I have come back to merge chapters and correct some mistakes. So if you already read it, the new stuff will start in chapter 11

Chapter 8: Acting test


'How will I be able to identify the car that the president is sending to pick me up?' I wonder as I walk outside. But as soon as I stand on the sidewalk I know I shouldn't have worried, an extravagant stretched hummer stops right where I am standing. The drives steps out to open the door for me.
"The president would like to apologize that he isn't here. He wanted to be in the studio as early as possible."
I am not sure how to respond so I just nod my thanks, the strange car makes sense now. It probably came here after the president arrived at the studio.
'Wait, studio? Is a newcomer test not at LME?' I should have insisted on more information.

"We have arrived Hana-san." The driver tells me, and I look up.
As I step into the building I see Dark Moon posters everywhere. I am in the Dark Moon studio! The president won't let me judge Kyoko, would he? No, he said he wanted an independent judge, he knows I would favour Kyoko.
"Hana-san, you are here too?"
Well, speak of the devil.
"Hey, Kyoko-chan. You seem happy."
"Of course, yesterday Tsuruga-san said he found his Katsuki."
Oh, no…
This is heading in a direction I really don't like. I think about running for a moment. If it is what I think it is, then the president is really doing it this time. But before I can protest Kyoko opens the door and greets every one, loudly.
The moment I see the situation inside I really want to run. Tsuruga is facing off with the president. I really shouldn't have accepted the position as judge.

"Hana-san, do you know what is going on?" Kyoko asks me quietly, the oppressing atmosphere multiplies before I can say anything.
Sure enough, Tsuruga is now looking at me. The moment I look up he turns back to the president, who seems unaware of the explosive situation he created.
"I will not show any favouritism, if you don't perform to my satisfaction I will have you replaced. If you can't surpass Shuuhei Hozu I will also have you replaced.
Thank you, Hana-kun, for agreeing to help, since you know him you can judge fairly."

Oh no,
no, no…
please tell me this is a dream, or a nightmare, I don't care.
I would give almost anything to escape reality right now.

As it is I stay silent, inwardly I am counting backwards from 1000 to keep my temper in check.
"If you are not confident you should leave now, Ren. I already found someone who could replace you."
Please let Kyoko be right, please let the president accept the Katsuki Tsuruga found. I don't want to have to fire my friend from a role ever again, even if Tsuruga isn't really Kuon.
"Well then…" Tsuruga replies to the president.
Thank the heavens that his voice sounds strong, maybe this won't be that much of a disaster.
"I will show you not just Shuuhei Hozu's skill in acting and influencing others, but power as well. I guarantee that I will exceed all your expectations."
I sigh, which sounds too loud in the silence, and I am sure I visibly relax. If Tsuruga is that confident I probably don't have to worry… much.
"Those are big words, you better not forget what you just said."
With those words the president catches my attention again. He seems deadly in a way, he is really serious about firing Tsuruga, and dead set on doing so. Unless Tsuruga proves him wrong.

Looking around I see that Kyoko disappeared. She is probably upset about the fact that she didn't know a thing, so that means it will be difficult to find her. Just as I set out to find her the president calls out to me.
"Hana-kun, come over. I want to introduce you to director Ogata."
Said director is standing next to the presidents exorbitant chair, and I have no choice but to join the two men in their conversation. I try to say something, to think of something to get out now. But I am too slow the president already starts introducing us to eachother.
"Hana-kun, director Ogata. Director Ogata, this is Hana-kun. I asked her to be an independent judge in this situation. She knows Hizuri Kuu's/Shuuhei Hozu's personally, and she already told me she observed the same things about Tsuruga's acting that make me do this."
We both nod to each other, sensing that a 'glad to meet you' doesn't apply in this situation.
"Director Ogata, could you give Hana-kun an update about the story so she will understand the scene?"


After director Ogata finishes his story I immediately go looking for Kyoko. She is probably in an open storage room, since she doesn't want many people around when she is upset. As I find her she is sitting on an island, a prop, and Tsuruga is sitting on a box nearby. As soon as Kyoko sees me she calls out.
"Hana-san, did you know? Why didn't you warn me?"
I put up my hands in defence.
"I didn't know, the president just told me I was going to be a judge for an acting test. I assumed it was an audition, if I had known I would be on the other end of the world by now."
Tsuruga chuckles, just loud enough for me to catch it. I give him a glare.
"It's no joke! I would be, there is always a reason if I have to find one, especially now."
Both Tsuruga and Kyoko give me surprised looks.
"The mother of a friend has her birthday party in a few days. If I didn't have work to do she would tell me that she would die if I won't be there."
Tsuruga has a guilty look for a moment but then he schools his expression in neutral surprise. Kyoko, literal as always, lets out a sound of horror.
"But Hana-san, you have to go! You can't let the mother of a friend die!"
"Don't worry Kyoko, if she died every time she said she would die… Then she wouldn't even be a ghost anymore. I don't think ghosts can die more than a thousand times."
Kyoko still doesn't seem to be convinced so I add, "She is only joking, it is one of her favourite phrases."
Before anyone can say anything more Yashiro arrives to tell us the acting test will begin. It seems Momose, the other lead, has arrived and is already with the make-up artists.


"Director, I would like to ask for a little favour before we start." Tsuruga says standing before us, the judges.
"What favour?"
"Following the part where Mizuki breaks the cup and cuts herself, is it alright to divulge from the script?"
Around me I hear surprised intakes of breath. I am not one of those people, I caught Tsuruga sneaking a peak at Kyoko before he spoke up. Combining that with yesterday's request I am guessing they practiced the scene, or something like it. He probably wants to take that scene since he practiced it. I look at Kyoko, but she seems just as surprised as everyone else.

Just before the scene starts I see it again, Tsuruga glances towards Kyoko. For a moment I think I see Kuon struggling to get the upper hand. But then he closes his eyes, and it is neither Tsuruga nor Kuon anymore sitting on the sofa.

As the scene starts I can't really concentrate on the lines, that is the director's job anyway. I get caught up in Katsuki's expressions. They are strangely empty somehow, but not empty because Tsuruga doesn't act. They are empty because Katsuki doesn't want anyone to see his real expression. As it comes out, when Mizuki is looking away, I hear people around me whisper.
"That painful smile is somehow more complicated than before."
"I thought he was good before, but this feels more real."
I have to agree, it is almost Kuon's Kyoko-face, but now it has turned sad. Before I can see what really changed the mask is on again, and Mizuki asks something about the tea.
They both reach for the cup, causing it to fall. When Mizuki starts picking up the pieces she cuts her hand, from now on Tsuruga will be changing the script.
I sneak a peek at Kyoko again, she is looking really determined. So they must have practiced another scene last night, since she also doesn't seem to know where Tsuruga will take the scene.
As I look back to the set I almost choke on nothing but air.
That face is an expression I never expected the gentleman to have, nor Kuon for that matter. It reminds me of a young Kuon when we were preparing a prank, except that this face would make every girl embarrassed.

When he speaks his lines they seem to drip with doom, or sarcasm.
"Allow me to disinfect it for you."
And with every word he speaks his expression turns darker, like he is punishing himself. Or enjoying a forbidden joke, I realize as he pulls Mizuki's hand to his lips. As she screams and jumps away I have to stop myself from looking at Kyoko, I don't want to get them in trouble with the lovemon president. But I can't help but wonder, did Kuon do something like this with Kyoko?

The chuckle from Katsuki startles me. How can he laugh about such a tasteless joke? Alright, her reaction was kind of funny, but still. His explanation about the joke makes me miserable, it is a bit like I am in my room again and Kuon is there complaining about another break-up. Not really looking anyone in the eyes, since he knows he must have done something wrong. When he looks back he again has that dark 'painful' expression, but you could easily mistake it for anger now, making his words cut even more. Telling the girl that he doesn't even care for her, outright denying everything he did in the last minute.
Next to me I see the president sitting up, I look at him. He can't be thinking about leaving… But luckily he is just surprised by the acting.

I turn back to the set, immediately wishing I hadn't. Tsuruga/Kuon is drawing from his own emotions, and with Mizuki's back at him he shows the sadness. The same sadness he showed me before telling me I shouldn't send the letter, and leave Kyoko out of his mess. I want to run, but I am frozen. Maybe that is for the best, if I were to leave it would be seen as sign that I don't think his acting is good enough to match Kuu's.
I have to stay, I won't be responsible for him being fired.
The heavy atmosphere lifts a bit when he turns his words into a joke, but I am still rooted to my spot.

Just when I am thinking I can handle his acting again, Mizuki has walked to a 'safe' spot by the piano, I am shocked out of my mind again. Kuon has his Kyoko-face on for another girl! And he altered it to something even more loving!
'What the heck are you doing! Kuon!' I scream inside my mind, my muscles still not cooperating, luckily.
I almost want to run onto the stage to punch some sense into the blockhead.
"Ku-reepy idiot." I mutter before I can help myself, but then I notice he is looking at Kyoko. From the corners of his eyes, but that expression is still solely for Kyoko. I sigh, and then notice the havoc left by his smile. All around me women are swooning, men are embarrassed, and Kyoko herself is looking like a deer caught in the headlights.
Then his expression becomes more normal -for Tsuruga- and the act continues into some piano game. Even if it is a bit strange for Tsuruga, I recognize it as Kuon's former attitude to likable girls. So he is bringing Kuon to the surface to help with Katsuki, that might be good.
Now he only has to bring him back in his normal life and I will see my friend again. Just as I think that Tsuruga's face changes, he is sitting on the sofa and smiling broadly like he agrees with my thoughts. No that is not true, but it is a nice thought. I am almost disappointed when the director just calls 'cut' and doesn't add 'well done'. Then again, that is for three people to decide now.

"Well…"
Immediately the president is in the middle of the attention.
"That wasn't too bad, for you, that is. Maybe that will just about do for passing the test?"
Everyone is glad, but I see that Kyoko agrees with me. He did much more that barely pass. For a few moments I am distracted by her face, then the president mentions that he understands the feelings that were used in acting.
I just think, 'That lovemon really didn't know that before this?' But both Yashiro and Kyoko seem horrified by the remark. Only the fact that I know that Kyoko can't know about his feelings keeps me silent.
Kuon would never tell her, and Tsuruga also wouldn't.
Yashiro's face says more, he even glances to Kyoko. Maybe I can get him to help me, having access to Tsuruga's schedule will definitely help with matchmaking.
"Hana-kun, what did you think. Did he reach Shuuhei Hozu's level?"
And now everyone is looking at me, which feels scary. I gulp, I really don't know what to say. If it was me and Kuon, or Tsuruga, alone I could give him an honest reaction. But nobody can know we knew each other.
"If it was bad you can just say it, that will help me more than insincere praise."
I look at Tsuruga, he is completely the gentleman now.
"It wasn't bad, not at all. I think it was good. I was really moved, the emotions were…"
I trail off, if I want to clarify I have to refer to things only Kuon would understand.
"Well, I don't think there was any problem portraying Katsuki's emotions."
I give a smile to show that I want to clarify but I honestly don't know how.
Then someone raises the question I was hoping to avoid.
"Do you think he was better than Shuuhei?"
"I don't think Kuu would be able to act this Katsuki, but the reverse is also true. Both Tsuruga-san and Kuu have their own Katsuki, and they are different. And please don't ask me more about Kuu's acting. I never worked with him, so I only know his acting from the big screen, just like most of you."
I don't mention the jokes we pulled, that kind of acting can't be compared to something with a script.


When I walk outside the president is waiting next to his car.
"Hana-kun… Why did you avoid any comparison between Kuu and Tsuruga-kun? They are both professionals so they won't be offended by your opinion."
"I know, but I can't rate Tsuruga's acting in this scene."
I look around to verify nobody can hear this.
"More than half of it was Kuon's acting, and comparing a duo act to Kuu's acting is impossible."
The president looks shocked. Then he climbs into the car gesturing I have to follow him. He stays silent the whole time, even as I sit down on the abnormally large sofa he still doesn't speak.
"It isn't recognizable if you don't know that they are the same person. Actually I think no one would make the connection just from his acting. I already knew before, so..."
The president is looking behind me and I turn. Tsuruga is walking towards the car. When he opens the door he hesitates as he sees me.
"Come in, Ren. I just invited Hana-kun so we could discuss the scene." The president says.
It is really awkward as everyone is wondering what to say. Then he opens fridge I didn't notice and pulls out a bottle of wine and offers a glass to Tsuruga, who declines.
"I am still working."
"I don't need anything either." I say before the president can open the fridge again.
"You knew that she knew?" He asks Tsuruga, who in turn looks to me. I just shrug.
"Yes, I slipped up." Tsuruga says, leaving it at that. Seeing that he isn't going to clarify the president looks at me.
"He talked about something only a few people knew, and I know all of them." I offer, not wanting to reveal more.
"All right then, Hana-kun you said more than half of the scene was Kuon's acting. Please explain."
"More than half? I didn't think it was that much, when did you think it wasn't me?"
Tsuruga seems a bit panicked, and afraid. I sigh, even when he is with only people who know Tsuruga doesn't relax.
"The gentle looks were Kuon's expressions, just as the sad and probably the seducing ones. The piano battle was Tsuruga-san's acting but it was definitely based on Kuon's behaviour years ago." I tell them, and both men are surprised.
"The gentle looks?" Tsuruga asks confused and I smile.
He immediately backs away, clearly afraid that he has said something wrong. He has, I am going to have a lot of fun teasing him with this.
"Yes, the gentle looks, Mr. I'm-not-interested-in-your-mail."
He immediately knows what I am hinting at, while I haven't revealed any secret. Still he gets angry and replies sharply "I told you not to say anything about that."
"I can talk about my mail, it is send to me after all." I answer, but Kuon doesn't react. It is the gentleman who tells me
"You are right, it is your mail".
But I clearly hear the underlying message, 'I don't know what will happen if you say anything more'. Even though he doesn't seem angry anymore I still don't want to push it.
"Don't fight, I think it is a good trend that Kuon is getting closer to the surface. Don't you agree?" The president interrupts.
Tsuruga gets even more tense while I nod.
"Definitely, since I hate gentlemen."
He shoots me a glare but before he can react the president speaks up again.
"Although you acted desperately today, I really think you should bring out your old self more. Isn't it alright to forgive yourself?"
Tsuruga doesn't reply, he is just staring at his shoes. I don't dare to speak up.
"Let it rest, but I know you need the parts of yourself that you locked away. If you want to achieve a Katsuki with even bigger impact than Shuuhei Hozu's, you need your old self."

From the corners of my eyes I see movement on the parking lot. Turning my head I see Kyoko circling around. Because she is walking behind Tsuruga it only takes a few seconds before the president also notices her.
"Isn't that Mogami-kun?"
Then he moves to the window to take a better look, muttering "What is that girl doing this time?"
Not interrupting our important talk and waiting for us, probably. Kyoko is easy to read if you know her. But just as I want to say it the president continues.
"Could she be waiting for you?"
Then he turns to us and stops talking. His face is a strange mix of shock, joy and despair. I turn towards Tsuruga and immediately see the reason for the president's expression. It's Kuon's Kyoko-face, well everything is out in the open now.
"Why of all things did you fall to such a hard to deal with person..."
"Wha…! What are you talking about…?!"
Tsuruga is not doing a good job denying it.
"You have your 'letter-girl'-face on, Mr. Obvious. Anyone could tell, especially after you used that expression for Katsuki to look at Mizuki."
He doesn't answer, but the expression vanishes.
"It is probably better if she is tough…" The president mutters.
"It wouldn't help if she was easy. After all you still don't think you have the right to be happy, do you?"
Tsuruga still doesn't answer, he just leaves the car to look for Kyoko.

"Hana-kun, do you think that letter-girl would make things difficult for Kuon?" The president asks as soon as the door closes. I know he is thinking about when Kuon 'comes out' whenever that may be.
"I promised I wouldn't talk about her."
"When the time comes would you talk with her?" He presses.
"I promised I wouldn't say anything about it, please don't pry anymore."
And with that I also start to leave the car, but the presidents voice stops me.
"We will bring you back to LME. You can ask for a bentou here or we will leave immediately and you can eat at LME."
"I want to tell Kyoko I am leaving and then will ask for a bentou, thank you." I answer and step out of the car.

When I walk around the corner I stop in my tracks. Kyoko stands in a position I recognize form her cheer-up sessions. But as I look closer the 'Corn'-stone isn't in her hand. A few moments later Tsuruga raises his hand and then I see the glitter of the stone. Snickering I step back behind the corner. The roles have switched completely in this situation.
Just as I think that it might be alright to stop hiding I hear Kyoko speak up, she sounds angry.
"Corn is really a fairy!"
The outburst is followed by a massive laugh. I cannot stop myself from walking out, I'm really curious whether it is Kuon or Tsuruga laughing.
It doesn't take long before Kyoko notices me, she is sulking.
"Hannah, you tell Tsuruga that Corn is really a fairy."
"I never said…" He starts but his boyish grin betrays him.
"Corn was the fairy prince, no one who saw him would deny it. It spoke from his every action." I tell them.
Kyoko seems satisfied, her face now has an I-told-you-so expression, telling Tsuruga 'You see? It is true'.
Tsuruga is taken aback from my use of his other name, but recovers fast. Not giving him any chance to react I continue.
"But Kyoko-chan, I actually came to wish you good luck with filming this afternoon. I have to go back."
"Okay, good luck with filming." She answers, more caught up in her current argument with Tsuruga.
As I walk away I hear Kyoko restart the subject, telling about how Corn flew through the sky.


A/N: As you probably have noticed, I refer much to Skip Beat chapters 72-76. I don't own them, Nakamura-sensei does.
Thank you for reading and I would love to hear what you think of my story, reviews are really boosting my motivation to write ;D