Kuon hugged Julienne, nodded to Kuu and kissed Kyoko briefly, hating to be watched but stating Kuu better took care of his woman "I'll see you in a few weeks" he told her. Kyoko would be accompanying him at the Oscars ceremony, and director Ogata would come back, as part of the Hikaru Genji committee.

He found it harder to part now that Kyoko had publicly accepted his feelings, but he had a movie to film. He would only do a few scenes, before he interrupted the job to attend the Oscars' ceremony, but he wanted to get rid of those three movies first "We'll move to South America to film the action movie" Mr. Lawrence had told him. But that wouldn't be until March, he'd filmed one of the romantic movies before that.

One of the things that benefited him from having a public girlfriend had been the different way his co-stars treated him. Althought the actress that was filming with him was already married, the other females in the cast behaved, unless they were the type that would never care for another woman. He knew how to stop those, thought, just showing how indifferent he was, was enough.

"You would be surprised with people's comments on your announcement" Yashiro had finally contacted him to congratulate Kuon for the award and thank him for mentioning him on the speech "Only those who've met you both personally are actually glad" Kuon wasn't surprised by people not liking the news, that is why he had respected Kyoko's wish to become an acknowledged actress first "People are fine with Kyoko but they don't seem to believe you'll last long" Yashiro wasn't lying "They recall the amount of girlfriends you've got in the past" Kuon saw how Yashiro shrugged.

"I am sorry for them, then" Kuon said. He couldn't change their minds if it wasn't with time "What about you, Yashiro?" he wanted to touch that matter for long ago.

Yashiro blushed and Kuon saw how much he was struggling, as that man could saw through him, just like Kyoko did "What do you mean?" he swallowed "Of course I support you two!"

Kuon laughed "That's not what I was talking about" his gaze fixed on the screen "I speak to Kyoko" he just wanted to savour that moment "And Kyoko happens to speak to Kotonami-san…"

"I didn't do that on purpose!" Yashiro was shaky and nervous "What are you thinking?" his eyes were accusing Kuon.

"Oh, come on" he was enjoying that "We both know you'd never become that awkward by such a misunderstanding" Yashiro was silent "Just admit it"

"I am busy" Kuon couldn't believe that he was running away "I shall leave you Ren, let's speak again soon" he cut the chat.

What the…?

He took a mental note to give the details to Kyoko later.

Even if that romantic movie he was filming wasn't great, he always tried his best to portray his characters, and the way he performed seemed to encourage the rest of the cast "I am glad I accepted this role" his co-star, Sarah Woodman, praised him "It's really interesting performing with you. You make me discover aspects of my own performance I'd never thought I had" Kuon had behaved with his co-star killer hunger and limited to just hint her mates on the set, hoping they could respond. They weren't as skilled as Kyoko but he'd still got a good answer.

Sarah Woodman brought her husband to the set one day "Honey, meet Ren" Kuon was in front of a face that looked familiar to him "This is my husband Will" they shook hands.

"Wait" he had puzzled out where he'd seen that face "Will Woodman?" he laughed "I am sorry Sarah, I couldn't make that connection in my head before" he returned to the man that had just been introduced to him "It's a pleasure to meet you" he smiled "I am a big fan of your films" Kuon had recognized one of the few independent directors he admired. The man used to release a film per year and always competed at festivals such as Sundance.

"I am a fan of yours as well" that became as news to Kuon, most of the directors he'd met at Hollywood had just researched their previous movies, only to get to know his background better "I fly to Japan once a year and always come back with a few DVD's" the man said "I was glad to be able to watch Black Jack and Hikaru Genji at a proper movie theatre" Kuon thought that might be the most interesting connection he'd made ever since arriving to the US "When my wife told me who he was working with, I had to see it with my own eyes" Kuon was flattered, he'd never thought he'd find such a fan there.

"Well that certainly amazes me" Kuon smiled "I'd never thought I'd find a director who actually knew my previous jobs" he made the man laugh.

"I like Asian cinema a lot" Will told him "I am often inspired by both, Japanese and Korean movies" Kuon kept listening with interest "and what to say about Hong Kong's cinema!" Kuon recognized those influences in his films, although Will Woodman's style was in between the American road-movies and some old-fashioned Western films tricks, he also mixed the way Asians had to tell a story, with longer shots and less words "I'll soon start auditions for my next movie" he said "If you don't think it's a waste of your time, I'd love to send you the script"

"Please do so" Kuon was sincere "I may have my schedule a little bit crowded, but I have a good manager who can work those things out" he nodded into Mr. Lawrence's direction.

"Oh really?" Will Woodman's eyes sparkled "We won't start filming until autum. I am currently preparing for next week's premiere at Sundance"

"Then I'll make sure I attend the audition" they exchanged another handshake before the director called him and Sarah back to work.

That night he spoke to Kyoko and gave her the news "That sounds really good" she was holding a script "Father says that independent movies are a good way to showcase your talents without getting placed in a niche"

"What's that Kyoko?" Kuon was curious about the huge script she was holding.

"I am going to audition for a series' pilot" she said "It's only a teenage plot for a channel that usually airs those type of series, and it's just a pilot, but I like the role" she showed the script through the webcam "It's a secondary one, but still more than the cameos and extras I've been doing"

"I see your new manager keeps you busy" he remembered he had something else to say "Oh yes, before I forget" he told her everything about the conversation he'd got with Yashiro. Kyoko's gaze showed some gloom while he explained how lightly people were taking their announcement, he'd thought he'd seen her infamous little spirits come out again, but as soon as he'd mentioned Yashiro's weird behavior she forgot about their own trouble "Can you believe that?"

"Well" Kyoko's face was mischievous now "Moko-chan's going to give him chocolates on Valentine's" Kuon wanted to laugh hard "It took me a long time to convince her"

"That is going to be so interesting it's a shame we cannot witness it" Kuon thought he'd infected Kyoko with his mean ideas "You know" he got nostalgic "I miss being there sometimes"

"Well" Kyoko's warming smile was all what he needed "We can always come back" she paused "But we better hurry up and succeed first" she always managed to give him the confidence he lacked "Let's not worry about anything else, O.K.?" he nodded.

He had a short time to film before he'd flew back again to LA "I'll see you next week" Sarah wished him luck "And remember: being nominated it's already a win" she winked.

Perhaps it's better if I don't get awarded…

Kuon had thought about his chances thoroughly. He feared the Oscar's hex, especially being such a newcomer to Hollywood, but yet he wished to win. He was conflicted as he needed to be mentally strong and get ready for being defeated. He had supporters and good critics, and he had the Golden Globe, but that wouldn't guarantee him the Oscar.

Kyoko is right. I should just focus on my job and forget things like this award.

Whatever the result would be, Mr. Lawrence got everything covered for him.

"Do you know why I decided to put on this ring before coming here again?" Kyoko told him as soon as she saw through him what his troubles were "Because to me it doesn't matter if you win or lose, I wanted people to know that" she kissed him "Let's use this night as another way to promote you" Kuon didn't know who to thank for having someone like Kyoko by his side.

Kyoko had prepared well for playing his companion's role. Her dress was splendid, her smile was radiant and she knew how to stand perfectly at his side, making him look perfect in front of the cameras, at the red carpet, inside the venue's hall… everywhere. Kyoko had even made a list of the people they should greet "If she ever quits acting, she should become a manager" Mr. Lawrence joked. Kyoko made sure that Ren greeted all his acquaintances there, and she knew how to display him publicly in front of his own parents without letting people notice a thing.

"Kyoko what are your thoughts before the ceremony?" once they've conceded time to the Japanese media that had attended to support them, she became more than just Ren Tsuruga's companion.

"Well" she startled them with her smile "This is going to be completely different from the Golden Globes" it was a fact, but Kyoko had insisted on it so people in their country could understand it better "So I don't want people to feel discouraged if the movie or Ren don't get called on tonight" Kuon couldn't help but smile "It was already a huge achievement that they both got nominated, and we don't need awards to know how great Ren Tsuruga is as an actor" she gazed at him and his heart warmed.

"Those were wise words, Kyoko-san" the reporter praised her "We're glad to see you again" Kyoko bowed a little "You certainly make a great couple" Kuon knew the comment wasn't for free. He also bowed, thanking the support.

While they were walking away, he made sure to kiss her on her cheek so the cameras could still catch that moment "Let's give them something else to talk about" he winked at Kyoko "I've already feel like a winner"

That's right, even if I don't get the award, I am certain that I am just getting there.