He just sat there like a beautiful statue listening to the conversation going on around him. Takumijo’s main concern in life was himself. His unique characteristics was that he was vain, spent money as fast as he earned it on cars or the latest electronics, and he never bought clothes off the rack. Takumijo had grown up poor and swore never to be in that predicament again.
“So, we all agree?” Masaaki asked.
Four hands flew up in the air to accept the concert dates. Although the four of them had different personalities, they all agreed on one thing—Aomori came first. It took fifteen long years to get them where they were today, at the top of the charts. Their last album, Motion, had been nominated as album on the year, and it had made them Japan’s best band. Motion changed them from amateurs to professionals and Yori still felt awed by it all.
“Second topic, promotion. Mr. Niigata has lined you up for many television and media appearances in the next few weeks. As you know, he has had formed a partnership with the American publishing mogul, Harper Kehoe, and the grand opening of their new publishing company is slated to open in two weeks in Tokyo.”
“What does that have to do with us?” Takumijo asked.
“Everything,” Masaaki answered. “He plans to use you guys to help promote his new business by having you join forces with four American romance writers.”
Takumijo frowned as if he’d smelt something unpleasant.
Yori raised an eyebrow. “That’s odd. Do they speak Japanese?”
“I doubt it,” Masaaki replied. “And even if they do, it’s only a couple of words.” He paused. “Besides, you guys know enough English to communicate with them. Satoshi can interpret if you run into a problem. ”
Satoshi opened his mouth, but closed it quickly. “Okay.”
“I knew you would agree,” Masaaki replied. “You have a better grasp on the English language than the rest of them. We’re depending on you.”
“What other plans has he made?” Yori asked. He was quite curious where this would lead, especially since Satoshi had agreed so quickly.
Masaaki flipped through some paperwork on his desk until he found what he searched for. “A photo session for a magazine, a couple of personal appearances at stores and on television, followed up by the announcement about the opening of the publishing company. There will be some kind of formal party for this too. So be prepared to be photographed a lot.”
Ichiro cringed. Of the four of them, Ichiro hated to be photographed. Yori never understood why. Ichiro was beautiful with small, delicate features and amazing, rare blue eyes. The stylist insisted that he keep it in a ponytail until he performed, at which time he would release it, much to the delight of the female fans. The fan girls loved Ichiro and they sent him lots of gifts and made him the topic of a lot of YouTube videos. Ichiro’s main problem was that he was very shy.
“Mr. Niigata wants you to be on your best behavior during this time and you’re not to embarrass this company in any way, shape or form.”
Takumijo muttered something under his breath.
“Yes, I’m talking about you, demon boy,” Masaaki said to Takumijo. Try to keep your clothes on during the performances, and try not to get hooked up with some empty-headed starlet while the Americans are in town.”
Yori stifled a grin. Takumijo always got them in trouble with his antics.
“Boy, do one thing and you get permanently known as a trouble-maker.”
“If it was only one thing, we wouldn’t have a problem. Photographers love you and cavorting around with a bevy of beauties in a pool in the buff draws their attention.”
Satoshi and Ichiro did not try to hide their chagrin. They outright laughed, which made Takumijo angry.
“You guys aren’t innocent either. You get into just as much shit as I do, but Mr. Niigata does not ban you to your room or take away your privileges.”
“You could have drowned in that