Disclaimer : I don't own Skip Beat!

Chapter 8 : Boyfriend and Girlfriend (Part 2)

"So, let's go for dress shopping first before dinner, okay? Kuon suggested.

"You actually remembered about dinner? I'm hungry," Kyouko sounded surprised.

He laughed. "I'm not that cruel. I don't like eating but you eat regularly. If I forgot it, you'll nag me about it anyway."

Her face darkened. "I only worried about you. You should really watch your meal. I really wonder that you could be so tall with such poor eating habits." Kyouko sighed.

He laughed. "That's hereditary." When he saw her pouting over the answer, he patted her head softly. "Ah… then let's have some light snack. It's not really good to try on the dress with full stomach," he said. "Any suggestion?"

"Light snack huh?" Kyouko seemed to think. She didn't really know about Tokyo since she wasn't Tokyo native, but she knew Shibuya quite well. She worked part time at that district before. She smiled mischievously and said, "Okay, we'll go buy your favourite snack then."

Kuon knitted his brows, confused with her statement. "I don't think I have favourite snack. Well, my favourite food was all your handmade cooking." You made me enjoy eating but only if you cook for me, Kyouko.

She blushed. He really enjoyed teasing me. Gee… If he said that to other girls, they would fall for it. He has to be really careful with his words. He never learned, did he? But since I'm playing his girlfriend now, I'll let it pass. She pulled him with her. "Just follow me!"

Kuon laughed when he saw how energetic she was. They walked for another 10 minutes and arrived in front of a Japanese restaurant.

"I thought I told you that we'd have light snack?" Kuon said. He seemed very confused and Kyouko laughed at it.

"We will have light snacks. Don't worry!" she said with a smile.

The couple got into the restaurant. Kyouko smiled and made an order. Kuon knitted his brows when she asked him to wait for a while. The Okami handed Kyouko her order and when she was about to pay, Kuon already handed out some cash to the okami-san. Okami-san smiled and bowed slightly, and asked them to wait while she got them the change. They were finally out on the street again not long after.

"What did you exactly buy?" Ren asked.

Kyouko giggled and handed him the plastic bag. He took it and opened it. He gaped at the contents and Kyouko smiled meaningfully. "Was I right about this being your favourite food?"

"Err… I did eat this on regular basis for almost every day. You knew and also scolded me for that but…" Kuon said and paused for a while. He lifted out one plastic wrapped onigiri. "Onigiri as light snack? You've got to be kidding."

"No, I'm not. It was only two after all and yes, it is considered a light meal. You can eat it when you're very hungry to help you cope with your hunger and it'd temporarily fill you up, but it's not a main food, I've got to tell you. Here, you got one, I got one," Kyouko said and opened her purse. She handed him some coins.

"Kyouko, I think it should be the man paying. Keep your money!" Kuon said sternly.

Kyouko stilled in place and then recalled anything she read on the magazine. She sighed and put her money back into the purse. "Okay, thank you for the treat. So, let's enjoy your favourite food. Let's find some place to sit on."

Kuon laughed out loud. How could she conclude that onigiri was my favourite? I can't understand her. "Yeah yeah, but I have to tell you that it's not my favourite. I ate it because it was convenient."

"Yes, yes… whatever you said for now," Kyouko said cheekily.

They went to find some vending machine to buy some tea as well. When they finally found some place to sit and started eating, Kuon almost laughed out loud seeing Kyouko practically swallowed the onigiri in one go. She opened a bottle of green tea and gulped down the content. She was content that finally her stomach was filled a little. My stomach would be fine. She sighed in relief.

"You ate like you haven't seen food for ages, Kyouko-chan," Kuon said. "Ah, you got rice on your face."

"Eh? Really?" she asked. I'm so messy… A slight blush appeared on her face.

She was about to raise her hand to her face but Kuon leaned over and licked her face. He pulled away quickly and she blushed really red. Kuon was satisfied with her reaction. He enjoyed making her flustered over his action. "There, I got it for you. Were you really that hungry, Kyouko-chan?" he asked slowly whilst looking into her eyes.

She turned away and answered in a very small voice, "Um… yes."

He chuckled at her answer. "If we aren't going shopping, I think we could order takeaways from some restaurant and go to Inokashira Park in Kichijoji to have a hanami. It's near here, right? I read it on the guide book."

"Hanami?" Kyouko turned her attention back to him. "It will be really nice… Hanami." She looked up at the sky and saw the full moon. "Wow, tonight is full moon. It must be really beautiful. Sakura under the moon." She went into Lala Land. She imagined herself sitting under the Sakura tree with Corn. She saw Corn flying under the full moon and she clapped hard for him. "Yes, Corn… fly higher."

"Sorry? What did you just say?" Kuon said. "Kyouko-chan?"

Kyouko was brought back from Lala Land with his call. She blushed again, realising she imagined things in the middle of their conversation. "Sorry. Um… it's just when you said Hanami. I imagined that will be really beautiful. Today is full moon." She pointed up to the sky.

"Oh…" He followed her finger and looked up at the sky. He looked thoughtful. He could imagine what she was thinking just now. He clearly heard her said, 'Corn… fly higher'. She must be imagining me flying for her under the full moon. He grinned and said, "Let's hurry up to 109 or Parco or Seibu then. After that, we can go to Kichijoji. How does that sound?"

"Eh? Is it okay?"

"Anything for you," he said with a smile. "Come on!" He held out his hand.

She smiled and took his hand.

It was really crowded in Shibuya streets. There were many people there, locals and foreigners, high school students, young woman, career woman, etc. There were many youngsters hanging around there. While Kyouko was disguised as her old self, with her shoulder length hair, and light make up, she attracted attentions, especially because she was hand in hand with a handsome foreigner. Kuon wasn't happy with the attention and emitted strong wave that kept the guy onlookers stay away from them while some girl onlookers were staring at Kyouko with envy.

They entered a boutique in Parco building and had their picks there. Kuon planned to help her with the dress choice. He chuckled when he saw her dreamy state upon seeing a white frilly dress. She had seen the dress before on television, worn by some Hollywood actress. The dress was modest and fell on the knee. It had a slid at the left side.

"What about trying it?" Kuon said.

"Eh? I can?" Kyouko asked back in surprise.

"Of course, we are buying anyway, so you might as well try as many as you could. Can I suggest you some dress which I think suitable for you?"

She nodded. She took the white frilly dress and Kuon shoved two other dresses at her. One was black dress and another was a red dress. She went inside the changing booth and Kuon waited for her outside. Kyouko was about to lift her shirt when she heard some soft moaning voices beside her booth. She tilted her head, confused. She could hear two persons were talking in low husky voices.

"No… not there…" Kyouko lifted her brows in confusion whilst still proceeding with lifting her shirt.

"You're excited. You are wet, Machiko." Kyouko twitched. There's a man there?

"No, don't say it like that… hurry up put it in…" Put what in? Kyouko put her shirt on the hanger and proceeding with unzipping her jeans.

"I'm going in…" Going in? What's that?

"Yes, please… ah… it's in. You're so hot and big, Kyou."

Kyou? Why did his name sound like mine? What are they doing inside there? What's big and hot? She thought for a while and she heard more groaning and moaning voices, clearer than before. Kyouko dropped her jeans in surprise. She finally knew what the voices were. There were two persons beside her booth and they were having sex. The couple next door was saying 'things' very clearly. She blushed red when she heard the woman pleaded the man to go faster and deeper. Kyouko hurriedly put on the white frilly dress and when she finished, she heard the woman said, "Coming… I'm coming…" Kyouko's face was all hot. She didn't really understand what happened but the way the woman said it made her squirm. She quickly unlocked the booth and stepped out of it.

Kuon was surprised when he saw her got out of the booth with red face and seemed to be in a hurry. He was waiting for her not far from the booth. He walked up to her and noticed she had changed into the white dress.

"Wow… never thought that it will suit you," Kuon said. "Well, you always like Cinderella anyway."

Kyouko smiled awkwardly and mumbled, "Thank you." Gees… why didn't they go to love hotel or some inn? She was reminded of some unwanted scenes she accidentally saw when she was still working in Fuwa Ryokan. Her face darkened and she seemed like she wanted to throw up. Doing that in a public place. They are so shameless, she cursed the couple inwardly.

"You didn't try the other two dresses?" Kuon asked.

When she was about to answer, the booth beside her booth's door was opened. Two persons stepped out of it. They were a young couple and both were giggling and laughing. Kyouko stole a glance at them. She almost gasped in surprise, and Kuon noticed it. The couple was probably only around her age -probably high school students. They saw the couple walking away from them. They could still hear how the girl giggled. The guy's hand was around the girl's waist. They talked in rather loud whispers. Kyouko could hear them saying things like 'do you think that girl heard us?', 'I bet', 'She's all red', 'you shouldn't be so loud, Machiko', 'Eh, meanie… I was feeling really good', 'Let's go to the nearest love hotel and go for second round', whilst Kuon wasn't really paying attention to the couple. Kyouko twitched at every word came out from their mouths. Her face darkened. Her demons were swirling around and attacked the couple. She could see both of them stood frozen in place like some hands were holding them in place. She grinned evilly upon seeing that.

"Kyouko?" Kuon called out to her.

"Huh? Yes," Kyouko answered nervously. She was brought back to her sense by his call.

"Do you know them? You keep looking at that couple. Are they your classmates perhaps?" Kuon asked. She looks really weird. What happen?

"No, I don't know them at all." She forced a smile, not wanting him to get suspicious. She was ashamed as she had practically eavesdropped on the couple, though it was unintentionally. "I'll go try the other two dresses." She hurriedly went back into the changing booth. She breathed in and out nervously. What a crazy couple… She tried to calm herself and proceeded with changing.

Meanwhile, Kuon lifted his brows in confusion. He was curious as to why Kyouko acted weird upon seeing the high school couple just now. He almost laughed out loud when he realised what the couple had probably done inside the booth. Poor Kyouko! She must have feeling embarrassed. Kyouko got out of the room with a black dress on and she raised her brows when she saw Kuon trying to suppress his laughter.

"Hmm? So, this dress is not okay? I believed that you were desperately trying to suppress your laughter just now. Am I so horrible in this? I'll go try another then," Kyouko immediately said and about to go back to the booth when he stopped her.

"Wait. No, I was just thinking of something funny before you got out. Hmm… let me see," Kuon said and his eyes wandering from her head till toe. It was a black halter dress with fairy like skirt. The dress fell on her knees and gave some hint of her long legs. The dress was modest as well, not too much skin bared. Kuon had to admit that he picked some clothes that would cover her well and also elegant at the same time. He'd hate it if she showed too much skin.

She felt weird being stared at and felt like a piece of meat. Well, at least this time I put on a dress, not in my underwear like last time. Blushes were creeping onto her cheeks involuntarily.

"Do you like this one? Or that white dress?"

"Huh? Um… I like both, but I haven't tried the other one," Kyouko said. I have to admit that Kuon-san has a good sense of fashion. Well, he is a model after all. Moreover, this dress gave me the Tinkerbell-like feel.

She went back and tried the last dress. When she stepped out, his eyes widened. This dress was the most modest one. It showed her bare arms but covered her from neck till knee properly. It had a ribbon on the neck. She looked good in those dresses. He made a mental note about which dresses she had tried. He'd buy it secretly later.

"What's wrong?" Kyouko asked.

"Nothing… so which one you liked best?" he asked with a smile.

"Um… maybe the black one? Black dress is always useful anyway, like the one I wore in our first game role." I like all of it but too bad I could only afford one. Kuon-san picked some really good ones and just my size. Hmm… that time he picked for Setsu as well, and all of it fitted me too. He's good in determining the right size?

His mind was reverted back to their very first role of their game. Ah, that black short dress? That was too sexy for her. She'll attract danger. NO! I against that! He almost sighed. "Heh? Are you sure you don't want the white one? Isn't that very Cinderella style? Modern Cinderella though…" He laughed a little.

Her face darkened a bit. "Um… don't tease me please," she said. "I'm taking the black one. It got fairy like skirt anyway…"

"Oh… that's nice too. You can be a fairy princess," he teased.

She smacked him on his arm and went back into the booth and changed to her own clothes. She got out of the booth and started to put back the other dresses onto their respective places and headed to the cashier to pay for the black dress. Before she could pay, Kuon handed the cashier a credit card with a smile. Kyouko looked up at him and swatted his hand away. She handed the cashier cash. He swatted her hand playfully and forced the cashier to accept the card. They were doing that back and forth, and Kuon won with only a single phrase in the end, "Kyouko, you want to make me look like a bad boyfriend?"

Kyouko froze. Is this an 'NG' from him? I shouldn't go shopping with him. He always wants to pay. The last time with Cain was the same. He's not my boyfriend anyway. Gee, if only this isn't a game, then I can pay for myself. The cashier cringed since she understood English. Shibuya got many foreigners came visiting after all. The cashier hurriedly processed the card before her two customers did that again. Kuon signed the receipt and with a wide smile, he said thank you to the cashier, not to forget taking one business card of the boutique in the process. He then proceeded to put back Kyouko's money into her purse and took the shopping bag. He pulled the still frozen Kyouko with him.

Kyouko pouted when they were walking down the street again. "I can pay for myself. You can't always pay for me."

"Heh? Why though? I'm your boyfriend, right?" he said playfully.

"Um… yeah but… there's no certain rules applied that a boyfriend should be the one paying when his girlfriend bought things."

"Eh, but I think a boyfriend should be the one paying."

"No next time, okay? I don't want you waste your money on me."

He stopped and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. He kissed her forehead soundly. "Okay, okay, but I won't promise you that. Can you blame me for that? I only want to buy you things."

She blushed red. "Um and Kuon… don't do this in public. It's embarrassing," she reminded him.

He chuckled. "Just a little kiss won't kill you, honey."

Geh? What did he just call me? Honey? She felt dizzy. Should I follow his example? But… it's embarrassing…and in the public too. She contemplated for a while. It's only an act right? No harm done. "Kuon-san."

"Hmm?"

"Thank you for the dress," she said with a blush. She stopped and he looked at her, wondered why she stopped suddenly. Kyouko looked up at him and almost laughed at his funny expression. She pulled him down to her level and kissed him on his cheek. "Let's go! I want to see the Sakura soon."

Kuon raised his hand on his left cheek. He felt really happy inside. YES! Even though for her it was just an act, it meant a lot to me. Well, go slow, Kuon!

They reached the Kichijoji at 9pm. Before they went into the train station, they took several pictures with their cell phones in front of the Hachiko statue. Some pictures were taken with only one of them. Some were with the two of them.

When they arrived at the Inokashira Park, there were many people around. After all, that park was famous for hanami. They were mostly in groups and most of them were office workers. Sakura trees were seen everywhere and were fully blossomed. It might look like a pink carpet from above the sky on the day light. Even though they came at night, it was still beautiful. They could see many group of office workers were singing and drinking sake. They had a hard time finding a vacant place. They were lucky that they still could find one tree without any groups under it. They spread the newspaper and the plastic bag with two bento box inside of it. They had bought some sake for Kuon and tea for Kyouko.

"Look! The moon is so big and round," Kyouko pointed it with her finger.

They were still in the middle of their late supper.

"Yeah," Kuon said. "What? You want me to fly for you under the moon?" Kuon teased.

Kyouko blushed but he couldn't see her blush as it was a bit dark. "You're so mean. I've already known that you're not a fairy."

"Heh? I can do that for you… even though I'm not a fairy." He chuckled. He poured some sake and drank the warm liquid slowly.

"You're still eating, Kuon. Don't be ridiculous!"

He laughed and continued eating. She smiled and continued eating as well. When they finished eating, they sat and leant against the tree, side by side.

"The moon is so beautiful," Kyouko said. "It has been a long time since my last Hanami. But really, Hanami in the night is the first time for me. It is more beautiful in the daylight."

"This is my first Hanami though."

It startled her. "Eh? You never did it before? You've been… um… six years here in Japan right?"

"Yes. When I first came here, I was really into my study. I wished to have a career here. You played me, so you must have known that my Japanese was really bad before."

Kyouko nodded. I knew about it when I was playing Bou though.

"It took me two years before I finally debuted."

"Must have been really tough for you."

"Uh huh. Actually, the first time I ever contacted home since I left the states was when we played Father and Son. That's why I could never thank you enough. Thank you, Kyouko-chan."

"No. It's not because of me," she said. "I'm happy you did that though. You were really loved by both of your parents. You should be grateful." She looked a bit upset.

"I'm sorry. Yes, you're right," Kuon said, noticing her being upset. "Are you still… I meant, about your mother. What about her?"

Her face changed to a very painful expression. "I don't know where she is and what she is doing now. She left me when I was twelve. I grew up in Fuwa Ryokan."

Kuon's face darkened. That guy's house. No wonder… She used to always talk about her prince, Shou-chan. Can I ever be her prince?

"Let's not talk about this! Let's take some picture again," Kyouko said with a cheerful face.

Kuon knew she was forcing herself but he agreed to it. They took several pictures near the Sakura tree. They even took one with the moon as background. They laughed and had fun. They stood against the Sakura tree. They were out of breaths especially Kuon. He did backflip once for her and she clapped hard for him.

"That was fun," Kyouko said.

"Yeah. Maybe we can come again…in a broad daylight," he suggested.

"Are you sure? You are busy. I'm not as busy as you though." Kyouko smiled.

"Will manage somehow. Is it okay?"

She nodded and smiled. Kuon leant close to her face and put a light kiss on her lips. She was startled and froze. He noticed her frozen state and almost sighed. He felt it was right to kiss her but being herself, she would of course freak up. He almost hit himself for that. I have to do something. Ah, that's right. He coughed and Kyouko brought back from her frozen state.

"Um… an NG?"

He nodded. "Still remember Actors Rule of Heart?"

She thought back to the Vain Day incident. Her face darkened and she seemed like she wanted to kill certain someone before she heard him coughed again. Yes, it applied to acting and only applied once in private life. And we are now… acting. She let out a relief sigh. I have to get used to it. One day, I'll have to do it on screen too. Was he trying to teach me this?

Kuon smiled and she smiled back. "Can I restart the scene?" he asked slyly.

She nodded nervously. She didn't even know why she agreed to restart the scene. When she felt him close to her face, she closed her eyes tight. She felt him kissed her softly on her lips. It feels nice. It's different with that siphoning anteater. Their kiss deepened. Kyouko felt he was asking for an entry. She parted her lips and felt his tongue invaded her mouth, coaxing her to kiss him back. She responded and tried to mimic him. I'm feeling dizzy. Kuon-san's kiss is intoxicating. I think I'm going to get drunk. Without her realising it, her hands were put around his neck, pulling him down to her. His hands were wrapped around her slender body. He pulled her close to him. Their bodies pressed against each other.

Her lips… is delicious. I can't get enough. I can feel her sweet curves against my body. It's bad! I'm getting aroused. I have to… He pulled away slowly and kissed her lightly several times. He was slightly out of breath and he tried desperately to stop kissing her. His jeans had felt really tight.

Kyouko opened her eyes and slightly blushing. She was breathing hard. She never felt she needed air so desperately. I don't know but he's… a good kisser? She gasped and scolded herself inwardly for getting carried away. He must be… he's a playboy and the most desirable man after all.

"Kyouko, let's go home!"

"Okay."

Kyouko couldn't sleep that night. Her eyes couldn't seem to close. She kept remembering their kiss at the park. When she rolled back to another side, she saw his face. She felt her face hot. Her eyes were involuntarily set on his lips. What is it with me?

She behaved weirdly the whole morning and Kuon lifted his brows in confusion seeing her unusual state. She put salt into their tea and sugar on their sunny side up. She almost burned her hand if Kuon didn't remind her not to put her hand into the toaster oven. Kuon smiled a little when he thought about her strange behaviour. She flinched at his slightest touch and she didn't look at him in his eyes. Can I get my hopes up? She was disturbed by the kiss? So she is starting to see me, right? Hopefully…

In the Box-R set, she was given two NGs before the Director was finally satisfied. Her co-stars were confused as well.

"Kyouko-chan? Natchan… are you okay?" Makino asked. She waved her hands in front of Kyouko.

Kyouko was startled and laughed nervously, "Yes. Yes, I'm fine."

"Heh? Is there someone confessing to you perhaps?" Sudou guessed.

Kyouko blushed red. No, no one confessed to me. She shook her head furiously.

"Eh? Natchan has got a boyfriend?" Makino said, surprised.

"No no… it's not that." Fake boyfriend yes, it's only an act!

"You seem like someone who just got boyfriend. Did he kiss you perhaps?" Chiori guessed.

Kyouko blushed redder. It's an act! It's an act!

The three of them laughed and surprised her.

"You don't have to hide it desperately like that, Natchan," Makino said slyly.

"What is your boyfriend looks like?" Sudou asked.

"Someone with 5Cs?" Chiori guessed again. Tsuruga Ren? They seem to be close, she added inwardly.

"No, no… it's not that," Kyouko was about to protest but...

"Heh? What's 5Cs?" Makino and Sudou asked, interested in Chiori's statement.

"Oh, you know. I got a penpal from Shingaporu (Singapore), and she told me some joke about guys should have 5C to be qualified as boyfriend or husband. It wouldn't be 5Cs in Japanese though."

"What is it, Chiorin?" Makino asked.

Chiori grinned and said, "Car, Condominium, Cash, Credit Card, and…"

"And?" Sudou asked, impatient with her answer. Even Kyouko got interested as well. Everyone knew that little English.

She giggled. "Cock."

"Niwatori?" the three of them asked in unison. "Why though?"

Chiori cringed. "Uh hum… it's male's… um you know?"

"Uwa, so vulgar!" Makino said. She understood what Chiori meant. Sudou nodded, agreeing with her.

"Male's what?" Kyouko asked.

The three of them cringed.

"Kyouko-chan, it's male's…" Makino tried to say but she was embarrassed having to say it out loud. "Lower body part."

"Lower body part?" Kyouko tilted her head and Kuon came into her mind. She imagined him standing before her. She gasped when she finally got it, "THAT'S VERY VULGAR!" She cursed herself for having had imagined Kuon inside her head. She remembered seeing him in his boxer brief once and that she had walked in on him when he was showering once. She hit her head for that thought.

"But it makes sense," Chiori said. "Without that, man is not a man. Don't be so frustrated, Kyouko-san!"

"Right…" Makino nodded.

"Does your boyfriend got 5Cs, Kyouko-chan?" Sudou asked evilly.

Kyouko blushed really red. He's not my boyfriend. It's only an act. It's only an act. She didn't phrase those thought out loud but her three friends thought of it as YES for their question. Yes, he got 5C but he's not my boyfriend! It's ONLY an ACT. Why do I even think about it?

She screamed inwardly in frustration whilst her three co-stars were laughing in the background.

A/N : A bit long chapter. I'm cutting it here. I'm not sure whether I could really write this role into 3 chapters only. It seemed that I wanted to write many things. It will probably long chapter for next. Oh, I've written things to torture Kyouko as well. Felt sorry for her but well… I wanted to torture her once in a while. And the 5Cs joke, I heard it from my cousin who lives in Singapore. My reaction was the same at first "SO VULGAR!". LOL. I did want to make her Box R costars appeared once, and I think this was right. And this is an M fic, it's okay to insert some dirty joke, right? XD Enjoy! Review if you'd like to tell me what you think.

Shizuhoe : Yes, thank you for pointing that out. I had proofread it actually, it was there in the original doc in my harddisk. Maybe I just haven't save it properly when I upload the said doc to

Regarding 5Cs in Singapore, the last C was actually Country Club. LOL. IDK why my cousin said it was C*ck. It used to mock those with materialism ^ ^

Hachiko statue is near the Shibuya station. It is a famous meeting place.

109, Parco, Seibu are some of the shopping building in Shibuya.

I'm not sure about the onigiri buying things :P But well, that's for story purposes, unless you bought it in a konbini (convenience store), I don't think we could buy two onigiris in a restaurant. Never did that before so not sure.

Note on terms:

Hanami : Flower sightseeing