Chapter 6

The president asked her into his office, offering a small job as a replacement for Ruriko Matsunai, who quit the first day on the job. It was easy to say no to the crazy president's ideas, but somehow she got involved without knowing. She did not want to meet Ruriko again. As much as she would like to help, she did not want to be involved with a difficult person like the singer and her weird obsession with Tsuruga-san.

Now, here she was, arriving on the second day of filming. The first day was a disaster; Tsuruga-san was unhappy with the production since Ruriko was not taking acting seriously. He let her know about it every time they talked, which only ended with the singer quitting. The director and president anticipated this since the production of Ring-Dong's sole purpose was to cure the singer's arrogance that she developed. Kyoko ended up accepting because it was an excellent opportunity to make a good impression for future jobs, or at least that's what Sawara-san recommended to her.

Nakazawa, head of the singing section (Ruriko's superior as she's a singing idol), came to Lory with his concerns regarding Ruriko's behavior. Concerning her habit of quitting/wandering off when something didn't go her way. The President of LME cooked up a scheme to teach Ruriko a lesson and ensured she would be drawn to doing the job by using her 'favorite thing'. But The president did not expect his top actor Tsuruga Ren to be hostile with his comments, ending with plan B, replacing Ruriko. That is where Kyoko made her appearance as the substitute. If things did not go the way the president expected, the role would be hers.

"Good Morning, I'm Kyoko. I will be joining the production starting today; please take care of me." Everyone was surprised at her sudden arrival, but the director informed everyone of the changes after Ruriko's tantrum.

"Good, you are here early than expected. I'm the director, Seiji Shingai. Why don't we begin now? our guest of honor will come later, and I want everything to be prepared by the time she arrives."

"Of course, director." with one final bow, Kyoko left, following the costume and makeup artist.

Everything was going well, and the filming crew was making the finishing touches as Ren arrived. Everything was ready to begin as Ruriko came with her manager, following her with an oversized umbrella. Everyone began to whisper as the singer started to walk to the director with her arrogant attitude.

" I have arrived, director. It seems as you were waiting for me. Where is Tsuruga-san? He hasn't greeted me yet."

"The question is, what are you doing here, Ruriko? you quit yesterday and are no longer part of Ring-Doh."

"But that wasn't serious. I was stressed out, but now I'm here. I'm the protagonist. You can't simply replace me."

"Everyone is replaceable, Ruriko, and in show business, there are thousands of actors and actresses willing to take your place in a heartbeat." As he finished telling the shocked singer, Ren and Kyoko came walking side by side. Walking like the perfect couple in their costumes. "oh, you are ready, we can begin the first scene of the day. Ruriko, please step aside since you are no longer involved in this work."

"No, this is my role. You can not give it to a nobody."

"No, you are wrong. The role was yours, but you quit, and I decided to choose who gets the part. Kyoko is well recommended by the president of your own company Ruriko. As far a being a nobody, you are one too. However, you are known as a singer, not as an actress, and you have not shown any skills in acting."

"Then I can show you now. This role was designed for me. I can do whatever that girl can."

"Very well, Look at the first scene with her, then go change. We will be doing the tea ceremony. If you can perform better than Kyoko, the role is yours again, but you have to show me and impress me." with a smirk on his face, he turned around, calling everyone to their places.

The shooting starts with Kyoko as Choko this time. The shooting is about to begin; Ruriko is practically trembling with anger but feels assured that even though she is a beginner at acting, she is more experienced than Kyoko. The director smirks at Ruriko's angry posture, satisfied at the direction this is going in. Kyoko quickly proves herself a perfect lady. Her training in Sho's family business made her used to walking and bowing properly in a kimono, which impresses everyone on set. Ruriko unconsciously acknowledges Kyoko's acting, then reprimands herself for admiring her enemy.

"that was perfect one shoot and NGs. Prepare for the tea ceremony outside, and Ruriko, go practice before shooting. I will give you only on time to shoot this scene."

"Is she not going to practice with me."

"No, Kyoko-chan know it already."

Outside on the tea ceremony scene platform, Ruriko is practicing her tea-making skills for the next scene. The crew looks on, impressed by her proficiency. Mentally Ruriko acknowledges that she was forced to learn the art of tea ceremony as a young girl.

"Kyoko-chan is an expert at the tea ceremony, correct?" the instructor questioned the girl who was watching on the sidelines.

"yes, I learn it in my childhood. It is one of my specialties, along with flower arrangement. I try calligraphy and learn it, but I'm not an expert."

"That's amazing. Not many people take an interest in old traditions, much less young people."

"I guess that right, but for me, this helps a lot more if it involves work. But I am wandering, Ruriko-chan, aren't you allergic to UV rays?"

"no way~! Isn't she simply just avoiding the sunlight~?" the crew began speaking and whispering. Ruriko's face began to change color, first pale, then red.

"I never say that I was sensitive to the sun." her eyes were killing Kyoko.

"oh, I assume since your managers carry that heavy umbrella and need to be by your side for every little thing. Then you do not like the sun, and I guess that's something not everyone likes since it can damage your appearance." Kyoko gave the singer an innocent smile while pitying the manager, making Ruriko angry for making her look bad

The director arrived with Tsuruga-san outdoor to find Kyoko surrounded by the crew and Ruriko glaring at the young actress on the sidelines. The director was not aware of the acting abilities of the young girl chosen by the president. Still, he could see she was unique in of minutes of one scene. The grin could not leave his face as he filled with excitement for the next tea ceremony scene.

"Ok, everyone, let's get ready to begin" As he looked at Ruriko, he could see her untidy appearance. "Before starting to film, it would be better if you, please touch upon your appearance first. Look at the way Kyoko-chan carries herself. She is perfect to start, but we will film you first."

Ren was waiting for Ruriko, so he approached Kyoko, as she was waiting by the director's chair for her scene.

"I never thought that I would meet you here. I was wondering how did the president convince you to come."

"It difficult to say no to him. When I say no, he somehow twisted it, and here I am. He asked me to come since I have experience with traditional etiquette."

"Well, from what I have seen, you are outstanding."

"Thank you-"

"TSURUGA-SAN, hurry hurry." Ruriko appeared behind Ren, dragging him to where the mat for the scene was taking place. "Tsuruga-san, Why are you so nice with her and not with me? I only quit because I didn't feel welcome, you know."

"you are mistaken; it's not that I'm good with her and mean with you. I am polite to the people who work hard and are determined with their work." Ren moved his arm from Rurikos grip, leaving her speechless

"ok, we are shooting scene fifty-two. Everyone, please take your positions!"

The scene began according to plan, but everyone could see that Ruriko was distracted. On the other side, Kyoko was observing the scene, planning what to do so she could note drag in by Tsugura-san acting and to have the happy ending that the president wanted.

"Hi, I'm Yashiro. Ren's manager, we haven't been introduced formally."

"it's nice to meet you; I'm Kyoko."

"Yes, you are pretty known around LME. Not many people can enter our company so quickly the way you did it. The president was impressed, and the head of the acting and talent department sang praises for you."

"CUT!, Ruriko you are missing some lines, don't stare at Ren until you forget yourself!" The singer was red as the crew laughed at her. "Let's move on to Kyoko next! come and get ready, please."