Disclaimer : Wow I bet everyone knew who own Skip Beat! and Keishichou Tokuhanka 007. It's not me of course.
Rivals
A tall guy was standing in the secluded corner in Narita Airport. His attires were all black. Black slack, black boots, black shirt, black long coat, black cap and black hair. He leant against the wall with his arms crossed. He seemed like he was waiting for someone. Many people who walked pass the man immediately evacuated themselves. They were afraid of the dangerous looking guy.
He saw her. His GIRL. A girl with almost the same black cap walked gracefully across the busy airport in midday. She was dressed in a black shirt and jeans mini skirt, with matching black boots. A black shawl was seen wrapped around her slender neck. Her face wasn't clear as it was covered by her black cap though everyone could see her bright orange hair.
The said guy walked towards the girl with grace. The girl seemed to notice the tall guy who was walking towards her in long strides. She smiled. She knew him well.
"Kyouko-chan?" Hiromi tilted his head, confused when his charge walked faster towards a dangerous looking guy.
Kyouko didn't hear Hiromi calling for her. She was happy that he came to pick her up. She already knew since the guy told her previous night on the phone that he would come. Cain!
Wait! Who's that guy? Hiromi couldn't cease to think. He had to admit that he was confused. That guy looks dangerous. I have to stop Kyouko-chan. He was too late... of course, since their luggage was in his way.
The dangerous guy walked faster and held out his arms, pulling the orange haired girl into his arms. The girl squeaked, didn't expect the sudden pull.
"Welcome back, Kyouko!" He hugged her tight.
"I'm back, Cain!" She let out her Setsu persona the moment she saw him came close.
Cain! Ren almost sighed but he didn't care too much. What mattered to him was that she came back safe and in his arms. "Kyouko! I'm not playing Cain!" he protested. It's time to let her know that I'm not her brother. I hope she catch the vibe.
Kyouko froze when she heard his protest. Setsu's soul was pulled out from her body instantly. She regained her senses. "Um, sorry though I think it's best to call you that right now."
He sighed. She's right! "You're right. Just for now. I miss you, Kyouko."
"I miss you too." She giggled. Niisan, she added inwardly. He dressed as Cain after all. It has been a very long time since I last saw Cain. Almost a year?
Hiromi watched their entire exchanges with his brows furrowed. Who's that guy? Kyouko's lover? What? Then, what about Ren? He stood stiff in his place. Really, Shachou didn't tell me this. And the guy looks like a killer too. I think I saw this guy somewhere before. Where though? He coughed and the couple immediately pulled away from each other, like they were caught doing something bad. "Kyouko-chan, who's this guy?" Hiromi pointed his finger at Ren.
Kyouko and Ren looked at each other and smiled. "Hiro-san, let's go home! I'll explain on the way home," Kyouko said with a smile.
Unbelievable! This dangerous looking guy is Ren? Now, I remember. Yuki-nii told me about it. He must be the infamous Cain Heel. Hiromi laughed inwardly then sighed. They are really close but something is definitely wrong. I was sure that he was her lover… but now I know. She sees him as a brother instead. It's DEFINITELY wrong. It's not supposed to be like that, right? He watched the two from the back seat with his brows knitted. The two of them didn't really talk. Kyouko didn't want to bother Ren and Ren was focusing on driving, but one could conclude from the pink aura around them. At least that was from Hiromi's point of view.
Ren has to man up and confess. Kyouko has to stop denying love. Love isn't bad. They clearly love each other and even act like old married couple. Not much talk but understand each other well. Even I and my girl aren't anything like them. Shachou's right. These two need someone to push them together. What to do next? Hiromi pondered while kept watching the couple before his eyes.
Ren had been feeling happy these few days since he picked Kyouko up from the airport. He knew that he didn't make any big progresses. The only thing he did was telling Kyouko that he wasn't Cain. He really hoped that she would stop calling him niisan eventually, though it meant hard work for him. He had to think hard about the excuse for his behaviour.
And the reason he did that was because of a recent happening. They watched a light romance movie in his apartment last Sunday. When he asked about what she thought about the movie, she gave him a shocking comment. "Isn't that girl very stupid? The guy cheated on her and she still believed him? Okay, though we all knew that the guy was tricked but… cheating is cheating. Is this what they called love? If it is, then love is very horrible. I can't understand the girl. She should just forget the idea of love entirely. It seems like an illusion instead." From that comment alone, he knew that she still despised love and he couldn't rush her into it or what he had been afraid of would happen.
Today was Friday. Ren was eager to see her today too. He always was. He always had an urge to shout out TGIF (Thanks God It's Friday) cause she would be all his on this day. He walked faster and pushed the studio's door almost with over enthusiasm. Yashiro chuckled inwardly when he saw Ren's childish behaviour though the guy himself didn't realise that.
However, Ren's mood turned sour when he saw Kijima talked to Kyouko in a friendly manner. Kijima was flirting with Kyouko though the girl didn't realise it. That's right! We'll start filming the meeting with Arizono today. I still haven't found out whether Kijima-kun managed to get Kyouko's phone number or not. He tried not to bother with it and put on a calm façade. He greeted the two with a business smile and immediately went to his dressing room.
Yashiro felt headache was coming when he saw the happily chatting Kijima and Kyouko scene before his eyes. He sighed. I hope today's filming is going to be okay.
Several dead bodies were scattered around the floor. There were butterflies around them. A man was hammering the butterflies whilst kept muttering "beautiful".
At the Keishichou Tokuhanka 007 division room, the group was having a meeting regarding recent case where the 3 victims were girls. They were found yesterday morning. As usual, Kuze was dozing off and Fuyuki had to wake him up. Just at the same time, Kikuchi announced that they would be divided into three groups. When Kikuchi finished with his announcement, Fuyuki complained to Kuze that she wasn't a hugging pole. Kikuchi shouted angrily again.
Meanwhile…
A man in green scrub and mask, holding a scalpel, was laughing whilst he performed an autopsy. He was disturbed by his assistant who told him that he got a guest. The man whose name was Arizono stopped his activity and went out of the room, preparing to meet his guest.
"Oh my, isn't this handsome Kuze?" Arizono said while walking towards the police detective. "Did you come here to just see me?"
"You wish!" Kuze answered.
Arizono noticed the beauty besides Kuze. "Ah, this is my first time seeing this cute girl!"
"I'm Ichikawa Fuyuki. Just call me Fuyuki!"
Arizono found Fuyuki adorable. "Oh, Fuyuki. I'm a forensic doctor. My name is Arizono. You can call me doctor."
"Doctor?" Fuyuki asked. She looked confused.
"The best sound!" Arizono grabbed Fuyuki, cupped her face and said, "Such a pretty figure and looks. It's so magnificent. Your internal organs are probably also very beautiful right?"
Internal organs? Fuyuki cringed.
Kuze grabbed Arizono's hand. Kuze looked very angry. He snapped, "Stop joking around! You perverted internal organ lover doctor!"
Fuyuki's face drained of its colour. Internal organ lover?
"Oh! The calm and composed officer Kuze actually turned hostile. What a rare sight to see."
Both men stared at each other with murderous expression.
Kuze stopped their banters and said that Arizono was supposed to know why they were here. Arizono immediately turned serious. He knew why they came. He showed them the dead person's body and explained their cause of death. However, he told them that their estimated time of death couldn't be determined.
Yashiro stiffened. He was taking a shoot of the filming with his camcorder as well. Ren… he let out his emotion into the filming. He sighed inwardly. That's definitely Ren, not Kuze.
Ren was emitting a dark aura he didn't know he had. He was flashing his fake smile which he disguised well to avoid Kyouko's suspicion. He was irritated due to the fact that Kijima Hidehito flirted with his Kyouko. The Kijima guy whom he knew from their co-starring in several dramas openly asked his Kyouko for a date and in front of him when they were having lunch break.
"Hey, Kyouko-chan, let's go out tonight," Kijima said with a wink.
Hiromi and Yashiro threw each other dirty looks. Their devil tails and horns were growing longer the second they saw Ren's reaction. Ren was definitely holding himself and smiled dazzlingly instead. Meanwhile, Kijima's manager felt headache was coming.
Ren twitched. He was so going to barge in on them no matter what the consequences would be. Today was their day and he had been waiting for more than a week. They missed it last week since Kyouko had left for her modelling job in Okinawa though she somehow made it up to him with her coming to his apartment last Sunday. He felt that it wasn't enough.
Hoho. Ren, what will you do? Kijima-san is asking Kyouko-chan for a date. Yashiro lifted up his glasses dramatically. This is the second time he asked her(?) Yashiro looked back to his memory lane where Kijima first asked Kyouko to a date. He remembered that Kyouko said okay since she wanted to return a favour. It's your fault for not making your intention clear. He almost gasped when a realisation hit. They'll be going on a date again. Ren! Do something! Don't just smile like an idiot! he screamed inwardly. You might lose Kyouko forever.
Oh! This is so interesting. I think my temporary rivalry with Ren is over. Another man is replacing me. Shachou, why didn't you tell me this? Well, no problem. Hiromi grinned and frowned when he saw Yashiro's horrified expression.
He's at it again. He usually switched to other girl fast. He's been aiming for Kyouko-chan and couldn't wait for today's filming. Why though? Kijima's manager drank his tea, not bother to comment.
"Um, I have to turn down your invitation. I'm sorry but today I have a plan with my most important person," Kyouko answered, not knowing the impact on the people who heard her words just now. Moreover, Ren-san couldn't join too, right? Today is our sibling day. Knowing Kijima-san, probably he meant to go to some bar? I thought I heard he invited some staffs to a drink. He's friendly as usual but too bad, I can't drink either. I'm still underage.
Ren was practically glowing though he knew perfectly what she meant with that.
Yashiro and Hiromi's jaws dropped. Ren? Kyouko's most important person? Both of them knew that today was Ren and Kyouko's dinner date day. It was always Friday. They didn't know why and none of them knew that she also always stayed for the night.
She actually said that? Why you two not dating? Hiromi had an urge to ask.
Did Kyouko-chan mean it? Yashiro looked confused. Does that mean they are dating and keeping it a secret? Which is which?
I think Hide has to stop at this point. She's taken. Kijima's manager cringed.
Kijima was shocked. Most important person? Sounds a lot like boyfriend. "Ah, then would it be okay if we have afternoon tea today? We'll be finish at 4 after all," Kijima asked, not going to give up. "I know a good English style café around here." Don't jump into conclusion, Hidehito! Perhaps she meant Mouko-san? I heard she chat happily on the phone a while ago with that Mouko-san. Sounded like her best friend instead. Mouko-san must be a girl.
So persistent! Ren kept his poker face. Hiromi and Yashiro cringed. Kijima's manager grimaced.
Kyouko seemed to contemplate the invitation. "It's okay with me," she finally answered.
Ren was officially pissed off. Hiromi smiled. Yashiro was horrified and felt that the end of world was coming. Kijima's manager was stunned upon the answer. They had the same question inside their minds. She's okay with it? Only Kijima was glowing upon the answer. Yay! Date with Kyouko-chan! No guard dog allowed!
"If the others are okay too," Kyouko continued.
Kijima's smile faltered. Did she listen to me well? "Sorry? What did you just say, Kyouko-chan?"
"I said it's okay with me if the others are okay too. Right, Hiro-san, Ren-san, Yashiro-san, um… Kataoka-san?" Kyouko said.
The five men were speechless especially Kijima. He clearly asked her to go out with him, just the two of them. She interpreted my invitation as group invitation? Kijima sighed inwardly. He suddenly remembered the incident one year ago when he openly asked her out. That's right. I have to be clear with this girl. She's a rare and pure girl. She won't understand this simple.
"It's okay with me," Ren said. His answer interrupted Kijima's train of thoughts to Kijima's horror. Ren tried to be calm. He almost laughed out loud. This is hilarious. Sometimes, I'm grateful that she's dense.
"Ah, that's fine with me too," Yashiro immediately said. Fuh, Ren! You actually catch this fast. Well, it's good that Kyouko-chan is dense. She didn't understand that Kijima-san asked her out for a DATE which of course supposed to be just the two of them. Why didn't he say that? Well, his loss.
"Um, I'm Kyouko-chan's manager after all. I'll go of course," Hiromi said with a smile. Kyouko, you're really that dense? Kijima asked you out. Just the two of you and you say what? Really, guys who fall for Kyouko-chan are pitiful. They have long way to go. "You will too, right?" Hiromi asked Kijima's manager.
The older guy nodded. "Well, part of my job."
WAIT! WAIT! They seriously are going to tag along? Kijima sighed inwardly. Why is it turned out like this? No one catch the vibe at all! This is absolutely the worst!
Thus, the supposedly date between Kijima and Kyouko became a group gathering that afternoon.
The case where Kuze and Fuyuki caught the killer made into newspaper. The culprit kidnapped Fuyuki and was about to make her like his other victim. Fuyuki was confined in a coffin. Thankfully, Kuze came on time and shot the coffin locks. He managed to save Fuyuki. He even told her to not cause so many problems for him.
When they read the newspaper, they talked about the killer's reason for killing those people. It turned out the killer wanted the beautiful thing stayed beautiful. Fuyuki said that she thought that there wasn't a thing that didn't undergo the change and that it must be boring to stay the way it was. Kuze laughed at her and said that she was weird because normal girl wouldn't think like that.
Fuyuki was confused and only stared at Kuze. He lifted her chin and asked her why she stared at him. Their close proximity made Fuyuki blushed especially after Kuze left in a haste. The dense Fuyuki thought that there must be something wrong with him.
After the fateful afternoon tea, Ren made sure that he interrupted every advance Kijima tried to make to get close to Kyouko. Kyouko, as usual, didn't realise it at all. Whenever she lifted her head from her script or when she saw the two of them, they seemed to have a chat in a friendly manner. Kijima realised the disturbance as well and found it annoying. Unbeknownst to everyone on set, the two actors had a cold war on and off scene.
At the last scene of the case they were filming with Kijima, Ren could finally feel at ease since Arizono wouldn't be needed for at least a week. What set him off was the fact that Kijima actually managed to get Kyouko's mobile number at last. He knew about it when he saw an incoming call from that guy. Kyouko was cooking at that time and left her mobile phone on his living room's table. Damn! Not only meruado, but keitai bango too. He was tempted to switch the phone off and erased the call logs but he knew for the best that Kyouko would be angry if she ever found out he tampered with her phone. He finally tried to ignore it.
Shingai winked at Ren and Kyouko when the two entered the set. "I hope today's take is smooth." So, I know this is hard. How many re-take today? Not even Ren could do it in one take. If I think about it, girls would love to re-take the scene over and over. He started to count.
Unexpected to him, Kyouko and Ren both said calmly, "I'll do my best."
Yashiro and Hiromi cringed. Could they?
They had taken the scenes in the hotel and would proceed with scene in Kuze's apartment.
At one late night, Kuze was asked to escort Fuyuki back to her hotel. The team was surprised when they found out that Fuyuki was staying in a hotel, a very expensive one at that. That night, Fuyuki couldn't stay at her room because it was in a complete disaster because a pipe from upstairs burst and made her room wet. The hotel manager couldn't find another room for her to stay, and Fuyuki had no choice but to follow Kuze home.
Fuyuki apologised to Kuze for having to trouble him. Kuze threw a shirt to Fuyuki and started to undress himself while still smoking. Fuyuki stared at him and Kuze asked her, "Is it fun to watch me change?" Fuyuki blushed at the question.
"Sorry!" She ran off the room.
The scene was being cut as Kyouko needed a change of wardrobe. Most guys in the room found her blushing face adorable. They wondered whether she really blushed or it was just an act. The girl crews were swooning and hyperventilated when they got to see Ren's topless body. Kyouko was in fact only doing her act. She recalled the 'walk in on Cain's shower' incident to produce the blush as she didn't blush easily. She was used to Ren walking in hotel topless as Cain and didn't find it embarrassing to her anymore. She was all shy and embarrassed at first and Lory's plan seemed to be working unbeknownst to Lory himself, but acting as Setsu made her immune to Ren's touch and charm, thus Lory's plan was a big failure.
The next scene almost cause major nosebleed for the men in the room. They found Kyouko or rather Fuyuki sexy. That was a sight most men would die for. She wore Kuze's shirt and the buttoned up shirt fell on her knees. Her wet hair made her look sensual. Even Ren had to hold himself desperately when he had to dry Fuyuki's hair for her.
Fuyuki asked Kuze about himself and managed to get some information about him. He had older sister, younger brother and younger sister. In short, Kuze was the first son of the family and the second oldest of the siblings.
When it was time to sleep, they argued about who should sleep on the couch and on the bed. Kuze insisted Fuyuki sleeping on his bed whilst he took the couch. Fuyuki insisted Kuze sleeping on his bed cause she was smaller and would fit the couch more.
Kuze lost his patient and picked up Fuyuki with Fuyuki struggling and yelling to him. She stopped her yell when Kuze dropped her on his bed. He himself got into one bed to Fuyuki's surprise.
"Let's stop arguing. We'll just sleep together."
What? Fuyuki was stunned. "Wait a minute! Why do we have to sleep together? I already said that I'll sleep on the couch."
"Be quiet!" Kuze wrapped his arm around Fuyuki and almost strangled her. "Quit nagging! Hurry up and sleep!"
"I can't breathe." She grimaced.
Kuze loosened his arm and Fuyuki felt relieved. Wait a minute! That's weird. Why can't I seem to calm down? To sleep in this kind position, but… it feels warm!
"Be good! Sleep soon!" Kuze whispered the words in her ear.
She calmed down when Kuze's hand covered her eyes. "It's my first time sharing bed with someone!"
Kuze's eyes widened but then he realised that she fell asleep. She really fell asleep. Are you some kind of bear? You fell asleep right away. He sighed. I have to concede defeat.
The two of them drifted to deep slumber after that.
Yashiro squealed inwardly when he took the footage. Well, only at this moment you can be close to Kyouko-chan!
It really is weird. They actually did that perfectly! Unbelievable! Hiromi was astonished. He cringed when he saw Yashiro's expression. I can imagine Yuki-nii squealing over that scene. He should get rid of his inner fan girl's side. It's a shame for man.
Shingai found it amusing as well. What the…? These two… They seemed natural. He smirked. Well, they are good. Really good!
Fuyuki awoke with a start. She heard a phone ringing. When she opened her eyes, she wondered where she was. She turned around and saw Kuze's sleeping face. Her face reddened. She finally remembered that she stayed at Kuze's apartment last night. Kuze's mobile phone was still ringing.
Fuyuki woke him up, "Kuze, your phone is ringing."
Kuze grunted and reached his hand to his nightstand and picked up the phone. It was from Sasaki. They asked whether he knew where Fuyuki was and what happened to her. Kuze answered that Fuyuki was with him in his place.
The 007 team was stunned. Kuze told Sasaki to let him sleep a bit more. Sasaki was confused and asked what happened. Later the team knew what happened when they heard Fuyuki's voice saying, "Uwah, Kuze! You're so heavy! Don't lie on top of me! Kuze, get off! Get off!"
Kikuchi was so angry and hung up on them. Meanwhile, Fuyuki's face paled. Don't tell me that we have to stay in this position until he wakes up.
Ren was getting frustrated. He had thought that he had been living in peace for a week. Here today, they would be filming with Kijima again. Same as ever, they greeted each other when they met. From the corner of his eyes, he felt déjà vu again. He saw Kijima flirting with his Kyouko and the girl is still the same as ever, didn't realise the older man's intention.
Other than Ren, Yashiro also felt headache was coming. He knew about the two men's cold war. It was obvious. Meanwhile, Hiromi found it amusing. None of the men could make their advances clear. Ren was in Kijima's way and Kyouko was oblivious to Ren's advances since she was used to him being overprotective of her and thought nothing of it.
Fuyuki was confused when she reached their office. All members seemed to be in bad moods. The atmosphere was dark inside the office. Fuyuki asked Sasaki what had happened. Sasaki said that he didn't know. He thought that he couldn't possibly tell Fuyuki that it was because she stayed the night at Kuze's place. Kuze told Fuyuki not to mind them and the team members snapped. They yelled inwardly, "Stay away from our Fuyuki!" Sasaki cringed and tried to hold them in place whilst Kuze and Fuyuki were still clueless.
Arizono suddenly appeared and greeted the team members. The team members shuddered. They weren't expecting Arizono's appearance. They thought of him as fearsome fellow. Sasaki and Fuyuki cringed whilst Kuze stayed calm.
Arizono came to ask a favour from Kuze and Fuyuki. He said that he had a friend who begged him to introduce the said friend to Fuyuki. They were in a car when they talked about that. Arizono told them that the said person would explain the reason after meeting them. Kuze asked why he had to come with them too. Arizono told him not to get angry after all this concerned Kuze as well since Kuze was in charge of the case two days ago where they found a murdered woman on garbage collection place. Kuze looked thoughtful and sighed.
"So, you're saying that if I want more info on that, then I'll have to be good and come along, right?" Kuze asked.
Arizono laughed. "That's right. Anyway, I promise you won't lose anything by going."
The Keishichou Tokuhanka team were having a break. They would have to change the set. Moreover, the guest actor who would appear in next scene would be arriving an hour later and it was right on lunch break time. Thus, Shingai gave them an earlier break.
To Ren and Kyouko's surprises, the guest actor playing Yagi Masanari for the case they would be filming today was someone they knew well. Or exactly, they knew him well as Heel Siblings. Both Ren and Kyouko tried to hide their amazement over the man they knew called Murasame Taira. It was no helping to Ren's frustration that Murasame seemed to get smitten over Kyouko as well even though he had just joined them during lunch break and sat with them for several minutes. Murasame found Kyouko cute and familiar though he couldn't recall where he might have met the actress before.
"Uwah… that's one cheap trick, Murasame-kun," Kijima commented. "Maybe you saw her on TV?" NO way! Other than the guard dog Tsuruga-kun, Murasame-kun got interested in Kyouko-chan too? I have to move faster. First off, get rid of Tsuruga-kun!
"Haha… but really, I felt like I have met Kyouko-chan in person somewhere," Murasame brushed off Kijima's teasing. "Not TV."
Kyouko cringed, so did Ren. He did meet us, in Tragic Marker's set but as different persons.
"By the way, Kyouko-chan, you played that high school bully before right? Natsu or something," Murasame asked.
"Ah yes," Kyouko answered. "Natsu in Box R."
"You looked cool there. You fitted to be a leader. I had fun watching that." Murasame laughed. "Though that doesn't mean I agree with bullying at school. That was just cruel. Maybe you'll be suitable playing an onna kumichou too. I'd really like to see that."
Kyouko cringed. "You're too kind, Murasame-san."
"Um… your voice really sounds familiar you know?" Murasame said again.
Kijima and Ren who were listening to them got annoyed. Yashiro cringed. Hiromi smiled. The managers were at the different table since it was a table for four. Even though so, they eavesdropped on the conversation. They had fun watching Ren and Kijima's advances on Kyouko but never thought that a new guy would be added to the competition. At the other side, Kataoka made a mental note to remind his charge not to be so obvious. It wouldn't be good to make enemy with Tsuruga Ren. Moreover, they co-starred a lot.
"Ah, I remember now," Murasame suddenly said. "Your Natsu… Sorry, I don't mean that but… your Natsu looked like this girl I knew from my last movie." He pulled out his mobile phone and flipped open the device. He showed the three of them Setsu's picture. Setsu was seen leaning against the wall with bored expression.
"A foreigner?" Kijima said. "Wow, she's hot. Those legs are totally captivating. Too bad she's a gaijin. My English is not that good."
Murasame laughed while Ren and Kyouko tried their best to not being affected. It was Kyouko of course, only she was playing Setsuka Heel at that time. "So, what do you think, Kyouko-chan? Didn't she look a bit like Natsu?"
"Ah maybe because their expressions are alike. I pretty much had that expression when I played Natsu." Setsu was sexy and fashionable, more than Natsu actually. Kyouko agreed inwardly. Too bad, I'm not.
I should have killed this Murasame guy that time. Ren smiled and stayed silent. And Kijima too. When did he take this picture though?
"Haha… that's right. Their expressions are kind of alike. Anyway, she spoke Japanese too. She's English but she's half Japanese. And here…" Murasame pressed forward button. "Her big brother. Rude and scary fellow. He totally looked down on Japanese. And he's taller than me too… Darn it!"
"He looks scary," Kijima agreed. "Right Kyouko-chan?"
Kyouko cringed whilst trying to smile. "Yeah." Kyouko had an urge to look at Ren but she knew that she shouldn't do that. It would probably blow their covers.
Yeah, Murasame is so dead. He even took my picture as Cain. Ren smiled dazzlingly.
"What do you think, Tsuruga-kun? This Cain Heel guy looks scary right though his sister is damn hot," Murasame asked.
"Ah, well. I can't judge people by photo but yeah he does look scary. As for his sister, I have to agree. She's beautiful and sexy," Ren said with a smile.
Kyouko felt her face hot when she heard Ren said that Setsu was beautiful. She wanted to scream out loud. He must be kidding. He didn't mean it. He would never say that. She stopped her train of thoughts when she realised something important. Okay, I misunderstood. He meant Setsu after all. Kyouko smiled again. Yes, he meant Setsu, not me.
Arizono, Fuyuki and Kuze arrived at Arizono's friend's office. Mochizuki Gumi was written on the wooden name plague. Kuze and Fuyuki's face darkened while Arizono ushered them to follow him entering the office. Fuyuki asked Kuze whether Arizono befriended dangerous person and Kuze told her to not ask him.
When they were already inside the room, they saw dangerous looking guys. They were being all conceited and immediately shrank down when Arizono appeared and greeted them. Another man entered the room. He was Yagi, Arizono's friend. Arizono introduced Kuze as the officer from Keishichou Tokuhanka 007. The other group members laughed in the background upon hearing the division name. They found it surprising that the police really named their division with 007. Kuze was pissed off as he heard them.
Next, Arizono introduced Fuyuki to Yagi. Yagi even stepped back. He found Fuyuki cute, so did the other group members. Later Yagi realised that he had behaved poorly as the group's supervisor. He coughed and asked them to have a seat. Yagi introduced himself as Yagi Masanari, Mochizuki group's wakagashira. He stated his wish to borrow Fuyuki for a while. Kuze asked for their reason. Arizono even tried to guess it. Fuyuki was confused as to what Yakuza needed her for.
Arizono explained to them that Mochizuki group was the branch of Damon group. The Daimon group had always selected a woman from either Mochizuki group or Soneda group. The group from which the Damon group's successor chose his wife, would be honoured. However the bride from Mochizuki group was assassinated right before the bride selection ceremony was about to held.
Even though the Mochizuki group tried to find substitute, they couldn't find the satisfactory substitute. There were three reasons they chose Fuyuki. First, Arizono was Yagi's friend therefore he asked for Arizono's help. Second, Fuyuki worked for police force so she would be likely able to handle dangerous situation. Third, Fuyuki looked sweet and cute. It was a very important factor to consider appearances when choosing candidate.
Fuyuki was shocked to find that they wanted her to be the bride. Yagi confirmed Arizono's reasoning. Actually their group didn't want to become the head of the branches but they didn't want the other group became the head either. Yagi especially despised Soneda's leader group head, Katou whom he said that he would never forgive.
Yagi said that Sayaka, the previous bride, was the daughter of group's leader second wife. She became candidate because the first wife had no children. Before that, Sayaka was totally unrelated so they suspected that Sayaka was killed for obvious reason.
Kuze agreed to let Fuyuki help with one condition. Mochizuki group must hand Katou to him. Yagi asked him whether Kuze wanted them to help the police. Kuze said no and that he only wanted to join the ceremony with Fuyuki. Kuze asked whether Yagi worried about his group's reputation be ruined with police joined in their activities. He told Yagi that it would not damage the group's reputation, and it would help them to put Katou behind the bars. Kuze pulled Fuyuki with him after he stated all those. Yagi called for them and asked him to wait.
Kuze smirked and said, "You are the one who wants to borrow Fuyuki. I don't think you would foolishly expect us to hand her over so easily right?" With that, Kuze and Fuyuki got out of the room.
Yagi was speechless. Arizono told Yagi that Kuze was in charge of Sayaka's case so of course Kuze wouldn't let go of the chance to investigate. Yagi asked Arizono about Kuze. Arizono told him that Kuze was in the first division before and that he was very outstanding and Yagi could trust him. Yagi sighed and said that Kuze would be great in the future.
Arizono shrugged and said that Yagi shouldn't say that when he was asking for someone as young as Fuyuki for help, putting Kuze aside. Yagi had to agree with him.
Meanwhile, Fuyuki tried her best to follow Kuze's long strides. Fuyuki wasn't sure that the group would agree to Kuze's condition. Kuze was irritated and asked her whether she was intending to help them by herself. He told her that she was only a child, not a police officer so they couldn't just agree to yakuza's request easily and that he arranged that so then he could be by her side. Fuyuki smiled when she heard him saying that. She was happy that Kuze thought about her safety. Arizono smiled in the background upon seeing the two's walked away.
Fuyuki screamed her heart out when a lady from Mochizuki group helped her putting on her kimono. She whined that she could hardly breathe. The lady told her to be patient and did her hair. Meanwhile, Yagi and the others were waiting outside the room. They thought that they heard a scream just now. Yagi asked for permission to come inside the room.
"Wow, you look beautiful dressed like that," Yagi praised. "Right, Kuze-san?"
"Kuze!" Fuyuki turned to see Kuze and both Kuze and Fuyuki stood in silence, shocked at each other's appearances.
Kuze dressed just like a yakuza and he even put on sunglasses. While Kuze thought that dress did make the woman, Fuyuki thought that Kuze looked scarier than the real yakuza. The lady who helped Fuyuki suddenly barged in at the moment and said that she forgot about the lipstick. Kuze asked her for the lipstick. The lady was confused though she complied with his request.
Kuze walked close to Fuyuki and tilted her chin up.
"Part your lips a little!" he ordered.
Fuyuki obliged. Kuze helped applying the lipstick on her lips. The lady, Yagi and the other group members gaped on them.
"Very good!" Kuze said. He was satisfied with the result. He handed back the lipstick to the lady.
Everyone in that room had the same question inside their head including Fuyuki. What the heck was that?
"What are you doing, Fuyuki? Come over here, quick!" Kuze held out his hand to Fuyuki.
Fuyuki blushed. "Why are you holding out your hand to me?"
"Just think about it! You'll surely fall down when you walk!" Kuze answered
"Stop treating me like a three years old!" Fuyuki protested.
"Yes yes yes," Kuze said. "Stop nagging! Let's go!"
Fuyuki humphed loudly. She was angry with Kuze's treatment. The rest of the people in the room were stunned. They were slightly blushing. "What the hell with the two of them?" Yagi said.
Kuze and Fuyuki met Arizono outside the Mochizuki group's office. Arizono laughed maniacally upon seeing their attires then bade the couple good luck. Yagi reminded Kuze that he was not with the police. Yagi was curious as how Kuze would arrest Katou.
"Arrest him?" Kuze asked back. "I don't have to arrest him. I intend to make him own up to confess his crimes himself."
Yagi was stunned over the answer. The three later went to Daimon group's residence by car. They had determination shown on their face before they went in to the Damon's residence.
After the last scene for the day over, Kyouko was about to walk off to her dressing room before anybody could reach to her but Shingai managed to stop her and said, "Kyouko-chan, as usual, you look really good in Kimono. Good job!"
"Ah. Thanks, Director Shingai. Thanks for your hard work! Please excuse me. I'm in a hurry." Kyouko bowed.
"Oh sure." Shingai let her go but he laughed when he saw Kyouko's effort was about to fail. Everyone seemed wanted to stop the actress and compliment her on her look in kimono. He also noticed the other three men who wanted to 'eat' her up.
"Kyouko-chan, what about a date?" Murasame asked bluntly.
"Kyouko-chan, let's go out tonight for desserts!" Kijima said.
Before she could utter a single word, a loud "MOU!" was heard. In just several seconds, a long haired chick appeared before them. "Kyouko, till what time do you want to make me wait for you? Mou!"
"Mouko-san!" Kyouko's eyes lit up. She wanted to hug Kanae but knew that she didn't like the public display affection, she restrained herself.
"Come on! Change your clothes! Your manager actually called my manager to hurry up, and look! You haven't finished yet… mou really…" Kanae protested then realised that several pair of eyes were on her. "Oh I see," she said when something clicked inside her mind. "Go change your clothes!"
Kyouko nodded enthusiastically, thanked the two men for their hard work and then walked off the set. Unlike the two men, when Ren saw Kanae, he had predicted the reason she appeared. Must be a bff day today. Therefore he could rest assured and walked off to his dressing room.
The other two men stared at the pretty chick in front of them, confused. "Kijima-san and Murasame-san, am I right?" Kanae said. The older men nodded. They felt intimidated by Kanae's presence. She didn't look friendly at all even though she was beautiful. "Pardon for my rudeness but… she's mine for today. You can try harder! And IF she isn't dense enough to recognise a date invitation." With that, Kanae walked off to find Kyouko.
Who the hell is that chick?
"That's sly, Yashiro-san!" Kanae said when she met Hiromi outside Kyouko's dressing room. "You used me to repel those guys from Kyouko. What am I? Kyouko's admirers repellent? Mou."
Hiromi laughed. "Sorry but not even Ren could repel those men and it would be a smash in those men's prides if they were beaten by a lady when it comes to Kyouko's favourite person. Just wanted to witness it happened though." Hiromi grinned.
"I'm honoured… but… did she not realise those men's intentions at all? Why didn't you let them compete? Didn't you record all of her movements?" So, I am still at the top of her list right? Kanae laughed victoriously inside her mind then quickly denied it. Why do I have to feel happy about that? MOU!
"I wanted to, for the very reason I told you, and you can't keep appearing and save the day after all… it'd be a waste if I didn't use this chance. Even Ren couldn't win against you right? I heard it from Yuki-nii about that fateful Christmas day."
"You're right!" Kanae said. "Well, if they couldn't beat me then don't even dare to dream of being Kyouko's boyfriend. I won't let them have my precious friend."
"You're right. You really love Kyouko-chan a lot," Hiromi commented.
Kanae blushed. "No, I'm just… she's just..."
"You've just admitted to it," Hiromi said again. "Want me to repeat it?"
"Don't tell her that! She'd definitely attack me with her bear hug," Kanae said with small voice.
When Kyouko came out, Hiromi immediately said, "Kyouko-chan, Kotonami-san said that you're her precious friend."
Kyouko's eyes were gleaming upon hearing that statement. She glomped onto Kanae and hugged her tight. "Mouko-san! You're really my best friend!"
Kanae was suffocated because of Kyouko's attack though she still managed to glare at Hiromi. I'll definitely kill you one day, Yashiro!
Meanwhile, Ren who watched the scene sighed. That's right! Kotonami and Fuwa. Two biggest rivals! Then Kijima-kun. He's serious about Kyouko. Unbelievable, that playboy! And Murasame… He'd definitely die someday.
Kijima sighed when he saw the very same scene after getting out of his dressing room. And here I think that the biggest rival is Tsuruga-kun. This chick is even a bigger rival. Is she that most important person Kyouko-chan said before? Must be her. Beat that chick!
Murasame smirked when he saw the scene. Another interesting woman though the most interesting chick is still Kyouko-chan. Her Mio is so dark, her Natsu is so sexy, even her Hime is so enchanting and the last, Fuyuki is a real deal. Um, I think I saw that black haired chick somewhere too. Where though? Well, I guess I have to beat this chick first to get close to Kyouko-chan.
Kanae shivered. She felt the chill. What is it? I have a bad feeling.
"Mouko-san?" Kyouko asked. "Are you okay?"
"Sure, let's go?"
"Let's go!"
A/N : Chapter 188 of SB really made me messed up. I've finished typing this chapter before it was released actually. I'm glad that I waited for that chapter 188 or else I would definitely mess this fic. I fixed a little fact there. The recent chapter shown that Kijima had Kyouko's meruado (I read Chinese Raw and then Japanese raw) so I changed a little thing above and shown that now he had both her meruado and phone number. Thankfully I made Kijima asked for her phone number in previous chapter not meruado. So it didn't really mess my fic. Okay, so that tells me to always stick with Japanese raw instead.
Ren didn't have to feel jealous actually, he got her PHONE NUMBER though he might not have her MERUADO. Why? The reason is below in Note on Terms. Only CLOSE friends or FAMILY would have phone numbers while MERUADO is safer if they only wanted to be friend. Even Yashiro had Kyouko's phone number. Why do I say so? Kyouko called Ren several times and Ren called her several times so it shown that he had her PHONE NUMBER but not MERUADO. He never did email her and accepted an email from her.
And I'm very surprised that my plot is a bit like Nakamura sensei's. I threw in Kijima for serious competition. I guess I have to write faster. By all means, enjoy this very long chapter. I'm half done with next chapter. Review if you'd like. It definitely boosts my energy. LOL.
Thanks to Shiroyuki76 for proofreading this chapter.
Note on Terms :
Meruado : shortened from meru adoresu (mail address).
Keitai Bango : mobile number
According to some Japanese, Japanese separate meruado and keitai bango. If they only have meruado then they could only exchange emails. Japanese like to go around emailing rather than phoning each other to keep their distance at the beginning of a relationship.
Wakagashira : young leader of the group
Onna Kumichou : woman leader in yakuza group
