Rising star
The morning sun peeked through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the bustling city as Alex and Leo made their way to the network studio. Excitement hummed in the air as they arrived, greeted by Mr. Matsumoto and Mrs. Takahashi, the producers who were eagerly anticipating Takeru Daigo's rise to stardom. Miyuki and Shintaro, now his managers, were enveloped in a whirlwind of activity, their smiles reflecting the joy that bubbled within them. "You will have a photo shoot later, but first, you'll be transformed by expert artists in Japan," Miyuki announced with a gleam in her eyes. Alex nodded eagerly, ready for whatever transformation lay ahead. Leo, chartered away in Filipino, adding to the lively atmosphere. However, Shintaro's voice cut through the buzz, his tone serious. "Leo, I'm afraid you cannot accompany Alex today," he declared, concern etched in his features. "But he is my personal assistant," Alex protested, confusion clouding his expression. "Please trust us. It's for your own good, people around will become suspicious, why are you with Filipino?" Shintaro explained in a hushed tone, guiding Leo to understand the gravity of the situation. With a heavy heart, Leo agreed to stay behind, knowing it was for the best. "I'll be right here behind you," he said. "But," Alex said, feeling sad not to be with him. "That's fine, I will see you in Kato San's house tonight, okay?" Leo reassured, Alex nodded, "Okay, see you later," he smiled with a tinged of sorry for him, Leo just gave him a big smile before reluctantly leaving the studio. Alone now, Alex was led to the dressing room privately only for him, his name was written on the door, a sanctuary filled with an array of high-end cosmetics and styling tools. Seated in front of a grand mirror framed by dazzling lights, he awaited the transformation that awaited him. Soon, a team of skilled stylists and fashion experts entered, led by the expert Reika. "Good afternoon, Takeru Daigo. We are your glam team," she greeted with a warm smile. Reika wasted no time as she delved into the task of refining Alex's appearance. "Your manager mentioned a new image for you. Are you on board with the changes?" she inquired, her enthusiasm contagious. Alex hesitated for a moment, pondering the implications of this makeover. With a deep breath, he nodded in agreement, placing his trust in the hands of the experts.
With deft hands and an artistic eye, Reika worked her magic, enhancing Alex's features with finesse. The shimmer of eyeshadow intensified the mystery in his eyes, while delicate touches sculpted his nose and lips into a harmonious arrangement. A subtle addition of a mole on his cheekbone added a touch of intrigue to his visage.
As the makeup artist completed her work, a hairstylist stepped in, weaving long strands of hair into a tailored style that framed Alex's face elegantly. A few locks strategically covered the newly placed mole, creating a seamless integration with his natural features. When Alex beheld his reflection, he was captivated by the transformation before him. "How did you do this? It looks so natural, like a part of me," Alex marveled at the subtle yet profound changes. Reika beamed with pride, her team's expertise shining through. "Our goal is to enhance your natural beauty while creating a captivating new image. You carry it effortlessly, and the makeup we used looked natural but definitely not," she commended, her words a testament to their skill. As the evening sun bathed the room in a warm golden glow, their eyes were immediately drawn to the handsome face of Alex, who stood before them with an air of humble elegance. Miyuki, with her radiant smile and infectious energy, couldn't contain her excitement. "Oh, that is perfect!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief and joy. Shintaro nodded in agreement, his sharp eyes assessing Alex with a keen interest. Without missing a beat, Miyuki and Shintaro ushered Alex towards a grand walk-in closet that was like a treasure trove waiting to be explored. They entered the closet, and were met with a mesmerizing sight. Rows upon rows of exquisite clothes and elaborate costumes lined the walls, each piece more glamorous and unique than the last. Alex's eyes widened in astonishment as he took in the splendor before him. The majority of the garments bore intricate designs influenced by Japanese aesthetics, from delicate silk kimonos to modern interpretations of traditional attire. "These clothes were specially made for the new star, long before we had the pleasure of meeting you," Miyuki explained, her voice filled with pride. "I truly believe that each of these pieces is a perfect match for you." Overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement, Alex felt a surge of happiness wash over him. He eagerly began exploring the array of clothing options, his fingers tracing the luxurious fabrics and exquisite details. "You can wear whatever you want," Shintaro chimed in, his tone encouraging and supportive. Amidst of stunning outfits, Alex found himself at a loss, unsure of where to begin. That's when Reika stepped forward to offer her guidance. With a keen eye for fashion and a warm smile, she helped Alex navigate through the dazzling choices, blending his personal style with the essence of each garment. A sleek, fitted kimono-inspired jacket in a deep, midnight blue with subtle metallic accents. The fabric has a slight shimmer, evoking the look of starlit skies. The collar and sleeves have delicate, gold-threaded embroidery of sakura (cherry blossoms) and waves, representing strength and beauty.
Layering, underneath, a high-necked, black mesh shirt gives an edgy, modern vibe, contrasting with the traditional jacket. At the bottoms, fitted, dark pants with a slight sheen, tailored for a slim silhouette. Running down the outer seams, embroidered dragons in muted metallic colors (like silver and blue) add a dynamic touch, symbolizing power and charisma.
Added accessories with a wide obi-style belt with a minimalistic, metal buckle, subtly engraved with kanji characters that translate to "courage" or "spirit." And the footwear was black platform boots with a blend of leather and fabric, with small, silver accents that echo the embroidery in the outfit. And the additional elements were a pair of fingerless gloves for an edgy look, and a thin, silver earring chain in one ear for a hint of glam. As Alex stepped out of the dressing room in the clothes chosen by the glam team, a hushed silence fell over the room. Miyuki couldn't contain her excitement. "This is the movie star that we've been searching for! Finally, we found you," she gushed, her eyes sparkling with delight. Shintaro, usually a man of few words for praising people, was equally impressed. "You are very unique like no other," he murmured, his gaze fixed on Alex's transformed appearance. The glam team had outdone themselves, with his new look complete, Alex was led to the studio for a photo shoot. As he entered the studio, a wave of admiration swept through the room. Even the seasoned cameraman couldn't help but be in awe of Alex's presence. His magnetic aura seemed to illuminate the space, casting a spell on everyone present. The team worked tirelessly to capture his essence; each click of the camera immortalizing his beauty in stunning images. Through the lens of the camera, Alex appeared as if he had stepped out of a dream – every angle showcasing a different facet of his allure. His features were chiseled and handsome, his gaze intense and mysterious. Miyuki, watching him with a thoughtful expression, couldn't help but voice her thoughts. "If only he had a nice voice," she mused, her words tinged with longing. Little did she know, Alex possessed a hidden talent that even he had yet to fully explore. Shintaro, ever the voice of reason, reassured Miyuki. "No worries," he said with a knowing smile. "He can learn singing through workshops. With his charm and grace, he's sure to excel in whatever he sets his mind to." And so, as the photo shoot came to an end, the glam team and Miyuki and Shintaro marveled at the transformation that had taken place. Alex, once a quiet presence in the city, now stood before them as a potential star in the making. His journey had only just begun, but the promise of his future shone bright like a guiding light in the darkness. Alex stepped out of the studio, Miyuki and Shintaro offered to drop him off at Kato San's house, but Alex politely declined. He wanted this time alone, to let the city's energy flow through him and invigorate his spirit further. As he navigated the busy streets, the hum of the city enveloped him, a soundtrack to his own thoughts. He went to a phone booth. With a sense of longing, he dialed his mother's number.
Meanwhile, in the quiet province of the Philippines where his mother, Zen, resided, a different drama was unfolding. Zen stood in front of the small store adjoining their house, her usually serene expression marred by worry and sadness. Brian, approached her with concern evident in his eyes. "Mom, are you okay?" he inquired, sensing her inner turmoil. "I'm fine," Zen replied, attempting to mask the turmoil inside her. But the weight of her troubles was evident in the lines etched on her face, betraying her facade of composure. Brian wasn't easily swayed. "Mom, please tell me what's wrong," he pleaded, his voice filled with worry and love. Unable to contain the heavy secret any longer, Zen's emotions burst forth in a torrent of words. "Your father has left us for another woman, and he even pawned this house to be with her," she revealed, tears glistening in her eyes. Brian's face darkened with anger and disappointment. "Father is a very bad guy. I don't want to end up like him," he declared, a steely resolve taking root within him. Zen's anguish spilled out as she confessed, "Seeing that woman next door every day is unbearable. I want to escape this place, to find peace away from these painful reminders." Just as the weight of her words settled between them, the telephone rang, cutting through the heavy atmosphere. On the other end of the line, Alex's voice brought a glimmer of hope to Zen's heart. "Hello, Mom. How are you?" he inquired, unaware of the storm brewing in her world. With a heavy heart, Zen relayed the painful truth to her son, her voice quivering with emotion. But Alex, filled with a newfound sense of purpose, reassured his mother, "Don't worry, Mom. I've landed a new job, and I believe the pay is good. I promise to take you out of there soon." Zen's gratitude overflowed as she expressed her gratitude, relieved to know that her son had become her hope. After their conversation, Alex felt a sense of relief wash over him. The knowledge that he could now provide for his mother and help her escape from her troubles filled him with determination and resolve. As much as he longed to share the news of his new career with his mother, he acknowledged the wisdom in waiting, respecting the advice of Shintaro and Miyuki. With a heavy but hopeful heart, Alex bid his mother farewell, promising to call again soon. As he gently placed the receiver back onto the phone, a sense of purpose anchored him in the present moment. As he journeyed back to Kato San's house, Leo and Kato San were waiting for him with eager eyes. "How's your photo shoot?" Kato San asked, genuinely interested in Alex's experience. Alex couldn't contain his excitement. "Everything went well, it's like I'm dreaming," he replied, his voice betraying a hint of melancholy. Leo chimed in, "Tell us your experience today?" "They changed my image, but it's really fine with me," Alex said, a genuine smile spreading across his face. Leo's eyes widened in anticipation. "Well, your life will be changing now. Imagine, you will be a star in Japan? That is so wonderful!" Alex recounted all the exhilarating moments from his photo shoot, his eyes sparkling with pride and joy. Leo and Kato San couldn't be happier for him.
They showered him with words of encouragement and shared in his excitement for what the future held. As the evening set in, the trio gathered around the Kotatsu table. Leo entertained them with his witty remarks, while Kato San, listened intently to every word spoken. Alex was in his element, basking in the warmth of his friends' companionship and support. Through the laughter and chatter, a sense of gratitude washed over Alex. He realized how fortunate he was to have such incredible friends by his side, celebrating his successes and lifting him up during his struggles. As the night drew to a close, Leo and Alex sauntered to their room, Leo tapped his shoulder. "I'm very happy for you man," he said as he laid down on his bed. Alex peeked in the window, looked up at the star-studded sky, prayed and thanked God. And a sense of hope and excitement filled his heart, propelling him forward on his journey towards becoming a star in Japan, with Leo and Kato San cheering him on every step of the way. And before he closed his eyes, he remembers Serenity once more, hoping that he will see her again somehow. Lavinia stood at the sink, scrubbing at a pot with a fervor that seemed to match the turmoil in her mind. Ever since she had moved into Nobu's cramped little apartment, her life had turned boring. Long gone were the nights of dancing and earning good money at the Paradise club. Now, she was confined to the shadows, fearful that Octopus Tiger and his men might catch her if she dared to step outside. As the setting sun cast a dim light through the small kitchen window, Nobu trudged in, visibly exhausted from a hard day's work at the garbage factory. "What do we have for dinner, Lavinia?" he asked wearily, sinking into his usual spot at the kotatsu table. Lavinia lets out a weary sigh especially when she smells the stinking clothes of Nobu, grabbing a can of corned beef from the pantry and serving it to him. "Canned food again?" he muttered, voicing his frustration. Lavinia bristled at his tone. "I'm sorry, I can't cook like you want," she shot back. With no other options, Nobu reluctantly dug into the uninspiring meal, while Lavinia sat opposite him. Suddenly, she broke the silence, her voice laced with desperation. "When will you marry me?" she asked, her eyes pleading for a glimmer of hope amidst the grim reality that surrounded them. Nobu's response was a stark reminder of the barriers that stood between them. "How can I marry you when I'm still tied to my ex-wife?" he replied. Lavinia's expression soured; her hopes dashed once again. "You promised me you'd get a divorce," she insisted, her brow furrowed with a sense of urgency. But Nobu's response was a painful reality check. "I need time to sort things out, Lavinia. It's not as simple as you think," he explained. With disappointment, Lavinia retreated to the solitude of their makeshift bedroom, her mind swirling with thoughts of her plan. If Nobu would marry her, she could obtain the coveted visa that would grant her the freedom she so desperately craved. With that visa, she envisioned working in a glamorous night club, surrounded by luxury and opportunity. And then, once she found another man who could provide for her lavish needs, she would leave Nobu behind without a second thought.
However, Lavinia's dream seemed to slip further and further away. Nobu was not yet ready to divorce his wife, and her patience was wearing thin. "I can't live like this with no visa. I need to push Nobu," she murmured to herself, her eyes filled with determination.
One afternoon, As Serenity walked home from school, when she arrived at her doorstep, a familiar figure stood before her - it was Candy. The surprise in Serenity's voice was evident as she called out, "Candy?" Candy's face lit up with a mix of relief and joy. "Oh, Serenity, it's good that you're here," she greeted, enveloping her in a warm hug. Serenity led her inside her cozy house and they sat on the couch, curious to know how Candy had found her. "You forgot your ID at our apartment, and your address was written there." Candy explained. Serenity's curiosity got the best of her. "So, why did you come looking for me?" she inquired, sensing a heaviness in Candy's demeanor. A moment of silence hung in the air before Candy took a deep breath, her eyes welling up with tears. Overcome with guilt and a heavy conscience, Candy sobbed harder, burying her face in her hands. "I was desperate, Serenity. I wanted to go back to Japan so badly, and Lavinia made it sound like the only way. I thought I was doing something harmless, but I didn't realize how far she would take it—or how much it would hurt you." Serenity sat in silence, staring at Candy as conflicting thoughts raced through her mind. She recalled the hardships she'd endured because of Lavinia's schemes, the pain of being betrayed by those she had once considered friends. But looking at Candy now, she saw not just a betrayer but also someone broken by guilt, seeking redemption. "I don't know if I can forgive you right away," Serenity admitted, her voice soft but firm. "What you did hurt me deeply, and it turned my life upside down. But... if you're truly sorry, you need to help me make things right." Candy sniffled, wiping her tears. "Anything, Serenity. I'll do anything to fix this." Serenity, taken aback by the revelation, felt a wave of emotions crash over her. Yet, in that moment, she found the strength to forgive. "I forgive you, Candy. We all make mistakes, and what's important now is moving forward," Serenity reassured her, offering a hand of compassion. The weight lifted off Candy's shoulders as they embraced, reigniting the bond of friendship they once shared. Candy shared the tidbits of Lavinia's downfall. "She was overstayers now, Tencho dumped her," Candy's voice carried the weight of rumors as she leaned in closer to Serenity, who listened with a mix of curiosity and reluctance. "All her customer turns away from her, after discovering her true colors, so she is not to be requested to go back to Paradise club, so she was afraid of not going back, she went to Octopus Tiger, thought that he will marry her, but the last time I saw her, she looks so awful and stressed," Candy continued, Candy's words dripped with a hint of satisfaction. Serenity just shook her head, "Lavinia is pitiful, but that was her own choice," she murmured. Serenity's eyes flickered with concern as she asked about Alex.
"How is he?" Serenity's voice was hushed, filled with a tinge of worry. "Alex had fled upon discovering the deceitful plot against him," Candy's voice lowered, a sense of foreboding creeping into her tone. "I don't know what happened to him after that." Candy's lips curled in a faint sneer. Feeling a pang of loneliness, Serenity's heart longed for Alex's presence. Candy, curious about Serenity's own endeavors, "What about you Serenity, how are you now?" Candy asked.
"I continued my study, and I'm planning to go back to Japan as an English teacher, so I'm studying hard," she said. "So, you want to go back to Japan?" she asked. With a heavy heart, Serenity confessed her undying love for Alex. "I will go back to find Alex, I love him so much Candy," Serenity confessed. "If he is really destined for you, definitely you will find him," Candy advised with a concerned smile. "You are so lucky because you have a chance to achieve your dream of becoming a teacher and have a chance to go back to Japan, unlike me, I think I will be stuck here, " she said desperately. "Why don't you try to audition?" Serenity asked her. "I tried so many times, just like before, I was not selected, I have a lot of competitions," she said feeling desperate. "If only I can help," Serenity remarks. The air between them lightened, and the two old friends fell back into their familiar banter, reminiscing about their past adventures in Tokyo.