A Life in Headlines

The Future

A/N: This chapter is more fanfic-y than the others. That is, it covers territory not covered in the manga so far, so it's made-up stuff rather than stuff covered in whole or partially in the manga written from a different perspective. Either way, I hope you enjoy the second to last chapter of this project.

Disclaimer: I don't own, nor will ever own Skip Beat. Which is probably okay.


Seven Years After Disappearance, Kuon Hizuri Makes an Appearance?

June 24th

Los Angeles – One of the most popular couples in Hollywood, Kuu and Julie Hizuri, celebrated their 25th anniversary with a party for family, friends, and associates in downtown Los Angeles last Saturday. (See the feature story on page 20) Along with their adopted "son," Japanese actress Kyoko Mogami, reports coming out of the party suggest there was also a special guest in the form of the couples' long lost son, Kuon.

Kuon reportedly showed up after the dinner portion of the party to greet his parents. Guests say he entered through a staff entrance and quietly slipped over to the couple. Upon seeing him, Mrs. Hizuri was said to have collapsed to the floor crying and had to be helped by her husband to a private room for a meeting with her son. All three returned to the party approximately half an hour later to continue mingling with guests.

We have contacted several attendees who tell us that they talked to Kuon, but all say he would not tell them where he has been or what he has been doing. They did say that he was much more polite and mature than when the last saw him, and that he seemed genuinely happy with his current life. Some suggested that he may be working in Japan, as they said he remained close to Mogami for most of his stay at the party, who is currently working as an actress in Japan. She has also never travelled internationally, which would suggest the two would have had to meet in Japan.

The visit must have been a surprise, even to the couple. In our comprehensive interview with the couple, both said that they had only heard from their son once since he left. Kuu had said he had seen his son in person only three times in those seven years: twice he could only catch a glimpse of his son, and only once did he have an in-person conversation. Kuu admitted it was a challenge to even coax his son into a conversation, and that the actual conversation did not go as smoothly as he liked due to that coaxing. Julie has not talked to her son or seen him in person. Both have known where he currently lives and what he has been doing since he left, but they chose not to interfere since he began to thrive in his new environment. Julie says, "It's been very tough. You do not know how many times I've almost jumped on a plane to see him. Even though I know it's best for him, I still try to get him to come home by faking illnesses." They both agreed that they know he'll come back to them when he feels ready, and maybe tonight was the first sign that he is ready to make the return home.


A Breakthrough for "Kuon"

June 30th

Los Angeles – One week after she traveled to Los Angeles under the guise of seeing her adoptive parents, it was revealed that the Hizuri's "adopted son," Japanese actress Kyoko Mogami (18), was cast in a lead role alongside her "father" Kuu Hizuri in a new film. She reportedly auditioned for the role during her stay in Los Angeles after Hizuri asked the director of the film to let her audition.

This unnamed movie is drawing in lots of big names in its early stages. It will be Kuu Hizuri's first serious role since coming to America. While he was known as a serious actor in Japan, he has made a name for himself in action movies since crossing the Pacific Ocean. Legendary producers, writers, actors, actresses, and a director have signed on to the project, with Kyoko being one of the few cast members who does not have a name for herself stateside that is attached to the film. Upon the news being released, Kyoko released the following statement: "I am happy that I'll be able to work on this movie with Father. The Hizuris like to call me 'Kuon,' so I will work my hardest to live up to their son's talent and show them that I deserve to be their son."

Today it was also revealed that another name that is relatively unknown here will be taking on the starring role in the film: Japan's top actor, Ren Tsuruga (22). He is known for portraying serious roles in dramas, including the role of Katsuki in Dark Moon, the same role Kuu Hizuri originated early in his career. Ren and Kyoko are also known to be good friends at their agency, so they are excited to work together on their first American film project. The pair have been the subject of dating rumors for the past few months, the veracity of which has not been confirmed.

While not much else is known about the movie, it has been described as a World War II era movie. The movie will paint a picture of the internment of Japanese-Americans during the war. It is expected to be released late next year.


Another Hizuri Wedding?

November 20th

Tokyo – Kuu Hizuri announced on a visit to Japan that his "son," actress Kyoko Mogami (19), is marrying his real son, Kuon Hizuri (23). He did not reveal the wedding date, and backpedaled on his statement soon after, saying he was afraid they would elope now that he spilled the beans on their engagement.

This comes as a surprise to many of the actresses' fans in Japan because she has been rumored to be dating her costar, Japanese actor and model Ren Tsuruga. At the London premiere of their new movie last week Mogami and Tsuruga appeared close on the red carpet. They were seen holding hands and embracing each other. At the end of the movie, attendees of the screening reported that the couple kissed. In the past, the two have always maintained that they are simply good friends, even though Mogami has been caught staying the night at Tsuruga's apartment several times. There have been no such rumors or sightings of the actress with anyone matching the description of Kuon, outside of a brief appearance at the Hizuri's 25th Anniversary party in June.

Mogami's agency had no comment about the rumors of her relationship with Tsuruga, but would confirm she had become engaged during her trip to London. Kuu Hizuri has not released any further comments after his initial statement. Kuon Hizuri, who is staying out of the media spotlight, could not be reached for a response.

UPDATE 11:00 November 21st: Kuu Hizuri's agency has released a statement about Mogami's relationship with Ren Tsuruga on behalf of Kuon Hizuri. The statement reaffirmed that Kuon proposed to the actress during her visit to London. It also said that Kuon was well aware of Mogami's relationship with Tsuruga, but saw nothing wrong with the two continuing it. He has also said there will not be further comment on the issue.


Kuon Hizuri is Ready to Talk

March 14th

Los Angeles – After almost nine years of silence, Kuon Hizuri is reportedly going to reveal what he has been doing and where he went after his disappearance at age fifteen. His story will be told in a feature story that will be published simultaneously in the United States and Japan next week. In the press release from the media outlets publishing the story, the outlets explained that there will be no press conference, and that Hizuri would not be available for interviews.