Sapporo in the Moonlight

Disclaimer: SkipBeat: don't own it, probably couldn't afford it, really like it, 'nuf said

LME Hits a Landmark 25th Anniversary. To celebrate, Lory leases an entire resort in Sapporo and sponsors a company vacation for the holidays. With Kyoko turning eighteen, will Ren finally make his move? And why do mysterious things keep happening?

Chapter 14 – The Delicate Thread of Destiny

Ren woke to find that he was horizontal and laying on a narrow cot-bed. His first instinct was to look for Kyoko, but he found it unnecessary. As he looked to his right side he realized that a pair of golden eyes were already looking at him. Kyoko blushed slightly at the realization that she had caught staring at him; but she not as embarassed as Ren might have expected. Somehow he sensed that something had changed. Thankfully it seemed like a change for a better.

"Good morning, Kyoko." This time she did blush, but Ren was determined to be done with surnames and honorifics forever. "How did I end up on a cot?"

Kyoko grinned at the memory. "Otou-san got it for you. Julie-Okaa-san was worried about your back."

Ren grimaced. He had caught glimpses of his mother at the periphery of his vision during the long excavation effort. He knew that she had joined in with a shovel several times throughout the night, but his focus had been obsessive: He knew that Kyoko was down there and he couldn't stop until she was safe. Kyoko must have read his thoughts, because she reached down with one delicate hand to touch his cheek and said, "Thank you, Ren."

It was so startling to Ren that he had to ask. "Kyoko, something's different about you. I'm not complaining… believe me… but what has changed?"

The image of a broken and self-destructive Ren flashed in Kyoko's mind and she smiled sadly. "Perhaps I've finally grown up a little. And perhaps my eyes have finally been opened up so that I can appreciate the important things in my life."

Ren held the slender hand that had touched his cheek. He looked at her beautiful eyes, her cute nose, her plush little lips… those alluring lips… he leaned forward to claim those lips… Kyoko leaned toward him… and they were interrupted by a "Huhhmmm…" coming from the door.

They both jumped back like a couple of adolescents caught behind the school gym. Jelly Woods stood there smiling impishly, "I'm really sorry to interrupt such a touching moment, but Darling needs to talk with Ren-chan right away. There will be a press-conference in one hour and…"

"I'm going as well," Kyoko interrupted.

Ren grimaced, "That's not such a good idea. First of all…"

"First of all, the press conference will be at least partly about me. Are you intending to answer for my emotions?" Kyoko demanded archly

Ren's expression darkened, "I thought… I hoped that you had made your feelings for me clear."

Kyoko's expression remained set, "Don't turn into the Demon Lord on me, Ren." Then her face softened, "I want to leave no doubt in anyone's mind. I've spent my life trying to please others without ever truly understanding myself. Now I need to do something for me."

Ren felt his chest tighten and he began to feel concerned, "Something for you…?" he asked softly, "What does that mean?"

Kyoko smiled softly, affectionately, "I know what I want now, Ren, more than anything else in the world. Please trust me?"

Ren looked into her eyes for a long moment before nodding. His chest began to relax, until Kyoko spoke again, "First things first. I assume that Shotaro was admitted to this hospital. Is he still here?"

Daishi Sotaru fidgeted in his seat as he waited impatiently for his summons. It felt that way, at least… partly because the executive suite of the hotel had been transformed into a setting something akin to the French court of Louis the XIV, complete with men in luxurious clothing and tights, and women in stunning hoop-skirt dresses.

He felt foolish, and not just because of the setting. When he had woken early, the story in his head had seemed entirely true and absolutely plausible. The words had flown onto the laptop screen as if directed from an all-knowing outside source. As the morning progressed and he waited for a chance to present the information to the exotic and eccentric president of LME, he began to question his own sanity. After all, as spectacular as the story was, how could it be true… and if it was true, how could he possibly have learned it in his dreams. The story might land him a contract as a drama writer, but it might also end his career as a serious reporter.

He never heard anyone approaching, but suddenly the dark-haired man, Takarada Lory's mysterious shadow, was standing in front of him. "The President will see you now."

Sotaru scoffed internally. "The President?" You would think that he ruled the country or something. Then he stopped that train of thought. It was true that Takarada Lory was one of the richest men in the country. It was also true that he could seriously affect national policy with one simple phone call. In fact, if rumors were to be believed, he had just recently advised the Queen of another island country over the wedding ceremony for her eldest grandson.

Daishi Sotaru blinked twice, then a third time as he stepped into one of the rooms in the suite to find himself standing before Takarada Lory, who was reclining, regal in ermine and purple, holding a jeweled scepter and seated an elaborate throne-like chair. It took every ounce of self-control Sotaru had not to genuflect to the man who regarded him with complacent curiosity. "Daishi-san, how are you this morning?"

"I'm fine, your-ma… Takarada-san. And you?" He flushed in irritation and embarrassment at his near-slip of the tongue.

"We are well," Lory proclaimed regally, grinning. "Though, frankly, I'm highly curious about this early morning visit when there is a press conference in an hour. I hope that you've been discreet in coming here? I wouldn't want the others to claim that I am showing favoritism."

"I have been discreet, Takarada-san. I… I had an interesting… epiphany, shall we say… about your young stars and a certain other young man of fame and legend. I don't wish to go into detail about my sources, but I did hope to have you read and verify my information. If the facts are true, then I believe that my method of presentation might go far to alleviate any fear of scandal today or later." He reached into his satchel and extracted the stapled sheets, offering them to Lory.

With one raised eyebrow, Lory took the proffered sheets and began to read. There was a physical change in him as he read: He sat up. His careless slouch disappeared. His expression changed throughout the document from surprise, to sadness, to anger, and on and on, ending with an almost beatific smile. Lory flipped the document closed and looked at Sotaru inquisitively, "Daishi-san, I don't supposed that you're willing to divulge your sources for this?"

Sotaru shrugged apologetically, looking sheepish, "Takarada-san… even if I told you that, you probably wouldn't believe me. Let me ask you this: is that an accurate portrayal of the truth?"

Lory looked at the older reporter for a long time, trying to get an accurate read on the man. "I will have to verify several facts here, but this is remarkably accurate… in fact, it solves several little mysteries that have always plagued me. May I ask what you intend to do with this?"

"Honestly? I don't know. If you are willing to verify the information, and if the three young people agree, then I would like very much to publish. As a matter of fact, I'm reasonably sure that this story will go AP News*."

Lory chuckled, "I think that you can count on that… and as you said before, this presentation of the facts would go far to alleviate the threat of a negative public response. If you can wait, I will get on this right away."

The first thing that Lory did was to notify Yashiro that the press conference would be delayed by thirty minutes. Yashiro had been assigned the task of calming the excited horde. He was talented at this, though he hated the work. The next was to make a phone call to the president of Akitoki Entertainment. This yielded the surprise information that his business rival was already on the way to Sapporo. The last thing was to head toward Kyoko's hospital room. It was empty, and he began to feel concerned until the floor nurse stepped up. He was amazed when she told him where Kyoko and Ren had gone.

Shouko Aki's eyes grew wide when she saw Tsuruga Ren wheeling Mogami Kyoko down the corridor toward Fuwa Sho's door. Her instincts prompted her to try and halt their progress, but the determined look in Kyoko's eyes told her that it would be a losing battle. She smiled as well as she could manage and said, "Good morning, Mogami-san, Tsuruga-san… were you here to see Sho?"

Kyoko nodded, "I am. How is he?"

Shouko sighed, "Spitting mad at the moment. He was being difficult last night and the nurse gave him a sedative shot… he intended to stay awake until he was able to see you."

Ren frowned, but Kyoko only shook her head sadly, "I'll speak with him now." She reached back and touched Ren's hand. Her manner was such that Shouko knew her charge had lost the battle. She had been there at the moment when Kyoko had been unearthed. Like everyone else, she had heard Kyoko's loud outcry… in truth it was a moment she would remember for the rest of her life. She hadn't shared the information with Sho. Perhaps that was cowardice. Perhaps it was in consideration of his feelings. Whatever the reason, Shouko knew that this early-morning visit didn't bode well.

Shouko met Ren's eyes and the tall man stepped away from the wheelchair. Shouko nodded and took over, wheeling Kyoko the remaining distance to the room. Before they entered, Sho had been angrily scrolling through the channels on the wall-mounted television set. When he heard the door open, he was prepared to unleash more of his angry diatribe. As soon as he saw Kyoko at the door, he quickly turned off the television and tried to sit up. It was a mistake, because he tried to move his left arm as well, sending shooting pains through his body.

Unfortunately, that irritated him and he snapped, "It's nice of you to finally come and check on me!"

Shouko was shocked, and began to say, "Sho! You ought to be ashamed…" but Kyoko stopped her by touching her hand.

"That's okay, Shouko-san. He's just in pain. He was always irritable when he was in pain." Kyoko met Shouko's eyes. Shouko nodded and stepped out, leaving the two invalids alone.

Sho's scowl faded away and he felt a wash of calm settle over him. Here was his childhood friend, the one who always understood him best; the one who overlooked his little moments of temper. She had returned to him. That was only right, since she belonged to him. He looked at her mature face without the blonde wig and the makeup. He realized that she looked even more beautiful when she looked natural. His heart caught in his throat and he couldn't help but wonder why he had ever believed her to be plain. For the first time he noticed the cast that covered her left leg and the brace on her right. He felt ashamed for his own words and said, "How are you?"

Kyoko looked down at her leg with a grimace, "Well, I suppose that they're either going to have to delay my film sequences on Fledgling Justice, or they'll have to write in an injury."

Sho grunted dismissively, "Just tell them to go take a hike. You should come stay at my place. Shouko-san can take care of us, or I can hire someone else."

Kyoko looked at the bleach-blond singer in astonishment, but she quickly schooled her expression. She shook her head sadly. "Shoutaro, I'm sorry, but that will never happen."

"Look, Kyoko, hasn't this gone on long enough? I made a mistake. I shouldn't have said those things. But you overreacted too. Face it, your mother left you with my family and my family trained you to serve me. Maybe I got a little full of myself for a while, but that shouldn't matter. I forgive you for leaving. I even forgive you for hanging around with that talent-less actor. Enough is enough! You belong with me!" As he spoke, his enforced calm began to fail him and his voice had grown louder.

Kyoko listened to Sho's dialogue and, for the first time, she saw him for what he really was: a shallow, spoiled, lonely child. It was only after he paused for a breath that she realized that her grudges were gone. In fact, she didn't even feel angry… she felt sad. "Sho, that's enough," her voice communicated exhaustion rather than rage or acquiescence. "You're right: I was trained by your parents to serve you, and even to marry you. At one time you had my heart and my willing servitude. I was ready to do anything for you… and in return you did nothing."

Sho started to object, but the expression of her face and the look in her eyes stopped him. She continued, "You stood by while other students bullied me because I was close to you. You bad-mouthed me to your friends and acted like I was a nuisance. When we were alone you asked for my approval. You played your songs for me first. You told me your dreams and your fears. You asked me to run away to Tokyo with you… and I did. Sho, what did you give me in return?"

Sho scowled, "That's why I'm telling you to come back now. I'm the number one musician in Japan, Kyoko. Just tell me what you want. I'll build you a stupid fairy-tale castle if that's what you want!"

Kyoko sighed, "Someday, Sho-kun, I sincerely pray that you'll find out what true love is. It's not one person taking care of another. Its two people who are both willing to give anything to be together. They support each other. They encourage each other. They don't care about each other's faults…" a secret smile crept onto her face as she thought of Ren's jealousy when she told him that she wanted to speak with Sho, "… in fact, sometimes they even like the other person's faults…"

Sho realized who Kyoko was talking about now, and he exploded, "You can't be serious! He's an imposter! A hooligan! A jail-bird!"

Kyoko shook her head, "Ren got in trouble when he was younger, Sho, but he had worked very hard to make a new life for himself."

"REN! Now you're calling him by his given name? Fine! You said he's made mistakes, well so have I! How is he any different than me? Why choose him and not me?"

Kyoko smiled in such a dreamy way that it made Sho's heart ache, "Because he loves me."

"Love you!" Sho surged up, despite the pain in his arm and leg, "I… I… well... I love you too." Sho finally said it and gave her a smug look, as if his declaration should put an end to the matter.

"And also because I love him. I'm sorry, Shotaro, but it's time for both of us to move on."

Sho's mouth opened and closed repeatedly, but he couldn't find the words. He felt like the world was closing in on him and he didn't know what to think or say. In his entire life he had always gotten what he wanted; usually when he wanted it and with very little fuss. Now he realized that the thing he wanted the most… the person that he wanted the most… was no longer his. "But… but… you belong to me."

"No, Sho, I don't. I have to go now. I have a press conference in less than thirty minutes. Goodbye Sho," She tried to turn her wheelchair on her own, but her casted leg got caught. Shouko Aki must have been listening, because she quickly stepped in to assist her. As she was being pushed out of the room she held up a hand and Shouko paused. Kyoko turned her head as well as she could before saying, "Phone your parents, Sho. They deserve a call every once in a while."

Sho slumped as he watched the door close on the woman who he loved… and who had once loved him. Later he would think of a thousand other things to say, but at the moment his mind was blank.

Kyoko was wheeled out only to come face-to-face with Takarada Lory, still in his Louis the 13th costume, and another man who looked dignified in an Armani suit. Lory smiled proudly, "You handled that well, Mogami-san. I'm very proud of you."

Kyoko had longed to hear such words for most of her life, and her heart swelled. But the scene in Sho's room had been very hard on her, and this extra emotion was too much. She felt the tears on her face, tried to wipe them away, and then dissolved into sobs. Ren pushed past the two men unceremoniously. With enormous strength he lifted Kyoko out of her chair while supporting her injured legs. In a moment they were sitting together on a bench, with her on his lap and crying into his shoulder.

The man in the business suit watched the couple sadly. He turned to Lory and offered his hand. Then he turned and raised an eyebrow as Shouko Aki, who nodded and led the man into Sho's room. Lory watched the president of Akitoki disappear and smiled. Both men had agreed that the story was the perfect answer to resolve the scandal before it got out-of-hand. Ren and Shouko had been able to quickly read through and verify the facts, although nobody could explain how the reporter, Daishi Sotaru, could have come by the information.

As soon as Kyoko had regained her composure, and as soon as Jelly Woods had worked her magic, the couple made their way to the press conference.

The reporters were talking animatedly and with a certain degree of annoyance at the extra thirty-minute delay. They were willing to overlook it, however, once Yashiro Yukihito informed them that the delay was so that Kyouko could also be present. Fuwa Sho would not attend, but Sotamura Yakumo, the President of Akitoki Entertainment, would be on hand to speak on his behalf.

Under the firm managerial gazes of Yashiro Yukihito and Shouko Aki, along with the mysterious but somehow dangerous gaze of Sebastian, the reporters behaved themselves while the two company presidents filed in, followed by Tsuruga Ren, who wheeled in Mogami Kyoko. Once everyone had taken their seats, Lory leaned forward and began speaking.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your courtesy in allowing me to spend time with my LME children, and thank you for being patient this morning while my most promising young actress, Kyouko, made her way out of bed so that she could be with us." Several reporters started shooting up their hands so that they could be the first to ask questions. Lory shook his head and held up a hand. "Before we take your questions, I would like to have my assistants pass out a document which was handed to me only an hour ago." Several people in French period costume appeared out of nowhere and began passing out copies of the story.

"This is a news story written by one of your own, Daishi Sotaru. Let me assure you on my honor that neither I nor anyone working directly for me was the source for this information. I did not grant any interviews prior to this press conference. Having said that, the story that you are being handed is almost frighteningly accurate." He paused for long enough for most of the reporters to finish reading and then to look up again. "I and my fellow talent agency president, Sotamura Yakumo, have verified all of the facts in this document with the three principal protagonists in the story. Daishi-san intends to sell his story on the AP, but he has courteously offered not to publish any additional stories from his source for another twenty-four hours… we will now take questions."

The reporters erupted from their seats, trying to gain attention and gather more information. Lory stood by as Ren and Kyoko fielded question after question. As he watched, he wondered what had happened to his number one LoveMe member. Something had changed; something much more than just being buried in an avalanche. Kyoko was courteous but firm, responsive but unflappable… in short, she seemed like an actress who had spent decades in press conferences just like this one. Most significantly, she was open about her feelings for Ren… and only slightly embarrassed.

Eventually, Lory decided that they had done enough and called for an end. The reporters, naturally wanted more, but they also felt the urgent need to get their stories written and published. Before Ren had finished wheeling Kyoko out of the door, the reporters were on their phones or heads-down in their laptops. Lory and Ren had promised a second interview, later in the afternoon, with Ren/Kuon and his parents. It was Christmas Eve, but the reporters were getting their presents early.

If Lory was proud of Kyoko, Ren and his parents were even prouder. The older couple had been waiting impatiently in a meeting room. When Ren wheeled Kyoko in, Julie surprised everyone by hugging Kyoko first, even though she hadn't held her son for seven years. She had read the story, a story about her son she had never known, and it made her feel that this young woman was destined to be a part of their family.

Kuu embraced his son heartily, and was then quickly pushed aside as soon as Julie broke away from Kyoko. She had intended to make him feel guilty for all of the mental anguish he had given her with seven years of absence, but all of that was quickly forgotten. Kuon had made good use of those seven years. He had found his calling. He had restored his dignity. And he had found love and healing in the form of this slender girl with her spectacular golden eyes.

As everything settled down and the hotel catering service delivered a seemingly enormous feast, Kyoko was finally able to pick up the article which had caused such a stir.

A Delicate Thread of Destiny? The complicated connection between Hizuri Kuon, Mogami Kyoko, and Fuwa Sho
by Daishi Sotaru
AP News

Two years ago, in late February, Chance or Destiny played a part in the lives of three young people. It happened like this.

Twelve years ago, ten year-old Hizuri Kuon accompanied his famous father to Kyoto, where Hizuri Kuu was filming The Death of a Shogun. Ten year-old Kuon, feeling stifled by the crowds surrounding his father, escaped the bustle and followed a forest path into a long forgotten clearing. There, as if by magic, he met a little girl who dreamed of fairy kingdoms and castles in the sky. Although they only knew each other for ten days, they formed a bond that has stretched across time and continents; but that is only a part of the story, because that little girl, Mogami Kyoko, was the childhood friend of another person whose name has become eminently recognizable, Fuwa Sho.

Hizuri Kuon went back to his home in Hollywood. He had his father's natural athleticism and made a name for himself in several extreme sports. He dreamed of following in his father's footsteps, but he was also cursed by his father's shadow. Despite repeated attempts to make his own name in entertainment, he was blocked by false expectations or the cruel accusation that he was using his parent's name as a springboard for success. After repeated rejection, Kuon began to be angry. Over time he ran into more and more trouble. When his best friend and mentor died in a freak car accident, Kuon lost his way and didn't know what to do next.

That was when Takarada Lory, the eccentric president of LME, flew over at the request of his good friend, Hizuri Kuu. After hearing the story, he made Kuon an offer that changed the young man's destiny and blessed Japan's entertainment industry: "Leave everything behind, including your name, and start over in Japan without the benefit or curse of your family's name." As almost any Japanese person can tell you, Hizuri Kuon made the right choice. Fifteen year-old Kuon disappeared from the United States and reappeared in Japan as Tsuruga Ren. After several unpromising attempts, Tsuruga Ren finally made his splash in both acting and modeling. Within three years he became Japan's Number One Young Actor. In two more years the word "Young" was dropped from his title, and other titles were added, such as "Most Desirable" and "The One-Take King."

Tsuruga Ren should have been happy, but something was still missing; something even he didn't understand. Although Kuon didn't return to Japan in search of the little girl from the clearing, it seemed that no other girl could quite fill the vacancy in his heart. Tsuruga Ren stood out as a celebrity with no scandals, mostly because he never found the woman who could break down his barriers and touch his heart. Destiny, or chance if you will, decided to take a hand.

In Kyoto two other fifteen year olds were preparing to make a journey of their own. Fuwa Sho had big dreams of becoming a music superstar. His parents weren't happy with the idea, but his childhood friend Mogami Kyoko believed in him and was ready to help him in any way she could. Mogami Kyoko, who is now known to the world as Kyouko, had dreams of her own (here is where the story diverged slightly from the truth. It was a change suggested by Takarada Lory in order to avoid scandalous questions). She was fascinated with acting and wanted to investigate the possibilities of a career. After graduating from middle school, the two young people set off to make their fortune in Tokyo.

Fuwa Sho had his first big break within months of arriving in Tokyo. He impressed a talent scout from Akitoki Entertainment, signed his first contract, and was on his way. Mogami Kyoko put her dreams on hold for a while and worked three jobs to keep them both afloat. The two friends had a falling out, however, and parted ways. It was probably due to this conflict that Kyoko chose to approach LME instead of Akitoki… or perhaps it was the delicate thread of destiny. Whatever the reason, Kyoko auditioned with LME during their annual New Talent Auditions, and was signed.

It was shortly after this that Tsuruga Ren met Mogami Kyoko for the second time in his life. He recognized her with relative ease, but he had perfected his own disguise too well. Mogami Kyoko did not recognize Tsuruga Ren as Hizuri Kuon, but she must have felt the connection regardless. Over the course of the past two years the two young people have grown increasingly closer, and not just due to mutual attraction.

Perhaps the quality that has drawn the Tsuruga Ren, a.k.a. Hizuri Kuon, and Mogami Kyoko together the most is that they both epitomize the ideal of the consummate professional. Like the man who she often refers to as "Sempai," Mogami Kyoko has set a standard of timeliness, quality of workmanship, and depth of character development. Kyouko's first work was a Curara Soft Drink commercial, only two years ago, but she has already presented Japan with four other iconic characters, beginning with the killer angel on Fuwa Sho's PV, "Prisoner." She is also Bo, in Kimagure Rock, Mio in Dark Moon, and Natsu in Box 'R. Her most current work, as Kimura Nariko in Fledgling Justice, is already generating rave reviews. Directors, Producers, and co-stars describe the young lady as "a genius at character development" and "a professional who is always reliable and a joy to work with."

On Wednesday, December 22nd, Hizuri Kuon emerged after seven years of absence. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that he exploded back onto the scene. It happened like this: before Hizurui Kuon disappeared, he had made a name for himself as a winter extreme athlete with his trademark ski jump, the reverse triple-twisting helicopter. It beggars this reporter's skill to describe it, but the jump is available in several videos from the time. He performed this jump again just the other afternoon, almost as perfectly as when he performed it originally. Ironically, he performed the stunt while competing against Fuwa Sho while Mogami Kyoko was standing on the sidelines.

There will be many reporters and rag-sheets tempted to turn the story of these three talented people into some sort of scandalous story, it is the nature of this business. I for one, find the original and true story to be much more notable and newsworthy than any lies that can be cooked up to sell a few extra subscriptions. The only question that still remains in my mind is this: Do I believe the events of this story are due to chance or destiny? I can't answer the question yet myself, but I know which way I am leaning at the moment.

Kyoko finished reading the article and grimaced. Right there on paper, for the whole world... and Ren to see, was the secret of who Bo really was. She saw Ren out of the corner of her eye and cringed. If she were capable of falling to the floor in a dogeeza, she would have. Without that ability, and trapped in her wheelchair as she was, she could only hide her eyes.

Ren leaned close to her and quietly said, "Is there a problem, Kyoko?"

Kyoko could feel Ren's "gentleman-assassin" aura circling around her. "Ummm… sempai…"

"Sempai?" Ren repeated her word. Although Kyoko couldn't make herself look, she could feel that overwhelmingly bright, gentlemanly smile.

"I'mmmm soorrrrrryyy!" Kyoko wailed, "I didn't do it on purpose. You saw me and called me over, and then you started talking to me! And then, the other time, you looked so lonely, and I wanted to help, and you told me about that high school girl, and… I really wasn't trying to trick youuuu!"

"Kuon!" Julie said sharply, "Why are you terrorizing my poor daughter? What's wrong with the story? I thought that it was beautiful!"

Ren was actually feeling terrible about frightening Kyoko. She had always possessed the ability to see through his gentlemanly persona in a way very few people could. He leaned over and hugged the distraught girl. "I'm not angry, Kyoko… just surprised. I've spent a year trying to figure out how to tell you how I felt, and you already knew."

Kyoko was confused. In fact, she was confused enough that it broke through her fear. She blushed at Ren's proximity. "I don't understand. Are you talking about that other girl…" suddenly she felt a terrible pain in her heart, worse than anything she had ever felt from Sho's rejection. She choked, but she made herself speak, "Ummm… if you're still in love with her…"

Ren was still kneeling and hugging her when she spoke. Now he rocked back on his knees in confusion and bewilderment, "What girl?"

"The high school girl… the one you told Bo about… the one who was four years younger than you…"

Ren's looked shocked, and then his face dissolved into laughter. He sat back on his behind and started laughing so hard that tears ran down his eyes. Kyoko looked puzzled, and then frustrated, and then angry. When she pulled away from him, he quickly quelled his laughter and threw his arms around her affectionately. "Kyoko, I love you, but you may be the most oblivious person in human history."

The hug might have mollified Kyoko, but his words only served to stoke the fire, "Let go of me! It's not funny! If you love someone else, please just tell me!"

Ren gently took both of her clenched fists into his bandaged hands, "Kyoko, were you in high school when I told you that?" Kyoko reluctantly nodded. "And what is the age-difference between you and I?"

Kyoko pouted, "Four years."

Ren sat there and looked into Kyoko's eyes expectantly. When she still didn't respond, he sighed, "Kyoko, when I told Bo about the high school girl, I was talking about you."

This time Kyoko did respond. She looked shocked, and then a smile spread across her entire face, a smile that threatened to outshine the stars. "Really?" She said in a soft voice.

"Really."

Ren and Kyoko were lost in their own little world, so they never saw the tears of affection and joy on the faces of the older couple as they watched this touching scene.

Notes: This has been an incredibly hard chapter for me to write, for some reason. Hopefully it still makes sense.

Yes, I realized that the article is more poetry than prose. I'm sorry, but I did the best that I could.

*AP News is the Associated Press. When a reporter writes a particularly good article about a subject of national or international interest, it is posted on AP News. If editors from other newspapers wish to use this article, they simply pay a fee and then add it to their own publication.