And the Award Goes to...

Bright lights shining down the stage, as a man in a suit steps in front of the microphone.

"Most great films, the stars are the ones who are the faces of those films. The directors are the one who makes those actors as stars. But the scriptwriters? They are the ones who write the words of those stars. They are the ones who writes the stories. They are the foundation of the films. Here are the nominees for Best Screenplay."

The screen shows the films and highlights respective scriptwriters for Best Screenplay.

Aku Nomura. known for his last name, as his family owns Nomura Industries, one of the biggest companies in the world. This rookie got his first nomination for Best Screenplay this year, but rumor has it that he was nominated due to Nomura Industries is tied with the award show.

Mari Shibata, she's known for being consistently nominated for screenplay awards but not being able to win it. The media calls her "Miss 3rd Place" since she's not able to get runner-up or winning the award, as she always gets behind by the two scriptwriters who are in an entirely different level.

And speaking of the two scriptwriters.

Crowd erupts for a guy who won major awards internationally on his debut. Tonight, he is looking to win this award for the first time in three years for his newest film, "Jurassic Express". He is none other than, Takeru Ishikawa.

On the other side of the room, this woman has won this award for three straight years, and is looking for a four-peat. She receive great reviews for her critically acclaimed film "Star Out of The Blue". She captures the hearts of the viewer. She earned the nickname "The Queen of Hearts". Her name is Yuzuki Sakai.

"And the award goes to..." Room goes silent after, then it was announced. "Star Out of The Blue by Yuzuki Sakai!"

Applause filled up the room. Steps on to the stage and gave a speech. As she leaves the stage, she looks at the crowd and her gaze went towards to Takeru.

Smirk on her face, feels accomplished at what she just won, and a quick wink at him sending a bullet towards his ego that has already lost.

Takeru just froze. The veins in his head starts to show up. Not a single word uttered, he left his seat without hesitation and went to the restroom. 

Grips the door and slams it. Unzip his zipper and leaks, "What's her problem? Winks at me like she's a queen or something?" Zips up his pants after peeing in the urinal. 

Closes the door, a familiar man heard about his tantrum, "I mean, she's called The Queen of Hearts for a reason, right?"

Takeru looks at the man who answered his tantrum, "Director Tsukasa."

Trying to not hurt his ego any further, but Director Tsukasa added, "Not to rub salt into the wound but, you were a vote away for a tie with her, Takeru."

He curled his hands into a fist, out of absurdity of what he heard, he trembles with frustration, "Are you serious?!"

Director Tsukasa pats him in the shoulder, not to escalate Takeru's feelings any further, "It was a close fight but results are results and great films are still great films in the end. Be proud of it still."

Takeru lets out a slow breath, toning his emotions down before he speaks.
"Any incoming projects, Director?"

"I'm taking a break. I'll let you know if there are any offers."

Takeru just nodded at him, "Looking forward to that."

Takeru and Director Tsukasa left the men's restroom. Right beside the men's restroom, a familiar woman just left the women's restroom as well. Takeru froze while Director Tsukasa greeted the woman.

"Ah! Yuzuki! Congrats on the award!"

Yuzuki smiles politely, "Director. Thank you for the wo-." but cuts herself, as her eyes notices Takeru standing next to him.

Once froze over, turn irritated like a sore loser, Takeru muttered, "Tsk. Why do I have to see you?"

Yuzuki smirked at him and insulted him, like the loser he is, "Ah! It's Mr. 2nd Place for the third straight-year."

The words are getting into his nerves, the irritated Takeru just asked her with the tone of an annoyed man, "What did you call me?"

Yuzuki made sure that he hears and understood her statement, "Se. Cond. Place. Er. That's you, Mr. Takeru."

Takeru remove and throw his jacket on the floor. Rolled up his sleeves, hands clenched like a fist ready to throw hands.

He looked ready for a fight.

"Calm yourself down, Takeru!" Director Tsukasa grabs both of his arms, trying his best to hold him back in a place where a scoop can end his career.

Yuzuki let out a little laugh. "I will take my leave. See you next year, Mr. Second Place." and leaves before any real commotion starts.

Takeru muttered insulting towards the leaving Yuzuki, "That damn witch."

He was about to leave but forgot that Director Tsukasa is still holding him, "Will you let me go now, Director?"

Director Tsukasa finally lets go of his arms and both men fled towards their tables.

-

A month later, Takeru tapping his finger against the table, while Director Tsukasa sitting next to him in a quiet meeting room.

Then the door opened and Yuzuki appeared alongside Producer Saho. Yuzuki froze. Takeru as well. They muttered the same words towards each other.

"Eh?"
"Eh?"

In a stunning fashion, both Yuzuki and Takeru turned their eyes at Director Tsukasa. Both looking for an explanation.

"What's the meaning of this, Director?" as they asked in unison.

Director Tsukasa smiles at the two, "Both of you will be working alongside me!"

...

Just silence.

Then, in unison.

"WHATTT!!!!!"