Thank you everyone who commented on my last chapter. I'm hoping to get chapter 6 out quickly since I have a few days off work for the holidays. I just finished rereading TCP again for the three millionth time. If you have not read it, please by all means read it. I love Tsukasa so much! The next chapter should start shaking things up.

For those of you who haven't read TCP I think I should clear things up.

Sandaime is what the kumiin call Ryuji. His father was called Nadamie. Ryuji's kumiin are the member of Kuryugumi. Ryuji is the kumicho (don) of Kuryugumi. Katagi means law abiding citizen or general public and Gaki means kid kind of like calling someone a 'snot nosed kid.'

Disclaimer: I don't own TCP or Skip Beat.

"Okay, everybody get focused!" yelled Director Skinkai. "We need to make up for some lost time today. I'll allow everyone a one hour lunch, but we will be shooting past 9:00 tonight. Dinner will be catered, so don't even think of leaving before 9:00. We'll get lunch after we finish shooting everything leading up to the school scene. Then I'll expect you to all be at the school. It's where Kyouko-san attends. I'm sure she can give you directions if you need them. Alright let's get right to it. Scene 24 act one... Action."

At Kuryugumi headquarters.

Tsukasa: "The girl we saved told me those guys were trying to sell her drugs. But she didn't really remember their faces. I think she's still in shock, but she said they did claim to be from our school." Tsukasa clenched her fist as she stared at Ryuji. "Ryuji don't you remember anything?"

Ryuji: "I don't." He snapped back.

Tsukasa: "Hey! At least try to think a little!!" She growled as she knocked him on the back of the head with the palm of her hand.

Kamo-san: "Er... Tsu-bo, you only remembered what he smelled like." He shrugged still amused that Ryuji would allow anyone to hit him like that.

Everyone startled as a hand bag was thrown to the floor with a loud thump. A girl around Tsukasa age with wavy brass colored hair stood with her mouth open in shock.

Kamo-san: "Asago-san?" Kamo stuttered knowing this was not a good situation.

Asago: "I... ...I... I don't believe it!" The girl screamed at Tsukasa as she ran to Ryuji's lap hugging his head to her non existent breast. "You idiot! You just hit my Ryuji! Do you now who he is?!"

A twinge of irritation prickled the back of Kyouko's neck as she watched Ruriko fling herself on Ren.

Tsukasa: "Huh? Who's Ryuji?"

Kamo-san: "Asago-san, this is Sandaime's new bodyguard." Sweat was visibly building on his brow as his eyes traveled from the young woman wearing a girls uniform to the young woman dressed convincingly as a man. Asago turned her head to Tsukasa and glared that same death glare that Kyouko felt when Ren had carried her to the set at her first job with Ruriko.

Asago: "Could he be the rumored katagi gaki that was homeless and then suddenly became Ryuji's guard?" She stood up from Ryuji's lap and strolled over to Tsukasa. (

Tsukasa: "What?"

Asago: "He's only a little taller than me!" Screeched Asago as she stood next to Tsukasa. " His arms aren't that much bigger than mine! Ryuji..." She whined as she made her way back to his lap. "Why did you pick such a girlie bodyguard? If you're going to hire this wussy guy, then I'll protect you!" She nuzzled her face into his chest and looked up at him through her eye lashes. Ryuji sat very still as he eyed the girl in his lap.

Kamo-san: "Tsukasa-kun, this is Kuryugumi's head clan's Sumongumi's kumicho's beloved daughter Sumon Asago. She is the ojyosan who will soon be engaged to Sandaime."

Asago: "That's right. To me, Ryuji's a very important person! A bodyguard who can't defend his kumicho is a disgrace to the underworld. I won't expect a child like you to participate in a battle but the least you can do is pretend that you're some nearby rock or tree and act as protection against bullets! Bodyguards can easily be replaced. You even said so yourself, right, Ryuji?"

Ryuji's whole body tensed as he stared fixedly at a spot on the wall. This situation was beyond what he could have ever imagined in his life. Kamo quickly whispered into Ryuji's ear that he needed to speak with him privately. Like a robot Ryuji stood dumping Asago on the floor and followed Kamo out of ear shot.

Kamo-san: "Sandaime! This isn't the time to be leisurely collecting your thoughts! If you don't hurry up and explain then Tsukasa-san will misunderstand. You said that when you were around six and you meant it as there were too many kumiin!

"And cut," yelled Director Skinkai. "Great job lets keep that momentum in the next scene! Stage six is already set up. Let's keep things moving... Action"

Kamo-san drove a large black luxury sedan while and Ryuji, Asago and Tsukasa rode in the back with Asago in the middle.

Kamo-san: "She is misunderstanding for sure." He mumbled.

Ryuji peered over Asago's head to check on Tsukasa. She was gazing out the window.

Asago: "Hey Ryuji! Do you know about the drug incident at Rokuo Kita? Someone's pushing drugs in Kuryugumi's territory. What are you going to do?""

Ryuji: "They're saying the pusher is one of my fellow, Rokuo Minami's, students. You should ask around and find out if anyone remembers the face of the pusher since you're a Kita student."

Asago: "Well all right, but in return..." She batted her fiery hazel eyes at him. "Make me your woman today!"

Ryuji: "It's too early for you." He eyed Tsukasa as he spoke.

Kyouko had been a little distant this morning. Ren wondered if she was still nervous about shooting today. He was nervous. He couldn't seem to keep in character every time they did one of those scenes. Three million what ifs popped up in his mind as he looked down to the little annoying girl that was sitting in between them.

Asago: "It is not! Today is my birthday. I'm the same age as you!" Asago scooted closer to Ryuji and batted her eyes at him again. In a whiny tone she continued. "If I become your woman then I can get rid of this persistent guy at school just by my name."

Tsukasa started to shake with frustration.

Tsukasa: "Bodyguards can easily be replaced." She mumbled loud enough to know Ryuji heard and then paused waiting for a reaction. "Again he says nothing, I knew that he didn't like me but damn. Protection against bullets! To think that he only thought of me as that!" Her mumbling was only audible to Kamo who sat directly in front of her.

Asago: "So!" She raised her voice to drown out the sound of Tsukasa's mumbles. "At my birthday party make an engagement announcement as well. And after that, I'll give you me!"

Ryuji: "Well, so you say." He shrugged and looked down at Asago as a smirk spread across his face.

Ruriko smirked in return. Finally she had been able to capture Ren's full attention. She knew they were just acting but no man had ever failed to notice her when she wanted them to. It was irritating that he could be so completely caught in his role that he didn't notice her throwing herself all over him. She was Japans' most famous female idol.

Ryuji: "But what part of your body am I supposed to desire?"

Ren stoled another glance at Tsukasa. His smirk grew as he recalled that Ruriko caused Kyouko a serious injury in their first encounter. It felt amazing to be able to be cruel to her in a way the gentle Ren would never be able to.

Asago: "WHAT? You know there's a lot of guys after me!"

Ruriko fumed as she crossed her arms. It hadn't even occurred to her that she had delivered her lines perfectly.

Tsukasa was still looking out of the window, but now with a popped vein on her face. Still muttering things that Ryuji could not quite make out. She stiffened as something outside the car caught her attention. There was a large group of people at the entrance of an ally way.

Tsukasa: "Oh no, I hope it's not a murder." She whispered to herself, but just as the words slip from her mouth she caught sight of two students from her school in bad condition. One boy was trying to carry other. They seemed to be crying out for help but the observers merely stood there watching.

Tsukasa: "STOP!" She screamed. "They're our students."

As Tsukasa flew from the car Kamo slammed on the brakes.

Tsukasa: "These are Kita students, but their uniforms are similar to ours." She crouched over the boys who had both fallen to the ground. "Hey! Are you all right!?"

Boy 1: "Call an ambulance! Hurry! This guy's gonna die." The boy's blond hair was starting to turn red with blood. Tsukasa gently examined the cut on his head before turning to his friend who had been stabbed in the stomach. She instinctively took off her jacket and used it to apply pressure to the wound. The blond boy knelt shaking as he watched.

Kamo-san: "Tsukasa-san." He whispered as he stood awkwardly behind her.

Tsukasa: "Kamo-san! Call an ambulance!" She yelled infuriated at everyone who was just going to let this boy die. "What the hell is everyone thinking! Call for an ambulance!! Hurry!!!" She screamed frantic as the blood started to seep through her jacket to her hands. Ryuji and Asago stood watching from the side of the car, Ryuji, with his hands in his pockets and Asago with her arms crossed.

Asago: "I can't believe it! Why does he have get so involved with other people's lives? In our world, we're not even allowed to rely on others. To be worried over by your underlings means that you can't stand at the head of a group of people in this world. Right Ryuji!?"

Ryuji: "Aa ...True, but..." He sighed as he watched Tsukasa try to save the boy. "Its nice to be cared for sometimes." A soft half smile appeared from his always stern lips. It left Asago speechless as she processed his words.

Kamo-san: "Drugs." He said as he held up a package of powdered substance that the blond boy had.

Tsukasa: "You. Where did you get them?" She demanded. The boy broke down in tears as he recalled the event.

Boy: "They forced me to buy them. When I said that I didn't need them they beat me and took all the money I had!"

Tsukasa: "Their faces! Do you remember the faces of the guys that sold them?"

The boy shook his head in dismay.

Boy: "But they said that they were Kuryugumi's kumiin!"

Shock spread through the group. Kamo-san, Bun-san and Asago stood with their eyes wide. Tsukasa clenched her teeth as she glared at Ryuji who stood there not even looking slightly moved by those words.

Ryuji: "It's not us." He spoke eying Tsukasa as the ambulance arrived to cart off the boys. Tsukasa shot one last glare at Ryuji before heading off in the opposite direction.

Kamo-san: "Tsukasa-san! Where are you going so early in the morning!?"

Tsukasa: "SCHOOL!"

Kamo-san: "N! No! You can't! You should go home and change. Ryuji will come to. You know you're always told to stay by his side." He dashed up in front of Tsukasa in a panic as she was walking the opposite direction from school.

Tsukasa: "I don't want to see his face! Bodyguards can easily be replaced so the least you can do is act as a protection against bullets, right." She huffed back as she disappeared into the crowd. Consumed with anger Tsukasa yelled out loud to herself. "That guy that doesn't treat people as human beings! Jerk get out of my head!" She slammed her head against her fists. "Dammit! I'll get amnesia!" Stopping mid-hit as she spied two thugs looking her way.

Thug 1: "This is a good target. Looks like a junkie already. And on top of that, it looks like the Kita uniform."

Thug 2: "Huh? He might be from Minami."

Thug 1: "Who cares where he's from. The more money we make, the closer we get to Kuryugumi."

Tsukasa's ears perked when she heard them mention Kuryugumi. Thug 1 pulled out a plastic package full of a powdered substance as he headed towards her.

Thug 1: "Hey, we're from Minami. You wanna buy this?"

Tsukasa sniffed the air around the two thugs like a police dog.

Tsukasa: "I don't remember your smell."

Thug 1: "Hey, look here." The thug said as he dangled the drugs in front of her like she was a dog and the drugs were a treat. "You want these right? If you want them then hurry up and take out your money. I'm short tempered."

Tsukasa: "Really? What a coincidence." She smiled up at the boy as she realized these were not students from her school. "Actually, I'm short tempered myself." Her expression changed to one of rage as she cracked her knuckles.

Thug 1: "Huh?"

"And Cut!" Yelled Director Skinkai. "The chemistry on stage is perfect! Ruriko you've come along way since our last movie! Okay everyone get back to the Kuryugumi scene and lets wrap this up so we can get some lunch! Kyouko-san, how's it going with the chain?"

"Good Skinkai-san. I think I've really mastered using it as a weapon!" exclaimed Kyouko.

"Great," sighed Director Skinkai. "Please try not to hurt any one!"

Back at Kuryugumi.

Kamo-san: "We received word Tsukasa came back to her room after leaving us. Are you ready to apologize?"

Ryuji walked down a long hallway with Kamo and Bun-san in tow. They stopped in front of a door that had a hand made sign that read, 'This is my room. Knock will ya!?' Taking out a piece of paper from his pocket Ryuji silently recited its contents and nodded to the door, without knocking, Ryuji entered Tsukasa's room. His eyes immediately found Tsukasa wearing just her panties and collar. A moment passed before either could move an inch.

Ryuji: "Heh."Measuring her curves carefully Ryuji eyes followed the lines of her body like a car driving down a mountain - as slowly as possible.

It was physically impossible for Ren to stay in character. As much as he longed to see her body he couldn't help but tense up. Not only did he have the pleasure of staring at Kyouko's beautiful body, but so did everyone else on set. Not too mention what would happen when it aired and every male age 10 to 100 was ogling his Kyouko.

"Cut," yelled Director Skinkai. "Ren, please stay in character. The faster we get through this the faster Kyouko-chan gets to put her clothes on."

"I'm sorry Director, Kyouko," said Ren as blood ran to his checks.

"Ren, I thought you had Ryuji's character down," mocked Kuu. "Your not trying to prolong my daughters skin exposure, are you?"

"Of course not!" hissed Ren as he stormed out of the room and slammed the door.

"Is everyone ready on set?" sighed Director Skinkai.

"Yes," everyone replied.

"Alright, three, two, one action."

Ren once again opened the door trying his best to stay in character.

Ryuji: "Heh."

She's Tsukasa not Kyouko.... Tsukasa not Kyouko.... not Kyouko. This thought repeated itself over and over in Ren's head as a smirk fell to his lips. How could anyone believe she was a boy? Everything about her screamed femininity, she soft skin, beautiful face, and perfect C-cup breasts. Every inch of her body was unfathomably beautiful to him.

Tsukasa: "Pervert!" She screamed as her face turned red and shocking Ren back into character. She threw on a girls sailor style uniform before she turned back to Ryuji. "You! How many times have I told you to knock! Don't make me same the same thing over and over!" Tsukasa yanked her chain free and whipped it at Ryuji as he dodged out her door.

Kamo-san who was just waiting outside the door ducked backwards.

Kamo-san: "Tsukasa-san!? Didn't you say you were going to school!?"

Tsukasa: "I did!" She snapped as she threw her pants at him. "And then I met some suspicious drug pushers who claim to be one of our students! They escaped, but I found out where they escaped to."

Ryuji: "Where?" He completely threw aside their peeka-boo game and looked at Tsukasa somberly.

Asago: "He claims that it's my school!" She strolled up catching everyone off guard. "He caught me at the school entrance and do you know what the first thing he said to me was? Give me your uniform so I can follow them! He almost stripped me in front of the whole school. Don't you think a guy would stand out more wearing my uniform? He's got to be kidding!" She points to Tsukasa who has donned a long flowing blond wig. The uniform clung tightly to her chest and hugged her hips.

Kamo-san: "Um Tsukasa-san." Intervened Kamo unsure how Asago could be so blind to point out the difference between their figures. "Are those guys really Kuryugumi's?"

Tsukasa: "I don't know." She sighed as she flicked her long hair over her shoulder. "But when people are in a fix, they always run back to their allies. Kita is their home base. It's time to find out exactly who's behind all of this!!"

"And cut, everybody can take a lunch!" yelled Director Skinkai.

Ren watched as Kyouko slipped off her wig and walked to her dressing room. A week had passed since he had learned Bo's true identity. It seemed like Kyouko had crept into every facet of his life. She had become so much a part of his daily routine that he found himself lonely in his own apartment. To relieve some of his anxiety of being without her he insisted on picking her up every morning and dropping her off every night. She had taken to calling him before she fell a sleep. She always spoke complete nonsense before she finally dozed off and he cherished every minute of it. He wanted to be the first person she saw when she woke up and the last person she saw when she drifted off to sleep. He wanted to hold her sleeping form in his arms. He wanted to do so much more.

"Ren!" yelled Kyouko as she emerged from her dressing room. It had taken a little bit of effort but Kyouko had grown accustomed to calling him that way. "I'm going to lunch with Ruriko-chan and Moko. Do want me to bring something back for you?"

"Don't worry about it," waved Ren. "Yashiro and I will grab something."

Kyouko had taken over Ren's food management. She asked him every night to tell her everything he ate that day from start to finish. If she knew she wasn't going to be near him during lunch she would pack a bento for both Ren and Yashiro. Slowly Ren started to occupy her mind at all times. This wasn't unnoticed to the rest of the cast or any of her close friends.

"So, when did you and Tsuruga-san start dating? Those scenes where I have to throw myself at him must be torture," smirked Ruriko as her manager drove them to the cafe they were meeting Moko. Today was Kyouko's first time playing opposite Ruriko. She was very happy to be rivals in a movie instead of rivals to get into the movie.

"We don't date," replied Kyouko a little shocked. "Ren is my sempai and my friend."

"Really?" asked Ruriko as smug look spread across her face. Ruriko's manager parked the car of the street corner to let them out. Moko was waiting outside the cafe reading a script at a super sonic rate.

"Moko!" yelled Kyouko as she dashed out of the car and jumped onto the tall dark haired beauty. "I missed you sooooo much!" She squealed with delight. "How did everything go? Did you have fun on location?"

"Yes, I had a great time," Moko smiled as she let herself absorb Kyouko's warmth.

"What were you working on?" asked Ruriko as she came to stand next to them.

"The drama I've been shooting for the last year. We shot the finale episodes in New York," she explained as she wobbled into the restaurant. Kyouko was still wrapped around her waist. "So what's new?"

"Tsuruga-san and Kyouko-chan are on a first name basis," crooned Ruriko.

"Oh really," said Moko as she lifted an eyebrow.

"She prepares his meals for him, he brings her to the set every day. I heard she once came in his pajamas!" chattered Ruriko as the sat in a corner booth.

"It's not how it sounds!" exclaimed Kyouko as she tried to hide behind her menu.

"So is any of that untrue?" asked Moko peering over the menu at her closest friend.

"No," whimpered Kyouko staring into Moko's eyes.

"And how do your adoptive parents feel about all this?" asked Moko.

"I don't know," replied Kyouko. It had never occurred to her that they would have any opinion on her relationship with her sempai. "Father did ask me to refrain from any more sleep overs with Ren."

"Oh," laughed Moko unable to keep a straight face. "Let me get to the point Kyouko. How do you feel about Tsuruga-san."

"How do I feel?" she asked blinking a little too often. "I guess... ugh... he is very important to me."

"So are you in love with him?" pipped Ruriko as she practically leapt across the table.

"In love?" asked Kyouko. "What's the difference between in love and regular love?"

"If you don't know that yet then it too soon for you!" laughed Moko relieved that her friend hadn't changed that much. "I'll come back and watch your shoot. I need to get my schedule anyway."

"I love you Moko," exclaimed Kyouko as she remembered Ren's definition of love between friends.

"That's great, but if you in love with me I'm sorry to say I can't reciprocate," laughed Moko. A year ago she would have turned pale and run out of the restaurant if Kyouko had said something like that. "Of course I love you like the sister I always wished for. Not like the crappy ones I already have."

"I think you're supposed to be in the PV we're doing next week," chirped Kyouko. "They're going to do lovey shots from all the main couples."

"So do you know who is playing opposite you yet?" asked Ruriko.

"Some singer to help drawl in the crowds," sighed Moko.

"Won't it be hard to do a lovey scene with someone you just met?" asked Ruriko. "Luckily Kijima-san and I have done some PV work together."

"It won't be hard for me," smirked Moko.

The three girls chatted away their lunch hour. Kyouko was on cloud nine. To be able to have a lunch with girl friends was a dream come true. How she missed being teased by Moko. She couldn't wait to tell Ren all about it tonight.

While Kyouko was having fun, Ren was being tortured for information.

"She is a lot more fragile than you think! Don't toy with her," hissed Kuu from across the table.

"I don't plan on hurting her," sighed Ren. Julie had bounced over to him during the break. She insisted Kyouko had promised that Ren would have lunch with her.

"It's just that, we know you're not being honest with her because you're not being honest with yourself," explained Julie. "Tsuruga Ren isn't just someone your pretending to be anymore. You have people who care about you. What's going to happen when you reconcile with your past. Are you going to abandon Kyouko?"

"I will never abandon her," said Ren. "If it's in my power to make her happy I plan on doing just that. No matter who I become in the process."

"Kuon, let me give you some advice," sighed Kuu. It was apparent to Kuu this man needed a little guiding when it came to love. "That girl sees through all of your disguises. Whether it's Ren or Kuon the you she cares about is you. She will accept all of you, but if you keep lying to her you'll destroy everything you've built here."

"I know you've become a strong man sweetie," hummed Julie. "Kyouko has a lot of issues for such a young girl. You know this. We're just scared that if she lost her faith in you, she'd lose faith in everything. I don't want to lie to her anymore. Neither does Kuu. We want to become a real family. We want to be the kind of parents that she can depend on."

"Your relationship has become so close," whimpered Kuu, not sure they were getting through to him. "Please listen to our advice. Tell her everything. Let her support you and let her tell you everything. You two are going to have a lot of challenges but if your honest and you always cherish each other you'll make it."

"I'm not ready yet," growled Ren.

"Ren," growled Kuu. He was so irritated at his son, it was like having a teenager all over again. "If you don't learn to stop being so god damn selfish and continue to lie to that girl so help me god I will take her so far away from you that you'll only be left with your dreams." Kuu couldn't believe Ren had become such a weak person. "Wasn't the point in this whole charade for you to turn into a man you felt proud of?!" He threw money for lunch on the table and stormed out with Julie in tow.

Ren dashed out of the booth to chase after them. He grabbed Kuu by the shoulder and forcefully turned him.

"I know I have to tell her the truth, but let me do it my way! The reason I left was to become my own man. You can say what you will about me, but there is no way I would ever let you take her away from me!" Ren growled through his clenched teeth.

"I see," said Kuu as he jerked his shoulder from Ren's grip. "Just know, as much as I love you, I also love that little girl. I wouldn't love her more if she were my own biological daughter. If at all possible, Julie and I plan to try and make up for all those years we weren't in her life. She needs a family she can depend on. She needs the security to know the people she loves now will always love her back. You've been building up her hopes son. You practically treat her like she's your wife. The worst part is it seems so natural for you two. It almost seems like neither of you realize your dependence on the other. You're the grown up in this situation. If you're truly not ready for this kind of relationship you had better explain that to her quickly and leave her alone. If you truly can't live without her any more, then you better make sure she understands what that means. Listen son..."

I bright light flashed from across the street. At that moment it dawned on them that they were having a heated, private discussion on a busy street. This was obviously going to make the news.

"Damn," mumbled Julie as she grabbed both men by the arms and headed for the car. "Couldn't you two find a more private place to have this argument? What are we going to do if Kyouko reads about this in tomorrows Star?"

Ren got in the drivers side and started the car. To his surprise Julie scooted in next to him and put her hand on his leg leaving Kuu sitting awkwardly in the back seat alone.

"I think you both need to think about what the other has said," coed Julie. "Kuu and I were worried just like any parent of an 18 year old girl would be. She's just so very innocent. She's incredibility tough in some ways dear, but she's still very naive and very vulnerable. But I don't think we took into consideration the way you feel about her. Be honest with us. Are you in love with her? Can you see yourself with her for the rest of your life?"

"Yes, I love her. I feel like I've always loved her," laughed Ren as he placed his hand on this mothers. "I feel like every choice I've made in my life has lead me to her. It's just that I know I don't deserve this. If I get to spend the rest of my life with her I hope I never die, but she deserves better. I understand I'm being selfish, but please bare with for a while. I just want to get through with shooting before I spring the truth on her. I don't want to put her career in jeopardy."

"Alright," Kuu sighed. "I'm sorry I blew off the handle."

"It's okay," Ren laughed as he squeezed Julie's hand. "I'm actually a little relieved Kyouko has the kind of dad who would do everything possible to intimidate her boyfriends."

"Ren, have you met the couple Kyouko lives with yet?" asked Kuu.

"No not formally," Ren said. "Why?"

"I'm not the only man who considers her a daughter that's for sure," sighed Kuu. "At least you know I already love you. That man may react a little harsher."

"Meh," shrugged Ren in his oh so American way. "The more scary a dad is, the better!"

When Kyouko arrived back at the set she noticed Yashiro eating alone in the green room. It was quite unusual for Yashiro to be apart from Ren during working hours. Kyouko could help but to be worried.

"Yashiro, is Ren okay?" called Kyouko as she hurried over to him.

"I believe so. Why?" asked Yashiro.

"He's always with you when he's not with me," explained Kyouko. "Where is he?"

"Um..." Yashiro stuttered, unsure if Ren would want Kyouko to know about his lunch date. "Huh. I think he mentioned going to grab a bite with some co-workers."

"Oh, well why didn't you go too?" asked Kyouko.

"Well look there's the man of the hour!" exclaimed Yashiro. "Ren, you made Kyouko-chan worry."

Yashiro was waving his arms wildly to catch Ren's attention. Kyouko turned apple tree red as Ren strode over to them. How could she tell him that she was worried because she didn't know where he was? Was she turning into some sort of obsessive stalker?

"You were worried?" asked Ren as he put his arm over her shoulder.

"I just though it was unusual for you to go out without Yashiro," murmured Kyouko.

"Oh well, Yashiro here is on a budget and Julie and Kuu wanted to go to an upscale restaurant," explained Ren completely lying through his teeth. Yashiro grimaced at this explanation.

"Well good for you," laughed Kyouko as she patted Yashiro on the back. "I completely agree upscale restaurants are a ripoff. Why, I can usually make something that tastes just as good and not spend one-fourth of what a meal at upscale restaurants cost."

An evil smirk graced Yashiro's face. It was time for a little payback.

"I completely agree," coed Yashiro as he put his arm across Kyouko's shoulders. "I only wish I could make bentos like you can. Say some time you should give me cooking lessons."

"Of course," exclaimed Kyouko. "I'm sure my landlords won't mind if we use their kitchen."

"That sounds delightful," Yashiro said as he hugged Kyouko. "We better get going though. We don't want to be late."

"I've been pushed far enough today Yashiro," whispered Ren in Yashiro's ear as he pulled him into his trailer. "If you value your life those cooking lessons will be put off, indefinitely."

"Wow, Ren... you are the definition of a man who wants exclusive possession of their love interest," sighed Yashiro. "We better get dressed for the next scene."

"Kyouko-san, Tsuruga-san I need to talk to you before we start shooting." said Director Skinkai as he waved them over. Yashiro went ahead to prepare Ren's trailer.

"Do you know what this is about?" whispered Kyouko. Ren looked at down at her and shrugged.

"Let me guess," sighed the director. "Neither of you read the tabloids?"

"No," sighed Ren as he ran his fingers through his hair. Yashiro normally read each tabloid very carefully every morning to update Ren on any new gossip that was floating about.

"I see, well you two made the front of three separate publications yesterday. Apparently the photographer sat on these photos for a week waiting for the best offers," he said as he spread out three tabloids on the table. Each had pictures of Ren and Kyouko sharing a tender embrace in the lobby of studio six followed by pictures of them eating at their favorite restaurant and lastly pictures of Kyouko getting out of Ren's car before school. "I do not care at all if you two are or are not an item. This is actually creating more hype for the series. I just thought you should be aware.... Unfortunately that's not all I need to talk to you about. I need you both to go back to LME with me after we finish shooting today. There is a cast member who just backed out of the shooting that I want you to meet with."

"Of course," Kyouko chirped relived she wasn't in trouble.

"Alright, get changed. Let's try to get this wrapped up." said the director.