Disclaimer: I do not own Skip Beat or it's characters.
The LoveME girls returned to the set dressed for their possible formal date. President Takarada said, "Well, you all look so amazing. Why don't you three go over there and join Nanokura-san." They approached Mimori and had polite exchanges before they sat in their seats.
Director Shingai greeted the girls and informing them of how everything will work, "Ladies, I understand that you may have worked on a live set before so if you have, please bare with me. For those who haven't, the red light on top of a camera is the view the watching audience will see on television. We will have occasional commercial breaks and the stage director will stand next to Camera #3, the center camera, to give you directions by announcing that we will be back, giving you one minute to get ready then within 5 seconds of being on air, he will put his hand up displaying 5 fingers counting down to 2 then he will point his fingers to show that we are back on the air. During commercial breaks, please use this time for any necessities that you need to take care of since we are live on the air you will not get an opportunity to step away. You are all professionals so I trust that you will use your time wisely. Does anyone have any questions?" With no response, he asked if they were ready, all the ladies nodded and walked away.
He walked over to President Takarada and explained that the girls are ready and the men are being instructed now. President Takarada addressed the girls again, "Ladies, are you ready to be on The Celebrity Dating Game Show?" The LoveME girls had downcast darken face while Mimori's face lit up. "Before we start the game, my LoveME girls, if you intentionally lose, I have assignments ready for you that will be worst than the last ones. This is a game show and we have separated the men and women with this wall, we will remove the wall once the game reaches that point but please stay on your side of the wall until instructed. The guest with the highest points of each side will win and go on an all expense paid date that I arranged. And for the non-winners, you are welcome to find a date among each other. I will address all participants by the name you wrote down, please address me as Host or President, which ever you fell most comfortable. Any questions?" With no responses, he nodded and walked away.
Kanae said, "I don't care for the date but a free meal is always good."
"Moko-san, you can win. I rather not go with any of them. Well, maybe Kijima-san since he enjoys eating tasty food. But I wouldn't want to go on a date with him," Kyoko said.
Mimori chimed in, "Don't fret, Mimori will win so Sho-chan and I will take the dinner!"
Amamiya added, "Good luck ladies and thank you for being here for me."
"I'm not here for you, Mimori is here for my Sho-chan," Mimori said.
"Nanokura-san, what ever the reason.." Amamiya begin then she look at Mimori and mumbled as a dark aura surround, "Oh never mind, you only gain popularity based on looks.. You're one of those.." Of course, Mimori didn't hear anything since she was thinking of how her date with Sho-chan would be like.
The director directed the crew through the earpiece. As the camera operator focus at President Takarada and a stage director announced the minute mark and when time came, he queued, 5-4-3-2-and pointed at President Takarada.
Loud music sounded as the cameras panned through the large stage band, dancers in purple and red waltz through the set, followed by five circular rings coming down from the top of the set and five purple and red talents swinging and twirling in mid-air as they dangle from the rings. As the music slowly die down, President Takarada dressed in his over the top game show announcer outfit in a shiny, glittering, black suit, red striped tie and a top hat. He stood front center of the set. President Takarada greeted, "Welcome to our LME LIVE special!" A loud firework bang was heard as he continued, "The regularly scheduled program will return next week. We apologized for intruding on your program but I hope you find this special just as entertaining! We have gathered some celebrities and present them to you LIVE! Please welcome four very fine ladies. They are here to play The Celebrity Dating Game Show!" The camera panned to each of guest while fake audience applause was heard since this was a close set and due to the last minute programming, no promotions or advertising was utilized, which resulted in no studio audience. When the fake audience noise faded away, he continued, "Let's meet our lovely ladies. Please give a short introduction. We'll begin with Amamiya." He allowed each guest a quick introduction.
"Hi, I'm Chiori Amamiya. I'm a part of Softhat Agency. I play Yumika in the new 'Box-R' drama."
"Hi, I'm Nanokura Mimori. I'm from Akatoki Agency, I'm a model and my latest acting project was on the music video for 'Prisoner' by Fuwa Sho."
"Good evening, my name is Kyoko. I'm from the LME Agency and my latest project, Box-R. Please take care of me."
"Hello, my name is Kotonami Kanae. I am also from LME Agency and I have been honored to be part of the Minamori Miyako series."
"Now, that you met the ladies, let's go to the other side and see their possible date. Please welcome the men." The men entered the set and walked towards the seats set out for them, as each one enter, President Takarada stake out the possible dates for his girls and froze at the sight of the slick-back shiny blonde hair, deep green eyes, and angry-looking man. His jaws dropped open and he mentally berated the man before him, 'REN! WHY ARE YOU HERE LIKE THAT?!' Luckily, the cameras were focused on the men walking so they didn't see the President's shock then provoked expression and when the camera's red light flicked on in front of him, he school his face and continued, "Let's meet our lovely gentlemen. Please give a short introduction. We'll begin with Reino."
"Hello, I'm Reino. I'm the lead vocalist of Vie Ghoul."
"Hey, I'm Kijima Hidehito. I have completed a number of dramas. I was part of the record-breaking 'Dark Moon' and my most recent work is a special episode of 'Box R'."
"Yo, I'm Fuwa Sho. If you don't know me then you should check my music out." Of course, you should know me. I broke the record for my singles hitting top 1 for over 4 months straight.
"Hi, I'm Hizuri Kuon. You don't know me since I was a failure of actor in the American entertainment industry. And let me tell you, I really appreciated the INVITE to come join this 'DATING GAME' show. Thank you for having me." He glared at the president. I'm glad Yashiro was keeping tabs on Mogami-san while I was away.
"EH?" Kyoko spilled out. Kuon? Is that father's son, Kuon? I thought he passed away. It must be another Hizuri Kuon. I wonder who invited him? Why does his voice sound so familiar?
President Takarada questioned, "Hizuri Kuon? … Hizuri? Any relations to Kuu?" with a large smile on his face. All right, Kuon. How are you angry with me? I'm the one that is angry, why didn't you tell me you were in the country? I intentionally wanted you to participate but I was told you would be filming Tragic Marker during this time. Actually, I intended for 'Tsuruga Ren' to connect with Mogami-kun. I'm not exactly sure how Hizuri Kuon will work out. Unless… is he going to tell her his real identity? Is he going to tell Japan? The love switch was flipped ON in the president's head. It was an OTOME GAME that he controlled for Japan to watch! Excited by the possibility of finally making the connection between his favorites and the possibility of revealing the true identity of Tsuruga Ren, he was jumping for joy in his head.
The director was informed of the dating show format as per President Takarada 's instructions but this was not listed. He had to scramble when an unlisted additional male participant arrived at the last few minutes before they aired. He was surprised to hear his name during the introduction; Hizuri Kuon was a name he hasn't heard in a while. As everyone waited for a response, the side doors started to open, the music started to play and the guests locked looks towards that direction, except the director wasn't notified about the side doors opening or anything. He quickly shout to Camera #5, a camera that was to be used for close ups on the men's side, to focus on the doorway. And now, what's this? Additional special guests?! He was tempted to scream at President Takarada for all the ad-hoc and the lack of directions but when he looked over at the Camera #1 screen, where it was pointed at the President, his expressions at each shocking moment registered that President Takarada was just as clueless to all the surprises. I guess this is expected for live on-air programs. Predict the unpredictable.. Thank goodness, I work on movies.
President Takarada shocked then anger set in his face as his eyes furrowed inward. ARE YOU ALL GANGING UP ON ME? WHAT IS ALL THIS? EVEN THE BAND IS IN ON THIS? IS THIS MUTINY? WHY WASN'T I TOLD ABOUT ANY OF THIS? He played it off as if he knew and announced, "Everyone, please give a big welcome to Hizuri Kuu and his wife, Julienna, two of my closest and dearest friends." Fake audience applause wasn't necessary with every crew members, band members and guests clapped loudly to show their recognition for the legendary couple.
Kyoko heard the introduction and gasped, "Father?" So, Hizuri Kuon is father's son that… passed away? Maybe he was missing or ran away? But father would have mentioned that. Did they reunite recently? Who would run away from a baka-father? I could understand from the force-feeding torture but definitely, not father. Unknowingly, while Kyoko was deep in thought, the girls had heard her and were wondering what she meant by that.
Kuu smile, wink and pointed a finger towards the president, "Hello President. It is always good to see you! And yes, I definitely claim this wonderful boy here. I have to thank you for letting our sons participate. I know both of them are looking forward to this."
Julienna added, "Hi President. It's been a long time. It is a pleasure to see you and our sons on this program." She mentally giggled in her head, 'How does it feel to be caught completely off-guard? Serves you right, kidnapper!'
"Both?" Yashiro exerted out loud unintentionally.
Kuu answered, "Ahh, yes, I have two sons in this game. SURPRISE! To my other son! Hi Kuon!" Kyoko wanted to run over and greet him properly but couldn't. Kuu and Ren exchanged very grand sparkling similar smiles. It was the first time in a long time that they recognized each other as father and son to the public. They were very proud of each other and could not be happier to profess the information to the world. Kuu gave him a sharp look and nod before walking over to the other side of the wall.
Sho thought, 'Wow! So, this fellow is Hizuri Kuu's son but he isn't very impressive. Failed American actor, I wonder why he is on this show? Hmm.. Didn't he say sons? Wouldn't it be someone from this side? Why are they were walking over to the women's side. Why would they call one of the girls his 'son'?' He looked over at Ren and whispered, "Is your brother a transgender?"
A/N: I feel like I'm all over the place with this rewrite. It is a complete rewrite. Welcome Kuu and Julienna! They weren't in my original version but they play off the group easily and with Kuu's happy-go-lucky style, it makes it more enjoyable to mess with the game. No one could talk poorly to the legendary couple. ;)
I hope you enjoy this! Take care.