Hi everyone! Thank you for your reviews. I hope you are still enjoying the story so far. This is so different from what I usually write, so I hope I'm doing it justice. Please Read and Review!

Disclaimer: I do not own Skip Beat or any of its characters.

"Hello Tokyo! You are now with us live at LME's 75th anniversary banquet. Anybody who's anybody is here for the largest party of the year and the host, President Lory, has graciously extended an exclusive invitation to his mansion that no one—and I repeat, NO ONE—has ever seen before!" The reporter flashed a pearly white smile and winked. "Let's go on in and meet our favorite celebrities, shall we?"

Maneuvering through a crowd that was bustling like an army of ants, she stepped through the archway and gasped loudly at the sight before her. The video camera moved smoothly from side to side as it recorded the golden splendor that was called President Lory's home. Sparkling like diamonds and lit up like stars, the room was decorated with grandiose chandeliers, elegant pieces of art, velvet couches of red and golden threads, and glassy marbled floors that shimmered like a lake. People were casually walking about with a drink in one hand and hors d'oevure in the other. Ladies in gowns of silk and satin and men in classic tuxedos hung around the banister of the spiraling staircase, flirting, chatting, and clearly enjoying the splendor before them.

"Can you believe this folks?" the reporter whispered into her microphone as she turned to the camera with an awed gaze. "I don't think a movie set can do any better. It's like a fairy tale come true, isn't it?" Giggling, she waved at the camera to follow her up the winding stairs.

A couple of people waved at the camera, but the reporter continued to move forward as if looking for bigger prey. Once she got to the second floor, she laughed in delight. She had hit the mother-load. Every face was familiar for they were all the well-known actors and actresses of LME. Practically running, she approached the first man she saw and shouted happily, "Kenji-kun!"

Dressed in a fitting grey suit with silver pinstripes and a royal blue collared shirt underneath, he turned around and flashed a wide grin at the camera and reporter. "Good evening, milady."

"And a good evening it is," the reporter greeted as she held the microphone to his lips. "You look dashing, Kenji-kun."

He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and chuckled. "I'm nothing compared to how you look. This red dress is absolutely stunning on you."

Blushing the same shade as her gown, the reporter giggled and said, "You're such a tease, Kenji-kun. Now tell us, how does it feel to be here at LME's 75th anniversary? You must be proud to be a part of such a prestigious agency."

"I couldn't have said it better myself. Getting into LME has allowed me to accomplish my dream and more. I don't know if I could every repay President Lory for granting me this once-in-a-lifetime chance."

"You can always try," a deep voice rumbled from behind.

"President Lory!" the reporter exclaimed with enthusiasm. "What an honor it is to see you!"

Approaching in luxurious Persian robes with a mighty sword hanging from his belt, he smiled brightly at the two and said, "Welcome to my humble abode. I hope you are enjoying yourselves."

Kenji nodded. "This is quite a shindig, sir. You really went all out."

"Well, I am known for my parties."

"And your spontaneity," she added with a gesture at his clothes. "May I ask what you're wearing, President Lory?"

He held out his arms. "Do you like it?" he asked as he unsheathed his sword with a mighty swing. "I thought it would fit the mood."

"And what would that be, sir?"

"Adventure! Much like these years here at LME and what an amazing journey it has been, if I can say so myself. Everyone has grown immensely and I can't be more proud of the devoted souls who have truly given it their all to the world of acting."

"And speaking of devoted souls, where in the world is your top—?"

"REN!"

Like a blur of color, everyone rushed to the door where a smiling Tsuruga Ren stood with his head bowed in modesty. Catching eyes with his fellow stars, he exchanged friendly "hello's" and "good evening's" to each person in turn before he raised his head at President Lory's booming call. With a grace that had all women swooning, he made his way across the floor and stood beside his mentor.

"Tsuruga Ren!" the reporter announced with glee, barely holding onto her microphone as she bounced up and down. "I can't believe I'm meeting you in person!"

He chuckled. "Please, the pleasure is mine…?"

"Lele! It's Lele!" she gasped.

"Lele-san," he repeated with a breath-taking smile. "It's nice to meet you."

"Well, I'm sure the folks back home are dying to know who you're wearing, Ren-kun. Who's the special designer?"

In a classic tuxedo of white on white with a pink rose pinned to his breast pocket, Ren looked like he had just materialized from a fashion magazine. His hair was swept out of his face so that everyone could get a good look at his warm brown eyes and chiseled features. Even the reporter could barely stop herself from gawking as she heard him reply, "I have the great pleasure of wearing Armandy tonight."

"Well it suits you to the T. Actually, all of you look great!" she said as the camera zoomed back to focus on the three men. Classy, elegant, and every bit as charming as the next, it was a sight that no woman could ignore.

But even though the camera caught their good looks, it failed to catch the look that President Lory had given his prodigy from the corner of his eye. Ren, however, did notice and gave a barely visible nod as a sign of compliance. President Lory clapped his hands loudly and announced that they had other people to greet and that Lele should continue with her interviews. After a couple more friendly exchanges to the camera, Kenji clapped Ren on his shoulder with a smile that reassured the actor they were on good terms before making his way in the opposite direction.

Ren followed President Lory to the large glass windows on the other side of the dance floor and stood with his back to the glass. Exuding an air of calmness even though he felt far from it, Ren raised his eyes to meet his curious expression.

"How are you?" the president asked in a low voice.

Ren flashed a weak smile. Lying to President Lory was useless. The man had eyes that could see through every fallacy and trick in the book. The truth was the only route to take with him. "Tired," Ren finally admitted. "Drained…and oddly reminiscent."

"Reminiscent?" he repeated with quiet surprise. "Is that because of Kotonami-kun?"

Ren didn't answer. It sort of bruised his ego to have someone hit all the right marks as if he was transparent, let alone a woman he barely knew. Of course, he wasn't childish enough to deny the effect her words had on him, but Ren was still trying to figure out exactly what kind of effect it was.

Sensing that his pupil wasn't going to elaborate, President Lory shook his head and murmured, "Maybe I should tell her to see to you again since it seems like she succeeded in getting you to talk."

"You told her to come see me?" Ren asked.

"You would think," he said with a chuckle, "but in fact, she came to me on her own accord. Now, she didn't tell me the reason why she had to speak with you, but I can guess…unless of course, you would rather just tell me instead."

"There's nothing to say."

President Lory nodded. "Of course there isn't."

Bristling with irritation, Ren folded his arms across his chest and said, "What do you want me to do, sir?"

"Ren, don't you see it by now? It's not what I want you to do. It's about what you want to do." He stared out across the floor and smiled gently. "The last time we talked you seemed much more adamant, but now, I can't help but notice you look somewhat weary. Are you regretting the choices you have made?"

The zing of guilt pulsed through his body. Like the many nights before, her hurt expression flashed in his mind. Feeling his heart wrench, Ren turned around and looked out at the cool night sky to avoid the president's gaze. He shouldn't feel regret. He shouldn't feel guilty, but it was all he could think about.

The minute Kanae had walked out that day, Ren finally understood the consequences of his actions. He was so focused on releasing his frustration and torment that he failed to see what it was doing to her. Ren had thought he lost the capability to care about how she would feel, but that was so far from the truth. From the beginning, he chose to ignore the war within himself every time he lashed out at her. He chose to ignore the dull pain in his heart whenever he saw her flinch. He chose to ignore the desire to brush away her fallen tears because she deserved his cruelty…didn't she?

She never once looked back when she left. She never provided any explanation as to why she had lied to him. She never consoled him at the time when he needed her most. So why? Why did he care? Why did he give a damn about how she felt? Why did he think about her all night and day? Why did he lose sleep, wondering if he had done wrong? Why did he reminisce about their past? Why did he still lo—?

He clenched his teeth together. No, not this—not now.

"Ren," the president began in a soft murmur, "tonight is supposed to be a celebration and I don't want to leave you in a darker mood than you already are. But let me just say one thing before I go." He turned to him with a kind expression. "Instead of thinking about how you should feel, focus on how you do feel and let those feelings guide you. They'll lead the way." Then with one tiny smile of reassurance, President Lory left his student to his now even more troubled thoughts.

Sighing at his retreating back, Ren leaned back against the pane and closed his eyes. He didn't think it was possible to be any more confused than he already was, but alas here he stood with more questions than answers. But just when he thought he was finally going to get some peace from this exhausting predicament, a familiar voice suddenly said, "He's right, you know."

Ren frowned, squeezing his eyes tighter. "Eavesdropping is not a favorable quality, Yashiro."

He simply shrugged and replied, "I overheard. I wasn't purposefully trying to hear." He held out a drink and stood beside his friend in a suit of classic black. "Although, he does have a point."

Ren opened his eyes and accepted the beverage, eyes locked on the bubbling champagne. "A point I can't follow, Yashiro," he said in a low voice.

"Why is that?"

"Because I'm not too sure what I'm feeling right now."

Yashiro stared out at the people on the floor with a thoughtful look, providing no more words.

Ren brought the glass to his lips and swallowed as a comfortable silence settled between the two of them. It was hard trying not to rationalize how he felt. He didn't want to risk letting his feelings take the forefront because he was unsure of what they would push him to do. Stability and composure were the two standards he stood by and they always called for strict thinking and planning before any actions could be taken. His heart, on the other hand, was not as predictable.

But President Lory's words must have somehow resonated with the young actor because an odd sense of serenity suddenly washed over him, numbing his mind from the usual dark and plaguing thoughts. In that one moment, Ren just felt the world around him, as if his desperate search for a solution was put on pause. It was a peace he failed to achieve and one he wasn't willing to forgo just yet.

And it was with this peace that Ren was able to watch her enter the room without trying to suppress the warm beating of his heart. The colors in the background slowly melted together until only she stood clear. In a dress of blue silk, she made her way through the crowd with a small smile at the corner of her lips. His eyes were riveted to the gentle sway of her body as the gown rippled around her like cool water. The dress did not cling to her body, but flowed over her skin in a sweet caress. Her hair was elegantly held up in a loose bun with golden tendrils curling around her face so that all spectators could see the brightness of her eyes.

Ren could feel the gravitating pull she had on him. His feet were already itching to close the distance between them. He couldn't help but stare at her, as if willing her to look at him. Fate must have heard his silent plea because she raised her head and locked eyes with his own. Feeling his heart thud to a halt, Ren could do nothing as he watched her smile fade to be replaced by an expression he didn't quite understand.

But what was more baffling was her refusal to look away. He had expected her to ignore him, maybe even glare at him. Yet instead, she picked up her feet and slowly made her way towards him, eyes glowing with determination.

Yashiro stiffened. This couldn't be good. As much as he wanted the two to talk it out, a place full of witnesses was the last thing they needed. But surprisingly enough, Ren seemed to be expectant. He actually straightened up, as if welcoming her approach.

But just as she was just a few feet away, Ryoko appeared from out of nowhere and grabbed her hand. Kyoko turned to her in surprise. She bowed low in greeting, asking an unheard question that had Ryoko smiling. She responded with a quick answer and then suddenly nodded her head at the entrance. Kyoko bit down on her bottom lip, her eyes furrowed in thought, but Ryoko didn't give her much time to decide before she managed to pull her in the opposite direction and away from a highly suspicious Ren.

Trailing after her, Kyoko said nothing as Ryoko led her down the empty hall. Their heels thumped against the thick rug in rhythm like a drum beat that pounded in her chest. Somewhat uneasy, she asked in a quiet voice, "Ryoko-san, is something wrong?"

She turned around and flashed her teeth. "Nothing! Everything's fine. I know it's a little weird to ask you to come with me, but girlfriends accompany each other to the restroom right?"

"Well yes," Kyoko agreed. "But you look a little nervous."

Ryoko approached the door at the end of the corridor and held it open. Kyoko silently walked through and felt her jaw drop to the floor. She couldn't decide if this was a bathroom or spa. It was so spacious! A golden tub in one corner, a glass shower in the other, a door that led to a personal sauna, and two ceramic sinks made up the best bathroom that she had ever seen.

Placing her clutch onto the sparkling counter in front of the vanity mirror, Ryoko rummaged through her purse and took out a lipstick. She looked into the mirror and smiled at Kyoko. "That gown looks really pretty on you."

"Thank you, Ryoko-san. As is yours. That's a lovely shawl you're wearing."

She touched the purple fabric around her neck and laughed. "It was a gift actually. I didn't think it would go with my dress, but I haven't worn it in a while so I thought it was well worth the risk."

"It's pretty," Kyoko commented as she stood beside her.

"You're really sweet. No wonder Ren is so fond of you."

Blinking in surprise at the change in topic, Kyoko looked down at her hands and said nothing.

"Kyoko, there's no need to deny it. I mean, anyone with eyes can see the connection between you two. You should be proud of it. Not many people can boast about having such a close relationship with someone as difficult as Ren. And here you are, a woman who clearly has a past with him. You must go way back."

"Is there something you would like to know, Ryoko-san?"

"I'm sorry?"

"There's a reason why you called me in here. Instead of prolonging the awkwardness of this conversation, why don't you make this easier for the both of us and just ask whatever it is you need to ask?"

Ryoko stared into her hard eyes through the mirror. Slowly, she put the lipstick down onto the counter and turned to face her, murmuring, "You like to jump the gun, don't you?"

"I like to get to the point."

"Very well," she replied with as she leaned back onto her hands. "Then let me ask: How do you feel about Ren?"

"Why do you want to know?"

"Because I need to know exactly what I'm up against to prevent anything from ruining what Ren and I have."

"Am I such a threat?"

Ryoko bristled at the sound of her calm voice. It irritated her like no other, but forcing her mouth to move, she said, "No, more like a nuisance."

"Then you shouldn't have to worry about me, Ryoko-san. If what you both share is so grand, then I shouldn't have so much of an effect, should I?"

She let out a soft laugh and turned back to the mirror. Brushing a strand of hair from her gleaming eyes, she murmured, "You're right. Ren and I have built a special relationship over the last three years while you've been away. I don't know what happened between the two of you, but I will not let you get in the way of what I've worked at for so long."

Ryoko breathed out gently. "Besides, it's not like we're not serious." Then with a gentle tug of her hand, the shawl around her neck fell onto the counter. Touching a hand to her slender neck, she faced Kyoko and smiled. "Wouldn't you agree?"

Kyoko couldn't speak. The blood was roaring through her ears like rapids until all she could hear was the heavy pounding of her heart. Her fingers twitched to touch its cool center, but they were digging painfully into the palm of her hand instead. Her mouth went completely dry. Her lungs wouldn't move and even though she felt like she was dying from within, her eyes still couldn't look away.

Ryoko smiled. "It's beautiful, isn't it? Ren really does have such good taste."

She placed her palms onto the cool marble, trying to find some anchor from the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to pull her under. Kyoko just couldn't speak.

Satisfied by her response, Ryoko hooked her shawl around her arm and flipped her hair over her shoulder as she made her way across the room. "I believe I've said all that I needed. Take your time, Kyoko. I hope to see you back at the party." And without another word, she walked out of the door.

Moving swiftly down the corridor, Ryoko quickly wrapped the scarf around her shoulders and found her way back into the ball room. The adrenaline was still pumping through her veins as she tried to catch her breath. Her hands trembled like leaves, but she refused to look back. She did what had to be done. She didn't regret a thing. This was the right choice. She couldn't sit back and let everything fall apart. She had worked too hard!

"Ryoko?"

She spun around in alarm to see Ren standing behind her. "Hey," she greeted breathlessly. "I was just going to look for you."

"What were you doing?"

"W-what?"

He stepped forward. "Where did you and—?" Ren suddenly stopped as his eyes fell down to her neck.

Feeling the blood drain from her face, Ryoko stumbled back at the dark cloud that washed over his normally cool features. Instinctively, she brought her hand to the chain.

"Why are you wearing that?" he asked in a voice so cold that she felt a shiver run down her spine. "That isn't yours."

Cornered, she narrowed her eyes and stomped forward. "Then whose is it?" Ryoko demanded, unable to keep the shrillness from her trembling voice. "Who does this necklace belong to?"

"Me."

Ryoko froze as the steady footsteps approached her from behind. Turning around with wide eyes, she felt her heart drop to the pit of her stomach as soon as she met her fiery gaze.

Kyoko's eyes bored relentlessly into her own as she growled, "That necklace belongs to me."