Disclaimer : I don't own SB! and Hadabara
Attn : Watch it, readers! It's officially back to M rated now! ^^
Running in a Circle
"Ya, Mogami-kun! Lin-kun!" Lory greeted cheerfully when Kyouko walked into the Love Me room. He was sitting in a big white sofa whilst sipping on pink coloured drink.
"Sha… Good afternoon, shachou!" Kyouko immediately bowed.
Lin nodded curtly. "Good afternoon, Takarada-shachou."
They both wondered where the big set of white sofa came from. They dropped by the Love Me room from time to time just to check the situation but they were sure they never saw the big sofa set before.
Kyouko liked it there since she could have a chat with her friends –Kanae and Chiori—when they happened to drop by as well.
"No need to be so formal. Come sit!"
Kyouko and Lin both took a seat side by side.
"Want a drink?" Lory held up his glass.
"No, thank you," both rejected the offer.
"Okay…" Lory sipped his drink again. "So, I'll just be frank."
Kyouko and Lin looked at each other. Both already knew what Lory possibly wanted to talk about. They hadn't talked since Kyouko looked so miserable and Lin didn't want to press her for now.
"Mogami-kun, it's about you and Ren."
Kyouko grimaced. She dug her finger into her palm.
"Eh, don't be so nervous. I just wanted to say that I had a call from Shingai, and your current drama's producers."
"Do they want to replace me with another actress?" Kyouko immediately thought of the worst.
"What? No!" Lory laughed. "Why did you think so?"
"Ah, um…because Ren is…the current top actor of the country and the articles are probably bad publication for his image? I know I'm a rising actress but it's probably bad for Ren to be tied with me."
Lory laughed harder. "No, on contrary, it boosted the drama's popularity before it even airs…plus…you won another award last night. Ah, congratulation, Mogami-kun. Good job!" Wait! She calls him with his given name? I just heard about this. Lory twirled his moustache and had on Cheshire cat grin.
Kyouko bowed slightly. "Thank you." She then frowned. "So, what's the problem then? I believe it will die down soon."
"They don't want it to die down. They want you two to confirm you are indeed dating and announce it."
"Um, but…" Kyouko bit her lip. "What does Ren think about it?"
"Oh, he would have to cooperate as well, I made sure of it," Lory smirked. "I understand that you are not a very public person, Mogami-kun but…I'm afraid this time you two have to really go public. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words."
"But we aren't actually dating. It's just…" Kyouko was confused on how to get her point across.
"Not dating? Are you sure?" Lory frowned. I know they aren't dating but I need to know what Mogami-kun thinks. What made her so against it?
Kyouko nodded.
"And how do you explain the kisses between you two? That sure didn't look like 'not dating' to me."
Kyouko only stared at Lory because she wasn't sure how to answer that question.
Lory seemed to take the hint. He then asked, "Okay, what about the announcement?"
Kyouko still stayed silent and only shook her head, expressing her unwillingness.
Lory sighed. "Then I have no other choice but to…make it your Love Me assignment. Of course, I told Ren this already, and he actually objected as well since he didn't want you to feel uncomfortable. You two really left me with no choice."
Kyouko stared up at the ceiling briefly since she felt that her tears were about to fall down. Of course, Ren has a girl he likes. Announcing this 'fake' relationship would make him lose his chance. Why didn't he just tell shachou that? I couldn't just blurt it out since it doesn't sound right coming from me.
"You understand, right Mogami-kun? I don't have a choice either. It'll be just till the drama finished airing."
Kyouko bowed. "I understand."
"Oh, and I want to also remind you…about Connor. Last time some articles speculated about you, Connor and Ren. You know that too, right?"
"I'm aware of that, but it's died down."
"Yes, just want to remind you again. It would look bad on you and Ren after the announcement of your relationship if this rouses up again, so it's best not to be alone with Connor or the other guys. I'm not saying you can't go out with them for friendly gathering, you still can, but in a group. Do you understand, Mogami-kun?"
Kyouko blushed. "Um, yes, of course."
"I wouldn't mind if you are going out with my geeky nephew though," Lory laughed. "But not now, okay?"
Kyouko's blush deepened. "Con and I are just friends."
"You said that too about Ren but look where it got you?" Lory snickered. "Sorry, I didn't mean to sound so callous."
Kyouko shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She really felt uncomfortable with the whole talk. Even though Lory looked playful like usual, he was all business.
"Oh and Lin-kun, I would like to see you and Yashiro-kun in my office for the arrangement of this matter at 7 later. We also have the PR person ready."
"I understand, Shachou," Lin said with an impassive face.
"Okay, see you later, Lin-kun." Lory stood up. "And Mogami-kun, have a nice day!"
Kyouko stood up and bowed.
Kyouko sank herself in the sofa and released a deep audible sigh.
"Want to talk about it, Kyouko-chan?" Lin asked.
Kyouko turned her head towards Lin. "I'm sorry for all this trouble, Lin-san."
Lin shrugged. "Not your fault. It takes two to tango. So, you really aren't dating Tsuruga-kun? I have to agree with shachou that the picture is worth a thousand words. I've been trying to reach you the whole day yesterday."
"Yes, I know. I got the voice message you left me. I'm really sorry."
"You don't really have to go with it if you don't want to, you know? I can try appeal to it."
"You heard shachou. Do I look like I have a choice?"
"Okay, that's why I told you before that you need to tell me about…"
"Lin-san, I and Ren are NOT dating, so there was nothing to tell you about before this got out of hand, and..." Kyouko hurriedly intercepted. "The kiss…um it just sort of happened? A spur of the moment thing."
Lin stared intently at Kyouko's face. "Nope, you are lying." He was trying to fish the truth out by riling Kyouko up.
"But that's true," Kyouko said defensively.
"Oh, did you see your face there? Blissful…and you clearly enjoyed the kiss," Lin smirked. "You're in love."
Kyouko blushed. "It's not true!"
"Keep denying that and perhaps you would believe it yourself?" Lin tilted his head, mischief dancing in his dark eyes. "Maybe you aren't dating yet, but I got the in love part correct. If it's not true, why are you blushing like crazy?"
Kyouko gave up. "Think whatever you want."
"Then I'll think of it as true." Lin grinned. "You are officially ordered to confirm that it's true anyway."
"Yes, whatever."
"Kyouko-chan, what's with the stiff smile?" the Director of her CM shooting asked. "You were supposed to look happy here when you and your boyfriend walked hand in hand whilst getting into the shop."
"I'm sorry," Kyouko said and bowed.
"Kyouko, are you okay?" Connor asked with concern.
Kyouko smiled weakly. "Yes, I'm sorry Con. I'll nail the next one."
"You better be, Kyouko-chan. I know that it's not Tsuruga-kun walking hand in hand with you in this CM but you are an actress, you should be able to act it out especially since you're an award winning actress," the Director said sternly.
Kyouko wanted to sigh. She felt really tired. The Director's words ticked her off but she managed to display an impassive face. She had been getting the not so pleasant remarks and treatments the whole day from her classmates, some staffs in LME, her fellow model colleagues in her photo shoot, ever since the rumours of her and Ren's relationship became yesterday's hot topic. Not to mention that the press seemed to hound her whenever she went though they didn't treat her badly. They merely wanted to ask questions but since there were so many of them, she felt pressured.
"If you can't do that, just remember about how you do it with your boyfriend!" the Director added then shouted out his command to the stagehands.
"He shouldn't be so nasty about that," Connor commented. "Don't mind him, kay?"
"I'm okay. Thanks, Con."
"Let's get to the shooting after your wardrobe," Shingai said when Kyouko and Ren arrived at the set the next day.
"No practice?" Ren asked.
"You don't need one, right? You're a couple anyway," Shingai snickered. "Congrats, didn't know that you two started dating."
Kyouko and Ren looked at each other. They didn't want to deceive people but they both had been given the 'ultimatum' and the whole rules by Lory yesterday so they nodded. "Thanks."
Ren thought, if only this is all true.
Kyouko thought, hang in there, Kyouko! I'm sorry about this, Ren.
"Oh and congrats for the award again, Kyouko-chan," Shingai said then turned his head towards Koga who had just came into the studio. "Hey Koga, congrats for the award!"
"Ah, thanks!" Koga said.
"Can I have a perfect take from you then?" Shingai snickered.
"You bet!" Koga grinned.
"Okay, then you guys better hurry to the wardrobe," Shingai said to them. "Akari-chan, Ryuunosuke-kun and Tsutomu-kun are already in wardrobe. Akari-chan and Tsutomu-kun got seikatsu happyou kai at 9.30 at their school whilst Ryuunosuke-kun got gakugei-kai performance at 10. As you might have known, Culture Day is tomorrow but some school starts the festivity early hence our schedule to fit the kids' schedule. I'm aware that Kyouko-chan also got Bunkasai at school, right?"
Kyouko nodded. "Tomorrow though."
"Let's make sure we can finish with them at 8.30 at most," Shingai said. "Ouch, damn, where's Murasame? He hasn't shown up even though I inform him the schedule change again this morning. I'll call him. You three go!"
"Oneechan, I want you come to my gakugei-kai," Ryuunosuke said with pleading eyes. "I'll be in the front row of the choir."
"Ah um...It's not that I don't want to go but I haven't finished today's shoot so I can't go. I'm sorry, Ryuu-kun," Kyouko said regretfully.
"But I want you to come," Ryuunosuke started to cry.
Kyouko felt headache was coming. She had been dealing with Ryuunosuke's clinginess from time to time whenever they shot the scenes together. It got worse as time went by since the kid practically glued himself to her. Not even his mother could pry him away from Kyouko. They usually had to avert the kid's attention long enough to get Kyouko away or she could never leave for her other job or appointment. She had wanted to snap when it first happened—like what she did with Maria and Hiou— because the kid needed to be told off, but then the kid's mother was around so she couldn't do that. She didn't want to face the woman's wrath for snapping at her kid.
"Ryuu-kun!" his mother tried to pry the kid away from Kyouko. "Come on, we're going to be late."
"No!" Ryuunosuke clutched onto Kyouko's leg tight, and even tried to climb onto her.
Kyouko bent down and picked the little boy up. She intended to talk to him softly at first but the boy hugged her neck and wouldn't let go. She felt a bit suffocated and lost her will, "Um, Ryuu-kun, come on, you're going to be late. You need to go with your mother okay?"
"No! If oneechan doesn't go, I won't go."
Kyouko sighed inwardly. She needed to recollect herself because she was on the brink of exploding. She took a deep breath to calm herself whilst still trying to persuade the boy to let go of her first. "But it's important for you to attend, right? What about your friends? They also worked hard. It's not fair for them if you ditch the choir just because I'm unable to go and watch you."
"But…" Ryuunosuke whined.
Ren couldn't stand it anymore since the kid was practically hogging Kyouko to himself and completely disrupted the shooting. He needed to do something. He noticed that Shingai was rubbing his own forehead, no doubt started to feel headache was coming his merry way. The kid's clinginess to Kyouko had been a known Hadabara shooting disruption factor. As a professional, he couldn't allow it. He remembered the time when he was a kid actor himself. Whilst the people back home were direct and didn't even mince words, Japan was the opposite, but still he needed to tell the kid to behave professionally. Just because he was a kid, didn't mean he could be selfish. At least, he would tell the kid with nicer tone and words whilst still being firm. With that resolution, he then stepped towards the unsuspecting girl holding the whiny kid.
He poked on Ryuunosuke's shoulder. The kid turned and looked at him with his big glossy eyes. He did let go of Kyouko's neck but the little kid's hands were settled on her chest.
Ren noticed that. Even a kid was luckier than him, he thought. He then shot the kid a smile –his dazzling smile. Kyouko froze upon seeing the dazzling smile.
Ryuunosuke kept staring at Ren then he cried loudly. Kyouko almost dropped the boy.
Ren didn't understand why the kid cried upon looking at him and he was sure he didn't do anything to scare him, but since he figured he could use the moment to pry the kid away from Kyouko, he moved fast. He took over the kid, rather forcefully and shoved the kid to his mother. Whilst the kid was still crying and distracted by the Demon Lord's smile, Ren said, "I'm sorry but while you can, please leave now, Okaasan."
Ryuunosuke's mother nodded and immediately left whilst the kid was still crying out loud. They could still hear the kid's crying sound till it was finally silent again in the studio.
Ren sighed in relief.
"You didn't have to scare him that bad, Ren," Kyouko pouted. "He's a sweet kid."
"I didn't try to scare him. I was smiling at him." Ren felt hurt by Kyouko's accusation.
"Yeah, but it's your scary smile, not your usual gentle smile," Kyouko protested. "I can hold my own but a kid could feel it when someone doesn't like him."
Ren was confused. "I don't…"
"Yes, stop there you two lovebirds! The most important thing is the shooting. You can continue your quarrel later, and I hope…you two deliver a hot one this next scene, okay?" Shingai grinned, felt a lot happier after Ryuunosuke was gone. "Okay, go back to your place."
"I'd love to see the hot one," Murasame said with a grin. "You look hot in that outfit, Kyouko-chan."
Ren openly glared at Murasame upon hearing the remark though he actually agreed. Kyouko was wearing a tight fitting black silk top with thin spaghetti straps and cotton black checker skirt that stopped on the middle of her thighs. The knee length black stocking accentuate her long legs.
The ex-yankee just laughed it off. "Your boyfriend is scary, by the way. Don't worry. I know that I can look but no touch. Warning acknowledged, Tsuruga-kun!"
Kyouko blushed. She thought that Ren had no reason to get angry at Murasame but she knew her senpai could be a bit overprotective sometimes. If there was one person who should be angry, it should be her if she found the comment insulting at all, and she didn't. She hurriedly took her place right behind the chair where Ren would sit down as Souichirou.
Ren sat down on the chair again.
When they heard Shingai called for 'Action!', they started the act.
Sumi offered to massage Souichirou when she saw how tired he was. Souichirou pulled Sumi's hand and sat her down on his lap. Sumi blushed red. Souichirou mentioned that massage alone wasn't enough since he granted Sumi's request to let her brother worked for him. Souichirou wanted something in return from his lovely wife.
When she asked what it was, Souichirou leant in to kiss Sumi. It was like their previous practices, the kiss went deeper with Souichirou's tongue exploring Sumi's mouth. Sumi moaned and Souchirou traced his hands along her sides and finally got into her top, caressing her bare skin. He could feel her shivered and her sweet moans encouraged him to go further.
"I want to do something more comfortable for you than kissing," he said with husky voice.
He pulled her closer and dipped his head down her cleavage, nipping the skin there and at the same time making her moan louder.
Both Kyouko and Ren delivered the make out scene convincingly, completely forgotten that they should stop when they heard someone calling to stop Atari from entering Sumi and Souichirou's room.
"Cut! Cut! Cut!" Shingai was desperate to stop his two actors from making love on set. "Someone, please help me separate them. Quick!"
Kyouko and Ren jerked away in surprised when the stagehand shouted out the word "Cut!" near their ears. Both actors blushed red.
"Woohoo…really hot, you know?" Murasame snickered.
Shingai snorted, "This is the problem with having lovers as the two leads. They would forget that they were supposed to act, not doing it for real. What the hell! Even the two professionals like them actually did that too, seriously!" Shingai took a deep breath and shouted, "PREPARE FOR RETAKE!"
Kyouko tried to breathe evenly. She didn't know what was wrong with her. She just knew that his hands on her bare skin affected certain parts of her body, making it throb and tingle. It was a strange feeling that she couldn't grasp. It was like she had an itch she needed him to help scratch. She even moaned out loud because of the way it felt and she was so embarrassed of it. The part of her body that was in contact with Ren's felt hot and she had to resist her urge to rub her body on his. Her bare thigh felt the unknown hard bulge. She wondered what that was. She dared herself to look at Ren and found him looking at her with that Emperor of the Night smile she freaked out on often.
Ren resisted and urge to growl especially when Kyouko seemed to wriggle actively on his lap. The friction felt too much for his steel hard erection. He was afraid he would come right there like a pathetic virgin on his first time.
"Kyouko, stop wriggling!" he finally said, sounded breathless.
"Why?" she whispered.
"You really want to know?" Ren stared at her seductively.
She stopped wriggling completely, horrified by his tone. "But you wouldn't let me go and I need to take place behind the chair again. Director's looking at us with the deepest scowl I've ever seen. He would yell at us anytime soon."
"Oh, sorry."
He let go of her so suddenly she almost fell backward. He caught her again and gently helped her stand up.
"Thanks," she said.
Kyouko then bowed a little towards the scowling Shingai and walked to the back of the chair. She then waited for Shingai's command to start again. She felt a bit uncomfortable since her knickers felt wet. She was sure she wasn't having her period since her last day of period was a week ago. She was confused and worried.
"Are you two ready?" they heard Shingai asking them.
"Yes."
"Okay, then…just to remind you. Don't let it get out of hand! You hear me?"
The two actors nodded determinedly and the shooting was restarted again.
Kyouko hurried to the toilet to check whatever was wrong with her since her knickers was practically soaked after doing the retake though it only felt slightly damp now. She hadn't had the time to check since they continued shooting the other related scenes. She was thoroughly relieved when she didn't see the bloodstains on her knickers. She felt stupid since there was no way she was having her period again after just one week. Thankfully, she was always prepared even if it wasn't around the time of her period so she could immediately change into a new pair of knickers she put in a cotton pouch she brought along to the toilet.
She walked back to her dressing room with lighter steps. She met Connor on her halfway to her dressing room.
"Hey, Con!" Kyouko greeted cheerfully.
"Hey, I was looking for you, actually. Just finished the morning shoot?"
"Yes, just finished. Now we're on lunch break."
"I know. I was looking for you about lunch. Wanna go with me for lunch at the new sushi chain near this studio?"
Kyouko was about to answer with 'yes' when she suddenly remembered Lory's rule. She swallowed back her word. "I'm sorry but…I can't go if it's just the two of us."
Connor frowned. "I thought we settled that already? We're going out as friends. See, I didn't even mention 'date' to you."
"Oh yes but um…that's because…" she hesitated.
"That's because Kyouko's and my relationship are to be announced officially," a voice finished for Kyouko.
Kyouko turned back and stared at Ren in horror.
"And what's that got to do with my asking her to lunch?" Connor asked sharply. "What relationship? As far as I know, you two aren't dating."
"Shachou said she could go with you but not alone, only as a group. I hope you don't mind me tagging along?" Ren replied with a mischievous smile, completely ignoring Connor's last remark.
"It doesn't answer my question," Connor sounded frustrated.
"Well, maybe you should ask your uncle that?" Ren smirked.
"Very funny. You probably made that up."
"I didn't. I'm sorry if I…have to disturb your friendly outing, but believe me I didn't mean to. It's for the best." Ren didn't sound sorry at all. He was given the advantage to have Kyouko to himself especially with the rules Lory mentioned to them though he would prefer them to really go out as a real couple, not forced or because of publicity stunt.
Connor ignored Ren. He got the warning loud and clear. Ren was staking his claim on Kyouko and he kind of got the feeling that the other man had the privilege to do that. Since Ren mentioned Lory, that mean Lory had something to do with it. He wasn't actually a hot tempered person but he felt that he wanted to punch Ren.
Kyouko had been watching the two men back and forth. She was amused hearing they argued about the publicity stunt like she wasn't there and could feel the strange atmosphere surrounded the two men. She almost squeaked when she felt Connor took her hand.
"Let's go, Kyouko!" Connor said.
Ren took her other hand and made her squeak for real this time. "Let go of her."
"No!" Connor stubbornly said.
He pulled Kyouko towards him and Ren also pulled Kyouko towards himself. They both looked like a couple of kids playing tug o' war.
"Can you two let go of me?" Kyouko had enough since their stunts hurt her hands. She tried her best to release her hands from their tight grips.
The two guys didn't seem to hear her. They kept pulling her towards themselves till they felt the pull of strength breaking it off. Kyouko finally managed to break free from them. She was fuming. They stared at her blankly.
She shot them an icy glare and said, "I'm going to lunch with Lin-san. You two, have a nice friendly lunch!" With that, she stormed off to her dressing room whilst still in her graceful strides.
"See what you did?" Connor glared at Ren.
Ren shrugged. "You did that too."
"She might be your 'girlfriend' as you put it but it's a…publicity stunt? Yes, now I'm sure it's a publicity stunt since you mentioned Uncle Lory and all," Connor punched the nearest wall and continued, "she already has someone so it's a lost case for both you and I. You might have the advantage but that doesn't mean I will not fight back."
"I know who that someone is," Ren gritted his teeth.
Connor blinked. He knows? "Not you that I am sure."
Ren laughed sardonically. "Of course not me. If it were really me, I wouldn't…" He waved it off. "Forget it!"
Connor was left standing in the middle of hallway, causing him to curse, "What the hell, Ren!"
Kyouko felt doomed when Lin informed her about the press conference and her whole schedule for tomorrow. It meant she would have to skip the bunkasai and she had already told Lin to clear the schedule for Culture Day from one month ago. Why couldn't it be some other day? she wanted to protest. She remembered inviting Kanae and Chiori to her school for bunkasai and they would spend the whole day together. Her class would do a haunted house. Now she couldn't attend since the schedule for that day was full with press conference, invitation to certain talk show, radio interview show, and would be ended with a staged dinner date between her and Ren.
"Wow, I'm sorry to hear that," Kanae hesitated. She already heard about the news of Kyouko and Ren's rumoured relationship. She also saw the pictures. Whilst she didn't understand what had happened in such short amount of time, she tried not to pressure her best friend into sharing though she had to admit that she was intrigued. She preferred to 'corner' Kyouko when they met up for outing. Moreover, Chiori was around so they couldn't really talk about it.
"But then it means we can't meet tomorrow and I've been looking forward to it," Kyouko whined. "I've been busy but it seems you're much busier with your courses?"
Kanae winced. "Yeah, because I'm a jukensei and…I do have several Love Me jobs and some small drama gigs, and as you might already know… still family genre. Mou! Not to mention I actually have to go to some variety shows for some stupid quiz games. Mou! If not because Amamiya is also in some of it, I'd rather go to more courses."
"I know and I understand but I miss you, Mouko-san. It's been really a while since we last have an outing. I'm sorry about the variety shows you have to attend but I think it's going to make you stand out. Besides, the money is good, right?"
Kanae laughed. "That I can't deny. The money is too good to pass up."
"Right, you mentioned Amamiya-san earlier. I also need to cancel on her."
"No need, she's here with me and you're on speaker actually. We're in Love Me room."
"Ah, sorry. Hi Amamiya-san, I'm sorry I have to cancel on you and Mouko-san."
"It's okay. That must have been tough on you, Kyouko-san but congrats anyway," Chiori said understandingly. "After all, it's your fault that you're dating the biggest actor of the country. It's bound to be big news." Chiori laughed.
"Ah um…thanks."
Kanae raised her brows since Kyouko didn't sound happy and enthusiastic.
"If it's any consolation, maybe you can go to my school's bunkasai? It's in three days. If you have the time, that is," Kanae offered. She figured she had to meet up with Kyouko sometimes soon for the girl really sounded miserable instead of happy. She would eventually meet her on Hadabara set but she wasn't telling her that because how Kyouko would react kind of scared her a little. "We're doing a maid café. You're coming too, right Amamiya-san?"
"Yeah, I will of course. Actually, that's a really good idea, Kyouko-san. You can consider the bunkasai in my school as well. It's the day after tomorrow. We're setting up takoyaki stand."
"Ah, okay, wait a minute!" They could feel enthusiasm coming from Kyouko's voice.
Both girls then heard the rustle sounds and Kyouko's voice talking to Lin. Since she sounded a little bit more cheerful, the two girls hoped it would console her enough.
"I can go! I can go! To both your schools. Um…but it's only for two hours each. What can we do in two hours?"
"A lot!" both Kanae and Chiori answered then laughed.
Kyouko giggled. "I see. Can I call you two again later?"
"Mou! Don't rush it, mail is fine too. Just tell me when you can come," Kanae said.
"Yeah, Kotonami-san is right. You're so busy after all. Just drop us a mail."
"Okay."
Kyouko's smiles had started to falter. She had smiled a lot today and she felt she couldn't smile no more. She felt like a broken tape, reciting the same thing over and over when she was asked about her relationship with Ren especially since they were expected to answer exactly like the PR person told them to. The whole time they were being interviewed, they had acted like couple in love. They had to but they weren't exactly acting. They were in love with each other, they just didn't know that.
When Kyouko looked a little stressed, Ren squeezed her hand to encourage her to stay strong. She was thankful that he was there though her guilty conscience about how she had ruined Ren's love life had started to get to her. She knew that Ren was forced to do this whole stunt. She admitted she might feel a little selfish by allowing herself a little happiness and let the whole thing happened. She could have resisted it harder and Lin already said that he would help her but she didn't. She was digging her own grave by allowing it to happen. She would be very happy if it was real and if Ren wasn't in love with another girl. She wanted Ren to be happy but she was sure she had ruined his chance with the girl entirely. It should be relieving but it was Ren she was sorry for.
When it was their dinner date, she already felt she couldn't stomach any more guilt. She wanted to bail right there but then she felt Ren's hand on her shoulder, she told herself to hang in there. She didn't really want to ruin both their reputations by quitting. It was still 3 more months till their filming finished. Could she endure the guilty feeling for another 3 months?
Right after their dinner, they slipped away from the back door of the restaurant and went straight towards Ren's car drove by a valet Ren had requested earlier.
They then went for a drive and a walk along the secluded beach. They were now sitting on the beach, and enjoying the sound of the sea. It felt relaxing though a little cold.
"You look tired, Kyouko," Ren said whilst caressing her head softly.
Kyouko looked at him and shot him a smile. "You do too."
"With how packed today's schedule was, that's no wonder." Ren chuckled and reached out his arm towards Kyouko and pulled her close to him. "You look cold. You should have on thicker coat."
Kyouko leant on his shoulder. "Well, we didn't exactly plan a drive, to a beach even. This should suffice, supposedly." Kyouko pointed at her pashmina shawl.
"It was a bit overwhelming so I think we need some fresh air. What was better than a drive?"
"You're right. I feel much refreshed. Do you think we managed to get away from the press?"
Ren laughed. "Yes, I'm sure we managed. See, no one followed us and there's no one around here too. Almost no one would come to the beach on this cold season."
Then it was silent and again just the sound of the sea waves was heard. It was so peaceful.
"Kyouko?"
"Hmm?"
"Do you think you can call Daruma-ya to inform your landlord that we're going to be late?"
Kyouko sat up straight and almost knocked Ren's jaw. "Now that you mention it, but we need to get to the car. My mobile is in my bag."
"Use mine! I have my mobile with me. I'll add in my words but I need you to call them first. I think I need to learn about this dating business a bit so then you wouldn't dump me." He laughed a little.
Kyouko only stared at him and Ren immediately felt like he had said the wrong words again. "Okay, lend me your phone, please?" she held out her hand.
Ren fished out his mobile phone from his pocket and gave it to her, a bit confused with her cold reception. He had meant to light up the situation but he seemed to make it even worse.
"Good evening, Okami-san," Kyouko said with a smile. "I'm calling to inform you that I'll be home late."
Kyouko listened to Okami's words intently.
"Yes, we were hounded by the press, that's why we're taking a detour. Oh, anyway, Ren said he wanted to talk with you."
Kyouko gave Ren his phone.
"Good evening, Okami-san," Ren greeted. "Yes, I have to apologise that I'll be dropping Kyouko a bit late tonight. I hope you and Taishou-san understand."
Ren stopped a bit then he grimaced. Kyouko watched his facial expression with interest. She almost laughed when she heard Ren said, "Good evening, Taishou-san."
Ren's hand reached out for Kyouko's. Kyouko was surprised to find his hand was cold.
"Yes, I understand. I will definitely drop her home. Do you want to talk to Kyouko?" Ren asked. "No? Alright, we will be going home soon. Yes, I know, Taishou-san. Good night." Ren disengaged the mobile phone and shoved it back into his trousers' pocket.
"Your hand is cold, Ren. Why is it that every time you're…interacting with Taishou-san, you have this kind of…weird reaction?"
"You need to ask?" Ren leant towards Kyouko's face and pressed his forehead on hers.
"Taishou-san is not scary," she immediately defended her landlord after guessing what Ren might think about Taishou.
"I didn't say he was but he's intimidating, that you need to acknowledge. I understand he's just protecting you." Ren pulled away and kissed her forehead softly.
She was stunned. "Yes, he is. Anyway, we're not in public's eyes, Ren. No need to do this." She touched her forehead.
"All the reason to do more," he replied with husky voice then leant towards her face again.
Kyouko's eyes widened. "What…"
Before she managed to ask, Ren's lips descended on hers. He had his arms around her and pulled her close. She had tried to resist at first but she liked it too much to resist longer. When she felt him nibbling her lower lip asking for entry, she opened her mouth and his tongue swooped in. She had her arms around his neck, tilted her head so and deepened their kisses. They were eagerly exploring each other's mouth.
Kyouko once again had started to feel the heat burning her whole body. She always seemed to feel it whenever she had to practise kissing with Ren or when it was in their make out scenes in Hadabara. She didn't even protest when she felt Ren's hand cupping her rear and squeezed it gently. She moaned and arched her body towards his, wanting more of him. She felt her world shifted when she found herself on her back on the soft sands with Ren on top of her. Her hands sank into his soft hair. When she felt his mouth descend down to kiss her neck, his hand on her breast squeezing it softly, and his other hand was trailing up her thigh, she moaned even louder. She felt so good and couldn't explain what kind of feel it was. Her fingers dug deeper into his hair. Getting the positive responses, Ren was encouraged to do more till something came up.
"Shit!" he cursed when he heard his mobile phone vibrating and blaring loudly. He reluctantly got off Kyouko's body and sat down, then pulled out his mobile phone. He almost sighed when he saw unknown caller id. "Yes?" he answered, sounded unsure.
"Where are you two, Ren?" Yashiro asked from the other line.
Yashiro? Ren resisted an urge to snort. Must have forgotten his gloves again, he commented inwardly.
"Kyouko-chan isn't picking up her phone as well. Mother hen Lin panicked and was trying frantically to call her. We got a call from LME's PR person to check whether we both had heard from you. You both just vanished like smoke from the restaurant," Yashiro continued his chirp.
Ren stared down at the blushing girl still lying down on the sands and reached out his hand to pull her up. "Ah um…we're going for a drive. Sorry for the trouble but enough is enough. We want some alone time."
"Oh, impatient to be alone with Kyouko-chan, are you?" Yashiro snickered.
"If you already know, why did you call and disturb us?" Ren growled.
Kyouko was surprised to hear Ren's words especially the words 'disturb us' to Yashiro. She was still a bit embarrassed that she actually let Ren touched her intimately and even liked the feel of it. She wondered what went wrong with her. She seemed to always lose it when she had body contacts with Ren. She was now thinking that she turned into a shameless woman and she wanted to scream in embarrassment.
"Whoa, scary much? I was only doing my job you know and I'm sorry for disturbing you two, and… please don't go out too late okay? Please also remember that Kyouko-chan is not yet 18 years old, you might want to hold yourself a bit in the public since if not you might be arrested for violating a minor. I don't care what you two do in your private time and sanctuary though."
Ren blushed. "Who do you think I am? I can hold myself perfectly, public or not."
He couldn't when it came to Kyouko, and really appreciated the wakeup call from Yashiro at the moment. If Yashiro hadn't called, they probably would have stripped their clothes off and did the nasty especially since Kyouko didn't protest at all. He stole a glance at Kyouko and found her scribbling things on the sand with her fingers furiously.
"Okay then, enjoy your date!"
"Thanks."
He almost laughed when he saw Kyouko still hadn't stopped scribbling on the sands. He poked her arm and she squeaked.
"What are you doing, Kyouko?" he asked with innocent smile. He figured she might still feel embarrassed by their earlier make out session.
She went red and didn't seem to be able to meet his eyes. "Nothing I'm just…writing something?"
Ren chuckled. "Okay." He reached out his hand to pat her head.
Kyouko jerked away. "Sorry…I was…surprised."
Ren found her adorable with her being jumpy and all, no doubt because of their earlier affair. He still had a hope. Screw Fuwa! He thought inwardly. And Connor! I'm going to fight my war, he decided. "No worries. You've got sands all over your hair and…clothes. Come on let me help you clean it."
"Thank you, Ren," Kyouko said with a shy smile on her face.
"You're welcome, want to go home or do you want to play a bit on the beach?"
Kyouko tilted her head, trying to be as calm as she could. She still couldn't get over the way she had been behaving earlier and was afraid if they stayed longer, it would repeat again. "I'd like to go home. It's getting colder."
"Okay, go home it is then," Ren said and stood up. He offered his hand and pulled her up. He leant down to pat down the sands from her dress and straightened up himself.
They walked back to his car and drove back into the city.
"Thanks for dropping me home," Kyouko said.
"Sure, and uh…Kyouko, we haven't really talked about this." Ren turned his car engine off.
"Oh…" Kyouko felt the guilt assaulted her again.
"Relax! I need to say something to you," Ren continued and his eyes flickered at the dashboard. 11 pm. He sighed and hoped he could get it all out right.
Kyouko waited anxiously.
"I'm sorry that I got you into this with my impulsive action."
Kyouko blinked, didn't expect the apology at all. Remembering Lin's word, she said, "It takes two, Ren."
"Yes but I don't want you to be uncomfortable when you're around me. I know we're forced by the agency to…announce this. Believe me, I'm not happy being forced. I don't imagine you would be happy as well so I'm really sorry."
"No one is happy being forced, Ren. I understand that you and I have no choice." Her heart hurt badly. She wanted to cry.
"There's always a choice." Ren leant over and kissed her lips softly. "But this is real. Nothing I did around you is faked, but I know…maybe you aren't open to the idea of dating yet consider your history with… you know who. Sorry, I don't want to mention his name."
Kyouko frowned. She knew who he meant. Shou? What does this have to do with Shou? She was officially confused. Besides, isn't Ren in love with some high school girl?
"I will be patient and wait for you to come around, but for the mean time, I'm sorry you have to bear with me and with this 'fake' relationship."
Kyouko nodded though she was still confused. She didn't want to get ahead of herself by assuming Ren's words meant that Ren wanted to date her for real. She would wait and see but she couldn't help but feel a bit relieved with the fact that perhaps Ren no longer had a crush on said girl he told Bou about. She felt a little bit hopeful that he might have feelings for her.
Ren patted her head again. He was relieved that she seemed to understand it. He wouldn't humiliate himself by stating it like Connor did. He wouldn't want the 'going out as friends' with Kyouko. He would use this chance to slowly make her see things his way. He would wait patiently, like he said to her. With that, he stepped out of the car.
Ren felt much lighter and before the door of Daruma-ya visible from their sight, he stopped them in halfway. "I'm not sure I want to do this in front of your landlords so…" He leant down and kissed her softly. "Good night, Kyouko Darling."
Kyouko blushed and nodded.
"Really glad that you didn't slap me for this," Ren said and laughed.
"You want me to slap you? I'll comply to it if you want," Kyouko playfully raised her hand to do what he suggested.
"No! I was just kidding."
Kyouko grinned. "I was kidding too."
They continued their walk and Kyouko almost laughed at Ren's expression upon seeing Taishou standing right at the door like an imperial guard waiting for them. As Ren had expected, he couldn't do what he had wanted and was glad he did it already.
When he settled himself back in his car, he cheered out loud, "Yes!"
A/N : Thanks for reading, subscribing, reviewing and favouring this fic. I hope you enjoy the update! :D
Thanks to Shiroyuki76 for proofreading it.
Note on terms:
Seikatsu-happyou-kai : Daily life exhibition, how cultural day be celebrated in kindergarten
Gakugei-kai : Literary arts exhibition, how cultural day be celebrated in primary school
Bunkasai : cultural festival
Takoyaki : grilled octopus
Jukensei : a student who prepares him/herself for an examination
Okaasan : mother, used to address one's own mother, but can also be used to imply you're talking about someone's mother. In this case Ren used it in this case to address Ryuunosuke's mother, the longer version would be 'Ryuu-kun's mother' (Ryuu-kun no okaasan), but since it's understandable that Ryuu-kun was the topic, the phrase was shortened to "Okaasan" only as it was already implied he was referring to Ryuu-kun's mother.