Kyoko was so calmed down after a long while. It was like a huge weight has been lifted of her shoulders and she felt like she was floating in the air. Her heart felt peaceful. She was more than just happy knowing that Sho and she are back on good terms. And this time it all can turn out beautifully. Kyoko's smile won't leave her even for a second. The fact that she once hated him enough to murder fled away leaving no traces of existence. She happy that now she have a piece of her past with her except for Kuon. But still, nothing could destroy today. Kyoko was sure of it. (If only she knew *sigh*)
After leaving the studio, she stopped by a grocery store. Now she was heading home to the person she loved. Kyoko was still worried about her's and Ren's relation but right now she just wanted to put it aside. And give her heart and mind a well- deserved rest.
With a sweet smile, Kyoko opened the door to her's and Ren's apartment. She placed her shoes and jacket at the right spots meant for them and then made her way in.
Kyoko didn't quite understand why all of a sudden she was feeling uneasy and sacred maybe. Her heart beat fastened as she made her way towards the living room. The temperature seemed to drop with every step she took. Her instincts told her that something was wrong. But Kyoko refused to listen to them. She was too happy today and didn't want a reason to destroy the peace that grew in her heart today after a long while. Taking a deep breath, she reached the living room. Surprisingly it was empty. But Kyoko saw Ren's shoes in the shoe rack so Ren must be home.
Scanning the whole place, she noticed that the bedroom door was slightly open.
"He is may be in the bedroom" Thinking this, Kyoko walked towards the bedroom. The handle of the door in her hand seemed as cold as ice. Or maybe her hands were just sweating too much. As the door opened, it revealed a shirtless Ren half-lying on the bed; his back against two pillows propping him up on the bed. He has apparently realized her appearance as the target of his intense stare seemed to shift from the door to her.
Flash back; Ren
As soon as he found himself behind the steering wheel, he hit the accelerator and practically fled straight to his apartment breaking all the traffic rules he could. The cops were after him but his mind was so fuzzy and dazed that no information sunk in. Fortunately his hands took him to the apartment themselves as if they suddenly grew a mind of their own. Reaching home, Ren pulled over and got out as fast as he could. But much to his annoyance, he was surrounded by four cops with guns.
"What?" Ren's eyes were bloodshot and voice so fierce that even the cops were shaken head to toe.
The leader moved forward courageously and spoke with all the power he could muster in the presence of the dark lord.
"You broke four traffic signals, almost hit a car…" But Ren was in no mood of hearing any of the things they were saying. His hand found its way into his pocket, pulled out his wallet and threw all the money he drew from it.
"This will pay my fine. Now get lost" Ren barked rashly. All of the cops were just too shocked to react. Ren decided not to wait any longer and rushed home. His head was bursting with pain and he could easily hear his heartbeat. Tears were swimming in his eyes as the image of Kyoko kissing Sho appeared in front of her eyes. Hastily he opened the door. As soon as it shut again, Ren was on the floor leaning against it.
Tears cascaded from his eyes. He could almost hear his heart breaking into pieces.
Why did she do it? I thought she finally liked me. I thought maybe we can have a happy future. How could I be that blind? How could I not see that there was still love in the hatred she claimed for him? Why does fate always have to play with me? Am I a toy? A toy that you could break and mend anytime? Am I supposed to be wasted away in a trash bin like the other toys that the fate plays with? Am I ever going to get happiness?
With a little effort, he stood up and allowed his legs to carry him to the bedroom. His head was aching so badly that he wanted to fell asleep wishing that when he wakes up; this all would be a just a nightmare. During the trip, he ripped apart the shackles of coat and shirt from his body. If anyone saw him in this condition, they would simply refuse to believe that he was the same ever calm and cool Tsuruga Ren.
Upon reaching his bed, he allowed his body to fall. His face hit the soft pillows. Instead of moving away, Ren cried. The big strong man in him disappeared and was replaced by a boy who craved for love but was always hurt.
"Why am destined to end up alone always? Why do I have to cry every time when I think happiness will knock at my doorstep? …
While his heart was extending his list of complains, his mind decided to jump in.
"How do you know that Kyoko love him? Except for that kiss, do you have any proof? Ren, be wise. Thinking is for the mind not the heart. Before reaching any conclusion, don't you think you should ask Kyoko? It is all about her so she must be asked before you conclude something"
Even though heart always likes to argue with the mind. But this time, it kept quiet. Ren understood that he should put at least a little faith in her. After all the foundations of a true love are laid on faith and trust. He glanced at the clock. She would be home any minute now. He arranged himself but didn't bother to put on a shirt.
Present
Kyoko's breathe seemed to get stuck in her lungs. Ren was gazing at her intensely as if he would eat her right away. Courageously she moved towards him.
Ren's gaze never wavered from her lips. Just the thought that Sho has touched them, made his inner Kuon roar and struggle for freedom.
"Are you alright, Ren?" Fortunately Kyoko managed to utter the question without faltering.
Ren didn't want to speak as he feared he might speak something harsh and enflame the matters. He still had to confirm what he saw. But he didn't have a choice. He couldn't tell her the truth so an excuse seemed the best route.
"Headache" The word seemed to come out nicer than he expected. Kyoko's worry seemed to lower down a bit. Because seeing him lay down like this was strange. He never did this before.
"Want me to massage or something else?" Kyoko said worry prominent in her voice. Ren really liked the worry her voice reflected. But still he wasn't in the stable mode to celebrate any little triumph. And he could probably hurt her if she came closer. Kuon was already close to breaking free.
"No. I am fine. You go, I'll soon accompany you."
"You sure?" Kyoko could tell that something was wrong but the way Ren was lying (which Kyoko easily found out) made her think that maybe he won't appreciate if she would push it.
Ren nodded. He was trying hard not to break apart his gentleman façade. Kyoko found it fit to retreat but she was worried about his sudden attitude.
"I'll be preparing dinner. Call me if you need anything" Ren nodded so Kyoko left.
Kyoko
Kyoko left the room thinking of not pushing him to tell me something he doesn't want to. But it was still strange since he is always in the living room when she comes and greets her with a smile. But today, he seemed so distant. Like someone unreachable. There was something in his behavior bugging her but she cannot put a finger on it.
Still confused, Kyoko reached the kitchen and began sorting out the ingredients for the dinner. Cooking always seemed to calm her down. She gracefully managed her task and served the dinner in the dishes. It took about forty five minutes but time seems to fly quickly when she cooks. After checking her work the last time, she called out to Ren.
Kyoko sat on her chair and waited for him. All of a sudden, a small faint sound hit her ear drums. Ren has not come out yet so she decided to answer the phone call. Kyoko rummaged through her handbag and eventually found the little device. She clicked the answer button and held the device against her ear.
"Hello"
"Mo! Kyoko! What the hell was that voice mail? All it said was that 'I am so happy. We are friends again. I don't hate him. I want to tell you all about it.' Now spill the beans." Kyoko moved the cell away from her ear as Kanae's scolding would definitely cause her ear drums to pop. Eventually Kanae calmed down and gave Kyoko time to explain.
"Moko-san, I am so sorry but I was just so happy that I couldn't contain it." Hearing her best friend's joy seeping through her voice Kanae calmed down a bit.
"So what happened?" She asked impatiently.
"You remember Sho?" At the mention of Sho's name, Kanae's aura darkened. Kyoko could feel the dark feeling even at such distance.
"What about that bastard?" Kanae asked in a murderous tome that sent chills down Kyoko's spine.
"We made up. He apologized and confessed his love for me. And now we are on peace. Isn't it good news?" Kanae actually fell flat on her face when the shocking news found her brain. She was flabbergasted that the Kyoko who hated Sho from the depths of tarturus is now friends with him.
"Kyoko, do you have a fever?" Kyoko was surprised by her friend's sudden worry.
"No. I am perfectly fine. Why you ask?" Kanae was sure now that no matter how hard she tries or how much time she spends with this girl, she was beyond her intelligence.
"What about Ren?" Kyoko blushed at Ren's subject.
"He is different, Moko-san. I love him. I want to be more than friends with him. Even though I hated him before but he eventually made his way into my heart. I never knew when the hatred changed into such strong love that just the thought of separating from him makes me teary." Kanae smiled. She was happy that Kyoko has realized her feelings but she knew that Kyoko needed to do something practical than just feel love.
"When are you going to confess?" Nervousness was a vital factor on Kyoko's face all of a sudden.
"I don't think that I could muster up the courage to confess so early. But I know that I have to. I am just afraid." Kanae already knew Kyoko's problem and Kyoko now just confirmed it.
"Confess to me like you want to confess to him." Kyoko was shocked by her sudden proposal.
"But..." But Kanae wasn't going to hear a no. Even though she was not a professional in love but still she knew some of it by her recent discovery of her feelings. She was very happy with the person currently sitting behind her. And listening to her conversation with a smile on his lips. Yashiro was so enjoying his time with Kanae. They never went beyond the limits but that doesn't mean they didn't do anything. Their free time together passed with just making out. Kanae was a little guilty that she didn't tell Kyoko but she thought that Kyoko have her problems to deal with and it may not be the best time.
Hearing Kanae's persistence, Kyoko gave in. Taking a nervous breathe, she closed her eyes.
"I don't know how to say these things. I have never done this before. I don't know what this feeling really is but I am sure that I haven't felt anything prettier before. My heart beat fastens when you smile. Your touch is all I need to thrive. I don't want you to reciprocate this feeling if you don't feel the same. But I want you to at least be aware of my stupid heart of which you are the prince charming. I am so much in love with you that the fact hurts me. But no matter what I am proud of it." Kyoko opened her eyes which had tears in them as Kyoko's passion spoke today from the depths. She waited for Kanae to say something but there was dead silence on the other line.
Kyoko became a little worried. Maybe I said something wrong, she though innocently.
"Moko-san, are you alright?" Kyoko's calling brought Kanae back to his senses. Yashiro had already fainted from happiness that finally one of the dense were about to confess.
"It was great Kyoko. I swear if we were face to face, I would have given you a much bigger bear hug than you suffocate me in." Kanae's enthusiasm brought out a chuckle from Kyoko. Kyoko looked around and her eyes suddenly caught a glance of the time.
"Moko-san, Ren must be waiting for dinner. I should be going."
"Alright. Go serve your prince. Good night." Kyoko blushed when Kanae called Ren her prince. It was more embarrassing to hear than say.
"Good night" Kyoko cut the call and walked to the kitchen where he found Ren emitting a darker aura than Hades himself. A knot tied inn Kyoko's gut making her aware that something was about to happen and it surely wasn't good.
Ren
When Kyoko came into the room and asked Ren about his health, Ren could clearly verify worry in her voice. It pleased him a lot. But there was something else as well. Ren was gifted with the talent to see through people easily. He could tell whether the person was happy or sad before the next emotion overcame his senses. He was proud of his strong sixth sense. But today he was regretting of having it. Ren could tell by just looking at her face that Kyoko was calmer and happier than usual. Like something big has happened or a huge weight has lifted off her shoulders. Thinking of her makes him remember the event that led to his now devastated condition. He was still shocked that Kyoko could kiss Sho intentionally. He loathed his memory which it recalls the event again and again much to his annoyance. He tried to close his eyes but the event played like a projector playing a movie inside his mind. He lied to Kyoko about the head ache because he wanted some more time to analyze the situation. But it seemed to get worse.
Ren never realized that forty five minutes passed until he heard Kyoko calling for dinner. Giving up his thoughts and ideas, Ren pulled himself back in position and walked out. On his way to the door, Ren found his crumpled shirt. Deciding in a second, he put on the cloth. He went out and closed the door behind him.
It is an old trick of fate. A trick that never fails. It is always perfect when the fate wants to create the worst misunderstandings. The saying "Old is gold" fitted like a diamond in a ring for this trick. In Ren's condition, fate was going to play its old coin.
Ren reached the dinning and found it vacant. He was about to call Kyoko but his ear drums caught her voice coming from the kitchen. Ren decided to go to the place. As the distance, closed in, Kyoko's voice became much clearer. But Ren found nothing in the conversation to arouse his interest.
"You remember Sho?" Upon hearing Sho's name, Ren stopped dead in his tracks.
"Why is she talking about him?" Curiosity did the trick and Ren moved closer to the door to hear the conversation.
"We made up. He apologized and confessed his love for me. And now we are on peace. Isn't it good news?" The events flashed back in front of Ren's eyes. "He confessed his love? How dare that bastard tried to make a move on her after all that he did to her? I would kill him. But why did Kyoko forgive him? Does she still have feelings for him? Was that kiss meant for something?" Ren couldn't still figure out her feelings but was sure that there was no hatred left. Ren's heart hoped that maybe she would say that she doesn't love him. They are only friends and such. But hopes don't always come true. The next part of her conversation shattered his heart completely.
"He is different, Moko-san. I love him. I want to be more than friends with him. Even though I hated him before but he eventually made his way into my heart. I never knew when the hatred changed into such strong love that just the thought of separating from him makes me teary."
Tears ran down Ren's cheeks. "She actually loves him. I don't believe it. I don't believe that the fate would play such a game with me. Why me? What had I done to deserve this all?"
"I don't think that I could muster up the courage to confess so early. But I know that I have to. I am just afraid." Ren was so much hurt. He felt his heart bleeding. And Kyoko's conversation just seemed to add fuel to the fire.
"I don't know how to say these things. I have never done this before. I don't know what this feeling really is but I am sure that I haven't felt anything prettier before. My heart beat fastens when you smile. Your touch is all I need to thrive. I don't want you to reciprocate this feeling if you don't feel the same. But I want you to at least be aware of my stupid heart of which you are the prince charming. I am so much in love with you that the fact hurts me. But no matter what I am proud of it." Prince Charming? Ren thought mournfully. He distinctively remembered Kyoko using the same title for him several years ago. This just confirmed everything.
"I have lost her entirely" His heart thought said ache major factor in the voice.
But there was not only the pain in him that was crushing him. There was also rage. Rage against his fate. He wanted to know why he was always the only being played with.
The inner Kuon roared loudly as its shackles broke loose and he was released fully. The first thing it did was to swallow up Tsuruga Ren. The next was to swear to kill Fuwa Sho at any cost. Kuon's eyes had a murderous gleam in them.
Present
"Ren, is everything alright?" Kuon smiled his crooked smirk. Chills ran down her spine. She had never seen him like this before.
"Never better" His voice was husky and dark. Kyoko knew Ren could never talk to her like this. He was the perfect gentleman. Her instincts made her to back up a little.
Kuon was in full mood of a fight or better a murder. Right now, Kyoko was of no use to him. He'll take care of her later. Looking at her petite shaking figure one last time, Kuon headed to the door with long strides.
Kyoko remain frozen until she heard the door slam behind her. Her whole body shook with fear. There was a threatening gleam in Ren's eyes and Kyoko had seen it precisely. She knew that he wasn't up to something good. Tears were swarming in her eyes but she bit them back. It was no time to cry. She has got to stop him. Kyoko knew that in his temper he could do anything. And the way he just sounded confirmed it.
She rushed as fast as her trembling structure could take her to the door. Soon she was out and running to the elevator. But unfortunately fate was not on her side today. As soon as she reached close, the elevator's door closed the last gap among them.
Stairs, she thought. Thinking hastily never does any good in precarious situations. But Kyoko was too focused on stopping him. No other thought passed her except his safety.
Kyoko was well aware that taking one wrong step on these stares could be a great risk. But did she care? Of course not. All she was aiming was to reach the lobby before him. They were on the fifth floor so there was a lot of stairs to go through.
But Kyoko kept her pace steady. Unknown to her, the fates were playing a game. And she was a pawn following the orders exactly. Going the exact wrong way, they wanted her to go. The stairs of the second and first floor has just been swept and polished. Unfortunately she was unaware of the fact.
Taking two to three steps per time she reached the dreary area. Kyoko raised her foot trying to skip a step as quickly as she could. But as her foot landed on its destination, the polish did its work and she slipped.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" A dreadful scream tore from her throat. As she fell on her stomach. Pain rushed through her body, blurring her vision. She felt like being torn apart from the inside. She tried to stop but was helpless. Groaning and screaming with anguish, she reached the floor with a hard landing on her head. She writhed about on the floor, clutching her body. Her eyes were watery with the sheer pain and her breathing came out in sharp, shallow rasps. Sweat dripped down the side of her face and covered her forehead in a thin sheen layer. She could form blurred image of people gathering around her. But nothing as vague. The pain was just too much. All she remembered was Ren calling her name. But she lost consciousness before seeing her beloved's face.
"May be this is the end."
Kuon
Kuon was content. Today he was going to enjoy. He was going to live all the time he spent locked with in Ren. He was going to avenge what belonged to him. And he didn't care what happens next.
Ren was deep inside locked in the broken heart. His dreams were crushed and the broken pieces were piercing his eyes. Making him realize how wrong he was to want anything when he knew he was the fates favorite toy.
The elevator continued its journey down. While Kuon popped his knuckles and neck. More than ready for a fight.
The door's finally opened. He stepped out and looked around with a pitiful scorning expression.
"They are going to miss the punk's voice." He laughed inwardly while a wry smile formed on his face. He took one long stride towards the door but than a piercing sound caught his ear drums.
The sound was too familiar to be ignored. The voice was of the person for whom he was doing all this. The voice belonged to the person for whose love he craved. The voice was of his beloved Kyoko. His eyes instantly followed the commands of the ears and found the source. The Ren weeping inside leapt out with full force and commitment of protection. Kuon was taken aback by the sudden strength Ren gained and was again forced into its rightful confine.
Devastated, Ren looked around and saw people gathering at a certain place. His heart confirmed that his precious Kyoko was there. His legs grew their own mind and carried him to her faster than the wind.
"Kyoko" Her name tore from his throat with such passion that everyone turned away making an aisle. As soon as his eyes caught her little frame, his heart stopped beating. Tears cascaded down his face. He didn't care what other people thought of him. He didn't care if he just ruined his perfect reputation. The only thing that matters was the writhing person on the floor with blood rushing from the head and groaning in anguish. The person for he whom he lived was lying there as raged as a doll. He lost his senses and leapt towards her.
Clutching both of her shoulders, he hugged her tightly to his chest. Tears running, his heart tearing apart. Everyone around them was shocked at the scene they were observing. The heart throb of Japan was clutching to a body of a girl and crying as if she was his life.
Many questions arose in their minds but they knew now was not the time for them.
One of them revived from the shock and ran to the couple. He grabbed Kyoko's wrist to check the pulse. Ren never bulged from his position. Sweat broke on the doctor's forehead as he realized the crucial situation.
"Take her to the hospital, NOW!"
Next Chapter:-
"I am sorry. You have lost her. We tried but the fall was just too hard and in these situations, we were helpless." Ren fell on his knees as his heart was being clutched fiercely by the piercing ache. Tears didn't have an end. How could he do this? He destroyed her. He was responsible. She was running after him to stop him from his devious plans. He murdered another person. He was a murderer!
Author's note:-
I am so sorry for not updating. Here is my reasonable reason.
My result was not as I expected. I was heartbroken. I got 487/550 about 88.5%. But I couldn't believe that I could get 62/75 in chemistry, 67/75 in math's and 68/75 in computer. It is just impossible. So now I am wasting a lot of money for rechecking.
My midterm exams started and life is very busy.
I had to go out of city to meet a doctor.
I hope you guys understood. I am still very sorry for the late update. But very thankful for your warm wishes and prayers. I still got good marks just very below from the expectations.
Next chapter will hopefully be updated in less than two weeks. There is going to be a huge drama. And I cut the fight because I know Ren is more mature then to just shout at her angrily without knowing the reason.
Review more and make me guilty that so many people are reviewing so I should update faster.
Till next time.
-Lola