Well hello my dear readers. I am back once again, I know I never update. I only update when I feel like it which is very unpredictable. Thanks for those who have been reviewing, I really appreciate it. Here is the next installment in the Silent Years. Let's figure out what the hell is going to happen to this couple. Please read and review! Your reviews really help me feel inspired and help me write! Here is chapter 3 now, action!

Disclaimer: I don't own Skip Beat.

The air was stale and a calm buzz reverberated through the cabin. Tired eyed flight attendants bustled up and down the aisles while passengers slept. Mumbles and whispers could be heard along with the occasional flush of the laboratory. Tsuruga Ren sat with his seat inclined at a 45 degree angle. His eyes were closed imitating someone peacefully slumbering. He has a slight scowl on his face. The lines on his face seemed deeper and harder since his last trip over the Pacific 2 years ago. He listens to the small sounds on the airplane. He hears a child whine and a woman trying to hush the infant. He hears the aggravated mumblings of flight attendants. He hears a cough from a passenger on his right.

He tries to keep his mind in the present so it doesn't wander.' Inhale, exhale 'he thought repeatedly. Focusing on his breathing didn't help, he still felt conflicted. Would he dare to admit that he was actually happy and excited to be coming back to Japan? Was he even allowed to feel that way? On the other hand, coming to Japan also made him feel more guilt, remorse, disgust and augmented loneliness. Those emotions quickly took over any feelings of happiness. "You are here to fulfill your agreement. Act and go home'. He chanted in his mind. He inhaled the cold air of the plane. He tried to make his exhalation steady but it came out rigid and shaky. Maybe this is good, I deserve this as punishment. He thought of the possibility of running into the woman who still held his heart captive. Seeing her would only dig the wound deeper and he knew that was his burden to bear. He reflected on the past two years of hell in America. It was hard trying to set foot as a half Japanese man into Hollywood. What made it even harder was his mind. He couldn't stop seeing her broken body on the asphalt. He tried to work more so his mind could be numb but there was no escape from the guilt that shackled him. Sometimes during free time he felt tempted to call her. He still had her number memorized and just wanted to hear her voice. He stopped himself every time. Frequently he wondered if she would ever contact him. She never did and he knew had amnesia after getting out of her coma. He told himself At least she doesn't have to feel the pain. It's a good thing she's forgotten me. That means she never has to be involved with me again. He ruminated on this. He remembered when he listened to the voicemail of Lory Takarada after a week being in the US. He felt so hurt that the memories only lived on in his mind. He called Lory Takarada telling him to not tell Kyoko about him and wipe his existence from her life. After arguing Lory surrendered and followed Ren's wishes. What would have happened if she remembered everything... He was quickly taken out of thought as he heard the intercom turn on.

" We are about to land at Haneda International Airport, please be seated, buckle your seat belts and put your seat in the upright position. The weather is..."

Ren's heart froze at the sound, he was here. This was reality. He told himself that he needed to avoid her at all cost. What if I do happen to meet her? I have to have a plan. He furrowed his brow in thought as the plane gradually descended to Haneda International Airport. He knew what he had to do. It would be hard but he was an actor.

The 22 year old stared intently at the ground as she did a plank. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead. Her brunette baby hairs clung to her face from the sweat.

"60, 61, 62..." She winced at every count. Her whole abdomen burned. She wanted to stop but she knew that she had to keep going.

"This is for beach photo shoot" She said through her clenched teeth, "69, 70, 71..."

Buzzzz. Buzzz. Buzzz

Kyoko's concentration was broken and she quickly glanced at her phone. She looked at the screen as it lit up and vibrated. It read Yukihito Yashiro. Luckily she was prepared and had her Bluetooth head set on. She pushed the button and picked up his call.

"Good morning Yashiro-san" Kyoko managed to say without sounding like she was suffering. 80,81,82... She thought as the burn in her abdomen increased.

"Kyoko-chan I had to change your schedule around this afternoon. The president wants to see you. He has a special work offer. I'm not sure what the details are but it seems important."

"niinnenwhejwke -"

" What? Kyoko-chan, are you ok?"

"NINTEY- NINE, 100!" Kyoko screamed into her head set. She let herself crumple onto the floor, Kyoko soon remembered that she was on the phone

" Kyoko-chan! Do I need to call the ambulance?! Are you ok? Answer me!"

"I'm so sorry Yashiro-san, I was just working out. I was planking and I made it to my goal. I'm sorry for worrying you..." Kyoko felt a little bit embarrassed. She took a deep breath put her full attention on her manager.

Yashiro chuckled. She's still the same even after suffering from amnesia.

"Here is your schedule for the day. At 11, you have an interview with Rising magazine. At 12, you have another interview this time with NHK TV promoting your current drama. You have a break at 1:15 and this is where I changed your schedule at 2pm you have an important meeting with the president. It involves a work offer. I don't understand why he wants to meet with you personally but you never say no to the CEO of LME. Also, I won't be able to pick you up today. The president wants me run an errand for him. I'm not sure why me of all people, I'm a manager. Anyways, is it ok if you drive yourself today and I'll meet up with you at LME? I think you can handle this, right? After LME you'll be on set from 4pm till 10pm"

"Of course I can, two interviews will be easy. I'll see you at LME." Kyoko smiled and hung up. She then continued her exercises and then she would get ready for the day. Kyoko burned with curiosity about her future meeting with the president.

Yashiro sat in his car at the airport. Who in the world am I picking up? He thought. He turned his mind back to the brief and bizarre conversation he had with Lory Takarada.

" Yashiro I have something urgent that you must do for me."

" Yes President but what exactly is it?" Yashiro was still confused as to why it had to be him of all people.

" It is top secret, I don't want any news or publicity. Do you understand? You have to be careful or else this 'cargo' could be damaged. I know you're curious. You will have to wait for those answers. Everything will make sense when you pick up said 'cargo'. In fact, you'll know e-x-a-c-t-l-y what to do. That is all I can say to you. I'm going to hang-"

"Wait! What exactly am I suppose to do?" Yashiro interjected

"Oh, yes, listen carefully. I have precious 'cargo' coming off a plane in terminal 1 of Haneda International airport. You need to be at passenger pick up at 11:30 am. Not a second earlier and not a second later. Do you understand?

"Yes, but sir can't you give me more of a description? How am I supp-"

" Yukihito, you will know what do. I repeat, you will know what to do! I am going to have to end our call. Who knows who's listening to our phone call? Lory Takarada, out." The president quickly hung up, leaving Yashiro with more questions than he started with.

Yashiro sighed. Well I guess there is only one way to find out what my exact purpose is. He reflected as he looked at his watch that read 11:15 am. Yashiro got out of his car and started to walk towards terminal one.

He walked into the bustling airport. People walked hurriedly to the front desks of the airlines to check in luggage and print tickets. He looked around he saw foreigners laughing and some looking confused as they tried to find transportation into Tokyo. He continued to look around trying to find passenger pick up. He eventually saw signs that read passenger pick up/ baggage claim. He followed the signs till he made it to a large group of people. He looked at the group of people holding signs. Maybe I could stand here and see if I can find this 'cargo' he's talking about. Knowing the president it would be obvious. Yashiro looked at his watch 11:29 am. He looked across the crowd and he noticed English speakers. He looked at them and was sure they were Americans. The US flight must have gotten out. He thought and looked at his watch which now read 11:30 am. He looked up and scanned the area till there was a tall figure emerged from the crowd. He had glasses and a baseball hat on and it caught Yashiro's attention. That person seems so familiar. He looked at the tall figure approaching him. The person walked like a model and there was something about his face that said famous. His hair was a dark brown. Who was it? The person stopped right in front of Yashiro. There is someone with this height and with that hair... Wait a second!

" Re-" Yashiro covered his mouth knowing that this was supposed to be a secret. He continued to muffle his astonishment with his hands. Yashiro struggled to keep his hand over his mouth. He knew he would say something he'd regret. He took a few deep breaths and looked at his old charge.

"Hello Yashiro-san, it has been awhile." Ren said with a small smirk. Yashiro looked at his face carefully. The lines on his face were deeper and there was something dark about his overall aura but it was definitely Tsuruga Ren in the flesh. Japan's heart throb, he became more sensational when he left. There were so many theories as to why he left to America. Japan was going to have a hay day now that he was back.

" What- How- When did this- I can't believe it. Wait." Yashiro stopped himself. He knew exactly what to do in this situation, the president was right.

"Let's get out of here, follow me" Yashiro pushed his glasses up and started to walk briskly through the crowd. He knew that Ren needed to stay unnoticed. He knew the longer they were in public, the more likely he'd risk a media frenzy. Thank goodness Ren has a disguise; it isn't the best but better than nothing Yashiro thought.

"Let's get you to LME." Yashiro said behind him. Ren gave a slight nod. They quickly made their way through the energetic airport.

Kyoko looked at the large oak doors of the president's office. She took a deep breath to calm her heart. She felt a nervous excitement. She was taken back as the doors suddenly opened. Sebastian appeared in a butler uniform. He wore a black suit that had tail coats and he wore a proper black bow tie. He motioned her to follow him and he led her through Takarada office. Kyoko looked around and noticed that the president remodeled his office again. It felt like she jumped into a time machine to Victorian era England. It almost made Kyoko shake with excitement but she quickly put control over her imagination. She looked at the president in awe who was dressed as a prince. He wore a crown and his suit had medals. He even sat in a throne like chair. The president pointed to the large leather chair across from him that had beautifully designed apple wood legs and arms.

"Hello President." Kyoko said bowing then sitting in the chair.

"Mogami-san! it is so pleasant to see you. You look well. How have you been?" Takarada said cheerfully as he beheld the 22 year old. She had medium length hair and had a small smile on her face. She looked different from her 16 year old self that was filled with angst. She now had a sense of elegance and maturity about her. She became a wonderful woman.

"Thank you, I am doing well. I am busier than ever but I love it." She smiled putting her hands in her lap. She was working a lot, she wondered how she survives at times. There was a point where she wouldn't have fathomed this amount of success. She thought because of the accident she wouldn't have been able to act again. The accident and amnesia made it astoundingly difficult for her. Thankfully, she was able to effectively relearn many things. It took time and some physical therapy but she was able to do it. In the end, the accident was a blessing; it gave her enough publicity which shot her into true stardom. After the accident, she was asked to do even more interviews and received more work. She was even able to break out of her villain roles and become Japan's golden eyed sweetheart. She looked at Lory's face coming back from her thoughts.

"That's always great to hear, I'm so pleased to hear you're doing so well. Let's get down to business. You are here because there is a role I want to offer you. This role is probably going to be one of the most important roles of your career. I can't go into details because the project is currently a secret. I can tell you this though, the project is a movie and it is going to be directed by Takumi Miyamoto. He is a famous director who has won countless international awards for his work. He has specifically asked for you to play one of the leads in his new movie."

Kyoko felt thrilled, she had been waiting for something this professional for the past two years. She had been craving something harder and more challenging. Working with a renowned director was just what she needed in her career.

"I- I am honored by this." Kyoko humbly bowed

"Yes it is quiet the honor. The movie will be a romantic melodrama, so it will be out of your comfort zone. That is all I can tell you about film, Director Miyamoto instructed me to only say that much. You will receive more information and the script, later, if you choose to accept. So what will it be?" Kyoko knew she wasn't the best at romantic roles. She had played them before but nothing of this caliber. She knew it was time to learn how to act this depth of emotion and do it well. She felt a little anxious because she had never experienced love. She sighed. She did at times feel she had experienced love but it felt like a distant dream. It felt like a memory that had been erased and there were some unrecognizable remnants. She had often wondered if anyone left out any important information from her past. Someday I'll figure it out. Maybe this role might help me uncover some memories. Kyoko looked at her hands then back to Lory Takarada.

"I accept wholeheartedly. Thank you, president. I don't know if I am qualified for this but I will do my best." Kyoko stated firmly.

"This is great! There are a few things you should know that come along with accepting this role. There is going to be someone in the cast who you need to know about. His name is Tsuruga Ren. You have probably heard of him?"

"Wait the Tsuruga Ren who mysteriously disappeared and started a career in Hollywood?" Kyoko looked at the president in astonishment. How did they get him to come back to Japan? She pondered.

"Yes, the one. We are trying to keep his presence here in Japan a secret. I am giving you a special task. Can you befriend Tsuruga-san, Mogami-san?" Kyoko looked at him strangely. Why would he even ask that? Lory continued "He is typically a gentleman and respects those who work hard. So I don't think you'll have too much of a problem. He may seem cold but I want to you to tear down his walls. Do you think you could do that for me? "Lory looked at Kyoko expectantly. Kyoko looked at him confused.

"I'm not sure why you're asking, I will act kind and professional with him. I do that with all my-"

" No that isn't exactly what I mean. Of course I want you to be professional and friendly but there is a difference between being friendly and being a friend. I want you to be the later. It might take some effort but I know you can do. You are one of the kinder souls I know." The president seemed to have high hope for Kyoko. It made her a little uncomfortable but it wouldn't hurt to become friends with a seasoned actor. She could maybe learn a thing or two from him.

"I think I can do it for you, even though I'm not sure exactly how I'll do that..." Kyoko said reluctantly

"Well my dear I have unshakeable faith in you. What if I told you that- Well speak of the devil! "Lory's eyes shifted to the oak doors. A tall man the age of 26 stood frozen in front at the door. Yashiro sheepishly stood behind him. Lory looked at Kyoko

"Mogami-san please greet, Tsuruga Ren, your co-star." Kyoko stood up and turned around. She looked with bewilderment at the man called Tsuruga Ren. For some reason she felt a little uneasy.

"Hello nice to meet you my name is Mogami Kyoko. It is an honor to meet you." Kyoko quickly bowed hoping to make a good impression. There was an awkward silence but it was soon broken.

"Lory , what the hell is this!" Kyoko froze and looked up. She looked at the man's face, he seemed exhausted and livid. He stared at Lory intensely and then looked at Kyoko. She almost felt scared but at the same time felt irritated by his behavior towards the president. She had to work with this man and become his friend? Kyoko felt a fire light within her. Bring it on. Bring. it. on.

Well thank you for reading this chapter! I am very excited for this story and where it can go. If you have any suggestions of the plot or any random ideas please let me know in a review! I'm going to try to update by next week. I won't make a promise though.* insert a nervous laugh* Till next time my readers.