the sandwich. “At least most of them.”

“Yeah,” Tanaka’s voice tightens, as does his hands on the steering wheel. “But you know we are handling that.”

“I know.”

The mood changes, and they continue driving in silence while Yohei finishes his sandwich. It’s a bit dry, and definitely not cute. Would it taste better with a ketchup drawing on it? He smiles. Probably. But dinner with Tanaka-san means there’ll be no time for other stops… his stomach turns into a tight knot.

Guess that sandwich didn’t agree with me.

The car moves at a crawl in the afternoon traffic, the pavements crowded by groups of kids and teens heading home after school. Laughing, teasing. Carefree.

He smiles as he watches them, a happy little tune beginning to take shape in his mind, and he gently starts humming it. Reaching for his notebook and a pen.

*

“Welcome back to Star Beat Nights! Tonight’s guest is our very own Ryo-kun!” The radio host starts the show as soon as the intro music fades. “Welcome! We’re happy to see you here again.”

“Thank you, Kijima-san. You always make the studio feel so bright. Maybe that’s why I like coming here so much.”

“Oh, smooth as ever! I see that charm’s still working fine,” the host laughs and gives him a thumbs-up. ”Now, your new single “Echo Lights” is coming out next week, and the fans are buzzing with anticipation.”

“Yes, Friday is the big day.”

“So, how do you feel about the speculations about your new song? It’s caused quite a stir.”

“I’m really happy… It’s always amazing to see people connecting with the songs. Echo Lights was a lot of work, but if it touches at least a few people out there, it was worth every effort.”

“I heard it’s a little different from your usual upbeat tracks…”

“Mm, it is. This one’s more personal, a bit closer to my heart. It’s about the kind of light that doesn’t fade, even when you close your eyes. It’s something I think we all need in life, especially when times get tough.”

“That sounds beautiful… and a little romantic. Did someone inspire it, perhaps?”

Yohei grins. He was expecting that one. “Kijima-san, you’re jumping straight to the rumors, aren’t you?”

The host takes on a well-practiced teasing tone, “Can you blame me? The fans are curious! Some think the gorgeous pink–haired lead singer of Rosélune might’ve been your muse…” He clears his throat before dropping the ‘bomb’. “You were seen together with Reyna-chan not long ago. We have seen plenty of photo proof. A fancy dinner, I believe, and her dress was simply stunning.”

“Ah, Reyna-chan. She’s wonderful. So full of energy. But that dinner? Pure coincidence. We just ended up talking about music... as always. And complimenting the new chef.”

“Coincidences and new chefs, huh? That’s the official story? So you’re still claiming that it wasn’t a date and that she didn’t get all dressed up for you…”

“It’s the only story. And you know Reyna-chan. She’s always wearing the most elegant dresses. Whether I’m there or not. But,” Yohei makes a dramatic pause, “I might have some exciting news about Rosélune soon.” He laughs softly. “Nothing romantic though, but I promise you and the fans will be the first to know.”

“I’ll hold you to that, Ren-kun. I also have some questions from your fans. Ready?”

“Always ready.”

“So, first out is a question from Yuki, 16, from Tokyo. ‘What’s your favorite song to perform on stage?’”

"Oh, that’s such a tough one! But if I had to choose... I think it’s Starlight. I know it’s ‘old’, but the energy from the fans is amazing, and I love how the whole crowd lights up when we perform it. It feels like we’re all connected, and it’s just so much fun to sing and dance to."

“Great question, great answer, great song. Next up is Miku, 16, from Yokohama. ‘Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies that your fans don’t know about?’ Yet, that is, as we’re about to find out.”

"Great question, Miku! I don’t think many people know that I enjoy being on the other side of the camera. I don’t usually mention it, since I’m far from a professional." He chuckles quietly. “As you might have guessed from my lyrics and song titles, I’ve always been fascinated by the play between light and shadows.”

“Oh yes, many of them reference light one way or another, don’t they? I’m sure your fans would love to see some of your work.”

“Anything for my fans. I’ll see if I can post some soon, and wait nervously for the reactions.”

“I’m sure they will be well received. Now Ayumi, 24, from Kyoto, wonders: ‘What is your favorite comfort food when you’re feeling down?’”

An image of a rice kitty with red ketchup whiskers flashes through Yohei’s mind, but instead he says:

"Comfort food, huh? I have to say... ramen. It’s simple, warm, and just makes everything feel better. It’s the perfect pick-me-up after a long day of rehearsals!"

They keep chatting, keeping the warm, teasing atmosphere, and Yohei answers the questions on that note. Keeps mentioning the new release and the upcoming videos and shows. Finally, there’s a knock on the glass window, letting them know it’s time to finish.

“That’s Ryo-kun, everyone. He’ll be back same time next week. Don’t miss it! Thank you for stopping by tonight.”

“Always a pleasure, Kijima-san. And to everyone listening: Keep shining for me, okay?”

*

“That went well,” Tanaka congratulates him once they’re back in the lobby. “Nicely done dropping the hint about Rosélune like that. I knew I could trust you.”

“Always. But I also don’t know enough to drop anything more than vague hints… I guess that’s part of what you want to discuss tonight?”

A possible collab would be a great deal, but as curious as he is, he still feels an odd kind of regret that he won’t make it to his other reservation tonight. Not that it really matters… she’s probably already forgotten about the whole thing, might not even recognize him if he comes back. But then, not being recognized was the whole point of going there after all…

Tanaka’s phone buzzes, and he answers with his usual calm ‘hello’. Then his tone changes, and Yohei gives him a questioning look.

“They’re doing what? You’re not serious.” The manager’s fingers tighten on the phone as he gives Yohei an exasperated look. “A flash mob? In a café? Where?”

Ryo tilts his head slightly, trying to make out the conversation, but he has a good idea who might be the cause of the emergency.

“Why are you calling me? They have their own manager.” He’s clearly trying to hold it together, but the frustration in his voice is seeping through. “Hospital?... Yes, I’m aware that this is a label-level issue, but surely…’

Flash mobs? It must be the kids from NEX.T acting on some dare, or just thinking it’d be fun with some extra media attention. Not that they needed it. Especially not like this, but it’s definitely something those hotheads would do. He chuckles softly, shaking his head at the look of dismay on the manager’s face.

“I’m the closest to their location?... Of course I’ll go. I’ll be there as soon as I can to remind them that not all publicity is good publicity.”

“Let me guess. NEX.T is doing a spontaneous social media event? And you have been chosen to take care of the mess?” Yohei asks, certain he knows the answer.

“The place is already swarmed with fans. They’re dancing, making videos… skateboarding…” Tanaka waves his phone around before punching a new number. “Hello. I need a taxi to the Tokyo Pulse Radio station. near Akasaka,” He beckons Yohei closer before confirming his name and hanging up.

“Sounds like a disaster, but I’m sure you can get them to see reason. They’re good kids. But, well… kids.”

“I never had any issues with you when you were 16,” Tanaka sighs. “But this means our dinner and discussions are postponed.”

“I still need to eat,” Yohei points out, a flutter growing in his stomach as he realizes he’ll be able to honor his reservation.

“Of course.” His manager nods and throws him the car key. “But you shouldn’t go out alone. Call Sato-san, he’s somewhere in the building.” He taps his phone again. “I’ll take Kobayashi-san and hope we’ll get there before Nex.t make something really stupid.”

“Don’t worry about me. We’ll go somewhere quiet and stay out of trouble,” Yohei promises as his manager turns to leave, fingers twitching, muttering something about how idols should be keeping a low profile and trust the experts.

*

“What an evening Tanaka-san must be having,” Sato says as he expertly steers the car through the evening traffic. It’s not as bad as during the afternoon, but it’s still slow going.

“Yes. The Nex.t kids are very… energetic,” Yohei says diplomatically. “I’m sure he can arrange it so it won’t shed any bad light on the label. Tanaka-san is good at these things.”

“He isn’t a senior manager for nothing,” Sato agrees. “So, where to?”

“Let’s go to the place we went to last night.”

“Excellent choice.” Was that a knowing smirk that flashed past Sato’s face? It’s gone before Yohei can be sure.

They turn down a smaller street, away from the main traffic. The signs grow softer, less neon as they leave the central parts behind and small local shops, residential buildings, and cafés with hand-painted menus take over. Yohei’s gaze drifts across the storefronts until he spots it: a sign shaped like a curled-up cat with the words MofuMofu no Ouchi.

A warm light spills welcomingly through the windows, and he smiles as he pulls the hood over his head. Hides his face behind a mask.

Already, some of the day's tension drains away.