AT GIRLS SCHOOL. IN BATHROOM WITH RINKO AND NANAKO. REN WALKS IN.

RINKO

Oh hey Ren! Did you get your thing taken care of?

REN

Huh? Oh yes I did thank you. Um Rinko can I talk to you for a sec?

Nanako stiffens and glares at Ren.

RINKO

Sure!

(to Nanako)

We'll work out our plan of attack later okay?

Nanako rolls eyes and glares at Ren as she leaves. Ren looks blankly at her.

RINKO

So what'd you want to talk about?

REN

I-I wanted to apologize for running out on you like that.

RINKO

Oh no don't worry about that. I should really be thanking you. Everything between Takao and me is crystal clear perfect because of you!

REN

(embarrassed)

I didn't do anything...but thanks anyway. And I needed to tell you that I'll be very busy lately and can't do anymore lessons or anything.

RINKO

That's alright. I think I've mastered by technique!

(giggles)

Say, do you want to hang out with me and Takao and some friends on Christmas Eve?

REN

That's really sweet of you to ask, but I actually already have plans.

RINKO

Okay well if anything changes, let me know!

KARAOKE NIGHT, FIRST WALKING IN

On table is an arrangement of different colored origami lotus flowers.

FRIEND 2

Oh my god look at these cute little flowers!

FRIEND 4

One for each of us!

When they were all settling in there is a knock at the door and the hostess walks in.

REN

Welcome to Karaoke Kan and Happy Christmas Eve. Can I-

(realizes who they are goes blank)

*get a break*

All the girls scowl t her. She is wearing a long sleeved shirt with gloves but a short skirt. The boys (except Suna and Takao) are smitten.

RINKO

(smiles)

Ren! What a surprise! I didn't know you worked here!

REN

(awkwardly smiles)

I-I don't really. My uncle runs the place and I help out on busy nights and holidays.

RINKO

Wow must be fun!

REN

(straining to keep smile)

So much fun.

FRIEND 2

(rudely)

Uh can we order now?

REN

Yeah, of course. What can I get you?

Ren jots down long and specific orders and leaves.

FRIEND 1

(to Nanako)

You better make a move on Kurihara soon or Ren will snatch him in-between songs.

The girls (except Rinko) giggle.

LATER DURING PARTY

Suna was just coming back from the bathroom when down the hall a ways Ren emerged from another room. He froze. Seeing him, she cast her eyes down and walks sullenly towards the kitchen which was passed him. When she was right about to pass him, he asked without looking at her.

SUNA

Still hate me, do you?

REN

(stops for a moment)

That was the worst day of my life because of you.

She disappeared into the kitchen and Suna grudgingly returned to the party.