This chapter is HARD, and I can't find a good point to stop ^^
But it's long enough that we have no space for OMAKE ha ha ha


Episode 27: Limited Sky's Moon

It was fine, showing his real face a little if that meant peoples on Fuwa's side to start taking a hint.

"If you say so…" He was getting restless lately and Kyouko didn't want to trouble him over her. So she switched the topic. "But what a shame… we planned to ask Ogata-kantoku to have dinner with us to talk about the drama."

"It's not the right time anyway." Ren supposed, "Not after he collapsed like that at mere question on his name…"

She nodded, "You're right… I think he had cold feet before the press conference for that worry alone." Kyouko murmured softly, "I have a famous father whose shadow is so big over me in Go world myself but I… don't think I get the feeling of wanting to get away from his shadow as desperately as Ogata-kantoku wants…"

Of course she didn't, Kyouko was much stronger than him or Ogata-kantoku. He was just more successful in the changing name and getting out of his father's shadow, with going to another side of the world.

They at last arrive at the restaurant, which belonged to a family friend of hers and very discreet with their customers. It surprised Ren that for once Kyouko suggested such a fancy place, especially with agreement he paid if they eat out. Then again privacy had its price. The owner of restaurant Kirinoya greeted Kyouko herself, which was a surprise for a woman in her early thirties by the name Inui Hinako to own a prestigious restaurant at such a young age.

Ren was even more surprised to feel hostility coming in waves from the motherly looking woman who led them to a private booth that even had TV and shot him a warning glare 'don't try anything funny.' before leaving the room.

"She doesn't like me." He said in amazement. "I mean, right on first sight… why?"

She shrugged, "To be fair she doesn't like most men."

Ren translated that statement and let out a small 'oh' before deciding to forget it. "Did people talk about it behind your back?" Ren asked, continuing their previous topic since he curious if she just really didn't care or hiding it better than he thought.

She hummed, "Too much credit in subtlety, I even got some who said it to my face… quite often. It didn't help Ki'in is so lax with me because of my position as their spokesperson."

Ren sighed, of course when jealousy and envy were concerned subtlety more often than not was overrated. "So, what did you do?"

"Eh… I just tuned them out and ask them to come at me on Goban properly instead of… well, mouthing me off."

That was so her, "Wish you can spare some of that spunk for Ogata-kantoku." And for him.

"Don't make fun of me, I just don't think there's any point to let their words to get me mentally…" She narrowed her eyes, "Not to mention I don't recall there's anything I achieve that is not by my own power, sure I have lots of leeways in Ki'in but being the daughter of a Meijin didn't win me pro title, Wakajisen, success in International convention or even my rank… and even if those achievement seems tiny beside my father's four titles. They're my pride…"

"Touya…"

"You've been acting weird lately." Ren tensed, "Your nervousness today too… it's not for the same reason as mine at least not completely, looking at you and Ogata-kantoku it feels like there's something similar… like you two are in the same wavelength…"

How could she see through him this much? "I…"

"I am not asking." She told him bluntly, "I am stating it… perhaps it's irresponsible of me to say this but if you're afraid and in doubt of yourself when compared to someone greater you have no pride in yourself and you're the one who discredit yourself more than anyone."

He was stunned by her words, it really hit the target.

Then she abruptly turned on the TV, "Anyway… I wanted to invite Ogata-kantoku because I wanted him to watch this." She rummaged her bag and fished out the other copy of one she gave to the director. "This would be out soon but since I did such a good job I got a free copy early." She hummed before putting the DVD on the player, "This private room is also used for business meeting, that's why they also have DVD player."

Ren sweat-dropped, so the reason they reserved this room was for this?! Why did she go through so much trouble?

"Here we go." Then for some reason she abandoned her seat across hiss and took the one beside him. What was she up to? "Please watch this closely, Senpai."

Then on the screen a grand theater came to live.


Meanwhile in Nayuki's Residence…

"You know… when I found out about Fuwa's weakness I didn't expect Tsukigami of all people to throw himself to the wolves." Hoshitani couldn't help but say, eyeing the closed door of bedroom Tsukigami used for the night.

Nayuki sighed, "I am surprised too… I don't know what Sachou said ,but after their private meeting Tsukigami-kun ripped the finished original version of Limited Sky apart and rewrote the lyrics."

"Is he alright?" Kuga wondered, "I mean he of all people… called us and said something like he want a sleepover so he won't be home this week at all." That was so out of character for their resident ice cube, whose closest melting point was cracking up over Tengenji's lame joke.

"What do you expect? He is going to release all of his pent up emotion for years to public by the time his PV is out, and his family wouldn't miss it for sure!" Tengenji crossed his arms in annoyance. "Well, it would be hypocrite of us to not be completely honest after what we found about Fuwa's songs… but…"

He eyed the PV playing on TV for them to see. "This is already at the level of stripping yourself naked in public."

Kuga nodded in agreement. "So admirable of him."

"Very heroic." Hoshitani added. "He set a new bar for us to follow."

"So brave." Nayuki sighed in admiration.

Tengenji disagreed, "Perhaps, but he is also so dumb to do this to himself, curling up in your guest room like a kid." Then he banged the door of Nayuki's guest room for the third time that night.

"Oi! Tsukigami! If you want to sulk all night and curled up in your futon like a kid, it's up to you but… get yourself together by tomorrow and don't you dare to come out with a face like criminal facing his execution, ya hear me?!"

Silence…

"Oi! Tsukigami! You can't hole up in there forever! We have a job tomorrow!" Tengenji was freaking out now.

"He will come out if he is hungry right?" Nayuki tried to be positive. But once again only Tengenji's knocking and perpetual silence from the guest room answered him.


Ogata's Kondo

"I really want to see that DVD Kyouko-chan gave you." Haruki insisted, uncaring of how shameless she looked. "I mean… that girl have a knack in giving people heart attack so…"

Hiroaki placed his shoes neatly on the extra shelf Seiji added after he moved in, "I don't think Touya-san would give me anything heart attack worthy."

"You would never know, Kyouko-chan is very unpredictable." Haruki said with a fond smile. "And to be honest if there's any regret in recommending her to you it would be whether or not you can handle her."

Hiroaki wandered over to their living room and straight to the TV, "Eh? But she seems to be a very well behaved actress… a little eccentric perhaps, but she is a pro Go player and it seems to be secondary requirement for the job."

Haruki sweat-dropped, "Are you implying all pro Go player are weird including your little brother, Seiji?" Haruki used to have crush on Seiji after Hiroaki introduced them but it didn't go anywhere with how absorbed the younger boy in his job and Haruki never get to know him better beyond Hiroaki's handsome and reliable little brother label.

He nodded, turning the TV and DVD player on before inserting the disc. "Yes, especially this old Honinbou, Seiji couldn't stop to complain about.. In fact I think he talk about him more to me than about his girlfriend."

Haruki pretended she didn't hear that, "So…" She made herself comfortable on the leather sofa in the living room that was so Seiji to get. "What is this? A movie?"

The scene started in moderately busy street somewhere in Tokyo at night, before a boy in school uniform blazer stood out in the middle of the crowd and the camera zoomed in to his face. A handsome boy with midnight blue hair and eyes. "That's…"

Tsukigami Kaito?!

On the screen the scenery faded to a theater and Hiroaki who took his seat beside Haruki frowned, "A play? A documentation movie?"

"No." Haruki swallowed, "It's Tsukigami Kaitou's PV." It should be out by tomorrow.

I stretched out my hands as a child to the cloudless sky…
Before I knew it,
I had given it up as a distance I couldn't reach!

The director was mesmerized, shaking as each word the boy sung was as if made to grab his heart and squeezed it in the most painful way possible.

I was always chasing after someone else's back… Ooh~
and everything I had achieved,
They started to look fake!

Haruki gaped in shock, this was even worse than the interview. What the heck Kyouko wanted to achieve? Open his fresh wound the conference inflicted and rubbed the salt over it? "Hiroaki! You don't have to watch this PV, it's…"

The director grab her shoulder before she could move to turn off the TV. "NO! I want to keep watching! Please!" The whole time his eyes was locked to the screen as if hypnotized by the boy and goddess who played a prank on the boy.

My impatience was rising
I wasn't even able to run away
I was tied down by my feelings of inferiority
and it hurt to be compared!

Always concerned by someone else's gaze,
I should abandon my cowardly self
I keep on searching for the key to the locked door
But I stumble without finding the right answer

Before I knew it, I was lost deep inside my heart

I gazed at the lonely sky, with my arms wrapped around my knees

The boy was on his knees, the raw pain in his face was so real as he gazed at the skylight, at the sky beyond the glass covered gap.

In the limited sky…

After the PV ended, Hiroaki couldn't help himself and he cried…


The short PV ended and Haruki felt overwhelmed by it, 'Such raw emotion, inferiority, frustration, despair and then hope…' This was no longer a PV but an artistic collaboration video, but the song and the singer himself was also… Then she recalled her call with Kyouko and how she let her curiosity taking reign of her lips and asked about the other PV that would compete with Shou's.

"Which is better, such out of the blue question Asami-san…" She sounded amused before answering. "For sure I know who is the better actor, and I don't dare to assume I have the qualification to tell which is the better singer and even unfair who have better PV since I am talking to you Asami-san…"

That girl knew all along!

"But one thing for sure, his song… Prisonner, no matter how good or original… it would never touch the heart of its listener the way Tsukigami-kun's Limited Sky does."

That Shou's greatest weakness was…

"Stardust group members really want to beat him… they even listen to all his song and study them. I never pay attention to what he sings so I wouldn't know but they said…"

Of all people who found out, it was his rivals!

"His songs, some of them especially romantic ones always have superficial feel in them as if he never know what he is singing about. He is never honest about himself, it's no wonder…"

For after so long Shou was exposed like this.

"I almost feel sorry he released a romantic song with heavy theme like Prisoner in the same time as Tsukigami-kun, because even if he beat Limited Sky with Prisoner in ranking chart… if he still have his pride and listen to the song objectively, he won't feel like he win at all…"

If there was anything Shou was proud of and would see objectively no matter what, it was music.

"Ne, Haruki… when is the full song would be out?" Hiroaki asked in a daze, "Can I pre-order it by now? Oh… there's info about pre-order, so in a week hm."

"You want to buy… a single sung by an idol?!" That was so unlike Hiroaki to do that!

He fidgeted, "But after watching this PV, there's no way I can't not buy the single! I want to hear the rest of the song!"

Haruki gaped in shock, he really wanted the song! He didn't even think twice about it! This song, the target audience was not limited to gender or age like Shou's, she could imagine students or workers pressured to success and feeling inferior because of their lack of achievement would be touched by this song. A complex most people wouldn't dare to speak out and this song was telling them 'someone understand your pain.' and from how Hiroaki reacted, the singer really stole their hearts.

Anyone who compared Prisoner and Limited Sky in spite of its different genre would be able to tell, Shou's heart was not in his song at all. His song would feel empty in comparison of Tsukigami's. The only saving grace was Limited Sky was not a romantic song.

"Wait… next week Shou is…" He was going to promote his PV in Fuji TV and in that show, Shouko said she was so worried because…

Stardust Group would be there too! She called Shouko right away, ignoring Hiroaki who had replayed the video for the third time in a row.

"Shouko! Cancel Shou's appearance in On'Music for next week quick!" Haruki told the manager without any greeting.

Shouko sounded confused, "Why?"

"It seems LME or their president are not done yet with Shou…" Perhaps this was her paranoia talking but she didn't put it pass that eccentric papa wolf of a president LME had to do this. Such a clean and cunning play.

"Huh? But I can't cancel that! With Shou being banned from three studios, if I cancel anything after pulling some strings I am going to endanger his career!" Shouko told the producer. "What's wrong with On'Music?"

Haruki sighed, "You get him the same time slot with Stardust Group, if you think banned from studios is bad wait until defeated in public…"


Back in Kirinoya

Ren placed his temple against his laced hands, feeling so numb and full of feelings at the same time. With his face covered he didn't even dare to look at her because he didn't know what kind of face he had now.

Was that song meant to kill him or something?

"You… give the same disc to Ogata-kantoku?"

"I did."

"He is certainly in tears by now or fainted because of heart attack."

"Maybe…"

He sighed, "You… you don't get the concept of holding back at all, do you?"

"If it doesn't help anyone, why bother?"

He couldn't tell his lips was curving to a smile involuntarily at her words. "You're planning something for Mio's debut, aren't you."

"Maybe…" She was humming now. "She didn't come together in my head yet but I have some clues."

"Is she going to give Ogata-kantoku a heart attack?"

"Maybe?"

He sighed, "Thank you for the heads up, I will try to soften the blow for him."

Kyouko smiled sheepishly, "I am really sorry, Senpai… but hey! I am betting my career on the line here!"

Ren gaped at her, "You… are planning something that could get you fired?"

"I have no concrete plan at all, but I am sure it's going to be a do or die situation… Mio's debut would either be spectacular or I would get fired." She admitted shyly. "There's a good reason why I disagree with this job at first."

Ren sweat-dropped, it had been a while but he was once again reminded if she was forced to do something she hated, instead of backing down she would run to it at full speed instead. For sure, their president was expecting her to do this.


Roman no Engekibu's Studio

She was the prince of this school and gathering attention from ladies and awe from gentlemen was as natural as breathing to her. Girls were so cute, flocking to her simply to enjoy sweet company. They were all had fun, simply painless and and beautiful.

"So you change your perfume, my dear?" Kashima-kun leaned down, caressing the lady's silky locks close to her nose so she could get more of the sweet scent.

"Yes…" Her lady breathed out. "Do I smell weird?"

Shaking her head, Kashima-kun corrected. "No, I thought a rose fairy just appeared before my eyes. Your fragrance is a scent of love, Hime-sama."

Her best friend, Mikoshiba stared unabashedly at her. "And so the prince of our school is a girl because she is the only one in school who can call girls Hime with straight face."

"So it's sign of the boy's respect?" Sakura said in deadpan voice.

"Cut!"

Glad she got her introduction scene done in one take, and to wear spring uniform in summer was quite humid! All because at first and second episode they already wear spring uniform, real life timeline be damned. Thankfully they could switch in latter episodes, but she was unfortunate that the next two episodes had Kashima-kun too. All of them were on location shoot because this was a school drama.

"Kyouko-san… congratulation for your second drama and about the CM…" Tengenji trailed off the last part awkwardly, wiping his sweat covered forehead with towel.

Tsukigami nodded in acknowledgment, "Congratulation… though it seems you fielded a lot of unpleasant questions from reporters too."

Kyouko sighed at that, the rest of Stardust group was not on set today because they didn't appear until later episodes. "Part of our job… though you guys better be careful too, it seems paparazzi is getting sneakier lately."

Tengenji leaned in, "That's just around you Kyouko-san… because Tsuruga-san've never been rumored with anyone but you. The first one that's plausible anyway, because you two are so close so they think if they're patient you will slip."

"There's nothing to slip to be honest." Kyouko said as adjusting her tie absentmindedly. "Anyway Tengenji-kun…"

"Hai?"

"Is that girl who play Mika, the backstage girl… Sudou Yuka is still looking at this direction?" Kyouko's back was facing the brown haired actress.

Tengenji who was facing Kyouko of course could see the girl was indeed doing that. "Yeah…. Such a heated glare."

"What's her problem?" Tsukigami wondered.

"Senpai's fangirl I believe."

They sweat-dropped at that, "Being his friend must be tough, Kyouko-san."

Kyouko didn't seem fazed, "Their feeling in regards to my friendship to Tsuruga-senpai is none of my concern. I didn't do anything wrong, and I remember my name start to pick up after your PV and Ruriko-chan's… and I am known for my own work not as someone who just act in the same commercial or drama as him."

Sure that being associated with him gave her some fame but not until the press conference Ren openly admitted she was his close friend. They had been vague about it before when Kyouko was just a newbie

Tsukigami smiled sadly at that, "Kyouko-san… you've never feel cowed by people's negative perception of you, have you not?"

Tengenji toyed with his collar, uncomfortable when recalling her first year in Tokyo, and his friend's issue. "Well, it's not like we can shut them up."

It was not like she had never felt cowed, she just learned to live under that pressure and thrive. "And it's nothing new in our profession to be under scrutiny." She shrugged, "Beside, it's not like we hide anything scandalous in our completely platonic relationship… it's pure, wholesome and professional."

They sweat-dropped, 'What kind of friendship is that?'

"Anoo… Kashima-kun?"

Her Kashima switch flipped on in instance, "Yes, princess? How could I help you?" Rose blooming in her background as the prince sauntered over to the girl.

The two Stardust group members shivered, while on set she turned to Kashima Yuu if any female cast -minus Kanae- called her. She also flirted with them and their director was encouraging this, because all girls with few exception had to be in love with Kashima Yuu. They knew she was always dedicated to her job but still…

"Is her image really alright with acting as this shameless prince?" Tsukigami couldn't help but become worried.

Tengenji shrugged, "It's mostly fine, even in neighborhood she passed it on as emulating Takarazuka theater tradition…"

"I see… but still." Tsukigami blushed as Kyouko as Kashima leaned in very closely as if she was about to kiss the other girl, "How did she keep such a straight face when doing that?!"

"I don't want to know!" Tengenji was also blushing and mentally noted the girl who just fainted was the third one for today, "But Kotonami-san had entrusted us with making sure Kyouko-san didn't go overboard when she is not around!"

However… they were a little scared to approach Kashima-kun to be honest, especially after she called them bambino for blushing too much when watching her flirting.

"If we didn't know she is in character I'd wonder if she is really a Japanese." They grumbled to themselves.

Tsukigami sighed, "In the other hand Tengenji, you…"

"Bambino~" Kashima-kun called him, "The princess wants to speak to you, she wants our autographs!" By princess she meant one of the extra girls.

"Sure." Tengenji grunted, playing along as he accepted the board. "So, who is your name princess?" Then he froze at what he said before his skin started to match his hair from his neck up to the tip of his ears. "I… I mean!"

Tsukigami rolled his eyes, "In the other hand you're so Japanese and fit Mikoshiba's character to a T." Especially the getting carried away with the flow part.

The Kabuki actor looked like a playboy but the truth was, the only female he could flirt with without blushing like mad was his Tavian, a cat.


The next day...

Momose Itsumi believed her professionalism was top notch for a newcomer in showbiz, and she never let the title as new fast rising star of Japan get to their head. However it didn't mean she didn't feel proud at all for that title, and she cherished it because it was a proof she had been doing a good job to earn it.

So of course when that title was snatched away almost effortlessly by Touya Kyouko she was more than a little hurt. She didn't hold any grudge against the other actress of course because that would be unreasonable but obviously she was not happy either. However she had to admit by reputation wise Touya Kyouko beat her easily, Itsumi might be more famous in Japan but Touya was known internationally while Itsumi was a nobody out there.

Due to her other profession as professional Go player and active in international relationship to promote the ancient game, especially with her lingual skills, it was no wonder she had small fandom already in China and Korea. Also with her latest modelling contract she also started a fandom in states, and her face became known there too.

From rumors she heard, Touya had a lot of offers from foreign clients. Her Yamato Nadeshiko image was exotic and her lingual skills was endearing to them.

*Su Young, don't make it sounds like the world is ending… just because Yong-Ha wants to expand his horizon with acting as regular actor in a drama doesn't mean he is losing his mind…* Touya Kyouko who was sitting in the corner with script of Dark Moon open on her lap said in fluent Korean to her phone.

*Just tell him to be responsible and go through that drama with more effort than usual or I would ignore his net-go game invite for a month… bye.*

Her manager, a middle aged man by the name Ikeda-san looked impressed. "Wow… she really speaks like a native in Korean drama down to her accent."

Itsumi was also equally impressed, "If she get offer from overseas, she would have no problem for sure."

Ikeda-san smiled at her, "I am glad that you seems alright with Touya-san, after all… because it get out to the press that she was scouted personally by Ogata-kantoku for both Mio and Mizuki…"

Her achievement, winning the role Mizuki by audition that hastily held as soon as Touya confirmed her choice to play Mio was totally ignored by press and public. "There's no point to hold any negative feeling especially since the fault lies in Ogata-kantoku who couldn't keep such information confidential and I will prove it to Japan I deserve the role Mizuki." Not because Touya threw the chance away.

Although… Itsumi couldn't help but envious too, Touya definitely didn't care for attention brought by playing the lead role in Dark Moon. Faced by the two roles, she picked Mio that was much harder and complex to play. Just from the way she chose her jobs, it was obvious Touya didn't really care about the fame, she just took the job she wanted and public attention came naturally to her.

"Hello… I am your hairstylist and makeup artist for today, Sugimoto Maki."

It surprised Momose to see such a handsome man, of mixed blood was a hairstylist instead of a model. "Momose Itsumi, please take care of me today."

The half-French smiled at her and began to work, he didn't miss her wandering eyes to certain actress and model. "I don't recommend saying hello to Kyouko-chan when she is like that." He told her. "She is preoccupied with work to the point she is in a trance… you'd better to leave her alone until she come back to reality."

Huh?

"Wow… so she is a very focused individual, isn't she?" Ikeda-san commented, "As expected of a rising star."

Maki-san nodded, "You can say that…" Then he casually asked, "Is that why a famous actress with little experience in modelling like Momose-san contacted Monogatari when we're looking for more models this season? You're interested in our main model?"

Momose fought down her urge to blush, "Well… she will be my co-star in Dark Moon, so of course I am interested to know her, beside… I also heard that Monogatari is very particular with their model and the photographer is Rinzo Gunji himself… it's a very attractive offer."

"Particular with our model?" Maki-san snorted, "More like Kyouko-chan is the only model who can get our designer's instruction, and the rest can't hold a candle and quit…"

She never pay attention to Monogatari brand before but she remembered some time around October last year, Monogatari made their debut and created quite a stir with their stunning advertisement. About how the model looked otherworldly or something. Speaking of the model, Touya Kyouko was also famous for acting as non-human character, wasn't she?

That was a strange specialization to be honest.

"Hm…"

Itsumi rolled her eyes to the side and shocked to see Touya for who knows since when had a bald mannequin used for makeup practice on her table and she was… drawing a scar on its temple?!

Maki-san just laughed, "Please ignore her antics…"

"That's how she usually act?" Ikeda-san asked, "Is she alright?"

"She is completely fine, I assure you." Maki-san went on with his work on her hair. "Kyouko-chan has been like that since she got the offer for Mio, she came whenever she is free and we lend her mannequin, makeup sets and wigs to play with…"

She was… creating her own Mio?!

Looking at how focused she was, Itsumi had to say she worked very hard to earn her reputation. No one could say Touya's talent was just a natural gift, she certainly worked for it.

"It's out of option… Mio, I really hate you…"

"What do you want actually? Make up your mind…"

Touya now was rubbing the scar she drew off of the mannequin, inspecting the smooth and clean plastic surface before shaking her head. "No, the scar definitely stays..."

Then Touya gave the mannequin a glare as she repainted the scar, "Welcome to twenty first century Mio-ojousama and I can't say you're doing a very good job to fit in!" She growled as she pushed a wig on top of the mannequin's head.

Ikeda-san shivered, "Maki-san, are you sure-"

Maki-san just laughed, "Don't worry… she is fine~"

"But-"

"Our Kyouko-chan is fine, she is a little weird but mentally sound I assure you…" Maki-san was expertly pulling half of her hair up in elaborate bun with french braids.

Itsumi ignored their conversation, straining her ears to eavesdrop on Touya. 'Twenty first century? Not fitting in? Scars?' She didn't get it at all! "What is she talking about?"

"Ah… never mind what she said." Maki-san was humming now, "Her friend who is also an actress Kanae-chan said Kyouko-chan is a genius method actress, so if she is muttering about random stuffs we should just ignore her…." Maki-san sprayed the bun so it would hold firmly in place, "Genius and crazy is separated by fine line she said… ha ha ha."

Never imagine the proper Japanese lady was an eccentric genius, but Itsumi had to admit the muttering girl who was having one-sided glaring contest with mannequin that by now had a long black wig on couldn't be… normal in any sense.

"Although… it seems Tsuruga-kun get her most of the time when she is like this."

"Eh?"

"So don't worry, if she get like this on set I am sure Tsuruga-kun would be there to sort it out." Maki-san assured the rising actress. "Done… there, we get our first Nekomata-chan~"

Itsumi blinked at that, then looked at her get up closely. She looked so intense with the thick eyeliner shaping her eyes to look bigger and cat like. The bun hairstyle had cat's ear tip like shape. "Nekomata?"

Maki-san nodded, "Yes… this is summer after all, the season for ghost story and cat lazing around in their secret cool places! That's the theme for today's shoot, good luck."

That was the instruction?

Looking at her startled expression Maki quickly added, "If you're confused with our instruction, just follow Kyouko-chan and she will show you the rope."

What did he just say?! He just implied she wouldn't be able to model as instructed and rely on someone for cues?!

"Kyouko-chan, are you back with us yet?"

Touya Kyouko blinked, and her glazed eyes were back to focus. "Maki-san… the other model…" She trailed off before her amber eyes were locked to Itsumi's grey ones. "Oh, It's Momose-san…" She stood up from her seat and walked closer. "How do you do? It's a shame we didn't get any chance to talk before…"

This was the first time Itsumi was in close proximity with Touya Kyouko, because she was always with Tsuruga Ren and had this unapproachable air around them. "I am fine, thank you… it's my pleasure."

She really had a pair of vivid amber eyes, Itsumi couldn't help but noted. They were also very expressive, it sent shiver to her spine with how strong light flickering in those pool of gold.

If not because Maki-san pointed her out, Itsumi would have believed this was a different person. The golden highlight and eyeliner really brought out her honey colored eyes, with leopard dots trailed from one eye to her temple. Unlike Itsumi's elaborate bun, she was given a hair extension with curled tips, with shorter curl around the crown of her head that made it looks like she had cat ears shaped cowlicks.

"Yes?"

Damn, she was caught staring. "Uhm, it's just you looks very different… Touya-san."

"It's the wonder of makeup." She said blithely, "If you'd like I will help you to put on the yukata...since Tsuyu-san is occupied with something else."

Why wouldn't one of the assistants help her instead? Itsumi didn't say this out loud of course and since she had no idea to put on the yukata by herself, she let the other girl to put on the traditional summer wear. Then the other girl put hers by herself.

"It would be a little hot if you're not used to wear it." Touya warned her, "Don't hesitate to ask for towel, alright?"


As soon as they stepped out of the boutique, Itsumi severely regret underestimating Touya's warning. She could feel herself sweating profusely in her yukata which color matched tri colored cat with beautiful pattern of bell and yarns, the obi looked like it was tied haphazardly and fluttered by the wind like goldfish fins.

"This is very uncomfortable." She couldn't help but say, her manager was quick on his feet and opened a parasol to shield Itsumi from the sun.

Touya sauntered away comfortably as if the heat didn't bother her. She didn't even sweat! Touya's yukata was white in color with cream colored obi, light blue ultramarine dyred the bottom of her yukata with goldfishes swimming in the blue, giving a stunning contrast. Like Itsumi, her obi was tied in ribbon that resemble goldfish fins.

"It's alright… the bamboo forest and old shrine on the back we use is quite cool."

And indeed the shooting location was not as humid, and Itsumi couldn't help but got excited when she spotted the famous photographer, Gunji Rinzo. The photographer called them over and introduced himself to Itsumi and her manager.

"So, Kyouko-chan if you wou-"

Itsumi interjected, "I am sorry but I'd like to go first." She won't copy Touya!

The photographer blinked at the sudden request before shrugging. "Alright, go ahead Momose-san." He gestured towards the small old shrine set and the bamboo forest, it was part of land boutique Monogatari purchased and left as it was for their private photo shoot location. Ichihashi Tsuyu fell in love with the abandoned shrine, the atmosphere of Japanese transient nature in moss covered stone lamps and steps made it ideal for her brand.

"Remember… the theme of this shoot is cat and heat of summer, the image we want to sell is how these yukata looks good even when you girls are not neat and prim under the heat of summer. Because…"

Rinzo Gunji at first was bewildered with crazy concept Monogatari kept selling but now he could see the charm and had no trouble explaining it to his models without their designer around. "Cat looks good even in summer ha ha ha… unlike dogs panting and looking miserable in this weather ha ha ha… so give me a playful and pretty cat."

Itsumi let the nonsensical explanation washed over her, and just picked the main point which was feline like beauty. So she walked towards the shrine and strike a feline pose she learned in yoga, on all four, back arched as she stared intensely at the camera.

The photographer snapped a couple of picture as Itsumi arched some more to sitting position, exposing more of smooth column of her neck, her lips pulled to a playful smile.

Then he stopped, a disappointed look on his face. "Well, Momose-san… you're definitely get the cat like right but you didn't give us the right cat."

Her eyes widened in shock at that, "Not the right cat?" She quickly stood up and sauntered over to the photographer.

"Yes… you give me a beautiful big cat, a leopard perhaps…" Rinzo Gunji drawled on, "What designer of Monogatari want is a normal cat, either domesticated one or stray." He corrected her. "Beside… remember the concept of this yukata, wild, provocative and dark you portrayed doesn't fit at all…"

She failed completely?

"Did you take a good look on your yukata?" She looked down as instructed, "The pattern is definitely that of a calico cat, and Ichihashi-san wanted you to portray.. A playful housecat."

Huh? He didn't mean she had to go nya and fisted her fingers to cat paw right?! "Like this?" She made a pose that resemble beckoning cat.

Gunji-san burst to a fit of laughter, "Nothing that blatantly cat like, Momose-san!" You have quite a sense of humor!"

Itsumi blushed a brilliant red, "I didn't mean to…"

"You also have to take note another thing." Gunji added, "This is a yukata, Japanese traditional clothes didn't show body silhouette well… so to show it off you can't pose like you would in western clothes."

She had underestimated this job, how embarrassing! "I am really sorry."

"Ah, sorry Momose-san… you don't have to force yourself. From my experience getting all flustered will just make our models too tense on camera." Gunji told her, recalling all those models Monogatari hired temporarily, but aside from Kyouko and now her friend Kanae who model for them on occasion, none of them lasted long with this brand.

He inclined his head to their other model. "So… Kyouko-chan, you go first while Momose-san can take a break."

"Hai…" The other model smiled, "What kind of tabby cat I get from Tsuyu-san?"

The middle aged man smirked, "The lazy and arrogant cat, you know… one who would give you look 'alright, I will allow you to scratch my ears, human.' and ignore you most of the time as if you didn't worth her time?"

Itsumi gaped at that, 'That's even more confusing than mine!'

"Got it Kyouko-chan? Be our high and mighty feline-ness!"

Touya Kyouko just beamed, holding up her clenched fist. "Yes! With pleasure!" Then she sauntered over towards the box full of props and grabbed a beautiful temari out, then two more, all in different colors and size. Then she moved towards the wooden steps, as juggling all temari in her hands.

Itsumi frowned, 'I get that a ball is identical with cat but… won't she be a playful cat that suppose to be my character?'

Then as soon as she reached the porch of the shrine, she dropped the other two and held one up, slackening her grip on it so the ball rolled down her arm. Tilting her head, golden eyes looked at the camera haughtily.

Camera flashed once and then with smooth movement that almost didn't look deliberate, she flopped down to sit on the top steps and propped her free hand over the biggest temari she dropped earlier, and one foot stretched as if to reach smallest temari that had rolled down one steps below.

The other actress was mesmerized, just from her body language Itsumi could tell this was one lazy cat. With how careless she posed, using an unstable ball for pillow and half-heartedly reach for the other ball. How she looked at the camera from the corner of her eyes told them how much she lavished to attention she got but unwilling to give them her full attention out of her pride.

"That's our muse, Kyouko-chan!" Even though being a photographer for Monogatari was not paying as well as his other job, Gunji wouldn't mind working for free if he got expressive artwork like these. "Hold that pose! Nice! Show off the obi knot so please twist your body!"

Kyouko did as instructed, rested both hands on the temari so the frilly obi knot was displayed prominently.

"Perfect! Kyouko-chan, you can change to the next yukata already." He trailed off but stopped, "Oh, I almost forgot! Tsuyu-san wants a pair photos too so can you…" He glanced at Itsumi who tensed at the attention. "Model in pair with Momose-san and show her the rope?"

It hurt! But Itsumi didn't think she had any right to say she was fine, not after the first failure. "If you're tense like that your pretty face would look gloomy on camera, Momose-san."

Her line of thought stopped, and Itsumi looked around frantically to her manager's equally confused face, Gunji who was checking his photos and to smiling Touya Kyouko. "So relax… it would be a shame if that bright smile looks cloudy, even though I am sure you'd be as beautiful as ever regardless… Nekohime-sama."

"...Wha…" Itsumi blushed brilliant red, her ears were not deceiving her! This prim and proper Yamato Nadeshiko was really the one who said such a… flatteringly shameless compliment! "I… I…" She stammered. "What did you just call me?!"

"Ah, that's expression is really cute… now smile!" Then without warning she threw the temari she was still holding towards Itsumi who instinctively smiled as instructed and catch the ball in the same time.

The camera flashed a couple of times, and Itsumi's smiling and flustered face was caught on camera with her hands reached for the ball that was flying over her head. "Nice! I catch a pretty and playful cat!" Gunji beamed, "That's take care of your individual shots for that kimono, Momose-san… and Kyouko-chan, thanks."

"It's my pleasure…" Kyouko returned, "No need to thank me for complimenting someone as beautiful as Momose-san, that would be strange… as beautiful is beautiful, don't you think so? Nekohime-sama?"

What the heck this Japanese princess was saying?!

"So let's play!" Then she threw Itsumi another ball, and the next thing she knew the actress with pale blond hair was playing catch ball with the ebony haired actress. It was gradual but the amber eyed girl started to lose interest and lazily returned the ball while Itsumi was desperate to get the game to keep going.


The photo shoot ended just before lunchtime and Itsumi was beat! From the heat and the exhausting work!

'I was jerked around by her act the whole day!' Itsumi thought in horror as she put her own clothes on in changing room. 'I can't believe I let her do that but…' Since she was caught in that game of catch, she couldn't break free at all!

Itsumi's face was like a storm as she marched out of the changing room, then she found her target. A mousy looking woman with bob cut hair, dressed in cream colored yukata. "Ichihashi-san! Please allow me to model for your clothes again!"

Ichihashi Tsuyu blinked, "Of course… Momose-chan really did a good job today so I plan to ask for you again…" She beamed at the younger girl, "In fact, are you interested to have a long term contract with us? If I can convince Kanae-chan I will have three permanent models…"

Itsumi was stunned, it was a great opportunity especially since modelling for Monogatari was very challenging for her acting skills. "But… are you sure you want me? I mean… I only can model so well today because of Touya-san's help."

"Ah… Is that so? Even if Kyouko-chan helped you, if you're no good you won't be able to pull it off." Tsuyu-san assured her, "So please have more confidence about modelling our clothes."

But, she was really helpless today…

"The fact you've not run for the hills after modelling with Kyouko-chan is a big plus."

Huh?! Run for the hills? "What do you mean?"

Ichihashi Tsuyu deflated, "Well… Kyouko-chan you see, she is my first model and my muse. The first line of kimono I designed is for her alone… I didn't expect Monogatari to get farther than small time brand and I'm content with that…" She trailed off.

"But Kyouko-chan is too dazzling… and the next thing I know my boutique is swarmed with request for bolder and unique line of traditional fashion. Like it or not I can't rely on Kyouko-chan alone for modelling my clothes…"

Tsuyu's face became sad as she recalled the turning point of her life as a designer, "But she became the face of my brand already and standard other models have to reach is so high… they're unable to portray the concept of my fashion as well, Kyouko-chan cast such a huge shadow over them so we never could keep models with us… they can do decent job with Kyouko-chan leading them but… her acting scares them instead."

Itsumi could imagine, small time models Monogatari could hire at this point won't hold a candle against that girl. They would also find it terrifying to be led around, manipulated to follow like a marionette.

"So when you come to me and ask to return." Tsuyu smiled at her, "I know you're different."

Itsumi blushed, 'I just don't want to lose! I can't let this job end like that so I am not doing this because of altruistic reason!'

"Tsuyu-san, my manager is already here!" Touya Kyouko popped in. "Ah, Momose-san. Thank you for your hard work today." She bowed beautifully for them and after her bold display, Itsumi was reminded this girl was really from a traditional family. "I can't stay long… my meeting for WAGC will start after lunch."

"Have a safe trip." Tsuyu beamed, "How about your lunch? Ki'in would provide lunch, I hope?"

"Yes…" The girl dressed in kimono, with large pink flower and pale blue leaves. " There's a convention and I will play an exhibition game later, so please drop by later if you have time."

Tsuyu checked her watch, "I will come with Mitsuya later, the exhibition match is at one right? Who you're going to play with?"

"Yes, around that time… and I will play against Isumi-san so it would be a tough game!" She admitted sheepishly. "So wish me luck."

Itsumi stepped forward unsurely, "Uhm, Touya-san… you-"

She laughed sheepishly, "Please don't mind my behavior on photo shoot too much."

Oh, so she was just joking? Still, what a joke to play on co-worker!

"I didn't lie that you're very beautiful though."

Which was it?! Could it be this girl was really… that made sense why she was so flippant about being rumored with the sexiest man in Japan but…

"You can blame Tsuruga-senpai for that, I am picking his bad habit…" She sighed tiredly.

"Eh?"

Tsuyu-san laughed, "Ma maa… Kyoko-chan, you can't really blame Tsuruga-kun! You learned that from him for your role, ne?"

"Still a bad influence." Kyouko insisted, then leaned in conspiratorially, "Momose-san, be careful alright? Senpai don't get what Japanese's subtlety and propriety as well as most people… especially since you're going to play Mizuki."

Itsumi sweat-dropped, "Uhm…" So those bold compliments was because she hang around Tsuruga Ren a lot?! "Aren't you also his co-star in that CM?"

"Ah… in my case I am already immune." She sighed, "You see… I believe Momose-san have what it takes to stay composed because you're very professional!" Itsumi blushed again, this girl really had no qualm complimenting people so openly. "But from what I see, Senpai is just no good for heart of girls around him…"

But you're alright?!

Then she bowed again. "I have to go now, see you on set… Momose-san."

Then she was off like a whirlwind.

'I blinked and she was gone.' She thought in bewilderment, 'But she is really as enigmatic as rumors said, no wonder media is desperate to get anything on her.' She looked so open, but in closer look she gave nothing away.

So this was Touya Kyouko.


WAGC Meeting (World Amateur Go Championship)

"So one hundred and six countries…" Kyouko hummed, "This is going to be a bigger tournament than one we had last year, so Net-Go's influence is really that strong?"

Amano-san nodded, "Well… we're more open now, so as long as we're provided video and kifu of qualification game we will accept players from countries that are not part of IGA."

Kyouko narrowed her eyes at that, 'In short for publication sake we invite as many countries as we can.' Some of countries on the list was not even known to Kyouko, she was sure Belarus and Liechtenstein were somewhere in Europe though. How did they knew Go anyway?

"How about the hotel accommodation? There are young girls on the list…"

Nase who was sitting beside her growled, "Ne, Ishii-san… don't you dare to think it's fine to dump young girls in cheapest hotel you can find!"

"Ugh… well, we will figure it out!"

Nase nodded sagely, "Good!"


Ki'in's cafeteria

"I've never see Hime-chan so troubled over a role." Nase couldn't help but commented. "I mean is the role Mio from this novel really that hard? I can't tell." Nase flipped her copy of Tsukigomori open. "To be honest I wish you take Mizuki-chan instead, Mio-ojou is just so… how to say this? Gloomy!"

Kyouko sweat-dropped, "I know…"

But between Mio and Mizuki, both of them were hell number one and two. At least she wanted Mio that had significant character development and more challenging to act on. The fact Mio was his mother's favorite helped, as in helping her to like Mio a little more than Mizuki. Yes, her real reason was not as dramatic as one she spouted to the press. Even Senpai's joke sounds better than her real one.

Though… since he said that, Kyouko couldn't help but feel excited at the prospect she got to bully him! What did that say about her mentality to feel that way about her best friend?

"But I can't imagine Hime-chan as a character that's so miserable I might feel sorry for her if she is not so mean…" Nase drawled on. "I mean… it's so unlike you!"

Kyouko smiled at her, "I know… that's why I am going to be Mio that's only for me and Dark Moon."

"Eh? What kind of Mio?"

"That's a secret!" She winked.

Mio was coming together nicely on her head but there was a bigger problem than creating her very own Mio. Namely…

How to get that delicate Ogata-kantoku to accept her Mio, and not giving the frail director a heart attack in the process.


Seirin High School

Hiroaki really loved the song Kyouko gave him and he even didn't mind Haruki's gloomy face when his best friend went home that night. It was really a touching song and since he heard the singer was also a stage actor, Hiroaki made a mental note to watch the boy's drama or perhaps hiring the boy for his next drama.

Next drama… he really had a good feeling that his Dark Moon would succeed!

"Touya-san, good morning!" The actress came earlier than anyone else because she needed special makeup for her scar, and Hiroaki was glad to catch her with Tsuruga-kun. "Tsuruga-kun too… thank you for your gift, I really love it… I even pre-order the single that will come out soon."

"Ah, Tsukigami-kun would be happy to hear that." The singer and stage actor looked gloomy the closer the release date of her PV came lately. Kyouko couldn't blame him, getting criticized by Sachou and then jumped over the metaphorical cliff in his desperation.

Ren sympathized with the boy, seriously he was so brave and also dumb to get riled up by their president and spilled his heart out in his song like that. The song was so good though but Tsukigami certainly didn't give himself any face with that song. Ren couldn't even imagine how Tsukigami Haruto would react, as according to Kyouko the older brother didn't even know the lyric was rewritten and Tsukigami-kun had to repeat the recording process.

Maybe it was just them but lately Takarada Lorry was getting harsher with them, whip of love his ass!

Speaking of harsh… looking at his happy face Ren could tell Kyouko was at a lost of how to break her intention gently to Ogata-kantoku. "Kantoku… don't you think Go surviving one thousand years is amazing?"

So she was resorting to Go parable in the end?!

"It's only because we keep improving we keep Go alive today."

"Ah yes." Ogata-kantoku nodded sagely, "I would love to play again, I should drop by Go salon one of these days and see if my Go is still up to date."

He missed the clue spectacularly.

Kyouko swallowed, "Umbrella also didn't change much for one thousand years since Heian era, but now they're made with more durable material… in more variety too so they're still used now even if they didn't get better at keeping us dry, don't you think?"

Hiroaki nodded, "That's a very interesting observation about umbrella… they're getting more compact too nowadays."

He missed the point again, and Kyouko wondered if she should just tell him straightforwardly. "Ano! Kantoku-"

"Then, Touya-san! Please go to that trailer to get your makeup done and Tsuruga-kun too." He beamed at them. "I have to go to check on our prep to my AD, so excuse me."

And he ran off.

"Senpai… we just lost our chance." Kyouko said in somber tone. "Maybe I should have been clearer?"

"And giving him reason to get nervous even before the first shoot started?" Ren was actually very grateful Kyouko could be so considerate to their director's frail mentality instead of using blunt truth she had zero hesitation to throw at his face all the time. "In case you didn't notice a good chunk of cast that witness his fainting spell is veterans, Iizuka-san no less… Date-kantoku I heard really like her acting so she was some sort of protege to him. I have no doubt if there's anyone who would criticize him harshly it would be her."

Kyouko narrowed her eyes, "Iizuka-san… previous Mio, then…"

Ren leaned down so he could see her face, she was deep in thought. "Touya… you also would be the one she had her eyes on, considering Mio is her pride…" Mio to Iizuka Hiroko was like Katsuki to Hozu Shuuhei.

She smirked, "Which mean… it's her approval I have to get, even more than Ogata-kantoku's in a sense."

"True… so how is Mio coming along?"

"Feels like she is already on the tip of my tongue but I'd wait to see how the makeup artist would make me looks for this drama…" She sighed, "I just hope it fits what I have in mind."


Three hours later

WRONG!

Sure she looked like a modern young lady with this hairstyle, as they had no permission to cut her hair and her hime cut didn't fit modern image they had put her on a ebony wig with front locks that reached her past chest while on the back it was cut to her shoulder length.

"Phew! We manage to change Touya-san's image at least…" The hairstylist was holding onto a wig that looked like Nanokura Mimori's hairstyle. "Straight her makes she look too alike with her original hair and styling it for curlier style didn't fit Mio's image."

Definitely she and the makeup crew disagreed on Mio's image.


Back on set…

"Do you know that the new teacher's first day is today?"

"You're joking!" It was already June by now, and their school year started in April. He was three months lates.

"Eh? The one who got into an accident while travelling with his girlfriend?"

Mizuki walked pass them, oblivious of the gossiping girls.

"That's a lame reason for a new teacher to get late on his new job, don't you think?"

"But I heard he got injured protecting his girlfriend, don't you think that makes him quite a cool guy?"

Wind blows from the open windows, sweeping her luscious hair and suddenly there he was.

Katsuki, her first love who looked as surprised as her to see each other.

CUT!


Asaji TV

Shouko knew it was going to happen sooner or later, as in Kyouko starring in a drama with Tsuruga Ren. They were the most talked about pair nowadays for their CM, and the news about their nomination for Summer Awards thankfully had not reacher her charge. Shou's mood was still very sour nowadays and she couldn't imagine what would she do if it got worse!

"This is the most anticipated drama of the year, and the cast members consist of talented actors like Tsuruga Ren, Touya Kyouko and Momose Itsumi…"

If Shou see this!

"And look how Touya-san is joking with Tsuruga-san, they're really close."

Shouko looked around, wondering where was Shou?

"A shame she didn't play Mizuki but with how deep she describe Mio to us I think we can expect a great Hongo Mio from Touya-san."

There he was,

"Shouko-san… where to go next?"

The manager didn't even answer him, she just pulled her along with her to nearest exit, far away from TV or any screen that announced her crush was starring the same drama as his arch nemesis. They even had not talked about what to do with Stardust group who had discovered his weak point. Or if Shou was even aware he had one.


Seirin High School

Itsumi stared at the recorded first meeting with Katsuki on TV the AD was checking, it was done in one take so it should be good but-

She clenched her fist, 'Compared to their CM, my scene with Tsuruga-san looks obviously inferior!'

Even though it was the last scene became the highlight of Stealing Glance CM even their first meeting had this spark of surprise and joy that made heart race in anticipation. In comparison… this scene was just heartwarming and sweet.

"Itsumi?" Her manager asked worriedly, "I know you have been recording their CM and rewatching it the whole night."

"I just can't… get that scene out of my head." She admitted, that first meeting was so vivid on her mind. Especially how Tsuruga Ren reacted to Touya's acting, even though the reaction of Katsuki meant to have different nuance than one shown in CM… Itsumi couldn't help but feel, how he responded to her act was so shallow. She didn't feel the same strong pull like one she got from Touya. He was Touya's senior and known as number one actor and co-star killer! She was expecting the same pull from his acting but...

'Maybe he is not serious yet?'

Ren could feel his co-star's gaze burning hole on his back, and wondered if his so called 'shallow love act' had been discovered. It was just first meeting, not so dramatic and there was no love yet between Mizuki and Katsuki. He should've been safe for now.

"Tsuruga-san."

"Momose-san." This girl seemed professional and somewhat cold so Ren wondered what she wanted. "Can I help you?"

She glanced around, "Touya-san is not here yet?"

She was looking for his junior? Never know there would be the day a girl approached him to ask about another girl, truly Touya brought something new everyday. "She should be here soon, the makeup artist said Mio's scar need around three hours to put on."

"I see…"

Then a scream pierced the air, followed by frightened yelp about Mio and vengeful spirit. Ren and Yashiro exchanged glance, "Yun-sensei is with her right?"

Yashiro nodded, "Maybe Kyouko-chan slip into character without him noticing?"

"I don't think so…" They started to walk to the source, the girls who ran to the other direction didn't even notice Ren and Itsumi. "She has habit slipping to character as soon as she looks at how the character looks in her reflection, and do you think Yun-sensei would let her wander around as Mio?"

"He let her walk around unsupervised as Kashima-kun."

"Kashima-kun is not dangerous."

Yashiro rolled his eyes, "Of course you would think so… Kashima-kun is like your little sister or clone, both of you are fainting hazard for girls…"

"Yashiro-san…" Ren chided him, "Ah, there she is… and Yun-sensei."

She looked very different in character, which was nothing new but also new because he never saw this look on her before. "Why are you scaring people when camera is not rolling yet?" He asked, "Touya…"

She glared at him in response, which said, 'I am not in mood for a joke.'

Yun-sensei sighed, "Well… those girls are gossiping about, you know…" He left the rest of the sentence hanging.

Yashiro laughed at that sheepishly, "Anyway… that special makeup looks really good!"

"Waiting for three hours for it sees worth it." Ren couldn't help but commented, as the scar looked really real. "Fortunately you're good in waiting." She must be playing Go while she was at it.

She just sighed at that, "I get a lot of studying done for sure."

Itsumi who had been quiet for a while spoke out, "Touya-san, good morning."

"Ah, good morning Momose-san." She bowed, "How do you do?"

"I am fine." She returned the bow. "I am sure Ichihashi-san told you that I just signed a contract with Monogatari, so please take care of me from now on."

She beamed at that, "Ah yes, please take care of me too… Momose-san, in Dark Moon too."

Itsumi glanced in amusement at the direction of girls that had run away, "From what I see your Mio is already splendid if how scared those gossiping girls are any indication."

The actress didn't see deflated look Kyouko made, Ren did. "Excuse us, but I would like to talk with Touya first."

"Eh?"

Before anyone could respond Ren and Kyouko was already gone, or rather they had teleported meters away from the group. 'Since when?! And HOW?!'


"So you scare the girls with acting as yourself."

"I can't help but get mad at how inconsiderate they're with talking about Ogata-kantoku out loud like that…" She huffed, "Nepotism is a serious issue here…"

Ren sighed, leaning against the window frame thoughtfully. 'The old her would be very tolerant to those girls, and not so intimidating… but then again.'

"I mean they should be more sympathetic!"

Then again after what happened with Fuwa in Kyoto, there was no way she could get out of that with her innocence intact, was there? That bastard... little twit! If that bastard dared to get close to Kyoko, he swore...

Why he got angry again? Maybe something went wrong in his scene? "Just forget about them, so how about your first scene in Dark Moon?"

Well, this caring side of hers didn't change. "It's okay I guess…"

Though in reality something like recognizing your childhood friend after ten years of separation was not possible. Look at them, real childhood friend who were separated for years and they weren't fated to recognize each other at first sight. Granted he changed his looks and their personality at first glance was nothing like how they were used to be...

They did recognize each other to an extent but… then again Tsukigomori and Dark moon are fiction.

"So how are you going to do this, Touya?"

She was not looking at him any longer but at the window, or to be exact at someone who was walking towards entrance door one level below. "That's Iizuka-san, ne?"

He frowned at that and came closer so both of them were leaning against the same window frame, "It's her…" He recognized the curly haired veteran actress. "Why did she come here today, I wonder?" There shouldn't be any scene that needed the Hongo matriarch today as they intended to shoot school scene as many as they could.

"I am not sure but definitely not social visit if that intimidating air was anything to go by." Her body language screamed annoyance and indignation.

Ren sweat-dropped. "You're paying attention to something like that from this distance."

"You have no idea how useful is this when watching your guest coming from afar and gauge their mood beforehand." Kyouko was humming now. "Well, you know Senpai… this is either a blessing in disguise or it will blow up on everyone's face. So wish me luck."

"Huh?" That stopped him on his track, "Touya, what are you going to do?"

"Dispelling the cloud of Tsukigomori from everyone's head, that's what." She always had ways with words, and he couldn't help but tense with anticipation.

"Is that so?"

"Yeah, though… at worst case I'm going to get fired ha ha ha…"

"Touya…" He chided her with a frown.

Kyouko sighed, "I have no intention to back down without a fight… and you know that better than anyone, I fight with no intention to lose… especially not now."

She had to win against her demons, and this was the first step.


School's Locker

Yashiro whistled as they shamelessly eavesdropped on Iizuka-san and Ogata-kantoku. "Such an unreasonable request."

Yun snorted, "Don't you dare to shoot Mio's scene without me around." The Korean recited from their spot by the stairs. "And here I thought Iizuka-san approved of Kyouko, but I suppose she become unsure because of Roman no Engekibu."

"Huh? What's Kyouko-chan's other drama got to do with anything?" He wondered.

"The third episode just aired yesterday afternoon, and let's just say… she performed splendidly but in the same time no one could imagine that an actress who play Kashima Yuu could act on Hongo Mio…"

Yashiro sweat-dropped, "Seriously? Well… Mio is Kyouko-chan's first antagonist role, if we didn't count Luce so I suppose that's understandable to be unable to wrap your head around the idea that…" Flamboyant prince who called boys bambino and girls Hime-sama. "Also act as…" Hongo Mio, shy Ojou-sama who hated the world.

"On the plus side, do you know Kyouko got a lot of female fans now?!" Yun looked delighted, "Iyaah… the message board in her fansite goes wild with girls who fell in love with her Kashima, as I expected!"

"Sensei…" Yashiro choked out, "Expanding fandom of Kyouko-chan aside, I think we should be worried about this first."

Yun shrugged, "You mean Iizuka-san? Nah… if there's any concern it would be-"

Ring-ring!

"Hm? I got a call from… Maki-san?" He frowned and picked the phone. "How strange, what would he want from me? Moshi-mosh-"

"Yun-sensei! Protect Kyouko-chan's precious ebony hair at any cost! We will be there as soon as we can! Anything but those silky locks we spent half a year to take care of!"

The two managers were almost deafened by the high pitched scream, and considering the phone was not on speaker it was quite a feat. Then the line ended abruptly, but Yun could hear screching tire sound before his phone started beeping.

"Huh? What are they talking about?"


Classroom

"Hongo Mio." Katsuki called the name of his fiancee's little sister.

The girl didn't respond present right away, instead she looked up at him briefly with intense look that made him feel unnerved. As if daring him to demand an answer from her while obviously he knew she was present, and he recognized Misao's little sister.

He didn't back down, "Hongo Mio!" Katsuki was not going to let a student, much less his fiancee's little sister to underestimate him on his first day.

She kept her gaze straight at nothing in particular, defying his silent demand and the class fell in tense atmosphere and the air felt electric with all the tension between the sister and her future in law.

"This is unacceptable!" Someone cried out and the tension evaporated, while the cameramen were flustered to stop their camera rolling.

"Cut!" Ogata-kantoku cried nervously. "Iizuka-san, please calm down!"

Iizuka marched towards where Kyouko was sitting, "Touya-san! What's with your Mio? She shouldn't attract such attention to herself, no matter how much she resent Katsuki!" She scolded the younger actress, while in the background the class was swiftly vacated by extras, leaving the crews, Ren and Itsumi. "She should have just answered obediently as she was expected to do!"

"Perhaps… but-" She rose to her full height, standing with back straight beautifully. "I have no intention to act on Tsukigomori's Mio, Iizuka-san."

She hesitated, this girl was a tad intimidating with her posture. "What?! I admit your understanding of my Mio is splendid…" Iizuka Hiroko had to admit she was awed by how well this girl knew Mio back in press conference. Especially how she sold Mio's image to press. "However emphasizing her hatred for Katsuki and forgetting the other aspect of her character is unacceptable!"

Itsumi who was watching the proceeding frowned, "What is she trying to do? Touya-san…" She abruptly improvised from script but the scene just now was so… vivid, the tension between Katsuki and Mio just drew her in. She as Mizuki… she wanted that Mio!

"Iizuka-san!" Ogata-kantoku came in to interfere, "Please calm down!"

He drew her attention and the veteran snapped at him, "You too! How could you be so entranced by the scene and instead of calling CUT like your father would you were just sitting there!"

Ren tensed, 'This can't be good!'

"If you want to surpass Tsukigomori, you should learn from Date-kantoku a little! Weren't the one who answer that question meant for you is your little brother?" Iizuka distantly remembered Hiroaki and Seiji when they were young who was visiting their Tsukigomori's set, the meek Hiroaki that looked like Hirotaka-kantoku and younger but solemn Seiji. "Aren't you his son too?! Why can't you do anything right without relying on your family?! And you think you can boast something like surpassing Tsukigomori? You must be kidding me!"

"That's enough, Iizuka-san!" Kyouko stepped in between them. "If-"

Thud!

Before she could finish the director was already on his knees, breathing heavily. Ren was by his side in instance, "Kantoku, calm down! You're hyperventilating, try to breathe…"

Kyouko also rushed to his side and then they helped him to sit up, lifting his chin so he could breathe easier. "Took a deep breathe Ogata-kantoku." Kyouko coaxed him as checking his pulse racing and dilating pupil, "No good, it's a panic attack…" She had seen a number of pros in this state in stressing periods of their career, Isumi and Lu Lee were the prime examples. "You have to calm down Ogata-kantoku!"

Ren heard her and leaned in so he could whisper one line he knew he would want to hear. 'Ogata-kantoku, you're not… Date-kantoku.'

Kyouko who was holding his wrist could tell his pulse was slowing down to normal, his face regained color and his breathing was getting even. "He is calming down…" She turned to her manager, "Sensei! Bring some water and his medication just in case! Ogata-san said he put Ogata-kantoku's medication in his bag."

"Alright!" Yun, followed by Yashiro quickly rushed out of the scene to retrieve the requested items.

Iizuka-san gaped at them, 'Just because what I said he almost collapsed?! How could you be so weak, so unsuitable to live in showbiz!'

As if reading her line of thought Kyouko said, "Maa… that's why it's so amazing you're so frail but you're still staying in this showbiz world, Ogata-kantoku."

"Touya." Ren sweat-dropped.

"But it's really sign of strength…" She insisted with a smile, "You have it harder than most people, and yet you're still here… struggling to stay. You're strong."

Hiroaki blinked in confusion, "Touya-san?" He was never called strong before, not even by his own brother.

She beamed at him, "Maa… I am really no good with people like you Ogata-kantoku, you make me want to root for you." She felt the same for Lu Lee and Isumi-san, how at their most difficult times they keep going no matter how close they were to collapse under pressure they were not good at dealing with. "I am easily swayed…" She sighed in surrender. "That's why… Iizuka-san."

"Yes?" Suddenly the veteran actress felt like a rabbit get stared at by a lioness.

"I won't let you to say… My Mio or Dark Moon have to follow your Mio and Tsukigomori, they're yours… belong to the past." She stated with conviction as she stood to her full height.

"Did she just say Tsukigomori and Iizuka-san's Mio is outdated?!"

"Touya-san is picking a fight with Iizuka-san?!"

"You're kidding?!"

The previous Mio sputtered, "What are you trying to pull?! You might be a rising star but doesn't mean you can just look down on me!"

"No, Iizuka-san… I respect you very much." She was taken aback by the humble words. "That's even more reason why… as sign of my respect I won't copy your Mio but created my own. Mio of Dark Moon… who lives in this age."

"What?!"

She glanced at Ogata-kantoku who almost jumped in shock that the attention was suddenly on him, "Ogata-kantoku said it in press conference… Dark Moon is a remake of Tsukigomori that take place in present time, and in the first place Dark Moon is not even literal English translation of Tsukigomori (Cloudy Moon). That's why… there's no place for Tsukigomori's characters in this era."

"Tsukigomori is a masterpiece!"

"I won't deny that, but…" She trailed off. "Time change… even a masterpiece could only stay as one if it stay as it is, and since I intend to help Ogata-kantoku to surpass Tsukigomori I have no intention to back down as Mio!"

Iizuka's mouth opened and closed repeatedly, "You… dare to… go against a veteran like me?"

"Maa…" She laughed softly, "Someone threw away their dignity to lower their head to a teenage girl like me." Ogata-kantoku blushed furiously, "Sticking out my neck is the least I can do in return so… why don't we test my Mio, Iizuka-san? I have no intention to go forward before receiving your approval… ne? Okaa-sama?"

"Ugh!" She wanted to protest but a veteran like her had dignity and she won't let this challenge slide. Not to mention the girl was so convincing about the change of time and even her starting to have doubt.

She turned towards their director and Ren who was still standing beside him. Both of them looked stunned by her smile. "Watch me, Ogata-kantoku…" Her eyes glanced at Ren briefly and the actor understood he was invited too. "My Mio… Mio who will lives in your Dark Moon, so that we can dispel the cloud of Tsukigomori. I promise you that..."

"The wind of change is coming."


Ahem! You can start laughing at how much I love cliche and dramatic lines… go ahead! Laugh!