An Unexpected Gift: Chapter 1

This story takes place immediately after Episode 146 in Hana to Yume.

We all know this but I have to say it: I do not own Skip Beat. Just this fan fic. 

Italic: thought

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Kyouko froze.

What am I doing…crying like a baby…?

Tsuruga-san is right – I am making a complete a** of myself in front of everyone!

But, I wish he wouldn't see me like this…it's like I'm a 10-year old again…why am I always messing up in front of Tsuruga-san?

Acting life is one thing…can't I do anything right in my personal life?

"…just not good enough!" the shadow of a faded, but still painfully familiar voice mocked.

Forcing her mother's voice out of her mind, though not able to shake off its effects completely, Kyouko tilted her head slightly to the right and twisted her lips to give Ren a small, incomprehensible smile. Her eyes dimmed and filled with sadness.

"You're right as always, Tsuruga-san."

No longer able to hold his gaze in fear of a different kind of tear that threatened to surface, Kyouko turned to include the staff in her apology.

"Director Ogata, everyone, I am truly sorry for causing such a scene and delaying our shoot. Director, if you don't mind, may I take just a couple of minutes to touch up my makeup?"

Director Ogata, still surprised from Ren's seemingly-snide remarks, hurried to reassure Kyouko. "Of course, Kyouko-chan! The first scene we're shooting doesn't involve you anyway. Take as long as you need."

Kyouko walked quickly towards the dressing rooms after excusing herself, without looking back. She was afraid of what she might see.

Closing the dressing room door behind her, Kyouko stared at the mirror in front of her. A strange girl with haunted eyes, smeared mascara and lipstick, looked back at her. The girl's striated scar mocked Kyouko – reminding her there are greater things at stake than her girlhood idealism.

With a bitter chuckle, she laughed at her own naiveté. Deep down, something fragile and innocent cracked within her. The demon Kyouko's itched to get out, to attack, but she held them at bay. She wanted to feel the full thrust of what she's done.

"I'm pathetic."

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Two minutes later, Kyouko re-examined herself in the mirror. The smeared makeup is repaired, but her eyes still lack spark. There isn't much I can do about that. I'll deal with it later. I need to go out there now and do my job.

Before Kyouko can think about what "doing her job" really means, her phone chose to vibrate at that moment. Flipping it open, "Unknown Caller" flashed onto the screen.

Kyouko hesitated.

"…Hello?" She answered tentatively on the 4th ring, right before the call would've been kicked to voicemail.

"Mogami-kun? This is Director Kurosaki." An urgent tone undercut his characteristic drawl, surprising Kyouko even more than just receiving the call from him, whom she hasn't really spoken to since the Curara commercial wrapped.

"Director Kurosaki?! How are..." Kyouko was cut off before she can finish her greeting.

"Sorry Mogami-kun but I'm short on time. Can you meet during your lunch break today? I'd like to discuss an opportunity with you ASAP – it's already been cleared with Sawara-san and LME's President. There's a Vie de France Café right across the street from your studio. Meet me there as soon as you break for lunch, okay? Also, Sawara-san cleared your schedule aside from the Dark Moon and Box R shooting. I need you to be available during the rest of the time."

Surprised at the urgency in Director Kurosaki's voice and now very curious, Kyouko couldn't do anything but agree. Director Kurosaki's voice audibly relaxed after that; before hanging up, he even teased her about not getting a single NG so that she can make it without being late.

Staring at her phone after the call ended, Kyouko felt a resurgence of energy within her.

You may have been joking, Director Kurosaki, but you've just reminded me of why I am a professional. I've done takes with no NG's before, and I can do it again.

I will not get a single NG today. I will prove to everyone that, unlike what happened earlier, I'm no idiot when it comes to my acting and my Mio!

Determined, Kyouko left her dressing room and headed for the set.

Three and a half hours of non-stop taping and zero NG's later, she walked off the set as soon as she heard the words "Cut! That's it for this morning" from Director Ogata. Without hearing a word of the respectful murmurs the staff uttered about her excellent performance and seemingly un-shakable professionalism in spite of what happened earlier in the morning, Kyouko headed out of the studio towards the Vie de France across the street.

End of Chapter 1, Part 1