I am glad you guys are enthusiastic with the last chapter though some comments make me terribly guilty for what I have in store for you all…
ANYWAY you guys WIN! Only this time I will update in one day! Unlimited offer!
Episode 24: Lunatic Invitation (Part 1)
She had told them her innermost thought about Corn, that he was her dreams comes true. A prince who gave comfort when she needed it, and a fairy who give her magical times together. He was her most precious friend and memories from childhood.
Kyouko wondered why the response from audience and her interviewers were so overwhelming to that simple and honest declaration. Should she thank them for the positive response? Or what? For once, Kyouko was totally at a lost of what to do in front of camera so she withdrew her hands back to her lap and smiled her flower like smile.
On the back of her mind, her mental Yayoi-basan was nodding in approval. 'That's right Kyouko-chan, even at the most difficult situation a smile is your ticket to their heart!'
"Wow Kyouko-sensei…" Yuusei breathed out, "Just… WOW! What else we can say to that?" He asked, turning to the other two Ishibashis.
Shinichi was fanning his pink cheeks with the question slip, "You said it bro! Wow! My heart skipped a beat just now…"
Hikaru wisely didn't open his mouth, nodding enthusiastically. ?
"I think I am in danger of heart attack considering how fast my heart is going doki-doki." Yuusei clutched his heart before planting his ear abruptly to Hikaru's chest. "Wow… leader's sounds like it's going to burst through his chest!" Hikaru sputtered indignantly, grabbing the head of younger Ishibashi and gave him a temple drill.
Kyouko continued smiling as watching the not blood related brothers, 'I really don't get this heart pounding business! It's not like I just say the most shocking confession in history!' But for the sake of everyone, she would pretend she got it.
"Aha ha ha…" She let out a string of melodious giggle, playing along with the Ishibashi's antics.
Backstage
Lorry was watching everything from the backstage of Kimagure Rock, with tasteful disguise of a stage hand courtesy of Jelly Woods. 'My romantic failure number two next to Ren, seriously Kyouko… you can't fool me that you understand the heart of your fans.' This was a pretty serious weakness, and hopefully one she could overcome with time. She was a good actress but she couldn't pretend forever.
Anyway... that heartfelt expression and line really strike everyone's heart, must be Ren's influence too. The old Kyouko wouldn't voice that kind of feeling out loud, and not in national television. Though he couldn't help but wondered who was her dreams? It was no wonder it incites such a strong reaction from Ren to the point that 'look' of his came out in the open in front of camera.
'There would be no problem convincing Ogata-kantoku to take the risk it seems…'
To offer such a chance to an actress who just started with one drama, and one that was not aired yet to boot. Roman no Engekibu had a lot of characters after all and Nozaki-kantoku was very picky to hold audition for all of them. So if they proceeded as scheduled the third episode of Kashima Yuu's debut would air few days before Tsukigomori's remake start their shooting.
Maybe it was a good thing Nozaki-kantoku took his sweet time, while Kashima Yuu was a good character, she was the type that left a very strong impression to audience. Kyouko was lucky she was so talented, any actress with less talent and same amount of experience would fall under the same curse Scarlet Dice's Akari suffered. She won't get out of the curse easily, but Lorry knew she had it in her to survive.
Though he couldn't help but imagine the confusion because either way Kyouko would play two completely different girls in two drama at the same time. She was going to make a lot of people confused for sure!
Yun eyed giggling Lorry warily, 'A pervert? Why he is giggling as looking at Kyouko?' This guy also strangely feel familiar for some reason.
After the show…
"We would love to have you again in this show, Kyouko-sensei!" The Ishibashi had decided to stick with the nickname, they got to call her familiarly but still respectfully.
Kyouko beamed, "I'd love to come back too…" She returned.
Yes! They chorused mentally at her response, now it's leader's chance! "Look at the time Sensei! It's almost time for dinner!"
"Yes, I am starving!" Shinichi caught on with Yuusei before they nudged Hikaru to finish it.
He swallowed heavily, "So, would you like to join us for dinner… Kyouko-sensei?"
"That's very kind of you to invite me." She replied smoothly, not missing a beat. "But my family is waiting for me at home for dinner."
Yun smirked inwardly, 'As smooth as ever at turning down romantic invitation.'
Hikaru deflated, "Ah, we see…" Of course she would, Touya Kyouko was a traditional girl, no way she would come to dine with peoples she just know recently. Even though they belonged to the same agency, they even never met in LME.
"Perhaps we can go for lunch next time, but it would just be Hikaru-san though." All three of them was Ishibashi so naturally when they were together there was no choice but addressing them by first name.
As one, the trio perked up at her invitation. Was that mean, she asked Hikaru out?! For lunch?!
"Seriously?!" Hikaru asked in disbelief. "You want to have lunch with me next time?!" She nodded, and Hikaru was about to celebrate the spring when she swiftly cut it short.
"With Kanae-chan, and Stardust group too…" Kyouko elaborated, "As co-stars it would be best to familiarize ourselves with each other."
Huh?
Kyouko went on, "Kanae-chan is my female best friend, Tengenji-kun is my neighbor and friend, and his group mates are my friends too… Hikaru-san is the only actor from LME who didn't know us personally so we would love to invite you…"
Stardust group? The new group of idol who was just started with individual single, and their first member even placed slightly below Fuwa Shou? There was only one drama he starred it at their manager's prompting, where he was co-starring with Stardust group. He saw them on the first meeting but got no chance to acquaintance himself with them or anyone from the drama.
"You're in Roman no Engekibu too, Kyouko-sensei?" Hikaru asked in disbelief.
Her manager suddenly started shaking with mirth as covering his smiling lips.
"Ara! You didn't recognize me?" Hikaru sputtered, surely he would if she was there! "Well it's understandable since Nozaki-kantoku asked me to come with wig and in costume, not to mention you came late to the readthrough because of your broken car."
She was really there if she knew why he was late!
"You did come to apologize to me for coming late." She was giggling then, "But before I can say anything you catapulted yourself to another side of the room to apologize to other actors."
Suddenly he had a very bad feeling, as at that disastrous day, for some reason there was only 'one' actress coming to the readthrough in strange combination of gakuran top and skirt.
"Then another introduction is in order then! Since you skip it by accident last time!" She beamed at him, before her voice went deeper but still feminine. "I am Touya Kyoko and I am going to play as Kashima Yuu, the prince of Roman high school. Nice to meet you." Kashima Yuu winked at them
And the memory of the flamboyant prince who stole girls' heart that day crashed to his brain.
Then she curtseyed like a prince would, somehow she pulled it off even in hakama. "I am looking forward to be your main star and kohai, Hori-sen...pai!"
Yun was dying, Kyouko did such a magnificent job at breaking the boy! He couldn't bear to watch this!
"Well then!" Kyouko was beaming now, "I have to go home now, it's a pleasure to work with you Ishibashi-san-tachi! I really have a lot of fun today!" Then she added. "And see you later on set, Hikaru-san!"
After the girl in hakama disappeared from the studio, followed by her intimidating manager, Yuusei and Shinichi glanced at their leader who was out for the count.
"Kashima Yuu is… the girl you said breaks collective manly pride of every guy -minus the director- in the room?"
"One who made other girls faint left and right?"
"She calls other girls Hime-sama with straight face."
"And also the girl who suppose to be the kohai you scolded all the time, and kinda like your love interest in the drama but also not?" It was hard to describe relationship between Hori and Kashima.
Hikaru nodded numbly, "Hai."
Yuusei whistled, "Wow again for her, I mean… Kashima Yuu is nothing like Kyouko-sensei at all and she could pull her off." Then again it was acting.
Shinichi nodded sagely, "Really wow… but seriously, pretty, talented and from a good family…" He listed on. "Isn't she impossible for leader?"
"Uhm! Too good for the shortie for sure… and isn't her co-star in the commercial drama Tsuruga Ren-san? I heard they were quite close and often paired for modelling gigs…" Tsuruga Ren was ridiculously tall, and next to him Hikaru… there was one time they had the pleasure of sharing a lift ride in LME. The actor was so polite and nice and yet Hikaru's pride was crushed just by standing near him.
"And Leader is paired off with her too in that drama, kinda…" For comedic purpose with no romantic element whatsoever.
Hikaru could only wept, they were trying to support him or breaking his heart?
LME, two days later…
He was just coming for his new phone, as he had to replaced his after Yashiro broke it without mercy. At least the memory card and sim card were both fine, so he didn't totally lost everything. Then the president started ranting about how boring he used to be but he was getting interesting, and her name came up.
He swiftly tried to escape but then his boss stopped him, "Ren." His voice was super low, and it was clear he was not asking Ren to stay, that was an order. So he sat back down obediently.
"So, does your broken phone have anything to do with Kyouko then?"
There was no running away from this, "Uhm… yes."
"Go figures, after all she is the reason why you're not so boring anymore…" He exhaled a puff of smoke leisurely. "Though I have to say it breaks my heart that every time journalists tried to ask about your relationship with each other, you guys swiftly rebuked them to the point they're reluctant to come back for the second time…"
"Isn't that how we suppose to do it?" Ren was not sure why he had a problem with it. "In LME we wouldn't use that kind of rumors for exposure… it's your principle Sachou."
Lorry sighed, "Well, I got to say Kyouko's most recent rebuttal takes the cake… a clear and straight answer that you guys are just friends, and then she ended the ambush interview with starting a self-imposed game to come out with variety of different lines to say the same denial… she has so much fun with a very pretty smile on her face to the point the media folks were so flustered. It's also double as a threat that she will just say the same thing over and over again if they asked, and continue on with her re-phrasing game…"
"Well, it's how she deal with them usually." Ren first witnessed this tendency of hers after the Kudo Yukiko's party. It was not nice but polite, like holding silk covered blade to theirs throat. Then again she only went that far if they were too pushy to her taste.
Lorry grunted, "You're no better… all smiles and putting off aura that make gossip implausible, you're getting better but still so-" Better at what? "Still! Countless of women throw themselves at you and you keep them all at arm length!"
Wasn't that the right thing to do?
"It's not that I want you to start a meaningless relationship, I hate that the most!" He fumed, "Still! You have to stop putting barriers and keeping your relationship with others as shallow as possible… otherwise you can't see the good in others and your heart will never be moved by them."
Ren couldn't help but feel offended, a few months ago that would be true but now. "Perhaps it's pathetic in your eyes but Touya is my friend." They had a fight right now though but some would say that was because they were close.
"Yes, Kyouko is the exception for everything I just describe about you…" Lorry agreed readily, keeping straight and stern face even though he wanted to grin at how easily he made Ren to admit that. "You keep her close, I can't say there's no barrier but it's in character for your guys… as gentleman and Yamato Nadeshiko." Then he leaned forwards, "Though.. That's just in public, ne?"
Ren averted his eyes, 'So true…'
"You see both her good and bad parts too…" Lorry went on, "And from this I can clearly tell, she moves your heart."
Then the TV was turned on, displaying the commercial drama they starred in together. He was unsure what to think at the look of open joy and glee on President's face, that couldn't be a good sign.
"We're just acting so-"
Lorry swiftly cut him off, "No one asking you… who do you think I am?" Ren opened his mouth again but Lorry didn't let him. "I am not guessing, I know… and you can't change my opinion."
Go figures…
"So let me show you one more recording, it just aired last night but I am sure you didn't watch it…" Then he glanced at Ren, "Or, did you set your blu-ray recorder to record all the show, Kyouko appears in?" Ren tensed at that, "Very friend like thing to do…" He was grinning from ears to ears now as he knew Kyouko did the same according to Akiko. "I am not going to judge, relaaaaax…"
No, he was just going to tease.
"But I doubt you have time to watch it… so here it is." He showed Ren recording of Kimagure Rock with Kyouko as their guest, then fast-forward it last question. He wanted to show Ren the accidental confession to see his reaction but it could wait, and Ren would watch the full episode sooner or later anyway.
Ren narrowed his eyes curiously, Kyouko was being asked about the message she wanted to convey to him in that CM. He knew it was for him considering it was for Corn, the fairy prince. Then she gave the camera the look that never failed to make him drunk with bliss, and unable to control his lips from curving up to a wide smile, and then come the verbal message of that look.
"You're my dreams come true."
If Lorry expected a reaction from Ren, it was not to this extent. The boy was blushing, and a shy but joyful smile played on his lips, and suddenly Lorry saw the shadow of his ten years old self. A beautiful boy who loved acting and his parents with all his heart, but even smiles from those old days pale in comparison to the one he displayed now. It was as if the boy was given the world itself when he heard that line.
"She said that…?" He breathed out.
It was strange, usually Ren had more composure to separate what a character feel with his real life but this? He acted as if that line was meant for him! Lorry didn't have a heart to point this out of course, he had never seen Ren, no Kuon this happy.
"Yes." He snorted, politely ignoring Ren's lovesick expression before using his remote to switch the display back to commercial, this time pausing to Ren's expression in return to hers. "Ren, this beautiful commercial drama you guys made will either be your salvation or your downfall…"
That made Ren stopped smiling, wondering what Lorry was talking about. "What do you mean?"
Lorry took a long inhale of his cigar, and exhaled. "Well, now that we have a material for clear comparison… I am worried about what you have been able to hide with your skill for so long."
Huh?
"I can't help but worry for your future as an actor now with this CM on air… As perhaps, before you can fool everyone in Japan but me but maybe now…" He trailed off grimly, "They will start to notice with this CM opening their eyes…"
Opening their eyes to what?!
"That you, Ren." He pointed at Ren with his cigar, "Your love acting is terrible!"
Say what?!
Lorry had no mercy, "You're lucky so far your projects never focus on romance." Actually he had a hand on that, and also because Ren was more interested in action genre following his father's taste and his own preference for mystery. "But your luck is not going to last long considering your age and your fan base are dominantly female, if you don't try your hands in heavy romance."
And he thought his skill was seasoned enough after four years of acting in Japan but now Sachou said… he was terrible?!
"So Ren…" Lorry's voice snapped him out of his thought. "Forget about accepting Ogata-kun's offer, you can't do it."
What? Refusing Katsuki that offered to him, the role he wanted so badly?! One that could give a whole new meaning to his career in Japan?!
"Unless…" He perked up at that, "Kyouko is playing as the female lead, Mizuki to your Katsuki." Lorry told him with a tone of finality. "As of now, she is the only actress who can elicit an acceptable love acting from you… and fortunately for you Ogata-kantoku agree to offer the role of Mizuki to her, he even cancelled the audition."
Ren gaped at that, "But that's… Touya would be furious if she knows that you-"
"Ren!" Lorry snapped, "Don't jump to conclusion as you please… I didn't make Ogata-kun do anything he didn't want to do! All I did is show him the unedited CM I got from my connection. Kyouko didn't get anything she didn't deserve..."
The actor bowed apologetically, "I am sorry…"
"I can't deny I help a bit but, it's all in Ogata-kun's hand… but there's a little problem though."
"Huh?" Ren was confused now, "What problem?"
Lorry sighed, "Someone beat me to the punch and recommended Kyouko first."
How was that a problem?
"For different role he was unwilling to leave up to audition…" Lorry went on. "So now, Kyouko got two offers for different characters in the same drama… for either Hongo Mizuki or Hongo Mio."
Ren was surprised but in pleasant way, "She is amazing…" He couldn't help but say, "The lead role and infamous antagonist role? Both are good offers…"
Lorry wondered if he should be pleased that Ren was so happy for Kyouko to the point he forgot his own predicament. "Yes, good for her but for you, Ren? You better pray she chose Mizuki or I won't let you accept Katsuki."
And just like that he was thrown back to his hell hole. "That's…"
"Or you can just ask her." Lorry suggested, "She won't refuse you…"
"I won't ask her!" He stated firmly, before standing up to his full height. "It's up to her who she wants to be Mizuki or Mio… just like it's my decision to take Katsuki! I swear President, if you tell her…" He left the threat hanging before marching to the exit door, fuming.
Lorry's eyes were wide in shock, "Since when that boy make a habit of threatening someone as Tsuruga Ren, me no less?"
Kyouko really changed him, didn't she? Or rather, she brought out the real him to the surface.
Few hours later (LME's talent section)
"A drama offer?" Kyouko echoed in confusion to Sawara. "I didn't apply to any audition after Roman no Engekibu…"
Sawara was grinning ear to ear, "Touya-chan… you really have to take this one, it's a remake of a very famous drama! A big hit from twenty years ago!"
Kyouko and Yun exchanged glance, neither of them had any idea what drama Sawara was talking about as she had not been born yet back then, and Yun was in Korea.
The talent section chief was brimming with exciteness. "The director personally pick you by Asami Haruki's recommendation!"
Wow, so there was a blessing for going through with that project or it was Asami-san feeling really bad for her.
"Even more unbelievable!" Sawara looked ready to jump to his desk for a one man show.
A second drama was good and everything but Kyouko wondered why Sawara-san was this hyped up. It was not like she won an award, just another offer. Perhaps it was arrogant of her but if the role offered was not interesting she was not going to sacrifice her time just for exposure.
"You can choose."
What? Choose what?
"At first the director, Ogata Hiroaki-kantoku just offered you a supporting role… a major antagonist character in this drama after he watched the PV." Kyouko could see the logic, in Prisoner she was the villain after all. "But then comes the commercial drama of yours, and the interview in Kimagure Rock…"
Eh? The commercial drama she co-starred with Senpai and the interview… Uh oh-
"This role suppose to be auditioned… the only one because there's no clear competition amongst young actresses." Sawara sighed wistfully. "You convinced him there's no need for an audition! The role of the leading lady of Tsukigomori, Hongo Mizuki is yours to take!"
This must be a dream.
"And one more thing, really important."
Huh? What could be more important?!
"Ren is going to be Katsuki, Mizuki's love interest… the main actor."
This must be a nightmare… they didn't make up yet. "Uhm… do you have the novels or character info?" She asked, trying her best to not fidget too much.
Sawara beamed, "Yes! In fact I even take my time to write short introduction about the two characters! I am so glad you're enthusiastic about it." He hummed happily as he handed Kyouko two pieces of paper, with photo of character from previous adaptation.
Yun thought Sawara must be blind, Kyouko's enthusiasm had evaporated to nothing as soon as Tsuruga-kun's name was mentioned.
Her eyes quickly scanned both character's description, the short intro on their background and name of previous actress who played them. Then she made her decision, "I refuse." She stated with a tone of finality.
"Which one?" Sawara asked in a daze, he must've misheard her.
"Both of them." She confirmed his fear. "Rejected them both... for me."
Silence fell in the room, everyone stopped breathing at her final decision.
"EEH?!"
Sawara was in tears, "Why?! WHY?! Touya-chan… you can't pass this opportunity!"
Kyouko looked away guiltily, "But I am not interested in either of them!"
"Even so! This is the most highly expected drama of the year!"
"Still not interested."
"Touyaaaaa-chaaan!" Sawara was wailing now, "I can't?! I have no idea what to say to Ogata-kantoku! Sorry sir, but Touya-kun is uninterested with both offers. That kind of excuse won't fly, at least give me a clear reason!"
Kyouko wavered for a moment before stammering out, "I don't like them! I hate characters like Mizuki and Mio!" Before running out of the room, leaving a cloud of dust in the process.
Yun who was left behind sighed, before patting the sniffing Sawara on the back. "Yun-san… please change her mind! I beg of you!"
"I can't make her change her mind most of the time and you heard her…" Yun pointed out. "No way… but can you give me the character info? I am curious why Kyouko reacted like that."
Sawara passed him the two papers and after quick scanning of both characters realization dawned on Yun. "Oh… no wonder she refused them."
"No wonder, you said?!" Sawara echoed in disbelief.
"I will contact Ogata-kantoku for you to refuse…" Yun offered. "So can you give me his contact details?"
Sawara grabbed the file containing contact numbers from his desk and held it close, "Over my dead body!"
Yun just snorted in amusement, "I can just call Asami-san and ask." At this point the female producer owed them a huge debt for putting up with certain brat.
Sawara in the end gave in, but he was still in tears.
Five minutes later in another side of Tokyo, Ogata Hiroaki was in tears when he was informed that not only he was losing his Katsuki, but also both Mizuki and Mio. Now Yun understood why Sawara-san didn't want to call the director himself, and quickly ended the line before another cries from the delicate man broke his heart.
Meanwhile in certain Porche…
"So, did you watch the Kimagure Rock yesterday?" Yashiro was grinning from ears to ears. "Kyouko-chan's confession~"
Ren kept his cool, if he gave in Yashiro would accuse him falling for Kyouko again. "Yes, President showed me… and it's not a love confession." It platonic, though it seemed that girl manage to lead the whole Japan astray to think it was romantic in nature. After all to her Corn was her fantasy comes to life, and he blamed Kashima Yuu character of hers to express it in such a misleading manner.
She was getting too attached to her Yuu, and the show was not aired yet.
"You're my dreams come true." Yashiro recited it, poorly in Ren's opinion. "In the next oricon chart she will take top ten for sure!"
She wouldn't have cared, in fact Ren was sure she hated that chart. "Uh huh… you do know Touya is not interested in that kind of thing right?"
"Yeah, you guys shares the same opinion about this kind of stuff." Yashiro agreed readily. "I mean… you should make up with Kyouko-chan, and just say the word… Yun-sensei and I will make time for you to meet."
"...Yashiro, why you make it sounds we're involved in romantic relationship?" He wondered, "Do you want the two of us get together that badly?"
Yes! "Hm… it's not like how badly I want it matters." He pointed out. "It's up to you and Kyouko-chan."
Ren resisted his urge to click his tongue as Kyouko had repeatedly warned him not to. She told him that he should refrain shrugging, clicking his tongue and tendency crossing arms when uncomfortable. It was only after Kyouko told him off he was aware of frequent whispering, 'Is he really Japanese?' from people around him, it was fine if it was commenting on his suaveness when dealing with woman though.
Damn, how did he pass as Japanese for years if he couldn't control his American habit? Thank God not everyone was as observant as Kyouko, or he would be outed a long time ago. It was a miracle they only picked on his forwardness when complimenting people, and credited it to his gentleman image. And thank Kyouko for telling him, he was so embarrassed when he knew all this time he was not as successful at being a native Japanese as he thought.
He really needed her, but not the way Yashiro thought. "She is my best friend… I will admit she is special but it doesn't mean I am looking at her as potential love interest."
Yashiro rolled his eyes, 'Potential he said?' He snorted, Yashiro wondered if his patience was on the verge of snapping. "I am not saying it's untrue she is your best friend, but it's also doesn't mean you can't look at her like that." After all a lover could be your best friend too.
"But…" He started looking for a better reason to rebuke Yashiro. "She is still in high school, remember?"
"Haaa… you're still on that?!"
"A twenty years old man can't date a high school girl!" Why he sounded like Ren had just put up a ridiculous reasoning? It totally made sense! "That would be a crime!"
Yashiro felt like laughing now but he refrained, "The fact you admit she is your best friends mean you acknowledge her as your equal! She is not a child to you… beside putting your recent argument aside both of you have the same level of maturity. Even I… who call him Kyouko-chan never think she is a little girl…"
That he couldn't deny, she was not a child. In fact even when she was young because of her circumstances, even with her love for fairy tale, she could be surprisingly mature. Like how she had positive outlook about her birthday that celebrated together with Christmas, to her the fact peoples are there for her was more important.
"Beside… for the last few months she grew up even faster, became more beautiful than ever…" Yashiro told him. "And you of all people know this better than anyone, so… Ren. You'd better stop looking away, or someone will steal her from under your nose."
"..." Ren stayed quiet, there was no point continuing this conversation. "I will apologize to her the next time I see her, but stop this romantic nonsense Yashiro…"
"And just last night.." Yashiro went on. "Ishibashi Hikaru-kun from Bridge Rock confessed to her in national television."
If Yashiro wanted a reaction, Ren's lost of control of his car was not what the manager wanted. "Gah! Reeeeeeeeeeen! You almost run over the curb!"
As soon as he parked the car on the side of the road Yashiro was terrified when he saw the demon king in person. "What do you mean… Ishibashi Hikaru-san confessed? In national television no less?"
Yashiro put his gloves on and fished out his phone, then played the recording that stopped right when Hikaru blurted out one line that burned to Ren's mind for years to come.
"I want you to look at me like that!"
Kyouko quickly covered the accidental confession with her follow up, whether the girl was genuinely oblivious or politely ignoring it was unknown. "I… never know Ishibashi-san is such a reckless talent to let his personal feeling out in the middle of his job, how unprofessional."
And that expression, the look she gave was his alone! It was one thing to know there were men who looked longingly at her when watching the CM, and entirely different thing when another guy dare to say their desire out loud to her face like Ishibashi Hikaru did. A mistake or not!
He had made a mistake, he wanted to scare Ren that Kyouko could be taken away from him. Being jealous was fine, but not murderous. "Ren… Ren! He can't help it! I mean..."
"And he made a junior… Touya to cover his slip up for him." Ren's aura was getting darker, but somehow his smile was getting brighter. "As interviewer of the show he should have known Touya's career is on the rise and he almost put it in jeopardy with letting his feeling getting the better of him…"
"Ren… don't kill that guy please!"
Ren was still smiling, his sparkling and fake smile. "It's really inexcusable, as fellow senior from LME I think I need to have a words with Ishibashi-san."
Kami-sama! It seemed he had send a death sentence to Ishibashi Hikaru in form of demon king, Tsuruga Ren. He hoped the guy had a pair of quick legs, though… considering the length difference of their legs… Yashiro prayed Toyokawa would forgive him, then again it was partly the other manager's fault to miss the memo about Ren and Kyouko-chan. He thought he and Yun-sensei had made it clear to managerial department.
Back in LME…
Suddenly Hikaru sneezed and started to shiver violently. "Brrrrr!"
"Summer cold?" Yuusei asked.
"Maybe we should cancel our gig?"
Hikaru shook his head, "I just feel like someone is out for my blood."
"Who?" Yuusei wondered, "I am sure there are plenty of fans and admirers of Kyouko-sensei who aren't fooled last nigh."
"Tsuruga Ren perhaps?" Shinichi guessed, before he and Yuusei burst to laughter at unlikely scenario that formed in their head. The guy was so nice and gentle, no way. Beside they were just friends after all.
Hikaru sulked, "Not funny guys!"
If only they know...
On certain Suzuki 660
"Ogata-kantoku cried when I call to reject his offers." Yun-sensei informed her.
Kyouko was not impressed, "There's someone that delicate in Showbiz industry?" That herbivore would be devoured alive.
"Lu Lee is pretty delicate himself and yet he works in competitive industry, and Isumi-kun is also still struggling with his own delicate mentality…" Yun pointed out. "If anything that frail side of theirs means there's more than it meets the eye because they're here to stay and fight for their place."
This was why Kyouko respected Yun-sensei so much, he had such a deep insight on people. "I suppose…"
"It's unfortunate you rejected his offers." Kyouko tensed at that, "But I understand why…"
Kyouko gripped her deep red hakama, scrunched up the fabric on her lap. She averted her gaze towards the window by her side, watching the row of shops by the street and vehicles passed by. "What's the point of accepting any of them… if I won't be able to meet Ogata-kantoku's expectation."
Yun-sensei sighed, "Kyouko… don't give me that, I am no Tsuruga-kun but I know you well enough that you're not Kanae who will plan very carefully before jumping to a challenge… if it's something you think it's hard for you, the more reason for you to challenge it."
She was that competitive.
Kyouko sighed, her eyes looked up slightly. The sky had been dyed in red and gold like the color of her hakama, the cloud was tinted with beautiful pink by the sunset. "The reason is pretty childish really… I just… don't want to be Mizuki or Mio."
And at last she admitted it.
Yun snorted, "It's so hard, isn't it? Telling your ol' teacher your honest thought…"
"Hai, sensei…" Kyouko was giggling softly, "But am I a fool to reject them?"
Yun shook his head, "No...but it's not wise either."
"I suppose not… it's like running away from the first sight of trouble, so unlike me." Kyouko sighed in resignation. "But looking at hopeful look on Sawara-san's face and everyone's in talent section I can't help but think they're expecting a miracle from me."
The Korean laughed at that, "Well, they surely think you're our wonder girl!"
"Right?" Kyouko beamed, joining in the laughter. "But it's not about the pressure since I-"
RING RING!
Kyouko fished the phone from her bag and began to sweat at the id flashing on the screen, it was her uncle who was also her boss. "Moshi-moshi… Sachou?"
"Kyouko… what is this about you rejecting both offers for Tsukigomori?"
Such a super low voice, never in her wildest imagination Kyouko ever thought the day she angered Takarada Lorry would come. She swallowed and bravely replied, "It's exactly as it sounds, I refuse-"
"Come to my office, at 8 sharp."
And the line ended just like that, which mean there was no escaping this. She just know she won't like what was waiting behind the door of Takarada Lorry's office.
"I am so dead."
Yun stepped on the brake abruptly at her announcement, irritating the car behind them that quickly made a turn around their car. "Do we need to postpone our next appointment?"
Kyouko was facepalming, "No, just drive sensei…" She dialed the speed dial for her home. "I need to tell Okaa-san I won't be home for dinner." Beside… looking at the next road they were heading to there would be a long traffic. "Moshi-moshi… Okaa-san, I am really sorry but it seems I won't be home for dinner. Yes…"
It seemed the president had informed her mother first. Hopefully he had not said anything about Tsukigomori and-
"Ah, Okaa-san… did you watch this popular drama from twenty years ago? An adaptation of novel with the same title… Tsukigomori by Kokone Tsugiharu..." Kyouko trailed off as her eyes wandered to the stillness around her, the pain of metropolis like Tokyo, traffic jam.
She almost regretted it when her mother launched poetic rendition about the plot, the romance, the characters, the feel.
"Uhm… just tell me about two characters, Okaa-san."
"Which one?" Akiko asked excitedly.
"Mizuki… and Mio."
LME
"So you see… I will let you have our Kyouko but not Ren." Lorry stated with a tone of finality after he ended the line. Seriously that daughter of Akiko, always unpredictable, unlike Ren.
Hiroaki sputtered, "But Takarada-sachou that doesn't make sense! I mean… I fell in love with their chemistry, I am sorry if I sounds greedy but I need them both to surpass Tsukigomori!"
"Well… I can reconsider for Ren if Kyouko accept the role Mizuki." Lorry informed him. "If not, we can't let you have our Ren."
He nodded frantically, "I don't mind… really! I know Touya-san is capable to take on either Mizuki or Mio!"
At first he wanted her for his Mio, but then when he saw her as the lover in that commercial drama he could see her as Mizuki too. The interview in YKR if anything strengthened his resolve to postpone Mizuki's audition even though some actresses had signed up for it.
"Still… why do you propose such condition all of a sudden? I did postpone Mizuki audition and ready to sacrifice Mio to find someone else." Even if that someone else didn't grab his heart as a director the way Luce in Prisoner PV did. "If Touya-san takes the offer for Mizuki…"
Lorry exhaled his cigar again and cut off Hiroaki's sputtering. "Hiroaki-kantoku… I love my talents, they're like my children… so I can't compromise when it comes to them. So here is the deal… Kyouko take Mizuki, you can have them both. You get Kyoko as Mio, she would be the only one you get."
"But why?" He flailed frantically. "Takarada-sachou! Please tell me!"
Instead of an answer he was swiftly shown the way out by Lorry's butler. It was not a good day for Ogata Hiroaki for sure.
Fuji TV
"Hm…" Kyouko was enjoying herself, taking in the nice scent on the unlabeled tester. "This is wisteria… creamy vanilla like scent, and this one… yellow mountain rose and then lily of the valley."
Their client from perfume company, Millefiore was nodding approvingly. "We know you're the one we're looking for Touya-san… and Kurosaki-kantoku recommended you to us to star in our next CM!"
Millefiore was an Italian brand like Avidy and to be honest Kyouko was surprised she got offer from another foreign client. According to Yun-sensei it was part of their marketing strategy to enter Japanese market, using someone like her with strong image of traditional lady.
"We also watched your skill in Ikebana in Yappa Kimagure Rock, so…"
Flower again, why her journey in showbiz had flowers all over the place?
She smiled at her clients, "Will there be arranging flower in your CM, Milly-san?"
"Aha ha… that would be too typical!" The blond Italian that reminded Kyouko a little of Julie, "So tell me Touya-san… how good are you at bukijutsu?"
That caught her off guard, but she quickly recovered. "Uhm… what weapon we're talking about here?" She was surprised this woman even know the word bukijutsu.
"Kanzashi!"
Silence…
"Kanzashi is hair ornament, Milly-san… not a weapon." Kyouko explained with a smile.
"Can be one, ne?"
It had a pointy tip so, "Yes, but…"
"Can you throw them? Like a kunoichi?"
Kyouko reluctantly admitted, "No." Milly deflated, "But I do know how to play dartz." Ogata-san loved to teach her this kind of skill for who knows why.
She beamed at Kyouko, "Perfect!"
And just like that she got her third CM but no clue what the heck the storyboard of the commercial but it seemed they got some picture already, a kunoichi, perfume and throwing hair ornament. On a plus side, she got to work with Kurosaki kantoku again. Though the man was not coming today, just their clients.
"How fortunate we get the girl who is said to have a flower like smile, eyes for beautiful flower and talented hands to star in our commercial, you're exactly what Millefiore wanted Touya Kyouko-chan!" She gushed out. "You're exactly what we're looking for!"
Since when there was such a corny compliment associated to her image? And it seemed she would never escape flowery image anytime soon.
"You know, sensei… by logic a kunoichi wouldn't wear perfume because they have to be stealthy when sneaking around." She couldn't help but point out after their clients, Milly and her secretaries excused themselves.
Yun shrugged, "Just take a leaf from Kanae's book, don't think about it and follow the script."
"Right." Shaking her head, Kyouko looked at the darkened sky outside and checked her watch. "Let's go back to LME and get this over with…" They could get dinner on the way there, she certainly don't want to face Sachou with empty stomach.
Meanwhile…
Ren just finished his interview when a very confused and wary Yashiro told him that the brown haired manager got a call from Ogata-kantoku. "He sounds like he is sobbing."
The actor raised an eyebrow at that before Yashiro passed his phone to Ren, he had a feeling he knew what this was about so he went to a secluded corner before giving the sobbing director a go ahead to tell him what's the problem.
"Sachou… he won't let you play Katsuki…"
Go figures this was the problem. He sighed and assured the director. "Ogata-kantoku… I will be on my way back to LME, so please stay put." He couldn't wander around in tears like that. "I will come to convince Sachou myself…"
"He said if Touya-san…"
Ren's temper rose, "Ogata-kantoku… Touya is free to choose her role as she please, she is my friend and yes we have good chemistry… but that's no excuse to maker her do any role she doesn't want. If Sachou have problem with me, I will settle it myself…" With that he bid the director good bye, barely catching the 'but' from Ogata-kantoku before he ended the line and rushed back to Yashiro.
He didn't tell Yashiro what Ogata-kantoku wanted, it was just that he wanted to drop by LME. Yashiro didn't seem to notice his discomfort, but then again he had been distraught all day so Yashiro won't be able to tell the difference.
Kyouko most likely could, she was just so good at seeing through him for some reason. He'd like to think it was because she cared a lot about him, and the last few days had been difficult with no calls or eating together. So far he had been skipping with convenience store onigiri twice and knew as soon as they made up, somehow she would know and-
The lift opened and revealed the Kyouko with her manager standing right behind her and he froze. Thankfully since he was the closest to the control panel, his index finger was staying still on the open button. Neither of them moved, and because Kyouko was standing right in front of the door and they were staring at each other openly in shock, everyone around them became very still.
"Touya-san and Tsuruga-san… what a coincidence."
"Why no one is moving?"
"What's going on?"
"Can we just go in?"
Then Ren saw it, his reflection on her amber eyes and how glassy it became. She was about to cry again! Unable to bear it, his free hand reached out and pulled her in so she was face planted to his chest. Yun-sensei was barely made it to jump in before the lift closed shut.
Kyouko was not moving, staying as still as a rock in his arm.
At that moment he was so glad he was much taller than average Japanese and with her back just half feet or so to the door, she was completely hidden from everyone by his body. He knew he had done something extremely foolish and letting his feeling getting the better of him again.
Thankfully their manager started to run interference. "Maa… what a surprise to see Yashiro-kun and Tsuruga-kun!"
"Ha ha ha I am surprised too! It's been awhile, how do you do?"
"I am fine, but Kyouko is feeling unwell so after our meeting she keep spacing out…" Yun-sensei could be a good actor. "SO thanks, Tsuruga-kun for catching Kyouko when she stumbled. It would be a disaster if Kyouko got hurt…"
As their managers exchanged greetings and catching up, no one think there was anything amiss with their charges. Ren's mind was going overdrive and he completely forgot about everything else but the girl before him. First as soon as the lift reached the basement level, he had to think up something to get her to move again.
However the lift reached the basement faster than he thought, and he wondered if he should risk carrying her with excuse she was feeling unwell and risk rumor that she got sick in public. However before he could make his decision, a familiar gentle and calloused hand grabbed his and dragged him out of his thought and lift.
"Touya?"
She didn't say anything and keep walking towards the parking lot, as if forgetting they left their managers behind. It was amazing how fast she could walk in her hakama. Though judging from hurried steps behind, the managers did their best to catch up.
She slowed down a little once they reached the parking lot and asked, "Where's your car, senpai?"
He was shocked, it felt like forever since the last time he heard her voice and he had no idea he missed it this much. "Block J6…. just around that corner." Then she quickened her pace again and Ren heard the footsteps of their managers slowing down. Then Ren realized Yun and Yashiro took different direction, most likely to Touya's car.
They reached his car in no time and Ren opened the passenger's door for her, closing it when she took her seat and put the seatbelt on. Before going to another side of his car, and got in as quickly as he could. "Uhm… Touya, where do you want to go?"
Her voice was tiny and he almost miss it. "LME…"
"Alright."
"But before that…"
"Yes?"
"Let's get some dinner… you must have forgotten to eat properly."
Same old Kyouko, "Right…" Just reminder of dinner was enough to make him happy, since when he became this easily pleased?
Meanwhile in the other car…
"I want to see they making up with each other!" Yashiro's squeal made Yun wondered why he thought missed his best manager friend lately.
Yun coughed, "Yashiro-kun… let's be the adults here and left them be, we will go ahead to LME."
Yashiro pouted, "Yeah, we ol'men have to get along while the young'un-"
Beep! Beep!
Yun was about to drive the car out of the parking slot when both of them got emails, it was from their charge. "What the… we're going to have dinner in karaoke box near LME, they allow bringing take out so can you pick up bento for all of us from Darumaya?"
"Why a karaoke box?"
"It's a good place to talk about secrets… and the one in LME is self service one, just choose vacant room we wanted and pay, like vending machine." Yun explained. "Kanae taught Kyouko about it."
Yashiro sweat-dropped, "I see… but why a seventeen years old teen even need that kind of secret place to have a conversation? What does she need to hide anyway? Sordid stuffs?"
"Eeh… it's understandable if you have met her family, and know about her part-time job…"
Yashiro decided he didn't like how 'part time job' sound. "It's legal right? Her part-time job…"
Yun paused at that, "Eh… it's a wholesome and somewhat clean job but I am unsure it's legal."
"Yun-sensei!" Yashiro couldn't believe his ears.
"I know! I will check with her as soon as I can and inform Sachou about it!"
Meanwhile… with Ren and Kyouko
Kyouko was ranting nonstop and animatedly as if her doll like freezing never happen, and Ren never knew he really loved to hear her rant, even if it was about Fuwa Shou. She was retelling everything that happened that day word to word, and Ren was really sorry he asked.
"Then he had the nerve to ask whether I am sorry for living!" Kyouko growled at the memory. "His audacity knows no bound! And his fangirl is just slightly better! I mean… who tells their co-star I don't want to act with you because I hate you?! Are you a pro or a kid?"
She really had a hard time, not just with Fuwa but also with the gravure idol from back then. It was nothing unusual with Nanokura, she was not the only female model who got jealous of Kyouko. The girl was loved by photographer and beauticians, as she was like clay they could mold as they wished to fit the image they envisioned.
"After I got Nanokura-san to cooperate, as expected it's Shotaro's turn to give me problem! This is his PV, and yet he is sabotaging it… all because his ego got hurt because he thinks I was stealing his fangirl!"
It amused him to no end that she used her observation of him to develop flamboyant and smooth prince who could get girls to fall all over her. She even incorporate element of her character to Luce, an angel. Luce was more innocent and devoted and those daring and sweet lines somehow fit for her. It was no wonder Nanokura-san was entranced, how could you refuse someone as devoted and loving like Luce?
It was also no wonder Fuwa's ego was in shambles that Kyouko almost stole the girl who was so into him so easily.
"As if, he said! He was concerned about his ego in the middle of acting… I didn't ask him to act like a pro, if he close his eyes and gave in we could have gotten a passable take!"
He had to agree, in that climax scene Fuwa could have just shown calm expression and fell as instructed to get a good take. Yet, the brat even failed that.
"On second take, he scrunched up his face when looking at me as if I need to be told what he thinks about me!"
How did that guy fail this badly again? Or producing passable PV all this time?
"Then! He make it sounds like it's my fault he can't act properly because I am the pro actress! He is the one who was sabotaging his PV and he expect me to make it works because he hires me?"
"You're not working with him ever again." That was not a question.
"Of course not! I told them loud and clear I am not working with him ever again!" Kyouko then continued her story.
Ren wondered if he was really so petty to feel so much pleasure to hear she refused working with Fuwa from now on.
Kyouko was laughing now, "He froze and forgot to close his eyes because I was crying… it's so pathetic, it would have been a perfect shot if he did!"
If there was anything he could thank Fuwa for, it was the boy's freezing spell at the sight of Kyouko's tears. It was ironic she came to him because that boy made it impossible for her to cry at home.
"And because something as ridiculous as he can't stand my tears we didn't reshoot everything and Asami-san and her crew had to work overnight to fix the video to make sure the transition is smooth on top of adding CG… as if they're not late enough with their schedule because Shotarou insist to hire me just to make trouble…" She finished with a sigh. "I felt so unsatisfied after the project ended…"
Of course she did, she was a perfectionist.
"Unlike our project together… that makes me happy, fulfilled and missing it…" His heart almost stopped when she said it. "Working with him left a lot to be desired…" Her tone changed at the last part, "Like professionalism, and professionalism… and more professionalism with a dash of common sense and manner."
So that was what she meant by she wanted something more?!
Kyouko frowned when they reached the karaoke box parking lot Ren had planted his forehead on his steering wheel, looking depressed. "Uhm, senpai?"
"I am an idiot."
"You're not."
"I am… I jumped to conclusion and getting angry at you for nothing." Then for the first time since the scene they made in the lift, Ren looked at her straight in the eye. "I am really sorry… I should've listen to you properly instead of letting my temper to control me, it's so embarrassing… I should've learned from experience…"
"Uh…" Ren almost jumped on his seat, she looked angry now. "So unfair! Why are you apologizing first…"
It was wrong for him to go first?! "Touya… it's okay if I go first, you're not at fault but if you want to apologize go ahead…"
"I mean… it's so unfair every time that you're acting like a kid you switch to be mature and honest so quickly I can't even get mad at you and embarrassed of myself for not going first!" She looked furious, and whining like a child.
She apparently thinks this was some sort of routine for him. "Does it matter who goes first? Let's just say we're both sorry and leave it at-"
"And now you stop me from apologizing properly like you did?!" She growled at him, fuming with puffed cheek, eyes staring right at his challengingly.
He shook his head frantically, if she wanted to apologize why she looked like she wanted to pick a fight with him? "Go ahead, Touya…"
She took a deep breath and bowed from her seating position. "I am sorry for all the misunderstanding I made… it's not my intention to make it sounds like I was keeping you out! I was… and still am embarrassed with my behavior on Prisoner's set! Even if my co-workers are both unprofessional, it should be more reason for me to keep my calm instead of playing along with their tune."
In the end she was just tired and embarrassed when he called her back then.
"I was at fault for pressuring you-"
She rose and cut him off, "Don't make it sounds it's alright for me to snap at you! If anything… with how I behaved it's no wonder you got angry at me."
This was getting nowhere, maybe they should leave it at agree to disagree?
"And you pulled me in."
"Huh?"
Kyouko took a deep breath, "I am still new to this friendship matter… but from your story about your friend I should have known it hurts." She placed her hand on her chest. "When there's a gap between us, feeling like an outsider they could just push away… as Luce I felt it, how it hurts so much…"
She understood… how he felt when it comes to her and Fuwa. How Corn felt whenever Kyouko-chan was talking about Sho-chan.
"So I can't help but froze in front of that lift… that if you close that door that means you will never forgive me." That was what she thought when she was rooted back then? "But you keep it open and I was being a coward, I don't dare to step inside…"
Thank God, he was freezing too so he kept the door open. Why she had such a metaphorical line of thought sometimes?
"But you pulled me into the lift…" Her eyes were glassy now. "You let me in… to your car too." Of course he did, he won't push her away. He had decided not to, because he knew it would hurt her. "I thought… I won't be allowed back to your heart as your friend anymore but you just let me…"
He thought he was the only one who was scared he would be pushed away from her life and heart and yet, she was feeling the same. "I am sorry… for making you feel that way, it's not my intention. I just..."
Suddenly her hands clasped around his left that rested above the middle compartment. "That's why… I am going to tell you."
Tell him what?
"What happened between him and I, three years ago in Kyoto…" She took a deep breath.
"Everything."
BTW… do you know the second ED of SB anime titled Eien? It just fit Kuon nicely... anyway since you guys love my omake, here is another.
OMAKE : Eien
Kyouko-chan brought onigiri today, and she made it herself as it was the only dishes she was allowed to make without supervision. She even wrapped it in bamboo leaves, so it had a very nice smell.
"Is it good, Corn?"
He nodded enthusiastically, compared to what his mother cooked for him, Kyouko-chan's cooking tasted heavenly, even better than his father's. "Hum… the rice taste different, sweeter… and they smells really nice.."
"It's claypot rice." Kyouko-chan explained with sun like smile. "Do you know if we put in grapes that looks wrinkly the rice will be very sweet."
He wouldn't know, he never cook.
"Ah, in fairy world you must eat different food." Kyouko-chan came to her own conclusion as usual. "Ne… Corn, when I went with Taisho for shopping I saw 'corn' in supermarket… apparently in English tomokoroshi read the same way as your name."
Kuon's heart broke a little at that, it was too late correcting Kyouko-chan now though. It would make her sad if she knew she mispronounced his name all this time.
"So Corn… what's your name means in fairy language?" She asked as giving him that cute look he couldn't resist, he didn't even mind becoming her very own fairy prince.
He didn't want to lie to her, but he was afraid she would get disappointed that his name didn't mean anything that fairy tail like. He was not even sure what his parents were thinking when naming him, he never asked.
Kuon picked a stick and started to write his name in kanji, "I… my father, the fairy king told me this is how to write my name in human's alphabet."
久遠
Kyouko-chan stared at the letter intensely, he was almost afraid those pretty amber eyes were going to pop out of its socket. "Hoo… I don't know how to read these kanji yet but… I have seen it in one of old poem Ken-jiisan loves so much! They're really pretty characters!"
Eh? Really?
"I am sure.. If this character meet this means… Eien ni… Eternity."
Eternity? His name meant forever? He trully didn't get what his father was thinking. Japanese usually named their child after a virtue, flower, and nature but how come his name means forever that didn't make sense? Though maybe it does to his father because he thought Kuon and his mother were both as beautiful as Gods. So maybe he meant immortal?
"It so fairytale like… Corn's name!" She was sparkling even brighter, looking up at him with her doe like eyes.
Huh? Kyouko-chan liked his name?
"If the king names you 'Eternity' that means… you're your parent's happily ever after Corn! Just like in fairytale!" She gushed out.
Oh, so that was why… his father named him Kuon. How come he didn't understand but Kyouko-chan did? She didn't even know she mispronounced his name and yet-
"Kyaa! Corn!" Kyouko-chan yelped when Kuon picked her up and hugged her as tight as he could. "A boy shouldn't hug a girl! Not before they get married!" She flailed in his arms.
At the time like this he wa so glad he was much taller and larger than petite Kyouko-chan, "I am a fairy so it doesn't count!"
"You're still a boy!"
"Then, will you marry me?" He blurted out without thinking, he just wanted to hug her.
Kyouko-chan looked up at him, blushing furiously. "Erm… but I have Sho-chan!"
That was the day Kuon's dislike of Sho-chan evolved to hate, which carried on to ten years later.
"I really hate that punk." He murmured to himself when the nearest TV screen showed an interview where the boy was showing off how cool he was.
Kyouko as usual had a very sharp ears and lately she was getting very comfortable to get close to him in private. "Huh? I know he is not likeable, but hate is a strong word… Senpai."
"Well…" She got him there, "Believe me, I have enough reason." The brat was on the way of his happily ever after, and that was all reason he needed.
And as usual when it comes to Fuwa Shotarou, Kyouko could believe people could hate him for breathing. So she didn't ask.
In case it's not clear yet… this pre-Dark moon arc would be dragged on a little longer. Anyone complaining?
Next Episode: Lunatic Invitation (Part 2)
"Touyaaaaaa-saaaan! I really need to see you!"
Kyouko latched to his arms the moment Ogata-kantoku catapulted himself from his corner of gloom to their direction as soon as they entered LME building, "Kyaa!" After all it was not everyday out of nowhere a grown man in tears ambushed you, even for Touya Kyouko.
The director continued to cry, "I tried to call your manager but he didn't pick up and-"
"Ogata-kantoku, you're scaring Touya…" Ren tried to calm him down, raising his free hand in placating manner. "And can you step back a little?" He was too close!
He stopped and zoomed in to their linked arms, "Oh… right." Even someone like Tsuruga-kun would be uncomfortable another man got too close to his girlfriend!
Kyouko stopped at that, "Ogata Hiroaki-kantoku?"
"Hai!"
Now that Ogata was in respectful distance from her, Kyouko couldn't help but whisper to herself. "This princess like man is Ogata-kantoku?"
Ren however was close enough to overhear her, his shoulders started to shake with mirth. "Hmph!" That was so her to say such thing, and he had to admit with how frail and feminine Ogata looked like he fit the image of a princess. The grip on his arm tightened, a silent warning that he should stop laughing.
Ogata however translated this gesture as something else, 'My Katsuki and Mizuki comes to live…' Much better than his expectation! Wait, he was still losing them. "Anoo Touya-san." She was more important considering Ren personally accepted the role already, she did not. "About Mizuki and Mio… no at least Mizuki, could you please reconsider your decision to reject my offer?" He pleaded.
They froze, Ren looked at Kyouko in disbelief. "Did kantoku just say that you… rejected them both?!"
She gave him a stubborn upturned lips, her amber eyes hardened with challenging glint. The message was clear. I did, so what?
She was always unpredictable, but sometimes he wished not this much.
And here is another cliff this cruel authoress is dangling you over for next episode... my cliff hanger is the steep one ho ho ho