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


			This Chapter finished Nov 30,1995
				ver 1.0

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

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! 


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

Legend:
H=Hikaru
M=Madoka
R=Ryusei
K=Kasuga

BOOK A:

Chapter 5: Opportunities

M: That's the last of them.

K: Except for my family, of course.

M: And Hatta and Komatsu, no doubt.

Manami: Don't worry. We're almost done here.  We're be gone soon.

Kurumi: I know why he's in a hurry to get rid of us.
 He justs wants some "Oh! A-fuhn" action!

Takashi: (just behind her holding equipment)
Kurumi-chan! Stop embarrassing your brother.

Kurumi: Oops. (blushing)

Takashi: Kasuga - I've finished packing all my equipment up.  We're be going
now.

K: Thanks for photographing the whole affair.  You shouldn't have gone
through all this trouble.  You should have been enjoying yourself. 

Takashi: I have.  (jokingly) Taking snapshots of people in uncompromising
positions has always been fun.  Kidding aside, taking pictures always
brought me joy in my life. So it's no bother. Good-bye. 

K: Dad! Before you go, could you tell me what he truly looked like?

Takashi: Which person are you referring to?

K: The one Hikaru came in with.

Takashi: (thinking position) Ohh.. him.  He looked pretty straight to me.
Weather-beaten, chaffed-dark face, good distinguished chin, scarred
forehead, and last but not least, forlorn melancholy eyes. (turns and
heads for the car)

K: Wow! That's pretty good.

Kurumi: I think he looks creepy-looking.

Manami: He gives me the chills!

(We see Komatsu and Hatta walking over, with Hatta still eating)
Komatsu: Thanks Kyosuke for the invite.  We really enjoyed ourselves tonight.

Hatta: Next time you stop by our neck of the woods, we're treat you to an
adult movie showing of your choice, compliments of us.

K: (sarcastically) Yeah. I'll keep that in mind.

Komatsu: Good. We're be expecting you.

Manami: (to Hatta) Hey! Those oranges were suppose to be for Oniichan and
Madoka-san!

//Note: In Asian cultures(at least in chinese tradition) it is customary for
guests to bring oranges which is viewed as a good luck or blessing for the
host party.

Hatta: Uh oh.  I might have gotten a little carried away.  Sorry. Here.
(hands Manami the bag)

Manami: (looks inside) Only 4 left!? There were at least 20 in there before.
You're such a pig!

Hatta: Hey! You pack a pretty big appetite yourself!

Komatsu: Excuse me..., I hate to break up the  mini-party here, but
there's still the cake left over there.

Hatta: (turns head) Where?

Komatsu: (leads Hatta out) I'd better get you outta here before your stomach
takes over for your brain again.

K: (bends down to talk to Jingoro who's in Kurumi's arms) Jingoro! That
was a bad thing you did at the party.  Now you be a good boy now, you
hear? 

Jingoro: (in indifference) Meoooww. (Translation: Yaawwwwnn. Who cares?)

Kurumi: He's a cat,  not a dog.

K: Ok ok.  It's no use talking to anyone in my family. Now you two just
scoot. Dad's waiting for you in the car. 

Manami & Kurumi: Hai!  We're going.  Bye Oniichan!

Finally, everyone left as I escorted them out the door. It took this
long, but at last, I was alone with Madoka all to myself.  She had went
upstairs to put on a little special "something" to celebrate the evening
by. My heart was beating heavily in anticipation. 

I dimmed the lights, put on some romantic music, and crept into the
kitchen to fetch a chardenaye, chilled in ice, making sure everything was
just perfect. I sure didn't want to blow it on this night.  Having
prepared everything, I sat on the sofa, beat and tired, as I eagerly
awaited Ayukawa's touch. 

And came she did.  She slithered down those steps -- slowly --
seductively, in perfect unison with the music. Draped in only a see-thru
black neglige, she resembled a temptress, who already was weaving her web
of charms over me.  It was irresistable. It was a side of Madoka people
rarely saw: passionate and uninhibited. And It appeared that I was the
only one who could release it from her. 

We didn't say a word -- there was no need to.  We gazed deeply into each
other's eyes as we slow danced to the sultry, soothing tunes of Sinatra. 
Her sensuous perfume was intoxicating; her skin felt like pure silk.  Our
bodies were synchronous.("in tune") My libido was screaming out at me. It
didn't take long for us to "release" our passions as her soft, supple
body melted into my experienced "hands". 

There we were, together in each others' arms, bathed in the glow of the
moonlight, enjoying the moment of pleasure as a light breeze blew gently
over our naked bodies. The ultimate climax to end this special day by. 

[Back in the limo again on its way to Kingdom Hotel]

R: I've been meaning to ask you about this; What were were talking about
back at the party when you were describing our alleged encounter in New
York? 

H: Ryusei-san.  I'm sorry about the wild stories I was making up. It was
wrong to involve you in this sordid affair.  But Madoka and Kasuga have
such a great relationship together.  I didn't want to appear threatening
to them in the least bit by appearing detached, alone and desperate. 

R: Desperate, I don't know. But you are single and alone, aren't you?

H: Yes, but that is the present.  It wasn't always the case back then.

R: Kyosuke was your old boyfriend, wasn't he?

H: How did you know about that?

R: At the party, I manage to get your former schoolmates to spill the
beans on you two's former relationship. It must be awkward, meeting him,
in this type of setting. You must have been really hung up on him to go
through all this maneuverring. 

H: Yes, I still have feelings for him. But I try not to let it show.

R: So you made it appear to them that you were involved in a relationship
this past year with me?

H: Well, you were the only logical choice.  You have been to New York and
you are a good talent agent, aren't you? 

R: Yes, that's true.  However, I fail to see how it has to do with anything.
I've got to hand it to you, though. That was some acting
job back there. Even I couldn't have masterminded such a plan.

H: (getting irate) Are you mocking me?

R: (trying to stifle his laughter) No, no. I love a good charade as much
as anyone else.  I'll play along as long as you want me to.  But you've
have to realize that sooner or later, they're going to find out that this
whole thing was a ruse. That the way it always happens in the movies. 

H: (assertive) I'll worry about that later.  Right now, I have more pressing
matters to concern myself with.  Like that audition tomorrow.

R: Right you are! You should save whatever strength you have left.  Engaging
in these outings does take a lot out of you.

H: (nods in agreement)

R: Here's some advice for your love trouble that has worked for me in the
past: unattached commitments. It may sound oxymoronic but actually, it's
the perfect arrangement. You decide who to see and have fun with. You
meet each other for a get-together when it's convenient and see other
people the rest of the time. Or if want to be alone, that's fine too.
There's no jealously nor animosity. No emotional attachment. No chances
for your heart to get broken. Clean and sanitary. The popular trend of
the 90's. It suits my needs just fine. 

H: I don't believe such a scheme would ever work. Only someone really
desperate would go for that.

R: Of course I would never involve you in my circle.

H: (adamant) And why not? Am I not worthy enough for you?

R: No.  I have a policy of not mixing business with pleasure.  Nothing
personal. You are an extremely attractive lady, and if I didn't know
better, I would try to pick you up.  But you have your own troubles to
work out and I respect that. 

H: I appreciate your honesty. Just how many beautiful damsels do you have in
your circle?

R: (looking sheepish) Too many to remember.  I've lost count.

H: Modest, aren't we?

R: And how many would you say have you "bagged" in your time?

H: Exactly 3. No more, no less.

R: Good.  At least I'm dealing with an experienced combatant. Welcome to the
war on love. (Raises glass of champangne) Here to love.  It sucks!

H: (picks up her glass and clinks it with Ryusei's and smiles back) It does
indeed!

[Segway back to "pillowtalk"]

Random pieces of clothing scattered across the room signified the wild night
of passion spent.  Kasuga and Madoka are cuddled together, her head lying on
his chest.

M: It has been a wonderful night, hasn't it?

K: A very special day I'll never forget.

M: I am so glad to finally see Hikaru here in the flesh.

K: I could tell. Your face never beamed with such exuberance before.

M: She still seems her good old cheery self.

K: But she has changed a bit.


M: What do you mean?

K: Living in New York and being exposed to all that western culture does
things to a person.  Affects their outlook and approach.

M: I've noticed it too.  She seemed more assertive and controlled in her
manner. Certainly her persona and etiquette are more refined.

K: I wonder why she's involving herself with that guy.

M: You mean Haroken?

K: Yeah. He doesn't seem to act or dress normal at all.  I bet he has plenty
of secrets. Hiding behind those tacky sunglasses. And look at all that facial
hair.  Ain't proper grooming for a respectable gentleman.

M: Gentleman? Where? I don't see one!

K: Madoka!

M: I'm playing with you. You do seemed tense being around Ryusei.  You
must have had a bad experience with him.  I admit my first impression of
him wasn't too rosy. But he can be charming and suave when he wants to
be. Why he even wants to hire me! 

K: He does? For what?

M: He wants to be take charge of the musical orchestration for an upcoming
play he's working on.

K: You're not serious about the offer, are you?

M: Why not? It's a great opportunity. It allows me to pursue other
options in my songwriting career. I'm not going to be one of Hayakawa's
lowly, unrecognized songwriters forever you know. 

K: So have you made your decision yet?

M: I told Ryusei that I needed time to discuss it with you. So what do you
think?

K: Frankly, I don't like the idea of you working with that guy. But if
this is what you really want, I'm not going to stand in the way.  I'm
willing to give this guy the benefit of the doubt for your sake. 

M: Oh thank you Kasuga.  I knew you would understand. And Ryusei's not as
bad as you portray him as. In fact, I have a familiar feeling about him. 

K: You do? I thought you said you didn't know him.

M: I don't. (giggle) But remember when Jingoro jumped him? He partially
knocked off his sunglasses in the process, and I was able to get a quick
glimpse at his face.  There's something about those eyes of his that I
can't put my finger on. 

K: Funny you should say that.  My father said the same thing. Said they were
"melancholy" eyes.

M:(Yawwnns) All this talk bores me.  I want some more action superman!

K: (turns to her) Oh Madoka....

[Meanwhile, at the Kingdom Hotel]

R: I've arranged the reservation at the same hotel you're staying. Is
that to your liking? 

H: Yes, that's fine.  I wouldn't want to burden you with any further expense
on account of me.  Well then, goodbye. I'll see you tomorrow.

R:Wait! I'm coming along. I'm also staying at the hotel tonight.

H: (slightly shocked) You are?

R: Yes. The shippers were delayed in moving my possessions into my new
residency.  So I'll have to tough it out for a few days.

H: You did make reservations for two rooms, didn't you?

R: Yes silly. Who do you think I am? I'm not as scandalous as you make me
out to be.

H: I never said you were.

R: Good. Then its settled.  Let's go.  We have a long day ahead of us
tomorrow. (gets out of car with her) #1, #2. Get our bags up.

#1 & #2: Sure thing boss!

(They make their way into the hotel. In the  lobby, Ryusei abruptly breaks
away from Hikaru and makes his way to the Buddha statue in the fountain. )

H: What is he doing?

#1: It looks like he's saying a prayer to that deity.

#2: Palms together. Bow once, twice, three times. Yep. Looks like he's
praying alright.

H: I didn't know he was religious.

#1: Well he wasn't before. But that all changed after the accident.

H: What accident are you talking about...    ???

R: Hi everyone.  I'm back.  Sorry to keep you waiting.  I just had to pay my
respects to the Buddha. I'm not devoutly religious, but I'm extremely
superstitious. I just  wanted to send a little prayer up there to bless our
new-found arrival here in Tokyo. Well? What are you all standing here for?
Let's get going!

[in the hotel room]
(Bags have already been unpacked and everyone is in their respective rooms)

As I was laying in my hotel bed, my hands behind my head,I spent time
reflecting over the events of tonight. Hearkening back to the wish I made
earlier that day, I wondered if someone up there was trying to tell me
something. Was Ryusei Haroken my Prince Charming? I hope not.  Despite
his good nature, he looked more like a Beast than a prince.  He sometimes
rubs people the wrong way with his rough, abrasive style. He looked like
he had a deep, dark side to him, a panther waiting to strike quickly at
its unwitting victims. And he was definitely not my type. I hardly knew
him at all and he seemed too old for me. But he did have that air of
mystery to him, similar to that man in my dreams. Maybe I'm just being
too hard on him.  Maybe I should give him a chance. Besides, too many
strange things have happened while I'm with him; that might be a good
sign. At least I was willing to take a chance to find out. 
        All this weird activity reminded me of the old days in junior
high. Back then, I was one screwed up juvenile delinquent. I was a tough
and scruffy tomboy. Me and Madoka,... why we were the terrors of the
school. We were probably akin to the evil stepsisters in the Cinderella
story, now that I think about it. We were two mean bitches no one wanted
to mess with.  I certainly wasn't the sweet, innocent, cheerful Hikaru
you saw later. That was all because of Kyosuke. You can say that Darling
managed to save both of us from heading down a path of corruption and
doom. 
        I had thought previously that I was destined to be with Kyosuke.
After all, our first encounter was certainly not normal. He ran and
knocked me over in the hallway. But on the way down, he accidentally
kissed me. A nice, innocent kiss. That lifted the spell over me and ended
my mean spiritness streak. Much like how Sleeping Beauty was awoken by
her Prince's kiss from her hundred years of slumber. To top it off, I
secretly saw him make an impossible halfcourt basketball shot which went
through the basket with a SWISH! It was right there I thought we were
meant to be together. Little did I know that our relationship would end
up as an impossible love. 
        I radically changed my appearance and behavior just for my
Darling. I thought that was what he wanted in a girlfriend. To be sweet,
lovable, and cuddly. To dress nice and fashionably. To fawn all over him
all the time. To spend all my time with him. I never asked for anything
in return except for his affections. But even that was too much for him,
as I later learned. 
        I notice the same gradual change in Madoka-san also. She was
being uplifted also from her immoral ways. It seemed Kyosuke had a way of
bringing out the hidden goodness and strengths in both of us. Little did
I know that we would be both competing for the same prize. 
        Nonetheless, I don't regret what happened between me and Sempai.
I've should have known better. I might have been too aggressive in going
after Kyosuke, scaring him off. Plus, I figured something strange was
going on between he and Madoka.  Like they were hiding something from me.
I refused to acknowledge the special relationship growing between the two
of them right in front of my eyes! I've sensed it from the very
beginning, when it seemed that he and Madoka always would end up together
at all the special events and I would either get stuck with myself or
Yuusaku. I was blind to the fact that Darling actually regarded me as his
"little" sister. Childishly, I tried to "fight for my man". But he
thwarted all my attempts, and in the end, my heart was broken. Time has
mended back my heart, but the pain still lingers. 
         Coupling that  with the tragedy of my other love, I have never been
the same since then. I had to run, far and away  to escape my love troubles.
I thought New York would be a fresh start for me. But since then, I haven't
had any luck in any of my relationships. Even worse, I regressed back
into my old ill-gotten ways. I can swear mercilessly at anyone when I'm
provoked, which is pretty much all the time, living among the denizens of the
city. I had to revert to my tough, hard-nosed "street" ways just to fend off
the unsavory types and thieves. I can pretty much "lie, cheat, and steal" like
Scarlet O'Hara if I need to if I am to survive in that jungle. It's a city
that does brings out the worst in you.
        I was kind of glad not to be returning back to New York so soon. Some
time off away might give me new appreciation of the city's strengths. And
despite all its faults, it was still the city of opportunity for dance,
whether I like it not. And if I am to hit the big time, it would have to be in
New York.
        However, like Ryusei said, I needed to give the bigshot directors and
producers a reason to even consider taking a look at me. And landing a choice
part in this play could be the key. That's why I hoped to do well in my
audition tomorrow.
        OK Hikaru. Enough talk for tonight. Time to go to sleep. You need your
rest in order to do well tomorrow. Good night!

[The next morning...]

[9:00 a.m. Ayukawa Mansion]

I was awoken to the aroma of breakfast being prepared. I looked around me.
Madoka had already risen and was cooking breakfast for me. A pyramid of
mandarin oranges had been constructed on the piano. Under the covers, I was
still naked, on the sofa.
        Madoka, wearing a white teri-cloth robe, and carrying a breakfast
tray laden with some of her finest culinary concoctions. 

M: Good morning Kasuga!

K: Good morning, Madoka. Is all of this for me?

M: Hai! I made all of this especially for you.  You must be starving,
especially from your ordeal abroad. All your favorites. But you have to
eat it up quick and get cleaned and dressed up soon. 

K: Why? What's the rush?

M: I phoned Hayakawa earlier this morning and I managed to get the
location where Hikaru will be having her audition.  I want both of us
there to give her support and to cheer her on. 

(places tray on the table)
Be sure to eat up the whole thing.  I'm going upstairs to get dressed.

K: Yes Maam! I wouldn't dream of leaving any leftovers from your cooking!

[Meanwhile, in #1's humble Tokyo apartment...]

(We are treated to a messy view of their apartment.  As expected with most
guys living areas, their are clothes, magazines, and food cartons scattered
all around the place. Blaring in the background is the music "A Hard Days'
Night")

#2: (Exiting out of bathroom) I'm all done! It's all yours!

#1: (Snoring and turns to one side)

#2: Hey, did you hear me? (Goes over and peers into #1's room) Still
sleeping, are you? (looks at clock) Hey! Wake up! It's 9:20 already! 

#1: (groans but continues his slumber)

#2: (shakes #1 violently) Hmm, he's out cold. (Looks at guitar beside
him) I knew he shouldn't have been playing his guitar late last night!
Now what am I going to do? Go without him? 

(Innocently rolls his fingers across the guitar strings)



#1: (Eyes instantly open, rises quickly, and lays out #2 flat on his back
with a karate move) 

#2: Umm..., what do you think you're doing? It's just me, you remember?
Your buddy? 

#1: (shaking the sleep out of his head and taking another look) Oh yeah,
it is you. What the hell are you doing in my room? And why were you
messing with my guitar? I thought someone was trying to steal it. 

#2:  I wouldn't dream of taking your precious guitar. I was just trying
to wake you up.  And I guess this method worked, didn't it? You're up
now! 

#1: Yeah, I guess it did work. But don't pull that stunt again or touch my
guitar.  OK! I'm real sensitive about my strings; got it tuned JUST right.
Don't want no one messing it up.

#2: I'll be sure to keep that in mind.  Now would you mind releasing your
grip on my chest so I can get up now? 

#1: (looks at hand and releases it) Oh, that.   Sorry about the rough
treatment.  Just a natural reflex on my part.

#2: Yeah, yeah. Save it for later. We need to be going soon.  We have to
pick up Miss Hiyama at the hotel at 10:00 for her audition at 10:30.  I
don't want the boss getting on my hide if she's late. 

#1: (Still feeling dizzy) Alright. But first, I'm going to treat myself to a
nice, long, hot shower.

#2: Uhh...., you can't... because I...  I ... used up all the hot water
already.

#1: You did what? Why you ... Hey! Come back here! (chasing #2 around the
apartment now) I can't wait to nail you back to the floor again.

#2: (circling around couch while eluding #1's reach) Serves you right for not
getting up first when the alarm sounded.  And you can't catch me!

[While this foolish scene is going on, we revert back to Hikaru's hotel room,
where she is taking a shower]

(Swish swosh sound of shower in the background)

< I guess there's no way to avoid it. No use backing out now. (looks at
watch) I'd better get dressed before I'm late again for another important
event. >

[10 minutes later]

Yes? Mosh mosh. There's 2 men down there waiting to pick me up? Yes.
Thank you for the information. Tell them I'll be down there right away. 

[5 minutes later]

#1: Hello again, Miss Hiyama. Are you ready to go?

H: Ready or not, I'm going! It feels so odd to be going through this whole
routine again. I hope things go smoothly this time.

#2: (situated to her right) I hope you get the part. You're such a nice person
it's been a while since we had a pleasant, attractive lady working in our
midsts.

H: I'm flattered.  Thank you for the kind words.

#2: Also, don't forget to make an offering to the Buddha. You know what Master
says: Never pass up a chance to improve your karma.

H: Right you are! Thanks for reminding me. (Goes over to the fountain again)

#1 to #2: She seems to be in a chirpy, lively mood today.

#2: Must be the jitters. She's probably so strung up that she doesn't want us
know.

#1: Yeah, you're probably right. Here she comes.

(They depart and drive off in the limo)

[10:15]
K: Are you sure this is the right place? She's not here yet.

M: I'm positive.  Hayakawa told me that she was having her audition at this
location  here. He's part of the five panel judges who will be evaluating her.

(We see Mitsuru walking down the hallway)

M: Hello Mitsuru. Can you help us out?

Hayakawa: (turns towards Madoka) Ah, Madoka-san. And Kyosuke-san. I
figured I would find you two here. 

M: Do you by any chance know where Hikaru is?

Hayakawa: I was wondering the same thing myself. I was dispatched by
Haroken to look for her. He was afraid she might get lost in the
building. But I haven't had any luck finding her. She better get here
soon if she knows what's good for her.  The judges wouldn't appreciate
tardiness.  Personally, I won't hold it against her. 

K: So, you're one of the judges, aren't you?

Hayakawa: Yes, it's my second time around. Me, Ryusei, Nagasi, and two other
judges round out the group. Don't worry about a thing.  She's got my vote
already!

M: Hayakawa! Really! I don't believe you would say such a thing.  I hope
Hikaru is not around to hear you talk like that.  She'll think you're doing
this because of me.

Hayakawa: I am. But I've also seen what's she got. She's a very talented
dancer. Since I voted for her before, I don't see why I shouldn't vote
for her again.  Unless she screws up real bad.  (face changes to innocent
look) So there's no need to get all riled up. Look.  I promise to be
objective about the whole thing. OK? 

K: (agitated look, annoyed at Hayakawa hitting on Madoka) Ah, don't you have
some errand you need to attend to?

Hayakawa: Why, as a matter of fact I do! Thanks for reminding me.  Well, I
better be going. If you bump into Hikaru first, tell her to go right down the
hallway through that door to get to the stage.  I wish your friend good luck.

M: I be sure to tell her that.  Thanks for your help.

Hayakawa: No problem. (Exits out into some stairs)

[In the limo, with the song "Help!" playing in the background]

#1: Shit! 10:20 already.  Damn this traffic jam. We're not going to make it.

#2: I told  you we should have left earlier.  Who told you not to wake up on
time?

#1: Speaking of that, you interrupted a very vivid dream I was having.

#2: So? What do I care?

#1: You should care.  It was a premonition of our upcoming date with the
twins.  I was watching you behind a tree while the two of you were sitting
alone on a park bench.  You seem to be doing alright until you made that
bonehead blunder of touching her...

H:  Excuse me, but I think it's best we get our minds focused on
getting out of this traffic mess.  I'll give Ryusei a call to let him
know we're be a few minutes late. 

#1: Sorry to bore you with our idle chatter, Miss Hiyama. We're keep it
clean next time.  Isn't that right? (winks at #2)

#2: Sometimes, I'm not sure of half the things you're saying.

#1: Sleep deprivation.  Need more caffeine in the morning.

#2: Huh?

[10:35]
Judge #1: Mr Haroken. I am on a very tight schedule! I have an engagement at
11:30, and I wish to make it, if possible. How much longer must I wait?

Judge #2: I'm don't like to be kept waiting.  I only came as a favor to you.

Ryusei: Gentlemen, rest assured.  It will only be a few minutes more.  And
don't worry.  I will compensate you well for the time and effort you have
spent coming here. Patience is a virtue, you know.

Judge #1: And time is money! This dancer of yours had better be super for
making us wait this long.

Nagasi: (Comes between the two judges and puts arms around each of them)
(seductive voice) Gentlemen! Please! Show the man a little patience. 
Instead of wasting your time waiting, why don't you come with me where I
can fix you a special drink? I call it "Hotola". 

Judge #1: (sweating) Why, ... that sounds like a good idea.

Judge #2: (shuddering) I con... concur!

Nagasi: Good for you fellows to see it my way them. Well, what are we
waiting for? Let's go? 



(As they leave towards Ryusei's office, Nagasi turns her head back and winks
at Ryusei)

[10:37]
(They are on the sidewalks, and #1 and #2 are clearing the way through for
Hikaru.  They are about a block away from the studio)

#2: (knocks into person) Whoops! Sorry.  Passing through. Oww!  Excuse me.

(They finally reach the studio, after many bumps and bruises)

#1: Whew! Finally made it.

#2: Just go right down that hallway, Miss Hiyama and you should be at the
stage area.

H: (Takes off trench coat; already dressed in tights.) Thanks guys.
(Tip toe running down and sees Madoka and Kyosuke in the middle)

H: (speaking at double the speed) Hello Madoka. Hello Sempai.  I didn't
expect to see you two here. Thanks for coming. I would love to stay and
chat, but I'm really late for my audition, so if you would excuse me, I
have to be going. See you later. Bye! (Rushes off again)

M: (yelling) Good luck Hikaru! And the audition through that doorway at the
end!

K: Break a leg!

M: We're behind you 100% of the way!

(Hikaru disappears from their line of sight)

M: Let's go catch a glimpse of her from across the stage.

K: Are you sure that's alright? I don't think that security guard seems
accomadating.

M: Damn! Let me find Hayakawa; I know he'll lets us through.

K: No,... it would be too late by then.  Plus he's one of the judges, so he
can't help.  (brief pause) Wait! I have a better idea.  Come over here, by
this tree.



#2: Hey! Where did that couple go? I could swear they were in this hallway a
minute ago.  They could't have left so fast!

#1: Oh, boy! Not one of your imaginary friends again.  (starts to leave)

#2: (following #1 down the hallway) No! Wait! I did see them! I swear! Hey!
Can't you slow down and hear me out?

[10:39]
(Hikaru, upon entering stage area, blindsides into Ryusei who is waiting for
her by the stage entrance.)

H: Ryusei? Are you alright? I didn't see you and ...

R: (Raises hand to stop her from speaking) No need for explanation. Just
go out there now.  The natives are getting restless. I'll be going the
rest of the judges. (exits towards the audience area)

[10:40]
I wandered toward the center of the stage platform, feeling quite nervous
and scared. I stood there still, staring into blank space for a few
seconds. 

"Whenever you're ready!" shot a voice.

I turned my head towards the soundman. A few yards away from him, I saw
Madoka and Kasuga, hidden behind the curtains, smiling and waving to me
in pantomine. I knew they were cheering me on, but it only made me more
nervous.  I took a deep breath. "It's now or never." I reminded myself. I
fished out a red bandana and tied it around my forehead.  That seemed to
calm me down. It was then I knew I was ready. 

(Signaling to the sound guy)
A 1, a 2, a 1 2 3 4

(Song=Flashdance playing)

I felt as light as air, as I went through my routine. Several twirls here
and there, and I was soon winded. I neglected to eat breakfast earlier
and I felt depleted of energy.  Yet on with the show I went.  In the back
of my mind, I remembered what he told me: "Do it for yourself! Don't
worry about anything else." That, combined with the gift of the bandana
draped around my forehead gave me the strength to continue on. The
adrenaline kicked in and I was flying! With each step I took, I was
gaining in confidence.  I was nearing the end until I ... 

I had lost my balance on my final jump; I was sure of it. Yet I didn't
fall flat on my face; I managed to regain my form.  I was finally
finished, exhausted and enervated.  I wasn't sure what exactly happened.
It felt like some mystical opposing force has propped me up long enough
to regain my balance.  I teetered a bit, but I didn't fall down.  I wasn't
sure how I did it, but I didn't care.  I was done with the audition and
I was glad. 

"Thank you, Miss Hiyama. We will now be conferring amongst ourselves.  We
will present our decision to you thereafter.  You may leave the stage now.

(We see Madoka and Kasuga approaching Hikaru on the stage)

H: That was GREAT!  (hugging her)

H: Hi! How did you manage to sneak back here?

K: Oh, we have our methods.

H: So what did you two think? Did I do good or not? And I want your honest
opinion.

K: You were dynamite out there! You started out slow, trying to feel your way
through, but once you found your rhythm, you were moving effortlessly to the
beat.  The ending was a little shaky though.

H: Yeah, I thought so too. I probably ran out of gas.  I didn't eat breakfast
and ... (feels dizzy, puts her left hand towards her head, and starts to
faint)

(Kyosuke and Madoka catches her just in time)

K: Hikaru! What's wrong?

H: (small voice) I'm just feeling a little weak...

M: You poor thing! You must be exhausted after that super performance. 
We're taking you to the lobby and out of this stuffy stage where you can
rest. 

H: Thanks, you two.

[In a a back room somewhere...]

R: So what are your decisions, gentlemen?

Judge #1: She was a little too herky, jerky for me.  I would have to say
no in this case. 

Judge #2: I agree.  I also vote no.  Now, if you excuse me, I have to be
leaving.

Judge  #1: So do I.  Thanks for having us here.

(See Judge #1 and #2  leaving)

Hayakawa: Well, I thought Hikaru was great out there.  I placing my vote for
her. (turns to Ryusei) So what you think, big guy?

R: She definitely is raw, but she does have the talent.  Like with any
rough gem, she can be slowly honed down and refined. I think it's best to
keep her. 

Hayakawa: Well, it looks like the decision is up to you now, Nagasi.

Nagasi: (smiles wickedly) So, I get to have deciding vote? Ryusei. Let's go
have a little talk in your office, won't you?  You wait out here Hayakawa
dear. OK? See you in a bit.

[Back in the lobby]

M: Feeling better now?

H: (Sips her expresso) Yes. Still a little woozy, but I'll get over it.

K: So what are you going to do after this?

H: I haven't planned that far ahead yet.  But I know that if I don't make
it again, I probably would take the first flight back to NY. 

M: Don't doubt yourself HIkaru! I just know you will get the part. And
aren't you going to see your parents? They haven't seen you in a long
while. 

H: It all depends on the results.  I wouldn't feel comfortable seeing
them if I failed at this endeavor.  Better for them to think I never
came. 

K: (scolding voice) That's not like you Hikaru-chan. Your parents would be
glad to see you, whether you're a failure or not.  And you only have one set
of parents.  They should be revered and cherished rather than shunned and
ignored.

H: I'm sorry for coming across as being insensitive.  You two are both
right. I am an ungrateful daughter. I should go see them.  It's been
three years since I last saw them. It's just that I've been preoccupied
with other matters like this audition.  They will be in for a real shock
once they see how much I have changed. 

(We  see Hayakawa approaching them, looking depressed)

M: Hi Hayakawa. Are you guys already done with the judging?

Hayakawa: Hi everyone. Yes, I...have the results right here. I'm sorry
Hikaru-san for all the trouble you went through, but I'm afraid I'm the
bearer of bad news. Here, take this. (Hands it to Hikaru) Excuse me, but I
have to be going now...

(leaves abruptly)

M: Hayakawa! Wait!



[End of Chapter A5]