Prologue: Surprise!

The LoveMe section was dark on that Sunday evening. All the lights were off and everyone was silent. Kyoko Mogami felt her fiancée take hold of her hand and give it a small squeeze. Even in the darkness she knew he was giving her one of his classic charming smiles that made girls swoon.

Just then there was the click of the door opening.

"I don't get it. Why do we have to go to the LoveMe section to meet Kyoko-chan?" Yukia Moore complained. But just as he stepped inside the room, James flicked the light switch from behind him and flooded the room with light.

"Surprise!" the cheer came from everyone at once. Well, almost everyone. Sho Fuwa sat in a chair against the wall and muttered an awkward cheer while everyone else shouted.

To be honest, he wasn't even sure why he was here. It just seemed that every time Kyoko invited him to something he wound up agreeing before he thought about it. But I guess it isn't so bad. He thought as he watched everyone crowd around an embarrassed Yukia.

"Kyoko-chan, thank you!" Yukia exclaimed, giving a hug to the actress.

Kyoko smiled, "I just thought that with your family being in Britain you might like to have a birthday party with your friends here." She explained.

"I really appreciate it." He said before rounding on James. "But you kept it a secret!" he scolded his boyfriend. "You knew and kept it a secret."

James laughed, "Well, what was I supposed to do? It was a surprise party." He gave a small wink that made Yukia blush. He couldn't even fake being mad at him. This was too fun of an occasion.

"There is cake," announced Kyoko cheerfully. As everyone moved to get a piece of cake, Kyoko noticed Ren slip out of the room with his phone to his ear.

"I'm sure he'll be right back." Yashiro commented to Kyoko quietly.

She nodded and handed him a piece of cake. Within a few minutes everyone in attendance had a piece of cake. Even Kanae had agreed to taking a small piece, although she made a face as she did so.

Kanae settled herself on the small couch next to Chiori, while Sho sat on a chair nearby. She watched as Ren re-entered the room and accepted a plate from his concerned fiancé. Soon conversation broke out between Kyoko, Ren, Yashiro, and the two British men. She found she much preferred to sit quietly and watch the exchanges instead of joining in.

"And I thought my manager was overzealous." Chiori commented.

Kanae followed the younger girl's line of sight and saw what she was referring to. Yukia had finished eating his cake but somehow had managed to cover his nose in frosting. James had dug out a handkerchief and was currently wiping the frosting from his charge's face.

Kanae suppressed a laugh. Of course the sight would look strange to someone who wasn't aware of the relationship between those two.

"They are kinda odd aren't they?" Sho commented, watching as Yukia blushed at James' actions.

"Oh! I think Kyoko-san mentioned something about that Yukia-kun's last manager was his mom. Maybe that's why James-san treats him like a kid." Chiori mused aloud.

Sho seemed to accept this answer. But nearby Kanae snorted. "I'm not so sure that's what it is." She muttered.

The other two looked at her curiously. "What do you mean?" Chiori asked.

But Kanae ignored her, moving across the room with her empty plate. She tossed it in the trash. "Thanks for the invite, Kyoko. Happy birthday, Yukia-kun." She called out before leaving the room.

Chiori and Sho looked at each other in confusion. Neither one of them quite understanding the other actress's words.

As the party finished, Kyoko gave Yukia another hug. "Happy birthday again," she told him. "Here's a present from Ren and me." She said handing him a small gift bag.

Yukia quickly unwrapped the gift and pulled out a gift certificate to a new fine dining restaurant that had recently opened.

He gasped, "But, Kyoko-chan, how? This place is booked up for the next six months."

Kyoko smiled, "It turns out that the owner is big fan of Tsuruga Ren. This certificate is good for any day you choose to go. She said when you show up they will get you the best table in a private room and the entire meal is covered."

Yukia gave her another hug. "This is really amazing, Kyoko-chan. I just hope we can get you something as special for your wedding." He told her.

Kyoko blushed, "You don't have to get us anything." She protested quickly.

Yukia only shook his head before stepping over to James. "Good night, Ren-san," Yukia called.

They waved good bye and each of the couples went there separate ways.

"Where'd Yashiro-san go?" Kyoko asked Ren as they climbed into his car.

"Oh, he decided to take a taxi home." He answered, and Kyoko could feel that he was hiding something. But she didn't want to ask, knowing he'd tell her when he was ready.

And as it turned out, Ren was ready a lot sooner than she expected. He had no sooner turned onto the main road home, then he took a deep breath, preparing himself.

"Kyoko, my parents called during the party. That's why I stepped out." He told her.

Kyoko looked at him, suddenly alarmed. "Is everything okay?"

He gave a small laugh. "Everything's fine. It's nothing like that. It's just…" He let his voice trailed off, making Kyoko nervous.

"Just what?"

"They were letting us know that they'll be flying out to Tokyo next month. To help with the wedding plans." He watched Kyoko out of the corner of his eye, trying to gauge her reaction.

She was silent for only a moment before her protests started. "Oh! I wouldn't want them to be inconvenienced. They could just come out the week of the wedding. I mean, I'm sure both of them have busy schedules and-"

Ren cut her off with a wave of his hand. "I'm sure they don't feel it's any inconvenience. After all, we are their only kids. And since we are marrying each other, this is the only wedding they'll get to help plan. I'm pretty sure they'd be more inconvenienced if we asked them not to come."

"It's not that I don't want them to come. I mean, if they can manage it then it'd be nice to have the help. And…" Kyoko's voice dropped to a whisper, "I really am looking forward to meeting your mom."

Ren reached out his hand and gently squeezed hers. "Mom is going to love you." He told her lovingly.

And his confidence made some of the nervousness disappear from her heart. At least, for the moment.

A/N: Welcome to the next part of my series! I am so excited that we have finally reached the wedding because I have so much planned for it. And as you can see, Ren's parents will be making an appearance. I won't make you wait long to see them, so don't worry.

This part of the story is titled for the song by Kina Grannis, In Your Arms.

Also for anyone who is wondering I have at least 4 more parts planned for this series. Possibly more. So I hope you all will stock with me as I write it. Your feedback helps me tremendously and I am so grateful for my readers.I'll see you next week! l