Chapter 8 - Comfort
Ren was home at 9:30pm. There was something mindless on his TV set as he sat and thought about earlier today. The interview went well: same old questions, same old answers. Time seemed to slip by as he watched the figures on screen do something.
Suddenly, an unexpected knocking sounded at the door. He looked up and saw it was 10:23pm making him frown. No one visits me at this time of the night, he thought to himself. Kyoko was the only one who did, and he knew it couldn't be her.
She was out with the jackass. Ren thought sourly. He walked over and opened the door a crack. He saw pale dirty skin outlined with red, the curve of a hip dipping into a delicate waist then a large bruise on a pale arm clutching a large purse. Finally, his sweet Kyoko's face, staring up at him with blood on her lip, cheeks stained with smeared make up running from tears, and eyes swollen and almost as red as the dress. He opened the door and pulled her inside. He took a quick look out his door and when he saw no one, he closed it.
Once closed, he turned towards her and hugged her tightly.
"What happened?" Ren couldn't help himself. He hadn't seen her outside of work in weeks then she arrives at his door step so disheveled and obviously mistreated.
However, she gasped as soon as he hugged her and quickly let go.
"I'm sorry," he started to apologize but she shook her head as tears flooded her eyes. Kyoko dropped her bag and the small vial of pepper spray to the floor and cluched her hands to her chest and then fell into his arms crying.
They stood there for what seemed like minutes but was much longer. Her cries softened to muted sobs, and he pulled her back to look at her face. She rubbed her eyes, trying to wipe away the tears.
"May I stay here for the night please?" She asked gently.
"Of course," Ren quickly agreed but couldn't believe she thought she had to ask. He watched her pull away, her hand at her neck trying to hold up the dress and sat down to take off her heels. She winced as she sat on the floor and it made him look at her. Really look at her.
Her movement made his eyes notice her hands first, seeing them bloody and dirty. The heel of her shoe looked beaten, and her fingers shook as she tried several times to unhook the straps.
"Here let me help," Ren offered softly. He knelt down before her as she pulled her hand back and sniffed softly, her hand joining the other at her chest with the fabric that made up the collar hanging loosely around them. He saw a bruise at her arm and another darkening at her jaw. Her lips were swollen, bruised and there was congealed blood on her lower lip. Ren forced his sight to the other side of her face as he moved to take off the left shoe. Sure enough, there was another dark mark on the other side of her jaw.
He had to look away. Anger was starting to take over, but as his eyes drifted down to her feet, he saw the long spand of her naked thigh. In any other situation, it would have excited him, but the sight only made his blood turn cold. Angry red scratches ran across her thigh, marring her perfect skin with red dots of blood. The whole area was red and scratched, even coloring into more bruising. The fact that the marks disappeared under her garment only made things worse.
He pulled off her shoe and quietly set them aside. Without warning he reached out for her and stood up, scooping her into his arms bridal style. She didn't fight him like the last time he held her like this. In fact, she seemed to curl up against him. Ren wished he could be happy about that but there was no way, not with her so broken. He walked towards his couch, and she stopped him.
"No, please, could I take a bath first? I don't want to dirty your nice furniture," she whispered against his neck. He turned to her with a frown.
"Mogami-san, you could be covered in tar, and I wouldn't care," Ren said softly making her smile slightly. He continued to walk to the couch, but she halted him once again.
"Please, I would like to take a bath," she asked again, her voice thick with more tears. "Please, let me get clean," Kyoko whispered with this haunting voice. He didn't question it any further, turned and walked her towards the bathroom. He set her down on her feet once they reached the door.
"Could I borrow some clothes?" She asked shyly with a gentle blush, and he nearly ran to get her a shirt and shorts. If she asked for the world, he knew he would die trying to get it for her. He returned before she could blink with a bundle of clothes.
"Thank you," she whispered and bowed slightly taking the clothes with one hand. Kyoko looked up at him with tear filled eyes and repeated, "Thank you for everything, Tsuruga-san."
Before he could respond, she closed the door leaving Ren standing there. He heard the water turn on and gingerly touched the door with his fingertips. He backed away and walked to get his first aid kit out and then to his front door. He had to busy himself, to get his mind off of what he assumed happened, off the girl in his shower, on anything but what was currently happening. He picked up her purse and saw the little pink vial of pepper spray. He lifted it and rage consumed his concern as he found it almost empty.
The gun would have been better! Kuon clutched the pink cylinder as he walked to the small table in front of his couch. He set her bag, the kit and the spray down and sat down himself. The bruise on her arm, her dress torn, the blood on her lip, the scratches at her thigh and the more he thought about it the more murderous he became.
How did she get here? Where is he now? Can I find him, kill him and come back before she notices? Kuon strategically planned his every move, from the moment he found him to the moment Isao di...
His thoughts were interrupted at the sound of a door opening. He straightened up as he looked at the mouth of his hallway expectedly. Kyoko stepped out timidly wearing one of his black button-up shirts. The sleeves were rolled up to reveal her small hands, and it hung to mid thigh. From there, he saw his shorts falling a bit past her knee. Her face was scrubbed clean and her hair was slightly damp. She was carrying the dress piled in her arms as she walked over. She looked down at him and smiled a very small smile and then sat down a respectable distance from him on the couch, but there was obvious pain in her movements and face.
"Would you like something to drink?" Ren asked pathetically.
Really? That was the best you could come up with? You're an idiot! He cursed at himself, but Kyoko looked back at him and nodded.
"Tea? Coffee? Water?" He asked following through with something, anything that could possibly make her feel better.
"Water, please."
He could feel her eyes following him as he went to the kitchen. He saw the tears threatening to fall but she held back. He would have every last tear from her tonight, and he would be sure to catch them all as they fell. He opened the cabinet with the glasses and heard her say something but didn't understand.
"I'm sorry, what did you say?" he asked her, turning to look at her. Kyoko gestured to the top of the cabinet.
"That looks very good right now," she said almost seriously. Ren looked up at his hard alcohol and looked back at her as he reached up for it in an offer. If she wanted a drink, he could give her one. She was safe in his home and wouldn't let anything bad happen to her. She shook her head.
"Water is fine," she reaffirmed. Ren watched her try and give a normal smile, and it almost broke his heart. He nodded and got her a glass of water. He swiftly walked back, sitting closer to her and handed the glass to her. She took a drink and he saw the water tremble ever so slightly.
"Please, what happened, Mogami-san?" he asked gently as he pulled the first aid kit over. He took her right hand first which was the worse wound he could see and felt safe to treat. There was a large scrape on the heel of her hand, from falling or slipping, or maybe... he forced his mind to stop. Instead, he focused a little too hard on pulling out the antiseptic and a cotton ball to treat her hand when she stopped him.
"Um, could you," she stopped before finished her sentence and twisted around slightly. Ren frowned not understanding what she was doing until she bent her head down and he saw the back of her neck. Three very deep scratches burrowed across her neck. They were only a few centimeters long but they were currently seeping blood. Kuon pressed his lips together as he saw those wounds, but Ren held him still. He raised the soaked little cotton ball to her neck and gently dabbed on it making her jump slightly.
"I'm sorry," he whispered sincerely. Kuon was truly, from the bottom of his heart, sorry. Sorry that he didn't say yes to Lory when he asked him to do another publicity date, sorry that fate somehow picked Isao for her to date, sorry that she was with him now, like this. He cleaned up the scratches and applied a large bandage on her neck. She thanked him again as she turned back towards him. Then he was allowed to treat her hand. Ren applied antiseptic and wrapped it. The left wasn't as bad, only needing a small bandage.
As he treated her, Ren listened to her repeat what happened tonight. Kyoko paused once Isao and her parked. Silence filled the room, but he made no effort to get her to continue. One look into those haunted eyes and he stayed quiet. Not to mention, he would probably be out of the apartment hunting down a man if she went into any sort of detail. He didn't have to prompt her though as Kyoko started her story back up when she remembered the pepper spray he gave her. He tenderly lifted her chin to see the cut on her lip. It wasn't very large but was still noticeable. She continued to talk and finished when she recognized where she was. He searched his kit and found a small bottle of tea tree oil.
Ren didn't know what to say. He wanted to hold her close and never let her go. He wanted to lock her up and then go kill the man who did this to her.
"We need to call the police," he said quietly. He took a cotton swap and soaked it with the oil. "This will make your lip swell a little, but it will also make it heal quicker," he informed her. Kyoko nodded and slightly opened her mouth. Her kissable lips bruised and beaten made his blood run hot as he lightly dabbed the oil on her mouth.
Once he finished, she spoke, "Please don't. I don't want to deal with it right now. Can we please wait till tomorrow?"
He nodded, and then hesitated with the kit. His eyes flickered to her thigh. He knew she was hurt there, but there was no way he could tend to those wounds. Even though he want to see what he did to her, wanted to cleanse away the taint and erase the event from her skin.
"Mogami-san, would you like to take the kit to the bathroom?" He offered feeling weak, useless and pathetic, but it was the only way he could think of to treat those sensitive areas.
It took a moment to understand what he was offering and it made her blush. "Oh, um, that would probably be a good idea, but there are some that I won't be able to reach."
Ren frowned, not understanding. Kyoko sighed and set her torn dress down. She turned around so her back would face him and then slowly unbuttoned his shirt. There was enough fabric so that she could reveal her shoulder blades to him and still be completely covered up front.
Kyoko heard the sharp intake of breath from him and timidly looked over her shoulder trying to see.
"Is it as bad as it feels?" She tried to joke.
"Don't," Ren whispered. "I'm trying so hard not to run out of this room and kill that..." he let out a controlled breath and started again, "I want to be here for you. Are you ready?"
Kyoko saw him preparing gauze with antibiotic and she nodded. Her body jerked at the touch and again Ren apologized softly.
"Maybe you should lay down?" He offered and slipped off the couch to make room for her. Again, her face flinched in pain as she moved as the cloth of his clothes rubbed against her wounds, but after a moment she settled comfortably on his couch with him kneeling on the floor.
"What did this? This doesn't look like... um..."
"Hands?" Kyoko offered and continued, "The dress is backless and I was against a brick wall."
That explains it perfectly. Ren was able to move the shirt down to completely reveal her upper back. Her back looked like someone took sand paper to it and didn't stop. That was all she needed to say. His mind was able to complete the picture.
This took longer than the others and he didn't have enough large bandages to deal with it, but he was able to clean it up and treat the worse spots. The bruises at her shoulder blades would hurt her more than the scrapes. She didn't move when they both knew he was finished, though for a moment he thought she fell asleep.
That would have been nice, but she twisted her head around to look at him. Her eyes were still swimming with unshed tears, but she still gave him a watery smile and thanked him.
Ren felt his throat close up and tears sting his eyes. He looked away to blink, forcing them to stop. He wanted to be her support and crying was not going to help her. He wanted to be strong, her pillar and protector. He steeled himself and forced himself to bring up that last thing.
"I want to treat your thigh."
Shock covered her face and she pulled herself up a little. Her left side was already facing him, but she retracted it protectively. She looked away and her face flushed red.
"Um, it's okay, I can do that part," she told him and started to get up but was stopped as Ren bowed down with his forehead to the floor and asked again.
"Please, I want to... I need to know what he did to you. I saw the scratches, the bruises and how far they... Kyoko..." he pleaded with her, and the desperate sound of her name on his lips made her cry.
"I can't," Kyoko cried. Her words almost drowned out by her tears, but he heard them. Ren lifted up his bow from the floor but didn't look at her.
"Because I am a man?"
Kyoko inhaled sharply and her eyes widened as the look of fear and hurt covered his face.
"No," she quickly replied and a look of concern for her took over instead. He raised his sight to meet with hers. They held their gaze for a few heartbeats until Ren nodded but looked away.
"Tsuruga-san, please don't misunderstand. The only reason I am able to function right now is because of you." He looked up at her, still on his couch, laying on her right side.
"It's just that, I don't want you to see me," she confessed and looked away. "I'm not wearing anything and I would have to take off the shorts in order for you to..."
Ren fell forward and groaned in frustration. He caught himself with his hands at the edge of the couch. The force of it made it move back slightly shocking Kyoko silent. She saw his hands fist the couch cushions so tightly that they turned white and shook with the effort. In fact, his whole body was shaking as he knelt there with his head hanging down.
Kyoko tentatively reached out to touch him but was forced back as he let out this agonizing scream from within his soul. It was long and loud and it filled Kyoko up with so much emotion that she couldn't control her tears: sadness, gratefulness, fear, happiness, agony, regret, confusion and love. She loved this man so much and he was in so much pain for her.
When he was finished and panting for breath, she reached out for him. His panting turned into sobs as she ran her fingers through his hair to finally reach his cheek. Ren looked up and she watched the tears fall from his eyes as hers did the same.
He moved to touch her, his fingertips lightly grazing her temple to run down the side of her face. He loved her so much, and he didn't know what he could do for her. Kyoko leaned against his hand with a sigh and then leaned forward to press her forehead against his.
With a shaky breath, he moved upward and kissed her forehead, and then both her cheeks while they cried.
Kyoko took a shaky breath to speak and whispered, "Um, maybe I don't have to undress for you to bandage me?"
Ren shook his head. "You don't have to. I don't need to see it. So long as you are okay. So long as he didn't..." he hesitated and struggled to say it.
"He didn't actually..."
Kyoko understood what he was trying to say and quickly shook her head. "No, he didn't get anywhere close to doing that."
Ren nodded a little too much and let out a breath of relief. Kyoko felt him start to get up and her hand tightened around him but let go when she realized he was going to sit with her.
She braced herself for the pain that would come, because she didn't want it to show on her face. She didn't want to stop him from holding her. But miraculously enough, he was able to sit down and move her into his lap without much pain. She could feel the sting and ache on her butt cheek as she sat on his lap, and the bruise on her arm as it pressed against his chest, but there was also the warmth and comfort of this kind caring man as he wrapped his arms around her allowing her to cry in his arms until she fell asleep.
Ren sat there for a while, knowing she would be safe in his arms. His tears dried up quicker than hers did, but the pain in his heart kept him from sleeping. He nuzzled her hair, inhaling her scent deeply into his chest. He smelled his own shampoo immediately, bringing a small smile to his lips, but underneath it was her. Her wonderful, heavenly scent filled his lungs, like her soft warm body filled his arms. He wished he could erase this night for her. While he enjoyed this bit of closeness between them, he would trade it in a hot second if she didn't have to endure what she went through tonight. After a while with her asleep, Ren stood up as gently as he could and went to his bedroom. He carefully set her in his bed and then left to make some calls.
Kyoko woke up feeling very warm and safe but still hurting in places. As she woke up, the largest pains were at the back of her neck, her back and her butt, but then she yawned which uncovered her jaw hurting too. Honestly, she didn't want to get up. She was surrounded by a heavenly scent and was laying in the most comfortable bed she had ever been in. She opened her eyes, adjusting to the light of the day. She found herself alone in Ren's bedroom and remembered the events of the night before making her siege up for a moment. She could feel the wounds throb to the racing beat of her heart and ducked her head under the covers to engulfed her senses with him.
Ren. His smell. His sheets. His room. His smile appeared behind her closed eyes and then his tears. Her heart started to race for different reasons and it made her smile and then frown. Even smiling hurts. How am I going to eat?
Kyoko sighed and unwillingly got out of bed. She headed to the restroom to take care of mother nature but avoided the mirror like the plague. She didn't want to see herself, though she knew eventually she would have to. Just not now. She walked out of the bathroom and to the living room where she found Ren sitting on his couch. He was wide awake and watching something on the television with the volume very low.
"Good Morning, Tsuruga-san," she announced her presence and smiled at him blushing. She couldn't stop thinking about how she slept in his bed and was wearing his clothes. Ren straightened up and turned to her voice. A look crossed over his face but then changed to a small smile.
"How are you doing?" He asked, his voice thick with concern or maybe tiredness?
"I'm actually feeling pretty good, all things considered," she replied as she sat down beside him. "Thank you for letting me use your bed. You could have left me on the couch or in the guest room though."
He smiled and shook his head. "I really didn't think about it when I did it. I just wanted you comfortable."
Kyoko blushed and mumbled to him, "You have a very comfortable bed."
Her comment granted her one of his divine smiles making her heart melt in her chest. There. That is the heart-stopping, earth shattering smiles that Isao was trying to mimic. God, nothing can ever measure up to Ren's smile.
"Are you hungry? I can call for something to eat. There is coffee ready or I can make you tea," he offered.
"Thank you for your kindness last night. Please allow me to make you breakfast." Kyoko felt so rejuvenated and felt like she owed so much to him. Since she didn't want to leave, this allowed her to stay with him just a little longer.
"I would do anything for you, Mogami-san," his voice was so soft, she could barely hear it. Oh how those words made her heart sing. She had to quickly leave his sight before he noticed the goofy love-stricken smile on her lips. Surely he meant it another way, but she was going to take as she liked. Little did she know that Ren truly did mean "I love you."
Kyoko cooked up a storm in his well equipped but sparsely used kitchen. She always felt like it was a crime to have a nice kitchen and not use it. He stood in the corner watching her work.
"I have something to show you once you are done. I hope it will make you feel better," Ren offered with a weak smile. Kyoko couldn't tell him that she already felt better. What happened last night scared her to her very core; however, having Ren take care of her seemed to have chased away most if not all of her fears from that night. It was uncanny how he affected her so. She didn't understand why he was there for her, but that was for another day.
Once complete, they sat in front of the television where Ren had something paused. She gave him the go ahead, and he pushed play on the DVR.
20 year old, Kuroski Isao was arrested today for assault to his current love interest, an actress by the name of Kyoko from LME.
Here we have photos of Kuroski-san attempting to rape the young woman from the garage's security cameras.
Kyoko looked away from the screen. Not wanting to see those awful photos. She smiled at Ren who put a hand on hers offering what comfort he could.
There has been no comment from Akatoki Agency or LME about this incident but from what we can see, Kyoko-san was able to defend herself and fled the scene. Please watch later today as we get more information on this story.
The screen went black as Ren turned off the television.
"We have a meeting today to see President Takarada and all work for the day has been cancelled for us," he informed her.
"Oh no! I can't have you do that for me. You should work," Kyoko exclaimed making Ren chuckle.
"I'm not leaving you alone today. You will have to deal with it," he insisted. Kyoko blushed. It really isn't a burden, she thought mildly. There was a knock at the door, and Ren stood to answer it.
Kyoko picked up her food to eat but was forced to stop at her first bite at the call of her name.
"Kyoko-chan!"
She put her meal down, stood up and turned towards Yashiro with a smile. He stopped half way towards her at the sight of the young woman. A look of horror and then tears burst from his eyes.
"Kyoko-chan," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion. He was carrying a bag which he dumped on the couch. He lifted his arms slightly and then promptly put them back down afraid and worried.
"It's okay," she told him and could feel the tears threatening her. "I'm okay," she reassured him and moved in to hug him. It was very gentle and short as the sound of another woman crying caught her attention. Behind Yashiro stood Kanae and she was crying. Kanae's head was hanging low, her hair was hiding her face as she stood there trembling in the middle of Ren's living room.
"Moko-san!" Kyoko called out. Yashiro let her go and backed away as she ran over to her best friend. Kanae rushed to meet her and fiercely hugged her, hiding her face in Kyoko's shoulder. It hurt, but Kyoko didn't care.
"I'm so glad you are okay," Kanae sobbed into her shoulder. Horrible guilt flooded Kanae as she held her friend. All the words of encouragement to date that terrible man, all the pressure and then seeing Kyoko bandaged up and still smiling after that. It was all too much.
Kyoko couldn't stop the tears from falling either, having the warm comfort of so many people that now loved her. Their emotions over the events got the best of them, and they both fell onto the floor crying into each other's arms.
Once the crying slowed, Yashiro came over to the girls with the bag. "Kyoko-chan, I picked up some clothes from your landlords." He handed her a paper bag. Her eyes sparkled in delight as she took it from him. She loved being in Ren's clothes, but she wasn't wearing any underwear and that made her very uncomfortable.
"Thank you!" Kyoko cheered and walked into the bathroom.
"Kotonami-san," Ren called out to her as she stood up while wiping her eyes. She turned to look at him and saw that he wad holding a first aid kit.
"Last night I did the best I could with her wounds, but there were some that she wouldn't let me treat. Could you..."
"Got it," she announced snatching the kit from his hands and disappeared down the hall.
Yashiro stood looking sullen and took a breath to talk. "Is she really okay, Ren?"
Ren sighed, "God, I hope so. She keeps telling me she is and that he didn't touch her. The video from the news does seem to collaborate with that."
Yashiro nodded and thought about what he saw this morning. The whole thing made him sick and he couldn't watch the video, but of course this man did. He watched Ren as he simply stood there, looking for a sign of what he was thinking or feeling about all this, but he saw a statue. He didn't look angry or hurt, perhaps simply worried and tired.
"Ren, are you going to do anything about it?"
His client looked at him with a cold stare. "I already did," he stated and turned towards his kitchen.
Yashiro was stunned in his place trying to sort out his thoughts. He always thought Ren had a bad streak in him. With this sort of thing, he thought Ren would have ran out and killed the man that dared to hurt Kyoko, but no. Ren was probably the source of his arrest but that's all?
Hmm. Maybe I misjudged him.
Kyoko was trying to figure out how to wear her panties without the elastic edging hurting her wounds when there was a knock at the door. She hesitated long enough for the person to announce themselves.
"Kyoko, it's me."
Kyoko put Ren's oversize shirt back on and opened the door. Kanae skirted in with the kit and locked the door behind her.
"Hi, is everything okay?" Kyoko asked curiously.
"That should be my question," Kanae stated while looking at Kyoko. She was trying to figure out what exactly Tsuruga was talking about.
"I'm fine. Really," Kyoko reassured her, but Kane wasn't having it.
"Tsuruga-san said you aren't." She wiggled the kit and looked down at her body as she spoke, "He said that you wouldn't let him treat some parts?"
Kyoko blushed and started to turn around while lifting up the shirt. Kanae watched as the black cloth of Ren's shirt slowly revealed her left leg. The redness of the wound had left since last night, so the first color Kanae saw was yellow, then green, and then blue and purple. Her stomach twisted in her gut at the finger shaped bruising that was running up her thigh. The higher the shirt got, the more damage there was. Light scratches started to mar her skin and as the curve of her butt cheek came into view the scratches got worse and so did the bruising. Kyoko revealed her whole backside to Kanae and it looked like the damage was focused on her left. Her right cheek was untouched.
Kanae was crying again. Large fat tears were silently rolling down her face. She wanted to apologize again, but knew that it would be dismissed. Still, she couldn't help the guilt in her chest, her mind was replaying the conversations she had with Kyoko about her dating. Kanae could hear all of the uncertainy now. She could hear the discomfort in Kyoko's voice and she hated herself for dismissing it as nerves.
Kanae moved forward, kneeling down and set the kit down beside her. She blinked away the tears to try and analyze what needed to be done.
Kyoko was a little embarrassed, but it was bareable. Kanae went straight to work so she didn't realize she was crying until she heard the soft sob. She twisted slightly to look down and saw her best friend crying again.
"Moko-san, it really doesn't hurt that much anymore." She tried to ease her best friend, but it didn't work.
"How could you say that!? That demon tried to rape you!"
Kyoko let the shirt drop and twisted around to kneel down with Kanae.
"He tried but didn't, and he is in jail now. I should have known better. There were signs I was ignoring and I should have never worn Natsu's dress. Maybe then...,"
"MO! Don't you dare feel like you did something wrong!" Kanae screamed and hugged her. "It doesn't matter what you wore. He is pure evil and would have done it if you wore a parka. And don't you ever feel guilty for dismissing the signs. I did too. We both thought that he was just an asshole, I never thought he would... That you might be... I'm so sorry." More tears burst from her eyes and onto Kyoko's shoulder. Even though Kyoko's eyes were burning and red from all the crying, she couldn't stop them from falling again.
After some time, Kanae helped her get dressed. She patched up some of the worse scratches, putting ointment and bandages on them. She even redressed some of the ones Ren put on last night. Kyoko opened the door feeling like herself again. She wore a long white skirt and a basic light blue top. She had folded Ren's clothes and placed them on his bed before heading back to the living room with Kanae.
Ren and Yashiro were sitting on his couch talking softly. When the girls arrived, both looked over and smiled softly at Kyoko looking refreshed. Sure, there was noticable bruising on her jaw and the cut on her lip, but she looked almost normal.
"The president would like to see you, Kyoko-chan," Yashiro told her as she returned to her breakfast.
Kyoko nodded and thought about it for a moment before asking, "Will the police be there?"
"Do you want them to be there?" Ren asked.
She thought about it as she took a bite of her cold breakfast, bit down wrong and flinched in pain from her jaw.
"What? What's wrong?" Kanae asked concerned.
Rather than tell her the truth, she told a half truth, "It's just cold."
"Here," Ren held out his hand for the bowl, but Kanae took it instead.
"I got it!" She proclaimed and stormed into the kitchen. She hesitate since she had never been in Ren's kitchen, but her pride and her discomfort of the situation didn't allow her to ask where his microwave was. Besides how hard was it to find a stupid microwave in a stupid kitchen!
Meanwhile, they are still awaiting Kyoko's answer. "How did they arrest him if I haven't pressed charges yet?"
The room got quiet and Ren cleared his throat bringing their attention to him. "The police got an anonymous tip and evidence of the crime. The victim in question has yet to be found, so until that party steps forward they can only keep him in holding for 24 hours."
Kanae had come back after reheating Kyoko's food and sat down next to her. Kyoko took a moment to take a small bite of food and thank Kanae before she asked another question.
"Then it would be best if I spoke to them first," Kyoko said determined but then asked, "Does it have to be at the police station?"
Kyoko had never been in a police station before and was a little intimidated by the idea of it.
Ren spoke up this time, "It would be best. They will record your statement for the court and have you pick him out in a line-up, but you won't be alone."
"All of you are coming?" Kyoko asked with her eyes wide.
"Yes."
"Yes."
"No."
All three of them spoke at the same time, but they all turned to Yashiro who answered no. He coughed and his manager tone came out. "I'm sorry, but you two are not going with her. Once they find out she is at the station, the press will be all over it trying to get her side of the story. Why would you two be there?"
"For support!"
"She's my Best Friend!"
They both spoke up and then turned to glare at each other. Kanae stared Ren down and he unwillingly looked away. There was no reason for him to be there. He wasn't her lover or boyfriend, and it wasn't even well known that they had a senpai/kohai relationship let alone a friendship, so why would he be there to support her out of all of the other talents that belong to LME.
Ren brooded quietly as Yashiro continued, "Fine, Kotonami-san will come with us for Kyoko to give a statement."
"Why are you coming?" Kanae asked harshly. Honestly, she wanted to be the one to do this with her. Alone. She wanted to make it up to her somehow and wanted to own this.
"You should have someone there that can deal with the press," Yashiro answered smoothly. "Both of you are new and this will be the first time experiencing the chaos that is paparazzi."
The girls could not argue, so once they were ready, they set to leave to file the report.
"We will come back after we are done," Kyoko told Ren who was still sitting there angry that he couldn't come with them.
He nodded and took a breath to calm down as he stood up. His eyes met hers and instantly softened. "I really want to be there with you."
"I do too," Kyoko whispered shyly making him reach out and caress her hair lightly. She hummed and leaned her head towards his palm resting her cheek within his warm hand, closing her eyes and smiling gently.
"Call me when you are heading back, okay?" Ren told her and she nodded against his hand.
"Text me when you get there, too," he added.
"Okay," She replied with a snort, her breath tickling the heel of his hand.
"In fact, text me like every 30 minutes that you are there," he continued making her chuckled softly and lifted her head to look up at him. Her eyes were twinkling with humor.
"I'll text you every ten," she told him and he nodded with a sad little smile. She had to go, so he watched them leave and heaved a heavy sigh as he was left alone with his thoughts.
He was just joking about the texting thing to lighten things up. Kyoko was taking this whole thing better than he was, but everything made him feel like a failure. He figured she would text him when she got there, maybe once more while there and then call him coming back. So his plan was to work out. To work out the anger, the hatred and disapointment he felt throughout the night.
However, before he was able to step inside his gym, a ding rang from his phone. He picked it up. We are in a taxi leaving your block. Ren smiled and replied. Okay. Stay covered and do your best.
It dinged again as he walked to his equiptment. Will do! Setting the phone down, he picked his treadmill first. Running, something fast and hard, something that he could do quickly without any extra effort. He set the machine to gradually increase the speed over time. He was able to get to a light jog before his phone dinged again. Ren picked up the phone without stopping, reading it.
No press at the station!
He smiled and set the phone down. The machine was picking up speed and he was getting focused on the feel of it: his heart pounding, his muscles flexing, blood rushing through his body, sweat starting to run down his skin and his mind blank. A release from his tormented thoughts allowing him a moment of clarity and sanity from his wrath.
It didn't last long as his phone dinged about 10 minutes later. He pushed a button several times to lower the speed to a brisk walk and picked up the phone. He smiled.
They are having us wait for the detective in charge of the case. Apparently he was out of the building but is coming back. Moko-san is angry.
Is she really going to text me every ten minutes?
Testing it, Ren did not reply but he did not increase his speed either. He kept it at a confortable pace because in about 3...2...1...Ding! Still waiting. Yashiro-san brought us drinks. I forgot my purse at your place. A few minutes passed before the next text came and for this one he stopped since it was sooner than ten minutes. Oh, He's here. I'm being called in.
Stay calm and answer his questions honestly. Don't feel like you have to hide or leave anything out.
Okay. She replied and he felt like he wouldn't be hearing from her for a while. He took out his gloves and made his way to his punching bag. This... this is what he really wanted to do.
Kyoko did not text since, and Ren was starting to feel ansy about it. Forty-five minutes into his workout and there was no text, so he sent one. How is it going? He went to kitchen to get some water and waited. No response after 5 minutes. It's okay. She is still talking to the detective. Everything is fine.
He went to take a shower, and once out, checked his phone. Nothing. Still nothing. I should go down there. He dried off and started to get dress to go. He could dress down, sunglasses, ball cap. No one will notice him there. He was putting on his socks when his phone finally dinged.
They are taking me to a room for the line-up.
Ren quickly wanted to reassure her. It's okay, rememb
I have to wait, they are not ready yet. I really don't want to see him.
He pressed his lips together wishing he was there. Ren deleted his previous reply and started over. He can't hurt you anymore. You're safe there. He wanted to say more, but held back. Now was not the time for his devotions of love. She didn't reply back right away so he was left impatiently waiting.
It was twenty minutes later when his phone rang for a call instead of chimed for a text.
"Mogami-san?" He immediatly answered.
"Yes, hi," Kyoko replied. "Um, we are done, but the press is here now. We are still waiting in the station for our ride. Yashiro-san called LME to get Ruto-san to drive us there. Do you think you could meet us there instead of us going to your place?"
"Yes, I'm on my way," he confirmed and raced to the door, grabbing her purse on the way. "Did everything go okay?"
"Yes, but I'll tell you more in person. Yashiro-san said it isn't safe to talk right now. He thinks I should say something to press."
Ren could hear in her voice that she was more afraid to talk to the press than she was the police and he instantly wanted to tell her not to, but he trusted his manager and knew he would guide her safely through the mess.
"Listen to him and say exactly what he advises. Just stick to that and he will help you through it. It would be best to keep it simple and get it out of the way so they can get their story," he told her as he got into his car.
"Okay. Okay. I'll um, see you soon. Right?" She made it sound more like a question than a statement so he answered.
"I'll be the first one you see," he assured her and they hung up.
Ren was the first one at LME, but he expected that with the knowledge that she would be making a statement. What he didn't expect was for there to be cameras and reporters in wait at the LME entrance. Shouldn't they all be at the station? It forced him to wait past the guest check point though so he was irritated by them being there, but there was nothing that could be done.
About twenty minutes later he could see all of them scurry about in a frenzy, and Ren knew they arrived. He itched to go out there and meet them, but he stayed put and watched their progression with Yashiro and Ruto escorting the girls into the building. Kyoko looked distressed, Kanae looked annoyed, but the two men kept them from getting bombarded. The moment they entered the building, LME security came foward to assist and Kyoko started to look around the lobby. Ren stepped foward just enough to be notice and a second later she saw him and smiled.
He couldn't help but return the favor as she lurched foward to run to him. Kyoko was stopped at the first step as Kanae gripped the hand she was holding and held her back. Kyoko looked at her confused and Kanae shook her head making Kyoko frown. Ren sighed and stepped back out of view. There was too much risk to have her running up to him, too much risk to hug her or show any kind of interest or affection to her let alone show how much he wanted her to run into his arms.
It didn't take long for them to reach him, and he had time to put up his mask. He was calm, cool and collected as she walked around that corner and her face smiled up at him shinning brighter than the sun itself.
"Hi," she greeted him breathlessly as if she had been running to him all the way from the police station.
"Hi," he replied as his chest pounded in his chest as he fought himself from touching her. Instead, he held out her bag to her. "Your purse."
Her smile widened for only a fraction and then simmered down due to the pain. "Thank you," she gushed as she took it back.
They all turned to walk up to Lori's office. "How did everything go?" he asked.
Kyoko looked around timidly and met Yashiro's eyes, who nodded quietly. She started telling Ren everything that happened at the station while Yashiro and Kanae stepped back slightly.
"How can she be so..." Kanae muttered mostly to herself but Yashiro heard her and answered.
"Happy?"
Kanae shot a glare at the manager and then grumbled, "Stupid." She huffed shaking her head. "She almost just.. she was beaten, scratched up and assault and there she is blushing and giggling like an idiot!" She whispered harshly to him not wanting for her best friend to hear her, yet knowing that Kyoko was so blinded by the man beside her that she never would.
Yashiro smiled at his charge and the lovely girl beside him and sighed blissfully. "You meet a lot of different people in this industry, a lot of fakes, manipulators, and goal driven backstabbers. You meet all of the young talents that have stars in their eyes to live in the spot light and then crumble under the pressure or get corrupted and broken." he paused and Kanae's brow furrowed wondering where he was going with this.
"And then you see those that actually reach the top with their sanity in tack. Those talents that do such brilliant work and have lives behind the camera who are happy and healthy no matter what this life throws at them. The people that actually survive this world whole are few and far between."
"Uh-huh, you are talking about Tsuruga," Kanae stated as if there wasn't a question about it.
He laughed. "Oh God no." His laughter completely stunned her. They had finally reached the elevator and they waited for it to come down. Yashiro leaned in to whisper to Kanae, "She is one of the strongest people I know, right up there with President Takarada. But him..." refering to Ren, "he is one of the most broken." The elevator dinged and the doors open as Yashiro straightened up and Kanae was left with her thoughts.
Everyone trooped to the president's office. In the room was another older man talking to him. The president halted his conversation as soon as Kyoko walked into the room. Lory stood up, walked over and looked her over. He frowned, it was a serious deep frown. Not the silly one that he did when he made the wrong choice in his otome games, not the pout that he has shown because the LoveMe girls scowled and sneered at vain day. He was closed off and serious and sad. She could see the pain in his eyes as he looked at her and he only saw the bruises at her jaw and lip.
"Are you okay?" He asked quietly, and Kyoko nodded with a reassuring smile.
"I'm okay. Really. Everyone has helped me tremendously," she told him and looked at the group behind her, especially at Ren who only smiled sweetly back at her. Lory looked up at Ren's face and nodded. Of course he would. Any real man would, Lory thought.
Lory introduced the other man as the president of Akatoki Agency. The man bowed deeply and stayed in that position for a long time as he voiced his apology, "You have my deepest regrets and apologies for what happened to you, Mogami-san. Please know that if you need anything, my company will be there for you."
Kyoko tried to bow back, but Ren stopped her. His hand on her shoulder squeezing lightly. She looked up at him confused, and he shook his head.
"What is going to happen to him?" Ren voice was dark. She looked at him and saw the dark lord appear but not at her. She looked over to Moko-san, and she too was looking at the Akatoki President in fury.
Akatoki's president straightened up but Lory replied, "He will most likely make bail, but the show will be cancelled or re-shot with a different actor. He will be dropped, and no one in Japan will be working with him after this."
"Can't we do more than let him walk free," Kanae spoke up outraged.
"We can kill his career, but we can't do anything about the law. He was caught in an attempted rape, and the judge can allow bail since it is his first offense," Lory explained.
"What if he comes looking for her?" Yashiro asked.
Lory looked at Kyoko and asked, "Does he know where you live?" Kyoko nodded as she placed a hand over Ren's which was still resting on her shoulder.
"Can she live with you, Kotonami-kun?" Kanae grabbed her hand and nodded. Lory continued, "I don't want you alone for a while, until we know what happens. We can assign you a temporary bodyguard as you do your shows."
Ren spoke up, "I can take her anywhere she wants. She doesn't need that. We are working together on the movie anyway. I can drop her off wherever Kotonami-san is at, and we will trade off." He looked at Kanae, and she nodded sharply. She wouldn't let her friend be taken advantage like this again. Lory asked Kyoko if this was okay, and she agreed.
The meeting was adjourned, and Ren offered to take her home.
"I can do that," Kanae spoke up her hand still wrapped around Kyoko's. Ren wanted to argue, but he had his time with her last night. Kanae probably needed her time as well.
"Of course, have a pleasant night," he conceded. "Call me if you need to go anywhere. Please remember not to go anywhere alone, Mogami-san." Ren started to walk away, and Kyoko turned to Kanae.
"Let me talk to him please, Moko-san," Kyoko pleaded. Kanae gave her an annoyed look but nodded. Kyoko ran down the hall and grabbed Ren's arm. They were about to leave through the second door and onto the main floor when she stopped them.
"Is there anything wrong, Kyoko-chan?" Yashiro asked concerned. She looked at him with big gold eyes.
"May I have a moment with Tsuruga-san, please?" she asked. His eyes softened and nodded. He slipped behind the door and closed it. Kyoko started to speak, but Ren stopped her. He opened the door and there stood Yashiro trying to listen in. Yashiro smiled up at Ren guilty.
"I'll just be over here," Yashiro said and promptly walked away.
Ren sighed as he closed the door, and then turned his attention to Kyoko. "What is it, Mogami-san?"
"Kyoko-chan," She whispered. Ren couldn't believe his ears. She wasn't looking at him, so he asked her to repeat that.
"Please call me Kyoko," she repeated. She couldn't looked up at him, her cheeks were flushed with embarrassment but she still had the courage to ask, "May I call you Ren-kun?" She fidgeted at her bold request. After everything she had been through she felt closer to him. While she still respected him very much, she thought it wrong somehow when he called her Mogami-san.
She finally looked up and saw the most brilliant smile decorating his face. She felt everything fade around her. Her heart was trying to break out of her chest and she stopped breathing. Staring at that face, she felt like she had seen it before. She turned her face down, her mind racing with his face imprinted inside of her, reminding her of something.
"Yes, please do, Kyoko-chan," Ren said warmly. She felt something touch her briefly as the blush deepened hearing her name from his voice. She was still standing by the door when Kanae walked up to her.
"Hey! Wake up! You are done right?" Kyoko looked around, and Ren was already gone. She smiled to Kanae and nodded.
"Yes! Lets go home, Moko-san!"