Chapter Text
As Kyoko and her manager prepared to leave the intimate ambiance of the lounge bar, a palpable tension infused the air, streaked with the intrigue of their recent decision to plunge deeper into the enigma surrounding the elusive script.
Just as they poised to exit, an unexpected voice pierced through the distant murmur of the crowd, calling out her name. Instinctively, she recognized that voice, a resonance that fluttered within her, despite the fact that they had never shared a single frame on acquaintance was forged in the deep recesses of the cinematic world—at glitzy movie awards, bustling film festivals, and exclusive soirées where the elite of the film industry converged.
The man who had addressed her was not just any actor; he was a celebrated figure, a titan in the realm of cinema whose prowess and respect had been cemented over years of dedicated work.
Kyoko harbored professional admiration for him, recognizing his journey as one paved with a plethora of roles ranging from his early days as a child actor to now, standing as a distinguished veteran of the industry. In stark contrast, Kyoko was on the cusp of her own ascent, carving her name in an arena dominated by established talents. Though she had garnered attention for her recent performances, she was acutely aware of the boundaries formed by differing levels of fame, and here she stood, at the intersections of admiration and reticence.
Spotting him in the company of a woman whom she could assume was a potential romantic partner, added another layer of complexity to the moment. Kyoko felt a stirring reluctance to intrude upon what seemed to be a private rendezvous.
Throughout her burgeoning career, she had cultivated the understanding that true respect for a fellow artist extended beyond mere recognition; it meant honoring their space as well. Not one to possess an air of presumptuousness, she preferred to remain an observer rather than a seeker of connection purely for the sake of celebrity status.
Mindfulness guided her actions, and in that precise moment, blending the complexities of her profession and personal integrity, she resolved to allow him the anonymity he deserved, choosing instead to retreat gracefully into the night with her manager, the mystery of the script still echoing in her thoughts.
And yet, here she found herself in a perplexing conundrum, caught in an unexpected web of social intricacy, where the very man who had once seemed an unapproachable figure now beckoned to her, his voice cutting through the ambient hum of the evening.
A cascade of questions flooded her mind: Why had he called out to her? Wasn't he deeply engrossed in what appeared to be an intimate conversation with the flirtatious woman seated beside him? What could possibly compel him to interrupt the flow of that seemingly private exchange?
Moreover, she couldn't help but wonder what motive lay behind his decision to halt her departure alongside her manager, a gesture that felt both unwarranted and intriguing. In truth, she had graciously opted to ignore his presence, allowing him the luxury of privacy, a silent acknowledgment that she was willing to step back from whatever social dynamics were at play. Her countenance betrayed a blend of curiosity and mild confusion, as if her very expression was asking the unasked question: Why did you call my name?
Her expression conveyed an unspoken query, an almost palpable desire to understand the rationale behind. A whirlwind of possible explanations spun in her mind. She wrestled silently with the possibilities, her mind racing through scenarios leaving her to reconsider the intentions that lay beneath his insistence.
Kuon's gaze enveloped Kyoko with an intensity that was both casual and disarming, as if he were drawn to her by an invisible thread rather than any conscious intention.
The effortless ease with which he carried himself belied the immense stature he held in the cinematic world. As he gracefully approached her, a blend of politeness and an unmistakable warmth cloaked his demeanor, hinting at a familiarity that transcended the superficial boundaries often dictated by fame.
Ms. Lond stood transfixed, momentarily imprisoned by the proximity of the enigmatic figure before her. In the realm of film, Kuon Hizuri was a paragon of beauty—his visage impeccably rendered on screens across myriad dimensions. Yet, standing before him in the flesh, she couldn't help but recalibrate her understanding of his allure; he radiated an even more striking charm that seemed to emanate not just from his striking features but from an undeniable charisma unique to the man himself.
What astonished her further was his decision to acknowledge Kyoko first, foregoing the conventions of celebrity aloofness. In a gathering often fraught with superficial pleasantries, his choice spoke volumes. It was a testament to his character that he would engage with someone who, while possessing an undeniable spark of promise, was indisputably overshadowed by his illustrious presence.
Ms. Lond's mind raced with curiosity, wondering what layer of truth lay beneath this unexpected interaction. Perhaps, if she remained patient and observant, the unfolding moments would reveal insights not only into Kuon's intriguing nature but also into the fundamental dynamics of ambition, recognition, and the often unseen threads that connect individuals across the vast chasm of fame.
"I must admit, Ms. Mogami, your presence here this evening comes as quite the surprise," Kuon remarked with an affable tone, effortlessly blending politeness with a hint of charm. "I sincerely apologize for calling out to you so abruptly and interrupting your path—hopefully, I have not inconvenienced you in any way?" His voice, imbued with a gentle warmth, sought to envelop her in a cocoon of comfort, even as confusion subtly colored her expression. His gentle inquiry designed to assuage any discomfort she might be feeling amidst the unexpected encounter.
"Mr. Hizuri… good evening," Kyoko managed to respond, her voice steady but tinged with an unmistakable air of confusion. "I hope I did not offend you, that was certainly not my intention. I merely assumed you would prefer not to be disturbed at this moment…" Her sentence trailed off, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features.
Kuon, however, was quick to interject. "Hmm? What do you mean by that?" Genuine curiosity etched upon his features. Kyoko hesitated for a moment, collecting her thoughts with meticulous care before she continued, "The reason I chose not to greet you..." she began tentatively, "was that I believed you were engaged in a private meeting with the woman beside you." A thoughtful pause hung in the air as Kuon absorbed her implication.
"Not at all," he replied with an air of ease, a faint smile softening his expression. "She's merely a colleague…"
Well, that certainly did not convey the impression to either of us, mused Ms. Lond, Kyoko's manager, who observed from a discreet distance. In silent contemplation, her thoughts tinged with skepticism. She noted the subtle glances exchanged and the body language that told a story contrary to Kuon's assertion.
Meanwhile, Catrice stood apart, caught in her own swirl of emotions. Although she had already accepted the nature of the meeting as purely professional, there was still a pang of disappointment that resonated within her at his words. The notion of being described as 'just' a colleague stung in the context of the myriad of actresses vying for Kuon's attention.
"Ms. Sorkamble…" Kuon addressed her with an inviting tone, signaling for her to join the unfolding conversation. Without hesitation, Catrice rose gracefully from her bar stool, her expression poised yet tempered by the weight of unspoken emotions.
"Allow me to introduce you," Kuon continued with an air of ease, "This is Catrice Sorkamble. She's another actress who will be joining us in the upcoming project, 'Chained by the Allure of Midnight.'
"Nice to meet you. My name is Kyoko Mogami." She introduced herself with a poised demeanor, extending her hand toward Catrice for a handshake.
Catrice, her lips curving into an almost imperceptible smirk, laden with unspoken implications—as she clasped Kyoko's hand and maintained a piercing gaze that seemed to delve deeper than mere pleasantries—a strange intensity that caught Kyoko off guard. "Likewise..." Catrice replied, though the hint of a challenge lingered in her tone.
The handshake was fluid, amiable, embodying the customary warmth expected in a first meeting. However, beneath the surface pleasantries, Kyoko detected an undercurrent of tension by that lingering smirk no matter how slight, and felt the heat of Catrice's stare, which seemed to lack any genuine welcoming. While it was likely unremarkable to others, to Kyoko, it felt almost charged. She felt the weight of Catrice's gaze; it was not overtly menacing, yet it bore the unmistakable heat of scrutiny, making Kyoko acutely aware of the dynamics at play.
Opting to cast aside her momentary disquiet, she withdrew her hand and redirected her focus to her primary concern, which lay in the conversation with Kuon.
"Will be joining...us ? Mr. Hizuri, your tone suggests this decision is already finalized, yet I find myself wavering on whether I should accept the role." She found it perplexing that Kuon was so assured in his belief that she would willingly embrace the opportunity presented to her.
"You mean... you've decided to decline this role?" He inquired, his brow furrowing slightly, surprise flitting across his features, mingled with a hint of disappointment. A flicker of concern igniting the atmosphere between them.
"Would it be deemed strange for me to do so, Mr. Hizuri?" Kyoko retorted, taken aback by his reaction. Did he honestly believe that she was obligated to accept simply because it was a high-profile project? Or he presumed that she was warranted to assent to the opportunity simply due to its prominence, irrespective of her own aspirations? Did her underwhelming response infer a slight to his stature, given his more established position in the industry?
She felt a wave of confusion at his reaction. The depth of her uncertainty was palpable, further compounded by the scrutinizing eyes of Catrice who interjected, her comment slicing through the growing tension with surprising audacity.
"Could it be… Ms. Mogami, that you are reluctant to share the screen with Kuon?" Catrice interjected abruptly, her inquiry slicing through the atmosphere like a dagger. Kyoko turned to her, confusion flaring alongside incredulity with a hint of annoyance. Kuon remained silent, his expression unreadable, yet attentive.
"Allow me to clarify my point," Catrice continued, her tone tinged with mock sympathy. "I must apologize if this is a misinterpretation, but your hesitation towards this role seems rather peculiar...given your awareness of Kuon's involvement. After all, he is the most prominent star associated with this project! Isn't it a bit odd that you would hesitate to take on a leading role alongside him?" Catrice continued, punctuating her observation with an air of frivolity. "Thus, it leaves me to ponder... could this reluctance stem from a personal aversion to acting alongside him?" She pressed, her tone elevated with an air of mockery.
"Such conclusions are quite a leap, Ms. Sorkamble," Kyoko replied, arching an eyebrow in mild reproach, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Your imagination is undoubtedly vivid. One might typically consider the role itself—its appeal or lack thereof—as a potential reason for my hesitance. And yet you choose to credit my reluctance solely to my future co-star? Are you insinuating my reservations are woven with concerns about who plays the male lead? Because I don't like him as a person or because... I'm not his equal?" Her gaze pierced through the veil of Catrice's confidence, challenging the premise upon which her conjecture stood. "Also, you seem to possess insight into the specifics of the role I was offered. How did you come to know I was in line for the female protagonist?"
Catrice returned the challenge with a faux sweetness, sarcasm draping her words as she retorted, "Given the lack of confirmation from the initially approached actress, it seems only logical for the production team to pivot toward more viable options, wouldn't you agree, Ms. Mogami?"
"And I presume you would be that 'better option,' Ms. Sorkamble?" Kyoko inquired, her brow arched in skepticism. Catrice giggled, as if to insinuate her superior candidacy for the role, asserting, "I am currently under consideration for two roles. Evidently, there is something about my performance that captured their attention. I wouldn't be at all surprised if they saw me as a contender for your role as well, Ms. Mogami."
Kyoko met her assertion with a measured confidence. "From my reading of the script, I would have no doubt you could deliver a performance far beyond what I might offer, Ms. Sorkamble." Kyoko replied coolly. Catrice's expression hitched for just a moment, an involuntary twitch of her brow betraying the sting of Kyoko's pointed remark before she masked it with an overly polite smile.
At that moment, Kyoko's manager, Ms. Lond, introduced a welcome reprieve into the fray. "I apologize for the interruption," she interjected smoothly. "I wish to clarify that Kyoko's indecision regarding the role should not be misinterpreted as a response to Mr. Kuon Hizuri's involvement. In fact, Kyoko discovered only moments ago that he would be starring in the project." Her eyes met Catrice's with a challenge, before shifting back to Kuon, who regarded Kyoko with a contemplative gaze.
"Is that so?" Kuon murmured, his demeanor both inquisitive and thoughtful, shifting his attention toward Kyoko. "Then, may I ask why...?" The question hung in the air, delicate yet potent, as Kyoko steadied herself to respond. She took a breath, reclaiming her poise as she prepared to address him, her demeanor laced with a respectful formality befitting a senior figure in the industry.
"It's for the obvious reasons..." she began, her voice soft yet resolute. "I simply couldn't find anything compelling enough to draw me into this character."
Kuon regarded her with a mix of incredulity and disappointment, the edges of his tone betraying the gravity of his curiosity. "Really? Nothing... at all?"
"Yes..." she replied, though as the finality of her words hung in the air, a spark of curiosity flickered in her eyes. "Is that so...?" he murmured, his brow furrowing slightly in contemplation. "Why? Is there something wrong with me for not feeling a connection to this character?"
A peculiar intensity enveloped the conversation, as Kyoko's expression shifted to one of confusion peppered with curiosity. "It's strange," he continued, "because I always thought you would be drawn to it, Ms. Mogami. Selene—your role—is among the most intriguing female characters I've encountered in recent scripts."
A sudden wave of incredulity washed over her. "What?" Kyoko's surprise was palpable, a rush of indignation flooding her veins. In her mind, she grappled with the notion that Kuon could find interest in a character—a housewife obsessively devoted to maintaining a pristine home and catering to her husband's whims—which for her was hardly captivating. Did he genuinely believe I would naturally embrace such character? The realization seethed beneath her skin, morphing her initial surprise into a potent mix of righteous indignation and wounded pride.
Noticing the tempest of emotions crossing her face, Kuon who now grappling with confusion and rising concern, asked again, "Did I say something offensive?" He inquired, genuine perplexity lacing his voice. "I fail to understand why you're looking at me like that..." His confused glance only deepened the chasm that persisted between them.
"No, I should apologize first, Mr. Hizuri... I'm sorry I've placed you on a pedestal simply because of your acting prowess," she retorted, that indignant light in her eyes intensifying. Kuon's surprise was evident, his shock unravelling as he attempted to comprehend the weight of her words. "What?" he exclaimed, taken aback by her sudden overture of conflict.
Kyoko continued, unabated. "While your talent is unquestionable, it does not automatically confer moral superiority. Your views on women seem regrettably antiquated, as if you believe that once married, a woman's place is confined to the kitchen." The indignation simmered in her tone as she locked eyes with him, unyielding and fierce.
Kuon's expression hardened, a flash of irritation crossing his features. "Ms. Mogami, I believe you are mistaken about something here..." he attempted, but she swiftly interrupted, "Am I?" She interjected, her tone rising with defiance. The atmosphere crackled with intensity as their confrontation escalated.
"Yes! You are!" Kuon shot back, the irritation simmering beneath the surface. He stepped forward, closing the distance between them, his presence a storm of intensity, invading her personal space with an audacity that both startled and stirred something within her. The chemistry crackled as they stared each other down, their indignation creating an invisible barrier yet simultaneously compelling them closer, their proximity charged the air with tension as their eyes locked in a battle of wills, with each standing their ground, unyielding against the other's fervor.
"I don't see how you've taken my compliment about your role as an insult. In fact, I'm perplexed as to why you're treating me this way now. Don't tell me…" His expression shifted to one of smug subtle flirtation with an alluring smirk, leaning in as if to emphasize his next words, "Perhaps I was the one who held too high an opinion of you, Ms. Mogami, and assumed you could deliver a stellar performance. Yet this refusal to accept a challenging role makes me wonder if you doubt your own abilities."
His taunting words hung heavy between them. The provocative tension held them both captive, unaware of the eyes observing them, catching the attention of Catrice, who watched with a mix of disdain and fascination.
The palpable tension—interwoven with indignation and an electrifying spark of challenge—became a battleground of wills.
Catrice, stationed a short distance away, though clearly reluctant to tolerate their closeness, found amusement in Kuon's audacious proclamation. A sly grin crept onto her lips, mirrored by Ms. Lond's keen, watchful eyes, though unnoticed by the engrossed Kyoko, who was now enmeshed in the verbal duel.
"Are you asserting that I lack the capacity to portray such a tragically flawed character, Mr. Hizuri?" Kyoko's indignation morphed into defiance heightening the stakes.
"Do you…?" His retort came in a heartbeat, relishing the confrontation.
With a huff of disdain, she retorted, "You are indeed a star, Mr. Hizuri. I thought you weren't the type of actor to belittle others from your lofty perch, yet your attitude now speaks otherwise," she stated, her voice steeped in contempt.
"I never underestimate another actor's talent, nor do I compare them to myself because that's beneath me. However, it's a different matter entirely when the actress herself admits to a lack of confidence in her ability to portray a character, regardless of its perceived worth," Kuon articulated, his gaze unwavering.
A spark ignited within Kyoko, emboldening her falterlessly forward, her composure returning like a phoenix from the ashes.
"Then… shall I show you how confident I am in my skills?" she retorted, stepping back momentarily as newfound determination ignited within her. Meeting her manager's gaze, she declared resolutely, "Ms. Lond, I've changed my mind. I've reconsidered my decision regarding the role. I'm accepting it, effective immediately."
The astonishment on her manager's face was evident as she registered the unexpected declaration. "Really? Are you sure about this?"
"I've never been more certain in my entire life. I'm doing this!" Kyoko affirmed, her eyes locked onto Kuon's, a silent challenge exchanged between them.
Unbeknownst to her, Catrice, visibly shaken by the sudden turn of events, frowned, alarm coursing through her as she grasped the gravity of the situation.
With renewed purpose, Kyoko leaned in closer to Kuon, her voice dripped with playful defiance. "Looks like we'll be co-stars after all… Oh, and Ms. Sorkamble," She glanced over her shoulder, "You won't be considered for my role any longer. A relief, isn't it? You'll be spared the stress of preparing for two roles." Her smile bore both friendliness and irony, a subtle victory spun in her words. Catrice's expression soured, her eyes narrowing in disbelief.
"Well then, Mr. Hizuri I look forward to seeing you on set soon." Polished and poised, she strode confidently towards the exit alongside her manager, leaving Kuon to revel in the aftermath of their heated exchange.
As her silhouette faded into the night, Kuon's self-satisfied smirk reemerged, sparking concern in Catrice. "Wait… did you provoke her on purpose so she could accept the role?" she inquired, suspicion etched across her features with disbelief colored by a hint of astonishment for his shrewdness.
Kuon turned to face her, feigning innocence. "And why would I do that?" he queried, an enigmatic air enveloping his words with his expression radiating innocence, though his eyes held more.
Feigning casualness, Catrice bit her tongue, unwilling to further humiliate herself by pursuing the subject. "It must have been... my imagination," she said, forcing a strained smile.
"I see," Kuon responded, a knowing glint in his eyes as he reveled in the unfolding drama, the evening's exchanges leaving a taste of both victory and intrigue hanging in the air.