Sho yawned in boredom as the show's producers explained the contract and that they had failed to communicate with Tsuruga Ren.
"I will not change my mind," he said, "my challenge is for him and if he does not accept I have no reason to be in his boring program"
"Sho!" shouted Shoko and then turned to the desperate producers. "Excuse him, he's in a bad mood and he's still a kid, but as you see, my client has a very busy schedule and he really needs to know that the next season of The Extravagant Challenge is going to be the same impact of the last season, or at least an impact that warrants the sacrifice of participating despite... "
"Tsuruga Ren will accept," Sho interrupted, with a half smile, "I'll make him accept," everyone looked at him impressed, Sho snorted and took a sip of his canned drink. " ... But in exchange for that huge favor that I'm going to do for you, I need you to collaborate with me and you better include this in the contract, it is not convenient for you to try to be smarter than me."
Shoko looked at her client with wild eyes, more and more shocked by what Sho was asking of the producers of the show with total impudence. Oh, and to top it all it seemed like he was going to have everything he wanted, how he wanted it and when he wanted it ... As always!
After the unexpected meeting ended, Shoko and Sho got out of the limousine and walked through the halls of TBM, heading to the music program where he would present his new song: "Hater Lover". Shoko knew that for some time now, Sho's discography had only one muse, or perhaps it has been for most of the time, and that thought made him wonder: when was he going to do something about it or at least being more sincere with himself.
Kyoko, for her part, was sitting in the car, moving her legs anxiously and at the same time with her arms crossed and an expression of boredom and disgust. The truth she could not understand how it was that now everyone began to give more importance to Sho than he deserves, especially that coming from Kuon, bothered her. But take it easy, Kyoko, understand that you would be the same if one of his beautiful and voluptuous American ex's suddenly appeared in your lives.
"But we were never together," Kyoko had already told Ren, almost like a childish tantrum, and was repeating it in her mind at this point. Sho has a tiny meaning in his life. Well, maybe not that much, but he was of a very different type from Kuon's, one that could never rival Kuon's. Yet again there was that answer from him: "But you loved him." That she no longer know how true it was because, with what she had learned about love until now, it was relative. Did she love Shotaro? Of course. Was that love the same that she is feeling now for Ren? No, definitely. Was it minor? She couldn't say that either ... So? Different, just different. Now? Her current feelings were much easier to define: brotherly love, a very irritating one. They could tell him now that Sho is actually his cousin and he would take the news well, easily accept him as the annoying and obnoxious cousin that he will probably never get along with but at the end of the day "family us family"... Although those situations that are not worth remembering would make her more nauseous, because although it was already disgusting in itself, if Sho were really her cousin, to top it off it would be incest.
"Ewwww"
But concentrate, Kyoko, this is not the time to think of impossible scenarios. His eyes went to that man next to her, watching her as if he wanted to know what she was thinking, With an expression so fearful that she wanted many things that a young girl like her would not dare to say, nor should she.
"You are incorrigible," she sighs with a gesture of resignation that did not amount to a smile but was not very severe either.
He, as always, put those "puppy eyes" in which he gave a not so innocent caress on the thigh. At this, Kyoko raised her eyebrows, but turned to stare out the window at the empty parking lot, thinking not-so-innocent things, angry at those thoughts and at the root of them.
No, Kyoko was backing down, she would definitely freak out if suddenly appears any of the American women who ever had a relationship with that man. No, their man, even though they're not ready for the titles yet, was theirs and that was out of discussion. So, more than just understanding and understanding it, she agreed with him. But it was still uncomfortable for many reasons, and not that it was precisely referring to Kuon's jealousy.
Yashiro explained to them at the fateful lunch hours ago that right now the press is insatiable and very attentive to finally be able to make news with that juicy story that everyone takes for granted, even many of the public.
The dramatic story of two young lovers who grew up together in Kyoto and eloped to Tokyo to build a life together —yes, together again—, in a humble love nest —that is, the department that Kyoko paid with her four part-time jobs— While they both fought for their dreams, it had already been discussed and discussed endlessly by Kyoko and Sho's fans... and even Ren's.
"But what does Ren and his fans have to do with this?" She asked
"A lot," Yashiro told him as he adjusted his glasses like an intellectual.
Their relationship sprang to life for many reasons, but the main one was how Kuon unexpectedly found out that he had more from his father than he imagined. The journalists actually asked him that question out of hand, "what do you think of the nomination of one of your former Dark Moon co-workers and agency colleague, Kyoko-san, to the Best Actress Award from The Japanese Film Academy?"
They expected nothing more than a simple courteous congratulation and that's it. Of course they did not expect more, much less to be scorched by a divine smile of cosmic magnitude. Oh, and much less than that, they expected to hear an overly enthusiastic and endless speech about how proud he was of his esteemed kohai and friend, how talented she is and how much she deserves the award. Kuon couldn't, he just couldn't contain himself. Not even the sneaky nudges of Kana-san, who was smiling beside him and nodding, couldn't stop that outburst.
Ren could not contain Kuon, it was a long time since he could. And it is from there that Ren's "fandom" has her in their sights. At first not in such a good way, but, progressively, the moderate antipathy and suspicion, which in no way affected the respect and recognition that they gave her as the first-rate actress that she was, turned into acceptance and, to some extent, support in many ways.
This whole process was facilitated, precisely by Ren's respected fanatic "insiders", say makeup artists, staff members, acting novices, and even LME workers. It wasn't that there was no irrational hatred directed at Kyoko over the internet, just that it was paltry compared to the growing support from the majority that she got for the simple fact of being her and, therefore, an impeccable professional and a beautiful ray of sunshine that brings a smile to everyone who is in its path.
The opinion of the fanatic "insiders" of Ren carries a high weight in the opinion of the others and Kyoko practically had almost all of them in the palm of her hand. Or at least that's how Yashiro narrated it, very proud. That is why his public friendship with Ren, while she did not reach the point of being seen with good eyes, was respected and understood.
"She is a great actress for being so young, so it is logical that Ren-sama likes her, although she still makes me very envious", was what was said the most. But the expressions of gratitude from Ren's fans towards Kyoko were also becoming more frequent. Because, although they did everything to conceal Kyoko's enormous influence on Ren's social life, they held her responsible for seeing a Ren more often acting more like someone his age. In other words, they felt that, thanks to Kyoko, Ren is connecting more with the young man that he is and goes out more to have fun with people his age. And they were right, although they did go out of their way to make them believe that the real culprit was Kijima and it was disappointing to see that it didn't work for them.
"Ren-sama looks happy like never before in these photos with his friends, he looks more relaxed and comfortable", was what everyone was observing. And yes, in those photos, strategically taken by Yashiro whenever Ren had a date with Kyoko, disguised by the multitude of "allies" they had, he looked radiant.
However, although they worked a lot on discretion, the fans ended up coming to the correct conclusion that Kyoko was one of the nuclei of the group; because the "insiders", yes, again they, brought to light that more than half of the group of friends Ren, including Kijima, who is supposed to be his best friend, became close to Kyoko first.
Problematic? A bit. But even so, the results were considerably less troublesome than what Yashiro and Tanaka had prepared for. In fact, everything seemed to be going smoothly, it was only a matter of time before Ren can go out with Kyoko and the fans support the couple immediately. It just need to give time to time, of course.
Kuon smiled slightly, that scenario looked encouraging, but Yashiro cut off his hopes.
"Don't get your hopes up! It's not that easy as it sounds!" Yashiro exclaimed out of nowhere, causing a start in Kuon and Kyoko, who instinctively hugged each other. But, to Kyoko's calm and before she begins to do a number of dogezas, Yashiro clarified that she did not cause any inconvenience for Ren, much less "hung up" on him without contributing to him some benefits. Ren's popularity also increased thanks to his friendship with Kyoko. Now the public can see Ren as a wonderful man who respects and admires women equally and therefore he can have friends like Kyoko, Itsumi, Kanae and Chiori without there being any implications beyond that. Ren's reach was lifted to new heights thanks to that and it left him standing very well in front of his international fans as well... Now they considerate him even a better "husband material" than before.
"Poor Koga-san," Kyoko thought.
The thing is, although Kyoko had a pretty strong "fandom" —rivaling Fuwa's, it must be said— many of her fans were also Ren fans. Also, something important to consider is that, unlike the case of many actresses, Kyoko's fandom was made up almost equally between men and women. Forty-seven or forty-eight percent, Yashiro had said, were women, and that is why, when poisonous comments and theories surfaced, Kyoko's fans were backed by strong opinion, supposedly impartial, from Ren's fans who were also beginning to lean in favor of Kyoko, or who were already fans of hers but were still too proud to accept it.
"Poisonous comments?", Kuon inquired concerned.
"Theories?" Kyoko asked.
Tanaka was the one who explained the following. What happened was that why Sho and Kyoko "broke up" was a mystery, But every time the subject was brought up on the internet, Kyoko's fans and Sho's fans turned bloodthirsty, defending their star and their favourite theory. However, everything was in a cold war because it was not yet a confirmed fact that they were ever together and many preferred to believe that they were not. However, that is not a final closure so, if something is not done, that rumor will continue like a ghost to Kyoko until who knows when. Maybe the press will never get something and the rumor will die alone... But everyone knew that it would not be like that, because at any moment any of the thousand compromising things that are about them could be leaked.
The theories of the breakup ranged from a Kyoko "femme fatale" breaking Fuwa's heart, to a Fuwa breaking Kyoko's heart by being unfaithful to her. However, the version that brought peace was that of a mysterious or mysterious "insider", a fan of Ren, who claimed that their breakup was due to fights because they were simply not compatible. What while Sho is a "rockstar", Kyoko is a dreamy and formal girl, who deserves and requires a much more committed and mature relationship than what Sho could offer her at the moment. That is also more or less the version that those in the showbiz took for granted, only that the part was missing where Sho ended up more than anything because he's young, his ego got up when he became famous and he wanted to fool around with models, being very stupid to leave someone like Kyoko. Because the appreciation of Kyoko, at least within the industry, was quite great, it practically had an effect like that of Princess Diana and even some had already referred to her that way.
Kyoko wanted to be optimistic, she told them that in any case the rumor would die because even if they end up "confirming" it would be useless because it would be assumed that it was already in the past. And that was when the silence Yashiro and Tanaka, along with their nervous smiles, announced that things were much more difficult. There was talk that they were both planning to return, or that at least Shotaro was trying to return with her but that Ren, as a friend of hers and as "older brother" did not see this return favourably.
She laughed and at the same time slightly angered by Kuon's nod and his "you should listen to Tsuruga Ren" look. Seriously, Kuon was one of those people with whom it is impossible to be serious in the matter. Only thanks to his divine talent has he been able to maintain the role of Tsuruga Ren for so long, because in truth that every day that she knew —and fell in love with— more about him, the more she was surprised.
And then, she didn't listen well to what Yashiro said because she got distracted, but apparently that opened the gates of hell. Kyoko sighed and said that she would go to see Sho alone anyway because otherwise the jerk might screw things up just for fun and being interesting, While in private she would know better how to manipulate him because, since there was no external presence, Sho would be with the lowest guard. But suddenly she felt that they lifted her off the ground, Kuon apologized to their companions, said that it was already decided who would accompany Kyoko to the meeting with the "rat-faced idiot" and took her to the lift. Oh, the lift again. Inside, she had the "pleasure" of meeting a grumpy Cain Heel, and almost instinctively she pulled Setsuka out. They argued, he told her that the only way for her to meet Sho is with him present and that apparently, judging from her attitude, she was forgetting who she belonged to. Suddenly Kyoko felt lips that, and this was the most outrageous, dared to only touch hers and not to take them properly and as she has been secretly waiting for months. Soon those lips descended down her neck to the limit of her cleavage and then he left a mark on her, thus concluding the ritual they had pending.
Kyoko couldn't believe it, nor could she believe how contradictory her fury was. She also did not want to accept the reasons for her fury, she was ashamed. However, what he did know at the time is that he needed to learn how to deal with these things. He smirked at her pleased when he finished "his thing" and she just rolled her eyes, at which she just started to get scared as she should.
They got out of the elevator, her walking with her arms crossed and him chasing after her like a repentant puppy. She did not look at him and they returned to their friends without saying anything and their friends only managed to observe them in silence. She could feel the puppy dog look that Kuon was surely giving him, but she didn't turn to look at it and only managed to ask Kanae to lend her her scarf.
Now, she knew they weren't supposed to fight anymore, and she wasn't really mad at him anymore. She was irritated and yes, a little angry, but with herself, for feeling so weak in front of this man, both when he is manifesting his angelic side and when he is manifesting his devilish side. Saying she desires him was something she wasn't ready for even in her own thoughts, but that was it. And she felt in a fight against her dignity because of how much desire enveloped her even when it shouldn't, that is, when he is in his possessive and irrational side. That is sick. Not well. But ... It was inevitable. Kyoko really felt like she was freaking out and she wouldn't dare talk about it with anyone.
"Idiot," she murmured affectionately, outlining a complicated smile when she saw how uneasy he was about deciphering her and then she caressed her face and kissed her forehead.
He smiled at her, but still Kyoko could see fear in his eyes. She stroked his hair, looking into his eyes, trying to make him see through them all the love she felt for him.
"You are the only one for me, Nii-san, silly," he joked using Setsu's tone, "and I love you so much that it's not healthy ... You should be worried.
Kuon smirked, his very gaze flushing Kyoko, and he immediately knocked her back on the seat.
"Kuon, wait, Sebastian-san ...!" blushed, she patted her shoulders desperately.
"He's talking to "boss" on the phone out there, he's not here."
"But he could come back at any moment"
Kuon simply depressed a button and the windows on the entire car, including the one between the passenger and driver's cab, were covered with ones that were tinted.
"Ready," he smiled.
Kyoko sighed and raised her eyebrows.
"You're incorrigible." Her blush took the seriousness out of her stern expression and she knew it, but she couldn't help it.
Kuon kissed her forehead, her nose, everything he could, but not her lips. He was driving her crazy. She was beginning to believe that it was his purpose for her to ask him for something, because he had already told her how much he wanted to see her have the confidence to ask him for things, even demand them... But she wouldn't, he woke Setsu up and he had to face the consequences.
"Interesting," he murmured with the smile of the emperor of the night when Kyoko forcefully repeated that night again and positioned herself over him, "is there something that... ?"
He couldn't finish speaking because she started playing his game and enjoyed seeing the impatience in his eyes. Then he bit her lower lip, knowing that afterwards it would be difficult for her to see his face for days, but not every day they could take advantage of being the Heel again, more or less. And, that part that embarrassed him, his "perverted" side, how much he had missed the freedom that being Setsuka gave him.
Sho for his part, left the show bored. Shoko talked and talked but, like many times, he did not listen to her and in his mind he meditated on the melodies that he could use for his next album. Then it happened out of nowhere. Shoko screamed but was soon shut up and he was being taken to a car by some people dressed in black. He wanted to scream, and get out, but then the car opened and he was thrown inside.
He was about to shout a curse from the floor of the car, but then long, sensual legs covered by black leather boots distracted him. Sho immediately sat up and looked closely at the bored-faced young woman sitting in front, and then he smirked.
"Oh, if I had known that it was you who was kidnapping me, it wouldn't have been necessary for your men to bring me..." He tried to take her thigh boldly, but he regretted it when he felt that with an enormous force his arm was caught. Only then did Sho notice the terrifying fellow sitting next to her. To say that she was blue with fear was an understatement— Babe, what the...?! —Then Sho gulped. "You are, Sakurako-chan, right? Babe, I already told your father that I do not go to private parties because my president said so... Tell your father to talk to him, it is not in my hands but I would gladly go!
Kyoko sighed and looked at Cain, implicitly ordering him to release him. Although she actually was amused by seeing Sho so scared, He didn't think that he would be so stupid again not to recognize her and think that she was one of the daughters of the yakuza who were stalking him, according to Shoko-san.
"Sho, stupid, it's me!"
Sho blinked a few times and then frowned and began to grumble, growling the classic: "demon shifter", "you're scary", among others.
"And why are you dressed like that?!" He exclaimed and then he was surprised when the two men sat on either side of him who put him in the car and it began to march. "Who the hell are these people?!"
"I'm starting to film a new series, stupid," she replied with annoyance from Setsu, because she still hadn't had time to completely get rid of her before Sho enters "... And they are my safety"
She rolled her eyes and looked at him as if daring him to say they weren't necessary, but Sho just lowered his head. Suddenly there was a short silence, which for Kuon did not go unnoticed, in which Kyoko had a strange and worrying look while Sho had his head lowered, as if he was embarrassed and angry with himself.
"But here the important thing is ...!" Kyoko started to say after grunting annoyed, but Sho cut her off when he noticed something "suspicious" as he started to look up.
"Who the fuck is he and why does he touch you with confidence ?!"
Sho pointed at the hand of Kuon, who was characterized as a kind of platinum blonde (almost gray) haired Cain Heel, which was at his waist.
"The important thing, Shotaro, is how you are going to fix the shit you got us into!"
Sho then looked at her, confused at first, but as the understanding was coming a malicious smile went growing up.
"I thought you were comfortable with it and that's why you didn't say anything about it ... Wow ... "
Kyoko frowned. Right now Sho, while she was yelling things that he was bored of hearing, he devoted himself to analyzing her. Right now she looked like her mother. Her hair was long and black, her eyes covered with gray contact lenses and outlined in a way that gave more intensity to her fury and sexy eyes. Lips stained a sensual wine red, pale and well-groomed skin, very different from how she was when she had three or four jobs to support him. Oh, awkward subject to think about. Anyway, her makeup, although not so loaded, made her look very mature, mysterious and hypnotic, while her clothes simply screamed "super star". Every part of her wardrobe was from a world-class brand, even those dark glasses that sat on her crown.
Her sexy, short, and somewhat revealing — but not vulgar, in Sho's perspective — seemingly Chanel black dress, with a sweetheart neckline and sleeveless, brought out curves he don't know even exists; even though she was wearing a gigantic black leather coat, which looked like a man's, covering her a bit. He lingered for a while in her cleavage, pretending to listen to her, pleased with the sight, because in truth her measurements had grown enough to enjoy seeing them... Until he felt the strong gaze of her companion, and when they made eye contact the stranger the platinum blonde haired men mockingly wiped lipstick from his lips. Sho knew, it was Kyoko's lipstick, the one she was wearing right now. And to top it all, on that guy's hand was a silver skull-shaped ring identical to the one Kyoko had in her hand.
Kuon thought it was okay that Sho didn't see any hint of his relationship with her and so he quickly went to buy the necessary makeup to cover the mark he left on Kyoko in the elevator himself. His hand on her waist was not intentional, to the surprise of Sho's arrival when they were in full "negotiation" he did not realize that he had not removed his hand from there. But she couldn't bear to notice how, without her noticing for being immersed in her claims, he was devouring her with his gaze so blatantly ... So he just gained the urge.
"What the fuck, Kyoko ?!" Sho exclaimed, interrupting Kyoko's ignored scolding, surprising her and leaving her speechless with shock, since she was seeing the Deva King for the first time in person.
"What the fuck?!" Kyoko exclaimed when she recovered her courage. "That's what I say!" What the fuck are you hinting at around there?! We were never together!"
Sho was very angry but the pressure on his arms exerted by Kyoko's safety and the protective way in which that nasty and terrifying stranger got in the way, They did, against their will, give in and focus on the subject that Kyoko wanted to discuss.
"And what did you want me to do?" He snorted. "Tell the truth?"
Kyoko was silent for a moment and when she was about to start speaking he interrupted.
"You're welcome," he smiles mockingly and prepares for the classic.
"¡Shooooooootaaaaaaarooooooo!"
Sho smiles with pleasure, because despite the various physical changes he still knows his Kyoko perfectly. Then he smirks at the surprised stranger, he is nobody, just a dreamy bodyguard. Typical.