(Thanks so much for the reviews, guys! 3 I love that people are liking this even though it's my first fanfic. I'm always super worried about being OOC, but it seems like you don't think so! Now, on with the story.)

CHAPTER 2 ‒ REN

Jelly Woods smiled as Kyoko stepped out from her changing room. "Good work today, Kyoko-chan!"

"Good work, Ten-san," Kyoko repeated, handing her Setsu's wig and clothing.

There was a knock at the door and Takaki poked his head in. When he saw Kyoko, he smiled. "Good work today, Kyoko."

She smiled weakly back, unsure of his dropping honorifics completely. "You as well!"

Ten looked from one to the other, then giggled in understanding. "Ooh, is this your new manager, Kyoko-chan?"

Kyoko blushed at the sly, secretive grin Ten-san was directing her way. "Yes, this is Takaki-san. He's sort of my manager. They might assign me someone else in a few weeks."

"Only if you want someone else, Kyoko. You don't want to replace me already, do you?" Takaki looked playfully wounded.

"Of course not!" Kyoko shook her head frantically. "I'm sorry I gave you that impression!"

Takaki smiled gently, stepping forward to place his hand on her shoulder. "I'm only teasing, Kyoko."

"Miss Woods, I'm afraid Cain Heel's shirt is getting a small rip in –" Tsuruga Ren opened the door to his own changing room, a black shirt in hand. He stopped when he saw Takaki, and fell back half a step when he noticed the manager's hand on Kyoko's shoulder.

Ten inched over and took the shirt, and, with an apprehensive glance around the room, left.

"Tsuruga-san!" Kyoko wasn't quite sure why she felt so embarrassed at having the famous actor find her in such a position as she ducked out from underneath Takaki's arm and bowed. "Good work. Um, this is my new manager, Takaki Eri-san. Takaki-san, this is Tsuruga Ren-san. I think the president filled you in on Cain Heel and Setsuka?"

"Of course." Takaki smiled, a tad coldly, at Ren, who did not return even a twitch of the lips.

"But Kyoko –" Takaki turned back to her, ignoring Ren completely "– are you hungry? We should really get you something to eat before you go home. I'm sure it's been a long day."

"Oh, but I was planning to take her to eat something." Suddenly Ren was standing next to Kyoko, in the way of her new manager. He smiled widely down at Takaki, who took a step back, a little surprised at the brightness of Ren's sudden change in expression.

He recovered quickly. "I'm sure the great Tsuruga Ren has things to do. I'm her manager, anyway. I should take her."

"Mogami-san?" Ren turned to Kyoko, still smiling. "How about we go get something?"

Kyoko opened her mouth, squeaked, and cleared her throat, trying not to tremble at Ren's expression. "Um, I really don't want to bother you. Don't you have anything else going on? I thought you had a shoot for a commercial after this?"

"Oh, don't worry. I've got plenty of time. I'll just call Yashiro-san and tell him where I'll be." Ren inhaled and, noting Kyoko's terrified expression, with effort formed the giant fake smile into a real one. No need to tell her he didn't really have that much time. Yashiro would handle it. No doubt he'd be delighted to handle it if it meant Ren spending more time with Kyoko.

Just then, his phone rang. Ren sighed. "Just a moment, Mogami-san."

He flipped it open and answered. "Hello?"

"Ren, where are you?! Didn't you get my text earlier? They moved up that start time of the shoot!" Yashiro was practically shouting. "It's been almost an hour!"

Ren's eyes darted to Takaki's. The manager was starting to smile. Everyone in the room had heard Yashiro's words.

"Of course. I'm coming, Yashiro-san." Ren slowly closed the phone, staring down Kyoko's manager, who was smirking like he'd won the lottery.

For a few moments, they silently dared each other to make a move.

Finally Ren broke the gaze, looking down to Kyoko, who looked a little confused.

"I'm sorry, Mogami-san. I guess I missed a text changing the timing. I have to go. Maybe tomorrow I can take you out?" A second after the words had left his mouth, Ren realized what it sounded like, but he couldn't take them back now. He watched in apprehension, but apparently Kyoko was so far removed from dating that it all went over her head.

She smiled brilliantly. "Of course, Tsuruga-san! Thank you. And good luck," she added, "on your shoot."

Takaki put his arm around Kyoko's shoulders and smiled at Ren. "Have fun."