Disclaimer : I don't own Skip Beat!
Chapter 7 : Boyfriend and Girlfriend (Part 1)
Kyouko turned into a stone when she read the written roles. NO WAY! She shouted inwardly. He WROTE this? WHY? She found it unbelievable.
Meanwhile, Ren was waiting for her to read out the roles. "Mogami-san? What was it?"
Kyouko fidgeted in her seat and gave him an awkward smile. "Boyfriend and girlfriend," she finally said. Her voice trembled. She smiled awkwardly. Her face reddened.
Ren chuckled inwardly. He managed to make her flustered. Bingo! Finally it was something I wrote. He smiled and made her blush redder.
Why did he write something like this? Unbelievable! This is the worst. Kyouko shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She smiled nervously and said, "Um… can we pick another role?"
"Heh, you give up before you even try? I'm so disappointed in you, Mogami-san." Ren sighed.
Kyouko was horrified when she sensed a big 'NG' was going to cast upon her lousy acting. He's right! I haven't even tried yet but… I can't play this with him. It will cost my sanity. But… Her jaws clenched tight. "No, I'm sorry," Kyouko said. "I know that I can't reject the role but…" She looked horrified.
Ren knew Kyouko'd be horrified and freaked out over the roles he'd written. This role was nothing compared to the remaining ones. It was only a beginning, Kyouko, he said inwardly. Ren raised his hand and patted her head. He stroked her hair softly, soothing her. "Don't worry! Just follow my lead, Kyouko," Ren said cheekily.
Kyouko froze. Did he… did he just call me by my given name?
Ren leant close to her face. Kyouko froze in place. She couldn't even think. Ren smiled and asked, "Can I call you Kyouko or should it be Kyouko-chan?" sweetly. Kyouko twitched. "For this role?" he added.
That's right! Silly me! This is just a role. Plus, didn't he tell Bou that he is pursuing his lady love who is a high school girl? Maybe he is practicing that on me even though I don't think he'd need that. He can get any women he wants. She sighed in relief even though she felt a slight pain pricking through her heart. That feeling again. She waved the thought off. She composed herself and thought quickly. She smiled and answered, "Kyouko-chan will be nice, Tsuruga-san."
"Kyouko-chan then," he said with a smile and with a serious face, he continued, "Please call me by my given name for the role. I'd like to think that there's no girlfriend calls her boyfriend with his last name."
Kyouko gaped at him. There is girlfriend and boyfriend like that. Not everyone start directly with given name but well, I'll play along. He is my senpai and I'm just a lowly kouhai and lousy actress. She sighed. His given name, he said? Ren or… Her face darkened. She was reminded of his appearance with blond hair. Time to find out now. You asked for this, Corn. She composed herself quickly and smiled calmly. "Okay, should I call you Ren-san or… Corn?" she imitated his way of asking and maintained a smile on her face.
Ren froze. She knew? No way… a fluke? Ren stared at her still smiling face. Is she angry or… He sighed and he felt his heartbeat increased. "Ren. Just Ren, without –san, is that okay?" he said with a smile.
He is running away? Your reaction just now gave you away, Corn. Kyouko smiled. "Eh? I think I heard you telling me to call you by your given name just now? Isn't Tsuruga Ren your stage name, Yousei-san?" Her smiling face disappeared and she looked serious.
The two of them stared at each other. Kyouko seemed calm and heated inside whilst Ren seemed calm and confused. After the staring battle that lasted for an eternity but in fact only 5 or so minutes, Kyouko sighed. "I think I have to go now. I don't want to be late. See you later tonight, Corn." She emphasised on the word 'tonight' because they'd have to meet later the night as Cain and Setsu. Kyouko got out of the car, bowed slightly to the still stunned Ren and closed the car door.
When Kyouko was out from his sight, Ren heaved a deep sigh and stared up at his car ceiling. She is angry. She knew that I'm Corn. Since when? Yeah I know that it seemed to her that I've betrayed her expectation and I kind of shattered her dream because I was not a fairy.
The atmosphere was awkward when they met later the night at the hotel room. Kyouko got into her role as Setsu and welcomed him as usual. She told him to go relax and take a bath while she was preparing their dinner. When they settled on the table, they ate in an uncomfortable silence.
"Um… Kyouko-chan," Cain began hesitantly.
Setsu didn't respond at all. She finished her meal and drank the tea. "Who is Kyouko-chan, niisan? Did you mistake me with some Japanese chick you acquainted when I wasn't around?" She gave him a pissed off smile. "That time was Natsu, this time is Kyouko. You can go and let them be your sister or whatever." She stood up and cleaned up her plates. She cleaned up his at the same time. "I'm going back to London."
Cain gaped at her but then composed himself quickly. "Setsu!" You want to play, Kyouko? Okay… He grinned evilly. "I'll have to tell you that Kyouko is my girlfriend."
Setsu froze. It's just a play, stupid Corn. She turned around and put the plates on the table. Her hands were on her waist. "Heh… so you have a girlfriend here, niisan. You said that I'm your best girl. You lied to me." Setsu pouted.
Cain smirked and pulled her down to him. She let out a squeak. She ended up sitting on his lap. Their faces were close to each other. She could almost see the Emperor of the Night was about to surface. Setsu wouldn't blush! Setsu wouldn't blush! She kept telling herself inside her mind. "What is it, niisan? You changed your mind?" she asked calmly.
"I'm going to introduce you to my girlfriend. Be good to her, okay?"
Setsu sat still with her brows knitted. How? Kyouko is underneath me, you stupid brother. She stiffened when she felt his hands on her head. He smiled and she smiled back coldly. She felt her neck cold and her head lighter. Her eyes widened when Cain took her wig off and threw it away. He smiled again.
Cain made her sat on the chair while he walked up to the closet. Kyouko was confused. What is he up to?
Cain came back to her with two wigs in his hands. One was black, another was blonde. Kyouko felt her vision blurred and the black wig was put on nicely on her head. She raised her hand and touched her head. The black wig's hair fell on her shoulder. She saw Cain putting on the blonde wig and took off his contacts. When he finished, he raised his hand to her face and said, "I'm sorry but please open your eyes wide. I don't want to hurt you."
Kyouko did as he said and she felt her vision was blurred. Cain took off her contacts as well and put it nicely on the lens case. She blinked, adjusting her line of sight. Cain smiled and pulled her up and led her to the mirror. He stood behind her. Kyouko could see their reflections in the mirror. She looked like herself before she cut and dyed her hair.
"I'm pleased to introduce you to Kyouko, the girl I acquainted near the clearing in Kyoto 11 years ago, the girl who believed in fairy. Too bad, I'm not good with hair so I can't make it into pig tails," Cain said. "What do you think of my girlfriend, Setsu? Isn't she cute?"
He acknowledged it? Finally? What is he playing at? Kyouko turned around and glared at him. "What are you playing now, Corn?"
He smiled and said, "Kyouko-chan. As you said, I'm Corn. I'm sorry that I kept it from you."
"I can see that. I'm not blind. I recognised you with your blond hair. Are you enjoying your play so far, Yousei-san? Is it fun to tease and toy with me? You know that Corn is my dearest fairy friend. If you know him, you should have told me about it earlier," she cried. "I only have Corn and you," she couldn't continue and cried harder.
Ren/Kuon felt guilty that he made her cry with the revelation. He thought about the matter for a whole day and it almost cost him NG for his RMandy commercial shoot. He hugged her and he felt her tears wet his chest. "I'm sorry. I… couldn't tell you because I'm afraid you'll hate me and disappointed in me. And we were not on a really good term before."
"You still have to tell me. You make me feel like an idiot now," Kyouko said between her sobs. "When did you start to recognise me?"
"The stone. You dropped that the last time. I might not recognise you if not for the stone."
She stuttered, "And you tried to fool me, saying that stone was Kyoto's local stone. And that some guy was trying to deceive me and I have to say, you were the biggest liar I've ever known."
"You gave me middle finger after that." He laughed.
"You deserved it, Fairy Prince." She punched him on his chest.
"I think I have to tell you that I'm not a fairy. I couldn't tell you before because I didn't want to sadden you. You cried so painfully and I only wanted to cheer you up."
She laughed between her cry. "You know, if you told me earlier, I don't think I'd believe you as well. You're mean and a big bully. Fairy is supposed to be nice you know?"
"Too bad I'm not a fairy."
"You can fly."
"That was only an acrobatic stunt I learned and the sun helped me to produce fairy like wings, I think," he said while rubbing her back softly. "Can you forgive me for not telling you that? I was scared of your reaction. Can you blame me for that? You're very dear to me."
Kyouko pulled away and looked at him with her tears stained face. She smiled and said, "I'm still pissed off. It's not that easy to forgive, Corn."
Ren was horrified. He stiffened and smiled nervously.
Kyouko stared at him. You really should have told me earlier. I wouldn't be as pissed off like now but… I'm happy that you're alive, Corn. She laughed a little and made a serious face. "Corn, don't think that I'll forgive you easily for lying to me and made fun of me. But I have to tell you this…" she stopped and she could see that he was nervous. He was waiting for her to continue. "I'm happy that the Beagle's words weren't true. You are not dead. I'll forgive you a bit since you comforted me that time saying that Corn had grown into a fine adult and he was able to fly freely now. It turned out to be true…"
Ren smiled tenderly. "Thank you, Kyouko-chan."
Kyouko blushed at the smile. "Um… but if you make fun of me again, I'd have your head on the cutting board and chop you like the way you chop the onion before you were able to cook like now."
Ren cringed. She's really angry huh? He nodded and gasped. Oh crap! If she knew about that other thing by accident maybe I should confess now.
"Um, Kyouko-chan. I have another thing to confess."
Kyouko tilted her head and waited.
"Um, my name is not Corn. I think the way I said it in the past made it sound like that. In fact, my name is Kuon, Kyouko-chan."
"Kuon? Okay," Kyouko said. "Kuon, right? Did I say it right? It's just like Hizuri sensei's son."
Ren was getting more nervous. "Yes, it's right. About that, my full name is Kuon Hizuri. I'm Kuu Hizuri's son," he added slowly and clearly, not wanting to shock her and to make everything clear. She tends to misunderstand me. He almost sighed at that thought
Kyouko was stunned. My full name is Kuon Hizuri. Kuu Hizuri's son. My full name is Kuon Hizuri. Kuu Hizuri's son. My full name is Kuon Hizuri. Kuu Hizuri's son. Ren's words were running inside her head. Wait! Hizuri sensei said that his son was dead. "NO, you've got to be kidding, Kuon-san. Kuon Hizuri was dead when he was 15 years old."
Ren sighed. He left her for a while and Kyouko raised her brows in confusion. Ren came back second later and handed her his passport. "Open it!"
Kyouko took his passport reluctantly and opened it. She could read it clearly. Last name : HIZURI, First Name : KUON was displayed clearly. Her head snapped up at him. "Then, why did Hizuri sensei said that you were… dead?"
"Huh?" Ren was confused. "I'm not dead, Kyouko-chan."
Kyouko stilled and recalled her memories with Kuu. Kyouko stared at Ren and recalled some of Kuu's expression. No wonder I felt I ever saw that expression of sensei somewhere. It was alike with Tsuruga-san. The way they smirked and smiled was alike. Her face darkened. What a cheeky father and son.
Kuu's voice and memory kept running inside of her head. He's elegant. When he is standing there, he radiates an aura of dignity. He excelled in martial arts. The memory of their first night as Heel Siblings came into her mind. Speaking of which, Tsuruga-san is good in martial arts. I have never thought about it. I created my own Kuon's character from… CORN. Her eyes widened upon the realisation. So, Kuon and Corn was indeed the same person. "So, you're really…" Kyouko stopped.
Ren nodded. "I'm sorry."
"That's why you said my feeling with Kuon was synchronised?"
Ren nodded.
Father's hands are too big. Young Kuon's voice came into her thought. "And does that mean the Fairy King is…" Kyouko said sheepishly. "Hizuri-sensei?"
Ren nodded and laughed a little at it.
"He fitted it though. Thanks for telling me the truth. I appreciate it," Kyouko said. "Um… you don't have to worry. Your secret is safe with me, Corn."
"Thank you, Kyouko-chan."
"I really feel like an idiot now. Twice, you've made fun of me twice." Kyouko sighed. "Can't helped it then. You don't have to tell me why. I can pretty much conclude that by myself. Sensei told me several things about you."
"What did he exactly tell you?" Ren was interested.
The night was spent with the stories of Kuu's visit in details. Kuon laughed out loud when Kyouko recited the act she did. They also talked about the act they did as father and son.
"So, you guys really played with guns?" Kyouko asked.
"Yup."
"That's dangerous."
"You liked that too."
"I have to admit that it was fun playing airsoft guns," Kyouko said with a smile. "Um… about the next roles…" She fidgeted in her seat.
Ren chuckled. "Let's just start it tomorrow. I think you should call me by my real name when we're on this disguise. You can call me Ren too, you know. We're friends."
"Eh? It wouldn't be polite of me," Kyouko protested. "And I'm only a lowly kouhai of yours. I can't call you by your given name."
"Well, when we're in the middle of acting, we can't stop acting. I think you know that?" Ren reminded.
Kyouko sighed and gave up. "Only when in the middle of acting then."
Ren chuckled again. "I consider you as a friend. You were my friend. You still are. You can even call me with pet name."
"Eh, really? You won't regret it if I call you Shiro or Pochi?" she teased.
"Ah… that sounds like dogs' names?"
"You said pet."
Ren scratched his head and smiled awkwardly. Kyouko giggled at that. They continued to talk a little while before they decided it was past their bed time. Ren was relieved that she seemed to understand, and he thought that he had made some progress. Kyouko was relieved that Corn, her dear fairy friend was alive though she couldn't forgive him instantly for keeping that from her. She thought that she would really forgive him entirely as the time past. She was hoping they could be friends like in the past again, and hoped that she could help him if he ever got trouble again. She regretted the fact that she wasn't able to help him in the past.
When the two finally settled in their respective bed and about to switch off some light, they went back into their sibling roles.
"So, Setsu? You met Kyouko. What do you think about her? Isn't she cute?"
Kyouko cursed him inwardly. He is definitely teasing me again. "Niisan, I'm cuter. End of discussion. Good night!"
Cain laughed. "What a jealous sister you are. Fine, you're cuter. Good night!"
The next morning…
"Ren-san, wake up!"
Ren opened his eyes and found Kyouko without her blonde wig on. He could also see her golden eyes were looking at him.
"Good morning, Kyouko-chan," he answered with a smile. "What time is it now?"
"It's still early. I just wanted to wake you up and have breakfast. You know how important breakfast is, don't you?"
He smiled and nodded. "Okay okay." He sat up and leaned down to kiss her forehead.
She froze. Ren coughed a little when he saw her reaction over his little action. Kyouko gasped and went back to her acting. I shouldn't freeze on him. She felt a big 'NG' had just casted onto her. She smiled and said, "Now, now, go to shower while I'm preparing the breakfast."
"Let's just cook the breakfast together. I want to help you."
She contemplated for a while and nodded.
"I'll be fast," he said and got off the bed. He disappeared from her sight in a flash. It kind of startled her and she laughed at it.
Ren finished 5 minutes later and it surprised Kyouko. He grinned and assured her that he showered thoroughly. He ushered her to the kitchen. They were making Japanese style breakfast with Ren helping with the chopping and Kyouko cooking the meals.
"What is your today schedule looked like, Kyouko-chan?" Ren asked when they were in the middle of breakfast.
"Hmm… I got this morning with you on Tragic Marker set. After that I need to go to school," she said with a smile. "It will be till 3 pm."
"I'm sorry that because of me you can't go to school this morning." Ren sighed.
"It's not your fault," Kyouko said. "What about you?"
"Hmm… I got today full till 5pm," he said. "Kyouko-chan, let's go out tonight! On a date!"
"Eh?" She blushed red.
He smiled meaningfully, satisfied with the result of his words. "The award night is coming closer. It's 4 days from now. I'm thinking of taking you out for a shopping date. You'll need a dress."
"Um, actually I talked to Sawara-san and already got a dress."
"Hmm, but you're appearing with me for presenting one category of the awards. It will be nice if we got matching attires for that. What do you think?"
"Ah… but…" She didn't know how to respond.
"Come on, Kyouko-chan! You let Kijima-kun dressed you up for the Dark Moon Ending party. He wasn't even close with you," Ren said. Kyouko twitched. She was reminded of his words that night all over again. "And here I am playing your boyfriend and a real friend of yours in the reality, and you rejected my help? You aren't being fair, Kyouko-chan," he finished with a shrug.
Tsk! He pissed me off with that gesture of him! "Weren't you also the one who told me that man had ulterior motive when he buys woman clothes?"
"Heh? But I also told you to come to me whenever there's something like that happened, didn't I?"
He did say that before. She stiffened and seemed wanted to run away. She was still reluctant to go on a date with him but realised the roles were still rolling, she agreed at last.
They decided to meet up at the Shibuya train station. They had also agreed to put on disguises. Kyouko was the one suggesting it since she didn't want him to get recognised and then being caught. She didn't want them to be exposed since it would hurt his career. They were only playing roles after all. Why bother to get exposed? This is only a game, she thought.
"Kyouko-chan, you're late," Ren said in English when he saw her come running to him and stopped right in front of him. She was panting hard.
Kyouko laughed to Ren's surprise. She steadied herself and stood up properly. Her sweat glistened and she took out her handkerchief from her purse and wiped out her sweats. "Hizuri-san, I'm calling an NG for you," Kyouko replied in English and with a meaningful smile on her face.
Ren was stunned. "Eh? Why?"
"Shouldn't you say things like 'No, I just came too. It's okay Kyouko-chan. You shouldn't have ran like that. I can wait. Several minutes are nothing. I'm happy that you can come'? or anything near that. Then you should offer me a handkerchief since I'm sweating, and went on with the praise about my appearance? I know I'm not pretty or such, not that I wanted a compliment from you," she said sternly. "Yet the very first thing you said when you saw me come running to you was 'Kyouko-chan, you're late!'?" She sighed.
Ren blinked. What the…? Is this how it supposed to be done? I don't know how the Japanese with their dates. Usually, the boyfriend came to pick up their girlfriend at home supposedly? She was the one suggesting that we should meet at the station. She deliberately did that? He sighed inwardly. He noticed that she was about to leave and called out to her, "Where are you going, Kyouko-chan?"
"I'm restarting the scene, Hizuri-san."
He laughed. "You're really funny. You don't have to…"
"I have to. Now, let's start it over," Kyouko said and ran fast till she was sure she was out of Ren's sight.
Unexpectedly, he really is clueless like he told Bou? Or maybe it was too different with the US way of dating? She blushed at the word 'dating' that was just appeared in her mind. She shook her head furiously. It's a game! Don't get carried away, Kyouko! He has a girl he likes. I might as well help him to understand the Japanese way of dating I read in some magazine. Maybe that's why he got dumped several times? Pain! Ouch! I think I'd have to have him act out asking me for dinner first. I feel the gastric acid is going up.
Kyouko ran back to where Ren was waiting. She was excited since she was sure he should have known by now how to act out the meeting in the station. She saw him stood waiting and looked at his cellphone.
"Kuon-san, I'm sorry I'm late," Kyouko said when she stopped in front of him. She was panting hard.
"It's okay, Kyouko-chan. I just came too," he said with a smile. "Are you okay? You shouldn't come running. What if you tripped and fell?" He took out his handkerchief and noticed it was cluttered. He was about to take it back when she giggled. "Sorry, I'll be careful next time."
She took the handkerchief from him.
Eh? She actually took it? Why? Ren was getting more confused. He saw her wiped her sweat and smiled to him.
"Shall we go?" Ren smiled and held out his hand to her.
Holding hands? Um… She blushed and took his hand.
He held her hand firmly. Her hand feels so right in mine. A bit rough and calloused, maybe because she cooks a lot. Hand cream, yes… she needs that. He was nervous. He saw their date as the real date while he knew she must had thought that it was only a play. At least she blushes. It can't be an act, right? No one could act blushing unless she put on some make up to make it happen. He smiled contently.
Meanwhile, Kyouko felt her face getting hot. She felt so embarrassed having to hold his hand but also felt right. His hand is big and warm.
They walked hand in hand and headed toward the district.
A/N : I know that these roles must have been expected. I actually planned one more role before this but well… I felt sorry for Ren. I aborted the plan. It seemed right. This role will probably along 3 chapters, so 2 more to go. That's the plan though. You'll notice that he started to tell her things (not willingly and not according to his plan) ^ ^ but the point isn't the secret. The secrets played important parts though. Thanks for reading. Leave review if you'd like to tell me what you think. Next chapter will a bit late. I'm working on my manga translation. Enjoy!
Note on Japanese terms:
Yousei : fairy