Chapter Thirteen: Retreat

Kyoko and Ren sat in the back of the sleek black car in total silence. The air was heavy with tension and awkwardness. Ren would have confronted the girl about it, but Ruto was driving them, and he didn't want Lory's personal attendant to be in on the conversation. So they sat and looked at the scenery as it flashed by. They had left the city in the early hours of the morning and were steadily climbing into the mountains. Snow-capped peaks winked at them as the sun sparkled across the snow. It was an ideal day. If only

Ren had been surprised to hear of the Go production retreat. It was apparently a spur-of-the-moment idea from Director Nanako and Hiroaka. They were very kind to Ren as they explained that the table read had inspired them to create a more suitable environment for the actors to get to know each other. After all, they would all be acting together for a very long time, and being on good terms with each other was essential.

Of course, Ren took that as a personal comment on the relationship between Hiroshi and Rinko. The table read didn't exactly instill the production team with confidence in the two actors' abilities to portray a charged romance. He sighed.

It was really too bad that Yashiro wasn't able to come with them. But this weekend trip was designed specifically for the actors and the actors only. That's why Ruto was acting as their chauffeur. Apparently the other actors were being ferried to the location as well. But as often happened, Ren and Kyoko were together.

Ren cleared his throat and Kyoko turned away from the window to look at him. "Mogami-san, did you bring snow gear along? It looks as though there is quite a bit of snow on the mountains right now and our retreat is going to be at a fairly high altitude."

Kyoko would have rolled her eyes if that wasn't blatantly disrespectful. Ren was treating her like a child again. It was a bit of a relief to be honest. She preferred this to the awkward silence of the car ride. "Yes Tsuruga-san. I brought everything that was on the packing list. I had to borrow some things from Mo-Kanae though…" I left most of my snow things in Kyoto.

"Well that's good." Ren said with a smile, "Do you like the snow?"

Kyoko smiled back at him and they began to chat lightly about winter activities. She was relieved to have a normal conversation with Tsuruga-san again. Maybe the trip wouldn't be so bad after all.

Ruto navigated the car up a winding road through the mountain forest. Late afternoon cast shadows onto the road, but the white crystalline trees were still beautiful even though they didn't glitter as much as they had earlier.

"We're almost there." He said.

Kyoko got the first glimpse of a building. "Oh I see something!" She exclaimed happily.

All of her stress from earlier had evaporated from the pleasant conversations that she and Ren (and very occasionally Ruto) had shared. Talking about normal things, actors they knew, different shows that were airing and their ratings, and what the weekend might have in store had rejuvenated the teenager. It was refreshing after a week and a half of near-constant anxiety.

She was looking forward to this retreat more than ever. It was set over a long weekend, starting Friday morning and ending on Monday morning. Three full days and nights. According to the note from the directors and producers, the whole cast was going to spend the long weekend together. They would talk about Go and work on character building, as well as just have fun together doing things like skiing and snowshoeing. There was also apparently a really nice hot spring for them to relax in! This mountain was famous for the many resorts and hot springs it offered. And Kyoko intended to make the most of the time she had.

The car pulled around a corner and the view opened up in front of them. The resort consisted of a few large traditional looking buildings with clusters of smaller cabins spread out around it. The whole thing was nestled into the side of the mountain perfectly, providing space and privacy from the other resorts. In fact, if you didn't know better you might think that this was the only facility on the whole mountain. It was perfect.

Ruto drove past the main building towards one of the larger cabins. He pulled up and parked the car. "This is where you will await the rest of the crew." He said to them before he got out to take in their bags.

"Are we the first ones here?" Kyoko asked. She didn't see any other cars on their way in and there didn't seem to be anyone around.

"It looks like it." Ren said, "We did leave fairly early. But still I'm a little surprised that we beat Director Nanako. Let's take a look inside, shall we?"

Kyoko agreed and they followed Ruto into the cabin. It was fairly large and spacious with a cooking area, cozy living room and a fireplace that was lit. Ruto left their bags within the entryway.

"I must now return to L.M.E. Please enjoy your weekend. Oh and Tsuruga-san, could I talk to you outside briefly?" Ren followed Ruto outside and the other man reached into his suit pocket and pulled out an envelope. "The President has some instructions for you." He handed the envelope to Ren then abruptly turned and left.

Ren stood out in the brisk winter air and watched as Ruto pulled the car smoothly out of the parking area and disappeared around the corner.

Ren was immediately suspicious of the envelope. In fact, the whole situation was starting to smell really fishy. To begin with, the idea of a cast retreat had been last minute and rushed. Then Yashiro can't come. And now when they show up there's clearly no one else around… Just what is going on. An idea started forming in Ren's imagination. No. He couldn't have. Ren ripped open the envelope and quickly read the beautifully scripted note.

Ruto will pick you up Monday morning at 10 am. You'll be back in time for your work. I've arranged the schedule for you, so there's no need to worry. No one will bother you. There's food in the kitchen and plenty of firewood cut and stacked. Don't even try to get a call out, I hear the reception is just terrible. You'll find the key to the hot springs and activities center. Have fun. Really get into character. I assured Nanako that this was the absolute best way to prep you for the next table read, so do me a favor ok? Please take advantage of this gift.

Xoxo L.

Ren stared at the words in utter disbelief as his worst fears were confirmed. Was this really happening? He ripped the paper in half and shoved it into a pocket. He was furious with himself. How could he have let Lory trick him like this? Ren lifted his face to the sky with his eyes closed. He felt the breeze on his cheek and in his hair. He willed the coolness to help him focus. He couldn't afford to let his temper get the best of him right now. Because he finally realized the full weight of the situation that he was in. Waiting for him inside was the girl he loved but could not love. The girl who he would have to act in love with. And she would have to act as if she were in love with him in return. It was just the two of them. And somehow he would have to survive the weekend with her.

Author's Note: Aha! Trickery and love games abound. Lory's at it again :D This is my take on a situation kind of like the Cain siblings arc. Obviously it will be much shorter. But I'm excited to get into all of the complications this weekend will hold. What do you want to happen?