Chapter 9

Kyoko had not expected the second cast meeting to be so hectic. Thankfully, Sho seemed to be absent from this meeting, since this was mostly to settle upon wardrobe concepts and for everyone to become more familiar with the new script. The previous script reading had been just for the pilot episode, and the writers had now provided the cast with half a season's worth of scripts so that they could acquaint themselves.

Overall, Kyoko was very happy with her own character concept. She was playing the character of a budding businesswoman. A young woman, who was being thrust into a male dominant industry after her father had to step down as President of the company because of extreme illness. Yukino's wardrobe concept reflected that. Elegant business clothes and pretty dresses were her aesthetic, so Kyoko was very pleased that she would get to dress that way. She was also very happy about the script, despite all the romantic elements that she would have to deal with.

After reviewing the scripts on her own, she turned to talk to Makoto-san, who was sitting right next to her.

"What do you think about the script, Makoto-san?"

Makoto turned to look at Kyoko, who was looking at him with an expectant expression. He had been reading the script diligently, trying to get back into the swing of memorizing lines and being in front of the camera.

"It is very well written, Kyoko-san. I am sure you are very excited to play such an enigmatic lead."

Kyoko nodded her head very fast in her excitement, "Oh yes! I have wanted to play such a princess-like character for a while."

Makoto smiled at the young actor, "Then I am glad you get to do so, Kyoko-san. I am sure you will do a great job with it."

The two were being formal to build upon the assumption that they had never met before the first script reading. Before the slightly practised conversation could continue, however, Futonami Aiko decided to make her presence known. Up until this point, she had remained silent.

"Oh, Makoto-san! Don't you think this character would suit a mature lady much better?" she said, shooting Kyoko a dirty look.

Makoto replied dryly, "I see no mature lady, Futonami-san. And the Director is the one who decides who gets to play what role. Of course, if you know anyone better suited for the role then you are welcome to tell the Director. Though I doubt he will pay much heed to your suggestions this late into the proceedings." He returned to conversing with Kyoko.

Kyoko herself had chosen not to participate in the conversation since she had not been addressed directly.

Futonami's attempt at being subtle had backfired and she walked back to her own seat in a huff.

Staring at the concept for his own character, Ren paled to an unhealthy degree. Nothing showed on his face and he did not let his hands tremble, as they wanted to. The sketch staring back at him was very much suited for his character and yet, it reminded him of horrible things. If anyone noticed his apprehension, they would probably attribute it to him being uncomfortable with the casual attire. However, that was not the case. He was just reminded too much of his past self.

Often, because of the image he had built for himself, people forgot that Ren was only twenty-one years old. The formal attire he regularly wore had been a deliberate choice, to separate his new self from his old one as much as possible. Actually looking his age was not something he was looking forward to, especially when the character already came very close in personality to his old self, as evidenced by the scripts. The famous actor knew that it would be difficult to keep Kuon in control during filming, and his proximity to Kyoko would not help the situation. It was not fair! For once, he wanted to act his age and actually refuse to do what others wanted. However, that was not a viable option. He had to be a mature adult and accept what was given to him.

Before anyone could notice his unnatural stillness, Ren gathered all of his composure and took in his surroundings to see if he had missed anything. He was faced with Futonami Aiko looking at him suggestively. He deliberately ignored her, making eye contact before doing so, so she got the message. Ren then resumed looking around the room and immediately noticed Kyoko talking animatedly to Yashiro. His insides bubbled with a strange feeling of emptiness and defeat. There was no reason for him to feel this way; he had no right to feel jealous. Yet, Ren could not help but feel frustrated about his own lack of initiative in this matter.

Shingai-san called for everyone's attention, "Everyone! I hope there are no issues with the script and the wardrobe concepts?" As there were no complaints forthcoming, he continued to speak, "Good. We will meet on Friday for the photoshoot and filming begins on Monday. Please prepare for the flashback scenes. Other than that, thank you all for being a part of this project."

"Director, I would like to talk to you about something."

Shingai's mood soured when he saw who spoke. He really did not want to talk to Futonami; nevertheless, he slapped a smile on his face, "Of course, Futonami-san. We can talk after we are done here."

Goodbyes were exchanges among the members of the cast. Kyoko excused herself from Tsuruga-san and Makoto-san, moving towards Director Shingai, only to find him talking to Futonami Aiko.

"I do not think she is suitable for this role, Director."

Kyoko froze in place. She was not sure if she wanted to go ahead and enter the conversation or run and hide under a table. She chose to keep standing where she was when she heard the Director's words in reply.

"I would appreciate your input, Futonami-san, had you been more sincere in making such a statement. Kyoko-san is very much capable of playing this role. I hand-picked her." Futonami seemed to shrink slightly at Shingai's even glare, "If you wish o question my decisions, you are welcome to leave, permanently. I doubt we will have trouble replacing you."

Futonami protested despite her slight fear, "But Director!"

"But nothing, Futonami-san. You came to me with unfounded concerns and I have dismissed them. You are in no place to tell me who to cast in this show when the actor in question has not caused any issues, to you or the project."

At the Director's strong statement, Futonami stomped her foot like a child and turned around. When she noticed Kyoko standing there, she gave her a bone-chilling glare and walked away, deliberately shoving past Kyoko.

Kyoko met Director Shingai's eyes, conveying her thankfulness, before bowing to him and walking away. He just smiled comfortingly at her.

Kyoko's face was contemplative as she went back where the rest of the cast and crew were congregated. A call of "Mogami-san!" brought her back to reality. She lifted her head, only to find Ren trying to get her attention.

"Mogami-san," Ren's eyes seemed to brighten as Kyoko's eyes focused on him, "Shall we take our leave?"

"Oh no, Tsuruga-san, I can go on my own." Kyoko was not in the mental state to negotiate this situation, not after Futonami's attack on her person. However, before she could say anything else, Makoto-san seemed to pop up out of nowhere.

"But Kyoko-chan, we are all going to LME. Isn't it better if we go together?" Makoto-san said cheerfully.

Kyoko could not say anything to that. She just sighed as the two men strong-armed her into going with them. She was a bit apprehensive and excited for the shoot to begin, and she had a lot of thinking to do.


Once again, I am happy with how this chapter turned out. I have no doubt that both Ren and Kyoko are out of character, but my aim is to make them more realistic. If anyone wants to hear my justification for their actions, tell me and I will be sure to include it in my Author's note for the next chapter. Till then, enjoy and review!

-clicheluver