Aoi: At the Fundraiser

“Hey Sakamoto-san, isn’t that you in this picture? With Ryo?!”

Aoi freezes as a classmate comes running toward her, phone in hand.

She should’ve expected this.

On the way to school, she’d been approached by three young girls with big, starstruck eyes asking about her and Ryo-kun. She’d denied it then as well, but the looks and whispers following had made her skin crawl.

She gives the picture a brief look, then shakes her head.

“Not me. I guess there are some similarities, but the face is so blurry it could be anyone.” The lie slips out easily. Too easily, and for a moment, she feels guilty.

“Hmmm, yeah. That looks nothing like Aoi-chan.” Haruka cuts in, laughing. “And we all know she wouldn’t recognize an idol if one fell from the sky and landed in front of her.”

“Right,” Aoi forces herself to smile. To laugh.

The classmate sighs and leaves, while Haruka turns to Aoi, an eyebrow raised and a wry smile on her lips…

“So…?”

“So what?”

“Come on, it’s me. I know it’s you… It’s your bag. Your home-made, gorgeous, one-of-a-kind bag.”

“Oh, right…” Aoi is suddenly glad she chose her trusty backpack today, not the smaller patchwork one.

Haruka pulls her to the side, and they head into the small garden, stopping by one of the raised flowerbeds, taking a seat on the low stone wall surrounding it.

“So, I take it your mystery man wasn’t getting fashion ideas from that white-haired pop idol…” Haruka says, and Aoi shakes her head.

“No, he is that pop idol. Ryo.” Aoi pulls her feet up, hugging her knees. “I’m sorry I didn't tell you… but it honestly took a long time before I found out. And then…”

“That must have come as a surprise.”

“More like a small shock. I was so mad at him for not telling me,” Aoi admits. ”But now… I can see why he wanted to keep me out of the spotlight. He’s rather clumsy about it, but he does want to protect me.” She makes a face. “He even asked me to leave Tokyo, to go spend a couple of weeks with my parents. As if that’d help.”

Haruka gives her a long look, and Aoi can almost see the thoughts spinning behind her friend's dark eyes as she takes in this new information.

“Well, I think it’s very brave of you to stay.” Haruka puts an arm around shoulders, then smiles. “And, if someone here bothers you about it, I’ll swear that you were studying with me, whatever time those pictures were taken.”

Aoi laughs, but it rings hollow. “Thanks, but I’d rather not get tangled in lies. And I don’t think anyone has found out it’s me. Like my name and such. I know he’s worried that fans will swarm the cafe, follow me around, trying to take pictures they can sell to the tabloids… It sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it?”

To her surprise, Haruka doesn’t laugh.

“He could be right, you know. Perhaps going away for a bit…”

“I won’t.” Aoi lowers her legs and crosses her arms, defiantly. “We still have two exams. I have work, bills to pay…” She makes a face. “Bills he offered to take care of until this blows over, so I can ‘keep a low profile’.”

“That was nice of him. He really cares about you, doesn’t he?”

“He does, it’s just…” Her eyes feel much too hot. “I can’t just disappear… hide…”

“I know… But…”

“I’ll focus on exams, the fundraiser... I can’t see him, but we talk on the phone every day. With all the paparazzi... we can’t risk meeting.”

“That’s tough...” Haruka’s voice softens. “You’re not alone, though. If you ever need someone to talk to, or vent to... I’m here.”

Aoi tries to smile, but instead tears rise in her eyes. “Thanks... you have no idea how much that means right now.”

She curls up again, arms wrapping around her knees. “You know… I looked at some of the fan pages, even if he told me not to…” A lump forms in her throat, making her voice break a little. “They hate me. They hate me just for being close to him.”

“Because they don’t know you. You’re a good person, Aoi-chan.” She hands her a napkin so she can wipe at her eyes. “So, remember that. They don’t hate you. Idol crushes are powerful, and they hate having their illusions and fantasies interrupted.” She leans closer, catching Aoi’s eyes… “You know that, right?!

“Yeah, it’s just…

“I know… It sucks. But perhaps you should take his advice and stay off the internet for a while. Focus on studying, and the kitties.”

She wipes at her eyes and nose and straightens up. “You’re probably right.”

“Of course,” Haruka grins, breaking the mood. “I’m always right.”

***

“Everything’s ready?” Yohei asks on the tiny screen on her phone. Hair styled, makeup on, ready for his little appearance later.

“Yes. And the place is packed. Thanks to you.” Aoi turns the phone to show the crowd before turning it back to herself. “If more people come, we’ll have to move it outdoors. But when it starts, people will probably spread out. Some will go for the cafe area, others will go to see the cats – we’re hoping several will get new homes today – so there should be enough space for the actual bidders.”

“That makes sense. But hey…” He sounds alarmed. “New homes? You’re doing adoptions today?”

“Of course. Weren’t you listening at the meetings?”

“Very funny.” He makes a face, then looks serious again. “But, not the cafe cats, right? I know you said they were available for adoption…”

“Except for Moff, yes. But no. Today is just for the kitties here.”

“Ah, good.”

“I really wish you could be here. You know… in person. It’s been so long now… We didn’t even get to spend Valentine’s together.”

“I know. I really miss you too. But I spoke with Tanaka-san, and things are calming down. Those interviews with Reina and me helped a lot, as will this event when they see it's real and not just some excuse we made up. It should only be a couple of weeks more.”

“I can’t wait,” she says longingly. “Wait, hold on. I think it’s starting.”

The big screen behind the small podium flashes to life, the shelter's logo bright against a blue background. Mori-san, the shelter director, steps forward, adjusting her microphone, then proceeds to welcome everyone.

“It’ll be okay,” he says. “Soon. I know we’re doing this as damage control, but I’m still happy and proud to be part of it with you.”

Someone next to him clears his throat pointedly, and then Tanaka’s face shows on her phone.

 “Time to work. You two can catch up later.”

They say a quick goodbye, and minutes later, Yohei’s face replaces the logo on the big screen.

“Welcome, Ryo-san,” the director says as she steps out of the way. “We’re thrilled to have your support and to have you here with us today.”

“Hey, everyone!” He smiles warmly and waves on the screen. “Ryo here. First of all, I want to thank everyone who’s here to support this amazing cause. I’m honestly so proud to be a part of this, and I’m grateful to Sakamoto-san for having approached me on behalf of the shelter. And I’m sorry for the misunderstandings that came from our cooperation. It’s been a pleasure working with the team to make this happen. It means so much to a lot of people – and kitties.”

Aoi can’t help smiling as she watches him. He’s so good at this. Talking about how much he loves cats, how Reina would have loved to be there, but sends her love to all the fans – and kitties. The special merch donated for this special event...

Aoi glances at the shelves where some of her and her classmates’ works are sitting, alongside the things Tanaka-san has sent. T-shirts, signed photos, and even a couple of Ryo and Rayna plushies. They’re really adorable, and Aoi really can’t help wanting the Ryo one… 

On the screen, Yohei is about to wrap up his speech.

“So, let’s make sure we’re helping as many of these cats as we can. With food, vet visits, and of course, the homes they deserve. Every bit counts. And who knows? Maybe you’ll be the one to change a furry friend’s life forever.”

He gives a blinding smile, winks, and does the V-sign that seems to be one of his character moves. He does look good posing like that, though… A warm blush starts creeping up her neck. She misses him so much. Like a fool, she raises a hand to wave at the screen… and she’s not the only one.

“Take care of yourselves, and of course, keep shining for me!” 

Another wink, and she can almost see some of the young fans swooning.

Then he’s gone, the screen returns to the logo, and Mori-san steps back up together with her assistants. The fundraiser is on, and the auction is about to begin.

As far as Aoi can tell, things are going well. While the bids are modest – most of the participants are teenage girls, after all – there are many, and the shelves are emptying fast.

Well, there’s nothing she can do here, so she leaves to go see the cats instead. The air outside is crisp and fresh, wonderful after the stuffy, crowded auction room. The cattery is quiet, a few families as well as singles hanging in the big room with the cats, seeing if they’ll match.

There’s coffee and cookies on a small table, so Aoi helps herself to a cup and sits down to chat with some of the other volunteers – and cuddle some cats. At the end of the day, seven cats have found new homes, and the staff is ecstatic. Today has been a great success in every way.

As she’s helping tidying up, Aoi notices a young girl lingering, looking back at the big screen now showing images of Ryo, Reina, and the shelter cats in a loop. She’s maybe fifteen, and Aoi remembers her from before since she made bids on all the Ryo merch, and won quite a few too.

“We’re closing soon, but I hope you had a good time. Thank you for coming.”

“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” The girl suddenly gasps, eyes widening, then narrows as she gives Aoi a sharp look. “It’s you, isn’t it? The mystery girl from the pictures.”

“Not so mysterious.”

“It must be wonderful to have been so close to him. He’s so amazing.” The girl’s eyes light up, then she looks insecure… as if she wants to ask something more. Aoi groans on the inside, but keeps smiling.

“Yes, he’s great to work with. As for the rumors… we only talked about cats and advertising.” Lying is easier now, she notices. Is that a good or bad thing? The girl looks relieved, looking down at her large paper bag where the head of a Ryo plushie is sticking out.

“That’s cute,” Aoi smiles. Maybe she should get one after all… “Did you get the Rayna one too?”

“Oh no, I don’t like her. I find it absurd that people believe they’re a couple.”

“I agree.” The words slip out before she can stop them, but the girl nods enthusiastically. 

“I mean, he’s clearly too good for her. He’s so perfect. I just know he’s desperately waiting to finally meet his perfect partner, his soulmate. The one he'll be happy with.”

Soulmate? Aoi manages to keep a polite smile on her lips as she nods. “Perhaps you’re right.” She looks at the girl’s stuffed bag, and her smile grows more genuine. “I hope you’re happy with your purchases. The cats are grateful.”

“Very happy,” the girl replies, clutching the bag protectively against her chest, “If it’s important to Ryo-kun, it’s important to me. We’re very connected like that. Aligned.”

“That’s… lovely…” Aoi says, suddenly more than a little uncomfortable. “It was nice talking to you. Thanks again for coming, but we really need to lock up now.”

With a small wave, the girl leaves, the bag still tightly pressed against her chest. Almost possessively.