Kyaaa! I'm getting crazy over the latest update of the manga! Kijima and Sho are back in the picture! Plus, it's a good timing that Kijima has something to do with Ren's rivalry in the manga which I had already included in this chapter 2 weeks ago!
Anyway, I'll talk more about it later. You have to proceed to the story!
DISCLAIMER:To my fellow FF authors, much that we hate to admit, we do not own Skip Beat!
OVERSEAS MIRACLES
CHAPTER 12
Over Pouring Blessings
"Moko-san!" wailed the short-haired girl tearfully.
"Mo! What's your problem? There's nothing wrong with what you are wearing. It actually suits you if I may say." the black-haired beauty complimented while she is adjusting her bikini in position.
"But Moko-san… There's no way I could go outside wearing this! People will laugh at me. I'm too skinny!" cried louder in response.
"You're such a pain! Here I am helping you to look better but you never stop complaining of how bad it looks. So this means that you don't trust my capabilities! Hmp. Fine, then. This is the last day of our friendship. Don't ever try to contact me while you're in abroad. Mo!" Kanae got irritatingly angry and she stomped her way to the door.
"No, Moookooo-san! It's not that! Please don't break our friendship just because of this!" Kyoko scampered to her best friend and grabbed her waist to avoid her from going out if the room. Kanae's brows twitched in annoyance. She crossly folded her arms on her chest.
"Fogive me, Moko-san! I promise I will not complain anymore. Cross my heart and hope to die." Kyoko crouched on the floor, begging for forgiveness.
"Mo! Stop that, will you? You're embarrassing me! Rise from your position and let's go outside. We don't want to cause some trouble for the president especially that this is the night that he is celebrating his birthday. Act as a woman. Mo!" she scolded Kyoko like a child who disobeyed her mother's wishes. Not letting her argue further, Kanae grabbed her arm and drag her outside.
"Anyway, don't worry. I'm very positive that Tsuruga-san will never take his eyes off you when he sees you sooner." Kanae gave Kyoko a mischievous wink which in return, she blushed like a tomato.
They are greeted with the vast if brightness hovering over the reception. As what they can recall earlier, the president mentioned that he's going to have a pool party. Therefore, they are free to wear any kind of swimwear. 'Hawaiian pool party' is the first impression that one could define. There's even fine white sand scattered on the side beside the sideline of the ocean blue swimming pool. Dwarf coconut trees were lined up a few meters away from the swimming area. Then a large buffet table was placed elegantly on the left side where guests are informally digging their way to taste some rare Hawaiian dishes. You can even see beach benches, mats and large-sized umbrellas in different places. The girls can't believe what is shown before their eyes. As a matter of fact, this is supposed to be the president's indoor pool but it turned out to be an understatement.
"Oneeeee-samaaaa!"a familiar childish voice called out Kyoko's attention. She turned her head to her right.
"Maria-chan! You're so adorable with your swimsuit." Kyoko's eyes glittered as she praised the little girl's one-piece lacy baby blue swimsuit.
Somebody coughed in the microphone and everybody in the room turned their heads to the source of the noise. It's President Takarada in his… diving suit gear? He gave his thanks to everybody's presence for coming in his birthday. After that, everyone sang the Happy Birthday sone as the ridiculous president cheerfully dancing around the stage.
"Hohohoho…. I guess someone is missing, neh Ren?" On the other hand, Yashiro nudged at his charge's arm. "You're such a worrywart, Ren. I just saw her with Kotonami-chan. And guess what? You'll gonna die just looking at your beloved girlfriend." He whispered in a low voice, just enough for the tall actor to hear.
"I don't understand what that is supposed to mean, Yashiro-san." Ren replied with his gentlemanly smile but it was merely ignored by his manager.
"Ah! There's Kyoko-chan! Let's greet her, Ren!" his cheery manager suggested and walked his way to the two Love Me members.
Ren cannot move from his spot. He just can't especially his eyes, wide opened and immovable. Every nerve endings of his body became insensitive. That is way too far from what he had in mind. The sight in front of him, a few meters away, is something that caught him off guard. He wasn't even aware that he had lost his breath for some time now. Since when would he expect that Kyoko would wear that? He can't even tell if that's a two piece or not.
A purple string top that covers her perky bosom, exposing all her refined neck and delicate cleavage; in the midst of her top, there's a line about an inch wide trails down, covering her navel, up to the middle of the bottom. The bottom piece, which is dangerously hugging her slender hips, gave emphasis of her attractive curves. So damn hot. Kuon is trying to get its way out just to trap her with his body and memorize the feeling of her outstanding figure.
After she was greeted by a sprightful manager, she glanced at Yashiro's back and saw Ren standing frozen on the ground, looking dumbfounded. Seeing Ren for the first time of the night reminded her that she's wearing a 'shameful' outfit.
'Oh no, she's coming. Kyoko don't give me that bashful look. You look more vulnerable.' His mind trembled in panic.
"Good evening, Ren-san." She acknowledged sheepishly with an elegant bow.
'Tsk. You made me peek on your smooth-looking back. Argh! Get a hold of yourself, Kuon.'
"Oh, good evening to you to, Kyoko." He greeted in return. To his relief, he was able to pull back his cool.
Before he could speak, a black out occurred. Some of the people panicked and some are finding their way in the dark.
"Kyoko" Ren called out, grabbing someone's arm.
"Eeep!" Kyoko screech in surprise, losing her balance. She accidentally tripped on her foot and hit her face on something hard yet lean.
"I'm sorry for stumbling on you!" she apologized profusely to the person.
"Sshh… Kyoko. It's me. Sorry for surprising you." Ren answered softly. He was startled at the feeling of what his hand is touching; the small of her back! This made him blushing red in the dark! Too bad everyone could not get the chance to see him flush like a boy in the stage of puberty.
"I kindly request everybody to not move from where you are standing. Okay, everybody knows that it's not just my birthday that I am celebrating tonight and everybody knows the other occasion, right? " The president's voice resonated all over the room. This was the time Ren went back to his senses and he let go of her. Just when her name was mentioned, spot light appeared and it focused on the young woman.
"Everybody let us congratulate Mogami Kyoko for her greatest achievement in the field of academics as a student exchange in Los Angeles. We should have a farewell party for her because she is leaving for America tomorrow!" the girl yelped from her place after the president made his announcement.
Then all the lights lit the entire venue. Everybody gave their kind salutations and appreciation to Kyoko. As for her, she was too astounded to respond to every acknowledgment. Well, everybody understood her present state. Out of nowhere, somebody grabbed her right hand and kissed it.
"Congratulations, Kyko-chan! I envy you going outside of Japan. Can I come with you?" It's Hidehito Kijima that caught her. He greeted her with a hit of his playboy antics. "Your stunningly sexy tonight, Kyoko-chan." he said, too consumed of examining at her fabulous body shape.
"U… Uhm, Kijima-san, it's been a while. Thank you for your compliment." She answered, flabbergasted to herself.
"It's a shame that you have to expose that hot-looking body if yours. Nah, don't be shy. Mind if we go swimming?" he invited with his sexy smile, not removing his gaze from her body.
"Ah, uhm… I don't really mind. I was planning to dive in anyway." She said, a little bit flattered at his words.
"Great! Let's go!" he exclaimed, wrapping his right arm casually on her waist, taking her with him to the pool.
His ears are jerking involuntarily, eyebrows crossed angrily, face darkened grumpily; he emits a vicious aura that if anyone ever sees him, there's no escape but death.
"U…uhm…m… Ren, aren't you going to swim?" Yashiro asked his charge doubtfully. The manager knows the cause well enough of Ren's wrath. He as well had witnessed the conversation of the all-time playboy and Ren's girlfriend. 'Kyoko… why did you give in that easily to that playboy!'
"That's the most perfect idea, Yashiro-san. Thanks so much for your wonderful suggestion. It's been a while since I haven't had a dip. This will be my chance." The tall actor replied to his faithful manager using his 10,000 volts gentlemanly smile. Yashiro almost went short circuit.
He, Kotonami Kanae, Takarada Lory, Chiori Sawara Takenori and the head of the acting division are the people that are aware of Ren's and Kyoko's affair. All of them had agreed that to keep their relationship a secret. It seems that for now, they should not be bothered by the press especially on Kyoko's part that she is going to study abroad. Plus, the couple wanted to spend their time privately rather than bothered by some annoying paparazzi.
'As if he could persuade my woman with empty words. I'll kill you Kijima when I reach there. Kyoko solely belongs to me!' he possessively and mentally noted with madness.
There are a lot of guest that came to the party. There's Director Ogata with the Dark Moon casts, Box-R director and Natsu's gang, the headmaster and faculties of Kyoko's school, close friends and acquaintances of President Takarada and some LME employees specifically the heads of LME's 4 division.
Treading in the deep pool, Kijima and Kyoko are having a light yet lively chat until a splash disrupted their conversation.
"Ooops. Sorry for the splash." Ren said while scratching his head.
"Hey, Tsuruga-kun. Let's have a race. It's just a 100m swim. This means that we have to swim for 4 rounds. In every round, we must do the crawl style, breast stroke, back stroke and the butterfly!" he suggested competitively with his lively tone.
"And the winner will receive a kiss from Mogami-kun!" the president inserted unceremoniously with an impudent smile directed to Ren. He's adding fuel to the fire! 'I know that stupid boy won't give in unless it has something to do with his sweetheart. I'm going to be killed by Ren sometime soon,'
And so thus, the race begins. The other guys in the room went crazy of the announcement especially for the Ishibashi brothers who were eager to join the competition for the sake of Hikaru.
Kyoko can't take her eyes off of Ren's swimming body. For the most part she was too absorbed of watching Ren's back and shoulder muscles flexed in every strokes he made. Just staring at his muscular body can already weaken her knees in particular, when he did the backstroke. She can't help but admire the evident pecks of his abs. She even remembered how hard it felt to have the feeling of his manly structure when she stumbled on him during the 'black out'. Knowing what's already juggling in her fantastic mind, she shook her head vigorously and mentally scolded herself for thinking such indecent and sexy thoughts about her boyfriend.
Well, to cut the story short, Ren obviously won the race. He had everyone shocked by his swimming abilities. All they can say that he can represent Asia for the World Olympic games.
"Wow, I didn'know that Tsuruga-kun also wanted Kyoko-chan's kiss, huh… neh?" Kijima tapped Ren's shoulder playfully with a silly grin on his face.
"Now's the time for the winner to receive his award. Mogami-kun, please give him his price now." The president and pushed the soaked Ren to her.
"Come on, Kyoko-chan! It's just on the cheeks." Kijima shouted. Hikaru, on the other hand, was sulking in the corner and was being comforted by his band mantes. "Don't fret, Hikaru. There is always next time." Shinichi cheered him up.
"You have to kiss Ren-sama, Onee-sama! Kis. Kiss. Kis..!" And the crowd followed the little girl's lead.
"Kiss. Kiss. Kiss…" everybody said while the others clap their hands and made sexy whistles.
Kyoko was so embarrassed. 'I never had agreed with this!'. She's not comfortable of the thought of kissing in front of many people. What choice does she have? Al least everyone is having fun. So why spoil it? She sighed to herself. This should be done.
"Can you lower a little bit, Ren-san?" the petite young lady asked. Ren complied at her request. A little but hesitant to herself, she placed her right hand on his shoulder and give a smooch kiss on his right cheek. Party poppers are everywhere, falling from the ceiling. Kyoko blushed like she's havng a fever while the crowd created a loud noise of screams and more whistles of approval. "They're so cute together!" Momose Itsumi screamed in delight. "I should click 'like' in facebook!" one of Natsu's gang squealed like a crazy fan girl. Yashiro almost fainted with too much happiness. Ren fought himself from blushing and he tried to do his best to maintain his gentlemanly façade.
"LET'S PARTY!" The president yelled with the use of his microphone.
Everyone is having fun. Splashing, diving, playing, volleyball and many games to mention are being enjoyed. Plus, boating? Anyway, the party was planned to end until midnight and everybody took advantage of it. But for Kyoko, she has to leave so she could finally evaluate her luggage and her needs. The party started at 6:00pm and it's already 9:00 in the evening. Her flight for Los Angeles is at 3:00 in the afternoon. Traveling from Japan to L.A will take 10 hours. Since Los Angeles (GMT-8) is 15 hours behind Japan, therefore, she will reach her destination by 10:00 in the morning. In Japan, the time will be 1:00am.
After Kyoko informed Yashiro, Kanae, Chiori and the others, she and Ren approached to the president to say their goodbyes. After that, they separated their ways to their respective shower rooms to wash and change to normal clothes.
"Meet me at the main door when you're done." Ren whispered to her ear and she nodded. They spent about 10 minutes in the shower room and Ren was the first one to finish. Not just a minute, he saw Kyoko walking towards him.
"Ren-sama, Onee-sama…" Maria appeared in front of them while rubbing her eyes.
"Maria-chan, you should rest now." Kyoko approached the girl.
"Ren-sama, Onee-sama. Are you two dating already? How long? Why didn't you tell me?" the little girl inquired sadly.
"Maria…" President Lory came in the scene wearing his white robe. He became worried of the little girl's question for the couple.
"Why grandfather? Why did you keep it from me? Do I not deserve to know?" she began to sob.
Kyoko's heart ached at the painful tone of her 'little sister'.
"Yes, Maria-chan. I love your Onee-sama so much. And I am very sorry for not informing you of our new relationship." Ren said softly, kneeling in front of the girl.
Kyoko couldn't help but blush at the gentle frank words that her boyfriend confessed. She felt like glowing in happiness from the way he expressed. But there's a problem. Maria also loves Ren and she was even told that she would marry Ren when she turned into an adult. Kyoko doesn't want to hurt Maria. There must be a way to solve this matter.
"Maria-chan, I know that you also told me that you want to marry Ren but honestly, Maria-chan. I love him too." She said dejectedly, enveloping the little girl in her arms.
"Onee-sama…" Maria was dazed at her big sister's action but she tried to comprehend all the things that the couple told her.
"To tell you the truth, I already have my suspicions for a long time now." The girl admitted coyly. Kyoko pulled away from her and stared at the little girl. Ren and President Takarada watched her, lending their ears to listen.
"Every time I see you two meet each other at LME, I had the feeling that there is something going on with you two. Especially to Ren-sama…" she glanced at the actor beside her. "I could read the look in his face that he has the feeling of longingness every time he had the chance to stare at was the time that I had realized that Ren-sama has special feelings for Onee-sama. And as for Onee-sama that who is somehow dense…" she shifted her eyes to her 'big sister'. "I know that she has hidden feelings for Ren-sama as well. That time, I had thought that Ren-sama's ideal woman is Onee-sama. Onee-sama is too good for anybody so I bet only Ren-sama is the perfect man for her." The girl finished with a smile shining of her cutie face.
Ren and Kyoko couldn't believe on what they just heard from Maria. Is she really an 8 years old child? She's mentally mature for her age. Kyoko almost choked at the sweet assertion of the cute child. Both Ren and Kyoko were happy that it seems Maria forgave them.
"Do you really mean it, Maria-chan? Kyoko asked while wiping the tears that are trailing on her cheeks.
"Of course, Onee-sama. I love you and Ren-sama very much and I don't want to ruin it. I want you to be happy in each other's arms." The girl reassured. "Don't cry, Onee-sama."
"No, these are tears of joy." Kyoko said while stopping her sobs.
"Thank you so much for your blessings, Maria-chan." Ren tapped the little girl's hair. Maria nodded while blushing at him.
"Oh, I have conditions." Maria raised her pointer finger at them.
The couple looked at each other then turns their heads to the girl. "Name it." They vehemently answered.
Onee-sama, if you hurt Ren-sama's heart, I will make sure that I will steal him away from you!" she said devilishly. Kyoko cringed at Maria's words.
"Good, then." Kyoko agreed.
"And as for Ren-sama, I think this is a little harsh. Anyways, if you made my Onee-sama cry, I will demand grandpa to kick you out of LME." She stated firmly.
"Oh, that's a great idea, Maria. I will do anything to punish Ren for you. Leave that up to me!" The president interrupted, giving a thumbs-up to her granddaughter. He even sent Ren a mischievous, wicked toothy smile. This is tougher that Kyoko's condition.
"I will make sure she will not shed a single tear, Maria-chan." Ren agreed as well.
"I'm so glad that I don't have any insecurity anymore. Good night, Onne-sama and Ren-sama." Maria yawned and she was slowly guided by the president up to her bedroom.
" Bye bye, Maria-chan."Kyoko waved at the girl.
"We're leaving, president. Good night." Ren said.
He looked at Kyoko and so did she.
"Let's go, now. It's already 9:45." He offered his arm to her which she gladly accepts it.
It's already 10:00 o' clock and they are still parking beside the Darumaya.
"Kyoko, take a look at this." Ren showed her a baby blue box with a huge polka dotted pink bow hugging the box. It's a gift!
"Eh! What's this Ren!" Kyoko was too surprised at the item.
"It's for you. I want to give you something before you leave. Open it." He encouraged.
"Wow! The gift box is so pretty! You don't have to do this for me, Ren. " she said but then se untied the ribbon and took of the cover. It reveals a digital item. An android tablet!
"Ren! Didn't I tell you that you should not spend too much just for me!" she scolded.
"But I want to. Do you want to take away my only joy besides acting?" he frowned and used Cain's puppy dog eyes level 2.
"Geez, there you go again." She complained and took the digital item out of the box. She delicately inspected the whole thing from front then to its back. To her surprise, the back has her name artistically fized on it. It composed of tiny bits of sparkling jewel-like sequences that formed KYOKO. The formed letters are blue in color which complements the silver background of the tablet's back.
Ren was too busy admiring the changes of her expressions while she is inspecting the gift. While his girlfriend is too absorbed of admiring the tablet, he shifted from his seat and reached out his bag that was seated on the backseat. He got it and pulled out something in it.
"Kyoookooo..." he called out against her ear.
"Hyaa!" She yelped on her seat and she almost drop his gift from her hand.
"Sorry. Look at this." he chuckled at her, earning a cunning pout from her. Her eyes widened at the thing that he is holding in front of her.
"Whoa! You bought one yourself?" she exclaimed, beginning to feel guilty of his extravagant expenses.
"Of course, I should. Now we match.: He placed it beside hers. Although his tablet is black in color.
"This..." he raised the tablet at eye level.
"This is called the Android tablet. The device is slim and sleek looking and is boosted by the Google Android 2.2 OS. This Android Tablet is the second Android-based tablet PC. It comes with a lot of features such as a 7-inch touch-screen display on board, it has two resemble includes the 7-inch screen that boasts a WSVGA with 1024 x 600 pixels resolution and the Android 2.2 Froyo mobile platform. Moreover, other features includes a 7-inch multi-touch display with WSVGA resolution (1024×600), CDMA 1x, 3G, Wi-Fi, 4GB of internal memory, Bluetooth, 512MB of RAM, a 2MP digital camera and a microSDHC card. It will come to the market for sale in early September. It is very portable and handy gadgets include best features. This Android tablet has excellent battery life that allows you to use this Android Tablet for a long time. The device includes sufficient 4GB of flash storage, and a microSD memory card slot with support for up to 32GB of extra storage space. The new Samsung SMT-i9100 is built in advance technology." he said as if he is having a product promotion.
"With this, we can have a virtual communication. Supposedly, I was thinking of giving you a laptop but you said that the president gave one for you as an award. Anyway, I think this tablet is better because it will not be a hassle for you to carry wherever you go. You can place it inside your bag and it's more convenient to take it out anytime you wish." he ended nonchalantly as if Kyoko is not concern of money.
She giggled at her boyfriend's business-like attitude which Ren finds I attractive.
"You're acting like a salesman, Ren. Are you trying to sell this to me?" she asked innocently.
He chortled at her comment and she grimaced in return. Unexpectedly, his facial expression changed which made Kyoko's eyes broadened, feeling uncomfortable under his titillating gaze.
"Come to think of it, there's a price for this and I'm pretty sure you can afford it." he smirked sensuously.
"Uhm... uhm... how much does this thing cost? I think I can afford such pricey such as this." her voice stuttered nervously. 'He really enjoys teasing me!'
''Why don't you give a guess?" he whispered huskily, running his thumb teasingly on her lower lip.
'Gah! He wants a kiss! This time, I can't bring my self to do the initiative. For him to spend to this extent just for me. Well, I had done it before but it's too embarrassing. What will I do?' her mind is going frenzy.
"You can get my payment now." she answered with a slight challenging tone in her voice.
"Interesting... You have no idea how breathtaking you were with your swimwear earlier." he leaned forward, closing the remaining gap between their faces. He gave a puckering sound on her soft pinkish lips and he brushed his lips languidly against hers. Creeping his right hand behind her neck, he massaged her nape, encouraging her to respond to his kiss. Getting the meaning of his doing, she leaned forward and copied his action.
Ren is in bliss right now. He couldn't get enough of her savory lips. This time, he wants to try something new with her. Coaxing her lips, he brought his tongue out and glided it seductively on her lower lip. To his amazement, he instantly got addicted to the taste of her delectable lips. He wants more! He felt her stiffen at his experiment but he never budge. Bringing her closer to his, he took advantage of her state and ran his tongue again on her lips. 'I hat sweets but this is an exception.'
Kyoko's brain went blank. Her heart is beating abnormally. 'Did he just use his tongue?' This is entirely different from what Sho did to her in last year's 'Vain' Day. She felt a warm and delicious feeling is building below her stomach.
'I don't know what to do! Oh Ren, Why are you making me feel this way?'
Much to her relief, he pulled away from her and gave her a knowing smile of satisfaction.
"Thank you so much for choosing our product." he bowed professionally. When he looked back at her, she's frozen. ' I bet she was shock of what I did.' he thought insolently.
"Kyoko". He pulled her head to his chest. She squeaked which Ren finds it charming.
"Ren" she whispered.
"There's no way I'm going to apologize for my action." He confirmed promptly.
She blushed madly at his words. 'This would mean that he will be doing it from time to time!'
"Anyway, let me show you the basics." Ren said.
From here, he thought her how to use her own android tab.
"Thank you so much, Ren." she said timidly. Ren smiled weakly at her.
"What's wrong, Ren? You look sad." she asked worriedly.
"No I'm fine." he replied feebly.
"Your face says you're not. Please tell me, Ren." she pleaded.
He sighed heavily.
"It's just that you're leaving tomorrow. Time really flies fast." he looked up longingly out of his wind shield.
Kyoko seemed to comprehend what he's implying.
"Ren, I know this is a selfish decision of mine. Honestly, I was starting to be doubtful to the fact that we're going to be apart for a year." she said sadly.
"What, a year?" he glanced at her with shock.
"Yes, that long. I'm sorry." she mumbled.
"No way. I though you are going there until you graduate. Kyoko, are you sure it's only a year?" he asked, confirming for the exact answer.
"Yes, Ren. I'll be studying my sophomore year, in California. I'll be back in Japan for my 3rd year." she explained.
"Thank God. It's shortened. I thought you'll be there for two years." he hugged her.
"Ren..." she called softly.
"Don't apologize, Kyoko. This is one of your biggest chance to do something for your own self. And I don't want to be on the way while reaching your ambitions. I can wait for you, Kyoko. You have my trust. I'll be just fine. Let's do our best. You are the only one I love. My first and only love. I don't want to ruin our bond." he said lovingly, his eyes shimmers with all of his integrity; A man true to his words.
"Oh my, I want to cry." she sniffed.
"Don't be. I'm so happy for you. Let's make things work for us." he swayed their bodies slowly.
"Thank you so much, Ren. She said coyly.
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OMG! I have to stop here! I didn't realize that I had consumed more than 20 pages of my notebook just for this chapter! Actually, this is not the end of this chapter. This part was originally entitled: Farewell Japan. Kyoko's flight should be included here but I have to cut it. It's too long! I'm very sorry for keeping you wait. I know that most of you really wants to get to the abroad part but I only have a little time left before I return to my duties. I'M VERY SORRY! Thank you so much for considering my situation. So, the other part of this chapter will be included in chapter 13. Plus, I'm already done with chapter 14 as well. I can't just find the time to encode. I don't usually write my FF first on a paper before but now, I just have to during my short breaks.
Also, you surprised me with your reviews! Thank you so much. You don't know how happy I really was.
So, what can you say about this new chapter? Please give me your reviews. If possible, I want to hear some constructive criticisms from you, guys... Tell me! I am craving for your reviews!
ARIGATO-GOZAIMASU!