Free Pop Rock Love by Raine Koh, Lorraine Koh

audiences with his deep and mellow voice. He
gave up the stage more than 20 years ago and founded Fame Factory. Kon was
currently at the top of the list for the richest man in Japanese entertainment.

 
    Yuki sat opposite the CEO and
noticed that Kon was looking through photographs of potential trainees. These
photographs were usually sent in by the mothers, relatives or the boys
themselves to Fame Factory. Kon looked rather irritated at the current task.
“Look at this one,” he cried, pointing to one of the photographs, “He barely
turned six. Do they think we are a daycare centre? But this one takes the
cake,” he added, picking up another photograph. “No matter how her mom tried to
disguise this candidate, it’s obvious that she’s a girl! Everyone knows that FF
is an all-male academy.”

 
    Yuki tried to look interested
in the photographs but he really couldn’t care less. The curly-haired boy just
nodded in response.

 
    “Anyway, let’s get down to
business,” Kon said, sweeping the pile of photographs to the side. He stared
intently at Yuki. “Yuki, you have been in FF for about ten years. You have seen
many bands come and go. I have been observing the Fire Boys, seeing how you
guys are doing for the past three years, how far do you think the Fire Boys can
go?”

 
    “We are going to be huge,” he
replied simply.

 
    “Why?”

 
    “I just feel it.”

 
    “Good enough for me. I do
believe in you guys too. Especially since Makoto’s popularity in the new drama
is phenomenal. But Yuki, right now, no one in the group is indispensable. I
understand your tryst with the model, I mean I was 22 before, but the problem
is that you get too involved. Look at Makoto, why does he get away with all
those scandals? It’s because he never lets them get too close. So I’m telling
you this now, as your boss; Don’t fall in love until you are 30. Now go, I know
you’ve got a television show to go to.”

 
    “I understand. Thank you, Mr.
Kon,” Yuki said, getting up from his seat.

 
    “Yuki, I know you like your
band a lot, so don’t mess things up.”        

 
    *

 
    The next day Mimi was woken up
by the loud humming of the vacuum cleaner. She rolled over on her bed and came
face to face with Yamada. “Hello Mimi! It’s already late afternoon,” Yamada
chirped, smiling from ear to ear. She drew the curtains and bright sunlight
filled Mimi’s room.

 
    “Hello Yamada, where’s Sato?”
Mimi asked, rubbing her eyes.

 
    “He left for the office ages
ago. Sorry to rush you but we need to leave for the studio in an hour’s time.”

 
    “It’s alright,” Mimi said,
limping out of bed. She eyed the bathtub suspiciously as she remembered last
night’s events. She wondered how Yamada would react knowing that Jiro was in
this bathroom yesterday. Maybe she would look for a strand of dyed brown hair
or something. Mimi shuddered at the thought and started brushing her teeth.

 
    Sato’s last words came back to
her, “Nothing is more complicated than dating a pop idol”. He’s right, she
thought, as she faced her own reflection. I should forget about Yuki.
Completely. “You can do it!” she told herself, punching her fist in the air.

 
    When they both arrived at the
broadcast building, Mimi still had no idea what Music Stage was about.
Yamada couldn’t contain her excitement when they entered the television studio.
“Mimi, look at all the cameras! Will we be on television? My friends would be
so jealous! The stage is so gorgeous!”  

 
    The circular, upraised stage
was located in the middle of the studio with the words “ Music Stage ”
hung on top and lit up with pink neon lights. “The stage props will change
according to the guests,” explained Yamada, pointing to the front. “Two hosts
will have a short talk on the stage before the artistes perform. As the studio
audience, we can clap as loudly as possible, but no screaming is allowed.