A/N: Sorry this was a while getting out there. Good thing is, once I sat down to write it just came pouring out. Whee! There's probably going to be a lot of errors in the following because it's 4:58 am. I'll fix them later. I just really wanted to get this out there ASAP. Enjoy!
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Ren had reserved one of the small conference rooms for their make-out—erm— rehearsal session.
"Being able to kiss someone on cue without being flustered is something every actor must achieve.
"How many shows have you seen, Mogami-san, in which no kissing occurred? Ever?"
Kyoko did not watch a lot of TV or movies, but even she knew that Tsuruga-san was right.
Kyoko jumped at the sound of the door opening. She rose to her feet and bowed to her sempai. Her heart leapt into her throat as his Italian shoes came closer.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Mogami-san."
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Yashiro stood by the coffee machine, waiting for the cup to fill with hot water. He was a tea man and today he was going to be drinking Earl Grey.
His happy anticipation was interrupted when, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a bright pink blur.
Kyoko-chan? No . . . she's with Ren-san.
Yashiro picked up his tea and turned.
It wasn't Kyoko, but a classic Japanese beauty in the LoveMe uniform.
I've seen her somewhere before . . . with Kyoko . . . Ah! Her commercial co-star and . . . friend, I believe . . . yes. Yes. That's it! Her name escapes me, though . . .
All of a sudden her amber eyes met his.
She was glaring at him!
What did I do?
Next thing Yashiro knew, the woman had made an angry beeline for him.
Despite her dark gaze Yashiro observed with quickening pulse that she was even more stunning up close.
"You're Tsuruga-san's manager, aren't you?"
"Y-yes. Yes, I am. What may I do for you?"
"Where's Kyoko?"
"M-Mogami-san is with Ren-san. They're having a private rehearsal."
Moko snorted. "Yeah, I bet they are . . ."
"I beg your pardon?"
Moko frowned and bit her lip.
"Are you alright, Miss . . .?"
"Kotonami," she said absently.
"Kotonami-san."
"Is Tsuruga Ren really the "perfect gentleman" everyone says he is?"
"Wh-why yes. Yes! He would never take advantage of Mogami-san!"
At least, I don't think so . . .
"Are you sure?"
"Of course! Ren-san would never hurt Kyoko. He loves —" Yashiro slapped a hand over his mouth. He glanced around. No one heard him . . . except for Miss Kotonami . . .
A grin slid across the beautiful woman's face.
"I knew it . . ."
Yashiro grabbed Moko's hand and pulled her into an empty dressing room.
"What do you think you're doing?!"
Yashiro turned to her with a sigh. " Tsuruga-san hasn't told anybody. Not even me. But, I can tell. I think anyone who bothers to really observe him can see that he's hopelessly in love with her! The further he falls, the more that mask of his slips."
Moko blinked at him. "How poetic," she remarked dryly.
Yashiro blushed and rubbed the back of his neck self-consciously. "Oh, I wouldn't say that."
I wasn't complimenting him!
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"'You know, there's nothing more attractive than a man on the run . . .'" Kyoko
purred, attempting to sway her small hips as she made her way towards Ren. The gorgeous man was observing her as B.J. when he suddenly broke character.
"I'm sorry, Mogami-san, but that was about as seductive as a tree."
"I'm sorry . . . it's just . . . this is really out of my comfort zone . . ."
Ren rose from the chair he had been reclining in and stood in front of the girl he loved.
"I know." he said gently, "but, stepping out of your comfort zone is what you have been doing all along. Haven't you? You can do it again."
Kyoko gave a tired nod.
"Yes, sempai."
Ren gingerly tilted Kyoko's chin up so she was looking at him.
"I believe you will rise to the occasion, Mogami-san, when the time comes. I have never seen someone meet success so quickly in this business as you have. After this I'm sure more of those parts you want will come your way. Noble ladies and princesses are always in love."
Kyoko gave him a 100-watt smile. Girllish hope flooded her irises. Ren wanted to close his eyes to it, but knew he could not.
Oh, Lord . . .
Ren took a deep breath and re-collected his thoughts. "Why don't we try again?"
Kyoko nodded, confidence coming off her like an aura.
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"Alright, Mogami-san, just walk a little slower."
Kyoko found a rhythm to sway her hips to as she stalked towards him.
Sweat was forming on Ren's forehead.
Hang in there, Tsuruga Ren . . .
Suddenly, a thought hit Ren's brain. The world came screeching to a halt.
Why had it not occurred to him before? This role . . . this scene . . . it was his one chance to not hold back. In under the veil of B.J. he could let the mask fall and embrace Kyoko with all the love he had . . .
Kyoko braced both hands on the back of Ren's chair, leaning low over him.
Ren felt her breath brush his face. He gripped the seat of his chair with one hand and had the other draped casually over his crossed legs.
"'It was revenge . . .that man killed my friend in cold blood,'" said B.J.
"'I know,'" answered Yoshiki.
Ren began to close his eyes.
Kyoko . . .
"Um . . . Uh . . . what do I do now?"
" You kiss me."
"Could—couldn't you just kiss me instead?"
You have no idea . . .
"I don't think that would be true to the character at this point."
"But, wouldn't it seem more like the seduction was successful if B.J. kissed Yoshiki first?"
"I suppose . . ." Ren, to mask his nerves, rose from the chair. "You know what? Let's forget about blocking the scene right now. The director is going to do that anyway. Why don't we just concentrate on the first big hurdle: the kiss—well—kisses. There's probably going to be a lot of them."
Kyoko paled and looked like she was about to bolt from the room at the words "a lot of them."
Ren growled in frustration.
I want her to succeed but we're not going to get anywhere at this rate!
Kyoko gasped in despair when she saw his irritation.
"I'm so sorry, Tsuruga-san! You've been more than patient with me! If I were you, I would've given up on myself days ago! I'm so sorry I'm such a pain! Please forgive me-e-e-e-e!" Kyoko's voice began to break into sobs.
"Mogami-san . . ."
"Maybe—maybe this role is too much for me just now. Perhaps I should just tell the director I can't—"
"How could I have even contemplated doing such a role when I've lost the ability to love?" Kyoko thought to herself
"I'm disappointed in you, Mogami-san."
Kyoko's head shot up. Now she was really in the depths of despair!
I've disappointed Tsuruga-san!
Ren was feeling genuinely angry. She had come so far and was just going to give up? He also felt hurt. Was the thought of kissing him that repugnant to her?
"You told me you were serious about acting. You were out to create a "new" Mogami Kyoko. If you are going to be defeated by a mere love scene then pack up and go home!" Ren marched towards the door and was about to fling it open when he felt Kyoko's fighting aura flare up behind him. He gave a little grin.
That's more like it.
"B.J.!"
When he turned around to face her he was B.J.
In three long strides Kyoko was toe-to-toe with him. She reached up and grabbed Ren by his dress shirt lapels.
"I'm not done with you yet." she whispered before smashing her lips against his.