Chapter 5 – First Date
Kyoko stood inside of LME's lounge in a bright yellow sundress. It was plain except for the white lace trim over her chest and shoulder straps that was
matching the trim at the bottom of her skirt. It was form fitting down to her waist then the skirt fell stopping slightly above her knee, white sandals with a low heel finished the "showy" outfit. It was a warm spring night, and if she read the responses from everyone around her right, she was definitely wearing something showy.
She glanced at the clock over the receptions' desk and noticed it was five till eight. She went over everything in her head. She would ask about his career, family, and goals, normal get to know you things. She would also ask about his other experiences in this type of dating. They had to act like a couple in front of the camera but their conversations were their own. He was two years older and has been in the entertainment business longer. Perhaps she found another role-model, not that anyone can replace Tsuruga-san.
"Mogami-san?"
Kyoko looked up with a surprise. Speak of the devil. She smiled sweetly as Ren approached her.
"Good Evening, Tsuruga-san. How are you?" She watched him walk up to her alone. "Where is Yashiro-san?"
"He's with me," he replied nonchalantly, "but he had to straighten out some things before we left for the night." He couldn't help his eyes admiring her looking utterly enchanting and gently whispered, "You look beautiful, Mogami-san."
Kyoko felt herself blush as she felt his eyes looking her over with a true smile shinning as bright as her dress.
"Thank you, Tsuruga-san," she mumbled, worried her voice would betray her like her heated redden cheeks did.
"Why are you here? Do you need a ride home?" Ren asked, always finding any opportunity to spend time with her, even if in her mind he was only being kind.
Kyoko couldn't look him in the eyes when she spoke, "No, thank you. I'm waiting for someone." As soon as she finished talking, she could feel her demons appear as the Demon King came about.
"Kuroski-san?" His voice sounded dark, and Kyoko looked up at him astonished.
"How did you know?" She asked in an astonished hushed voice. Ren seemed to ignore her question as he motioned with his head towards the front door. Through the large glass entrance was a red Jaguar XJ220 sitting outside the building with a handsome man exiting it.
"Please be careful with him, Mogami-san," Ren said with a serious voice. Kyoko didn't know what to say but nodded and bid him farewell. She walked out to meet her "date" but looked back once more. Ren was staring at her. To everyone else, he looked like he didn't have a care in the world, but she saw things differently. Standing there was a man who was so angry and for some reason so very hurt, and she didn't understand why. She wanted to go back and find out but someone was coming closer to her, and it pulled her attention away from Ren.
"Kyoko-chan, I'm Kuroski Isao," Isao introduced himself with a smile, a smile that most would call sexy; however, she didn't really notice. She kept thinking about the man behind her as Isao put his arm around her shoulders and walked her to his car. Had she been thinking straight, she wouldn't let this strange man put his arm around her shoulders but the dark pressure from behind her was so overwhelming that she didn't object as her demon spirits were rejoicing and bathing in the gloomy aura coming from Tsuruga Ren.
As soon as the LME building was out of view, she remembered what was happening. Isao hadn't said anything since he started driving, but the music was so loud in the car that Kyoko didn't think she would be able to hear it if he did speak.
She looked at him for the first time. He was tall, though not as tall as Ren, with medium brown hair. It was longer than Ren's as well, curling a little as it hit his shoulder. He looked to be about 175cm and about 60kg. He wasn't as muscular either, trying accomplishing the current goal most men have these days which was to be slim and cute. Since Ren is only part Japanese, his other flavors give him a much bigger build than most men around here. Kyoko blushed as soon as she released what she was doing.
Stop comparing him to Tsuruga-san! She told herself. She looked away as Isao turned and met her eyes. She couldn't stop the blush at being caught and wondered if she offended him by staring. Her eyes stole a quick glance back at the man and notice he was smirking. She let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. He's not angry. It would be terrible to start out their arrangement with a negative first impression.
Kyoko turned to watch the streets pass by for what seemed like forever until Isao slowed down around Shiba Park. Looking around she noticed a beautiful traditional building and recognized it as Tokyou Shiba Toufuya Ukai, a restaurant that specialized in their homemade tofu and Edo style décor. She had never been here before but heard nothing but grand things about it.
Once parked, he walked over and opened her door. She wished she wore a kimono instead of this silly garment. This was such an elaborate restaurant and she felt sorely underdressed. She was in awe walking up the cobblestone path towards the entrance when his arm wrapped around her shoulders again. Kyoko was tempted to throw his arm off the moment he did it but refrained. They were in public, so they had to act friendly, right? She took a deep breath dealing with this stranger touching her so intimately. As soon as they turned the corner, she saw an onslaught of people waiting in line. It was very crowded on a Friday night.
"Did you make reservations?" Kyoko whispered worriedly. She watched the crowd and found some of them were whispering and pointing at the man beside her. She even saw some flashes coming from random directions. She sighed. It was already happening. She would be ashamed to admit that she didn't know who this man was, who was dating her, but the publicity was already going into effect. People knew him and that meant they were going to know her very soon. They are probably wondering why he was with a plain Jane girl like me, she thought with malice. Of course, Kyoko didn't notice the men gazing her as she walked by them to the front door.
"Na. We'll get in just fine," Isao told her confidently as he opened the door for her. Kyoko tried to ignore the sudden surge of hateful glares from the waiting crowd and quickly stepped into the building to escape those evil thoughts. A woman in a traditional kimono was standing behind a large redwood counter. She smiled vibrantly at them and walked over to them.
"Kuroski-sama," she greeted Isao without even blinking. "It is good to have you again. Same room as usual?" She bowed to both of them as he nodded at her with his devilish smile. They were escorted to a small secluded room overlooking a beautiful Japanese garden illuminated by lanterns. It was gorgeous! It reminded her of the garden at the Fuwa Ryokan, though much smaller. Everything was starting to bloom with the birth of spring. Even though it was dark, the light from the lanterns helped her see all the beautiful flowers. She wanted to step out and frolic with the fairies that were sure to be there, but instead sat down at the table, seiza style as she was accustomed to which caused Isao to look at her funny.
"No need to be so formal, Kyoko-chan. We are away from the public eye so you can relax," he said with a smooth smile. She was about to say that she was fine, but people often told her that it wasn't normal to be so "formal". She adjusted herself, placing both legs to one side and then glanced at him. His face didn't change, and he didn't feel the need to comment any further, so she deemed this appropriate. She picked up the menu in front of her and panicked slightly. Just looking at the place screamed money. The cost of the meal shouldn't be so surprising. A different woman in a beautiful silk kimono came in as Kyoko looked over the menu.
"Welcome. May I take your drink orders?" she greeted them politely with a gentle sweet voice.
"Dewazuru-Houkou," Isao replied instantly not needing the menu. He ordered a bottle of sake.
"Same of you, ojou-sama?" The waitress asked, and Kyoko shook her head.
"No, I'm underage. Oo-Long tea please," Kyoko ordered. The woman nodded and left.
"I'm still 18, Kuroski-san," Kyoko whispered making Isao smiled.
"Yeah, but we are famous, so the rules don't really apply to us. Drink if you like," Isao offered causing Kyoko to frown. She didn't think herself above the law. No doubt he drank while underaged, but he was legal now, so as long as he didn't drink too much, it doesn't matter anymore.
She looked over her menu as they waited while he sat there and stared at her. Feeling his eyes bore into her was making her feel so uncomfortable. Everything this man did was making her feel awkward. The server entered with their drinks and took their order. Sticking with her plan, she started her first question.
"How long have you been acting, Kuroski-san?" She asked as she steeled herself for the night. You are an actress. You can pretend to have a good time. First dates mean get to know each other. Maybe there is something good about him. Isao's smile widened a bit.
"I started off singing and doing voice acting so real life acting was only recently. I just started my new drama and I hope one day to work with you, Kyoko-chan," he said charmingly making Kyoko blush at his statement. His chin was resting on his forearm which was resting on his bended knee. He was trying to look cute and harmless compared to Kyoko who was trying to act interested.
"I've seen all your stuff. You are a wonderful actress. I especially love your Natsu character," he said truthfully. Kyoko looked down with her face starting to heat up from the compliment. Would she ever get use to those?
"Thank you, Kuroski-san," she responded timidly. "What is your drama called? Is it airing yet?"
"It's called Midnight. No, it's not but perhaps we can watch it together sometime when it does." His voice held an edge to it that Kyoko didn't recognize, but she agreed to his offer nevertheless, which made his smile widen and his eyes dance.
"Do you still sing and voice act?" She asked again, and he nodded.
"Though I'm trying to get out of the voice acting industry and do more live acting. I think the public deserves to see my face more," he answered arrogantly. She forced a smile which seemed to be the right thing to do since he looked pleased.
Their meal consisted of 8 different courses, all relatively small and very high quality. Each course would come throughout the night and they filled the time with trivial questions about themselves. It all seemed to be from her side though. He didn't seem eager to get to know her, and truthfully, she really didn't care for this man either. The more he spoke, the more difficult it was to act friendly and interested. Finally summoning up her courage, she asked the question she's been wondering for a while now.
"How does this work exactly? Is this your first publicity date too?" Kyoko carefully ate the rich food as she waited for his reply. Everything about the place was wonderful. Though she wished that she were here with someone else.
"No, this isn't my first. Usually we will go to very public places. Anywhere people will be. We get our picture taken and enjoy ourselves like normal dates. Sometimes we will be asked questions about our relationship, and dates won't be a private affair like this. Tonight is special since it is our first date," he explained with that smile of his. He kept flashing that devilish smile. She was sure that it was the one that melted most women's hearts. It doesn't really compare though, she thought offhandedly.
"How does the breakup work?" she asked in her fact finding mode.
"Aww, Kyoko-chan. There doesn't have to be a break up. Many famous couples stay together after their time together under the camera." Isao pretended to look hurt, but she didn't really buy into it. This man was like cooking fat, smooth and greasy and completely bad for you.
"They told me it was only for a few months," Kyoko stated, starting to worry. How long was she going to have to pretend? She can't love for real. It wasn't possible for her. Did she really have to stay with him for more than a few months?
"It can be," Isao said huskily. "That was the agreement, but if we want to pursue something more than that we can." Again his voice held something, was implying something she didn't understand.
"How did you get into acting, Kyoko-chan?" He finally asked her a personal question but a bad one at that. She felt her demons arise from their food-induced slumber. Sho appeared on her plate, and she quickly stabbed him with her chopsticks. Isao looked at her curiously, and she smiled trying to hide her little outburst.
"Oh, an old "friend" got me into it. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have even thought about acting." She would still be his idiot love sick slave in an empty apartment while he stayed at Shoko-san's place.
"Is that why you joined LME? I wish you joined my agency. We could use a beautiful talented woman like you," Isao said smoothly. There was no way in hell she would joined Akatoki Agency.
"LME has been very good to me and I have met so many wonderful people. If I had to make the choice again, I would choose LME again," Kyoko said bluntly.
"People like Tsuruga Ren?" He asked carefully. She smiled warmly at the mention of his name and nodded.
"He is my senpai. He has been very helpful to me," she spoke warmly.
"Senpai, huh? You sure he sees you as only a kohai?" He looked at her questioning with an eyebrow cocked.
"Yes," she replied curiously, "How else would he see me?"
"From what I saw," Isao shrugged, "with a delicate flower like yourself, who knows." She smiled at another compliment. She wished she could believe them but she knew how unflattering she was. She wondered if he knew why Ren was so upset. Still she thought it impolite to talk about another man while on a date.
The meal was the highlight of the date. She would definitely have to tell Tsuruga-san about this place. Small dainty food and a quiet atmosphere was perfect for him. It even had private rooms. Back in the car, she tried to tell him to drop her back at LME, but he refused.
"I can't let a pretty girl walk home alone at night. I don't want anything to happen to you," he said sincerely. She smiled and directed him to the Daruma-ya restaurant.
"You live at a ramen shop?" He asked a little baffled by it.
"Above it actually, the owners are very kind. They allow me to work when I can for a cheaper rent," she informed him with a little smile on her lips. He walked her to the door, and she turned towards him.
"Thank you for the…" She was interrupted as he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her very softly on her lips. Her whole body stopped and stood rigid against him. She was so surprised and didn't really know what to do, so she did nothing. He pulled away quickly, but she still felt the full press of his lips upon hers. If she was thinking, the kiss was better than Sho's, but she just meet this man a few hours ago! You don't kiss a person after meeting them a few hours ago!
"Good night, Kyoko-chan," Isao said with a throaty voice, let her go and walked back to her car. She stood there stupefied.