"As you see, you don't have customers anymore, how can I ask the owner to request you to come back here?" Tencho explained. "I don't want my life in my country, Japan is where I belong," she pleaded. But Tencho's response was cold and final. "You have no choice but to go back, audition again, and find a new club. Your fate is out of my hands." He replied. "But what about us?' she asked. "When Lavinia, once my wife will catch us, you will end like Serenity," Tencho warned her. Regret weighed heavily on Tencho as he reminisced about the time he let Serenity. "I regretted when I sent Serenity home, this club became popular because of her," he blurted out feeling regretful. Anger and envy simmered within Lavinia as she processed his admission. "So, you blame me for your choices?" Lavinia retorted. "It's you Lavinia, you only used me to rise to the top," he accused. "No, I love you," Lavinia cried. "I want to end this. You manipulated everyone, including me," Tencho's final word and he dismissed her. Heartbroken, Lavinia sought solace in the dressing room, where Candy tried to offer comfort in her distress. "Why are you crying?" Candy's soft voice cut through the heavy silence, wrapping Lavinia in a comforting embrace of warmth and understanding. "Tencho broke up with me," Lavinia's voice trembled with raw emotion, her words choked with heartache. "He also said that he regretted sending Serenity home," she said with a hysterical voice. "Calm down, I think it's for the best, Lavinia. Tencho has a family," Candy's words were gentle but firm, trying to bring a sense of clarity to the chaos of emotions swirling around her. "I don't care! Our problem now is that he won't help us come back here," Lavinia's voice rose in defiance, her anguish turning into bitterness like a bitter taste lingering on the tongue. Candy felt a knot of disappointment twist in her stomach. "But you promised me, Lavinia," her voice quivered with unshed tears. "You're on your own now, Candy," Lavinia's words were like a sharp blade, cutting through the last threads of their friendship as she turned and walked out of the room, leaving Candy standing alone, her heart heavy with regret. As Lavinia stepped out of the club into the cool night air, a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions tumbled through her mind. She wandered the dimly lit streets, the faint glow of neon signs casting an eerie light on her troubled face. It was in this moment of uncertainty and desperation that she thought of Octopus Tiger. Fumbling with her phone, Lavinia dialed Octopus Tiger's number, only to be met with the cold realization that her line had been cut off. A surge of anger and frustration coursed through her veins, pushing her to seek out a payphone in a nearby alley. With trembling fingers, she dialed the number again. "Why did you call me?" Octopus Tiger's voice crackled through the static of the line; his tone as enigmatic as ever. "I want to get out of the club, take me with you, marry me!" Lavinia's words spilled out in a rush, her heart pounding in her chest as she waited for his response. A chuckle echoed through the receiver, sending a shiver down her spine. "As you wish, I will pick you up later," Octopus Tiger's voice held a promise, a glimmer of hope in the darkness that surrounded her.
Lavinia smirked as she hung up the phone, a sense of newfound resolve coursing through her veins. "I still have a lot of hope," she whispered to herself, a spark of determination igniting within her. She decided to go back to the club to catch up with Tencho. "I will be leaving tonight and not going back to the club." Lavinia declared. Tencho was stunned, "But if you do that, you will become an overstay," Tencho said. "No, it will never happen, I will marry Octopus Tiger, he will pick me up later with his men, if you will not allow me, they will look for you," Lavinia angrily said. Tencho felt scared of Octopus Tiger so he let her go. "Do whatever you want," he replied, "And you need to pay my salary in full," Lavinia ordered. "Alright, just get out of here," Tencho said and he gave her salary in full. Lavinia chuckled as she hurried back to her apartment. Candy's presence in the room was like a shadow of regret, a reminder of the choices she had made and the paths she had forsaken. Ignoring Candy's curious gaze, Lavinia began to pack her belongings, her movements quick and purposeful. When questioned about her sudden packing, she simply replied, "I'm leaving," her voice laced with a steely resolve that brooked no argument. "But our contract is not finished yet, you will be breaching the contract," Candy's words held a note of concern, a last-ditch effort to reason with her friend. We only have one month left, and that's fine," Lavinia's Retort was swift and final, her mind set on a path of no return. "Are you going to overstay your visa?" Candy asked curiously. "No, I will be going to marry Octopus Tiger, I will have a permanent residence here in Japan, and I will lay in a bed of money," Lavinia stated. "You don't have to do this, he is dangerous," Candy warned her, only eliciting a chuckle from Lavinia, a glint of defiance in her eyes. "I'm also dangerous," she declared, a flash of rebellion in her heart as she finished packing her things. A car horn wailed through the night, signaling Octopus Tiger's arrival. Peering out of the window, Candy caught a glimpse of the luxury car waiting below. "He is here," Candy told her with her somber face. As a knock sounded at the door, Candy opened it to find Octopus Tiger's men looming ominously in the doorway, their gazes cold and unyielding. They picked Lavinia's belongings and marked the final moments of her departure. Candy forgot her bracelet that Octopus Tiger gave her before. Candy tried to catch up with her, but the car was gone already. As the car pulled away into the night, leaving Candy standing alone in the empty room, a sense of guilt and uncertainty settled over her like a heavy shroud.
In the room
Alex laid in the plush bed, the softness a stark contrast to the hard bench of the park where he had spent countless nights before. His room, though small and humble, exuded a sense of coziness. A poster of Tokyo City adorned one side, a tribute to the friends he missed dearly - Leo and Mel, but above all, Serenity. The next day, Alex approached Kato San, to have a job at the market, he offered to help out until he fully recovered. Kato-San agreed and accompanied Alex to the market to meet his manager. Introducing Alex as his nephew, Mr. Kato paved the way for Alex to start working in the bustling market. The manager welcomed him warmly, thought that he is Japanese, assuring that there would always be a place for him even when Mr. Kato returned to work. Days turned into weeks as Alex immersed himself in the daily routines of the market. From lifting boxes of fruits and vegetables to delivering them to the various stores, he found solace in the rhythm of his work, and he thought that he would be happier if he was doing that with Mel and Leo. Amidst the busyness, thoughts of Serenity continued to haunt him. After a day's work, Alex would wander the streets of the city, missing his friends and searching their traces. He was also hoping that if he saw Serenity on his way, his heart led him through dimly lit alleys and bustling avenues. While walking, he saw someone walking in front of him, and she looks like Serenity, the shape of the body and her long hair. His eyes widened when he saw her. "Serenity," he blurted out, but the woman didn't look back and she paced faster. Alex followed her and when he was about to reach her, he held her arm, "Serenity?" he called out, but when the woman turned around, it wasn't her. "Hey, stop holding me or I'll call the police," the woman said. "I'm so sorry," Alex said as he hurriedly walked away. And as night descended, he would return home, the worry etched on Mr. Kato's face is palpable. "It seems like you always come home late, Alex. You must be cautious of the Octopus Tiger," Kato San advised, his concern mirroring that of a father.
Alex, determined yet conflicted, expressed his yearning to find Serenity, unable to shake off the memories that bound him to her. "But Alex, you are young. If you and Serenity are truly meant to be, fate will bring you together again. Concentrate on yourself," Mr. Kato urged, his words laced with wisdom.
Alex listened, a part of him acknowledging the truth in Mr. Kato's words. Yet, the pull of love was strong, tugging at his heartstrings every night. What if Serenity was no longer in the city? What if she had ventured to another prefecture, a world away from him? These questions lingered in his mind, adding a layer of uncertainty to his nightly searches. In Candy's apartment, she stood amidst cardboard boxes, her belongings neatly packed away. The soft glow of the moon filtered through the window, casting a warm hue over the room. Tomorrow was the day she would bid farewell to the paradise club, unsure if she would ever return to Japan. Memories flooded her mind, both bittersweet and nostalgic, as she carefully wrapped each item with a tender touch. The silence of the room was suddenly shattered by a sharp knock on the door, pulling Candy out of her reverie. She hesitated for a moment, wondering if it was one of the staff members coming for a final inspection. However, when she swung open the door, her heart skipped a beat at the sight of Lavinia standing before her. The once vibrant and lively Lavinia now looked disheveled and worn out, her eyes reflecting a profound exhaustion that tugged at Candy's heart. "What happened to you? Why are you here?" Candy's voice was filled with concern as she ushered Lavinia inside. With a quiet demeanor, "I'm here to get my bracelet," Lavinia said. Candy took the bracelet from her bag and handed it to her. "I was supposed to catch up with you before you left, but you were already gone, and I didn't know where to find you," Candy explained, her voice tinged with regret. Lavinia as her things packed up. "So, you're ready to go back home?" Lavinia inquired. "Yes, perhaps that I will never return here anymore. There's a lot of competition in the Philippines, and only a few will be selected," Candy's somber face revealed the weight of her thoughts. "I will go now," Lavinia said, motionless. But before she could leave, Candy halted her with a question that had been lingering in her mind. "Did Octopus Tiger marry you yet?" she asked with concern. "Not yet, but definitely he will marry me soon, he promised me," Lavinia replied, "How come, your visa will expire tomorrow?" Candy asked. "Octopus Tiger will do anything," she added, a glint of hope in her tired eyes. "But are you okay? You look troubled. You still have time to back out," Candy still has concern for Lavinia, a reflection of the bond that had formed between them during their shared experiences in Japan. "No, this is my dream, to live here forever," Lavinia replied with glaring eyes. As Lavinia prepared to leave, a distant car horn pierced the silence, signaling Octopus Tiger wants her to go down outside. Candy ushered her up to downstairs and watched as Lavinia made her way towards the waiting car, a mix of emotions swirling within her.
Pity for the difficult path Lavinia had chosen mingled with a sense of detachment, a realization that their paths were diverging, leading them in separate directions. Leo's day had started like any other day at the Filipino store where he worked. The scent of garlic and soy sauce lingered in the air as he diligently scrubbed the kitchen surfaces.
Making sure everything sparkles under the fluorescent lights. As he wiped down the counters, lost in his thoughts, after a while someone entered the kitchen. Turning around, Leo saw Rosi, with a troubled expression on her face. "I'm so sorry, Leo, you need to leave," she blurted out, her words hanging heavy. Leo's brows furrowed in confusion. "But why?" he asked, disbelief coloring his voice. Rosi hesitated, her eyes darting around nervously before she finally spoke, "My husband thinks I'm having an affair with you. He wants you out now, or he will call immigration to deport you." Leo's heart sank as he processed her words. "But it's not even true," Leo retorted. "I told him that many times but he doesn't believe until I fire you," Leo looked at Rosi feeling unsure of where to go or what to do, Leo's mind raced with a whirlwind of thoughts. "You must leave now, my husband is on his way here," Rosi urged, her voice tinged with urgency. Without a second thought, Leo grabbed his bag, his movements swift and purposeful, his mind in turmoil. As he stepped out of the Filipino store, the bustling street greeted him. Alone in the midst of the city's hustle and bustle, Leo felt a profound sense of loneliness and displacement. The familiar sights and sounds that once brought him comfort and joy now seemed strange and again indifferent. He walked aimlessly, his steps echoing in the empty spaces within him.
In the Philippines, where Serenity lived in a modern house. After returning home to her country, her parents enrolled her in a university to finish her studies. The night was quiet as she sat at her desk, engrossed in her review materials. Her concentration was broken by the soft knock on her door, and her mother entered, carrying a slice of cake and a glass of cold water. "It seems like you're reviewing well, that's nice." her mother remarked, placing the treats on Serenity's side table. Serenity smiled gratefully, her determination evident as she replied, "Yes, mom. I need a high grade so that I can be eligible to be an English teacher in another country, like Japan." Curiosity sparked in her mother's eyes as she questioned, "Why Japan, you've been there already? Why not in other countries like Europe or America?" Serenity pondered for a moment before answering, "Wherever the opportunity is, I will grab it, mom." But deep down, she longed to return to Japan to find Alex. After her mother left the room, Serenity's thoughts drifted back to Alex. She had tried reaching out to the Paradise Club to talk to Alex during her time at immigration, but the immigration officer didn't let her do that. Upon returning to the Philippines and overcoming the trauma of deportation, she attempted an international call to the Paradise club, only to discover that Alex, Leo, and Mel were no longer there. Desperate for answers, she considered speaking to Lavinia or Candy but decided against it, knowing they might not be truthful. Determined to refocus on her studies, Serenity realized that graduating from her international studies course was her only way to go back to Japan to find Alex. She no longer wanted to be a mere 'talent'.
And the immigration told her that she only has a one year penalty for overstaying for a few days. As she flipped through her books, memories of Alex lingered in the corners of her mind like unspoken words.
Few days had passed and the city was alive with vibrant lights and pulsing energy as Leo wandered through its bustling streets, his gaze inevitably drawn to the neon glow of the Paradise club in the distance. Memories flooded his mind - the laughter of Mel and the kindness of Alex, the music that once echoed through his soul. A familiar customer emerged from the club, and he recognized him. "Leo?" The customer greeted him with a smile. Leo looked back and it was Akira San. "Hello Mr. Akira," Leo greeted back, "There are a lot of new talents there, right?" He asked him. "Oh yes, all of them are new, including the manager, tencho is not there anymore," Akira announced. When Akira left, with a heavy sigh, he turned away and continued his aimless journey through the busy street. Lost in his thoughts, Leo failed to notice the impending danger as a car barreled down the street, narrowly missing him as he stumbled onto the sidewalk. Before he could regain his bearings, the flashing lights of the police caught his eye, their uniforms a stark reminder of the chaotic reality he found himself in. Instinct kicking in, Leo took off running, heart pounding with adrenaline as he darted through the maze of streets and alleys, the echoes of his footfalls drowned out by the cacophony of the urban night. In his frantic flight, Leo collided with someone, the impact sending them both reeling. Expecting to come face to face with the long arm of the law, Leo dropped to his knees, hands raised in surrender, head bowed in a plea for mercy. "Please spare me," he whispered, his voice tinged with fear. "Why are you scared?" a voice, familiar and comforting, cut through the haze of panic. Leo raised his eyes in disbelief, his heart skipping a beat as he met the gaze of Alex, a figure from his past thought lost to time. "Alex?" he gasped, his voice trembling with emotion. "Leo?" Alex uttered in astonishment, a smile spreading across his face that mirrored the joy in Leo's heart. In an instant, they were wrapped in an embrace that spoke volumes of the bond they shared, tears of relief mingling with the night air. "Oh, Alex, I thought I would never see you again," Leo whispered, his voice choked with emotion, and tears flowed in his eyes. Alex's hand on his shoulder was a steady anchor in the storm of emotions. "Me too, it's so great to see you again, Leo," Alex said, his eyes shining. As they stood there, the weight of the world momentarily lifted from their shoulders, Alex's curiosity broke the momentary silence. "Why did you kneel down?" he asked, concern etched on his features. "Police were chasing me, I jaywalked and stumbled," Leo explained, the tension draining from his body as he spoke. "There's no need to worry now, the police are gone," Alex reassured him, offering a sense of calm. Leo still can't believe that Alex was there now. Amidst the dusky shadows of a dimly lit alleyway, Alex's anxious voice pierced through the silence, "Where is Mel?"
His brow furrowed with concern as he glanced around, hoping to see him too. Leo stood beside him, his eyes reflecting the weight of the tragedies that had befallen their tight-knit circle. They walk through the street. With a heavy heart, Leo began recounting the sequence of events that led to Mel's fate. "Lavinia told Octopus Tiger that Mel is courting her," Leo's voice trembled with sorrow as he spoke the words, each syllable laden with regret. "And then, his men...they beat him up," Leo's words hung heavy. As Leo continued, his narrative painted a vivid picture of betrayal and brutality, each detail more harrowing than the last. "And Lavinia...she called the police, and they deported him," Leo's voice faltered. Alex was steaming with anger at the injustice that had been done. "Oh Mel," he sighed. "We're waiting for your call every night, what happened to you?" Leo's voice was tinged with concern. "Since I left, I have nowhere to go," he began, his words heavy with the weight of uncertainty. "I sleep in the park, uncertain, searching for Serenity." Leo listened, his expression urging Alex to continue. "I haven't had the courage to call you yet," Alex confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "My life has no direction yet. I plan to call you once I'm okay, so you can come with me, I'm very sorry." His words faltered, "And when I called the club but the staff said that the two of you weren't there anymore, I also searched for you and Mel," reflecting the regret that etched lines on his face. "You don't have to say sorry, the most important thing is we found each other now," Leo happily said with a soft laugh. "That laughter I miss so much!" Alex invited him to a cafe nearby. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the heaviness in the air, they ordered coffee and sat in the corner with a two chair table. As they ducked into that cornered nook, Alex turned to Leo with furrowed brows, his eyes reflecting a mixture of worry and hope. "Do you have any idea where Serenity is?" he implored, his voice tinged with urgency. Leo revealed the harsh truth. "Serenity didn't run away as they told you. Tencho told the promoter that Serenity ran away so they didn't extend her visa, unbeknownst to the promoter that she was just there in the club working, and Lavinia set her up. She was deported to the Philippines," he divulged, his tone laden with regret. "So, she is in the Philippines?" Alex echoed in disbelief, the revelation hitting him like a sudden storm. "Do you know where she is living there?" he pressed, eager to uncover her whereabouts. Leo shook his head somberly, regret clouding his features. "Perhaps Tencho knows her address?" Alex thought. Leo hesitated before responding. "No, I believe the promoter might have that information," he offered, steering Alex's quest towards a new direction. With a determined gleam in his eyes, Alex confided in his friend Leo, who expressed caution at the mere mention of Tencho's name. "Approaching Tencho is not a good idea for now, Alex," Leo warned, his voice tinged with apprehension. "I heard he was fired from Paradise Club, and no one knows where he is." A sense of hopelessness crept over Alex as he pondered his next move.
Regret why he had never taken the initiative to ask for Serenity's address when he had the chance. If only he had known that would be the final time he would lay eyes upon her. Despite Leo's warnings, Alex's resolve remained steadfast. The allure of Serenity's haunting melodies and the memories of their brief but intense connection beckoned him to pursue this elusive quest. "I will still find her, once I go home in the Philippines," Alex said. Leo just gave him a soft smile hoping that he will reunite with his lost love once more. Alex asked him, "What about you, Leo? What happened to you? Where are you staying now?" Alex's words cut through the somber atmosphere, prompting Leo to open up. Leo's voice carried a mix of resignation and bitterness as he recounted his decision to resign from the club upon learning of Mel's deportation. "When I found out that Mel was deported, I couldn't bear to stay in that club any longer, so I resigned," Leo confessed "Lavinia had orchestrated Mel's downfall, and I knew I would be next in line. So, I made the decision to part ways with the club, seeing Lavinia every night is like a nightmare, she looks like a witch to me," he added. "Tencho handed me half of my salary and said that I would never come back, for me of course never!" Leo lamented; his gaze fixated on a distant point of the cafe. "Seeking refuge, I had turned to a small Filipino restaurant in Ikebukuro city, where the owner is kind, her name is Rosi. I had pleaded with Rosi to take me in as helper," Leo recounted. "She agreed to hire me, however with a meager salary. But it didn't matter," he continued. "In those days at the restaurant, I was always alone in the kitchen. Rosi didn't allow me to go in the hall when she found out that I'm an over-stayer," Leo added. "But fate, as cruel as ever, his husband wants to fire me, suspicions that I have an affair with Rosi which is not, Rosi told me to leave immediately because her husband will call an immigration, so that moment on, I fled and became homeless and hopeless," a flicker of resilience glimmered in Leo's eyes. "Come with me," he said, his words cutting through the haze of Leo's thoughts. Leo looked at him, his eyes clouded with doubt. "Really? But I'm ashamed," he replied. Alex's tone softened even further, a glimmer of compassion in his eyes. "No worries," he reassured Leo, "Kato San is a good man, and he knows all about you. This is my promise, alright? You will be with me once I'm okay." Alex's words carried a sense of certainty, a promise of redemption that sparked a glimmer of hope in Leo's heart. With a hesitant smile, Leo nodded, "You are my angel, Alex!" Leo sighed in disbelief. Together, they left the comfort of the café and stepped out into the washed rain streets, the city shimmering with a newfound sense of possibility. Alex led the way, his steps sure and steady, as Leo followed him. They arrived at Mr. Kato's modest house, its façade weathered by time but imbued with a sense of quiet dignity. As they climbed a few steps of the stairs, Leo's heart pounded in his chest. Finally, they stood before a door, behind which Mr. Kato San waited for Alex. With a deep breath, Alex knocked before he unlocked the door.
The sound echoing through the silence like a drumbeat of fate. The door creaked open, revealing a figure whose stern visage softened at the sight of Alex. "Alex, my friend, welcome," Mr. Kato San greeted him. And then his gaze fell upon Leo, recognition dawning in his eyes. "And who do we have here?" he inquired. With a steadying hand on Leo's shoulder, Alex spoke, his voice steady and sure. "This is Leo," he introduced with a happy smile. Mr. Kato San regarded Leo for a long moment, his eyes searching his soul. And then, to Leo's astonishment, a smile crept onto his face, a smile of understanding. "So, you are Leo, welcome," he said, his voice kind and accepting. "I've heard much about you, and finally, Alex found you." In that moment, as the rain continued to fall outside, a sense of renewal washed over Leo, a feeling of absolution and acceptance filling his being. With tears glistening in his eyes, he stepped forward, embraced by the warmth of newfound hope. And as they sat together in that humble room at the kotatsu table, sharing stories and laughter, Leo felt a sense of belonging he had long yearned for. With Alex by his side and Kato San as his guide, he knew that a new chapter was beginning, a chapter filled with possibility and promise.