hanako’s plan for victory

Hanako took a long sip of iced coffee. Her eyes were blazing with passion as she prepared to tell me everything she had left out about the audition. She had been planning her victory every moment since hearing about the audition. 

“So, like I said, this guy knows someone who’s starting an idol group.” She slid her phone against the table, showing me an instagram account with a few hundred followers.

“They’re just getting started. But they’ve signed a few actors for reality TV shows and stuff like that.”

My skepticism flared again.

“Actors are a different challenge, though,” I said, trying to sound more knowledgeable than I was.

Hanako shrugged it off. “It’s a talent agency - they can have all sorts of people,” She said. “Anyways, so the owner and general manager are looking for a three-girl idol group to start. He has a lot of contacts in the underground and stuff.”

“I’m going to ace the audition, get signed, and then be famous!” Hanako declared with a charming sense of innocence as if it would be easy.

She must have read my mind.

“I mean, I know it won’t be so simple,” She added with a laugh. “But believe me, I’ve been plotting this for years now. All I have to do is sing my heart out. They will see my potential and sign a contract for sure. Then, once I win the love of some underground clubs, we’ll just grow from there.”

“And I’ll be the lead singer, of course.” Hanako fidgeted with her straw before taking another sip.

“Of course,” I agreed, but I couldn’t shake the hesitation. The doubt. “It’s just sudden. That’s all. Sunday … Tomorrow! Do you have enough time to practice?”

“I’ve been practicing for years.” Her voice was steady and quiet.

I sank back into my chair sheepishly. “Right.”

The girl took another long sip and glanced at the paper bag with her audition outfit.

The longing in her eyes was striking.

“This is a big opportunity for me.”

My heart twinged. “And I will support you,” I promised. “Forgive me if I seem stressed … I just don’t want anything to happen to you.”

Hanako pressed her lips together. “Really?”

“Of course!” I insisted. “You’re my - my friend.”

What was this feeling drawing me closer to her? Why was I, a science nerd straight-A student, suddenly caring so much about the dreams of a wanna-be idol?

Stupid question.

Because I knew she could be amazing.

The passion in her eyes helped solidify my determination. I cast away all my weird self-induced doubts. She would make it as an idol, and I would be there to protect her every step of the way.

“I will be there for you. I promise.”

* * *

We didn’t go to karaoke that night so Hanako could rest her voice.

I spent the night studying in my room - something I felt I hadn’t done in forever. Final exams would be here before I knew it, and I couldn’t let my grades slip now.

Sunday came in a flash.

The July heat was killing me.

The auditions were being held in the talent company’s office. And I used the term “office” very loosely. It was a two-room office above a garage down a creepy side street near Shinjuku. The garage looked like a privately owned shop that had been closed up a long time ago, based on the grime smeared all over the metal roller door.

The mailbox had a sticker plastered over the side reading: Silver Star Agency

Did they have low self-esteem?… They couldn’t even go with “Gold Star”?

Hanako was taking a selfie near the poster that had been raised up to make sure those trying out knew where to go.

I smiled without even realizing it. Her positivity was infectious.

We were early.

The auditions were set to start at ten o’clock. But other girls were starting to arrive. Most of them were alone or with a friend. It was easy to tell which ones were auditioning based on the vibrant makeup and intricate outfits of bright colors and sequins.

Hanako was eyeing each new girl discreetly, sizing up her competition.

I softly brushed her hand and pulled her away from the dozen or so girls.

“You got this,” I said to her.

Hanako took a deep shuddering breath. “I know,” She said with false confidence.

I held onto her shoulders gently and looked her in the eye. “I mean it. You are going to be the best. I believe in you.”

Hanako’s eyes brimmed with hopeful tears.

“Gah!” She looked up, blinking quickly. “My make-up!” She waved her hands in front of her face to save her mascara.

I held in a chuckle.

A breeze flowed through the narrow street, and the smell of her perfume hit me.

All of the girls there for the audition seemed high school age, and none spoke or looked at each other directly.

The tension was palpable. I knew it was a similar feeling before exam results were announced. Everyone was on edge.

One thing I knew without a doubt - Hanako was the prettiest of them all.

The door to the office opened with a creak, and a middle-aged guy in a dress shirt and jeans appeared. His hair was blond and spikey, in an outdated sort of way. He had a shiny silver watch dangling around one wrist.

“Hello, ladies, welcome to the first official auditions for Silver Star Talent Agency!”

Based on his expression, he seemed a nice and friendly sort of guy. I would hold judgment, for now at least.

We followed him upstairs to the cramped office that was made even more unbearable by the combination of summer heat and the many people who crammed themselves in.

The manager was not alone. He was joined by three others sitting across from a table. I did not recognize a lady and a man, but there was one familiar face - Sawa.

I held back a frown. Was he the mysterious connection? I wasn’t surprised in the least, but I wondered why Hanako didn’t tell me. It couldn’t be helped - now was not the time to dwell on it. I was there to support her.

I whispered to Hanako as the candidates readied themselves for the audition.

“Do your best. You got this.”