So I finally got another day off, about time I'd say. (it's really only been a week, but I think I can complain a little.) So I was informed that I messed up her third job, but when it was explained where it was it was apparently subtle. For this story the standard convenience store cashiering job works better for introducing her to Ren, since we know that is around half of what he eats in pre-Kyoko times.

One more note at least in her thoughts I'm going to continue to have her think of Ren without any suffixes the reason for this being she considers him Sho's rival instead of her somewhat intimidating senpai. So she would at least not think the suffix as a slight personal jab at him, even if he can't hear it.

Nope, still don't own Skip Beat!

At least I was right for once. No Sho in almost a week. Not even a phone call, nothing. I've been going to work an coming home, same as always, to a big empty apartment. I wish he would just visit, I miss him. All those other people get to see him all the time but I don't get to see my Sho-chan.

No, I must not be selfish, Sho is working hard to achieve his goals, I can't sit around moping; I have to help him.

Only my shift at the Darumaya left today. I must look rather messy coming in today if I go by the way Okami-san is looking at me. I smile reassuringly at her. After all I'll be fine once the shift starts. The doors open for dinner and our first patrons come in. I greet them cheerfully and take them to their table to take their order. Okami-san and I can seem to handle any kind challenge these customers present. It is a relatively quiet night tonight though.

###

"Ren, you can't live solely on onigiri and the bentos I know you barely eat." I can only sigh, only one thing to do now if I want some peace and quiet for the rest of this car ride, he won't stop unless he gets his way. I see a small restaurant that isn't overly busy and figure it should be out of the way enough that I can at least eat without being recognized immediately. I hope.

I pull into the small lot to park my car. "Alright Yashiro, you win we'll eat here." He looks almost flabbergasted by this, though I don't let him have his way very often, so I guess that look makes sense.

We walk in a two voices greet us, one older one younger. The younger one turns to show us to a table and freezes. I would say she was a fan but she looks terrified, and familiar.

###

Tsuruga Ren, again! Seriously! Why is he here, oh, Sho will be so angry. Wait, I'm at work I can't just stand here staring at him this way. Right, I have a job to do.

I school my face "Hello, right this way sir, I'll show you to your table." He smiles and follows me, I lead him to the table in the back corner because I'm pretty sure that this guy would have fans even more vicious than those of Sho's.

"I'm Kyoko, what may I get for you today?" They place their orders and I leave to give them to the boss. I bring the two of them their cups of tea and walk away to assist other customers. As I chat with a kind, older gentleman about his grandchildren, I can practically feel eyes burning into me though I work hard to ignore the sensation. I excuse myself to go retrieve some food when I hear Taisho ring the bell to let me know some ones food is ready. I use my turn towards the kitchen to try to figure out who is looking so intently at me, but to no avail. Maybe I'm imagining things.

It is Tsuruga Ren's tables food that is ready so I grab the tray and walk back to the corner. It almost feels like a blade is hovering over me. Sho is going to be pissed. I must have pulled some sort of face, because he is looking at me with this strange look of curiosity. His friend makes some comment I can't hear and Tsuruga's face lights up. Not in the good way either. That smiles almost seems to set of a sensor inside of me, it is too determinedly shiny; it has to be fake. Is he angry perhaps?

I set down the food in front of each of them and request they enjoy their meal. He directs that smile at me momentarily, in what has to be the most uncomfortable way "Thank you for the food." I take that as a sign to retreat.

They leave thirty minutes later and the restaurant closes one hour after that. I leave the restaurant left-overs in hand and head to the apartment. I look up and the light it on. Sho is home at last.

As always let me know what you think. I love reviews, so far everyone has been informative and supportive. Let me know what you think, please.