rk@soda.berkeley.edu
			      HARD |< O R
			     A novella by Robert Kwong


			This Chapter finished Oct 25,1995
				ver 1.02

As you can see, this is fanfiction harkening back to the old Kimagure
Orange Road series. The turn of events and timeline depicted here occur
right after Shin Kor I, but before Shin Kor II. This is the graphic
reaccount of the adult lives of Madoka, Hikaru, and Kyosuke. Like the
Shin KOR novels, these stories contain adult themes, situations, and
language.Thus parental guidance is advised. Thus read with your own
discretion! 


Please read Disclaimer on 
http://www-ucsee.eecs.berkeley.edu/~rk/HardKor.html 1st
Email comments or flames to rk@soda.berkeley.edu
Based on characters by Izumi Matsumoto

Notes:  Phrases in < > are characters thinking to themselves.
	[] indicates scene changes or action.


BOOK A:

Chapter 2: Encounters

We see Kyosuke walking into the room, wearing a towel around his waist. He
catches Madoka putting down the phone receiver.  

"Hi Madoka.  Who was that on the phone?"
"Hikaru-chan"

"Oh.  I see..."  

My heart stopped momentarily at the mere mention of her name.  Beautiful,
fair, sweet Hikaru.  The one who is still very special to me. The memory
of her was still fresh in my mind, as I discussed the dangerous night I
spent with her with my 19 year old self at Narita. It happened 3 years
ago. We were eating dinner at the hotel she was staying, catching up on
old times. Somehow, I ended up in her hotel room, alone to ourselves. I
was tempted, I was seduced.  Seduced by her outward beauty, seduced by
her charm and sophistication, seduced by her maturity. I often wondered
how I was able to pass through that momentous night without anything
happening. 
	But my thoughts that night wasn't focused on 'scoring' with her. 
Rather, me and my soul was more worried about something else: survival.
You see, I was involved in a fatal car accident 3 years ago.  My
grandfather, trying to help, accidentally sent my soul into the future. 
I almost died from that traumatic experience.
	I'm still not quite sure what pulled me through that crisis.  All
I remember that night was the image of a peaceful sleeping Hikaru, who
glistened like an angel in the moonlight.  Her radiant energy must have
energized my weakened soul, giving me hope and the will to fight. If it
wern't for her strength and Madoka's love, I would not be here today. 

"Kasuga!  What's up with you? Don't you want to know why she called?"

"Yeah, sorry about that."

"She just called to give her regards before she returned back to New York."

"How is she?"  

"She sounded fine, in her usual high-spirited fashion."  

"She was here for the audition, right?"  

"Yeah. How did you know?"  

"Oh... Just a hunch on my part."  

"Oh really...Sometimes, I wonder if you're trying to hide something from
me..." 

(Stammers...)"it..it...It's not like that .."  

(Giggles) "I'm just playing with you.  Good to see that you're still
gullible." 

"Now wait just a minute!  I've got to take issue with you on that..."

[*Ring! Ring!*]
		
(Madoka Smiling ;) ) Saved by the bell again!

(Kyosuke mockingly) "I'm going to get back at you for that... You just
watch!" 

"I'll be waiting"

They momentarily exchange a special look with each other before she picks up 
the phone and he leaves to get dressed.

"Hello?  Hayakawa? Hi.  What? You want to bring some extra guests over
tonight? Sure, that's fine with me.  By the way, I wanted to thank you
for trying to help out Hikaru.  Yes, I know she can be stubborn at times. 
But guess where she gets it from? (Laughs) Also, she appreciated the fact
you took the trouble to send her to the airport in a limo.  What do you
mean what limo? Come on Mitsuru, don't be playing games with me.  What!?!
You're serious!!! Then whose driving Hikaru ...?" 

[Scene change to Hikaru fast asleep in the limo] 

I was in total darkness except for a fountain with the bronze Buddha in
the center, must like the fountain in the hotel I was staying at. I was
sitting on the left edge of the fountain, my elbows on my knees and hands
under my chin reflecting.  Reflecting on my troubles and hardships I have
endured these few years. I looked back at the smiling Buddha in jealousy. 

"How ironic, you so happy while I'm so miserable. Why did I even make such
a stupid wish anyway?"

(smiles sardonically) "What am I saying? I'm sorry. Who am I to blame you
for all my troubles.  I brought it upon myself. It seems nothing is going
right for me ever since I left for NY. Sure, I've grown up and learned to
survive, but I also become more surly and cynical.  Where am I now? I've
haven't had any luck with any of the men in my life and I'm going nowhere
in my aspirations of hitting it big as a dancer. " 



(Thinking aloud now) 




(Behind her, fan in the statue's hand starts to flicker back and forth.)



[Scene segways back to limo drivers talking]

"Fine mess you've gotten us into. Master is going to get mad at us for
sure!" 

"Oh yeah, blame me for everything.  Who told me to drive anyway?"

"Hey! You told me that you knew the streets of Tokyo inside out. How was
I suppose to know you made a wrong turn back at Central Street?" 

"It's not my fault. I mapped out the whole route on my computer.  But who
knew of all the side alleys and other distractions one has to encounter
along the way. So I missed a sign back there...Sue me! All I know is that
it ain't like the streets back in Hokkaido." 

"This is what I get from someone who's just learning to drive.  What's
wrong with you? Are you blind?" 

"Well, since you mentioned it, I did lose my right contact lens and ..."

"Baka! I knew I shouldn't have let you behind the wheel.."

"Hey, we're here now, right?"

"Yeah, but it's 4:00!"

"Now listen Yitaki,.."

"Hey bullethead! How many times do I have to tell you not to call me by
my real name? You'll blow our cover for sure..." 

[Knock, Knock, Knock]

#1 lowers the partially open passenger-side window. Outside, we see a
mysterious man decked out in black. He was wearing a black sports jacket,
ebony leather gloves, a black hat with a gray band around the top, dark
slacks , and blackened Fluorsheim shoes. Completing the look, he sported
a shiny, reflective pair of sunglasses.  He momentarily brushes over his
beard. 

"Hmmmm"

#1: Hey, H-h-hi Ryu-sei. I mean Master.

(In a sarcastic voice)

"Hi guys.  Good to see you still remember me. Glad to find you two so
enthusiastic to see me. I hate to break up your little party, but'll I
appreciate it if you can help me with my bags and get me home.  I've been
through a long trip and I'm starting to feel the effects of the jet-lag." 

#2: Uhh... but Master.  There's something we need to tell you.

"Well, what is it?"

#2: (comes out of car) Let me get your bags for you first.

#1: (sighs to himself)  
    "Yes, ..., about that,...mmmm... there a babe inside."

"A what?"

#1: A woman. A girl.  A female in the limo.

"How many times do I have to tell you to stop bringing your dates
along..." 

#2: It's not what you think... It's someone else.

"Well, I guess we just have to kick 'em out then."

#1 and #2: "WAIT!  Don't open the door..."

As I opened the door to the limo, I saw this beautiful damsel sleeping.
As I leaned forward to get a better look, I stopped, stunned and amazed. 
I had a strange sense of deja vu when I saw her. Although I never met her
in my life, her face seemed familiar to me. As though I've seen her
before. In a previous life perhaps? 

[#1 and #2 rush to his side]

"Boss!  All you alright?"

"Yes, what do you think.  You think I'm mad because you stashed a strange
girl in the limo? She's still alive, isn't she?"

#1: Yes, she's just knocked out. Do you know who she is?

"Now how AM I suppose to know? You tell me."

#1: Good.  I'll explain it in the limo.

"OK then. Let's get going.  I don't want to stand here all day.  And lower
the divider" 

[#1 muttering to #2]

#1: This time I'm driving.

#2:(coldly) Fine with me.

I slowly inched my way in, being careful not to disturb this mystery lady
in her slumber. I took off my coat and placed it over her. I kept my eyes
away, averting them from her, not wanting to absorb her full beauty. 

#1: Where to boss?

"Let's stop by the studio first. There's some things I must take care of
with Nagasi."

#1: SURE THING!

"And not too loud. I don't want you blockheads rousing her up. 

#2: You don't have to worry about that!  I think she emptied the whole
champagne bottle. She sure could hold her liquor! But eventually the
alcohol probably caught up with her. 

"Alright then.  Enough of the small talk.  Let's get down to business. Why
did you two pick her up? And for what reason?"

#1: You mean no 'Thanks guys for picking me up' and 'How was your day?'

[#1 and #2 laughs]

"Will you guys get serious!  It's not funny! Damnit! I wonder why I even
hired you two in the first place." 

#1: To tell you the truth, I have no idea what's going on. It all was #2's
doing.

"Well then #2. I'm waiting for that explanation..." 
(thumbing his fingers on the wood-grain teak tray)

#2: (nervous laughter) Ahh.. I know you're going to find this funny, so here
goes. I was checking the airline flights to and from NY for your name on my
PC so we'll know what time to pick you up.  So while scanning the lists, I
happen to stumble upon Hikaru Hiyama's name.

"Hikaru Hiyama? Who is she? A friend of yours?"

#2: Ummm.. kinda of.  She went to the same high school as I did.  She was a
friend of a friend of mine.  We never actually met, so she doesn't know
about me.  So PLEASE don't mention this to her.

(chuckling) "#2! Sounds like you had a crush on her! I didn't take you to be
the ladies' man here!"

#2: It's not that funny!

"Alright, alright.  I'll keep your little secret.  But it still doesn't
explain why you decided to take her to the airport."

#2: Well, ... at the office, Nagasi left a paper on your desk for the final
choices for the upcoming play production.  I managed to take a glance at it.
It seems she didn't make the final cut.

(Looks down, subdued) I seee...."

#2: And that's not all. I talked to Nagasi about it, and she mentioned to
me that Master Hayakawa had been trying to find another part for her in
the play. Apparently, he knows her too.  But she turn him down." 



#2: Looking at the situation, I felt sorry for her, so I ..."

#1: WE!

#2: Yes. I mean We took it upon ourselves to drive her to her flight,
using Master Hayakawa's name as the excuse for it. We wanted to send her
off in style and pick you up at the same time. 

"Don't tell me.  The plane she was going to board would be the same plane 
I just got off.

#2: Coincidentally Yes.

"Then why is she still here?"

#2: Well... it seems that I'm not as familiar with the Tokyo roads as I 
thought I was.

#1: That's for sure!

#2: Hey!

"So?"

#2: I took a wrong turn.  When we doubled back, we were stuck in a
horrendous traffic jam.  We eventually got here, but it was too late. 

"Hmm. I guess it doesn't matter anyway.  She wouldn't have made the flight 
even if you've arrived on time. She's out cold."

#1: I think we've talked enough about her already.  How about your trip to
NY? Find what you were looking for?

(calm demeanor)
"Ahh... Yes. My trip.  I manage to get a good deal on several Italian suits.  
And I had the chance to visit all the sights including the Empire State..."

#1: Yo.  Cut to the chase.  Did you or did you not find any promising
prospects for the upcoming play?

"No.  I didn't.  You wouldn't believe how many playhouses and talent
agencies I've visited this past week.  Unfortunately, I didn't find
anyone who just jumped out and impressed me.  Must be a lull in talent
these days." 

#1: I think your mind was preoccupied with other things. You went to look
for her, didn't you? 

"I'm not sure what you're saying.  This trip was strictly business."

#1: I'm talking about that young girl in the photo. The one whom you feel
can help you with your problem.

"I don't wish to discuss it!"

#2: You know what?  I think that girl sure looks like the person we have... 

 (poke to the #2's side)

#1: Sorry about that boss.  Just a pothole.  I'll just raise the divider and
leave you two alone.  See ya in a bit boss!

[divider raising up]

(Glances over at pretty Hikaru sleeping)

"It's finally good to match a name to that pretty face of yours.  
Hikaru Hiyama. "

[Takes out a picture of a younger girl in a faded out, crumpled photo]
(Looks at it, then looks at her)

"Hmm.  It is an uncanny resemblance. Much older though. I wonder if you're 
really real.  Was it meant for our paths to cross?"

[End of Chapter A2]