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Maya had come to expect Mahiru’s particular brand of awe when it came to designing fashion spaces and events, but nothing would have prepared her for the end-of-season gala Mahiru prepared with two of the other major brand coordinators.
For one thing, when she and Claudine were dropped off, along with several other HANA staff, she was standing at Tokyo harbor, facing a large boat. It looked to be a mega-yacht, with staff waiting to usher them aboard as the sunset tinged the water a deep orange. For another, the invitation had presented the theme as “Full Circle” and just about everyone arriving was wearing something with polka dots or pom-poms or some other circle motif on them. Maya was looking forward to seeing the interior.
Maya caught sight of Koharu arriving with Suzu and Hisame, and waved them over, catching Koharu’s not-so-subtle eyebrow raise at the way Claudine was fixing Maya’s collar and leaning in close to point someone out, before she noticed the Seiran models. To Claudine’s credit, she didn’t so much as blush under their gaze, and acted merely as if she and Maya had always been so close. It was moments like this - Claudine’s casual indifference about their newfound relationship status - that made Maya wonder what all the anguish was over them getting together in the first place. But the subtle tremble of their linked hands, one that she wasn’t sure originated from herself or from Claudine, reminded her that the nonchalance was all just an act. Both of them were feeling exposed, and both were just learning the ropes of a serious relationship.
“Hi Maya, good evening, Claudine,” Koharu greeted.
They exchanged greetings, standing on the dock and watching various people board the yacht. Some they knew, and some they vaguely recognized from working in the industry long enough. It was early yet, and not everyone had arrived, and it was nice to stand outside with friends before entering the high tension environment of an industry party.
“I heard congratulations are in order,” Claudine said, after a moment. “Getting the top spot at Seiran is an honor, and well-deserved. We’ll have to drink to you once we’re inside.”
Koharu looked shy, but Suzu and Hisame nodded, encouraging her. “She’s going to be great! Tokyo isn’t ready!” Suzu said, poking her fingers into Koharu’s side teasingly.
Yachiyo arrived then, with Michiru in the same car. Yachiyo appeared to already be a little drunk, from the way she stumbled a bit out of the backseat of the car, though she composed herself quickly as always, looking rather fancy in a pink minidress with marabou trim.
“Ooh is that Hierophant? I better go tell Hikari,” Suzu said, pulling Hisame away. Yachiyo spied their group at once, of course, standing between the drop-off and the ramp to board the yacht. She walked over, Michiru in tow, though Michiru’s gaze was locked on her phone.
“Wow, it’s official,” Yachiyo said, as a means of greeting. “Well I’m glad, for one.”
Now, Claudine did blush, and even Maya was a little embarrassed by such a direct address. “Yes, well, we’re pleased too,” Claudine said, rolling her eyes at Yachiyo’s smug expression. “Shall we go in?”
They walked in together, Koharu nearly jumping backwards into Maya when they entered onto the yacht and the Seiran models surprised her with confetti and balloons. “Thank you!” she said, accepting flowers from Hisame.
“Thanks for distracting her for a few minutes,” Suzu said, winking at Maya. Hisame passed champagne around, and then they did toast Koharu’s promotion, before walking further into the boat, below deck where the main party would be taking place.
The main ballroom was just as grand as Maya was picturing. It was round, of course, with a circle of smaller tables around a center stage. There were balloons and glittering orbs hanging from the ceiling, and there were screens on several of the walls showing major runway shows from that year. There were also catalogues available for viewing. It was a nice tribute to everyone’s work.
Mahiru was there with Karen beside her, both of them with headsets on, calling out directions. Futaba was nearby also, telling them that the party had started, to come relax. “In a minute, Futaba-chan, we’ve just got to make sure the meal is set,” Karen assured her. Maya was amazed at how much Karen had changed from the girl she met when she just started, late to shoots and following Mahiru around, unsure of what to do.
Maya caught sight of herself in a mirror and made sure her outfit still looked good. She was wearing a HANA tailored suit jacket, hand-embroidered with small pearl beads, and matching pants. The shirt she wore underneath was a Sarazashi shirt, however, styled with Hikari’s input. It had been so long since she put on any clothes her mom had designed, it felt strange. But now, finally, she felt like she wouldn’t lose herself in the garment.
Claudine sidled up beside her, looking at the two of them together. She was wearing a cream-colored HANA blazer over a dress that was a shade off from the charcoal color of Maya’s suit. Her “full circle” was a gold-beaded moon and sun combo along with several stars on the back of the blazer.
“You look good,” Maya said, knowing she’d already said it that night, but she liked the way Claudine couldn’t quite resist a small smile at the compliment.
“Not as good as you,” she shot back, turning away from the mirror to face Maya directly, her expression now downright challenging.
“We really need to stay here all night?” Maya teased.
“Afraid that’s the case. But we do have a break until next cycle– a few weeks with no schedules.”
“In that case, want to go on a date?”
Claudine rolled her eyes, pulling Maya back to their table, both of them knowing full well they already had travel plans together for the upcoming break. Maya almost ran into Claudine’s back, however, as her girlfriend stopped short. Maya peered over Claudine’s shoulder, realizing the cause of her surprise.
At the table beyond theirs, right out in the open, a rather drunk Yachiyo was half on Yukishiro Akira’s lap, her head tucked into Akira’s shoulder, her lips very definitely kissing Akira’s neck. “I knew it!” Claudine hissed at Maya. “What a little hypocrite! Acting above it all when she pointed out we were dating!”
Maya shrugged, more focused now on Akira, who, for the first time, didn’t look like a rival to her. She wasn’t as drunk as Yachiyo, and yet she wasn’t embarrassed, she wasn’t pushing away the affection. She looked like someone who had been isolated, set apart, and finally able to connect with someone else. Maya could relate to that much, at least. “I’m glad they’re happy,” was all she could say, suddenly more emotional than she expected.
They sat soon after, Nana, Junna, Futaba, and Kaoruko also at their table, and dinner and drinks were plentiful. For once, Maya ate well, even though she was at “work”, knowing she would have several weeks before any actual modeling was needed from her. She even enjoyed a couple cocktails, though she was cautious to avoid getting anywhere near Yachiyo’s level. Still, she couldn’t deny that it did sound appealing to climb onto Claudine’s lap and kiss her neck without inhibitions.
The awards ceremony began once dinner was winding down, and all attention turned to the stage. Looking across the room, Maya saw her mother for the first time, who nodded politely as their gazes met. Maya’s attention was brought back to her immediate vicinity as Claudine’s hand brushed across her thigh, finding her own hand, and their fingers linked, her thumb brushing across the back of Maya’s.
The first award Maya paid attention to was the one she was warned about: Nana winning best fashion photography. It was a major honor, and Junna was teary as Nana dutifully stepped up to accept. “Thank you to my colleagues, the models I’ve worked with, all of my assistants, and especially my partner and catalogue designer Hoshimi Junna.” Her speech was brief but clear, and Junna was red-faced by the time she sat back down.
Frontier won best set design, which Maya thought was an absolute robbery from Mahiru, but Mahiru took it gracefully. Maya could hear her at the next table acknowledging that Frontier had some beautiful runways this year, and Kaoruko whispered that Mahiru had won the award three years in a row, so perhaps it was time for a new winner.
The all important “best runway show” was next, and there seemed to be silence waiting for the announcement of the winner. “Reign, from Siegfeld,” said the host, and Maya found herself nodding. She watched the show once, in the end, and she had to admit, it was tremendous. Personally, of course she thought HANA had a better show, but it was close. She expected to feel slighted, to feel an immense let down on not reaching that elusive pinnacle, or seeing another standing there instead. But somehow, the feeling she expected didn’t come. She was fired up for next cycle, certainly, but more than anything, she was warm from the alcohol, full from the meal, happy that she and Claudine had finally untangled their feelings. She was content. She clapped along as the award was received.
Finally, HANA won “Best Fashion Catalogue” with the Spring ‘Homage’ line, and this time, Junna did cry. “We need you here,” Claudine said, patting her on the back. Kaoruko went up to accept the award.
“This award is dedicated to all of our staff. We put this calendar out on a tight schedule, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the teamwork, work ethic, and dedication of our entire staff. Let’s do it again!” Kaoruko joked, raising the award.
After the awards, dessert was served, and then everyone moved around to socialize or go drink on the upper decks. Maya followed Claudine up to the top deck, and they leaned against the rail staring out on the black waters of the bay. “Let’s get rich enough to buy a boat,” Claudine teased.
“Ok, as big as this one?”
“Bigger.”
“Oh, my girlfriend has expensive taste.”
“I do.”
“Excuse me-”
Maya and Claudine looked up at the new voice to see Kocho Shizuha making her way towards them on the deck, an absolutely terrible looking green beverage in her hand. She sipped on it, swallowed, and smiled. “I don’t mean to interrupt, I just wanted to greet you before I go.”
“Hi Shizuha, it’s good to see you! Are you leaving early?” Claudine asked.
Shizuha nodded. “I’m still getting used to seeing so many people, but this was really fun. I’m so happy Frontier won an award tonight!”
“Yes, congratulations!” Claudine gushed, hugging her old friend. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay longer?”
Shizuha shook her head. “No, Aruru and I are going to make cookies, and then I have to log in to my game later on, I can’t be late. I just wanted to say hello, and let you know that I will see you around next year.”
“You’re not quitting!” Claudine smiled as she said this, realizing what Shizuha was really saying.
Shizuha, in turn, smiled wider than Maya had ever seen her. “Kirin is in jail. We’re free. I can do whatever I want without worrying about him lurking around. I think I’m actually going to enjoy modeling for the first time next year.”
They said goodbye to Shizuha and decided to also leave a little early, planning to walk along the harbour until they got to the bus stop to take them back to Kachidoki. On the way off the boat they ran into Yumeoji Fumi fussing over her little sister who it appeared had a bit too much to drink, and then Futaba and Kaoruko making out on one of the shadowy corners of the upper decks. Maya pulled Claudine past quietly so they didn’t have to face Kaoruko’s wrath at being interrupted, but pulled her nearly directly into her mother as they turned a corner.
“Leaving already, Maya?”
Maya nodded. “We’re getting on a flight tomorrow, so we didn’t want to stay out too late.”
“I heard you decided to renew your contract,” her mother said. Her posture was as stiff as always, but to Maya she looked softer than she had in years. The only severity in her tone was the fact that she had to learn the outcome of Maya’s contract issue through the rumor mill, and not from Maya herself. Maya wondered when that change happened, and if it was a change in her mother herself, or in the way she saw her mother.
“I did. We should… we should get lunch when I get back, and we can talk about it.”
“Alright. Let me know when you’re back in town.”
Maya nodded. She wondered if it was possible, if she could try again with her mother, if she could mend what felt like deep fractures between them. Perhaps it was the glow of having a new girlfriend and a few champagne toasts, but she was hopeful. “Ok, I will. Goodnight, mom.”
Once she and Claudine were out under the moonlight, Maya took a deep breath. She let her posture relax a bit. She was out of the line of sight of the industry people, she didn’t have to keep her public persona up any longer. Beside her, Claudine unstrapped her heeled sandals and held them in her hand as she walked along the paved path in her stockings. She slipped her free hand into Maya’s.
“Did you have fun?” Claudine asked.
“It was alright,” Maya said.
“Missing something?”
Maya shrugged.
Claudine nodded. “I thought the boat could have at least left the dock.”
Maya laughed. “Then we couldn’t have left early.”
“True.” Claudine stopped on the harbour path and turned towards the water, standing up on one of the large rocks placed to break the tide and staring out into the darkened bay. “I liked seeing everyone.”
Maya joined her on the rock, still searching and coming up empty for some resentment, some angst over missing out on the “best runway show” award. It was what she wanted, wasn’t it? Since they weren’t giving out individual awards, that was as close as she would get to ‘the top’. And yet she couldn’t find any anger, any loss over missing the mark. “I was jealous of Yukishiro-san,” she said, after a moment.
“Still?” Claudine asked, looking up at her with a concerned expression.
“She was getting kisses from Tsuruhime-san the whole night.”
Claudine shoved her playfully, rolling her eyes. “Ugh, come here. You’re so corny when you want to be.” But she did lean towards Maya, kissing her gently at first, and then more passionately, as the water misted their ankles and the darkness cloaked them from the world. “Do you even know how many kisses you have coming to you on our trip?”
“Not enough,” Maya teased back. “I’m greedy, remember?”
“You’re insufferable,” Claudine said, kissing the edge of Maya’s lips in a way that she didn’t know she loved.
“Come on, I want to go home,” Maya prompted, picking up Claudine’s dropped shoes.
“Completely insufferable.”
“You knew what you were getting into.”
Claudine stepped down from the rocks, holding Maya’s hand again as they stepped back onto the path, Tokyo Bay on one side and the city on the other. The moon was bright overhead. “Alright. Let’s go home.”