Scott and Bobby were in the midst of a video call, surrounded by the serene ambiance of a dimly lit room. The only source of illumination was a large window on the opposing wall with its blinds closed, casting slender beams of sunlight across the dark hardwood floor. In the center of the room sat a large mahogany desk, cluttered with papers and a laptop. Bobby Johnson, a late middle-aged man with a serious expression, sat behind the desk and stared intently at his laptop screen. He donned a crisp white shirt and a dark suit jacket, with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Scott Jackson, the manager of the Syndicate Girls Band, was seated in a penthouse living room surrounded by suitcases and tour equipment. He wore a black t-shirt and jeans, with disheveled hair, looking tired, stressed, but determined.
"I'll discuss the matter with the girls after our Tokyo concert," Scott stated. "I don't want to diminish their energy levels by dropping the bomb, Boss." Bobby leaned back in his chair and pondered the proposal. "Ensure you handle everything as soon as possible," he replied. Scott nodded, affirming, "Affirmative, Boss." Bobby glanced at Scott for a moment, his expression indecipherable, before nodding in satisfaction and terminating the call. The screen turned black, and Bobby shut his laptop with a sigh. As the conversation ended, Scott couldn't help feeling a sense of foreboding. He knew the decision he had to make would be challenging, but he couldn't shake the feeling that it was crucial for the band's future.
He packed his belongings, preparing to face the girls and deliver the news. He examined his the hotel room, taking in the somber, chilly ambiance and the weight on his shoulders. He knew this choice would have consequences, but he also knew it was the best one for the band and their career.
Scott arrived at the concert venue in Tokyo, where the Syndicate Girls Band was slated to perform. As he made his way to the dressing room, he couldn't help feeling a sense of apprehension in his gut. He knew that what he had to do would be difficult, but he couldn't shake the feeling that it was necessary for the band's future.
When he entered the dressing room, the girls were rehearsing on stage. As they rehearsed the final lyrics of the song, Scott approached the stage. The girls all looked up, smiling and waving. He smiled back, attempting to hide his jitters.
"Hey, Scott!" one of the girls, Cassandra, greeted him. "How did the call with Bobby go?" Scott took a deep breath before responding, "It went well. We discussed some vital issues concerning the band's future."
The girls looked at him with curiosity and concern. He knew he had to tell them the news as soon as possible.
"Girls, I have some news to share with you," Scott stated, his voice unwavering. "We'll discuss it more after the concert tonight, but for now, let's concentrate on giving the best performance of our lives."
The girls all nodded, determined to put on a fantastic show. Scott could see the determination in their eyes as they resumed rehearsing, and he knew they would persevere. He only hoped that this decision would ultimately lead to a brighter future for the band.
"Keep the vibe going, ladies! This is our final international concert of the year. "We want to leave a mark that will last longer than a politician's promises!" Scott exclaimed, trying to hype up the crowd even more. The girls beamed at him, responding in unison, "We're giving it all we've got, Scott!" "You're our rock!" They were ecstatic about the concert that night, as it was their last show of the year, and they wanted to leave a lasting impact on the audience.
As the lights dimmed, the concert hall erupted in wild cheers, signaling the start of the Syndicate Girls' Tokyo concert. The air was thick with excitement, and the crowd's energy was palpable. The night came alive as the band began to play, and the audience erupted into a frenzy of cheers and applause as the Syndicate Girls took the stage. The four girls walked onto the stage to thunderous applause, each looking like a rockstar goddess in her own right.
Cassandra, the lead vocal and violist, greeted the audience with a respectful bow, earning her immediate affection from the Tokyo crowd. "東京に挨拶！(Tōkyō ni aisatsu!)" she said, before addressing the crowd in English. "Are you ready to rock?" she asked, her confident smile spreading infectious excitement throughout the hall.
Kadia, the bassist, strode up to the microphone with her bass guitar slung over her shoulder, ready to take charge. "We're not just a girl band," she said, her voice dripping with attitude. "We're a classical rock n' roll symphony."
Siti Sara, the guitarist, chimed in with a witty joke in Japanese, "東京、あなたを揺さぶります！(Tōkyō, anata wo yusaburimasu!)" “Tokyo, we will rock you!” "Let's show this city what rock and roll is really all about! And I hope everyone brought their earplugs, because we're about to turn it up to eleven." The audience roared in approval, loving her playful banter.
Bethany, the keyboardist, delivered the punchline, speaking fluently in Japanese. "こちらこそ！皆さんが叫ぶのが喉が枯れ、踊る足が疲れるまで止まりません！(Kochira koso! Minasan ga sakebu no ga nodo ga kare, odoru ashi ga tsukareru made tomarimasen!) (That's right, folks! And we won't stop until you're all hoarse from screaming and your feet can't dance anymore!)" Her quip sent the audience into a fit of laughter, proving the girls were more than just talented musicians.
As the concert ignited that evening, the Syndicate band's girls unleashed their energy with a fusion of classical music and rock n' roll that electrified the audience. The concert kicked off with a bang, and the girls played with an unparalleled level of passion and precision, leaving the audience stunned. Cassandra's fingers soared over the violin strings, while Kadia's bass resonated with power. Siti Sara's guitar frets hummed with a wild and rebellious spirit, and Bethany's keyboard keys danced with the rhythm. The concert hall transformed into a musical battleground, and the audience roared with excitement, entranced by the band's mesmerizing performance.
As the concert reached its climax, the girls launched into their final song, "Blow." The stage exploded with lights, smoke, and confetti as the audience sang along, lost in the frenzy of the moment. The girls played with a level of intensity that was nothing short of a hurricane, and the crowd matched their energy. It was a concert that would go down in Tokyo's history books, and the Syndicate Girls had rocked the city to its core.
Blow
[Verse 1 - Cassandra]
I'm the one who's got the flow
No one can blow like I blow
The crowd goes wild; they can't get enough
My style is unique, and it's a must-see, don't miss out on me.
[Chorus]
I'm the best; no need to guess
'Cause I'm the one who BlowS
My reputation's top-notch, no one can top that
You can tell by the way that I Blow
[Verse 2 - Siti Sara]
When the crowd starts to shout, my sound is still proud
I keep it going like a never-ending cloud
The stage is mine; it's time to show
You won't believe what I can Blow
[Chorus]
I'm the best; no need to guess
'Cause I'm the one who BlowS
My reputation's top-notch, no one can top that
You can tell by the way that I Blow
[Verse 1 - Kadia]
Can't nobody do it better cuz I'm the best
I outshine 'em all; I put 'em to the test
My swagger's off the chain, and my style won't rest
Wherever I go, you can hear the people say
[Chorus]
Blow! Blow!
That's all they know
My style's unmatched, and my flow's the show
Leave 'em shook; they can't handle me no more
I'm coming in like a storm; hear me roar
[Verse 2 - Bethany]
I'm the best, that's what I'm gonna say
Nobody gonna get in my way
Driver's seat, don't need no keys
When I'm doing my thing, you can see it in my stride
Watch me climb and running' with the heat
No one gonna hold me back when I'm on a roll
I'm all about that hustle, taking over control
[Chorus]
Blow, Blow, feel the wind blow
My confidence is through the roof so let it show
I'm gonna keep pushing 'til I reach the top
Gonna do it, big
Blow, Blow, feel the wind blow
The girls sang their hit song "Blow" for 4.31 minutes.
As the last notes of their song faded away, the Syndicate girls took their final bows to thunderous applause. ""ありがとう、東京！(Arigatō, Tōkyō!)"" exclaimed Bethany into the microphone, eliciting even more cheers from the crowd. Siti Sara put down her guitar and stepped forward to join her bandmate. "素晴らしい夜をありがとう。(Subarashii yoru wo arigatō.)," she said with a smile. "Thank you for an amazing night!" "We'll be back, Tokyo!" the girls shouted in unison, bowing as a group. Sweat poured from their faces as they took their final bows, and the crowd roared their approval, their energy fueling the girls for their next performance.
The girls sashayed off the stage, their steps pulsating with the electric energy of a triumphant performance. "That was absolutely mind-blowing!" exclaimed Siti Sara, slapping hands with her bandmates as they made their way towards the backstage area, still basking in the afterglow of their incredible show.
Scott, who had been watching from the wings, was practically bursting with excitement. "Ladies, we just rocked Tokyo to its core!" he exclaimed, his voice trembling with awe and elation. "That was an out-of-this-world performance. I haven't seen a crowd that wild since I ran with the bulls in Pamplona!"
The girls were charmed by Scott's sense of humor, and they couldn't help but laugh. "We couldn't have done it without you, Scott," Cassandra said with pride in her voice. "You're our secret weapon."
Scott's grin stretched from ear to ear. "I prefer to think of myself as a ninja in a suit," he quipped, earning chuckles from the girls. "Let's hope our success doesn't take us so high that we get our heads lost in the clouds!"
As they headed towards the dressing room, a group of fans rushed towards them, clamoring for autographs and selfies. A teenage girl with blunt bangs exclaimed, "You girls were amazing! I can't believe I got to see you perform live!"
Siti Sara responded with a genuine and warm smile, "Thank you so much! We're grateful to have fans like you."
As the girls signed autographs and posed for pictures, Scott cracked another joke, "You know what they say, ladies. Success is 10% talent and 90% not being in jail!" The girls giggled, and the fans erupted in applause, thrilled to be in the presence of such a witty band manager.
As they piled into the car and headed back to the hotel, Siti Sara's thoughts turned to Vanessa. She longed to be with her girlfriend, but the need for secrecy weighed heavily on her mind. Robert, Vanessa's father, and the King Queen Music management were both in the dark about their relationship, and they weren't ready to face their disapproval.
Suddenly, Siti Sara's phone buzzed, and she glanced down to see a message from Vanessa. "That was an incredible performance tonight, babe," the text read. A surge of happiness filled Siti Sara's chest as she read the message. "Thank you, love," she replied. "I miss you already."
Bethany, who had been watching Siti Sara with a sly grin on her face, leaned in curiously. "Who's texting you, girl?" she teased, her eyes alight with mischief.
Siti Sara hesitated for a moment, her mind racing to come up with a plausible excuse. "My mom," she lied, hoping to evade any further questioning.
As the car pulled away, Siti Sara stared out of the window, the weight of her melancholy crushing her heart. The feeling of missing Vanessa was unbearable, and the thought of hiding their relationship for any longer felt like a heavy burden that threatened to break her. She knew they had to be patient and wait for the right moment to reveal their love to the world, but the anticipation was tearing her apart. After all, good things come to those who wait, but how long can they wait?
"どうもありがとうございます。(Dōmo arigatō gozaimasu.)," they thanked the driver in Japanese as they stepped out of the car and bowed respectfully.
Siti Sara trailed the other girls towards the luxurious lobby, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of Vanessa. Her longing for her girlfriend was a constant ache, one that refused to be ignored. She missed her touch, her laughter, and the warmth of her embrace. She yearned to hold her in her arms once more, to feel their bodies entwined as they talked about everything and nothing. However, Siti Sara was determined not to let her longing overshadow her last day in Tokyo with her bandmates.
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As they entered the lobby, their publicists greeted them with congratulations on their successful show. The girls were handed their schedules for the next day, including interviews and fan meetings, to complete their international tour.
Siti Sara tried to muster up some excitement for the day ahead, but her mind kept drifting back to Vanessa. She received her schedule, which included interviews and fan meetings, but couldn't shake off thoughts of her lover.
The band members settled into their penthouse suite living rooms, still buzzing from the energy of the concert. They reminisced about their performance, each bringing their own unique perspective to the conversation.
"Bethany, your Japanese was amazing!" Kadia exclaimed, still in awe of her bandmate's linguistic prowess.
"I'm pretty sure I made a few mistakes," Bethany laughed, "but I'm glad they liked it!"
Cassandra nodded, "Nights like these make all the hard work worth it. There's nothing like connecting with the audience through music."
As they wrapped up their discussion, Bethany's phone buzzed, and she excitedly read the live media coverage. "Looks like our Tokyo fans loved us so much that they want us to come back soon!"
The other girls cheered, and Scott, their manager, appeared with a huge grin on his face. "You've conquered Tokyo, ladies! Who knows? Maybe next stop, the world!"
Siti Sara laughed along with the others, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Vanessa. She couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them and whether they could ever be together openly. But she knew they had to be strong and persevere in the face of adversity. And most importantly, love each other deeply, no matter what.
Cassandra noticed the distant look on Siti Sara's face and nudged her. "What's going on, Siti Sara?"
Siti Sara forced a smile and replied, "Just feeling a bit homesick."
Bethany interjected, "Don't worry, Siti Sara. We'll make sure to have a great time tomorrow to take your mind off things."
Although Siti Sara appreciated her bandmates' efforts, she still couldn't shake off the emptiness in her heart. As she lay in bed that night, she thought of Vanessa and how much she wished she was with her.
Despite her sadness, Siti Sara also felt a sense of pride and accomplishment for everything they had achieved on tour. They had worked tirelessly to get to this point, and she was determined to make the most of every moment in Tokyo.
"We can't let our last day be a downer," Bethany said, trying to lift their spirits. "Let's get some rest, and we'll make it a day to remember tomorrow!"
Siti Sara nodded and followed the rest of the girls towards their shared bedrooms. As she lay in bed, her mind wandered back to Vanessa. She wondered when they would be able to reveal their love to the world, and a small voice in the back of her mind whispered, "Maybe it's time to stop waiting and start living."
The following day was packed with fan meet-and-greets, interviews, and preparations for the group's return to Los Angeles.
As Scott's phone buzzed with messages from Bobby, he felt his stomach knotting. "Have you already informed our dear divas?" he asked, knowing it was an inopportune moment. Scott pondered over breaking the news during their private flight to Los Angeles. After all, they had just dazzled their fans with an epic performance, and the girls needed to be at their zenith meeting fans.
While the Syndicate band and crew boarded the plane, Siti Sara's mind drifted back to Vanessa, whom she missed dearly. It had been three months since they had last met in person, and finding time to catch up with their busy schedules had been a challenge. However, Vanessa's reply to her message sparked a glimmer of hope in Siti Sara's heart. Vanessa had written, "I can't wait to embrace you and luxuriate in your musky aroma once more," which brought a smile to Siti Sara's face. Despite the distance that separated them, the two lovers eagerly anticipated their reunion on Thanksgiving.
On the plane, on the way to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Scott couldn't help but feel anxious. He knew that he had to address the issue head-on, but he didn't want to come across as harsh or unsympathetic. He paused for a moment, taking a deep breath and reminding himself that he was the girls' manager and it was his responsibility to ensure their well-being. Scott had intended to give them a stern talking-to on the private plane, but he decided to wait until they landed. He knew that he needed to approach this delicately if he wanted to get through to them. With renewed determination, he made his way towards the terminal, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
The day after arriving in Los Angeles, Scott gathered the Syndicate band members - Siti Sara, Bethany, Cassandra, and Kadia - for a meeting at the King Queen Musical Company's label management office.
"Girls, we need to talk," he said firmly
"What's going on?" Cassandra asked, a hint of concern in her voice.
As the girls settled into the meeting room, Siti Sara noticed Scott's grave expression and felt a sense of unease. "Siti Sara," he began, looking directly at her, "can you shed some light on the situation with Vanessa?"
Siti Sara's heart skipped a beat.
The other girls looked just as confused. "What are you talking about?" Bethany asked.
Scott let out a heavy sigh before explaining, "As per the contracts you all signed, you agreed not to engage in any romantic relationships and to maintain your public personas to preserve both your fame and our business dealings."
Kadia was taken aback. "What exactly are you trying to say?" she asked. "We're all good friends with Vanessa. Has she done something wrong?"
Scott shook his head. "No, this has nothing to do with Vanessa. It's about our business. Have any of you reviewed the details of the eight-year contract with King Queen Music recently?" He raised an eyebrow and let out a wry chuckle. "The irony of success: we sacrifice our freedom for it, and then we have to pay to keep it."
Siti Sara's heart sank. She had a feeling she knew where the conversation was headed. "What's the issue, Scott?" she asked anxiously.
Scott took a deep breath before continuing. "The contract prohibits any of you from being in relationships and requires you to maintain a certain public persona to preserve both fame and business dealings."
Kadia looked confused. "I'm not sure I understand. What's the problem?"
"Well," Scott said, "Bobby is threatening legal action for breach of contract. Are any of you prepared to negotiate a settlement? Are you willing to pay a settlement to Bobby for breaking this contract?"
Siti Sara's heart sank further. She knew what Scott was referring to. "I have to be honest with you all," she said, her voice shaking. "My religion prohibits homosexuality, and I'm in a relationship with another woman."
There was a stunned silence around the table.
"I understand that this could potentially lead to Muslim countries and Muslim fans boycotting our albums and deals, causing significant financial loss for the company," Scott said gravely. "We need to figure out a way to handle this situation without damaging our reputation or our bottom line."
Scott presented the group with a list of countries where being openly gay is punishable by imprisonment or even death. "In these places, LGBT+ rights are severely limited, and coming out as gay can have severe consequences," he said, trying to keep the tone as neutral as possible.
He went on to list some examples, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, Nigeria, Brunei, and Jamaica. "This is just a small sample of the many countries where LGBT+ rights are restricted, and individuals can face severe consequences for their sexual orientation or gender identity."
As the Syndicate girls huddled together, the tension in the air was palpable. Siti Sara, a Muslim Arab-Malay woman, couldn't help but feel anxious as she read through the list of countries where homosexuality was punishable by imprisonment or death. The realization of the danger that her sexual orientation posed to her life and freedom weighed heavily on her mind.
Growing up in a culture and religion that placed strict expectations on women, Siti Sara knew that her family and relatives would never approve of her love for another woman. Her family's disapproval and the fear of the consequences of being open about her sexuality had become a heavy burden for her, making her wonder if she would ever be able to live freely as herself.
Despite the pressure to pursue a more traditional Islamic career, Siti Sara chose to follow her passion for singing, a decision that brought her much joy but also many conflicts as she struggled to reconcile her love for music with her culture and religion. Her aunt, Fatimah, was the only one who truly understood and supported her, but even with her by her side, Siti Sara felt a sense of isolation and fear. She hadn't told her aunt about her relationship with Vanessa, unsure of how she would react and fearful of the potential consequences.
Kadia broke the silence with a humorous remark: "I suppose we can cross 'performing for the Sultan of Brunei' off our bucket list." The tension in the room dissipated, and the girls shared a much-needed laugh. However, they all knew that the situation was serious, and they had to continue the conversation.
Scott's voice interrupted, "We must be aware of the risks and realities of the world we live in. In some places, being openly gay can be a matter of life and death."
Bethany's anger flared, "It's absurd that some people still live in the Stone Age. This is why I despise religion. Religion justifies killing people, same as war."
Cassandra was contemplative. "We have a platform to raise awareness and advocate for change. Let's use our voices to fight for equality." Bethany agreed, "We can't stay silent in the face of such injustice."
Siti Sara mustered the courage to speak up. "You know, my aunt is the only one in my family who truly supports me pursuing music. And I haven't told her I'm in love with Vanessa."
Scott's eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation. The weight of responsibility sat heavily on his shoulders. The Syndicate was more than just a band; it was a business, and he had to make sure that it continued to thrive. He took a deep breath and spoke in a low, steady voice.
"Siti Sara, I understand this is difficult for you. Love is a powerful force, and it can feel like the world is against you. But we must consider the bigger picture here. We've signed a contract with Bobby, and we can't afford to breach it. If we do, the consequences could be dire."
Siti Sara's eyes were puffy from tears, and she appeared to have lost a part of herself. "I understand we need to think about the band and our fans, Scott. But what about my own happiness and Vanessa's? Love is not something that you can just turn off like a switch."
Scott exhaled heavily. "I wish it were easy, Siti Sara. However, life often requires us to make tough decisions, even if they're unpopular, for the greater good. You're not only doing this for yourself, but you're also doing it for the band, our fans, and everyone who believes in us."
"Scott, I disagree," Bethany interjected, "Syndicate fans will embrace Siti Sara regardless of whoever she's in a relationship with."
Scott raised his eyebrows, "Bethany, as you know, over 30% of Syndicate's fans come from Muslim countries. Our debut album has sold over three million copies in those regions alone."
The room was tense with the weight of the conversation. Kadia's voice, laced with sympathy, broke the silence. "But is it really fair to ask Siti Sara to make this sacrifice?" she asked. "She's in love with Vanessa, and it's not like they're hurting anyone by being together."
Scott, shook his head gravely. "I wish it were that simple, Kadia," he replied. "But as I said before, business and religion often conflict. Bobby has strict rules about relationships, and we have to abide by them if we want to continue working with him. I know it's not fair, but that's just the way it is."
At this, a wry smile tugged at Scott's lips, and he turned to the rest of the group. "Ah, the age-old question," he mused. "What weighs more, the love of music or the love of a person? We may never know, but either way, we better make sure we don't hit a sour note with Bobby."
The room fell silent once more, the tension palpable. Kadia bit her lip, clearly torn between loyalty to her friend and the pragmatic realities of their situation. Meanwhile, Scott rubbed his temples wearily, clearly feeling the weight of his position as the group's de facto manager.
As the silence dragged on, it became clear that this was more than just a debate about business and personal relationships. It was a clash of values, a collision between the desire for artistic freedom and the need to make a living. And as the group grappled with these competing priorities, the lines between friend and foe began to blur, and the stakes grew ever higher.
Bethany's voice cut through the air like a knife. "And what about Vanessa?" she demanded. "You're just going to ask her to give up the person she loves, too? That's messed up, Scott."
Feeling a headache coming on, Scott rubbed his temples and said, "I know it's not an ideal situation, Bethany. But we have to think about the long-term consequences. If we don't end their relationship, we could be facing legal fines and fees, not to mention the damage it could do to our reputation. We can't afford to take that risk."
As the phone rang again, Scott picked it up with a sigh. After listening for a few moments, he hung up and turned to face the group.
"I just got off the phone with Bobby. He's not budging on this. We have to end Siti Sara and Vanessa's relationship, or we risk losing everything we've worked for. I'm sorry, but we don't have a choice."
The atmosphere in the room was heavy and tense, suffocatingly so, with the only sound being the soft crying of someone. Siti Sara appeared to be on the verge of collapse, her eyes red-rimmed and puffy, evidence of her distress.
Scott put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I know this is hard, Siti Sara. But I believe in you. You're strong enough to make this sacrifice for the greater good. And who knows? Maybe in the future, things will work out differently. But for now, we have to do what we have to do."
Cassandra nodded in agreement, but Bethany looked skeptical. "But what about their happiness?" "You can't just ask them to throw that away."
Scott sighed. "I know it's not fair, but it's the reality of the situation." "We have to do what's best for the band."
Cassandra, who had recently read Sun Tzu's "The Art of War," quipped, "In that case, we must approach this situation like a wise general. We must use tactics that outsmart our opponent without resorting to force. Is there a way for them to handle this more discreetly?"
"Vanessa is a lovely girl," Kadia chimed in. "They're just in love with each other." Kadia looked at Siti Sara. "Siti Sara, have you spoken with Vanessa about this?"
Siti Sara nodded. "I'll talk to Vanessa and see if we can find a way to navigate this delicate situation."
Kadia, who was known for her sharp wit, replied, "Well, I guess it's true what they say, 'Lawyers are like nuclear warheads, you don't want to use them, but you damn sure want to have them.'"
Scott nodded in agreement, "Indeed, but we don't want this to escalate into a full-blown legal battle. That would be like bringing a knife to a gunfight."
Scott added, "We'll give you two or three days to sort things out with Vanessa." I'll check in with Robert again tomorrow.
"Oh my, Robert knew..." Siti Sara felt trapped in a difficult situation, but she knew that she had to make a decision for her own well-being and that of her colleagues. She would talk to Vanessa and find a way to navigate this delicate situation.
The room fell silent as they absorbed the gravity of the situation. Siti Sara was torn between her love for Vanessa and her duty to the Syndicate. It was a painful decision to make, and one that would have far-reaching consequences. As the girls left the room, each lost in thought, the weight of the decision hung heavily in the air.