Chapter Nine: Darkness

Disclaimer: I do not own Skip Beat

"Your mission is that the two of you will act, no live, out the lives of lovers. If you do not do this mission right, you will both be fired."

Kyoko's jaw dropped as Ren smile beamed across his face. Of course, President Takarada would not fire them, but decided to mention that so he would add some motivation.

President Takarada continued, "I have made accommodations for you two to stay in an apartment...together. Ren, your character name is Tadashi Kuroki and Kyoko, yours will be Mitsuki Yamashita. You start the moment you two are dressed and ready...Do not mess this assignment up or both your careers are at stake."

Kyoko made a motion that she was about to argue but then she changed her mind not wanting to get fired. The president told the two of them to start getting worthy for each other and left them.

Kyoko was furious. She had no idea how to act like a lover. She was never good in that department, that is why she is in Love-me section..Oh well, I really don't have a choice so I might as well try my best.

Ren could almost say that this was the happiest moment of his life...not only did he get to live with Kyoko, but he got to be a lover of hers. Tadashi is going to be the age of 19, a year younger than Ren, and Mitsuki is 17.

After both Kyoko and Ren were all ready, they went on their way to live the roles of Mitsuki and Tadashi. As soon as they walked out of the LME doors, Kyoko wrapped her arm around Ren's arm so naturally. Ren smiled at his beloved temporary girlfriend. He knew from here on out would be memories he treasured.

"Say...Tada-sama...what do you want to do today?" Kyoko looked up to her boyfriend's eyes.

"What ever you like...the movies, theme park, a restaurant...take your pick."

"Umm...How about a theme park...I have not been to one in such a long time."

"Your wish is my command."

"Yay!" Kyoko jumped up and hugged Ren tightly. "Thank you, Tada-sama, you are the best!"

The two of them, hand in hand, walked to the car and went on their way to the theme park.

"Here we are, Mitsuki, the theme park, just as you requested."

Kyoko nodded. This is so weird...not only do I have to hold hands with him...but I might have to do other things like kissing or something later...I mean it's not like we had a bad time last night or anything...but this role can get serious...and I don't know how serious I can be when it comes to love...if that is what it is.

"What ride do you want to ride first, Mitsuki?" Kyoko gazed at all the different rides, then she pointed to the one place that Ren least expected her to pick: The Haunted Mansion. "Okay."

Ren and Mitsuki walked slowly to the mansion. The line really wasn't long at all, and they only had to wait for 10 minutes. After they got on the boat ride, Ren asked a question to Kyoko; however, this was not a question that Tadashi was asking Mitsuki, but a question that Ren was asking Kyoko.

"Why did you pick The Haunted Mansion?"

Kyoko realized that he was not in character so she answered.

"Why? Are you afraid of the supernatural?"

"No...I am just trying to figure you out...there are something about you that are still a mystery."

"I see. Well, since we are supposed to be lovers, I thought this ride would be perfect for the both of us. If I really did have a boyfriend, then if I got scared I would lean on him. Also, it shows that the guy will protect the girl no matter how small the issue may be."

"It seems that you have done some research on things like this."

Kyoko shook her head. "Not really...it's just common sense when it comes to relationships."

Ren nodded as the ride began to move. The lights went out and it went pitch black...Kyoko never liked the dark...never...so immediately she grabbed onto Ren's arm. Ren, instictivly, brought his arm around her to confirm that she will be alright. Both of them were expecting something to happen, because it was the Haunted House, but nothing did. They just kept moving through the darkness. Kyoko squeezed onto Ren's arm tighter. She wanted to get out...Ren wasn't really sure what was going on with her...so he left her alone. Bad choice, because as soon as the ride ended, Kyoko rushed out of that horrid place as soon as she could. She went to a little alley between two restaurants and sat down. Ren came running after her and bent down beside her.

"Are you okay?"

Kyoko nodded her head...trembling, she spoke.

"I hate the dark...If I knew that the lights were not going to be working, then I would have never chosen that ride..."

"Why do you dislike the dark?"

"It brings up bad memories of the past...memories that a child should never go through...memories I do not want to be reminded of."

"Okay. Well you stay here and I will get us something to eat..." As Ren gets up, a hand reaches out to stop him.

"Please don't leave me alone." With a plea like that, Ren knew that he had to stay by Kyoko's side.

He comes back down at her level. "I will never leave you. You never have to be alone again."

At this moment, Kyoko wanted Ren by her side more than ever...so much that she reaches out and hugs him, tightly. She did not want to let go of him, afraid that he would disappear and she would be lonely.

"I think it is time we go home...I know we only rode one ride...but that is enough for me."

Kyoko agreed.

In the car, Ren positioned himself so that he was able to talk to Kyoko.

"If you don't mind, we can go back to our characters in the morning."

"But the president said that we would be fired if we don't complete this mission."

"I think he would be fine with this little slip up." Ren smiles and Kyoko nods.

"Does that mean you want to get separate rooms for tonight?"

"I don't think that would be a great idea since you hate the dark."

Kyoko shrugged and Ren mentally high-fived himself. His master plan was all set. He knew all along that President Takarada never once thought about firing the two. He was just messing with their minds, but Ren knew better. Although, he was afraid to tell Kyoko because if she knew then she would have quit this mission a long time ago.

When they arrived to their apartment, Kyoko, with Ren following, first went to the bedroom. she could not believe it. There was only one bedroom with one queen-sized bed. Now she realized that when the president said lovers, he really meant it. This only led to one thing.

Ren and Kyoko have to sleep together.

Here is chapter 9. I know this one is real short like the others, and I am sorry. Chapter 10 will soon be up.

Hainexxchan