(no subject)
Title: Started Off as Perfect Strangers
Pairing: Sakurai Sho x OC
Rating: G to PG-13
Genre: Romance, comedy, friendship
Disclaimer: I don't own Arashi or anything Johnny's Entertainment related.
Summary: Namioka Kaori is an aspiring news journalist and photographer who just moved to Tokyo in order to attend Keio University. One day, she meets Sakurai Sho, the handsome and sports-challenged newscaster of pop super-group Arashi. The two bond over their shared interest of reporting the news and eventually fall in love. But they must overcome several obstacles in their relationship, including Kaori's jealous co-worker Tomika and the strict regulations put on an idol of Sho's status.
Additionally, Kaori finds out that her new next door neighbor is none other than her childhood friend, Aiba Masaki. They had grown up Chiba together and Aiba's parent's used to babysit Kaori at their family restaurant after school. The two quickly rekindle their friendship and together, Sho and Aiba introduce Kaori to the rest of Arashi and into their busy but exciting lives.
~~~~~~~
"I think I hear footsteps! Is that her?" Aiba asked excitedly.
"Ssh! Keep your voice down Aiba-kun or you'll give us away" Kaori whispered "and anyway, why would I be able to tell if it's her from just the sound of her footsteps?" she laughed.
"Oh. You have a point there" he admitted and joined in with her laughter. The two were camped out behind the couch of the freshly organized living room, awaiting the return of Kaori's roommate Chiaki. The room was dark and there were a few decorations put out. Kaori admitted that it was probably a little cheesy to go that far but she liked that sort of thing.
All of a sudden they could hear the sound of a key being inserted into the door. She shot a silencing look at Aiba who seemed as though he would burst into giggles at any second. The door swung open as a new presence entered the room.
"Ehh, I wonder where Kaori wandered off to" Chiaki quietly mumbled to herself, as she slipped off her shoes and put on her house slippers. She reached over to flick on the light switch and...
"Surprise!" Kaori jumped up and sent streamers flying from her hands. She smiled and ran over to hug her best friend, whose eyes were as big as rocks as she surveyed the room.
"Sugoi, you finished everything" Chiaki breathed her amazement. She probably shouldn't have been so surprised. This sort of thing was typical of Kaori.
"Well, I had a little help, Kaori admitted. "Actually, tonight I thought we could celebrate three things. You're new job at the aquarium, my acceptance into Keio and one more thing..."
"Nani, what else are we celebrating?"
"My first lead in a drama!" shouted Aiba as he jumped out from behind the couch. He just couldn't contain his excitement anymore. He grinned at the shocked expression on Chiaki's face. Making his way around the couch, he walked over to the new girl and bowed. "My name is Aiba Masaki, hajimemashite."
"Hajimemashite" replied Chiaki as she bowed in return. "Wow, Arashi's Aiba? Kaori told me you two were friends as kids. Did you say your first lead? Omedatou!" She sprouted off nervously, unable to stop her jabber. The two made polite conversation and Aiba was satisfied that Kaori was right about Chiaki. She definitely wouldn't spill the beans about his location.
The pizza arrived about five minutes into Ponyo, the latest animated flick released by Hayao Miyazaki. The three happily dug into the pepperoni pizza and chatted away about everything from Arashi's latest projects to embarrassing stories from each others childhood. Aiba fondly recalled a funny incident when the shy young Kaori had accidentally entered the boy's restroom at their elementary school. "All of a sudden as I was walking down the hall on my way to class, a girl with a bright red face burst out of the boys bathroom and I realized it was her!" His infectious high pitched laugh made the other two smile and even Kaori laughed at the memory.
"Oi! You would have been just as mortified in that situation!"
Several hours and a few movies later, Chiaki and Kaori were asleep, sprawled across the couch and floor. The DVD they had just been watching was back to the main menu because no one had bothered to get up and turn it off. Aiba sleepily looked up from his own spot on the recliner and looked over at Kaori. She looked so beautiful, smiling even in her sleep and once again Aiba felt grateful for having her back in his life. He had missed her carefree sense of humor and how she had always made everyone around her feel relaxed and comfortable without even trying.
Aiba glanced down at his watch. It was almost two in the morning. He needed to get back and get some rest before he had to be at an Arashi dance rehearsal at 8. Standing up as quietly as he could so as not to wake the girls, he tiptoed over to the door and grabbed his shoes. When he reached out for the door handle, he heard a sleepy voice calling him.
"Hang on a second." He turned to see Kaori stand up and go to the kitchen. She reappeared a few moments later with something in her hands. Making her way over to Aiba, she placed a tupperware container full of leftover cupcakes in his hands. "For you to eat at work today, hopefully they give you energy. And share okay? Ganbatte ne."
At lunchtime the next day, an exhausted Arashi went outside during break to eat and cool off from their intense dance rehearsals. They were in the middle of a two-week break between their concert performances in Kokuritsu and their next one in Fukuoka on the 18th. It had been a busy few months for them, first preparing for their 5 x 10 anniversary tour and then embarking on it. Rehearsals were necessary to keep everyone's memories refreshed on the dances.
Despite his tiredness, Aiba was giddy as he finished his bento, knowing there were delicious cupcakes waiting for him in his bag. He reached in and pulled out the container before plopping back down in his seat once more. He choose a cute one decorated with a blue frosted flower and sprinkles that Kaori had made and happily took a big bite. He looked up at the other members mid-chew and noticed them staring.
"Eh, what's this?" said Nino. He grabbed the container from Aiba's hands and exclaimed with glee. "It's cupcakes!" he showed the other three. "Don't try and tell me you made these? They look way too good" Nino teased.
"Perhaps Aiba-chan has a girlfriend?" Was Matsujun's guess. Then they all laughed at the thought.
"Chotto matte! I can get a girlfriend just as easily as you guys can" Aiba protested.
"Uso, you mean, these were really made for you by a girlfriend?" Sho asked. The members looked at each other, surprised.
"Well no..." Aiba admitted.
"I knew it!" Nino said. "Then where did you get them?"
Aiba explained to the other four all about his old friend from childhood that he had regrettably lost contact with years ago. She had just moved in across the hall yesterday and he had hung out with her and her roommate until early in the morning, catching up and telling stories.
"I can't wait for you guys to meet her! She is really sweet. Actually she told me I should share the cupcakes.. so dozo" he gestured to the cupcakes in Nino's hands. Everyone dug in immediately.
"Umai!" said Ohno, his typical comment about any food.
"Maximum oishi" Sho agreed. He was watching Aiba, who seemed to be glowing. Sho felt really happy for him. It would be a really good thing to have a nice, normal girl for a friend. Someone who wasn't obsessed over fame and just wanted to support her friend because she cared about him. Girls like that were hard to come by. Sho looked forward to meeting her.
Meanwhile, Kaori was finishing up her own lunch of Soba noodles and tea. She had spent the morning picking up after the party mess and putting a few more pictures on the wall, including the one of her and Aiba at the restaurant. Chiaki was starting work today so Kaori was on her own for the day. She was just thinking it might be nice to find a job too so she wouldn't have to burden her parents with rent money. Her dad had said they just wanted her to focus on her schoolwork and let them pay for it but it didn't feel right to Kaori. Right then she decided to keep her eyes out for any possible job openings.
She stood up and carried her dishes to the sink. Now then, what should she do today? Classes were only four days away and she needed to stop by the bookstore at Keio and pick up her textbooks and journalism notebooks. While she was there, she could also have a look around the campus and find out where all her classrooms were. Kaori went to her laptop and printed off a campus map and grabbed her bag.
As she sat on the bus, she looked around and people watched. Everyone in Tokyo seemed to be immaculately well dressed and stylish, as if they were headed to some fancy brunch or dinner party rather than out doing chores. Kaori herself had always loved fashion. She didn't follow the trends per say, but she created a style for herself that was feminine but still classy and smart looking. Dresses paired with cardigans and a cute necklace, short sleeved blouses paired with a headband, dark jeans and suede boots, that sort of thing.
Kaori snapped out of her observations when she heard the announcement for the Keio bus stop. She hopped off the bus and took in her surroundings. Keio had campuses in several cities but this one was called Mita and it was the oldest. Straight in front of her was the largest, grandest library she had ever seen, made of red brick and white granite pillars. The stained glass window above the stairway of the entrance hall bore the words 'the pen is mightier than the sword', and the symbol of Keio University.
Looking away from the Old Library, Kaori spotted several large halls and an administration building. The campus was filled with trees and was truly beautiful. A little more walking and she found the bookstore she was looking for. It was two stories high, with the bottom floor filled with shelves of textbooks and a gift shop. The top half contained school supplies and a clothing store of Keio merchandise. She decided to start with finding her textbooks and then she could look around a little more.
She picked up two journalism textbooks and an interesting photography book containing a guide on how to print photos in order to give different effects. Glancing at the back cover, Kaori was suprised to see that it was written by Kusonoki Isamu, her favorite photographer. If her photography sensei endorsed his works too, it could really turn out to be an interesting class. She was getting really excited to start on Monday.
Kaori took her books up to the second floor and looked around at the sweatshirts and bags bearing the Keio insomnia. There were also cell phone charms, temporary face tattoos for sporting events and even stuffed animals dressed in blue and red, the school colors. With glee, Kaori spotted a bag strap bearing the name Keio in english letters. She could put in on her camera bag and support her school. Adding it and a t-shirt to her books, she took everything to the counter and made her purchase.
As she wandered around, Kaori found all but one building on her schedule. Where was it? She looked at her map, confused. Directions and maps had never been her strong point. She looked to her right and saw a building called the Mita Media Center. Thinking that perhaps someone in there could help, she entered the building and spotted a young guy that looked to be around her age. Kaori approached him with a friendly smile.
"Ano, sumimasen. I am looking for this classroom" She said, pointing out the building on the map. "Could you tell me where it is?" As the young man took the map from her, Kaori noticed that he was very good looking. He had straight dark brown hair that fell into his eyes and a cute smile, she noted as she received one.
"Actually, that building is right behind this one" He said. "If you walk to the other side of this building, you'll see it straight ahead when you exit."
"Hontouni? It was that close?" Kaori laughed. "Arigatou" she said, bowing low.
"I'm Ozaki Ryu. What is your name?" The guy asked politely, returning the bow.
"Namioka Kaori desu" she replied. The two stood there and talked for awhile. Kaori found out that Ozaki was also a grad school student studying Media Design. He was a sophomore though, making him her senpai.
"This might seem a little forward but seeing as how you are interested in the news and I happen to host Keio's radio news show, I was wondering if you might be interested in an audition? My former co-host graduated last spring and my boss is a little frantic trying to find a replacement before the term starts. I'm sure she would be happy to audition you." Ozaki asked, eying Kaori with interest.
"That sounds awesome. I'd love to audition!" Kaori responded. She followed Ozaki to the right wing of the Media Center which housed the radio station. She tried to swallow her nerves because she knew that an audition like this would probably require her to introduce herself and read off some news into a microphone. Ozaki gave her an encouraging smile and brought her to a woman who looked to be in her mid 40's.
"Namioka Kaori, this is my boss, Matoba Saya. Matoba-sensei, this is Namioka-san. She would like to audition to be my co-host for the news program." Kaori looked at the woman and smiled tentatively.
"Don't be nervous, we would love to have you audition!" Matoba said. "We really need to find someone fast. If hired, would you be able to start next week?"
"That would be wonderful" Kaori responded. Matoba seemed like the type of easy-going adult that students really liked. It reassured her a bit and she waved goodbye to Ozaki as she followed Matoba into a large room with microphones and high-tech looking equipment.
"This is the recording room, where all of our radio shows are broadcasted from. During the school year we have programs being broadcasted around the clock. There are time slots for music, a love talk and advice program, and a morning and primetime news program. Ozaki is the current host of the primetime news show." Matoba informed her. "Do you have any experience with the news?"
"Hai, I wrote for Chiba University's newspaper where I studied as an undergrad and I'm taking journalism classes here starting next week."
"Perfect. I notice you have a very lovely speaking voice too. Do you have any radio experience?"
"No, I've never done anything like this before" Kaori responded.
"That's perfectly okay. I'll just have you record an announcement to see how you would sound on air." Matoba gestured to the nearest microphone. "Take a seat."
Kaori sat down in a comfortable rolly chair and waited for further instruction. Matoba handed her a script. "Alright, take a deep breath. All you have to do is introduce yourself and read off this piece of paper. On my cue, okay? 5..4..3..2..1.." She flipped on a couple switches and gestured Kaori to go ahead.
Kaori took a steadying breath and said, "Good evening minna-san. My name is Namioka Kaori and I will be hosting this program with Ozaki-san starting today. Your favor, please." She tried to make her voice sound friendly and calm so the listeners could relate to her. "In our top stories today, Japan's government is adjusting it's ideas to come up with the final plan on where to relocate the U.S. Marine Core Fitenler air station in the southernmost prefecture of Okinawa. High security forces have fired at anti-government protesters trying to expand their demonstrations to the outskirts of Bangkok. At least one soldier has died and 16 people have been injured. For more information on these stories, take it away Ozaki" Kaori finished off. She glanced up nervously to Matoba, hoping she did alright.
"Well done, well done!" Matoba applauded. "Are you sure you've never done this before? Your intonations were perfect."
Kaori beamed. "Arigatou gozaimasu."
"I will give you a call in the next couple of days with the final decision after I've discussed it with the staff. Expect to hear from me soon."
-----------
~ It's almost Sho(w) time! ...haha my lame jokes :D
~ Ozaki is actor Seto Koji, cause I think that man is really freaking adorable/hot so I wanted to use him somewhere <3
~ Hope you all enjoyed it! Feedback is always appreciated.
Pairing: Sakurai Sho x OC
Rating: G to PG-13
Genre: Romance, comedy, friendship
Disclaimer: I don't own Arashi or anything Johnny's Entertainment related.
Summary: Namioka Kaori is an aspiring news journalist and photographer who just moved to Tokyo in order to attend Keio University. One day, she meets Sakurai Sho, the handsome and sports-challenged newscaster of pop super-group Arashi. The two bond over their shared interest of reporting the news and eventually fall in love. But they must overcome several obstacles in their relationship, including Kaori's jealous co-worker Tomika and the strict regulations put on an idol of Sho's status.
Additionally, Kaori finds out that her new next door neighbor is none other than her childhood friend, Aiba Masaki. They had grown up Chiba together and Aiba's parent's used to babysit Kaori at their family restaurant after school. The two quickly rekindle their friendship and together, Sho and Aiba introduce Kaori to the rest of Arashi and into their busy but exciting lives.
~~~~~~~
"I think I hear footsteps! Is that her?" Aiba asked excitedly.
"Ssh! Keep your voice down Aiba-kun or you'll give us away" Kaori whispered "and anyway, why would I be able to tell if it's her from just the sound of her footsteps?" she laughed.
"Oh. You have a point there" he admitted and joined in with her laughter. The two were camped out behind the couch of the freshly organized living room, awaiting the return of Kaori's roommate Chiaki. The room was dark and there were a few decorations put out. Kaori admitted that it was probably a little cheesy to go that far but she liked that sort of thing.
All of a sudden they could hear the sound of a key being inserted into the door. She shot a silencing look at Aiba who seemed as though he would burst into giggles at any second. The door swung open as a new presence entered the room.
"Ehh, I wonder where Kaori wandered off to" Chiaki quietly mumbled to herself, as she slipped off her shoes and put on her house slippers. She reached over to flick on the light switch and...
"Surprise!" Kaori jumped up and sent streamers flying from her hands. She smiled and ran over to hug her best friend, whose eyes were as big as rocks as she surveyed the room.
"Sugoi, you finished everything" Chiaki breathed her amazement. She probably shouldn't have been so surprised. This sort of thing was typical of Kaori.
"Well, I had a little help, Kaori admitted. "Actually, tonight I thought we could celebrate three things. You're new job at the aquarium, my acceptance into Keio and one more thing..."
"Nani, what else are we celebrating?"
"My first lead in a drama!" shouted Aiba as he jumped out from behind the couch. He just couldn't contain his excitement anymore. He grinned at the shocked expression on Chiaki's face. Making his way around the couch, he walked over to the new girl and bowed. "My name is Aiba Masaki, hajimemashite."
"Hajimemashite" replied Chiaki as she bowed in return. "Wow, Arashi's Aiba? Kaori told me you two were friends as kids. Did you say your first lead? Omedatou!" She sprouted off nervously, unable to stop her jabber. The two made polite conversation and Aiba was satisfied that Kaori was right about Chiaki. She definitely wouldn't spill the beans about his location.
The pizza arrived about five minutes into Ponyo, the latest animated flick released by Hayao Miyazaki. The three happily dug into the pepperoni pizza and chatted away about everything from Arashi's latest projects to embarrassing stories from each others childhood. Aiba fondly recalled a funny incident when the shy young Kaori had accidentally entered the boy's restroom at their elementary school. "All of a sudden as I was walking down the hall on my way to class, a girl with a bright red face burst out of the boys bathroom and I realized it was her!" His infectious high pitched laugh made the other two smile and even Kaori laughed at the memory.
"Oi! You would have been just as mortified in that situation!"
Several hours and a few movies later, Chiaki and Kaori were asleep, sprawled across the couch and floor. The DVD they had just been watching was back to the main menu because no one had bothered to get up and turn it off. Aiba sleepily looked up from his own spot on the recliner and looked over at Kaori. She looked so beautiful, smiling even in her sleep and once again Aiba felt grateful for having her back in his life. He had missed her carefree sense of humor and how she had always made everyone around her feel relaxed and comfortable without even trying.
Aiba glanced down at his watch. It was almost two in the morning. He needed to get back and get some rest before he had to be at an Arashi dance rehearsal at 8. Standing up as quietly as he could so as not to wake the girls, he tiptoed over to the door and grabbed his shoes. When he reached out for the door handle, he heard a sleepy voice calling him.
"Hang on a second." He turned to see Kaori stand up and go to the kitchen. She reappeared a few moments later with something in her hands. Making her way over to Aiba, she placed a tupperware container full of leftover cupcakes in his hands. "For you to eat at work today, hopefully they give you energy. And share okay? Ganbatte ne."
At lunchtime the next day, an exhausted Arashi went outside during break to eat and cool off from their intense dance rehearsals. They were in the middle of a two-week break between their concert performances in Kokuritsu and their next one in Fukuoka on the 18th. It had been a busy few months for them, first preparing for their 5 x 10 anniversary tour and then embarking on it. Rehearsals were necessary to keep everyone's memories refreshed on the dances.
Despite his tiredness, Aiba was giddy as he finished his bento, knowing there were delicious cupcakes waiting for him in his bag. He reached in and pulled out the container before plopping back down in his seat once more. He choose a cute one decorated with a blue frosted flower and sprinkles that Kaori had made and happily took a big bite. He looked up at the other members mid-chew and noticed them staring.
"Eh, what's this?" said Nino. He grabbed the container from Aiba's hands and exclaimed with glee. "It's cupcakes!" he showed the other three. "Don't try and tell me you made these? They look way too good" Nino teased.
"Perhaps Aiba-chan has a girlfriend?" Was Matsujun's guess. Then they all laughed at the thought.
"Chotto matte! I can get a girlfriend just as easily as you guys can" Aiba protested.
"Uso, you mean, these were really made for you by a girlfriend?" Sho asked. The members looked at each other, surprised.
"Well no..." Aiba admitted.
"I knew it!" Nino said. "Then where did you get them?"
Aiba explained to the other four all about his old friend from childhood that he had regrettably lost contact with years ago. She had just moved in across the hall yesterday and he had hung out with her and her roommate until early in the morning, catching up and telling stories.
"I can't wait for you guys to meet her! She is really sweet. Actually she told me I should share the cupcakes.. so dozo" he gestured to the cupcakes in Nino's hands. Everyone dug in immediately.
"Umai!" said Ohno, his typical comment about any food.
"Maximum oishi" Sho agreed. He was watching Aiba, who seemed to be glowing. Sho felt really happy for him. It would be a really good thing to have a nice, normal girl for a friend. Someone who wasn't obsessed over fame and just wanted to support her friend because she cared about him. Girls like that were hard to come by. Sho looked forward to meeting her.
Meanwhile, Kaori was finishing up her own lunch of Soba noodles and tea. She had spent the morning picking up after the party mess and putting a few more pictures on the wall, including the one of her and Aiba at the restaurant. Chiaki was starting work today so Kaori was on her own for the day. She was just thinking it might be nice to find a job too so she wouldn't have to burden her parents with rent money. Her dad had said they just wanted her to focus on her schoolwork and let them pay for it but it didn't feel right to Kaori. Right then she decided to keep her eyes out for any possible job openings.
She stood up and carried her dishes to the sink. Now then, what should she do today? Classes were only four days away and she needed to stop by the bookstore at Keio and pick up her textbooks and journalism notebooks. While she was there, she could also have a look around the campus and find out where all her classrooms were. Kaori went to her laptop and printed off a campus map and grabbed her bag.
As she sat on the bus, she looked around and people watched. Everyone in Tokyo seemed to be immaculately well dressed and stylish, as if they were headed to some fancy brunch or dinner party rather than out doing chores. Kaori herself had always loved fashion. She didn't follow the trends per say, but she created a style for herself that was feminine but still classy and smart looking. Dresses paired with cardigans and a cute necklace, short sleeved blouses paired with a headband, dark jeans and suede boots, that sort of thing.
Kaori snapped out of her observations when she heard the announcement for the Keio bus stop. She hopped off the bus and took in her surroundings. Keio had campuses in several cities but this one was called Mita and it was the oldest. Straight in front of her was the largest, grandest library she had ever seen, made of red brick and white granite pillars. The stained glass window above the stairway of the entrance hall bore the words 'the pen is mightier than the sword', and the symbol of Keio University.
Looking away from the Old Library, Kaori spotted several large halls and an administration building. The campus was filled with trees and was truly beautiful. A little more walking and she found the bookstore she was looking for. It was two stories high, with the bottom floor filled with shelves of textbooks and a gift shop. The top half contained school supplies and a clothing store of Keio merchandise. She decided to start with finding her textbooks and then she could look around a little more.
She picked up two journalism textbooks and an interesting photography book containing a guide on how to print photos in order to give different effects. Glancing at the back cover, Kaori was suprised to see that it was written by Kusonoki Isamu, her favorite photographer. If her photography sensei endorsed his works too, it could really turn out to be an interesting class. She was getting really excited to start on Monday.
Kaori took her books up to the second floor and looked around at the sweatshirts and bags bearing the Keio insomnia. There were also cell phone charms, temporary face tattoos for sporting events and even stuffed animals dressed in blue and red, the school colors. With glee, Kaori spotted a bag strap bearing the name Keio in english letters. She could put in on her camera bag and support her school. Adding it and a t-shirt to her books, she took everything to the counter and made her purchase.
As she wandered around, Kaori found all but one building on her schedule. Where was it? She looked at her map, confused. Directions and maps had never been her strong point. She looked to her right and saw a building called the Mita Media Center. Thinking that perhaps someone in there could help, she entered the building and spotted a young guy that looked to be around her age. Kaori approached him with a friendly smile.
"Ano, sumimasen. I am looking for this classroom" She said, pointing out the building on the map. "Could you tell me where it is?" As the young man took the map from her, Kaori noticed that he was very good looking. He had straight dark brown hair that fell into his eyes and a cute smile, she noted as she received one.
"Actually, that building is right behind this one" He said. "If you walk to the other side of this building, you'll see it straight ahead when you exit."
"Hontouni? It was that close?" Kaori laughed. "Arigatou" she said, bowing low.
"I'm Ozaki Ryu. What is your name?" The guy asked politely, returning the bow.
"Namioka Kaori desu" she replied. The two stood there and talked for awhile. Kaori found out that Ozaki was also a grad school student studying Media Design. He was a sophomore though, making him her senpai.
"This might seem a little forward but seeing as how you are interested in the news and I happen to host Keio's radio news show, I was wondering if you might be interested in an audition? My former co-host graduated last spring and my boss is a little frantic trying to find a replacement before the term starts. I'm sure she would be happy to audition you." Ozaki asked, eying Kaori with interest.
"That sounds awesome. I'd love to audition!" Kaori responded. She followed Ozaki to the right wing of the Media Center which housed the radio station. She tried to swallow her nerves because she knew that an audition like this would probably require her to introduce herself and read off some news into a microphone. Ozaki gave her an encouraging smile and brought her to a woman who looked to be in her mid 40's.
"Namioka Kaori, this is my boss, Matoba Saya. Matoba-sensei, this is Namioka-san. She would like to audition to be my co-host for the news program." Kaori looked at the woman and smiled tentatively.
"Don't be nervous, we would love to have you audition!" Matoba said. "We really need to find someone fast. If hired, would you be able to start next week?"
"That would be wonderful" Kaori responded. Matoba seemed like the type of easy-going adult that students really liked. It reassured her a bit and she waved goodbye to Ozaki as she followed Matoba into a large room with microphones and high-tech looking equipment.
"This is the recording room, where all of our radio shows are broadcasted from. During the school year we have programs being broadcasted around the clock. There are time slots for music, a love talk and advice program, and a morning and primetime news program. Ozaki is the current host of the primetime news show." Matoba informed her. "Do you have any experience with the news?"
"Hai, I wrote for Chiba University's newspaper where I studied as an undergrad and I'm taking journalism classes here starting next week."
"Perfect. I notice you have a very lovely speaking voice too. Do you have any radio experience?"
"No, I've never done anything like this before" Kaori responded.
"That's perfectly okay. I'll just have you record an announcement to see how you would sound on air." Matoba gestured to the nearest microphone. "Take a seat."
Kaori sat down in a comfortable rolly chair and waited for further instruction. Matoba handed her a script. "Alright, take a deep breath. All you have to do is introduce yourself and read off this piece of paper. On my cue, okay? 5..4..3..2..1.." She flipped on a couple switches and gestured Kaori to go ahead.
Kaori took a steadying breath and said, "Good evening minna-san. My name is Namioka Kaori and I will be hosting this program with Ozaki-san starting today. Your favor, please." She tried to make her voice sound friendly and calm so the listeners could relate to her. "In our top stories today, Japan's government is adjusting it's ideas to come up with the final plan on where to relocate the U.S. Marine Core Fitenler air station in the southernmost prefecture of Okinawa. High security forces have fired at anti-government protesters trying to expand their demonstrations to the outskirts of Bangkok. At least one soldier has died and 16 people have been injured. For more information on these stories, take it away Ozaki" Kaori finished off. She glanced up nervously to Matoba, hoping she did alright.
"Well done, well done!" Matoba applauded. "Are you sure you've never done this before? Your intonations were perfect."
Kaori beamed. "Arigatou gozaimasu."
"I will give you a call in the next couple of days with the final decision after I've discussed it with the staff. Expect to hear from me soon."
-----------
~ It's almost Sho(w) time! ...haha my lame jokes :D
~ Ozaki is actor Seto Koji, cause I think that man is really freaking adorable/hot so I wanted to use him somewhere <3
~ Hope you all enjoyed it! Feedback is always appreciated.