Epilogue - Kyoko

It's been a little over a year since she last saw Kuon but she would never forget the night that he decided to make a name for himself acting in Japan. He treated her to the most beautiful evening. He treated her to dinner at a rooftop restaurant that overlooked Tokyo.

"I've made a decision," Kuon told her a serious look in his eye.

"Oh?"

"I'm going to do what you suggested, I am going to take a stage name and come to Japan to act, as soon as graduation is over. I want to make a name for myself out from under dad's shadow. Will you help me?" Kyoko felt simultaneously proud, happy and sad for her friend, but she chose to only focus on the happy.

"Of course Kuon, but why do you need me to help you?"

"Will you please teach me to to behave and act like a Japanese Gentleman?"

Kyoko laughed, "Of course Kuon, but you know you will have to learn Kanji if you want to pass for Japanese."

Kuon groaned, "Dad will throw a parade when he finds out I am willing to Kanji."

"Well, I can help you with that too." Kuon looked at her hopefully. "Really? But what about you? How could I repay you?

At this she blushed furiously, "Well, both you and your dad said that I might be able to make it as an actress, I was thinking maybe you can give me acting lessons?"

Kuon's face grew solomon in the moonlight, "Who do you want to do this for Kyoko? Acting? Is this for you, or because you think dad or I might want you to do it?"

She blanched at his words. "I want to do it because I find acting fun. I've really enjoyed my performing arts class. I want to get better, then maybe one day I can give you a run for your money." She replied tartly.

Kuon laughed, "I don't doubt you will, OK Kyoko, it's a deal." They ate a few more moments in peace when. Kyoko was trying desperately not to let Kuon see how sad she was that he would be leaving her behind.

"Um, Kyoko." She looked up, Kuon's face was covered with a slight blush.

"Yes?"

"Are you still planning on moving back to Japan after you graduate high school." Kyoko simply nodded.

"Ah, well," his blush deepende, "When you come, will you go on a date with me?" Kyoko's answering smile was joyous, even though her face was roughly the shade of a tomato as she stutteringly agreed.

Now that she was on the plane back to Tokyo, she wondered if it would still happen. Would Kuon still want to go on a date with her? He quickly rose to the top of the entertainment industry in Japan and he had access to the most beautiful of women. She decided she wasn't going to pressure him or remind him. Hell, she didn't even know if she would see him once she got there. For a few months after he moved they kept up almost constant contact with each other, but as both of their schedules grew businer the quit talking as much. In fact, it had been nearly two months since she spoke to him. He didn't even know her plan was landing in Japan today. She thought about surprising him, but decided to wait till she was settled, then she would send him an email. She had an audition setup with LME's ecentric president to hopefully join the acting division. If she made the cut, then worst case scenario she would see Kuon there. But with him acting as Tsuruga Ren would he even acknowledge their friendship. At one point she had hoped for more than that, but she told herself that she would be happy to just be able to support him again.

Yawning Kyoko stretched as she stood up from the first class seat that Kuu and Julie booked her for her high school graduation present. Good to her word, Kyoko's mother signed every scrap of paper that allowed Kyoko to emancipate herself from her mother and set up her own life in Japan. She was a bit scared about what was to come, but she was happy to be back where she felt she belonged. Grabbing her carry on she began to make her way toward the baggage carousel. Pulling out her phone she sent a quick text to Kuu and Julie to let them know she arrived safely and to check the address on her accommodations. Lory had set up a small apartment for her to stay in. She wondered if it would feel lonely living alone. She was so immersed in what she was doing, that she didn't notice the large figure standing beside her.

"Excuse me miss," the voice whispered in her ear to which Kyoko responded with an ear splitting screech. Kuon doubled over laughing at her response. "Kuon?" She questioned then "responded with a smack upside the head, don't do that! You scared me." Then regaining her sense she paused. "Wait, why are you here?"

He smiled tenderly at her, and reached for her hand. "I'm here to pick you up, if you remember correctly you owe me a date."