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Sakura Mazaki

@sakuramazaki.bsky.social

59 followers 30 following 170 posts

Canadian author of the young adult fantasy adventure series The Tarot Cards, and various other fantasy and romance novels. https://christinamaharaj.wordpress.com/ https://mybook.to/CMBooks #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #Romance #Fantasy #CanadianAuthor

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Sakura Mazaki @sakuramazaki.bsky.social · 11h

So it's a surprise run in while she's a bit out of sorts. (Things actually go more downhill from there for her.)

Sakura Mazaki @sakuramazaki.bsky.social · 11h

They meet again in the middle of the night while she's moving back into her parents' apartment that they rent out, after her roommate kicked her out so her fiancé could live there. >.<

Theo had just moved back to town and felt nostalgic, so he visited his old apartment and found her moving in.

Sakura Mazaki @sakuramazaki.bsky.social · 1d

#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #IdolHearts #battery

Theo walked up to her at her desk. "We can't be complacent. She could be waiting for you to emerge from the house. How about we charge it now, before you forget again?" He reached for her phone.
"Fine." Skylar snatched it before he could. But if it's not dead, I'll probably get more of those texts...
His hand froze mid-reach, and he eyed her suspiciously. He watched as she plugged her phone in and made sure it showed the empty battery-charging symbol.
"You don't have to worry so much about calling me when you're out; I'm not going anywhere." For now.
"But I like being able to call you again, like the old days. It's been great having you in my life again, minus the troubles you've been having. Is it so bad to want to call to talk?"
"We can talk when you get home."
Theo frowned. "Is something going on?"
"..." Why is he asking that? "You know a lot is going on."
"And you know I meant to ask if there's something you're not telling me."
"Can you let me finish, please?"
"Fine." Theo flopped onto her bed, his arms behind his head as he watched her.
He's too perceptive for his own good sometimes. Skylar shook her head and refocused.
Theo's body, aching from too much dancing earlier, finally relaxed. By the time Skylar finished and turned around holding the last costume, Theo was asleep.

Sakura Mazaki @sakuramazaki.bsky.social · 1d

They have a complicated history (childhood best friends that grew up in the same apartment building), and I'd say feelings resurface quickly (not all good ones), but aren't addressed right away.

Sakura Mazaki @sakuramazaki.bsky.social · 2d

This is a reunion near the beginning of the novel. They'll definitely end up close again.

Sakura Mazaki @sakuramazaki.bsky.social · 3d

#WIPSnips #IdolHearts #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #safe

"So, there are a couple of things we still need to find, but I can research areas nearby for us to go to tomorrow when they're open." Skylar couldn't stop herself from yawning for the umpteenth time.
Daniel looked at his watch. "I guess it's gotten kinda late. Let me drive you home."
"It's okay; I don't want you to go out of your way."
"You really need to learn to let people help you out more. It's late, you're an attractive woman, and these streets aren't exactly safe, so let me drive you home, even if it's only for my peace of mind."
Skylar took a deep breath.
"You normally take a bus or taxi, right?"
"Yeah... Okay, I see your point. I'll take you up on your offer, thank you." Skylar grabbed her things and the two of them headed out. It wasn't a long drive to her place, but her head kept dipping as she struggled to keep her eyes open.
I'm more tired than I thought.
Daniel pulled up in front of her apartment building. "Here, right? And you're out cold..." He lightly shook her shoulders. "Wakey, wakey. I know you're tired, but you need to sleep in your own bed, and I don't know which apartment is yours."
"Hmm? Oh! I'm sorry, I—"
"Don't worry about it, but I'm glad I drove you home. I can only imagine what could happen if you fell asleep on the bus."

Sakura Mazaki @sakuramazaki.bsky.social · 3d

Not inspired by real-life idols. More of the 'what it' type.

Sakura Mazaki @sakuramazaki.bsky.social · 4d

#WIPSnips #IdolHearts #miss #WritingCommunity #WriteSky

"What's wrong with old friends hugging? Last time I did this, you ran into my arms."
"The last time you did that was when we were teenagers, and you moved away."
"Yes, and doesn't the touching farewell also deserve a touching reunion?" He took another step closer.
"But..." She stepped away and bumped into the elevator wall, her heart racing. "I mean, you don't talk to someone for years, and expect everything to be how it used to?" They did text each other for a while, but when he got busy with his pop band, he stopped responding. She didn't blame him, considering the circumstances, but remembering still stung.
He frowned, his arms lowering a bit. "Does that mean you're mad at me? I know things got a little heated at the end there, and we just drifted apart and stopped talking, right?"
"We remember things quite differently."
He tilted his head to the side, frowning.
"But no, I'm not mad at you." I let go of you as a close friend a long time ago.
"Then this shouldn't be a problem." Theo wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug. "Damn, I've missed you," he whispered into her ear.
She hesitated for a moment and hugged him back. When she did, his shoulders relaxed, and he sighed. "Me too... I've missed you, Theo." Better not get too attached. Probably won't see him for years after today. She went to move back, and his grip tightened.
"It's been so long, Sky..." He buried his face in her hair, and she flinched as his warm breath blew at her neck.

Sakura Mazaki @sakuramazaki.bsky.social · 9d

Supernatural marathon month!

Too bad it seems some of my DVDs don't work anymore... 😭

a man in a jacket stands next to another man with the words that was scary written in red

ALT: a man in a jacket stands next to another man with the words that was scary written in red

media.tenor.com

Sakura Mazaki @sakuramazaki.bsky.social · 11d

#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #IdolHearts #bear

Bear shows up quite a few times in this passage.

Skylar grumbled, debating with herself in her head. He's daring enough to do it. I know he is. "Fine."
Theo helped her stand. "Be quick; you need some rest before the show."
"As if I can rest under these circumstances."
"Maybe not your full night of sleep, but I'll make sure you sleep somehow."
Skylar rushed into her bedroom and filled another bag other than the one she had brought to work. I don't know what's crazier about today, having a break-in, or how Theo's acting.
"I wouldn't worry about toothpaste or any of that kind of stuff." Theo looked around her apartment and spotted the teddy bear on the couch. "I remember you." He poked the plush polar bear. "I got you for Sky when we were little. I'm glad you weren't injured by the invader. We should probably take you." He picked up the polar bear.
"Okay; I should be good for now." Skylar came out of her bedroom and spotted him with the polar bear.
"You were going to leave him behind?"
"Well..." Doesn't it come across as childish?
"Nothing wrong with having a stuffed animal. If anything, you probably need him more now." Theo wiggled the bear around. "Mr. Bear, or Cuddles, which was it?"
"Uh... Technically, both."
"First name Cuddles, last name Bear?"
"Yeah..."

Sakura Mazaki @sakuramazaki.bsky.social · 16d

#WritingCommunity #WriteSky #IdolHearts #WIPSnips #leave

"That sounds amazing. I'm so proud of you, Theo." Her father patted him on the shoulder. "Make sure you say hi to your brother for me."
"Will do. So, can I help you out?"
"I'm not sure a celebrity like you should be seen..." Skylar trailed off when he took the box out of her hands.
"Your old apartment, I'm assuming?"
"Yes, Theo, thank you." Her father walked beside him with a box of his own.
Skylar grabbed a different box and closed the vehicle door, too worried about someone trying to rob her to leave the door open. She rushed to catch up to them and the three of them got into the elevator.
"So." Theo nudged her. "Are you going to tell me why you're moving into your parents' old place in the middle of the night?"
"Short version?"
"Any version works for me."
"My roommate illegally threw me out and changed the locks while I was busy at work because she wants to live with her fiancé."
"Ouch." He grimaced. "This all makes sense now. Sorry you went through that."
Skylar shook her head. "It's not your fault, so you don't have to apologize."
"I know, but something tells me she's not going to, and you deserve an apology."
"Well, thanks, anyway..."

Sakura Mazaki @sakuramazaki.bsky.social · 23d

#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #IdolHearts #difference

"And what will you be doing?"
"Other than keeping you company, giving input, and giving my support in any way?" Theo held his arms off to the side. "You can take my measurements to start with a prototype."
"But I need fabric for that."
"We're good on that, along with other things that go on the costumes."
Skylar tilted her head to the side. "When did you guys have time to do that? And I like picking out my own fabric."
"If something's missing, we'll take you to pick it out when your ankle is better. It should only be a few days, based on what Jonas says, and he's generally right."
"Yeah, okay... but how long do I have to make the costumes and get them approved?"
"Approved? All that takes is the five of us agreeing... Well, it's more like the six of us agreeing on them. Just leave your sketchbook with me, and I'll ask the others." Theo winked at her. "Now." He plugged his USB into the big TV, taking up most of the wall across from them. "It's time for you to watch our practice for the line-up." He grabbed his remote control and plopped down beside her on the bed. "For the first set, I think you already have a good design for it. We prefer to have little differences based on our personality for the outfits, though." Theo turned the pages in her sketchbook until he landed on the design he was looking for.
"Of course."
"Hey, when did you add to these? You're already making different versions of the same costume for us?"

Sakura Mazaki @sakuramazaki.bsky.social · 25d

#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #IdolHearts #other

"I know you're tired, but I don't think this is a good place to nap." Daniel, one of the other designers at the company, poked her again with the bottle of water. "Drink up."
"Thanks, Daniel," Skylar sighed and took a sip of water.
"I don't know why you let her work you so hard." He sat down in the chair next to hers.
"Shouldn't you be out there, watching?"
"Everything should be fine now. They don't need me out there..."
"That's not what I was talking about, and you know it." Daniel sighed. "You should be showing off your designs by now; you've paid your dues."
"As long as everything goes well tonight, Patricia has promised to showcase me in the next exhibit."
Daniel frowned a bit as he nodded. "Congrats, I guess."
"What's wrong...?"
"It's hard to say, since I've only heard it through the grapevine, but she's been said to use other's designs and slap her name on it."
"Are you kidding?"
"Of course not; why would I joke about that?"
"She hasn't done that to you, has she?" Skylar asked.
"No, but I was established before I came here. I'm serious, Sky; be careful with her. Don't let her steal from you."
"Of course not. Thanks for the warning."

Sakura Mazaki @sakuramazaki.bsky.social · Sep 10

#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #IdolHearts #outside

"I wonder what's going on over there." Daniel nudged his head towards the crowd in the park across the street and took a big bite of his burger.
"No idea, and I'd rather not get too close to it." Skylar sighed as she glanced over. A big crowd can't be good... for me, at least.
"Aren't you even at least a little bit curious? I want to go check it out. Sounds like there's cheering and chanting."
"We don't have time for that."
"Not even a few minutes? We're on lunch break, and it definitely hasn't even been a half an hour. Come on, Sky, let's go take a peek." Daniel got up with the last bit of his burger still in his hand.
Skylar rolled her eyes and dragged herself out of her seat, stuffing the rest of the food in her mouth as she went.
As soon as they were outside, the cheering got louder. Skylar cringed and held back. "I'd rather not get too close."
"What are you talking about? Come on." He tugged on her hand. "A quick peek and we can head back to work."
"Ugh," Skylar groaned as he dragged her across the street towards the crowd.
While they couldn't see anything, they could hear people singing.
Wait, I know this song... these voices... It's Strict Beat. He didn't tell me anything about a performance today. Maybe it was on a whim. Either way, I don't want to be caught here.

Sakura Mazaki @sakuramazaki.bsky.social · Sep 9

#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #IdolHearts #pressure

Skylar gave them a little wave and headed inside, up to her apartment. I need to get up earlier if I'm going to make it to work while using the bus, and hopefully, avoid any more questions.
She sighed as she opened the door and stepped on something just inside. An envelope lay on her floor, slipped through the hole.
I shouldn't be getting mail here. I haven't set anything up yet.
She picked up the sealed envelope without any writing on it.
It had to have been delivered personally, then. Was it Theo or Jonas? My parents would leave it on the table after calling me about it. Maybe everyone gets some junk mail.
"Only one way to find out." Skylar opened the envelope and pulled out the letter.
Slink.
"Ow!" Skylar yelped in pain as something sliced across her finger and hit the ground. Her eyes widened as blood seeped out of the fresh cut, dripping down her finger. "Oh my gosh..." On the ground was a razor blade. Who the hell would put something like that in the mail?! She put pressure on her finger, trying to stop the bleeding. Ugh, why is this so bad? Oh, no! This will make it harder to sew.

Sakura Mazaki @sakuramazaki.bsky.social · Sep 5

#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #IdolHearts #event

"Maybe we both are being normal, but neither of us knows each other all that well anymore."
"Come on, Sky; you can't seriously believe that."
"Why not? We know things about each other, obviously, but it's been years, and things change."
"I don't know about that. I think we're still the same at the core, but have a few years of events to catch each other up on. I'm not sure how to go about that, though. I'm a pop star, and you somehow seem as busy as me."
"All my extra work is temporary. My show... Um..." She gripped her hands. "I know it might not be your scene, but would you and Jonas want to come? If you're not busy, that is. I can send you tickets..."
"I'll have to check our schedules, but if we have time, we'd definitely love to come. I've only really seen your earlier designs from when you were in school and did it for fun; it'll be interesting to see how your work has evolved."
"Ah, that's right; you teased me about them before! You know what? You don't have to come—"
"No takebacks, Sky."

Sakura Mazaki @sakuramazaki.bsky.social · Sep 4

#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #coffee #IdolHearts

"I overslept!" She sprang out of bed, tossing her blanket to the floor. "Oh my gosh! Ugh, thanks for waking me, but I need you out." She pushed him out of her bedroom.
Thump. She tripped over a box she hadn't put away yet.
"Ow..."
"Um, are you okay in there? I can help you change if you're that frazzled," Theo spoke through the door as he listened to her fumble around.
"Oh, shut it, Theo." She threw a pillow at the door.
After the light thump, he backed away, snickering. He set up the coffeemaker – which they made sure was ready to use yesterday – and placed two mugs in front of it on the counter as he waited.
By the time she stormed out of her bedroom with her bag, he was sipping on his coffee.
"Crap... I know I was supposed to hang out with you before work, but if I don't leave now, I won't make it down there in time."
He looked at his watch. "It takes that long, or do you start super early?"
"It takes forever by bus." She sighed and took the mug he held out to her. "Thanks, I'm going to need this."
"I'll drive you there, then."
"Don't you use a driver? And that car would stand out too much."
"Generally, yes, but I texted someone to come get us in a normal vehicle." He waved his phone around.

Sakura Mazaki @sakuramazaki.bsky.social · Sep 1

#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #IdolHearts #excuse

"I mean..." I don't know much about him, but... "Considering how bad rent is these days, I don't know how I can find another place nearby with this same budget. And it's hard to find a good roommate."
"Aw, I love you as a roommate, too, but we really want to live together; just the two of us. So... if you could find a new place as soon as possible, it'd be really great."
You'd think living together for five years would mean something to her.
"Can you be out after this week?"
"Excuse me? I've paid for the month already, so you can't kick me out like that."
"I'm not kicking you out; I'm moving my fiancé in."
"Beth, you are kicking me out. Dammit." Skylar rubbed the bridge of her nose. "If you want to do that, I want my rent money back and my deposit back."
"Um..." Beth pouted as she thought. "Sorry, but I don't have the money for that."
Skylar gritted her teeth. "Then get your fiancé to pay for it, since he's the one who's going to be living here."
"Well... He kinda spent his money on this ring—"
"I don't care. If you want me out of here fast, I'm going to need money to find a new place." Skylar could feel tears pricking her eyes. "And you're lucky I'm not asking for more with how you're treating me." She stomped away into her bedroom and slammed her door shut.

Sakura Mazaki @sakuramazaki.bsky.social · Aug 27

#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #IdolHearts #stand

"Um, are you okay in there? I can help you change if you're that frazzled," Theo spoke through the door as he listened to her fumble around.
"Oh, shut it, Theo." She threw a pillow at the door.
After the light thump, he backed away, snickering. He set up the coffeemaker – which they made sure was ready to use yesterday – and placed two mugs in front of it on the counter as he waited.
By the time she stormed out of her bedroom with her bag, he was sipping on his coffee.
"Crap... I know I was supposed to hang out with you before work, but if I don't leave now, I won't make it down there in time."
He looked at his watch. "It takes that long, or do you start super early?"
"It takes forever by bus." She sighed and took the mug he held out to her. "Thanks, I'm going to need this."
"I'll drive you there, then."
"Don't you use a driver? And that car would stand out too much."
"Generally, yes, but I texted someone to come get us in a normal vehicle." He waved his phone around.
"And how long will that take to get here? If it's a while, I need to catch a bus right now, or worse, pay for a cab."
"I contacted them before I went to get you up."

Sakura Mazaki @sakuramazaki.bsky.social · Aug 26

#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #IdolHearts #adventure

Skylar hugged Cuddles all the way to Theo's home. He kept bringing up their past adventures from childhood to try to distract her, but the image of her shredded designs and overturned furniture kept flashing through her mind. He parked in the garage, got out, and opened her door for her.
She stayed staring at the dashboard in front of her.
"Come on, Sky." He held his hand out to her.
"Did you tell them you're bringing a guest?"
"Not yet." He glanced at his watch. "Some of them are probably asleep already, anyway."
"I can't just invade your space like this."
"Not this again," Theo sighed. "Quit worrying about stupid things like that, and worry about getting some sleep. You have an important day tomorrow, and I'm not going to let some loser who broke into your house ruin it for you." He reached in and unbuckled her seatbelt.
"But—"
"No more buts." He picked her up out of the vehicle.
"Ah!" she yelped. "Hey, what do you think you're doing? Put me down." Skylar wiggled her feet around.
"I don't think I want to; you might run away or something. Just keep a hold on Cuddles, and I'll have you in a bed in no time." He kicked his shoes off and headed inside the mansion through the door in the garage.

Sakura Mazaki @sakuramazaki.bsky.social · Aug 22

#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #IdolHearts #recent

Theo raised an eyebrow, and Jonas chuckled. "Can you blame us?" Jonas asked. "We know you're busy with setting up all your designs for the show soon, and you must be feeling pretty out of sorts with the recent eviction and all. We were worried you'd work too late and... well, exactly what ended up happening." Jonas sighed and glanced in the mirror back at them.
"Okay, but what were the chances you two would pass by right after I came out and missed the last bus?"
Theo scratched his head and turned away as Jonas laughed. "She's got us there, Theo."
"So I'm not imagining things? Are you two stalking me or something? Because that sounds like something that should be the other way around."
"We're not stalking you!" Theo grabbed her hand. "We were worried after all the trouble you'd been having lately."
"And after what Theo did..." Jonas trailed off.
"Ahem," Theo cleared his throat. "We knew you'd be working overtime with the show coming up, and just decided to stay near until the lights went out."
"We mean no harm."

Sakura Mazaki @sakuramazaki.bsky.social · Aug 21

#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #IdolHearts #shot

They headed inside to the kitchen. "On that note, how have you guys managed? As far as I can tell, you guys get along, but with five guys..."
"We fight sometimes, like any family does, but we work through things. We have to walk away and calm down first, though. I swear everyone is afraid Jonas will snap one day, and it'll turn into a bloody brawl."
"Jonas?" Skylar's eyes widened. "He's the most level-headed person I know."
"He is most of the time. But there was this one day when we ended up in a shouting match, and someone shoved someone else and ended up hurt. Jonas snapped at us. He was yelling at us and thumped his hand on the table... and broke the table. I've never seen him that angry before, or since then."
"Don't anger Jonas, got it." Skylar emptied the bags and tried to watch as Lucas put things away to learn where everything went.
"Still getting used to the place?" Lucas glanced back at her.
"I haven't been here long, so yes." Not sure if I'll be able to get used to it.
"Don't worry; you will, eventually. For now." Lucas pulled an apron out of a nearby cabinet. "How about we start cooking?" He approached her, holding the apron out.
"For me? I'm going to assume someone specific owns that one."
"It's Jonas', but he won't mind."

Sakura Mazaki @sakuramazaki.bsky.social · Aug 20

#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #IdolHearts #career

"Come on, Sky, I've got another surprise for you."
"I'm not sure I can handle anymore." Despite her protests, Theo took her hand and dragged her out of his room to the one next to his. "I was originally going to give you the room down the hall, but the others said it would be better for me to be close by, so Nico moved his room to the one we cleaned up, and gave you this one." Theo swung the door open to reveal a fully furnished bedroom with pink, purple, and black everywhere, along with Strict Beat posters on the walls.
"You... You guys did this for me?"
"I'm sorry about the decor. Arthur insisted he decorate it for you, but he went a bit overboard..."
"No, it's fine. I don't mind it, any of it. Thank you."
"Oh, it's missing one thing." Theo went to his room and came back with Cuddles. "Your room isn't complete without him." He set him on the bed. "There, now it looks like home for you, right?"
"But... How long am I staying here if you did all this?"
"Arthur loves to decorate, and he's excited to have a woman living here, so it wasn't a hassle. As for how long, I'm not sure. We need to figure out what happened first, and you need a new job to continue your career."
It could be days, weeks, or months.

Sakura Mazaki @sakuramazaki.bsky.social · Aug 19

#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #IdolHearts #trap

"It's for all of our safety. We don't want another incident like we had at our last place."
"Something happened there?"
"They broke in and took pictures of us while we slept." Theo shuddered. "Jonas woke up and chased after them, but they got away and uploaded the pictures. We've upped our security since then, but I think it could use another boost after what happened."
Skylar bit her lip and looked out the window again.
"Maybe if we keep these closed, you'll feel safer." Theo closed the curtains. "Not good when it comes to a lack of sunlight, but it's only until we capture her... and the person behind her. I'm sorry, Sky; this must royally suck. I've basically got you trapped in here."
"It's fine." Skylar shrugged. Not really, but what else am I supposed to say? "The lighting in the room is good enough." She pointed up. "I'll just take some vitamin D, since I'll be staying inside, too. Anyway, I assume you came here for something?"
"I just wanted to check up on you. You kinda vanished earlier when we got home, so I didn't have a chance to." Theo awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck.
"Well, as you can see, I'm fine."
"You were ducked down, staring out the window when I came in; that's far from fine. We can get you a thera—"
"Nope. I don't need to talk to anyone about it. It happened. I have to be careful, get to work, and move on. There's really nothing they can do for me."
"Okay, I won't force you to see one, but if you need to talk, I'm here for you."

Sakura Mazaki @sakuramazaki.bsky.social · Aug 18

#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #IdolHearts #bow

"There was an opening at the Elements Fashion Show in downtown next week because someone cancelled, and they called us to offer the spot since were interested before. Seeing as I don't have any extra designs that fit the motif sitting around, and you wanted your designs out there, I figured we could use yours to fill our slot." She tapped on the sketchbook.
Her eyes widened, and body tingled with excitement. "Really? It's already happening?"
"It happened much quicker than I expected, too, but this is a great opportunity. Unfortunately, we don't have much time to prepare. You're going to have to work overtime to get your creations done and perfected; are you ready for that?"
"Considering the timing, yes, of course! I'll put in as much time as I need to get these done."
"I'll let you keep an assistant to work overtime with you; the choice is yours." Patricia held the sketchbook out to her. "I've also made a few suggestions on the sides of your designs. Nothing major, but I think they'll look better if they're incorporated, so do pay attention to them."
"Of course, thank you." Skylar hugged her sketchbook to her chest and gave her boss a little bow before leaving.
"So, how'd it go?" Daniel asked, spinning in her desk chair to face her.
"I have a slot in the Elements Fashion Show coming up."
"Wow, congrats!" It only took a moment for his expression to flat line. "Wait... Isn't that show like... next week?"