A/N: I haven't reviewed this chapter to see if there are errors like mistyped spellings, quotations and others. Please tell me through reviewing if I really did commit mistakes then I should take care of it.

Wow! So far,This is the longest chapter that I have ever written for this story.

Disclaimer: Skip Beat! is an anime/manga that is owned by Yoshiki Nakamura. People who declared

ownership of this series are considered fools. And I'm not one of them.

Chapter 11

Skirmish Confessions

REN TSURUGA

'What the… Is this real or just a dream? Earlier, I was thinking of what would it be like to kiss her but then, what is happening now is something that I have to hit myself to check if this moment right this instant is the actual thing that I have in mind. Oh God, I was suddenly taken aback. I feel like an and amateur teenage boy who is just experiencing his first kiss!' Ren's mind panicked with a lot of rushing thoughts in his mind.

'But no, I'm not in some kind of fantasy world right now. Her sweet velvety lips pressed against mine… Argh! This is too much of a dream come true. Wait, she's kissing me. Would this mean that she had already see me as a man romantically? Oh, I definitely wish if that is the really truth. I don't want to keep my hopes up. What if she's just acting as Setsu now?' more interrogations kept on barging in. He just can't help but ponder all the possibilities of her action. Then, he recalled a look of her face.

"Wow… I admit, Ren. Pouring out my feelings to you made me feel so alive again. You just don't know much of a help you are to me." She confessed. "Thank you for lending your ears to me."

His eyes widened at the playback.

'Her face… She was looking at me so lovingly when she said her words. The way her voice sounded so passionately pleasant for my ears. Now her eyes are fluttered, presenting her beautiful eyelashes.

His heart started to pound loudly as if he could hear the speedy lub-dub uproar out of his chest. 'I bet I should tell her how I deeply feel for her. I'm already tired of playing her most trusted senpai. This time, I want us to be more than friends. If anything will happen after this whether she will hate me or no hopefully, I will not lose this opportunity no matter what even if it takes for him to go against the gods. I truly am aware that she's still in high school. But know, I don't see the reason why I should fool and convince myself with that thought. According to that chicken's implication, four years is not an issue at all. What's important in this faithful point in time has come for me to acknowledge this swarming sentiment within my whole being. My heart belongs to her.

Meanwhile, all Kyoko could register in her mind is her lips are locked with this beautiful man. She's starting to feel dizzy at the sensation of his tender lips on hers. An electric current came sprinting throughout her whole system and it splintered the foundation of the last lock of her box. By then, sparks of inexplicable influential zeal of emotions dashed out of it and it circulated all over herself, dominating every empty aspects of her being. Needing to fill her lungs with air, she attempted to pull away from his lips. Before she does, she was abruptly drawn back to him and he returned her kiss with more pressure.

Not allowing air to part their distance, Ren pressed herself to him as much as possible. His right hand trailed from her shoulders going down to her back, making its way around her waist. Ren couldn't stop touching her soft body until he reached the curvy line of her waist and then he ended up holding her hip. Ren stifled a groan at the vibes of her beautiful figure and this made him kissed her harder than before with great passion. It took another half a minute before they had finally pulled away. Both of them panted heavily. Although, only their faces were separated and they still remained from their fixed position. Kyoko felt like squirming just being pressed on his hard chest and this made Ren happy of her awareness of their circumstance. He did not give her a chance to speak for he again aimed for her lips, showering soft and compassionate pecks on her permissive mouth. Kyoko's mind is winding like a tornado all over again.

"I love you, Kyoko." He whispered against her lips affectionately, rendering her another peck on her lips… Once, twice, thrice. Kyoko couldn't help but to close her eyes and allowed him to do as he pleased. Conceding the fact that they were in a compromising sitting position, she could feel her lower extremities weakened and butterflies are fluttering in her stomach. What he just uttered is kept on repeating on her mind and she catechized herself that she had mistakenly heeded him. Next, something very imperative clicked in her head.

"Ren" she broke their kiss as she tried to breathe again.

"Kyo-" he was promptly interjected.

"Did you mean of what you just said?" she questioned with hesitance as she conscientiously scrutinize his visage.

"You heard me right, Kyoko. I have been loving you for a long time." He admitted sincerely then he stroked her cheek with his fingers. Tears threatened to fall again.

"No… You love somebody else, Ren." She insisted frankly, ceasing herself from crying.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Kyoko. You are the only one who I truly love." He asserted fervently even though he is a little bit lost of what she had recently claimed.

"I must confess and I think you are going to hate me. I am Bo the chicken mascot you actually share some of your secrets at TBM station and I really am sorry for hiding this from you. But God knows I had never talk about your personal matters to anyone. Not a cockroach can know what you had told me and then-" she almost started to do the dogeza but she was immediately silenced by his finger placed on her lips.

" Did I heard it right, Kyoko? You're Bo-san?" he interrogated firmly. It's difficult for Kyoko to distinguish the way his tone sounded something more is behind in it.

"Yes, Ren. Bo is me. Rest assured that your secret is safe with me especially about that high school girl that you were so obsessed with. Apparently, I have forgotten about that until this moment. Please forgive me for kissing you without your consent. It was a very shameful act indeed. I'm very sorry, Tsuruga-san!" And she gave in to her dogeza habit, ranting and apologizing to no end.

Ren is still connecting all the pieces into one. He felt upset, betrayed and deceived yet a part of him felt relieved that he knows his secrets. It gave him a massive pain in the head. He had been unconsciously confessing to her but she took it the other way around. 'Silly girl. She thought that I have someone else. How oblivious can she be?"

"Okay, Kyoko. Please stop that now and we'll clear everything." He tapped her head and gave her a reassuring smile.

"Ren…" she called…

"Let's get this straight" he started.

Then the conversation went on. They slowly make things clear until almost everything is understood.

"You're kidding, right?" she asked jestingly.

"Kyoko, do you know any girl in that could fit in that description? Is there anyone of your age whom I am acquainted with?" he asked sternly.

"No… but maybe you didn't tell Bo about it and you just keep it for yourself." She guessed innocently.

"You know what? You're making things hard for me."

"But…" Unsure of how to ask but she continued. "You don't mind that I'm four years younger than you?" she stammered.

"Enough with that buts, you stubborn woman. That doesn't matter anymore. I love you and that's it." He pulled her in a searing kiss but he pulled back immediately.

"Ren, I love you too." She said gladly and she was pulled again for another intense kiss with Ren.

Now that they have settled their feelings, what will be the next issue?

A week later….

"So, Mogami-san. Everything is arranged accordingly and all you have to do is to wait for the completion of your visa. From now, you have four months before you leave Japan and you are still required the remaining 2 months of your classes. Well then, Congratulations for your success, Mogami-san!" the school principal pass on his good wishes to her.

"Thank you so much for giving me this rare opportunity, sir. I'll do the best of my capabilities and skills to excel." She bowed cheerfully at him.

"Yes. That's what you'll do. But don't stress yourself so much. Have a time for yourself from time to time. You can contact me anytime if you have some questions of problems regarding with your school-to-be." He added.

"I'm so grateful for your kindness, sir. I guess I have to take my leave." She said and gave him a graceful bow.

"You may go. Thanks for coming." He nodded in return as Kyoko left his office.

"She sure is an interesting and talented girl. President Takarada is really good at judging people." He said to himself with a smile plastered on his face. "I'm sure you will succeed, Mogami Kyoko."

Kyoko Mogami

"L.A. International Academy of Performing Arts. So this is where I will be studying. I better have to research more about this institution. The principal had given me all what I needed for now; a spot map of Los Angeles and the whole map of the county of California and the student handbook of the said school." She deliberated to herself. 'Oh, I have to cook dinner for Ren this evening. Maybe I should check on this later while waiting for him.'

In a certain studio….

"Ren, your face is slipping." Yashiro informed in warning.

"Eh? What are you talking about, Yashiro-san?" the dark haired actor asked innocently.

"Your face is 'killing' all the females in here, Ren! Look!" The manager grabbed an abandoned mirror on the chair where the make-up artist left earlier.

"Really, Yashiro-san. It's just the normal me." Said Ren.

"Because you quickly returned to your composure, that's why!" the pissed manager reprimanded. But then, his expression suddenly switched. "Don't tell me that something good happened between you and Kyoko-chan, neh? You've been acting strangely different for the past few days. Tell me Ren. Did she kiss you?" he asked, trying to control the urge of his fan-girl mode.

'Heck, how did this person can predict something precise? Is he stalking us already?" he cursed under his breath.

"I don't have any sort of idea of what you're trying to imply, Yashiro-san." He said nevertheless.

'You joy killer, Ren! The president is right. You are a BOORIIING man! Get a life with Kyoko-chan, will yah!" Yashiro groaned in aggravation and turned his back on his charge.

Unbeknownst to Yashiro and their close people, Ren and Kyoko had made an agreement to keep their secret relationship for a while until both of them are emotionally comfortable with the recent status of their relationship.

In Ren's apartment…

"8:03 pm". She said after glancing at her phone's time, She's currently sitting on a high chair, facing in front of the countertop, with papers of assignment and some notebooks laid on it. After cooking for their dinner, she did her assignments and reviewed her notes in advance. Now that there is nothing left to do, she pulled out the handbook that was given to her this morning.

Fifteen minutes later….

"I'm home…" Ren called in as he entered his apartment. No reply came. Worry came in him and he went searching for his beloved around. He checked the kitchen then he smiled at the view in front of him. His girlfriend is urgently jotting down notes on her little notebook while eagerly reading a book that is held by her left hand. He found it amusing to watch her studying with all her determination. Of course, he's too proud for her but right now, he must stop her before she reaches her limit again. 'Such an extremist'

'Oh, I see. This school is divided in several departments too.' She talked placing the bottom of her pen on her chin and she continuously talked to herself. 'There's the- KYYAAAA!' she screamed shockingly to the top of her lungs when something heavy wrapped around her petite waist.

"Calm down. It's just me." The voice chuckled as his breath tickled her ears.

"Ren! That's not a very kind way of saying that you're already home." She wailed tearfully. "I thought I was going to die, you dummy!" she added hitting his chest with her fists.

"Ah, I didn't mean to scare you like that, Kyoko. Forgive me?" he pleaded, showing her his puppy dog eyes level one.

"Are you trying to imitate that scattered brain Cain or what?" She asked with an annoyed smug on her face. Before he could open his mouth, she spoke again. "Come on, you have to eat your dinner while it's still warm." She demanded like a mother. "Now don't give me that pout or I'll shove everything on the plate in your mouth." He tugged his color.

'Yeah, an angry mom.' He thought ridiculously. "You're my girlfriend. Not my mother, you know." He gave her a severe pout.

She blushed at Ren's innocently blunt comment. She sighed. "Come on, Ren. Let's eat our dinner." She gently pulled his shirt and led him to the dining room.

After enjoying their dinner time, they sat on the floor in front of his low coffee table. Kyoko showed him the handbook.

"So, you're going to California, the capital place of entertainment businesses and industries. That's great! And L.A. is-" he suddenly paused.

The thought of California and Los Angeles entered his mind. Shivers came rushing through his spine when the book fell from his hand.

"Ren? You're spacing out. Is something the matter? She asked, worried at his change of behavior. His body began to shake involuntarily, eyes widened in shock and horror. 'That expression.' She recalled the way he looked way back on the day he had fought with some street guys. Not knowing what to do, she borrowed some taming skills from Setsuka, hoping that it will work with him.

"Ren?" she touched her face and he jerked at the feel of her warm hands. He held her hand firmly in his afterwards.

"Kyoko, please listen to me. Only a very few people know this information. So please bear with me. This will be the first time that I will be conveying this to anybody. I have to tell you this before it could ruin our connection. You have been noticing some strange behavior of me when we were playing the Heel siblings, right? So this will be your opportunity to comprehend everything behind it. Sometimes, it's hard to deal with my inner struggles, Kyoko. I don't want to lose your trust." His voice cracked in misery.

Kyoko was stunned at him. She became more curious and confused at the same time. Now she's desperate to know everything. 'I'm telling you that that guy is having a battle within himself.' She remembered the conversation she had with the president.

"You're giving me creeps, Ren. But okay, but just talk of what you can handle. I'm ready to hear every detail." She squeezed his hand and so did he.

It consumed about an hour for Ren to slowly unveil his gloomy history. He started talking about his parents' unconditional love for him up to the point that it had overshadowed him, not giving a way out to shine through his own abilities. The powerful influence of his parents made people think that he's too dependent on them in everything he does. From this point, according to him, when he had already exploded, he seeks for rebellion for his independence. Despite of his wild characteristics, he only hang on with his most trusted friend of all. He introduced Rick as his best friend who was always looking out for him especially when he was In the midst of anger, Rick became his confidant.

"When I reached at the age of fifteen, My mind is already full of hearing the same offensive words all over again until I finally exploded in fury. This is when I involved myself into violence. Every day, I'm always present in the alley, fighting with some gang groups and other fraternities and sororities. I found happiness in this area and enjoyed it as much as I pleased. Until such time came that they feared my existence and they considered me as a mutant."

And Ren persistently moved on with his story until he reached the ending where a fast moving car speedily aimed for him but then, he wasn't well aware that Rick was following him from behind.

"I can't clearly recall what really happened that time. It was too fast that my brain was shocked to move. Before I knew, I was pushed off in the middle of the road and crashed myself on the pavement of the sidewalk. Just when I glanced back of the road, Tina, Rick's girlfriend, was already there. The scene was the most lethal of all the things I see… All I could hear is her voice, bawling and screaming the word MURDERER" his voice is shaking, so as his body. He wrapped his arm around his body and he lost himself in that dark abyss again. Blood is everywhere in his sight.

"Kyoko was panic-stricken at his current state. 'Don't tell me that Rick… died just to save him from that that car?' she intently looked at his face. 'A soulless face... Maybe he was haunted by a bad memory!' she apprehensively perceived. Not knowing exactly how to pull him out of his critical delusion, she held both of his arms and pulled his body to her chest. Enveloping him in her arms, she soothed his back and whispered comforting words into his ear.

Kuon's body is fully covered with fresh brick-red blood. His vision is blurred with dark red and he can only make out of silhouettes of two individuals. Once is lying limply and the other is kneeling, aggressively shouting the word 'murderer' all over again. The female's voice added 'if only you didn't exist then he wouldn't have died!"

Kuon is devoured deeper in the shadows, looking numb and mentally absent. Right then, a glow of light shone above him. A glowing hand came down on him and he was embraced by it. "Ren…" a gentle voice came. "Ren! Please go back! Don't be eaten by the dark. Ren, I'm here for you. Can you hear me, Ren?" came the voice all over again. His eyes widened at the familiarity of the voice and he noticed a form of another person in front of him. It's not very vivid for him to identify but somewhere in his whole being was pushed forwardly until he met the real face of the person, smiling softly in front of him.

Back to the actual present, he felt a hand running up and down his back. His face is blocked by something soft. Before he could move, he heard the voice again. "Ren, I'm here for you. Everything is fine." She said smoothly. He beamed to himself.

"Kyoko…" he mumbled on her chest.

"Hmm?"

"Don't you find me disgusting? Awful? Or anything your mind describes about my past self? Now that you know what kind of person I was back then? Aren't you afraid of me? My past?" he murmured. Kyoko was not sure of what to say. Apparently, she doesn't know where to start.

"Ren, I think I understood you more. You know, the president hinted to me something about you having a battle within yourself." He pulled away from her and gave her a quizzical stare.

"Ren, I believe that your past has been haunting you from time to time and you just keep it for yourself. But before I could speak more of it, is there something that you need to add?

He nodded silently.

"After she called me 'that', she even mentioned that my existence." He continued his story.

"This explains why I was easily immersed in playing BJ. I acted out of the ordinary when I am Cain. The memory of Rick's death would occur repeatedly. I feel responsible of his death, Kyoko. Everything is my fault. I have caused a lot of pain to the people I know especially his girlfriend, Tina. I deserved every word she had addressed to me. Also, who can forgive a monster like me." He spoke forcefully. His body is trembling with fear and agony.

"After that dreadful incident, my father called the president for help. The president immediately took me with him and we had agreed that I should live on my own starting to zero. I didn't even had the chance to say good bye to my parents because I thought they are already hating me for what I had done. With this, I had started another life and created a new version of myself.

Silence engulfed in their atmosphere. Ren is agitated of what her response will be. Although, he kept his face blank while waiting for her respond. He is well aware of the chances of Kyoko running out of his apartment. His mind is going paranoia.

She reached out for his hand and clutched it confidently.

"Ren, I'm very sorry for hearing your past. You've been through a lot of hardships being young. I never had known something like this from you. Perhaps, all I have to say that 'the past is the past', Ren. You have learned something from it and you had moved on by creating a new you. But you didn't let go of your past, Ren. That's the reason why it keeps on lingering within you. But I know that it's not just easy to do that but I should say this. Your best friend, Rick, never had regretted of saving you. He believed that you can do more than what you were doing and you deserve more than that. You have a very bright future ahead of yourself, Ren. Rick was too concerned because you are not that kind of person and that's what he has been trying to prove to you. You're a great person, Ren. As what you have said earlier, he was always there to give you words of wisdom no matter how pissed of wild you have gotten yourself into. He's there to keep you sane.

Ren, about Tina, it can't be helped that she throw those menacing words at you. She was not in her right mind during that incident because she was too focused on her feelings for Rick. Ren, I know it's not easy for you to accept of what I'm saying right now but think about this for yourself. If you were the one that was actually killed, will Rick forgive himself from not saving you whenever there's a slight possibility on the belt? Rick is the best person that you had had for he put others first before himself. So selfless. Ren, Rick had already forgiven you from the start. So please try to gradually forgive yourself as well. For him to be happy and proud of you, you should live life to the fullest. Show to him that you have constantly settled in your life. That is the only way you can give justice for his death. It's the only wish he wanted for you.

If you keep on clinging from the past and never thankful of what he had done to you, I'm sure he will regret that saving you has no meaning at all. He would feel betrayed for sure. Ren, look at where you are now. If it wasn't for Rick, You will never attain all of these. Also, our encounter will not take place and I will still be the same girl who holds grudges against Sho. Honestly, I should be thankful of Rick as well for he send you here with me. Right now, Ren. Don't you see it?"

There she almost had everything out of her head. She speaks to him with aspiration shining in her golden eyes.

Ren was too thunderstruck by her loooong and meaningful speech. Her message and encouragement for him; It's like a feeling in him that was raised from the darkness. He couldn't precisely explain it. But seeing his lady love in front inspires him magically in every aspect. He couldn't ask for more. A lot of realizations came to his mind. in particular, her interpretation of Rick's point of view. It seems like Rick has sent her to relay his message to him. An angel… Is what he could best describe in his mind.

"Ren?" she called again.

"Kyoko" he pulled her in a warm embrace then buried his face on the crook of her neck as he breathe in her intoxicating scent. She gladly hugged him in return.

"I don't hate you, Ren. You're not alone. We're here. Everybody from LME. I'm here for you. Please don't hate yourself. Take it easy, Ren. You'll do fine. I love you." She consoled.

"Kyoko, thank you so much for listening about everything. I thought you are going to despise me. And I can't stand the fact that you left me just by knowing the other me. Thank you so much. I don't know how to express this more. You have offered so much for me." He whispered. They are now facing at each other with a distant of an inch.

"It's the least that I can do, Ren." She replied

"Kyoko"

"Yes?"

"Can I kiss you?" he asked, looking at her with tender eyes. He cupped her rosy cheeks when she nodded shyly in response.

"I love you so much Kyoko." He divulged himself into her lips in a deep desirous kiss. She responded to him devotedly with the same amount of passion, snaking her arms around his neck.

Here, the young couple spent their evening locking themselves in their own little world.

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Ouch… Out of 9,700+ views, I only received 4 reviews from the last posted chapter. It's quite disappointing, you know… *sigh* Well, it's better than not receiving any.

Thank you so much for spending your time with this story. I hope it is something to your liking.

I had decided to turn them into a couple now. If not, it will take more and more chapters to make adjustments… Anyway, If you have some questions or suggestions about this chapter or story, please let me know.

GUYS, ALL I NEED IS JUST YOUR REVIEWS. I'm already done working with chapter 12. All I need to do is to encode it. When will I post? It depends of the amount and significance of the reviews that I will be receiving later… Yeah, I know. I'm desperate to have your reviews.

Please quench my thirst with your reviews.