Arrival

She told me I should've stayed, and maybe she was right, but I couldn't give up my dream.

The last time we saw each other we had this huge fight—the pot simmered for a few months, until the water got to a boil and splashed us both.

Tears in her eyes, she said, "You're fucked up, you know that? You make scenarios in your head that never even happened! I keep telling you. Why don't you listen to me?"

Always too proud to shed a tear, my dry eyes were fixated on hers, and I replied, "I listened. Too much even. Empty words mean nothing, Hina. I'm not a fool. I have a feel for these things."

Her look of tragic desperation turned to something more bitter, and her words turned to a whisper, "How can I prove something that didn't happen... didn't happen? You're so unfair."

I made my way to the door, looked back and said, "I know. I'm sorry. I pray you find love somewhere else. Goodbye, Hina."

That was it. Three years spent together drowned out by one night. She shouted one last thing, but I didn't hear. I couldn't.

The next morning, I packed my things up and got on the first flight to Tokyo. I had saved up money from my two jobs—enough to last me a year in the big city, thanks to my childhood friend offering a place to stay.

I felt nervous and excited. Sad but liberated. Doubtful yet hopeful.

Music was all I knew in my free time, all that I loved. Hina hated it. She wasn't wrong to feel that. I don't know if we were the right people, but the time and place definitely weren't.

—

The flight was enjoyable. I never felt anxious despite being a first timer. Though, looking out the window made me appreciate just how big our little planet is.

As I got off the plane at noon, things already felt different—the way people walked, talked and dressed. A rhythm I wasn't used to. I didn't realize the air felt heavier until later, because at the time, my emotions held more weight.

My buddy pulled up right on time, driving an old car way past its expiration date, and came out with a big smile, ready for a hug.

After almost squishing me to death, he said, "Look at you! It's real. It's happening. You're finally here!"

I laughed and replied, "All thanks to you. I'm forever indebted."

He brushed it off and said, "This helps me too, you know? Money's been tight. Plus, nothing beats being roommates with your best friend!"

I smiled sincerely, "Thanks. I'm ready to go, Kenta!"

We hopped in the car and headed off. My new life was right around the corner.

—

Kenta played a song and said, "Remember this? First time we got drunk. You sat in the bathroom for hours."

I laughed and said, "I drank a lot, I'm not ashamed. And let's not forget about your disastrous confession."

"It was only disastrous because she didn't like me back. The victors write history or something like that. Anyway my point is, if she DID like me, you'd remember it as a legend."

"I guess you're right. I laugh at it now, but I felt really bad for you."

"Yeah, well, I was devastated for a week. Then I forgot all about it."

"Teenagers. That's how it goes, man."

"I love reminiscing with you, but I have to ask. Why didn't you bring Hina along? You told me she wanted to come. I mean, I'm flattered and all, that you'd choose me over her, but it's not actually that, is it?"

I sighed, "No. We broke up."

Always an empath, Kenta's expression changed immediately. "I'm sorry to hear that. I won't pry unless you wanna talk about it."

"Thanks."

"You wanna talk about it?"

"No. Not right now, at least."

"Worth a shot."

We spent the rest of the ride shuffling songs and chatting about simpler times.

—

Once we made it to our destination, I had to ask, "Is it this building? Like actually?"

"Yeah. Impressive, isn't it?"

"How the hell is your rent so low?"

"It's part of the scholarship. I hit the jackpot."

"We did."

"True. So, what do you think of the city?"

I scoffed, "Not much. Big buildings, oh so cool. I saw them in pictures and videos already. It's pretty hard to be impressed in this day and age."

"True that. A bit sad, ain't it?"

"Maybe. That's not really why I'm here though. Even if I did have it, the high wouldn't last long."

"Still. A high once in a while can't hurt."

"Yeah."

—

We made it to the third floor, and I pointed out, "Room 55. This place is freaking huge."

"Imagine living on the last floor. Could never take the stairs, and I heard the elevator is usually packed."

"At least they got the best view."

Kenta placed the keys in the lock, turned, and opened the door, "After you."

I walked in and couldn't believe my eyes. "This... this is so much space. Where exactly are you studying again?"

Kenta chuckled and said, "The best in all of Japan. But only the top 10 students have this housing privilege."

"You're in the top 10?"

"Second place. First place was taken by this girl I hate. By one decimal. One."

"Who cares, you got the luxury all the same. What matters is what you do after your studies."

"You're right. I was half-joking, it doesn't bother me that much. Trust me, I appreciate what I have. And you'll do too. We both know where we came from."

"Yeah, you said it. I'll need a minute to come to terms with all of this."

"Sure, make yourself at home. No, literally. This is our home now."

"I guess there's no point in giving me a tour then."

—

I walked around in awe. Bathroom? Size of my bedroom. Bedroom? Size of my living room, and there were two of them. Living room? Bigger than my entire apartment back home.

It made me realize that Kenta wasn't just pretending. This was truly mutually beneficial. One bedroom was vacant, so why not split the check in half? That made me feel more welcome, and my presence didn't feel intrusive anymore.

I sank down into the couch and let out a deep breath. 

Beautiful home. My best friend there with me. Dreams visible on my horizon. 

And yet the silence tugged at me.

—

I woke up the next day with a headache.

Having spent the night before looking up places I could audition, I stumbled upon something that piqued my interest.

I grabbed my laptop, reopened the bookmarked webpage, and proceeded to fill out a form.

"Name—Kazuki Takeda. Age, 20. Musical talent—voice and guitar. Favorite color... huh? Favorite color? Am I on the right page? Yeah. Black, I guess. Favorite movie... Is this a friendship form? Anyway, The Matrix for sure. The first one. Alright, I guess that's it? Oh, and the phone number. Okay. Now I wait."

The reason I chose that website was because they promised inclusion, saying they're like a family. That, and the fact their budget is funneled by a billionaire. But that's not important.

I was still a little tired and saw myself drifting away, but then my phone rang.

Unknown number. "Could it be them? That's too quick," I thought.

I picked up anyway.

"Hello?"

"Hello, sir. Your application just came in and we decided to give you a shot! What about today at 5PM?"

That was so easy it felt like a prank. I replied, "Uh, yeah, of course. Should I bring anything or something?"

"Not yet, no. Only your presence and talent are required. See you soon! Goodbye."

"I'll be there, thanks. Bye-bye."

I sat my phone down and stood still for a couple minutes, thinking, "Let's not get too excited. They need to like my voice, my face, and my skill. They need to like me."

I was surprised they were open on a Saturday. Kenta was making noise in the living room and I went to share the news.

"I got an audition today!"

Kenta smiled and said, "Already? I'm happy for you."

I chuckled dryly, "Too soon to be happy. I'm sure they're crazy sought after. My chances are pretty slim."

"Tch. Here you go underselling yourself again. You've got this and you know that. You just have to allow yourself to believe it."

I smiled, "Thanks, that's reassuring. I guess I can try. Either way, there are other places in case this one blows over."

"That's the spirit! When is it?"

I glanced at the clock, "About 5 hours."

"Should I come with?"

"Nah, man. That would probably add more pressure. If I'm gonna disappoint anyone it has to stop at myself."

"Alright, bro. Let me know if you change your mind."

I didn't. Instead I took a shower, got dressed up and sprayed cologne on my neck, arms and chest. Three types of cologne, in fact. Four puffs each. I always preferred combining fragrances—it makes your scent a little more unique.

I took the stairs and exited the building. The air felt humid, and the clouds spelled rain, but I thought I'd be fine without an umbrella.

I entered the cab closest to me, and other than the initial greeting and eventual farewell, the ride was dead silent.

After paying the fare and stepping out of the car, there it was—yet another huge building, except this one seemed more... important?

I checked in at reception, making sure I was in the right place, and I took the elevator to the highest floor.

As the doors opened, I expected a long corridor—instead, that entire floor seemed to serve one single purpose. In fact, right in front of me, there was a huge sign suggesting just that. Neon lights and everything.

Rok Out INC

There must have been about twenty people in the waiting room. I felt like I was about to throw up.

That's when I knew...

Things were even more serious than I imagined.