Author's Note: As I was typing this, I realized that I've reached a year here in FFn! Yaaaaaaaaaaay!

November 24, 2012 was the day when I joined this site because I bookmarked too much stories and I decided to create some of my own. Thank you so much for the support that you gave me all throughout my stay here. I love you all!

And also to celebrate this, I bring you my latest update. Some might ask why I put it in the M section but it was due to heavy cursing inside the story. So, that's that. Thanks also for putting me in your favorites list. Please read and review! It means a lot to me, seriously. :D


Chapter 8: Ryo's Girlfriend

The next day, Ryo and his minions Genji and Alice were already at the studio once again. Alice was busy checking the model's outfits while Genji was talking to the photographer named Madoka Kitarane who scheduled another shoot with Ryo and a female model named Tamiko Uzara. Alice did not seem to mind for she was already embracing the part where she would have to deal with Ryo's "girlfriends" and the aforementioned woman was part of Ryo's past flings.

Well, for the model, he was currently seated at the couch and waiting for the signal of his manager and the photographer. He was in a bad mood to do a photoshoot since his partner in the shoot would be Tamiko Uzara. Yet, he made his eyes wander to a certain blonde who was busy circling the entire area of the studio.

On the other hand, as she was circling the studio, Alice was talking to someone in her phone. and it was Rika Nonaka once again.

"So how did it go?" Rika asked. "I mean, how did yesterday go?"

"Uhm… Don't ask," Alice answered. "And I'm in another photoshoot once again. Ryo's with another model."

This prompted Rika to smirk in the other line.

"Jealous?"

And an irate answer followed.

"Hell no. The woman's name was Tamiko Uzara. Who the hell was she? She's keeping us waiting here for nothing."

Rika eventually gasped in the other line. eventually, Alice noticed this.

"What's wrong, Rika? Did I upset you with my words?"

"No… I know Tamiko Uzara," Rika replied ruefully. "Personally."

Alice seemed to be intrigued with Rika's statement. "What? I mean, how?"

"Tamiko Uzara used to pose sister magazine of Vanity Shinjuku. When they got late, the photographers I mean, Tamiko threw in a fit and told everyone of them that they were unprofessional for being late. she cussed so bad that she even sued the sister company. Fortunately, her rival model incidentally owned the sister company so her big fat mouth was shut for a week. I'm warning you, girl."

"Now that's scary!" Alice replied casually.

"And that's not all. There was a time that me, Henry and my minions were having dinner at a five-star restaurant a month ago and I went into the bathroom for a while. When I returned, for the love of fucking life! I saw her flirting directly with Henry by touching his shoulders! Ugh!"

Alice felt shocked and blood went to her head. "What did you do then?"

"That time, everyone revered me as the model's daughter. as if I was the direct heiress of my mother. so, I came up to her with due respect," Rika said proudly. "And I said 'HEY, BITCH! THAT'S MY BOYFRIEND YOU'RE GOING TO STEAL! AND IF YOU STILL DON'T KNOW ME YET, MAYBE YOU'RE ON THE WRONG TRACK!'."

Alice suddenly felt proud but at the same time nervous since she was going to deal with the woman right now.

"Wow. I really salute you with your sharp tongue, Rika!" Alice replied with humor. "What happened after that?"

"Totally embarrassed. If I wasn't known in showbiz, she could have humiliated me in front of everyone. Trust me on this one because you won't like her a bit."

"Now I'm really worried for myself. Genji said that she used to be Ryo's girlfriend and I don't want to cross paths with her. It's bad already that my life's messed up with Ryo around and I'm still being the underdog for his Miss Goody-Goody!" Alice complained.

"For me, you won't gonna have a problem with that. You also possess a sharp tongue, sister!" Rika cheered her friend up. "You gotta use it sometimes!"

"I wish…" Alice replied. "Anyway, I gotta go before I become her next victim. It's my second day but I don't want it to be my last. Once I received my salary, that's the time I'm going to go."

"I see," Rika replied. "Take care of yourself. One of these days, I'm going to plan a night out with all of the high school friends. You, me, Jeri, Takato, Henry, Kazu, Kenta and…"

"Don't say it!" Alice pled. "Don't say it!"

"Ryo!" Rika replied with a laugh. "Since he's a lot older than all of us."

"Thanks a lot, Rika," Alice said with a snort. Being his assistant made me even more different. What would happen if I'm going out with him on a party?

Eventually, Alice saw a female figure and deduced that the woman could be Tamiko Uzara. She decided to hang the phone up.

"Bye, Rika! Thanks for the tip because she's here already!" Alice said and ended the conversation.

The blonde placed her phone in the pocket and stood straight for her to look presentable to the model. She could see that Genji was eyeing the woman with such scrutiny after what he told her.

"Good morning!" Tamiko greeted sarcastically. "Please take note that we're being professionals in this field so please bear with me. And Ryo here as well!"

What's so good about the morning? Alice thought as she saw the woman. She was definitely beautiful: long-legged, owning a pair of brown eyes and brown hair and her skin looked as white as snow. She was wearing a black long-sleeved dress and a pair of black pumps.

And bear with her? And her attitude?! Fuck! Alice continued her thinking.

She walked towards Genji so that they could see what she and Ryo would do now that they met again. The manager only stood there and got petrified.

"Ryo!" Tamiko said flirtatiously as she stopped in front of him.

It was at this point that Ryo became uninterested. He could tell that she was trying to get him into trouble.

"Uh… Hey?" Ryo asked with uncertainty. He was not interested in talking to her for the moment.

"What's with you?" Tamiko asked with eyebrows raised. "And, why didn't you answer my call yesterday? I was really waiting for you, you know that?"

"Uh… I was busy," Ryo replied while figuring out a perfect alibi and scanning if Alice was there watching him. "And my team and I were trying to relax so that…"

Tamiko pondered this for a moment and smiled.

"Aww… Why can't you just settle down already? You know I'll be here for you when you need me!" Tamiko remarked with her trademark flirtatious voice.

Both Genji and Alice were looking at various directions and trying to ignore the scene that was going on in front of them. For them, it was truly disturbing. For Alice, she now realized that seeing the description Rika gave was far from disturbing. It was actually sickening!

Good thing Ryo didn't have STDs from all the women he got laid with! Alice thought and saw her watch while she let the new lovebirds share a very intimate moment inside the studio and forget about the time.

Eventually, Tamiko's personal assistant approached Alice and Genji. She had black hair, onyx eyes, fair skin and pleasing appearance.

"Excuse me?" the personal assistant asked and introduced herself as Hanako Daisuke. "I believe that we're going to a photoshoot today at ten in the morning."

Alice smiled ruefully. "I'm Alice McCoy. I believe we share the same sentiments but it looks like you're boss is initiating something we don't want to see!"

Hanako only nodded. "What about you, Genji?" she asked again.

"I'm gonna say the same. After all, we're just his subordinates," Genji stated.

Meanwhile, in order to finish everything, Alice decided to keep her calm and interrupt the two models so they could commence. She walked towards Ryo and Tamiko who were on the verge of kissing each other.

"Uhm… Ma'am, Sir, we need to start the photoshoot now," Alice said calmly but deep inside, she was still disturbed with what she saw.

At this point in time, Tamiko became irritated for her chance to be with Ryo was ruined.

"And who are you to tell me that, huh?" Tamiko snapped rudely.

Alice pretended to respect her for the moment. "Well, if you didn't notice… You arrived here an hour late and we assumed that when you arrived, we'll gonna start the photoshoot. Unfortunately, looks like you're still not ready."

Tamiko let out a 'humph' sound while Ryo silently thanked Alice for intervening them. Who knows when would he and his fellow model stop?

"And who are you to tell us this?" Tamiko demanded sharply. Who does she think she is?

Ryo offered to tell Tamiko about Alice in order to cut the tension. "Uh… Tamiko, this is Alice… my newest personal assistant."

Tamiko raised an eyebrow in disdain. "A personal assistant, huh?"

Alice only bit her lip in vexation but felt angry towards Ryo. Why did Ryo have to tell her about herself? Well, she was definitely prepared for what was coming into her so she had just let it be.

"Oh well…" Tamiko stated. "Come on, Ryo baby!"

Alice's eyes became wide as plates as she heard the female model's last statement.

This is definitely not good… Alice thought and saw that the models were making their way towards the area where would they pose. She's too clingy. Now I understand why Rika also detested that bitch anyway.

Now that the models were already standing in front of the camera, Alice went towards Genji. He was apparently talking to another woman who was apparently Tamiko's manager.

And as if he was reading her mind, Genji smiled. "Oh, hey, Alice! This is Nina Yoshimura. She's Tamiko's manager!"

Alice looked at the older woman from head to toe. She was a brunette, had black tantalizing eyes and a fair complexion. The way she smiled, for Alice, was entirely different than Tamiko.

"Hello!" Nina greeted her pleasantly and extended her hands for Alice. "I'm Nina. And you are Alice?"

"Alice McCoy," Alice returned the greeting nicely and shook the woman's hand. "Pleased to meet you."

Genji decided to introduce her further to the brunette manager. "This is Alice McCoy. She's Naomi's successor."

"Oh! You're Ryo's new personal assistant?" Nina remarked kindly. "I think that it's gonna be nice that we're going to work alongside our models!"

"I agree!" Alice replied with a smile.

This definitely shook Alice's spine. If Nina was kind towards any person, why was Tamiko hostile and rude to anybody she met? Could Nina have done everything in order to make her ward kind and nice?

"So, shall we start then?" Alice asked, motioning towards the photographer. The young photographer was Madoka Kitarane and was sporting a short purple hair along with a long-sleeved green shirt and a pair of jeans. He also told Alice that he was related to the Ichijouji family. Alice nodded since she was familiar with Yolei and Ken as well.

"Absolutely!" Nina answered and hollered to her ward. "Tamiko! We're going to start!"

At the sound of her manager's voice, Tamiko began to drag Ryo to the center and placed his hands on her waist and her arms around his neck.

"Let's get this thing over with, Ryo!" Tamiko declared as she faced the camera while Ryo just did the same wordlessly.

As Ryo could conclude, this became the worst time of his life. While looking at the camera, the only person that he could think was his sole inspiration: the only blonde who made his heart beat once again after rejecting her. He still felt guilty because she still definitely remembered what happened between them before and judging by her actions and attitude, she still carried the scar he had inflicted her and he hated himself for it. He was contented with Alice working for him but right now, he was still in a sticky situation because of Tamiko.

However, the photographer noticed that Ryo was looking at something else, or perhaps someone else. When he followed the brunet model's gaze, he saw that the model was looking at Alice who was busy setting up the wardrobe once again with Genji Otara.

"Uh… Sir?" the photographer started. "Can you uh… give us a smile?"

With that statement, Ryo felt shaken and returned his mind to reality. He decided to give a smile even if it was an ersatz one and the photographer finally had a shot of him and Tamiko.

On the other hand, Alice and Genji were talking to each other while they let their employer have the time of his life onscreen.

"If yesterday was for Vanity Shinjuku, what's the purpose of today?" Alice asked, wondering why Ryo had a series of photoshoots to be done for this week.

"Today was for a launch of Ryo and Tamiko's newest clothing line," Genji simply answered. "The press conference was going to be due on Thursday so the photoshoot was set today."

Alice only nodded in understanding. Now she had received the biggest load of her own life. She decided to do this because she was still in dire need of money and house.

"But of course, we'll be there," Genji added. "We can't let that woman claw Ryo. Who knows what she's up to or something!"

"Should've known you too are against her as well," Alice commented as she tucked the last outfit on the hanger.

"If only you knew, Miss Alice!" Genji quipped.

"For me, Genji, you sound more like Ryo's butler than a manager!" Alice joked. "You're never formal!"

"It's because Ryo taught me to be that way," Genji explained. "I was initially a manager but when Ryo rubbed off his happiness and enthusiasm, I became a butler instead. Maybe one day, instead of being his personal assistant, you might become his girlfriend!"

Alice only raised an eyebrow. "You've got to be kidding me, Otara!" she exclaimed.

"I'm not kidding, Alice!" Genji replied with a smirk on his face. "I've been wishing about Ryo settling down. Because he had numerous one-night stands that occurred inside our house or maybe in different houses! But now, knowing of your past with Ryo, I'm already rooting for a relationship between you two."

Alice felt that the idea was nuts or somehow crazy. But fortunately, the man was not even taunting of her pathetic crush on the model because it seemed already normal that girls abound him already.

"Nah, Genji… I'm done with it. I'm trying to be professional as 'Miss Goody Goody' would say!" Alice said, implying the name with her two index fingers.

Genji laughed with amusement. Somehow the line caught him.

"You're talking about her, aren't you?" Genji asked rolling his eyes to the direction of Tamiko and Ryo.

"You bet!" Alice chuckled. "I'll tell you the story when we're finished with this junk!"

Genji nodded and turned to watch the photoshoot that was going on between the model couple. Nina had told them that they were finished with the first set that depicted Ryo and Tamiko as a couple in normal outfits.

"How many sets are going to be there?" Alice asked Nina.

"Four sets. Normal, autumn, spring and rainy! We're finished doing the summer collection anyway!" Nina explained.

Alice mentally smirked. I'm so lucky that I haven't seen the summer collection with Ryo up close!

In the meantime, Ryo was fixing himself when he saw Tamiko finishing her face as well.

"So, Ryo… Please tell me about our status… Because it's getting on my nerves," Tamiko stated flirtatiously. "Are we friends? Friends with benefits? Or what?"

This caused Ryo to puke mentally with what he had just heard. Sure he used to go out with her but they were just strictly friends and nothing else. Now he realized that she was totally clingy for a co-worker.

Damn! Why did I have to work with her? Ryo thought in irritation. Of all the models I used to dated, this one's the hardest to leave! What did I do to deserve this?

"Uhm… We're just friends," Ryo replied.

"But friends who are exclusively dating!" Tamiko replied with a shrill laugh.

All of the persons inside the studio only wore shocked looks. Definitely, they saw that coming but not in front of so many people.

"Oh my god…" Hanako could only murmur. Was she telling the truth?

Or was it just a lie because they were actually dating? Alice thought as well since she already knew Tamiko's reputation. Oh well… Playboy meets Slutty Girl. They do fit the equation!

I'm utterly confused! Genji could only think so since he and Nina were witnesses on how Ryo and Tamiko got acquainted.

Please Tamiko… Give yourself some honor, Nina thought while wishing her ward the best.

But Ryo could only smile ruefully which made Tamiko very much satisfied because of the question asked and the answer given.

Help me, Lord! Ryo thought.

And when they got finished with their clothes, the two models resumed their duties. Ryo was now wearing a black leather jacket with black pants and brown boots. Tamiko was now wearing a long-sleeved black shirt and a short grey skirt along with black boots. Alice and Hanako found the female's outfit somehow fit for a funeral.

"Whose idea was this anyway?" Alice whispered to her fellow personal assistant.

"Tamiko," Hanako answered in whisper.

Wow. Way to go, Alice thought and the idea seemed bad for her. Badmouthing is bad but black? Is this autumn or is it just for Halloween?

"I'm speechless," Alice could only murmur as she could only watch at the episode being shown in front of her.

Then the two models resumed the photoshoot. Alice felt as if she was useless there so she decided to go down for a coffee. She was already walking away when she felt an arm grab her. when she turned around, she only saw Hanako instead.

"Hana? Why?" Alice asked with wide eyes.

"Can I join you? I promise I won't make any harm," Hanako said.

Alice weighed on the things she would do. Well, Hanako seemed to be a ncie and pleasant girl compared to her employer Tamiko. She decided to let this in for now.

"Alright," Alice answered and continued walking. This time, Hanako was already at the same stance as her.

Meanwhile, before he could smile for the camera, Ryo saw that Alice was walking away with Tamiko's personal assistant. He assumed that she was going to take a break for now.


A deafening silence involved the two as they made their way downstairs. Hanako was not the shy type so she easily opened up the conversation.

"So, you're Alice McCoy!" Hanako repeated. She only repeated the blonde's name so she would not forget it.

"Uh… yeah! I am!" Alice replied. "Why?"

"You seemed to be really new! Let me guess, you were the substitute to Naomi!" Hanako replied cheerily.

Alice shook her head. "Permanent substitute. Naomi's resigned already."

The young brunette wore a look of dismay. "Aww. It's so sad. It's been a week since we last worked together and now I heard that she's gone."

"Yeah," Alice replied ruefully. "But either way, things have a different way of making things nice and smooth!"

Eventually, the two reached the coffee shop and sat on the chairs nearest to the entrance so they could get out whenever they got called already. When they got seated, a waitress came to them and took their orders.

"Coffee espresso for me," Alice answered.

"Mocha cappuccino for me," Hanako replied.

When their orders were already taken, the waitress went off and the two resumed their friendly conversation.

"Yeah…" Hanako replied. "So, can you tell me about yourself? I promise I won't spill!"

"Even to your employer?" Alice pointed out.

"I promise!" Hanako replied and followed it with a raise of her right hand.

Alice puffed out some air. "Alright. I'm gonna tell…"

"Besides, you're really standing out among us! You're a Japanese blondie!" the brunette squealed.

"Okay… I'm Alice McCoy. Twenty-four… American and not a Japanese blonde… I used to study in University of Tokyo. And lastly, I used to work for Shinjuku Publishing until I got laid off last week," Alice answered. "How's that?"

"American?! Wow!" Hanako squealed once again. "I always wanted to have American friends!"

Alice raised an eyebrow. "You? You want to have American friends?"

"Of course, silly! I'm so happy you're an American!" Hanako exclaimed giddily.

"Thank you?" Alice replied uncertainly. With the way she tells complements, I don't even know if it's true. But she looked too innocent to suit me!

"You're welcome!" Hanako replied.

"What about you? Can you tell me your basic info?" Alice asked.

"Oh alright! I'm gonna start with my name… Hanako Daisuke… Twenty-four! Living in the witch's lair for almost two years!" Hanako stated with a smirk.

Alice's eyes widened. How the hell did this girl put up with her boss's flirty attitude?

"Whoa…" Alice could only say as she opened her cup. The aroma of the coffee made her tempted to drink it already.

"I know, right? Anyway, do you really find Japan nice?" Hanako smiled as she opened her drink and drank as well.

Alice thought for a moment and weighed on the things what caught her fancy for the past twelve years. "Japan? Yes, it's nice. It's beautiful and people are kind. Well, except your employer."

Hanako gave a bark of laughter. "My boss is really the goddess of all the bitches actually in the showbiz land. And I'm even proud of myself since I can easily put up with her!" she added.

"How do you do that? I've heard a friend of mine whose boyfriend got flirted by Tamiko!" Alice replied, recalling what Rika told her.

"Really?!" Hanako asked with wide eyes. "Well… I've known people already from the bitchy land so it takes time to get used to it!"

"I really salute you with that, Hanako," Alice replied with honesty. "Honestly, I can't see myself working under her even if I got under the arms of such living demons and witches before."

"You're lucky that you have Ryo for a boss! He's so kind, charming and nice!" Hanako stated dreamily.

Alice could not find a way to retort to the comment since the orders already arrived in front of them. She gave the mocha cappuccino to Hanako while she took the espresso to her side.

"Kind, yes… Charming, yes… Nice?" Alice remarked. "I don't have the guts to tell that!"

"Aww! You're such a downer, Alice!" Hanako replied in amusement. "You know perfectly well that Ryo is the god of all gods in the industry, you know?"

I can't agree on that part either, Alice thought as she started drinking her espresso.

"Uh-huh…" Alice could only murmur as she placed her drink on the table.

"Well, I hope that you enjoy working as a P.A.!" Hanako advised. "Because tripping with the artists, models and actors are fun!"

No way… Alice thought with the things regarding showbiz. Would I do the same though?

The two were interrupted by a call. It was from Alice's phone. she could see that it was Genji who was calling.

"Hello? Genji?"

"Hey, Alice! You and Hanako better return here. There's something about the press con that you're going to know," Genji instructed. "Where are you anyway?"

"Hmm… We're at the coffee shop. It's so boring out there in the studio!" Alice laughed.

"Well don't worry because you won't be bored when you're in here!" Genji replied. "So better return here so you could have some pieces of gossip!"

"Fine, Otara. I'll tell Hanako that we're going to go," Alice said and hung up. "Hey, Hana! Genji says it's time to go!"

Hanako laughed and drank again her cappuccino. "Okay… Let's go!"


On the other hand, Ryo was busy changing his outfits. It seemed to him that his blonde assistant enjoyed going out with Tamiko's assistant.

"Where the hell was my assistant?!" Tamiko yelled.

"Relax, Tams… She's with Alice!" Ryo pacified her. The mere mention of the name sent his heart beating once again.

Eventually, the two models saw their assistants walking together and laughing. Tamiko seemed displeased by this.

"Ryo! When did you ever get a such clingy assistant? She only met Hana and now she's making friends with her?" Tamiko demanded sharply to the man next to her.

"Well. She's really friendly, Tams," Ryo answered, obviously defending Alice. Unfortunately, you here are the clingy one, Tamiko.

When the two assistants got in proximity with them, they sounded just like robots.

"What can we do for you, Ma'am and Sir?" the two asked in unison. Apparently, both of them were getting ready for the insults that were going to be thrown by Tamiko.

"Since you bitches are totally late, Nina will tell you what to do in the presscon," Tamiko replied without giving respect.

Ryo felt stabbed in the chest when he heard Tamiko call Alice "bitch". However, when he searched for the blonde's reaction, she did not seem to mind it. But both of them got saved when Nina showed up and decided to explain everything to the two.

"Uhm. The two of you will be present at the presscon, of course," Nina replied, trying to fix the sinkhole that her employer just created.

Genji felt his insides break after hearing the obscene word. But he knew that Alice was a resilient woman who would do anything to keep her job, even if it pained for her the most to work with the person who had hurt her before.

Eventually, Tamiko grabbed her handbag and walked away. Nina and Hanako only looked at the model sharply.

"Sorry about that, guys," Nina said apologetically. "Looks like it's her time of the month!"

"It's like as if everyday is her time of the month, Nins!" Hanako chided.

"Well, whatever it is, I think today didn't end up so well," Alice answered back to Hanako.

"On the contrary, I think today ended up so well. Having to cling over Ryo and everything," Genji stated.

Ryo turned to see the blonde, who got plain reactions after Tamiko called her a "bitch".

"Hey, Alice?" Ryo spoke up.

Alice turned to see him, just after she recovered from the insults. She only smiled wryly.

"If you're going to ask me if I'm okay, then I'm gonna answer you. I AM OKAY," Alice answered. "I've got used to having witch and demon bosses anyway."

"If only I've known her to be this rude, I shouldn't have trusted her before," Ryo replied.

"Don't worry, Ryo. It's her who has the attitude problem," Nina consoled the young man. "Not you."

"But be happy, Ryo! At least, you're not receiving any of her treatment!" Alice made a snide remark. "Let's just deal everything with this nice and smooth!"

Genji, Nina and Hanako laughed at Alice's remark. They knew that Alice was right. Tamiko was only being sweet towards Ryo.

"Alice is right, Ryo. We have to make everything calm. Even if it really isn't!" Genji concluded.