*MEANWHILE*
*UPPER DECK - WEDDING CRUISE - TOKYO BAY*
MIA: "Ah, look, Rin! Something splashed over there!"
RIN: "Ooh, where?!"
MIA: "Oh, never mind. I think it was just the waves crashing."
RIN: "Don't worry! If we keep searching, I know we'll have another chance to see them!"
MIA: "...What?! What the hell?!"
RIN: "Nya?!"
MIA: "Oh, nothing, just...go look for dolphins over there for a second, I'll be right back!"
RIN: "All right, let's see who can spot a dolphin first!"
...
*BAR - WEDDING CRUISE - TOKYO BAY*
I didn't expect Mia's mom to agree with me...
GEORGE: "You know the Suzuki charm, Takehiko had us fooled from the start, and now ya fallin' for this kid's act?!"
MIO: "You're the one with the grudge!"
Oh no, I didn't expect them to start fighting...
On their daughter's wedding day...
MIA: "Mom?! Dad?! What the hell is going on here?!"
GEORGE: "Stay outta this, Mia!"
AKI: "So you're just going to ignore her again?!"
MIA: "B-Babyboy?!"
AKI: "Stay out of this, Mia."
GEORGE: "Babywhatnow?! Ah, I see, he's gotcha smitten!
Lemme tell ya somethin', Mia, this kid's dad is the biggest liar a guy can meet!
Don't fool for this guy's schtick either!"
*Sigh* Just because my DAD's an asshole, everyone thinks I'M the same, too. What my dad does has nothing to do with me, I don't want to be defined by his mistakes.
But no matter how hard I try to break free from his reputation, it just follows me wherever I go. I'm sick of being seen as his son, not my own person...
MIA: "You know what? There have been times that I've thought he was lying to me..."
AKI: "H-Huh?!"
As the argument continued to escalate, I felt an overwhelming sense of foreboding and dread.
I knew that if things didn't change fast, the situation would become dire. The very foundations of my relationship with Mia were crumbling before my eyes, and I was helpless to stop it.
Now, even she's turning against me...
The realization that I was losing control and that there was nothing I could do to fix it only added to my sense of despair. As I stood there, it felt as though I was about to witness my own personal nightmare.
MIA: "But, after everything he's done for me, I trust this guy. Babyboy...Akihiko, cares about the School Idol Club more than anybody."
What?!
That's...the first time she's ever called me by my name...
MIA: "Even after I tried to destroy all his hard work, he welcomed me with open arms!
If it hadn't been for his efforts in reviving the Club, I never would have met my best friend, Rina.
This guy is always looking out for me, just yesterday he knew I'd missed out on lunch, so he brought me a hamburger.
He's my friend...
I don't care who his daddy is, he's my Club President."
AKI: "Mia..."
GEORGE: "So now you're gonna talk big to me? Don't forget who sends ya money from overseas!"
MIA: "I don't care! Never disrespect my friend like that again!"
GEORGE: "You are really testin' my patience, Mia! Why can't you be more like-"
MIKI: "Don't you dare finish that sentence!"
EVERYONE: "?!"
That's... That's the bride!
Mia's older sister, the American pop sensation, Miki Taylor-Chase!
GEORGE: "Miki?"
MIKI: "You bastard! How do you think I feel when you constantly compare Mia to me? Huh?!"
MIA: "S-Sis?!"
GEORGE: "You know I have to keep this family successful..."
MIKI: "Comparison is the thief of joy. Are you going to keep Mia miserable forever?! Is that your aim?!"
GEORGE: "Not at all..."
MIKI: "Then when will you stop this bullshit?!"
MIO: "Miki, language!"
MIKI: "This is MY wedding, Mom!"
MIO: "And WE paid for it!"
GEORGE: "Look, this guy was raised by two liars! I ain't gonna let him near my daughter!
Nobody can tell me otherwise!"
???: "...Oh really?"
Wait a second...it can't be!
B-But the groom's family...it could be!
I stopped in my tracks, stunned. I could hardly believe it...
TREVOR CHASE FROM NEW YORK CITY!
How could a celebrity like Trevor Chase show up here, of all places?
I mean sure it's his family, but...
It's like my brain couldn't quite process the information, and I just stood there, feeling shocked and surprised. It was definitely not something I had expected or even thought possible, and I felt like I was in the presence of a major celebrity.
The same guy I learned a lot from during my time overseas.
T.C: "Long time no see, kid."
AKI: "T.C?!"
GEORGE: "Trev? What's happening here? Do you know this guy or somethin'?!"
T.C: "While Akihiko was in New York for the Music Course Exchange Program last year, I had the pleasure of spending some time with him. He was an incredibly talented and hard-working young man, and I have no doubt that he has a bright future ahead of him in the world of music production.
Akihiko is not only extremely skilled and versatile, but he is also a quick learner and highly motivated. It is truly impressive to see how much he has already achieved at such a young age, and I wholeheartedly endorse his talents.
I believe that he has the potential to make a real name for himself in the industry, and I am looking forward to seeing what great things he will achieve in the future."
GEORGE: "You're kidding me, right?"
T.C: "No, I'm serious."
GEORGE: "...Fine. So what if you've got my Producer's endorsement?
I ain't buying it until I see what you can do."
AKI: "What do you mean?"
GEORGE: "I'm talkin' about seeing my Mia performing live. I wanna see how much of a star you've turned her into.
If she passes the test, she can stay.
If she doesn't impress me, then screw it, I'm taking her back to New York with me!"
MIA: "D-Dad! You wouldn't!"
GEORGE: "Try me..."
MIA: "......"
I couldn't help but feel torn by the realization that we might be putting too much pressure on Mia, but at the same time, this could be our chance to finally turn the table on her father.
The possibility of getting him off our backs for good was too tantalizing to ignore, and I couldn't help but feel excited by the prospect of finally winning this battle.
I know that Mia is an exceptional talent and that she has the ability to succeed, but I also know that we would need to be careful not to push her too hard. It's a delicate balance, but if we played our cards right, we might just be able to pull it off.
MIKI: "I chose Mia to be our guest singer for a reason.
My little sister won't let me down."
MIA: "Miki..."
MIKI: "You've got this, Mia. This'll be a great chance to shut him up."
MIA: "I don't know..."
I take my role as club president very seriously, and I know that it's more than just making sure things run smoothly. It's about being a leader and supporting everyone on the team, especially during moments of uncertainty or doubt.
My main responsibility is to be a source of positivity and encouragement, and whenever someone needs reassurance, I'm always ready to provide it.
I've been through my fair share of challenges over the past year, and I know how important it is to have someone in your corner, pushing you to be your best self. That's why I'm always there for the girls when they need me, because I truly believe in their potential and I know they can achieve great things.
So, when things are looking tough and the odds seem against us, it's my job to remind them of just how amazing they really are. I'm gonna be there to cheer them on and encourage them every step of the way, because I know they're capable of doing amazing things!
AKI: "You've got this, Mia!"
MIA: "B-Babyboy..."
AKI: "You've been waiting all these years for the opportunity to prove him wrong, right?
Now's your chance."
MIA: "...You're right. Who would I be if I backed down from this challenge?
I wouldn't be Mia Taylor, damnit!
Dad, you're on!"
GEORGE: "Get your pipes warmed up kid, I'm gonna judge you harshly."
MIA: *Gulp*
AKI: "Don't let him intimidate you."
MIA: "..."
She's nervous...
I placed my hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes.
AKI: "Everything is going to be okay."
MIA: "Yeah... You're right."
AKI: "Let's go get Rin and join the others on the lower deck."
I fear that this wedding could turn into a funeral at any moment...
But I know that Mia will pull through.