A/N: So I thought it'd be better if I posted this up, cuz' this is somewhat like a continuation to the previous chapter. I hope with this, I can clear up a little of your frustrations of what happens next. BTW, there would be a lot of Reino x Yuuki scenes, but fyi, it's only childhood friendship and trust, but I don't mind if anyone ships them. Cute ship imo 3

Disclaimers: I don't own any Skip Beat! characters, but I do own my OCs. Warning: Contains OOC elements, language, maybe violence and feeeeeeels(?)

Please enjoy then~

Chapter 6: Cogs starts turning

After hearing the incident 3 months ago from Shinichi, Yashiro finally understood why his best friend changed so much in just a few months, and why Yuuki-chan became unable to express her emotions properly.

He always thought getting kidnapped and tortured was something that can only happen in movies, but it really happened in real life, to a mere innocent 16-year-old girl who suffered just because of a competition that has nothing to do with her.

"Does the President know about this?" Yashiro asked breathlessly. If he can feel so tired after hearing such a mind-blowing thing, then he swear Shinichi felt beyond exhausted from reminiscing it.

"No… Yuuki didn't want the incident to be publicized." Shinichi sighed, glancing at the black screen of his smartphone. "I've always stayed by her side because I didn't want something like that to happen again."

"But are you sure the mastermind is someone from Akatoki?" Yashiro thought it was a stupid question, but he asked nevertheless. Any flaw points can lead to finding the culprit to this twisted little 'game'.

The director gave another death glare, "Huh? I didn't mean just 'someone from Akatoki'. I'm saying it is the President of Akatoki."

For some reason, even though Yashiro can understand why Shinichi turned out this way, he still can't help but think he behaves like a natural yakuza member.

"I guess it's time I take some action." He uttered under his breath with a distant look.

"What?" Yashiro raised an eyebrow. He never caught what he said.

"Nothing."

Fuwa Sho was never fond of his own company despite it being as famous as LME. One reason was because of the absolute rule, and the other was because of the president.

Akatoki Agency's absolute rule is "Aim for the best, better than any other". It wasn't a very uncommon rule, but if any talents personally scouted by the president fails to take the best spot for his/her category, he/she will be fired without hesitation.

Akatoki Ryuuzen, the president of Akatoki Agency, is infamous for his sadistic and merciless personality. Although he is a human like any other, he behaves like a monster. He never try to understand his underlings or his family. All he is concerned with is whether a person is "interesting" or "up to his standards".

"Sho, congratulations on getting back the 1st place of the Japan's Best Male Musician." The red haired man smiled almost cunningly, "It must've been tough."

Sho glanced away with his head tilting down a little, "N-No… I'm sorry for losing that position once." To be honest, he was glad Kyoko never caught the attention of this freak. He'd never be able to protect her otherwise.

Ryuuzen let his sharp, seductive golden eyes roam around the blond musician's guilty if not slightly scared face, "Well, it's fine I guess. You got it back anyway."

Sho swallowed silently. "I-If there's nothing else…"

"Why, Sho, are you eager to leave?"

The teenager shook his head frantically, "N-No! Of course not."

Ryuuzen chuckled under his breath, "I'm just kidding. Sho, I have a job for you."

The musician looks timidly at his boss, watching as the older man pull out a photograph from his drawer—the one that's always locked and untouched.

"I want you to get in touch with this person… Her name is—"

Yuuki suddenly felt a chill down her spine. It was creepy and similar to the one she always felt when she heard his voice.

Reino felt something though. It was an evil and thick black aura that made him want to vomit. Instantly he knew it has something to do with the one who did something to Yuuki.

"Yuuki—"

"I know, Reino." Yuuki couldn't help but shiver, clutching tightly to her arms, "L-Let's go."

The silver haired musician nodded silently, putting an assuring arm around her shoulder as he led her out of the aquarium. A supposedly fun date immediately became a scary haunted one.

Ren and Kyoko were searching for Reino and Yuuki when they came across the seals section. The orange-haired girl glued herself to the glass panel as her face stretched from the cuteness of the animals. She started giggling and squealing when the seals did cute gestures.

The actor couldn't help but chuckle at his lady love enjoying herself. Would it be a good idea to remind her of their 'mission'?

"Wow, they are soooo cute!" She squealed again, her eyes sparkling.

"Not as cute as you though…" Ren muttered with a soft smile that melted the women around them.

"Eh?" Kyoko looks up at him, surprising him.

Did she hear that?!

"Tsuruga-san…"

Ren gulped from nervousness.

"Did you just say something?" The girl tilts her head aside.

The actor felt stupid for believing she heard what he said. Partly out of annoyance and partly out of relief, he flashed his fake smile. "It's nothing."

Kyoko cringed and backed away. H-He's angry! W-Why?!

Ren wanted to sigh his frustrations away. Why can't this dense girl just catch his notions?

Well, he should take it easy, huh.

Reino managed to get Yuuki back to her hotel without much troubles, but Yuuki just kept shaking, her face getting paler though it was obvious she was trying to get her emotions under control.

"R-Reino, w-what if t-that guy r-really comes?" She asked breathlessly, "I-I'm scared."

Reino sighed, tightening his hold around her shoulder, "I'm here, Miroku is here, and Kohaku-san is here… Isn't that demon director is here too? Don't be afraid. We'll protect you this time."

Yuuki nodded, but her shoulder kept trembling. The silver haired musician didn't know what to do but to keep holding onto her. Entering the hotel lift, Yuuki suddenly hugged him, "Reino, thanks."

He smiled in relief, "You know what? Miroku specially learnt boxing for you. Don't you think this is getting interesting? Like the final power-up for the last boss extermination…"

She sighed shakily, "He is a monster, after all."

"Well, more monstrous than that pessimistic lion, I guess."

"What lion?"

"I mean Tsuruga Ren—ah." A brilliant idea lit up in his unholy mind. A smirk spread across his handsome face, "I must be a genius."

Mwahahahaha~! Guess what I'm about to do next?!