LOVE ME TO THE END

All characters © Yoshiki Nakamura and Hakusensha. This is a fan-created work not for sale or profit.


This story continues following Chapter 225 of the Skip Beat! manga. Last night, Kyoko cried all over Ren after mistaking him for Corn... But today's a new day!


Chapter 1: The Unexpected Role [Part I]

Gripping my jewelry pliers, I carefully bent a wire into place. Princess Rosa's throne needed constant looking after, but I hummed to myself as I adjusted the crystal necklace. Safe and sound and happy.

I couldn't have her breaking again. When I finished, the crystal glittered in pink in red sparkles.

Are you comfortable, Princess?

She winked in response and I smiled for a moment before slumping onto the short table. Tsuruga-san and Shoutaro gazed down from the posters on my bedroom wall.

My mental Kyokos glowered at Shotaro as usual, but they fluttered around Tsuruga-san. Ren! Ren! We love you, Ren!

I waved them away and curled into a ball on my cushion. Shoutaro had kissed me, but for the first time, I hadn't felt a thing.

No.

That couldn't be considered a kiss. It was like bumping faces with a dog. It meant nothing and it didn't count.

But Tsuruga-san…

I wailed and clapped my hands to my ears at the memory. Mistaking him for Corn?!

Noooooooooooooooo! How could I be so stupid?!

I'd hugged him and clung to him and gotten his shirt wet with my crybaby tears!

I had said sorry, but I'd have to again. Maybe a dogeza? Or a written letter of apology?

My cell phone rang, and I unballed myself to pull it from my purse. LME's number flashed on screen. "Moshi moshi?"

"Ah. Mogami-san?" Sawara-san answered. "Can you come to the office before your job this afternoon? We received a new offer for you."

"Another villain role?" I asked, almost sighing. I'd resigned myself to taking whatever roles came along to better my acting skills, but just once, I wanted to play the princess. The daughter of queen. Any teensy speaking role would be enough for someone like me. Just a few lines.

"A lead role!" Sawara-san said.

I blinked.

A lead…?

Then I jolted, banging my knees on the table. The phone rolled away. Was this a mistake? A joke?

"Mogami-san? Are you all right Mogami-san?"

I inch-wormed to the dropped phone. "Sorry, Sawara-san. I must've misheard you."

"It's the romantic lead in a remake of a famous drama," Sawara-san's voice brightened. "It's too important to tell you over the phone. Come to the office and read the script."

Roman—! I banged into the table again.

Me? Love Me Section's number one last boss? "A love drama?" The words squeaked out. "Does President Takarada know?"

"Mmm. He recommended you for the role."

My heart pounded a thousand beats a minute. LME's president wouldn't put in my name if he didn't have faith in my acting abilities, but…

A romance. Could my withered heart show the right emotions?

It's not withered, one of the Kyokos whispered. We have Ren now!

They started a chorus in my head. Ren! Ren! Ren will help us find love!

I waved my hands in the air, clearing them away. "I'll come straight there."

"Congratulations. See you soon," Sawara-san said.

A leading role.

A leading role.

Did I deserve such a thing?

And what was the drama? I hadn't even asked Sawara-san about the character.

But excitement bubbled in my chest as little Kyokos danced around me, tossing handfuls of glittering confetti. Omedetou! You're a real actress now! Wonder-actress Kyoko-chan!

Shaking off the glitter, I grabbed my coat and thundered down the steps. The script! I had to see the script before I exploded.

"Kyoko-chan," Okami-san called out. "You don't have work until the afternoon. Where are you headed in such a rush?"

"I've been offered a leading role," I said as I tied my shoes at the doorway. Unless this was a dream.

Was I sleepwalking?

"Of course you have!" Okami-san beamed. "I'm so proud of you. Let me tell the boss." She disappeared behind the cloth divider, into the kitchen.

"I'm off!" I shouted. "I'll tell you everything tonight."

I couldn't wait a second longer.

A leading role!

I grabbed my bicycle and started pedaling at warp speed. I blasted down the street like a rocket, blowing past car after car. A cloud of dust kicked up behind me.

Finally!

Would I be able to call myself a real actress now?

What was the role and who would I be acting with?

I had to hurry, or I'd burst with curiosity before I made it to LME.

Next Time: The role is…?! Will Kyoko accept this unexpected invitation to romance?

To be continued…