Chapter 13 FLASHBACK Sitting on her seat, Tomochin can’t help but fidget waiting for the company president to speak. “It’s quite a mess you made, Tomochin“says Yuko letting out a sympathetic sigh “I know” was all Tomochin could say looking at the floor with blood shot eyes Finally mustering up the courage, Tomochin looks at Yuko. “Are you going to fire me?“ Yuko scoffs at the question “Fire you? Why would I do such a thing?” “You know what I mean. Because of what happened.” Tomochin continues “From a business stand point, no one in their right mind would ever fire a star like you. You’re an asset to Team K productions I’d be an idiot to let you go. But first and foremost –“ Yuko looks up at her office door “You are our friend too” Mariko and Nyan Nyan say in unison as they enter Yuko’s office Tomochin turns around and looks at the other two with tears streaming down her face. Mariko and Nyan Nyan head towards the singer and engulf her into a comforting hug. Tomochin sobs into the arms of her friends letting out all her feelings. “T-han-k Y-o-u y-ou gu-ys” Tomochin says in between hiccups at her three friends “It’ll be okay.” Nyan Nyan says rubbing the crying girls’ back “Takamina will be fine. Just give her time” Yuko gives her friend a reassuring smile “I had to say no. I love her. I still do. But I’d be lying to myself if I said yes. Takamina deserves better than a one sided marriage. I can’t be with her if I no longer feel the same way. I never cheated on Takamina. Not physically anyways. But what I did is worse. I didn’t end it with Takamina sooner knowing full well I was leading her on. Takamina is an amazing person. She’s perfect. Everything about her is. I’m a horrible person. It's just.. I'm no longer in love with her.” Tomochin finishes hanging her head in shame. “As your friend, I’m not going to sugar coat things for you. Takamina is hurt. She feels like her life had just fallen apart. It will take a while for her to get back on her feet. She'll need all us. But you need to give her space. Space is what you both need right now. It hurts too much for both of you.” Mariko says as if stating a fact “It will take time for her to recover. I’m not sure for how long, but she will be fine.” Yuko adds “You also need time to move on. Just don't forget that we're here for you too. I know we'll all be helping Takamina back on her feet but that doesn't mean we'll neglect you. You're important to us too. ” Nyan Nyan squeezes Tomochin’s shoulder “I can help you with that.” Yuko says -------------------------------------------------------- " How's your North American tour going? " asks a friendly voice on the other end of the phone. " It's going great. Everyone here is so llively. I didn't know that I already had fans here before I even got on stage. " replies the singer. " That's good. I always knew you were meant to do bigger things than just in Japan. You're a star. Like what Yuko said last time, she'd be a fool to remove you from Team K productions. You're fantastic at what you do." the other replies praising her friend. " How is everyone? " Tomochin asks " Knowing that you still keep in touch with all of us. By everyone you mean Takamina right? " The older girl answers the question. Albeit evading the truth " Well? How is she? " curiosity and worry in the singer's voice " She'll be fine. Takamina is tough " reassures Mariko Sounding guilty, " You say she'll be fine. But that means she's still not okay" sighs Tomochin " You shouldn't feel guilty. I know you feel like this is all your fault. It's not. It takes two to tango you know. Love really is blind. Takamina was too blind to see that you were no longer in love with her. Its better now than later. Its like ripping off a bandaid. She'll come to realize that it's for the best for both of you to be truly happy in the future." Says Mariko " I hope so " wishes Tomochin. Lounging around on the couch resting on her day off, catching up with Mariko on what's happening in Japan. *Knock Knock* " Oh. I have a visitor. I'll talk to you later Mari-Chan " Tomochin opens the door, shocked by the surprise. She sees Tomomi nervously standing outside her apartment. " H-hi Tomochin " says the girl with an unsure smile on her face. |