Muzik - 4Minute

I am truly addicted to this song. HyunA's rap is awesome! Thought I'd share it with you.

Snowfall

This is the first chapter of my new story. It will be a “novel in short stories.”

Snowfall

Music thumped the walls of the building surrounding a small dance studio. Three girls danced, swaying in the middle of the dance hall, one leading the other two in a new routine. Sun speckled the floor, coming in from the wall of windows behind the girls. The dancers moved fluidly through the large patches of sunlight. Music faded, the leader walked over to a pile of sheet music.

The door slapped open. A young woman blew in, sweeping her hair out of her face.

“Where is Yuki?”

The leader brushed her blond hair behind her ear, to keep it from tickling her bare shoulders.

“I don’t know Miiya.”

The other two women, sitting cross-legged on the polished dance floor, watched the exchange between their leader and the slightly shorter brown-haired girl. ­­Both shrugged as Miyabi’s eyes passed over them.

“I called her last night,” Sayaka began, offering up whatever information she could. She caught Miyabi’s gaze, “but, she didn’t call me back.”

Miyabi sighed. “So did I. We were supposed to get dinner together.”

She grunted as she fell into a sitting position on the floor next to the leader, Kiyoko. Kiyoko glanced down at Miyabi, brushing her blond hair back again.

“She probably has a good reason for skipping out on dinner – her parents probably called on her or something. Let’s just focus on getting this new routine for the time being. She knows what time to be here.”

“Ok Kiyo-riida!” the second girl chimed from beside Sayaka.

Kiyoko glared at Ayame’s pet name for her. A devious smirk crossed her face.

“Ok. For that, I will make you practice twice as hard.”

A collective groan rang out. Kiyoko ignored the protests and clicked the music player on.

*~*~*

The sun, shining through the dance hall windows at the start of practice, now only came through in reflections of the neighboring buildings. The fluid moves seen before Miyabi’s arrival, were now marked with errors. All of their minds dwelled on the worry Miyabi had carried with her. Yuki. Each member would wander off during the dance to occasionally check their phones, earning a hypocritical glare from Kiyoko, because she, too, checked her phone every chance she had.

“She’s not here yet!” Ayame threw herself down against the mirrored wall, black rivers of hair forming on the floor beside her. She twisted the cap off her water bottle as soon as she snatched it from her bag.

“Alright then, I’ll call her!” Kiyoko growled at the others for forcing her hand. She had tried to put on a brave face in front of the other girls, however as she dialed, she chewed her lower lip and began treading a path back and forth in front of the windows.

You have reached Shinomori Yuki’s phone. Please leave a message and I promise to call you back.

Kiyoko sighed as she flipped the phone shut.

“Ok…now I’m worried. That girl can’t live without her phone for more than an hour.”

The girls began chattering, Kiyoko trying to will them to be calm. As leader, she was supposed to be the voice of reason. Miyabi slipped her phone out of her bag, checking it for the umpteenth time.

“Now what?”

“I guess I should send you guys home before the rush hour traffic gets too bad. I’m going to stay here and see if I can find someone who may have heard from her.”

“Ok Kiyo.”

Within five minutes the dance hall had cleared. Kiyoko headed for the elevator to find their manager. The others weaved their way through the torrent of people that businesses released every day. As she made her way to the train station, Miyabi dialed the phone.

“Speed dial number one.”

The phone rang several times, and like the times before, Yuki’s recorded voice came through the speaker.

You have reached Shinomori Yuki’s phone. Please leave a message and I promise to call you back.

*~*~*

An apartment building. Saitama. Lights from the street below glistened in the glass eyes of the neighboring buildings. The street teemed with life, flowing to and from the many bars, restaurants, and ramen stalls in the area. Miyabi Shibata nestled into a chair by the window. A long forgotten television sat murmuring in the opposite corner. A single plate and large glass soaked in the kitchen sink. Another small glass, filled with a clear liquid sat on the table next to her, a ring of condensation forming at its base. Other than the TV, a single light hovering over the glass next to her was the only light in the darkened apartment. A book lay on one of the chair’s arms, and like the TV, it was also forgotten. A jingle began whispering from the TV. The news had started. It was late.

“Good evening. Our big story tonight: A popular singer’s family has been found murdered in their home. They were found this morning by the singer’s older brother….”

“Great…another killing…why do people kill?”

“The singer was also found at the scene, severely injured. She has been taken to the hospital and remains in critical condition at this time. The singer’s identity had remained a mystery until an hour ago, when her agency called to confirm. The singer is the youngest member of the pop group Sunlight: Yuki Shinomori.”

“…….” Miyabi looked up at the reflection of the TV in the window, catching a short glimpse of Yuki’s picture before the news program switched to some story about politics, or who wore what where. Color drained from her face. She ran over to her bag and snatched up her phone. She punched the number two speed dial number. The other line rang twice.

Moshi moshi? Miiya-chan?

“Kiyoko… did you see the news?”

No?...Miiya, no one at the office would tell me anything….I’m still in the building.

“Leave. Meet me at the Shibuya Station – in front of Hachiko. I’ll call Ayame, can you call Sayaka?”

Sure. See you there.

*~*~*

21:00

Red numbers blurred into vision. The young woman lying under a blue-covered bed turned her eyes away from the clock next to her. The room remained a mere cloud in her sight. Her eyebrows furrowed. She reached up to brush her hair back, wincing as soon as finger met forehead. A bandage covered part of her forehead, invoking a second brow furrowing. She leaned to her side to sit up, only to be met by a set of hands, which gently kept her from moving any further forward.

“But… I’m home?... Wait…isn’t that Miiya’s voice?”

“Miiya-chan, what are you doing here?” the girl tried to say. Nothing came out.

“That’s odd… maybe I’m sick?”

“Yuki,” the gentle voice began again. “You need to stay in bed, Yuki-chan.”

“Miiya?!...Why is she here?”

The girl ceased her forward motion and settled back into the bed. She looked around for her friend, only to be met by the cloud yet again. However, the fog was beginning to fade. Harsh light forced her eyes shut.

“Why is it so bright in here?”

Florescent lighting tore through the fog revealing glaring white walls.

“Wait… my walls aren’t white… where am I?”

Yuki tried to sit up a second time, slightly panicked this time.

“Yuki…Yuki!...calm down… you’re in the hospital… don’t freak out.”

“My sight…it’s weird…wait…the hospital?”

The girl settled down a bit at the insistence of her friend. Her clearing eyes allowed her to catch sight of Miyabi’s face to her right. On the opposite side she noticed for the first time her other friends sitting silently. Kiyoko, her leader; Sayaka; and Ayame all sat in the corner, two in the reclining chair, the other sitting against the wall. Each watched her pensively, on edge. After taking in her surroundings, her eyes returned to Miyabi’s.

“Why are there tears in their eyes?”

“What’s wrong?” She managed to croak the question before pain clenched her throat. Her hands moved up to her neck and found a second bandage binding it. Her eyebrows furrowed once again.

Miyabi gave a sad smile, tears threatening to run from the corners of her eyes.

“You… you don’t remember? Do you, Yuki?”

“Miiya-chan looks like she hasn’t slept in days…”

A bitter laugh broke from Miyabi’s tight smile.

“Yuki-chan… do you know what day it is?”

Yuki nodded slightly.

“Of course I know what day it is… its Tuesday. We have practice tomorrow…and…oh no!... I completely forgot dinner…”

Miyabi took in Yuki’s sudden surge of panic and smiled sadly. “Yuki… you don’t have to worry about dinner… you didn’t forget.”

Yuki’s eyes relaxed. Her breathing slowed.

“Yuki…it’s Saturday.”

Yuki’s eyes burst open to their widest. She coughed as she tried to speak again.

“Gomen Yuki-chan…ano… damatte desu.”

Clattering broke the sudden silence, plastic and metal bounced on the concrete floor. Yuki followed the source of the noise and saw Kiyoko, now standing. Sayaka now sat in the floor rubbing her posterior.

“Hey!” Sayaka yelled, snatching her phone off the cold floor and resuming her position in the chair.

“This is getting frustrating… Yuki…” Kiyoko caught Miyabi’s eyes piercing her. “Miiya, stop looking at me like that… she needs to know.”

Confusion bubbled up in Yuki’s eyes. “What?” She coughed, her frame shaking.

“Yuki… you’ve been in a coma the past few days. You were attacked… you and your parents…”
Horror overtook the look of confusion that had resided on Yuki’s face since she had awoken.

“What?...my parents?...”

Memories of Tuesday night flooded her mind. A horrible scream exploded from her lungs. A deep hacking cough rattled her small frame. Tears erupted from her eyes, and sobs took up where the coughing had left her trembling body. Miyabi pulled Yuki gently into an embrace, followed closely by the other members of Sunlight, each touch was as gentle as if she were porcelain. Rain fell in the small hospital room, a private storm of grief and rage, while the city around them went about their nightly tasks on a beautiful spring night.

*~*~*

Umbrellas dotted the sea of grass and stone. The sky wept, seemingly at the loss of life being mourned in the human ceremony it truly paid no heed to. The ceremony centered on two closed wooden caskets. At their feet sat a single chair. Four umbrellas converged on the person sitting, protecting the young woman from the rain that fell. Miyabi Shibata stood behind her friend, one hand on Yuki’s shoulder and the other holding the central umbrella. The three other members of Sunlight stood to either side, also reaching out to comfort the girl. Yuki Shinomori sat stoically, the tears that had fallen in the hospital room were used up. She had no more tears to shed for her parents, who now lay hidden behind the wood veneer of the caskets.

Gone forever… Kami-sama….why?

The still face refused to convey the raging thoughts that flooded Yuki’s mind. Several members of other groups, as well as managers who had grown close to Sunlight surrounded the five, beyond that were members of Sunlight’s families. Framed pictures of Yuki’s parents sat staring back at the crowd that had gathered, while one of Yuki’s uncles shared his memories of his brother and sister-in-law.

Miyabi knelt behind the chair, still holding the umbrella over her head, and whispered something to Yuki. Something that wasn’t lost on the other members, but the rain drowned out for the rest of the mourners. Yuki’s snowy demeanor shattered, and for a split second, a peace settled over her face. She turned to look at Miyabi, lifted her hand to the hand Miyabi had resting on her shoulder, and gave as much of a smile as she could give to her friend. Miyabi returned the smile and clenched the hand that now rested on hers. Yuki’s gaze returned to the scene before her, the mask once again covering her face. Forgotten words from those who spoke continued to be washed away by the single phrase Miyabi had uttered.

I’m here for you, Yuki-chan. I will always be here for you.

Ok...ok

Finally got something going on the creative writing front - trying to put it on paper/digital paper at least. Keep an eye on this page - I may just post some of the chapters in the future.

This reminds me of the Bakajou test!

see more Engrish


Ok....now think Ai-chan.

New One shot story

Here is a new little story – different writing style.

Memories of Los Angeles…

L.A.. Los Angeles. Our big live debut to our Western fans…It was supposed to be a happy time…I should have felt happy being there. I hated every minute of it. No…not because of the fans – they were incredible. I hated that wonderful time in Los Angeles because of you…

You’d been my best friend since we joined Morning Musume…I don’t know when I fell in love with you. I was afraid to tell you my feelings – I didn’t want to lose you and we were in the same group…it would have been awkward. I tried to hide my feelings…but they ripped me to shreds inside – and our friendship began to fade…I tried to hide in another friendship – she’s nice… and an amazing friend… but she wasn’t you.

I worked on building up my courage… I eventually decided that the best time to tell you would be our first trip to America – because we would surely room together…

We didn’t… we were given a choice… and before I could ask you…you picked her…

On the plane …you sat next to her…

On the bus…fortunately she sat with Junjun…

Everywhere we went… you were with her… you didn’t even notice me… are you that blind to my feelings?... or do you not care?

I plastered a smile on my face anyway… at least the fans helped my spirits a bit…there was even this one guy…he had Kame’s name on his arm… I don’t think that she got that it was a tattoo…I digress…

I’m fortunate that our positions in the group forced you to sit next to me during all of the events … I was even a bit happy that she was at the far end of the table – thank you Kami for the group hierarchy!...

Even that brief respite from watching you two together … was shattered the next time I saw you holding hands. You two seemed to be doing that a lot lately.

You always went to her after the events – especially after the second fan signing…you two giggling over at the window, looking out at the Expo…

My heart broke every time I saw you two together. I should be happy for you…that you’ve found someone… even if she isn’t me… but I can’t… I found only sadness and anger in my heart.

I’m angry that you chose her over me… someone you’ve known for much longer… your best friend…

Why not me Ai? … why not me?

Chapter 5 of And so the Morning

Sorry for not posting this sooner.

05.

Eri rubbed her eyes, trying to keep her sleepy mind focused on the computer screen in front of her. The room behind her was filled with a soft blue glow. She clicked away something on the screen and began to type when she felt a hand on her shoulder and the smell of warm tea and honey filled the air in front of the turtle’s nose.

“I thought you could use this.”

Eri turns around in her chair to accept Risa’s offering of tea. Risa glides over to the table and picks up a second cup for herself before sitting across from the Turtle, on the bed behind the computer chair.

“Thank you Risa-chan.” Eri mumbled sleepily, sipping the hot tea carefully.

“You should get some sleep. I thought you were done with that demo.”

“I’m working on something else now…” Eri sipped her tea again.

“You work too hard Turtle-girl” Kame glared sleepily at the nickname.

“Kawaii!” Risa reached over a squeezed the sleepy girl’s cheek. Kame tried to bite her in response.

“Itai!...I should start calling you ‘snapping turtle’.” Risa grinned.

“You should get to bed Reaction Queen.” Kame smirked. “You have an early day tomorrow.”

“… Don’t remind me…”

Kame grinned over her still warm cup of tea.

“Kame… do I have to go to that concert tomorrow?”

“Yes.”

“Mou… why?” Risa pouted.

“Because you promised… and you don’t want to make me sad do you?”

“…No.”

“I’ll meet you after I finish up my studio work… how about you come over after practice and wait in the studio building… just text me when you get there, ok?”

“Hai...goodnight Kame-chan… don’t stay up too late.” Risa walked out of the room to return the tea cup to the kitchen before returning to the bed behind Kame and curling up in the semi-darkness.

******

Ai and Lin arrived at their venue early - First, to get a lay of the land, and second, to relax on the beach for a little while before the show.

Lin sat on the large beach blanket she had packed for the two of them, her sundress rippling in the warm summer breeze. Lin looked out at the ocean, the waves crashing gently to the shore before retreating once again. In particular she watched her roommate enjoying herself walking along the water’s edge.

I wish I had half the figure she does…

Lin looked down at her own sundress covered body and frowned.

“Why the frown Lin-chan?” Lin was startled when she looked up and saw Ai standing in front of her.

“No reason Ai-chan…”

“Why don’t you come join me by the water?…I know you have your swimsuit under that dress - let’s enjoy the beach!”

Lin looked down at herself for a second time and frowned again.

“Come on Lin-chan…it’s a cute swimsuit and you look amazing in it… it’d be a shame to hide your cuteness from the world.”

Ai leaned over as she said this, reaching her hand out to help the younger woman up. Lin accepted her hand with a shy smile. She pulled off the sundress, laying it beneath her beach bag, and followed Ai down to the water. She looked up and saw Ai smiling at her, and couldn’t help but smile back.

“That’s better Lin-chan.” Ai smiled impishly before splashing the younger girl.

“I’ll get you for that!” Lin laughed as she tried to get Ai back.

******

Evening had fallen and the venue was about to start. Several other bands participating had already played their sets. Reina sat with Jun at the back of the audience, near the bar. They were joined by Aika, Koharu, Sayumi, and a Turtle-less Risa.

“Where is Kame?” Jun questioned the former sub leader.

“OH...she’s helping one of the groups… I don’t think they have a name.”

“oh…” Jun turned to Sayumi and began to chat about some fashion thing they both knew about.

“Aneki… how have you been this week? … I haven’t seen you since your concert.” The youngest asked.

“Oh…not too busy… just a few meetings here and there actually.” the yankii replied.

The band that had playing finally walked off the stage and the MC came back to center-stage.

“Ladies and Gentleman. I am pleased to announce that our final performers have come here from Tokyo to share their gift of music with you… so without further ado I present to you the musical stylings of Takahashi Ai and Lin Qian, with Kamei Eri.”

The crowd clapped and a few cheered. The former members of Morning Musume looked on in anticipation, waiting to see the missing pieces of their former life. Lin walked out first, guitar in hand; followed by Eri, who walked over to a programming board; and who was then followed by a microphone wielding Ai.

The music starts. The song that had drawn the member’s tears was now floating through the air.

******

Ai began the song, her lyrics almost a whisper at first before the energy began to build. She laid eyes on her friends in the crowd and her smile grew. The song continued and her eyes closed. She heard Lin’s voice join her after the first verse. Kame’s programming filled in the holes a live band would have. The music settled back down in the second verse, this time a piano joined the guitar. Ai turned around and smiled when she saw Jun standing behind the venue keyboard. Next came a bass line, Koharu. Then came the drums, Sayumi. Aika joined up singing backing vocals for the song. As the final chorus rolled around two more vocals entered the fray. Ai looked up and saw Reina and Risa walking towards her, tears flowing down their cheeks. They wrapped their arms around her waist as they helped to finish out the final chorus. Ai choked up before the end and sank down onto the stage. Lin finished out her vocals so that nothing was missing from the song.

The crowd cheered the nine girls, not realizing the history behind what had just happened. All they knew was that the music was good. This was to be the start of a new beginning. Morning Musume may not be anymore, but the family behind it had finally returned to their place, beside each other.

Side Story – And So the Morning…

Chapter one of my first series of side stories. Enjoy.

Side story 01 – Part 1

Light, like the limbs of a tree, filled the sky. It was night and the moon was full, though no one could tell it. Clouds hung low over the city of Tokyo. The sounds of thunder echoed off of the steel and glass monoliths that sprung forth into the night sky. Rain, like tear drops, ran down the windows of a darkened apartment. Two figures sat on the couch, one sitting up, and the other laying with her head in the other’s lap. A long since thawed cold compress had fallen off the swollen cheek of the girl who had lain down, while the other girl dozed, her head falling forward every so often, her hand absently running itself through the other’s hair.

A clap of thunder boomed closer to the apartment window. The window rattled a bit due to the exploding air disturbing the sleep of the girl lying on the couch. She blinked a bit in the darkness, trying to get her bearings. The dull pain from her cheek flashed back into her psyche, still foggy with sleep. The fog lifted when she felt a hand moving gently through her hair, almost caressing her face and neck. She glanced up and saw the dozing girl, in whose lap her head now lay. The momentary light flashing in through the window would cast shadows across the sleeping girl’s face, but also just enough light for Ai to see sure sign of tears. The memories of the past day flashed through her mind as her had gingerly rubbed her swollen cheek.

Another thunderclap woke the other sleeping girl, her head snapping up, and the hand not in Ai’s hair moving up to rub her neck. She groaned a bit, blinking the sleep out of her eyes. She looked down at Ai for a moment before realizing what her hand was doing, which she instantly removed.

“You didn’t have to stop…” Ai pouted.

“Sorry Ai-chan…” Lin laughed shyly.

“Why are you apologizing?” Ai smiled up at Lin.

“I don….are you ok?” Lin picked up the cold compress and was about to go get a fresh one, but Ai wouldn’t move. Instead, she snuggled closer to the other girl.

“Yeah…I’m alright… of course I’m sad about everything…but I have a clear conscience at least…”

Ai looked up at Lin again before continuing.

“Please don’t hate them… don’t hate Reina for this” she pointed to her face, “Don’t….” A tear trickled down the bruised cheek. Without thinking Lin wiped it gently away. Ai shivered at the touch.

A few moments of silence passed by before either decided to talk.

“Lin… would you like to move in together?... It’ll help financially, and help keep you and me from being lonely.”

“Are those the only reasons you want me to move in?”

“No…” Ai turned her face away from the younger girl, trying to hide the red that was creeping across her face.

“Ok Ai-chan…you convinced me … but who will do the cooking?”

“You better take that amused look off your face… we’ll both do our share.” Ai mock glared at the younger girl after turning back over in her lap.

“Let me go get another compress for your cheek.” Linlin began to stand up, lifting Ai’s head gently.

“No…I don’t need another one…” Ai tried to prevent the other girl from getting up.

“You at least need some medicine.”

“Mou…”

Ai pouted again, but let Lin get up. Lin walked to the medicine cabinet in the kitchen, while Ai sat up, pulling her knees up to her chest. She watched as Lin walked away…

Ai…stop it! She’s 18…

Lin smiled at her on her way back from the medicine cabinet when she noticed Ai looking at her.

…what’s going on with me?...

Ai smiled back, averting her eyes and hiding her face behind her knees. Lin handed her the medicine before rejoining her on the couch.

“Ai-chan… are you sure you’re ok?” Lin’s face betrayed her concern.

“Yes…”

“Are we moving in here?” Lin tried to change the subject when she noticed the expression on Ai’s face.

“No…I want to get out of here…we’ll try and find a new place soon. We’ll stay here until then.”

“Ok Ai-chan… we should get some sleep…even though we napped a bit… I’ll sleep here.”

“No!... I mean…don’t worry about it…we can share – the bed is big enough.” Ai smiled a bit trying to convince the younger girl.

“Ok Ai-chan…” Lin got up and followed Ai to the bedroom.

Ai walked into the bathroom, coming out a few moments later in blue pajama pants. The white camisole she wore caused her skin to glow in the lightning light.

“You can borrow something of mine. We’ll go get your stuff tomorrow.”

Ai handed Lin some clothes to change into. Lin walked into the bathroom and got changed quickly, grabbing her discarded clothing and folding it up. Lin walked back out into the darkness of the bedroom. Ai took her hand and led her to the bed - her eyes finally adjusting to the darkness when she laid down. The two girls laid side-by-side, facing the ceiling, silence passing between the claps of thunder. Ai rolled onto her side, wrapping her arm around Lin’s torso.

“Thank you Lin-chan…for staying with me…for defending me…” Ai sniffled a bit.

“You don’t need to thank me Ai-chan…”

“Yes I do!” Ai embraced Lin a bit tighter.

Lin wrapped Ai in an embrace of her own, bringing her head to rest on Lin’s chest. Ai laid in Lin’s embrace, her breathing slowly becoming regulating as sleep finally took her. The storm outside passed into nothingness as sleep took the two girls… the storm of memories stayed behind and would take much longer for it to pass…