Kyoko was in shock of the revelations from the contents of Ren's letter. She wished she had known most of this before his proposal however as things happened differently. She had read the letter so much that night that she could recite the entire letter by heart. She could not sleep and when the morning came around Kyoko had to let her aunt know that she could not work well that day.
Julie had enquired as to why Kyoko could not work that day. Kyoko told her that she did not get a good night rest. So, Julie believed her niece and let Ren, Yukihito, and Maria know that Kyoko was not feeling well so they could not work on the music video. "Ren I believe the Rmandy designer still wants to meet with you here in London, so you may be able to meet with them today since we have to postpone the filming of the music video collaboration," said Julie.
So as Ren and the others went out to complete what they needed to do for the day. Julie decided to take Kyoko to Kensington Gardens so they could talk without the others overhearing anything if they came back from what they were doing that day.
"Why did you not have a good night's sleep," inquired Julie.
"When I returned to my room, I found a letter at my desk. The letter was from Ren and it revealed somethings that have me re-examining my perception of him. I actually still have the letter with me if you want to take a look," replied Kyoko.
Julie replied "it's okay I don't need to read the letter if it will bother you so much. So, I want to know if your perception of Ren has changed does that mean your feelings for him have changed as well."
"Aunty how can you even ask me that. You know I still care very deeply for Ren its just this letter has maybe reaffirmed my feelings for him despite my pride. And I would not mind you reading Ren's letter, I have it memorized anyways."
As Julie and Kyoko continued their visit of the Kensington gardens, Kyoko passed on Ren's letter to her aunt to look at. Julie told Kyoko she would look at it later. Then the two of them got talking about Kyoko's outfits for the collaboration. They finished their visit of the Kensington Gardens and headed home. When they arrived, the others had not yet returned so Kyoko decided to catch up on some sleep and Julie went to her room to read Ren's letter in peace and quiet.
Just before dinner was to be served Ren and the others had returned and Kyoko had finished her nap.
During dinner, the conversation was subdued, Kyoko was still trying to cope with the contents of Ren's letter and her feelings for him. Ren however was not paying much attention to what was going on at dinner for he was wondering if Kyoko had even read his letter that he made sure was placed in her room the night before. Maria knew something was up so once dinner was over, she asked to speak with the Kyoko and Julie alone while the men retired to the Kuu's study.
"All right what is going on with you and my brother?" asked Maria to Kyoko.
"What do you mean what's going on between us," replied Kyoko.
"I am not blind I know when something is bothering my brother it may have something to do with the letter, he made sure was put in your room the night we arrived," said Maria.
"You knew about that letter," asked Julie.
"Yes, I knew Ren wrote a letter to Kyoko but not the contents of the letter," replied Maria.
Kyoko said, "the letter mentioned Fuwa Sho's history with you and your brother and how Ren got involved in my sister Kanae's relationship with his manage, not mention that your brother still cares for me."
"I know he loves you; it would be a reason why he would be so distracted at dinner; he probably was wondering if you had even read the letter. Which would explain the sudden change of plans today."
"Maria why would you care so much about what goes on between me and your brother?" asked Kyoko.
Maria replied, "because I have never seen my brother act this way around any female and not to mention I really like you."
Kyoko was a bit take aback by Maria's comment but then she went over to where Maria was sitting in the living room and hugged her.
"I knew there was a reason I liked you, now I would like you keep a secret for me. I love your brother, but I am still not ready to admit it to him personally, I believe your uncle already knows. Which may be why Ren decided to give me the letter."
"Actually, Ren had started the letter when he proposed to you four months ago. He had to finished it on the plane to here."
"Maria, Kyoko I will leave you two alone as I need some rest, I will see the both of you tomorrow morning," said Julie.
As Julie left the living room Maria and Kyoko continued to talk, they did not notice that Ren had passed by on his way to bed after leaving the study as he did not feel up to talking with his manager and Kyoko's uncle. Maria had promised Kyoko that she would indeed keep Kyoko's secret until she was ready and then they decided to go to bed to be ready for the next day.
The next morning as everyone was having breakfast in the dining room Yuri said, "there will be someone else that will be joining Maria in singing one of the collaboration songs for this project."
Maria asked, "who is it that will be joining me?"
"It is a dear friend of my family Aries, but some people know him by a different name," said Kyoko.
"I wonder Kyoko how you knew who would be performing with my sister when your manager just mentioned it now," asked Ren.
Kyoko replied "I knew because he asked me about this collaboration, and he was asked to partake by not only by my aunt but the head of Rmandy as well. I told me when he accepted."
Yuri then said "Ren I believe you were told that this was to be a music video collaboration with Rmandy and the Immortal Butterfly collection by Julienna Hizuri, However, after much discussion between the parties involved you and Kyoko will be collaborating in three music videos instead of one. And as one of the music videos is a duet that is why Aries is joining us."
So, after breakfast was over Julie, Kyoko, Maria, Ren, Yashiro, and Yuri left the Hizuri home in Mayfair to head over to the studio where two of the music video collabs would be happening. As the party entered the studio, they could already see that Aries was already there.
"Aries it is so good to see you, "said Kyoko.
"I am so excited to get to work with you even if it is only singing a song. And it will be a pleasure to work with the Tsuruga siblings," replied Aries.
Ren then asked Aries "Are you not the lead singer of the band called Vie Ghoul who was competition for one Fuwa Sho."
Aries replied, "Yes I am Reino from Vie Ghoul though I do prefer to be called Aries for this collaboration."
"How, do you know Kyoko," asked Maria.
"I know Kyoko because she used to be best friends with my twin sister who passed away a few years ago," replied Aries.
"All right Kyoko you need to go get changed for the first music video, and Ren I suggest you do they same. While Maria and Aries please follow me," said Yuri.
As Ren and Kyoko heading toward their dressing rooms Julie as well as the others headed towards the stage where the acting for the music videos would take place. The director was already waiting for the group along with one of the extras that would be playing a small part in the music videos.
"Kouki what are doing here?" asked Maria.
"My dear sweet cousin I am here as an extra for one the music video collabs," replied Kouki Takarada, cousin to both Maria and Ren as well as another nephew to Lory Takarada.
Once Kyoko and Ren were finished changing into their outfits for the first music video collab they joined the others on the set. Ren was dressed in an elegant tuxedo mostly black except for his tie which was gold and white. Kyoko was dressed in the ballgown her aunt had designed, the bodice was a fitted corset of gold and white that flared in too a tulle skirt that was gold with white underlay.
Ren was a bit taken aback when he saw Kyoko in her gorgeous ball gown, then he noticed his cousin Kouki and quietly asked his manager why he was there. Yashiro quickly explained that his cousin was there as an extra for one of the music collabs.
Then director called everyone to attention, Director Ogata was explaining what he expected to the actors on set for the first music video. "This is going to be a masquerade ball in which our lead Kyoko would start off dancing with Kouki, but Ren would graciously cut in and continue the dance with Kyoko. Ren your character is to be a prince to the Kyoko's character a fairy princess. While Maria will be singing the song "Let me be your Wings" you Ren want to be Kyoko's fairy prince in everyway. So, let's get started."
The actors took their places and were given masks to keep with the masquerade theme. Kyoko was wearing a pure white mask with little specks of gold, while Ren's was pure gold mask and Kouki's was black with flecks of gold. Each mask would cover only half the actors face.
As Maria started to sing Let me be your wings, let me be your only love, let me take you far beyond the stars Kyoko had been dancing with Kouki, Let me be your wings, let me lift you high above, Everything we're dreaming of will soon be ours, Ren graciously cut in, and was now dancing with Kyoko, Anything that you desire, Anything at All, Everyday I'll take you higher, And I'll never let you fall, everyone watching was entranced as Ren and Kyoko danced. Let me be your wings, Leave behind the world you know, For another world of wondrous things, We'll see the universe and dance on Saturn's rings, Fly with me and I will be your wings, at this point a couple of the extras also dancing added Ren and Kyoko's wings to their outfits, Anything that you desire, Anything at all, Everyday I'll take you higher, And I'll never let you fall, Let me be your wings (You will be my only love) Get ready for a world of wondrous things (Wondrous things are sure to happen) We'll see the universe and dance on Saturn's rings, Heaven isn't too far, Heaven is where you are, Stay with me and let be your wings. As the song ended director Ogata called "Cut" it seemed as if a magic spell was broken everyone including the actors snapped out of their trances.
"Kyoko, Ren that was excellent, I will quickly review what has been filmed and see if we have to redo anything," said Ogata. While Ogata was reviewing the footage, Julie approached her niece and asked, "are you all right Kyoko?"
"I'm fine aunty it's just I didn't realize how wonderful a ballroom dancer Ren was," replied Kyoko who had a slight blush on her face.
Julie accepted Kyoko's explanation and was amazed at how she envisioned this first music video, it turned out even better than what she and director Ogata had originally envisioned.
Ogata came back to the group and said, "We do not have to refilm anything Ren, Kyoko amazing you captured what we wanted for this music video. Maria, I love your singing it was spot on. We will take a break for lunch before we film the second video."
Kyoko decided to head back towards her dressing room to change out of the ballgown before rejoining the others, Ren also decided to do the same as did most of the extras. When everyone that needed to change came back, Kyoko and Ren rejoined their managers, Maria, Aries, and Julie. Kouki had to leave as he had a prior engagement.
"Wow Kyoko you and Ren were amazing it really felt like you two were in your own little world," said Aries.
"I agree with Aries, when you my dear brother were dancing with Kyoko it felt like you two have been dancing together for a long time not just for this music video. Are sure you two haven't been dancing together before," asked Maria.
Kyoko responded, "no I have not really danced with your brother like I have for this collab."
"I didn't even know that you knew how to ballroom dance Kyoko?" asked Yashiro.
Kyoko told him that her and all her sisters were trained in ballroom dancing from a young age thanks to Aunt Julie who insisted it would help us in our careers in the showbiz industry.
As the group continue to enjoy their lunch break Ren could not help but continue watching Kyoko discretely of course without her knowing. Then it came time for Kyoko and Ren to change their outfits once again the second music video.
When Kyoko returned to set, she was wearing a lavender coloured sundress with white espadrilles on her feet. The sundress came to Kyoko's mid thigh which brilliantly showed off her stunning long legs. Ren was dressed in a lilac-coloured polo shirt and dark dress pants; he also sported a white sport jacket that completed his outfit perfectly.
Maria and Aries were already at their places to sing the duet song. Director Ogata explained to Kyoko and Ren that the basis for this second video would be that their characters where on a date they did not want to end.
Soon the director called quit on the set which was cue to singers to start.
Baby come close let me tell you this.
In a whisper my heart says you know this too
Baby we both share a secret wish.
And your feeling my love reaching out to you.
Timeless
Don't let it end no
Now that your right here in my arms where you should stay
Hold tight baby
Timeless
Don't let it fade out of sight
Just let the moment sweep us both away
Lifting us to where we both agree
This is timeless….love
I see it all baby in your eyes
When you look at me you know you feel it too (yes I do)
So, let's sail away and meet forever baby
Where the crystal ocean melts into the sky (ohh, ohh, ohh, yeah)
We shouldn't let the moment pass (moment pass)
Making me shiver let's make it last
Why should we lose it
Don't ever let me go (ohh, ohh, ohh, yeah, ohh)
Baby it's timeless
Oh baby it's timeless (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Timeless
Don't let it fade out of sight
Just let the moment sweep us both away (just let the moment)
Lifting us to where we both agree
This is timeless
This is timeless
Love
As the song came to an end the actors returned back to Kyoko and Ren and not their characters, they had created for this collab. Director Ogata reviewed what had been filmed and was proud of what he saw.
"Excellent work to our fabulous actors and of course our amazing singers. Kyoko and Ren that was phenomenal it really looked you two were enjoying a date at the beach that you did not want to end. Now there is one more collab video to do but we will be returning to Tokyo for that one though I believe the song is sung by an artist I haven't heard has performed in a long while."
"Director do you know the singer for the last collab," asked Ren.
Ogata told Ren that he did, but he would like to keep it a surprise for when they actually get to film the last collab video.
And with that Kyoko, Ren, their manager's, Julie, and Maria said goodbye to director Ogata and Aries (aka Reino) and returned to the Hizuri's home in Mayfair. When the party returned Kuu greeted them and asked how things went. Kyoko explained that everything went well.
"I still cannot believe that Reino from Vie Ghoul's actual name is Aries," said Maria.
"Yeah, he likes to keep a little-known secret because of what happened to his beloved twin sister," replied Kyoko.
"What exactly happened to his sister?" inquired Ren.
Julie replied, "she had a traumatic experience which made her take her own life, my darling niece was the one who found her. I believe Kyoko you still have nightmares about it."
Kyoko replied, "yes I still do, the incident with Aries twin sister Athena happened six years ago before both you and Ren came to Japan to live permanently."
"You mean Athena Duchenne one of the best models for not only many of Julie's collections as well as Rmandy, Secrets," said an awed Maria.
"Yes, that Athena, she was my best friend and I still miss after all these years. Only now that I have returned to modelling do I realize how much I miss her," said Kyoko.
Ren then asked if he could speak to Kyoko in private which she agreed to, she encouraged Ren to follow her to a small sitting room that led out to a garden.
"So, what do you want to ask me Ren. It seems pretty serious if you asked to speak privately with me," said Kyoko.
"I did not know that you used to model and only recently returned to modeling. I was wondering why you stopped modelling in the first place?" responded Ren.
"I quit shortly after Athena died, but I had acting and music to keep me going. I still enjoy modelling, so I am glad to be doing it again. And I read your letter, I am still trying to come to terms with its contents so please be patient with me. I will let you know soon. I promise," replied Kyoko.
Ren told her to take all the time she needed, and they returned to everyone else. Ren, Maria, and Yashiro would be staying one more night with the Hizuri's before returning to Japan the next day. However, Kyoko was staying a little longer as she had to do more work for the collaboration in London before she could return to home to Japan. Before everyone retired for the night Ren found Kyoko in the little garden that was off the sitting room. He found her sitting on a bench looking up at the night sky. When Ren joined her, she was a little startled.
"Sorry for scaring you."
"it's okay, I guess I was just lost in thought," said Kyoko.
They sat there for a bit before Kyoko turned to Ren and kissed him on the lips. "A good luck kiss for safe flight home, and maybe a hint of how I feel about you," said Kyoko. After that she got up and retired to her room, ten minutes later after the kiss Ren did the same with a bit of hope in his heart that maybe all was not lost between him and Kyoko.
Heathrow Airport
Ren, Yashiro, and Maria along with Director Ogata and Aries would be boarding their plane back to Japan, where seen off by Kuu Hizuri, unfortunately Kyoko and Julie could not see them off as they had prior engagements. The final boarding call came for flight to Tokyo so without further ado Ren and the rest of the group boarded and took their seats to return home to Tokyo.
Author Note
I do not own the songs which are Let me be your wings by Barry Manilow the main love song from Thumbelina, and Timeless by Justin Guarini and Kelly Clarkson.