Tsuruga is engaged. Can Kyoko congratulate him properly? What use were all those acting classes for if I can't say congratulations with a smile? And how will he respond to all her hypothetical questions?
I found this little gem sitting in my documents. It's one of my first FF that I wrote but never posted. I just cleaned it up a bit but it's mostly the same so the writing might not be as good. Enjoy!
"Engaged?!"
Kyoko dropped the pot she was holding. It hit the floor with a crash, shards of pottery flying everywhere.
"Mo! Watch what you're doing! Are you trying to create more work for me?"
Kanae bent down to start picking up the mess, chastising Kyoko for her slip up, but Kyoko wasn't listening. The two Love Me girls had been walking through a corridor at LME when she had overhead a conversation between two women.
"I know, it's horrible isn't it? Tsuruga Ren is engaged! I'm so upset."
"Who is this girl? I didn't even know he was dating anyone."
"What are you talking about? That's Ren and that Nao from the latest drama they've been shooting, 'Lessons of love.' It's common knowledge that they've been dating for months."
"I thought that was a rumor, but looking at this picture..."
"I've seen them together here sometimes. Sneaking moments together. Why just the other day..."
The two women walked further away, their conversation fading till Kyoko couldn't making out what they were saying. Kyoko felt like she'd been punched. Tsuruga Ren. Engaged? She was having trouble processing it.
She began drifting towards the women again without consciously deciding to. The women had stopped in front of the elevator waiting for it to open. The taller of the two was holding a magazine, pointing out its contents to her companion.
"Look, doesn't that look like a proposal to you? He's got a box out and everything."
"Wow. That's some rock he's got there. I bet he..."
The two women shuddered as a cold chill ran down their spines.
"Excuse me." said a smooth voice. "Do you mind if I look at that?"
The two women slowly turned, their faces turning white at the sight they beheld. A mass of darkness so thick it could be seen by the untrained eye hovered before them, little demons whispering curses into their ears. Both women sputtered.
"H-h-here." said the shorter one. Pages flapped as the women held out the shaking magazine.
The mass of darkness took it and opened it eagerly, ignoring the women as they fled.
Inside was a large picture with a bold italic title: "Japan's number #1 bachelor officially of the market." Tsuruga Ren was kneeling, proffering velvet box. A large glittering rock was visible from inside. A women stood on the receiving end. She had long black wavy hair and immaculate makeup. Kyoko recognized her as Ichinose Nao, a famous actress that also worked at LME. Her eyes were wide, hands placed on either side of her face in shock and delight, but that wasn't the worst part.
The worst part was the expression Tsuruga Ren was wearing. It was his immaculate smile, it's power so potent, that her demons began to whither at the sight of such a bright light. So too did Kyoko's mood.
How is this possible? She wondered. I had no idea he was close to her… and I just barely acknowledged my feelings for him.
It hurt. Here she was, only a few months after admitting her love for the man and he was already with someone else. Even though she had sworn off love…
She clutched the magazine, trying and failing to control her shaking hands.
"Mo! Kyoko,"
The orange haired girl jumped slightly as she was spun around, now facing her best friend.
"Don't think you can just run off" said Kanae. She held out a broom, motioning towards the shattered pottery. "You made this mess, you should be glad I'm offering to help you clean it up."
"Ah." said Kyoko, obviously distracted. "Sorry Moko-san. I'll get right to it."
Kanae couldn't help but notice she was acting weird. She had obviously hidden something behind her back, but as the girl wasn't giving her that weird fake face, she was sure her eccentric friend was just being strange like usual.
Suddenly, a familiar voice greeted them.
"Mogami-san, Kanae-san."
Kyoko felt the color drain from her face. Approaching her was the last person she wanted to see at the moment.
Tsuruga Ren and his manager Yashiro, were walking towards them.
"Tsuruga-san, Yashiro-san. Good morning." she managed to say.
Keep it cool, don't cry. Thought Kyoko.
The incriminating magazine was hidden inside her jumpsuit back pocket. It felt hot against her back. Was it just her, or was Ren looking more dashing then usual? Or was it the fact that he was now unattainable?
"It's good to see you." said Tsuruga Ren. "How are you?"
"Oh you know, same old Love Me stuff." said Kyoko, dismissively.
"The president isn't making you do anything too unreasonable these days?"
"Just wearing these pink overalls is unreasonable enough." huffed Kanae. "Seriously. These outfits are so offensive they should be illegal. The other day I'm sure a women fainted just by the sight of them."
Kanae continued to complain, thoroughly abusing the presidents sense of style. Kyoko wasn't paying any attention. Her mind kept wondering back to what she had just learned and concentrating on keeping it off of her face.
Don't let it slip. She told herself. That's it. Just be natural. Everything's cool. He's just your sempai, nothing more. You can act out of this until you get back to the locker room. This is the time to prove that you are a true actress!
The next thing Kanae said brought her out of her reverie.
"I heard about your announcement." said Kanae "Congratulations! I never would have guessed something like that happening." said Kanae.
Kyoko whipped her head towards her friend so fast the room spun.
Tsuruga smiled at Kanae, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Thanks, I am pretty happy with the result." he said. "Though it's been a long time coming, I just hope everyone can accept it without too much drama."
"Don't tell me you actually believe people would stay quiet about it?" said Kanae rolling her eyes. "As much as I hate to admit it, most people believe that you're a big deal. I'm sure you'll have so many interviews even Yashiro won't be able to manage your schedule properly."
Ren laughed, while Yashiro pouted.
Kyoko felt sick. She couldn't believe it. Kanae had known. She knew that Ren was engaged and hadn't said anything. Granted her best friend didn't know how she felt about Ren, but why was she the only one out of the loop? Why did she have to find out like this?
She noticed the three of them were staring at her.
Huh?
"Mogami-san, is something wrong?" said Ren, concerned.
"What do you mean?" Was there something on her face? She brought her hand up and felt something wet against her cheeks.
"What's this?" Kyoko half laughed. Her emotions were out of balance. "I'm not sure why I'm crying. Probably just my allergies. The dust in the air sometimes gets to me."
"Mogami-san-"
"No don't worry about it." She backed away. "It happens all the time. I just need to go wash my eyes out and I'll be fine. If you'll excuse me."
Before anyone could interject, she gave a quick bow and almost ran to the nearest bathroom. Thankfully no one was inside. She entered one of the cubicles, shut the door and locked it. She rested her head against the door, letting the coolness sooth her.
Stupid, Stupid, Stupid! She told herself. You were supposed to hold it in, but now you've made them worry. Ren's such a gentleman he would worry about any girl that cried in front of him. And Yashiro, Kanae. They're probably worried too... What if he realizes how I feel?
At this last thought, more tears filled her eyes, and she scrubbed them away, feeling quite miserable. Like it wasn't bad enough that he was getting married, but the thought of him knowing how she felt when it was too late?
A knock on the stall door brought her out of her thoughts.
"Kyoko?" Said Kanae's voice on the other side of the stall door. "Are you in there?"
"Yeah, I'm here." she said, again attempting to scrub the tears from her eyes. It was no use.
"Kyoko." The voice sounded worried. "Is there something I should know?"
"No, I'm fine."
A small pause.
"I didn't ask if you were fine, I asked if something was going on."
Kyoko gulped. "Yeah, nothing's going on so I'm fine. Nothing can be wrong if nothing's going on. So I'm fine."
Another pause.
"I give you three seconds." hissed Kanae. "If you're not out of there by three, I'm breaking this door."
Gehk… she's angry. Kyoko's demons had come out, drinking up the anger they could detect from the other side of the stall.
"I'm really fine." Kyoko squeaked. "I just needed to go to the bathroom.
"One…. Two"
"I'm going to the bathroom!" yelled Kyoko.
"Three."
Kyoko covered her head, ready for the explosion.
Nothing happened.
Kyoko peaked under her arms, confused. Why hadn't Kanae come in?
There was silence for a few seconds, then-
"Fine. I see how it is." said Kanae. "You don't actually think of me as your best friend."
Kyoko was horrified. "No! You're my best friend in the whole wide world!"
"Then why won't you come out? Why won't you talk to me? I guess I was the only one that thought of us as friends."
"NOOOOOOOOOO!"
Kyoko launched herself out of the stall, landing on top of Kanae.
"Dontsaythatilooooveyoukanamepleasedon'tsayyou'llthrowmeawayandhatemeforever."
Kanae cursed, struggling to get out from under the crying girl.
"Kyoko. Get off of me at once! This floor is disgusting and I can't understand anything you're saying."
Kyoko complied with her friend's request, sniffing as she stood. Kanae scowled, brushing the hair from her face. The door to the bathroom opened and a woman entered, giving Kyoko and Kanae a strange look before entering a stall.
"Let's go talk in the locker room." Sighed Kanae. "We'll have more privacy there."
Kanae dragged her to the Love me room, shutting the door and locking it behind her.
"Now." she said sitting down on a bench. "Why don't you sit down and tell me what's going on."
Kyoko bowed her head, then began telling Kanae about her feeling for Ren and discovering the story from the magazine. She sputtered a lot, and her face turned red every few seconds, but Kyoko had to admit that she felt better after getting it off her chest. Kanae listened to her story, making faces and nodded to encourage Kyoko to keep going, but by the end of the account, she was pinching the bridge of her nose with her hand.
"I don't believe it." Kanae muttered.
Kyoko looked down in shame. Of course her friend was mad at her for keeping quiet. They were best friends after all, and best friends didn't keep secrets like this.
A loud thump made her jump and she looked up to see Kanae with both firsts on the table.
"I don't believe that Tsuruga Ren is engaged." she growled. "The idiot. How could he mess up like this?"
"Ummm, Moko-san?"
The raven haired women pointed a finger at her. "You! You need to go have a talk with 'Mr-number-one-actor' and fix this misunderstanding. Then you need to fall into his arm and tell him you're madly in love with him."
Kyoko flushed.
"But, but I can't! What would he think?" howled Kyoko "And he's engaged. It wouldn't be appropriate."
"No buts! I don't want to hear any excuses coming from you. Now go kiss and make up."
Kyoko was horrified. She continued to refuse until Kanae got impatient and hurled her out the door before slamming it behind her.
"You're not allowed back until you talk to him." Kanae yelled.
"NOOO! Moko-san please stay with meeee!"
"I'm not talking to you again until you tell him how you feel!"
Kyoko continued to pound on the door, her cries meeting deaf ears. Perhaps she would have stayed there for the rest of the day if she wasn't again greeted by the sound of Ren's voice.
"I'm assuming you two are having a fight."
Kyoko stiffened, then turned to see Ren again standing in the hall. Yashiro wasn't anywhere near. She swallowed hard.
"Yeah, well. You know Moko-san. She likes to exaggerate problems."
"I'm sure." Said Ren, sounding amused. Then his expression changed to one of concern. "Mogami-san. Is everything alright?"
Kyoko didn't answer.
An awkward silence followed, and she shifted nervously, unsure what to say. She didn't want to lie. She wasn't fine, and probably wouldn't be until she got over him.
Finally, Tsuraga broke the silence.
"Mogami-san, do you mind if we move somewhere more private. I would like to talk to you."
Her heart skipped a beat, but she nodded, all outward appearance calm and controlled. She followed him through the halls until they came to an empty conference room. They both entered and she closed the door behind her. Why had he wanted to talk to her in private? Was her perhaps still worried about her outburst earlier?
She glanced at him. He stood, tall and handsome, the perfect picture of every women's dream. Well, one woman's dream, now that he was engaged. She should hurry and rid herself of her impure thoughts. It was unacceptable to yearn for an engaged man. She was busy scolding herself when his voice brought her out of her reverie.
"You dropped this." He said.
Kyoko's gaze rose, her heart sinking once she noticed what was in his hands. Ren held up the magazine, the engagement picture just visible between his fingers.
"I couldn't help but notice the cover story." He said, casually flipping it open and reading a column from inside. "Tsuruga Ren has found true love at last. This picture was taken as Tsuruga Ren, now 22, proposes to pop star Ichinose Nao yesterday." He raised his eyes from to page. "Is this what you thought Kanae-san was congratulating me on?"
Kyoko nodded, unable to speak.
He sighed, tossing the magazine on a table and leaning against it, arms crossed.
"This is a fake. I recognize the photo. It's going to be the promotional picture for the drama I was shooting with her. The background's been changed. Probably photo shopped by someone attempting to create hype."
"What?" said Kyoko, shocked. "Then... what was Kanae talking about?"
"I was just offered a major role in an American movie." Said Ren. "I came over to tell you the news, but assumed you knew since Kanae did. Sorry for not clearing up your misunderstanding."
"Please don't apologize to me Tsuruga-san." said protested. "It's my fault for willfully misunderstanding. Oh, and congratulations on your part." She bit her lip. "And just to be sure, You're not engaged right?" Kyoko had to make absolutely certain…
He shook his head.
"Thank goodness."
Kyoko almost sank to the floor, all her strength leaving her in a rush. She felt almost giddy with relief. Tsuruga Ren was not engaged!
Ren cocked his head at her, blinking at her reaction. "Is this why you were crying?" he asked. Why did he look so apprehensive?
She considered lying, but instead decided on the truth.
"Yeah." she mumbled. "I'm sorry. I should have been happy for you, but I was so surprised. I thought you would have at least told me if you were dating someone." Ok, so maybe not the whole truth.
He considered her for a moment, his face blank.
"Well, when I do start dating someone, You'll be the first to know." he said
Rather than soothing her, the statement made her gut clench. A part of her would rather not know. She didn't want to hate the poor women Tsuruga dated.
They lapsed into silence again, but she didn't notice. Her mind was running in circles.
What should she do? Did she want Tsuruga-san to be her boyfriend? Her immediate answer was yes. Yes she wanted Tsuruga to love her back. She wanted him all to herself. She blushed at the thought. How indecent of her! And here was poor Tsuruga, unaware that his trusted kohai was thinking impure thoughts about him.
She didn't like this side of her. The selfish controlling side that had awakened within her when she realized she loved him, but it hurt too much to ignore it anymore. She had accepted the fact. Now it was time to act before someone else did. She knew she had the capability to love again, and nothing was going to change unless she somehow got him to see her as a woman.
She took a deep breath, then peered up at him through her eyelashes.
"Tsuruga-san. Would you ever consider dating me?"
Tsuruga Ren blinked, saying nothing. Outwardly, he didn't look distressed, but she knew him well enough to know that he was shocked. He obviously had never considered her as a possibility, and the question had troubled him.
"I'm not asking you out or anything." she said quickly back peddling. "It's just a hypothetical question. I was just wondering, you know. If I have any appeal. I'm really plain and boring, and I've never been asked on a date before."
"You're not plain or boring." he said, his voice hoarse. "And yes. I would consider dating you."
"Really?"
"Really."
Heartened by this, she decided to see how far she could push before he backed away.
"What if I wanted to call you by your first name. Would you hate that?"
"No. I would call you Kyoko if you allowed me in return."
Another blush. He had just called her name! Another small victory for herself. She almost couldn't help the smile threatening to overtake her.
"What about, ki-kissing me." she asked, daring to push again. "You would have to do that when you're dating. Would you be disgusted by the thought?"
"I would enjoy kissing you Mogami-san." he said, his eyes were still locked on hers. Kyoko's face felt hot. No wonder he was Japan's number one more desired man. The intensity of his eyes made her squirm inside.
"What about... would you hate me if I said I loved you?" she said barely audible.
The second she said it, she wished to take it back. Tsuruga's face was a perfect picture of shock. She kept her eyes on his, determined to not look away. But a second later her whole face turned red, terror at what she had just said start to creep up within her.
What was she saying? It had sounded like she had just confessed to him! Well, in a way she had. It was just disguised as a question. How would he respond?
Tsuruga didn't look away. The surprise morphed into something darker, a smoldering something Kyoko realized with a start was the emperor of the night. He pushed off from the table, walking towards her. In a few long stride, he was almost on top of her, his intense gaze rooting her to the spot. Her mouth went dry as he leaned down.
"No. I wouldn't hate you." he said, his low voice sending shivers up Kyoko's back. "I would love you back."
He was way too close. His face was inches away from hers. Kyoko's heart couldn't take it.
"B-But this is all hypothetical" she cried, leaping back, her heart thumping wildly. "It- it doesn't mean anything it's just… I was wondering, you know. If I had any appeal."
Tsuruga drew himself up, some of the intensity leaving. He was still looking at her, his eyes attempting to pierce her soul. She gulped, her hand blindly searching for the door handle.
"I think I'd better go help Moko-san clean up after all." Said Kyoko. "I don't want her to hate me..."
Her hand found the door. Kyoko turned to leave, the door barely opened when a hand pressed on it, closing it with a snap.
Kyoko froze. He was standing behind her, she could feel him. Her back was almost pressed flush against his chest, his breath tickling her hair.
"Mogami-san." Said Ren. "May I now ask you some hypothetical questions?"
"S-sure." She didn't dare turn to face him. He was so close!
"Would you ever like to date someone like me?"
"Of course! Who wouldn't want to date someone like the great Tsuruga Ren?"
A pause.
"What about someone with a dark past. A painful history they pretend had never happened?"
This was not a question she had been expecting. Was he talking about himself? She turned to look at him and was shocked to see the expression on his face. He looked like he was in pain. As if he hated himself. It looked almost just like the one she had witnessed as Bo when he was talking about not being able to love anyone.
She remembered the dark creature lurking inside of Ren as he played Cain Heel. She wondered for the hundredth time who that person was. Whoever it was, it didn't matter.
"I don't have exactly have a cheery past either Tsuruga-san." She said "I think... no, I know I could. Besides..." she placed her fist on her chest in a salute. "If you remember, I have already once released a fairy from their curse. Corn is free to fly on his own now. I'm sure I could help with whatever darkness was plaguing the person if they were willing to try, even if I couldn't relate to it."
She was very proud of the fact she had saved Corn. Just thinking that she had been able to save him from his fate made her swell with pride.
A chuckle brought her out of her memories. Ren was laughing. Doubled over and laughing at her! She had been completely serious. Mio's spirit started to stir,
"Tsuruga-san." she said dangerously. "Are you making fun of me?"
"No no, Mogami-san. That's not it. I just forgot about that incident that's all."
He continued to chortle and she let the dark aura dissipate. At least he was smiling again.
"I have another question for you Mogami-san." said Ren, finally getting a hold of himself.
She indicated for him to continue.
"Could you ever forgive someone who kept secrets"
"I..." Was Tsuruga Ren keeping secrets from her? No. This was hypothetical. It didn't mean he was keeping secrets. But just in case...
"It would depend." she said. "On the secret and why it was kept." After all, she was the chicken Bo and had never told him about it.
He nodded, as if expecting that answer.
"One last question then." And now he was looking at her, eyes searching within her own. All the tension now returned at the serious tone he used. She felt the butterflies fluttering again.
"If-" He started, then took a breath. "If I told you I loved you, would you run?"
"Would I...?" an odd question to ask. If he said he loved her why would she...
Then it hit her.
He was smiling at her with the smile. That smile. The one that killed the demons within her. The one that caused women to swoon in one fell swoop. The brilliant white blinding smile that showed when he played Katsuki in dark moon facing the girl he loved. The smile he wore proposing as his character to Nao in the magazine.
She knew there was nothing hypothetical about his questions. Just as there hadn't been anything hypothetical about hers
So she did the only thing she could think of.
She ran.
...and only got halfway to the stairs before he caught her, forcing her to spin around to face him. She stumbled, the force of the spin causing her to fall against his chest. She heard him chuckle, felt it in his chest.
"I guess that answers that question." He said.
Kyoko's face was on fire. She attempted to get out of his grip, but one of his arms was wound around her waist. Instead, she pressed herself back, keeping her head down. Her brain was racing at a million miles per hour. Ren was holding her. Holding her in his arms?! And if she was guessing right, her love wasn't unrequited.
The thought just caused her heart to speed up further, making her feel very embarrassed.
"Mogami-san?"
Hearing him say her name definitely didn't help. She pressed her face into his chest.
"Please look at me."
Slowly, reluctantly, Kyoko withdrew from his chest, tilting her head to look up at him. She was greeted with the beautiful smile, but it wasn't the same one as usual. There was an extra tenderness in his expression. A warmth that made her chest feel all kinds of fuzzy.
"Mogami-san- No. Kyoko." Said Ren "Would you trust me to make you happy and stay by my side?"
"Is this…" Kyoko swallowed. "Is this another hypothetical question?
He blinked, then grinned.
"No."
"Then yes!" She threw her arms around his middle, burring her face into his chest, repeating again and again: Yes, yes yes.
Tsuruga laughed, gathered her up in his arms and spun her about. A rush of happiness and energy was flowing through her. She felt like a gush of air has blown the roof off.
He loves me! He actually loves me! Gosh this is so crazy I think I might panic.
Ren finished the spin and set her down, hugging her again. She buried her head into the crook of his neck. She heard him give a content sigh.
"You've made me so happy Kyoko." he murmured. "Thank you."
She couldn't speak. In that moment, everything was perfect. The man she loved, loved her back. A few tears leaked from her eyes because in this moment, everything was perfect. Nothing could break this happiness.
… At least until she heard a squeal.
Her head jerked back, suddenly becoming very aware of her surroundings.
The two of them were in the middle of a lobby. Several passersby had stopped, mouths open in shock. Several were blushing, while others had their phone out, taking pictures or video. Kanae and Yashiro were there too. The first punched the former in the side, telling him to calm down, but Yashiro didn't seem to notice. He was too busy squealing, little hearts and flowers visible behind him.
Kyoko's face turned bright red.
"Moko-san... how long have you been there?"
Kanae smiled, looking quite pleased with herself. "Since you came running out."
"So then that means..." They saw the whole thing.
She shared a scared glance with Ren who was was chuckling. Laughing in this situation! Completely not helpful.
"Well, that's one way to get rid of the wedding rumors" he leaned in closer to Kyoko, tilting his head so that his lips teased her own, mere inches apart. She could feel his breath as he whispered "I do wonder what the press will say about this one."
He was definitely not helpful. Kyoko gave a loud squeal, jumping out of his arms and hurrying to hide behind Kanae. His eyes watched her retreat the whole way, never leaving her person.
Pure thoughts. Thought Kyoko, pressing her hands against her forehead. I must have pure thoughts. I am still a pure maiden. But gosh… I think I just became Tsuruga Ren's girlfriend. The heck!
"Good job." Said Kanae, bringing Kyoko out of her panic. "It looks like you've finally out grown the uniform."
Kyoko looked at her friend, who was eyeing her.
"Are you upset with me?" said Kyoko. She was sure to be taken out of the love me section now that she had renewed that emotion. But would Kanae hate her for leaving before her? "I promise to come visit you all the time."
Kanae smirked, patting the girl on the head.
"Don't worry. I won't be too far behind."
"What was that?"
"It's nothing."
Kyoko was still perplexed, but decided to let it go. Her attention returned to Ren who was talking to Yashiro, still smiling his bright smile. His eyes met hers, and she felt the familiar butterflies flying through her stomach.
A large smile spread across Kyoko's face. She was sure she would never stop smiling. She had a new wonderful boyfriend she was completely and madly in love with who, by some miracle, was in love with her.
Who knew that rumors and hypothetical questions could be so helpful?
Thanks for reading!
A few of you have wondered if there will be a second part to the previous story. Probably not. I just write scenes that come to me rather than try to make a long story out of something. That being said, it is possible that I could think of a second part in the future and post it.
-Blushweaver