Chapter 2.1

Scene: Kyoko is wearing the body of Bo the chicken, carrying Bo's head she is conversing with the Ishibashi Brothers. The show is over and they are walking back to the dressing rooms. Kyoko seems to be telling the Ishibashi brothers surprising news.

Hikaru: "Whaa? Really? That's super exciting news." He said smiling. "You really are getting a lot of work lately. Aren't you playing a role in a historical film too?"

Kyoto: "Yes I'm currently playing as Momiji, a female ninja. It's a remake of the Wandering Samurai comic series.

Yuusei looking impressed. "I used to read that series long ago. If I remember correctly the female ninja was a badass."

Shinichi: "Your fourth episode of Box R ratings were higher too. Your last scene as Nastu was really creepy."

Yuusei and Shinichi both held up double thumbs up.

Kyoko: "Thank you very much I'm thrilled to hear my acting left an impression. My schedule has been a bit hectic lately with Lotus on the Mire but I am not needed on set for the next 3 days." She smile blissfully.

Hikaru chest squeezed looking at Kyoko smiling so brightly. ~ 'She is almost blinding when she smiles like that.'~

Shinichi: "Soon, you will too busy to continue being a part of Kimigure Rock."

Hikaru's body froze. The sudden realization made his heart feel hallow. Yuusei and Shinichi looked panicked at Hikaru.

Yuusei and Shinichi felt guilty for their leader's reaction. They didn't know if they should touchhim in fear he might break.

Kyoko continued walking ahead of Hikaru. "Never, I will always try my best to continue the playing the part as Bo on Kimigure Rock. Bo was my first showbiz job." Kyoko smiled as she held Bo's head up staring back at her. "He is also a role I don't want to see end. I enjoy expressing myself as Bo, and having the audience that laughs at my antics."

Hikaru's body soften to normal temperature but still felt the shock that Kyoko may leave Kimigure Rock before he gets anywhere with her on a personal level. He watches Kyoko walk into the women's changing room.

…

Kyoko and the Ishibashi brothers exit the doors of the LME studio together.

Yuusei: "Kyoko, do you need a ride back to the Darumaya? We can take you, it's a bit late to be biking home."

Kyoko: "No, it is fine. Thank you Yuusei-san. The nights are warming up and ….." Kyoko stops stunned to see her bicycle tire flat tied to the bike rack.

She quickly looks at her watch it is 10:32 pm.

~Kyoto: 'Eek! The bus won't come for another hour.'~ Kyoko looked at the Ishibashi brothers embarrassed that she would have to bother her seniors for a ride home. "If you wouldn't mind, I would be very much appreciated. I'm sorry to have to trouble you."

Hikaru felt heroic having Kyoko rely on him. "My car is over here, come on." Hikaru insisted he carry Kyoko bike to his trunk.

~Hikaru: 'This is more awkward then I thought. Don't let it look like its heavy.'~ He placed Kyoko's bike into the trunk of his car.

Hikaru opened the door to his front passenger seat for Kyoko to climb into. Hikaru sat into the driver's seat when both Yuusei and Shinichi stopped on the side and started to wave good-bye.

Kyoko: "Huh, is Hikaru not driving you two home as well?"

Yuusei: "No, our girlfriends are coming to pick us up. Have a safe trip." Both Yuusei and Shinichi smiled sheepishly to their shy band leader.

~ Yuusei and Shinichi: 'Have fun! This is your chance to ask Kyoko out.'~ Hikaru swallowed hard looking back at them. He was nervous anytime he was alone with Kyoko.

~Hikaru: "Alright! I can do this.'~ He started his car and drove out to the street.

Yuusei: "He going to get shot down again."

Shinichi: "Yea, I feel bad that she doesn't notice him in that way."

Yuusei: "Yea, but part of that is of his own doing. Well, let's continue supporting him."

Yuusei and Shinichi grinned at the very large nail hidden by the bike rake.

…

Hikaru: "So good job today Kyoko."

Kyoko: "Thank you, I thought you and the others were hilarious today. You made it sound like your new album was a lot of fun making."

Hikaru: "Yea, it was…." He laughed weakly. ~ 'It was a lot of fun, but that it not what I've been wanting to talk to you about. I want you to notice me as a man.'~

Hikaru pulls up to the Darumaya restaurant and Kyoko's home. Hikaru turns off his car. He took a deep breath.

Kyoko: "Well, thank you very much Hikaru. Have a good night" she turned to pull the door handle.

Hikaru: "Wait, Kyoko!" "umm.. I have been meaning to ask to you…"

Kyoko: "Oh, what about?" Kyoko stilled.

Hikaru: "Well if you are free tomorrow evening." Hikaru looked into Kyoko's confused eyes. "Would you like to go out together?"

Kyoko: "Sure, what are you guys planning for tomorrow?"

Hikaru's head drops as he feels the huge weight of "Not being seen as a love interest" by Kyoko.

Kyoko: "Are you alright?"

Hikaru said "Yes" weakly.

Kyoko peered down closer to Hikaru's dropped face. "What do you want to do with me?"

Hikaru's face darken into further despair. ~ 'How could she say that to a man? Obviously she does not see me in that way; to say that when we are alone!'~

Kyoko: "Hikaru? Are you feeling alright?" Kyoko was starting to feel panic that Hikaru had suddenly fallen sick.

Hikaru: "No, I was just suddenly embarrassed."

Kyoko: "What for?"

Hikaru stared again into Kyoko's round innocent eyes. "To ask you to dress up as Bo for our album cover tomorrow." Breathed go quickly.

Kyoko was surprised. "Oh, really. Well, I would be happy to but won't that be strange?"

Hikaru: "No" Focusing himself to smile. "No, it will be fine. We want our album cover to show all of Bridge Rock and that includes you as our fourth member of Kimigure Rock. We wanted an album cover both our music and tv fans will find fun. I was embarrassed to ask you to photograph as Bo."

Kyoko: "Oh, I think that sounds great! I would be happy to!" She was still confused by his reaction.

Hikaru: "That's great…it will be great to have you there."

~Hikaru: 'The other brothers won't mind. Argh! But what if they ask about tonight!'~ He dreaded the thought.

~Hikaru: Argh! I couldn't bear for my feelings to be rejected twice in a night!' ~ Hikaru was tormented on how Kyoko seem to of never understood his intentions to begin with.

Kyoko: "Okay. I'll get my bike out. Thank you again, and I'll see you tomorrow then." Kyoko bowed as she exited Hikaru's car.

Hikaru: "See you tomorrow then." He suddenly felt very lonely.

Kyoko opened her mouth ask.

Hikaru: "At 4, at the Kimigure Rock studio."

Kyoko bowed again as Hikaru drove quickly away. She put away her bicycle and looked back to where Hikaru drove away.

~Kyoko: 'I didn't liked the atmosphere in the car with Hikaru. For a few moments, he felt very intense and determined…. It was almost like a confession…' 'But I'm sure there was another reason…' ~

….

End of Chapter 2.1