Keep on trying

Disclaimer: I do not own Skip Beat! or any of it's characters.

Chapter 29

Too late to let go

"Of course Azuma-san." she bowed apologetically to Uneki and hurried after his older brother. 'He can't be serious about her, right?' He stared deadly at Kouki. He noticed it, but ignored it wholeheartedly. "Is something wrong Azuma-san?" asked Kyoko when they were finally alone. "Well, I was just wondering if Ogata-san recognised you yesterday." he regretted asking, when he saw her sad face. The sadness was visible only for one second. 'She's good at hiding her true emotions. Is she a promising actress or someone with a difficult past? Or present. Or both.' Kouki shook his head quickly, trying to throw away his thoughts. It made Kyoko smile a little. "Luckily he didn't.", "But how is that possible? He must have known your name at least.", "You know… when I took part in Fuwa Sho's PV it was decided that they will show my nickname in the credits. We decided to use only Kyoko. And there are a lot of people with that name, not to mention that I could use it as a real nickname, hiding my true name." she explained to Kouki, trying to convince herself at the same time.

Kouki looked at her worryingly, but decided not to dig any deeper. "I guess that must be the case. Nevertheless you did a great job during the audition. I was really proud of you." she blushed a little. "I was able to do this only thanks to your and other teachers' help." she bowed quickly. "Thank you for everything. If there's anything that I can do to show you my gratitude, please tell me." He tried not to chuckle. 'She's paying for it and yet she's willing to do something more to thank us. Oh my Kami! Uneki has a specific taste in girls for sure!', "So why don't we go to the café after today's lesson?" Kyoko was confused. "But why?", 'So dense.' thought Kouki. "I didn't sleep well last night and I have trouble concentrating. A cup of coffee could bring me back to life. Since I hate drinking it alone, your company could help me a lot." he wanted to high five himself. 'I should be the one teaching improvisation.'

Kyoko was thinking for a second and then said: "I think it's a great idea. If you don't want to drink it alone, me and your brother will keep you a company.", "That's grea… what? What do you mean you and Uneki?" she blushed a little. "Oh, I already have plans with Azuma-san. He promised me to help with some errands. I hope you don't mind since he's your brother.". 'Checkmate.' thought cloudily Kouki. 'Was he faster than me? I should be happy, right?' But somehow, he wasn't. "Was he inviting you, when I interrupted you?", "It's not like you disturbed us. We've already planned everything. And I was the one to invite him, because I need his help." she explained. "Sound great. I can't wait for it." he lied smoothly.

Lory looked at Ren interestingly. He did not expect any change in his acting and he was positively surprised by that. His Katsuki seemed to be more real than previously and he knew that Ren gave his best to achieve that level. 'It's such a shame though.' thought the president of the LME. 'I played enough otome games to know that he didn't do this alone. I would like to meet the one, who helped him.' The more he thought about it, the more excited he got. Could it be that his pupil had finally found someone to open his heart to? He really hoped so. Nevertheless, today he was on the set to do something important and he could not let his guard down. 'I wonder, what's director Ogata thinking right now? Ren definitely improved his skills, but is he satisfied with it?' Lory wasn't. 'I'd love to give him more time, but it's impossible now. Moreover I think he hit his acting limits. There is no way to act as someone in love without experiencing it at least one.' He sighed. 'Ren's not gonna like it.'

Later that day Ren heard the final decision. It was disastrous. Although he was praised for improving his acting, it was said that it wasn't enough. He accepted their judgement humbly. Ren bowed and apologised to every single stuff member. It was an unusual sight and it made some people really sad about that situation. But there was nothing else to be done about it. Tsuruga-san planned the press conference with Lory. They decided that they would announce the change in the cast the moment they find someone to replace him.

Yashiro tried to cheer him up, but he failed miserably. Ren wasn't in a good mood and refused to eat his lunch. He chose to wander around for the last time. It reminded him of that girl, who wasted her time yesterday. 'I must be really angry at her to still remember this.' However he was impressed by her acting and hoped to play with her once more. 'This time though, I will be the one to make her act the way I want.' It brought him some hope for the future.

Before he noticed, he was already in the place, where he had met that weird chicken. 'I expect that he won't feel responsible for my failure. If it wasn't for him, I'd only embarrass myself.' And then an idea come to his mind. 'Maybe I will find him and say my thanks?' And so he did. Quickly he was able to get to know that the chicken was called Bo and that he was shooting special episode. He managed to find him. "Hello again. I hope that I'm not intruding you in your work.", "No, not at all!" shouted chicken. Weirdly enough, he had different voice as if it was… a girl. The person in front of him took off her costume. It was short, blond haired girl. "It's nice to meet you Tsuruga-san!", "Um… I'm glad as well. I wanted to thank you for yesterday.", "I don't understand." Ren was dumbfounded. "Weren't you helping me lately?", "No, I see you for the first time and there is no one else, who acts as a Bo." So he rapidly said his goodbye and hurried to the costume lady. With a little bit of flirting he got all the information needed. He picked his phone. "Hello president? I have a small request."

AN/ Hello again! Look at these numbers! My story earned 50 reviews! Thank you sooo much~! You made my day, if not life ;P. I really hoped you liked it and see you soon~!