Chapter 10: A New Onii-chan

Monday arrived far too quickly for Kyoko, and unfortunately for her she had to arrive on set by herself at eleven in the morning. Ren had had a photo shoot early in the morning and would be arriving to the filming after Kyoko.

She hurried to the studio after being stuck in traffic and arrived five minutes late. Once on the set she quickly found the director.

"I am sorry I'm late. I got stuck in traffic." She said, bowing.

The director smiled and gave a small laugh. "Don't worry, Kyoko-san. We still have plenty of time to do your hair and make up and get you into wardrobe."

Kyoko's worry melted away. "I am glad. Thank you, director-san."

A few moments later, an assistant whisked her away to a hair and make up room. She was immediately seated in a chair and a girl with purple hair approached her.

"Hi, Kyoko-chan. I am Hina, you're hair and make up artist." The girl introduced herself.

Kyoko grinned, "Please take care of me." She replied with a bow of her head.

"Well," Hina started, "For your hair we have a wig prepared. So I'll just need to get this put up." She quickly pulled Kyoko's hair up into a tight bun. "Next we'll start on your make up. The director said to make you look young, so nothing heavy. I am going to keep it as natural as possible."

Kyoko was happy to feel immediately relaxed around her new make up girl. Hina liked to explain what she was doing and her reasons as she went along and Kyoko found it very interesting.

Finally forty-five minutes later, Kyoko had full make up done. Hina stepped away to get a box and returned a moment later. She smiled at Kyoko. "Are you ready to see your wig?"

The young actress nodded enthusiastically. When Hina opened the box she pulled out a long blonde wig. The strands of hair were curled elegantly and the front had short straight bangs.

Seeing it, Kyoko reached out a hand and stroked her new curls. "It's beautiful," she murmured.

"Isn't it though?" Hina agreed. She secured the wig atop Kyoko's hair and pulled the curls up into two high pigtails. Then she decorated them each with a light purple ribbon. "Perfect!"

Kyoko stared at herself in the mirror. Well, I certainly don't look like myself. And I do look younger. She tilted her head, examining the way her blonde hair moved. I'd never guess that Hana-chan was eighteen. She thought with a smile.

"Thank you, Hina-chan." Kyoko said with a bow. She left the make up room and headed to wardrobe where they provided her with her new clothes.

She spun around in front of the mirror examining her new clothes which were far different from her usual roles. She was wearing a short white lace skirt, paired with a short sleeved light purple button up shirt. On her feet she wore light purple knee-highs with white tennis shoes.

Looking in the mirror, she didn't even recognize herself. So this is how Hana-chan dresses. She thought with amazement.

"Here's your bag, Kyoko-chan," one of the assistants said, handing her a purple purse shaped like a cat face.

Kyoko looked at it and struggled not to laugh at the ridiculousness of it. "Am I all set then?" she asked.

The wardrobe staff did a final check before sending her out to the set. Kyoko felt strange in these clothes. They were so different from anything she owned. I feel like a completely different person. She thought with a laugh.

Just then she spotted Ren and Yashiro across the studio. Kyoko sprinted over to them excitedly, her blonde curls bouncing.

"Yashiro-san! Ren!" she called out stopping before them. "How do I look?" she asked.

Ren stared at the girl in front of him. At first, he hadn't recognized his fiancée.

"Kyoko-chan?" Yashiro squealed, "You look so different."

She beamed, "I know. They did an amazing job. I didn't even recognize myself at first."

Ren laughed, "You look great. Why don't you twirl around?" he suggested.

She did and Ren was even more astounded by how different she looked. They really went all out making her look young… he thought, feeling slightly awkward.

Just then they were joined by the remaining lead star of the drama. Suoh approached them with a grin. "Is that my little sister that I see there?" he asked approaching them. He was already dressed in his wardrobe for the filming and had his hair and make up done.

Kyoko bowed to him politely. "Good morning, Suoh-kun. I look forward to acting with you today."

"Same here." He replied, then he turned to Ren. "Oh, I think they are ready to do your hair. Don't worry, I'll be sure to keep Kyoko-chan company while you're busy." He gave a wink to Kyoko.

Kyoko watched as Ren's eyes darkened, she expected him to say something to Suoh but was glad when he only smiled his deathly smile. "All right then." He turned to Kyoko. "I'll be right back, Kyoko." Ren then leaned down and gave Kyoko a quick but passionate kiss on her lips. He gave a pointed look towards Suoh before walking away to make up. Kyoko could feel her face flush red.

Suoh laughed quietly. "He doesn't take too kindly to me flirting with you, does he?" he asked.

Kyoko smiled sweetly at him in her own rendition of Ren's fake smile. "Well, I don't know too many people who take kindly to their future spouse being flirted with in front of them." She replied in a serious tone.

Suoh raised his eyebrows in surprise. He really hadn't expected her to resist him. But then again, maybe she was just playing hard to get. He leaned over to her ear. "So I should only flirt with you when he's not around then. Okay!" he winked at her again then stepped away when the director waved him over, leaving a stunned and irritated Kyoko Mogami in his wake.

When filming started the director called everyone together. "Thank you all for being here! First we'll start with the opening scenes. We'll be cutting together Kyoko-san's scene with Ren-san and Suoh-san's scene. Let's start by filming Hana's scene first." He finished explaining and everyone got into place.

Kyoko's first scene's were mostly her walking down the sidewalk. They had decided to film these twice, once in the studio and then again when they went on location. As she began acting Ren stood by himself to the side. Yashiro had stepped out to take a phone call, when Ren heard footsteps he assumed the manager had returned. Instead, he turned to find Suoh.

"Excited to start filming?" Suoh asked.

Ren nodded. "Very."

Suoh and Ren looked out on the set as Kyoko skipped along down the fake sidewalk. "She looks so cute, doesn't she?" Suoh asked.

Ren glanced at his co-star and found he didn't appreciate the compliment after seeing the lustful look in his eyes. "She is a very talented actress who is able to adapt to her roles well." He replied sternly.

The older man just nodded. "I can see that."

When Kyoko had finished her scenes, it was time for Ren and Suoh to begin. They got on set with a few extras to make the campus look busy. The two began walking across the campus talking about classes. They stopped when they heard footsteps behind them. Suoh turned around first to look and was immediately greeted by a young girl throwing her arms around him.

"Onii-chan!" Hana cried, hugging him tightly.

He looked down at her in surprise. "Hana? What are you doing here?" Keiji asked. He pulled her away from him.

Yusei stared at them awkwardly. He didn't know who this random girl was that had suddenly hugged his best friend. Meanwhile, Ren was trying to figure out why that action of hers had looked so familiar to him.

"Um, Keiji-kun, who is this?" Yusei asked finally.

Keiji smiled at his friend. "This," he said putting an arm around his sister's shoulders. "Is my little sister, Hana."

Hana smiled at Yusei. "Hello, nice to meet you." She greeted him.

Yusei bowed his head slightly. "It's nice to meet you too."

Keiji turned back to his sister. "Oh yeah, you never explained. What are you doing here?"

Hana blushed, "Well," she began, staring at her feet shyly. "I enrolled here. Today is my first day." She looked up and smiled sweetly.

Yusei's eyes went wide. "Wait. You're a college student?!" He exclaimed.

Hana giggled but nodded. "I just turned eighteen."

Keiji hugged her. "Well, this is great! Now I get to go to college with my two favorite people." After a few moments, he released her, "Well, we'd better show you to the main office so you can get settled before classes start tomorrow."

Keiji and Yusei began to walk toward the main building. Hana glared at Yusei's back. There was one reason she had come to this school, and that was to take Yusei's place as Keiji's favorite person.

"And cut!" the director called.

Kyoko hurried over to Ren. "How was that?" she asked him eagerly.

He smiled at her, "It was-"

"Great, Kyoko-chan! Everything I'd expect from my new little sister." Suoh praised her. He reached out and patted her head.

Ren bit back a growl that threatened to escape his throat. Kyoko stepped away, moving back from Suoh's reach.

She laughed awkwardly. "Well, thank you. I felt really good about that scene." She replied.

While the director went over the footage, he told them to take a five minute break. Kyoko stepped away and checked her phone. There she saw a text from Yukia.

"How's filming going? I was thinking we could go out on a double date when I get back. Let me know when you and Ren-san are available. Good luck! "

Kyoko smiled down at the text. That'll be good. Maybe eating with friends will distract him from having to deal with Suoh-kun.

Finally, filming wrapped up around seven-thirty. Kyoko said good bye to the assistants and other actresses she had met before, then headed over to where Ren and Yashiro were waiting. Before she reached them, she was stopped by Suoh.

"Kyoko-chan," he greeted her.

"Um, thank you for your work today. I'll see you tomorrow." She said with a bow.

He chuckled, "Thanks for working so hard. I wanted to give you this." He held out his business card to her. "Feel free to call me if you need any help rehearsing. I'm happy to help in any way I can." He gave her a wink before walking away.

Kyoko glanced down at the card in her hands. Why does he keep hitting on me? Last year, I would have just thought he was being friendly, but now I know he's being creepy. She shivered, then continued over to where Ren was waiting.

"Are you okay?" Ren asked, having seen Suoh stop her.

She forced a smile. "Yeah. Suoh-kun just gave me his card in case I need anything." She explained holding up the card.

"If you'd like, Kyoko-chan," Yashiro spoke up. "I could hang onto that for you. I have sort of become your honorary manager."

Kyoko felt relieved as she handed it over to Yashiro. "Thank you, Yashiro-san."

As they walked to the car, Kyoko had a thought. "Yashiro-san, since it's still early, would you like to come over for dinner?"

Yashiro's eyes widened in surprise. "I'd love to! It's always a pleasure to eat food prepared by Kyoko-chan!" he exclaimed. Then he cleared his throat, "Um, that is… if Ren doesn't mind."

Ren laughed and patted his manager's shoulder. "It's fine. She makes too much for just us anyway."

Once they had arrived at the apartment, Kyoko volunteered to go buy groceries for dinner.

"Here, I'll come with you." Ren offered.

Kyoko shook her head, "No, you should stay here with Yashiro-san. I'm only going to the shop in the building. I'll be back soon."

Ren gave in, "All right. Here then." He handed her his wallet. "Be careful." He gave her a kiss on the cheek that made her face burn, preventing her from denying the money he had given her.

Kyoko hurried from the apartment, leaving Ren alone with his manager.

"Would you like some tea?" Ren offered.

Yashiro nodded and waited on the couch while Ren stepped into the kitchen. He looked around the apartment. It had been a while since he'd been there to visit. I don't know what it is, but it certainly feels brighter in here. Maybe that's just because they are both so happy. He mused silently.

Ren reentered the room and set a tray of tea on the table.

"Thank you," Yashiro said. "So, how did you feel about today's filming?" he asked, taking a sip from his cup.

Ren poured his own tea. "It went well, overall. There weren't too many retakes."

Yashiro nodded, "Kyoko-chan did very well. It seemed like she was able to get into her role quite easily."

"I'd imagine that means she found some inspiration for the role." Ren agreed.

"I think it was fairly obvious who her inspiration was." Yashiro commented with a laugh.

Ren raised his eyebrows. "It was?"

Yashiro covered his mouth with a hand as he struggled not to laugh at Ren's obliviousness. When he saw the actor glaring at him he quieted. "Well, I assumed she was basing her character off of Maria-chan. For instance, the way Hana-chan hugged her brother was similar to the way Maria-chan hugs you."

Yashiro laughed again at the surprised look on Ren's face. Ren took a long drink of his tea. I guess that would make sense, he thought, that explains why it felt familiar.

"By the way, Ren. What do you want me to do with this?" Yashiro held up the business card Kyoko had given him.

"Do whatever you think is best as her manager."

Yashiro nodded and tucked it back inside of his planner. "Do you think everything will be okay? With her being around him."

Ren sighed, "I think so. Kyoko isn't oblivious to it so that helps. But I do have one concern."

"What's that?"

"I know I have a day in a couple of weeks when she'll be on set with him and I won't. I want you to go with Kyoko and make sure she's safe. I'm hoping he isn't the type to do something stupid that would hurt his career, but I'd feel better if you were with her." Ren explained, staring into his nearly empty cup.

Yashiro nodded seriously. "You can count on me, Ren. I will protect Kyoko-chan."

Just then they heard the door open and looked up to see Kyoko. She was carrying several shopping bags and both men hurried to help her with them. Ren had to admit he felt a bit better knowing Yashiro would be with Kyoko when he couldn't be, but he'd feel even better if it wasn't a necessary precaution.

After dinner, Yashiro took a taxi home leaving the young couple by themselves. Kyoko helped Ren do the dishes, feeling pleased with the many compliments she had received from Yashiro about her cooking.

"Oh! I almost forgot," she exclaimed suddenly. "Yukia-kun asked if we'd like to go out with him and James-san soon. Like a double date."

Ren nodded. "That sounds fun. I'll have Yashiro check our schedules."

Kyoko smiled, "Yukia-kun has started modeling now, maybe you could give him some tips." She suggested as she dried the last of the dishes.

"I'd be happy to," Ren replied.

"I think I'm going to take a quick shower before bed," Kyoko said with a big yawn.

Ren chuckled and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "That sounds like a good idea." He tilted Kyoko's face up towards his own. "And Kyoko, I want you to make sure your careful at work. I'm concerned about all the attention Suoh-kun has been giving you."

Kyoko smiled, "Don't worry. He is a flirt, but he seems harmless." She pulled away and headed to the bathroom. After climbing into the shower she began to wash her hair, scrubbing at it furiously.

Why does Suoh-kun have to touch my hair? She thought, feeling frustrated. I can't get rid of the disgusting feeling it gave me. She rinsed her hair before applying a second coat of shampoo. She just hoped that something would happen soon to prevent Suoh from treating her with such affection.

She climbed out of the shower and stared at her reflection in the mirror. "C'mon, Kyoko. You can do this. Everything is going to be fine."

A/N: I did my best to get you the chapter on time this week so here it is! I hope you enjoyed the first scenes of the drama. Also just as a sidenote, i based Kyoko's character of Hana's appearance on Lizzie from Black Butler. (AAs was guessed by one of my reviewers a few chapters ago.) Thanks for reading and reviewing!