"What is this place, Yukiko?"
Following behind Yukiko, Shizuka Hiratsuka tilted her head curiously, glancing around at the surroundings.
It looked like a half-enclosed base, yet built into the side of a mountain stood ancient ruin-like structures that absolutely didn't belong in the middle of an American city.
As they walked deeper in, Shizuka noticed the cameras set up in different positions, as well as numerous staff members just like the ones she had seen on television. It finally clicked Yukiko had brought her to a film set.
"Yukiko, why did you bring me to a studio?" Shizuka quickened her pace to catch up and gently poked Yukiko's arm.
"Well, it's been ages since you've been to a studio, right? Isn't it fun?" Yukiko replied with a mischievous smile, casually greeting staff as they passed by. Her easy familiarity with everyone showed how comfortable she was in this environment.
"I guess. I've never really been that interested in filming, though." Shizuka scratched at her hair. She remembered meeting Yukiko years ago during a local film shoot. The production had run into trouble with locations, which eventually led them to her father.
Back then, Shizuka was still young and eager to experience new things. Her father allowed her to wander freely around the set. Since the crew relied heavily on him, no one objected.
So, little Shizuka spent her days roaming the set, poking her nose into whatever caught her attention. That was when she first met Yukiko.
Thinking back, Shizuka couldn't help but laugh at the memory. Yukiko had been filming while she herself was only seven years old. How on earth had the two of them managed to become friends back then?
"Wait, didn't you retire from acting? How are you still walking into film sets like this?"
"I wouldn't call it retirement. I just don't star in major roles anymore. But I still have plenty of friends in the industry, especially here in the States. Sometimes I help out with cameos or special appearances. That's no problem at all." Yukiko shrugged lightly, smiling with that easy confidence of hers.
"My acting skills haven't faded one bit, you know."
"Yes, yes, I know." Shizuka waved dismissively. Whenever Yukiko found a chance to praise herself, she could go on forever. It was better to change the subject before she really got started.
"So, is the person here your friend? You didn't even give them a heads up before coming over. Isn't that a little rude?"
"It's fine. We know each other well enough. And besides, even if you don't know her, you should at least recognize her mother." Yukiko linked arms with Shizuka, smiling knowingly.
"Her mother? Someone I know?" Shizuka blinked in surprise.
Most of her connections were in Japan. She had only a handful of acquaintances in America, and none of them were in show business.
"Come on, don't tell me you've forgotten! Sharon Vineyard. Last year, when you, Shinichi, and Ran visited the States, you met her at the theater."
"Oh, Sharon! Of course I remember." Shizuka finally nodded in realization.
Last year, she had come to America with Yukiko, Shinichi, and Ran. That was when she met Sharon Vineyard, one of Yukiko's close friends and a famous actress.
At first, Sharon had treated her normally, but by their second meeting, her attitude had changed dramatically warm, even affectionate. Sharon had gone out of her way to accompany them during their trip, chatting with Shizuka often, and making her feel at home in a foreign country.
Though they only spent half a month together, Shizuka had enjoyed their time and forged a genuine friendship.
But then…
"Didn't Sharon pass away? I wasn't able to attend her funeral because I had to meet my teacher. I still regret missing it." Shizuka lowered her head, a tinge of guilt in her voice.
"Not Sharon," Yukiko corrected gently. "Her daughter."
Seeing Shizuka's sad expression, Yukiko reached out and smoothed the furrow between her brows with a fond smile. Shizuka really hadn't changed. She was still straightforward and sincere. That was exactly why, even though Shizuka was ten years younger, Yukiko treated her like a true sister.
"Chris Vineyard. Sharon's daughter."
"Her daughter?" Shizuka's eyes widened. "Sharon never mentioned her when we talked."
"They weren't very close. I only met Chris for the first time at Sharon's funeral. Before that, Sharon had only brought her up a few times in passing."
"I see." Shizuka nodded thoughtfully. By now, they had reached a small set surrounded by cameras and crew.
"Oh, perfect timing. Look, Shizuka Chris is filming right now." Yukiko tugged her closer, smiling as they watched the young woman at the center of the scene.
"Her talent is every bit as great as Sharon's. She was born to be an actress," Yukiko said with genuine admiration, rare for her.
"She really does look like Sharon," Shizuka murmured, her sharp eyes taking in Chris's performance. Even though she was used to being around remarkable women, Chris's presence still took her breath away.
Enchanting. Mysterious.
Those were the first words that came to mind.
If Yukino's playful charm earned her the title of "little witch," then Chris, in Shizuka's eyes, was the queen of witches herself.
"Beautiful, isn't she? Chris is one of the hottest rising stars in America right now. Come on, they're on break. I'll introduce you." Yukiko grabbed her hand and hurried forward.
"Wait, not so fast, Yukiko!"