Disclaimer : I don't own Skip Beat!
Chapter 14 : Plans, Reactions and Actions
It was hard for the young couple to proceed with their marriage plan. With their hectic schedules, they rarely met each other. They had to be content with meeting on set or at weekends when they got the most times for each other. They still managed to have dinner dates sometimes though it was getting lesser. Their marriage plan had to be delayed further, plus they thought it would be best to wait until Kyouko turned 18 first. Kuon was an American and in the states, the coming of age was 18 years old. They wanted to apply this rule of his country of origin.
Julie and Kuu had been informed by the couple as well. They talked several times on the phone. Julie couldn't wait to meet her soon to be daughter in law. Julie had offered her help for the couple's wedding. Both of them were grateful for the help. Julie squealed in glee when they agreed to let her help. They asked her to hold her plan since they were still considering between the States and Japan. Both Kuu and Julie were relieved when they knew that Kuon had gotten Saena's consent to marry Kyouko. Kuu had been worried since Lory informed him about that. He knew that Kyouko wasn't on her best terms with her mother and afraid that her mother would get in their way. He was happy as well when the couple told him that Kyouko had reconciled with her mother, and was on the phase of getting along with each other well. They had planned to meet with her mother when they came to Japan for The Tragic Marker premiere. None of them told Kyouko or Kuon that they'd attend the premiere. They had wanted it to be a surprise.
Kyouko's stardom had risen more after she got another award for her performance as Kitagawa Natsu in Box R. Once again, she won the Best Supporting Actress for summer season of Television Drama Academy Awards which was held on the end of August. Her fan base was increased as well in both girls and guys. Her job offers were starting to rival Ren's. She got more offers as protagonists after her debut drama started airing. Torii had managed her schedules as loose as possible so then she could still attend school regularly. It was part of her agreements with her mother. She wasn't considering university further since she was still in her 2nd year.
Other than school, she was still having her regular spot as Bou in Yappa Kimagure Rock and several modelling gigs.
It was mid-October. The Tragic Marker was on the premiere day. Cain and Setsu came from 'London' to attend the premiere as well. Both of them were meeting Jelly in Lory's office at LME to have their appearances altered. They were Ren and Kyouko when they got into the dressing room with Jelly.
Cain got out from the dressing room first. He was dressed in simple black formal suit. He sat leisurely on the sofa, waiting for Setsu to come out. Setsu came out 15 minutes later. She didn't wear her pierces though she still dressed provocatively. She was dressed in black short cocktail dress which had low collar and fell on her mid thighs. It enveloped her body tightly and showed her curves. She was embarrassed when she came out from the dressing room.
Cain's eyes widened when he saw her in the dress. He smiled brightly and stood up from his seat. Setsu stepped back in fear upon seeing that smile. That's too low. Her cleavage is bared to the world, and that skirt. What did Miss Woods think when she pick that dress? He sighed.
He's angry! What did I do wrong? Kyouko was panicking inside. She maintained Setsu's sly smile on her face.
"So, how's it?" Jelly asked. She stood beside Kyouko with wide smile.
"It's nice." Cain smiled brighter and Setsu shrank down more. "Miss Woods, if anything possible, do you have some kind of coat? It will be very cold outside."
Jelly tilted her head. "Sure, you're right. It will be warm inside the theatre I thought? But well… I'll get a matching coat." She left and came back one minute later. "Here, put this on, Setsuka-chan."
Setsu accepted the coat gratefully and put it on. Cain face changed. He sighed in relief. When Setsu saw his face softened, she was relieved as well. She still didn't understand why he got angry earlier. Lory who watched their interactions, grinned evilly. He ushered the couple to leave with his aide. He was still grinning widely till the door closed with a thud.
Jelly scratched her head, confused. She was standing in the middle of the room and watched the door being closed. Jelly squeaked when Lory suddenly patted her head. Jelly looked up at him. "What is it, Darling?"
"Maybe next time you need to be more careful when you dressed her up. Thanks for your hard work, Ten."
"Huh?" Jelly tilted her head, confused with the sudden statement.
"Let's head to the premiere!" Lory waved to her, asking her to leave.
"Coming…" She followed suit.
When Cain and Setsu arrived at the theatre, the journalists and photographers got a little intimidated by the dangerous couple's auras. Even though so, they still had to proceed with interviewing Cain Heel, the actor who acted as the reaper in the movie. When they asked him bunch of questions regarding the movie and his act, he didn't answer. He turned to look at the sultry lady beside him. The journalists followed his line of sight and found the sultry lady was smiling at them. Setsu spoke to Cain in fast English which made the journalists cringed. They saw the actor mumbled something in low voice. After that, the lady giggled and told them her name was Setsuka Heel. She told them she would answer their question on her brother's behalf. Most of the journalists sighed in relief. That actor just couldn't speak Japanese was what running inside their heads.
Setsu smiled upon their reaction. She then proceeded to answer their questions in fluent Japanese. Later, they were photographed as well with Cain wrapping his arms around her shoulder possessively. The photographers cringed. They look more like couple than siblings.
They were surprised when they saw Kuu and Julie's amongst the crowd. The older couple was being interviewed for their sudden appearance. Both of them claimed that they were invited. Cain and Setsu managed to tone down their amusement over the Hizuri couple's appearances. When they gave the older couple greeting hugs, they were given messages in the process. Both couples smiled meaningfully afterwards.
They met Murasame and Director Konoe when they got into the theatre. Murasame was clearly drooling over Setsu. Cain couldn't help himself and got irritated. As Jelly said, the theater was warm and they didn't need coat for that. The coat was left in the deposit counter. He was getting irritated more when several men openly flirted with Setsu. Setsu clung to his arms tightly whilst answering to the guys' questions.
"Miss Heel, what about going out on a date with me?" one of the men asked.
"If you could get my most important man's permission, I'd consider it," she answered with a smile. "This is my most important man, my dear brother," she giggled and patted Cain on shoulder.
The guy turned to look at Cain. He stepped back in fear when Cain glared at him. Murasame laughed in the background and comforted the poor guy. Konoe cringed. He couldn't do anything to help. Their identities were secrets after all. Only Konoe knew about them whilst the producers only knew about Cain's identity. Before the other guy could try, Cain pulled her along with him and entered the theatre hall.
Most people got out from the theatre with pale faces two hours later. The movie was really intense. Some of them couldn't stand the mass killing scene. Some of the movie critiques openly praised the movie and gave good reviews after the premiere. Cain was once again being surrounded by the journalists and being praised for his intense acting. He smiled coldly and thanked them. They shivered when they heard his voice clear as the day. The reaper has no lines in the movie, and he didn't answer their questions when he first arrived at the theatre. The only sound came out from him was some unclear murmurs before. Setsu giggled when she saw their frozen states. She winked at them and pulled her brother along with her, leaving them gawking like gold fishes.
The movie was also scheduled to be premiered in UK and US in next two weeks.
Setsu and Cain arrived in their hotel shortly from the theatre. Coincidentally, they were staying in the same hotel with the Hizuri couple. Both of them thought that it couldn't be a mere coincident. They were given the messages clearly earlier when they greeted each other. It was clear that the Hizuris planned this all.
"Kuon!" Julie hugged her son tightly when they visited the Hizuris in their suite room.
"Mom, it's been long time," Kuon said. "I have never expected you two would show up."
Julie cried and held her son tight whilst keep saying things non-stop. She was expressing her happiness. Kyouko and Kuu smiled upon seeing the view. They cringed when they saw Julie kissed Kuon full on his face. Kuon looked like a lost kid when Julie attacked him.
"How are you son?" Kuu asked Kyouko.
"I'm fine, sen…" Kyouko stopped when she saw Kuu's disapproving look. "I mean Dad."
Kuu gave her a brief hug. "I hope he treat you well." He laughed.
"Don't worry about that!" Kyouko giggled and squeaked when she was attacked by Julie's bear hug.
"Hi, my second Kuon. I've been wanting to meet you. Finally we meet. Ah, you're so petite. So cute." Julie tightened her hug.
"Mom, go easy on her. You squeezed her so hard. She can't breathe," Kuon reminded her whilst rubbing away his mother's lipstick traces from his face.
"Ah… I'm sorry, dear." Julie loosened her hug and smiled widely.
"It's okay, Hizuri-san." Kyouko smiled.
"No! What is Hizuri-san? Call me Mom! What did I tell you the last time we were on the phone? You're at it again. You're going to be my daughter soon," she protested.
Kyouko blushed. "Um…um… Mom."
Julie squealed in glee. Her eyes were gleaming. She hugged Kyouko tightly. "So cute… if only I can bring you home now. I like your dress by the way." Julie pulled away and looked at her dress intently. "It fits you well."
"Thank you." Kyouko blushed redder. "Woods-san chose it for me."
"I don't like it," Kuon muttered under his breath.
It was unfortunate for him that Julie heard him. Julie's brows twitched upon hearing the statement. "What did you mean with you don't like it? Mommy thought you LIKE it a lot and that you're just being possessive. She's still young, Kuon. It's okay to show some curves. Geez, men and their petty minds," Julie rambled. "We are actresses and models apparently. We have rights to wear anything we like and to be fashionable."
Kuu and Kyouko cringed. Kuon gaped at her.
"But that… and…" Kuon stuttered.
"What? I'm right, am I not? You just want her to wear it in front of you, not in front of the other men, right? You're just like Kuu. Gee…" Julie grumbled and pulled Kyouko with her. "Come on, Kyouko dear, Mommy brought you a lot of dresses. I hope some of it fits you. We will play dress up till drop tonight."
"Eh but…" Kyouko tried to protest.
"No buts…"
Kyouko was dragged along almost forcefully by Julie before Kuu and Kuon's eyes. The father and son blinked and gaped at the view. They shut their eyes tight upon hearing the loud thud from a closing door.
"Your mom… yeah… as usual." Kuu scratched his head. "She won't listen at all. She got her own dictionary of how to be fashionable or such."
Kuon smirked. "So, you are like that too huh?"
"Cheeky young man, you're my son. You have to side with me, not mocking me like that." Kuu scowled at him. "Gee… women. They didn't know how dangerous the men outside."
Kuon shrugged. "Couldn't agree more, old man."
The Hizuri couple didn't stay long in Japan. They went back to the States three days after. They visited Saena once to settle the marriage proposal. Both of them found the woman solicitor strict and scary. They didn't want to mess with her. Even though so, they seemed to get along well.
Both sides agreed with Kuon and Kyouko's wish to get married in Japan the next spring. They stated that it would be a semi private party. It would be held in Kyoto, Kyouko's hometown. Kuu was ecstatic when they said they'd get married in Kyoto. He was beaming with happiness. It was his hometown as well. The thought that his son would get married in his hometown excited him.
Julie had offered to help and would go back and forth Japan for the purpose. Saena offered her help as well, since it was her daughter's marriage. They decided that they would work together for the couple's wedding.
Time passed so fast and it was already December. Kyouko and Kuon had just finished their drama shoot. This time they already had another project on their schedule. They were going to take parts in a movie starting January. It was a movie project offered by Director Konoe. The Tragic Marker was a success in UK and US markets as well and Konoe was about to reveal the actor behind it when he announced his next project. This time Konoe tried his hands on another dark movie. The setting would be Japan in the old time, Tokugawa Era. The two of them would play as ninja assassins.
The concept of the movie interested both the actors. They took it because the time was right and wouldn't disrupt their marriage plan. It would finish filming on the end of April whilst they planned their marriage on the end of May.
Many of their important persons had been informed about their marriage plan.
The very first to be informed was their managers. Yashiro grinned evilly when Kuon told him his marriage plan. He teased him mercilessly about it. Kuon had to bear with his teasing for the whole day, not to mention his evil grin whenever Kyouko called. Meanwhile, Torii knew that his charge was dating the big actor but never expected that she would marry him so fast. He gaped at her when she told him.
The second was The Daruma-ya couple. Taishou harrumphed loudly when they told him that. He didn't really agreed with her getting married so fast. As much as he didn't like it, in the end, he congratulated them and wished them all the best whilst spreading some threats with the knife in his hand towards Kuon. Kuon cringed inwardly. He tried to keep his calm façade. The chopping sound made his heart fall down. It was different with Okami's reaction, she only smiled, patted her husband on his shoulder, and congratulated the couple.
Lory was ecstatic when the couple informed him their plans in detail. He had known that they planned to get married, he only didn't know when. He immediately offered help only to be rejected by the couple. Both of them thought that Lory would go overboard with the party. He pouted at them for being left out. He sulked in the corner before they agreed to let him help about the publication. He got all happy again and started to type things in his notebook.
Kanae was next after Lory. Kyouko asked Kanae to be her bridesmaid and the girl okay-ed her immediately. Whilst they were talking about it in Love Me room, Chiori entered and was flabbergasted after she heard that marriage plan coincidentally. Both Kyouko and Kanae stiffened. They realised that they were talking in a not so secretive place. Kanae then ushered her to tell Chiori as well, since she already heard it.
"I just knew that there's something between you two." Chiori grinned. "And now you're getting married. Dating... okay it was expected, but getting married? Wow, that's surprising."
"Eh?" Kyouko was stunned.
"She's really slow," Chiori said again and Kanae nodded, agreeing. "I kind of sensed it when you ran to the Dark Moon set in panic."
"Sensed what?" Kyouko tilted her head, didn't understand at all.
Chiori laughed softly. "When you heard there was a car crash, we saw your face paled. We found it amusing since he co-starred with you only once. You know, Yuka liked Tsuruga-san too. She paled as well. And that time Makino-san and I concluded that you also liked Tsuruga-san the way Yuka did, and of course… romantically."
"EH? I didn't…" She shook her head furiously.
"She didn't realise that before," Kanae continued Kyouko's words.
"Wow, you're really slow, Kyouko-senpai." Chiori grinned. "Congratulations on getting married. I could imagine there will be many fans agonising over your and Tsuruga-san's marriage. I noticed that there's no dating announcement. So, will you two announce your marriage?"
"Thanks, Amamiya-san. We will but we are waiting for the right time. You know… I'm afraid that I'll ruin his image." Kyouko gave them a weak smile.
"No way!" both Kanae and Chiori said in unison.
Kyouko almost fell from her chair upon their loud exclamation.
"You're popular as well. You don't have to worry over this," Kanae said.
"I agree with Kotonami-san. You've got three awards at hands. Those were big achievements. Maybe you'll get the Best Actress award for your current airing drama, I bet," Chiori said.
"No, you're too kind," Kyouko shook her head.
"Let's wait and see then!" Chiori smirked.
When Jelly was informed, the little lady froze.
"What? Married?" she said out loud after she recovered from the shock.
"Yes, Miss Woods, I want to ask a favour of you. I need my natural shade back when I get married," Kuon said.
Jelly turned to look at Kuon.
"Can we ask a favour for the make up too, Woods-san?" Kyouko asked.
She turned to look at Kyouko this time. She twitched at their politeness. "Argh… it's TEN. Okay? If you want to ask a favour of me, call me Ten!" Jelly pointed her make up brush to them.
"Yes, Ten-san."
Jelly huffed contently. "Fine, I'll accept it with –san for now. That's a little progress. Next time without –san, okay?" Jelly smiled. "Ah, so… can I pick your dress, Kyouko-chan?" Her eyes were gleaming.
"Err, I guess you can. We haven't settled about the wedding dress," Kyouko said. "Mom wouldn't mind right?"
"I'm not sure. Maybe she can coordinate with mom. She will be coming to Japan again in the next three days." Kuon knitted his brows. "If possible, I'll have my mother to coordinate with you regarding this matter, miss Wo… ah.. I mean, Ten-san."
"Sure, I'm looking forward to you two's wedding," Jelly was beaming. "Ah, I get to do your make-up for wedding. It will be fun. It will be beautiful."
Kuon and Kyouko chuckled upon her dreamy state.
On December 24th…
Kyouko and Maria hold Grateful Party once more. This time Kyouko couldn't help much. She was still in charge of the food. She was banned from kitchen after 9 pm. She then changed to a soft pink dress she bought for the purpose.
This year, Maria's father Kouki came earlier and Maria was occupied with him. The guests were a lot more in numbers than last year since Kyouko had worked with more people like her ex co-stars and colleagues from Dark Moon, Box-R and her recent drama Koukousei Deka (High School Police), her modelling friends, her Yappa Kimagure Rock's colleagues, and even her mother. The Daruma-ya couple was introduced to her mother as well when they met.
Ren came late as usual. He still managed to come before it was too late. He found Kyouko talking with Kanae when he came. He joined them for a chat. Kanae smirked when she saw the couple trying to hold themselves from touching each other. Besides Kanae, Yashiro grinned evilly upon the same view.
When it was almost midnight, Ren pulled Kyouko along with him to a secluded place. He wanted to have a private moment with her right on midnight. Kanae and Yashiro smiled meaningfully when the couple left them.
"You aren't trying to beat him again, Kotonami-san? You won last year," Yashiro asked.
Kanae chuckled. "This year is special. I don't want to disturb them. I'll let him win this year."
"Heh? You're surprisingly nice."
"What do you mean, Yashiro-san? I'm always nice," Kanae pouted.
"Kanae-san, do you see oneesama around?" Maria asked.
Kanae jerked up. She was surprised with Maria's sudden appearance. "Mou, Maria-chan. You surprised me."
"Sorry. So, where is she?"
"Ah, she's there," Kanae pointed to somewhere.
"Thank you." Maria then ran to the direction Kanae pointed just now.
"Kotonami-san… you shouldn't…" Yashiro stopped.
Kanae stood still absentmindedly. She stared at Yashiro, confused why he suddenly stopped talking. She gasped upon a realisation. "Crap! I shouldn't have told her. OH no!" Kanae walked away in haste, followed by Yashiro.
Meanwhile…
"Happy 18th birthday, Kyouko," Ren said whilst handing her a stem of Queen Rosa.
"Another Queen Rosa." Kyouko chuckled. "I should have known or suspect something further when you gave me a rose and congratulated me on my birthday. I was surprised. You covered up really well, Corn."
"I was afraid you'd freak out if you knew. But now… is different." Ren smiled. "Can I kiss you?"
Kyouko looked around. "Um… I guess it is safe for now." She gave him an okay when she saw nobody was around them. They were in the dark corner of the Mystery Forest cave.
He leant down and captured her lips, practically devoured her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer, deepening their kiss. His hands wrapped around her waist and enveloped her tightly. Their bodies pressed against each other.
THUD! The couple pulled away abruptly when they heard the loud thud. They turned to the voice and found a frozen Maria. The little girl was gaping at the view before her. The couple stiffened.
"Oneesama and Ren-sama… are…" Maria stuttered.
NO! Maria-chan will be angry at me. She likes Ren. Kyouko was panicking inside. She froze completely. She didn't know what to say to the little girl.
Kanae arrived with Yashiro not long after. They were out of breath. They were trying to catch Maria before the little girl found the couple. They were too late. They were horrified especially after they saw the three of them froze.
"We're late, Yashiro-san," Kanae said in a low whisper.
"Um… I don't know what to say, Kotonami-san. It is happening," Yashiro replied slowly.
"Maria-chan," Ren began hesitantly. "As you might have seen, Kyouko and I… we are dating."
Maria seemed to recover from her frozen state. "Dating as in being boyfriend and girlfriend?"
Ren nodded. "Yes, and we are going to get married next spring."
"Married?" The little girl sighed. "You two are really cruel."
Ren and Kyouko flinched at her tone.
"I love you two and you didn't tell me that you're dating and suddenly said that you are getting married. How is it being fair to me?" Maria accused. "I knew that oneesama loves Ren-sama."
"Eh? What do you mean?" Kyouko asked, surprised with Maria's statement.
"The doll," Maria said. "When I asked for the doll at first, I realised it, oneesama. Your expression was different. You had this kind of love struck expression like in grandfather's game or is it a movie? Whatever…" She wasn't sure what she saw in her grandfather's LCD screen at times. "I didn't think too much about it, but that big doll confirmed it. It was really a perfect creation. I can tell that you love Ren-sama so much. Don't underestimate me just because I'm a kid."
Kyouko blushed. Love struck expression? I did? Was I really that obvious till a kid could recognise it? Did that mean I was dense? She cried inwardly. I'm really stupid.
Ren smiled. Heh? She showed that kind of face before? I want to know… when was it?
Yashiro and Kanae nodded furiously. They agreed with Maria. That doll was indeed creepy. It was too perfect.
"It was not really a perfect creation. I still have one part," Kyouko suddenly realised what she was about to say and blushed redder. "No…yes, it's perfect as you said." She smiled awkwardly.
Yashiro, Kanae and Ren raised their brows. One part?
"If it's oneesama, I can only admit defeat. I'm only 9 after all. If only I was at least 16 now," Maria pouted. "It was my dream to marry Ren-sama though."
Kyouko crouched down to Maria's level. "I'm sorry, Maria-chan. I… I love Ren."
"Didn't I tell you I knew that?" Maria knitted her brows.
Kyouko nodded with a smile. Maria smiled back and threw herself at Kyouko. "I'm pissed off. I'm happy too. I just love you two I think." Maria pulled away. Ren crouched down as well and enveloped the two of them in a hug.
Yashiro and Kanae smiled upon the view. They didn't realise that they were holding each other hands when they felt relieved that Maria accepted Ren and Kyouko's relationship. They hurriedly pulled away and blushed red when they realised it.
"Sorry, I didn't mean it, Kotonami-san. I guess I'm too happy about them." Yashiro pointed down to the three before them.
"I didn't mean it as well, Yashiro-san. Don't worry! I am not interested in old man." Kanae stuck out her tongue to him.
"Old man? I'm only 26 years old. You cheeky little girl." Yashiro scowled. "You're so rude. Torii was right. You need to learn proper manner and treat your elders with respect."
"Haha… I think he is interested in you and vice versa," Kanae smirked. "Both of you said the exact same thing." Kanae shrugged.
Yashiro was horrified. "What the… You stupid girl! Think before you talk." He was furious and wanted to get away fast. He left in haste.
"Hey, who are you calling stupid?" Kanae chased after him.
Ren, Kyouko and Maria blinked when they heard the quarrel.
"What is it with them?" Maria said then turned to the couple. "I'm sorry that I disrupted your private moment. Um… I wish you two happy, oneesama, Ren-sama."
"Thank you, Maria-chan. Your acceptance meant a lot to me," Kyouko said.
"To me too. You're such a mature little girl." Ren patted Maria's head.
"But… promise me one thing," Maria said again.
"Anything?" they asked.
"You two have to be happy and then… don't forget to invite me to your wedding, kay?" Maria smiled sweetly.
The two nodded.
"Ah, I forgot. This is for oneesama. Happy 18th birthday, oneesama." Maria handed the box she dropped before.
"What is it?" Kyouko accepted the box and stared at it.
Maria smiled meaningfully. "Open it when you're alone oneesama. Even though I think you won't need it any longer." With that, Maria walked away from the couple. She was still feeling upset. I really wish you two the best, oneesama, Ren-sama.
Ren dropped Kyouko off before Daruma-ya after the party. It was 2 am.
"Kyouko, good night! Sleep tight!" Ren leant over and kissed her on her lips softly. "I'll see you in 8 more hours."
"Um… Can't I just stay in your place tonight?"
"No! I promised Taishou to have you back right after the party," Ren reminded her.
She pouted. "I want to be with you. It's just 8 hours away. I feel funny leaving you now only to meet up again several hours later."
"I know. I want to be with you too, but I really can't help it. Taishou made me promise to have you back after the party. We'll meet soon, okay?" Ren patted her head softly. "I love you."
She blushed. "I… love you." It was barely audible but Ren just knew it. He chuckled and kissed her once again on her lips.
"By the way," Ren said suddenly. "You said that the doll wasn't perfect. You still got one part. What was one part mean?"
Kyouko blushed redder. "Um… that's… um…"
Ren was waiting. He was really curious. Kyouko answered in a whisper. His eyes widened and he laughed out loud. "I guess… you could make the perfect version now. You've seen that part," he teased.
She pouted. "Don't tease me!"
"Have you been fantasising about it before?" he continued to tease her further.
Her face darkened. She hit him on his arm and stepped out of car. She heard him tease her for running away. She stuck out her tongue to him and ushered him to leave. She wanted to wait till he disappeared from her sight but Ren told her to hurry went inside the store. She pouted and complied at last. He drove away when he was sure that she was safely home.
None of them realised that they were photographed from somewhere hidden.
The next morning, the photos of them kissing were in the celebrity news and newspapers. The couple was still in their dreamland. They didn't know that they had made into the headlines. They just knew about it when Ren was picking up Kyouko from Daruma-ya. He could see Kyouko was surrounded by many journalists and photographers. She was confused and panic. Ren's arrival made it worse. The journalists noticed his arrival and surrounded him as well. They were divided into two groups. With the condition like that, Ren tried to move forward and pulled his lady love from the crowd. He finally managed to pull Kyouko from the crowd after several attempts and fled from the scene. They ran to his car and settled inside it quickly. He then drove away fast, leaving the chasing press behind.
They arrived shortly in his apartment complex's basement. Both of them huffed in relief. They sat in the car and tried to calm down.
"I don't' think we could go anywhere today," Ren said.
"I think so." Kyouko sighed.
Later the day, Lory, Yashiro and Torii went to Ren's apartment. They talked about the news and what to do next. Most of the news was talking about Japan's hottest young couple. Some were clearly confirmed their suspicions through the news. They put the picture of Ren hugging Kyouko on the award ceremony night where she won her first award. They replayed some playback video of Bistro CMAP where they were being teased as couple and how Ren had responded to the teasing. None of it sounded negative so far. The news' anchors encouraged and congratulated the couple whilst playfully telling them to just confess.
"I guess this is sooner than what we had expected," Lory told them. "Isn't it good? Japan acknowledged you." He laughed maniacally. "What did I tell you? You should have announced it rather than being exposed. See! I was right!" His laugh was getting louder. He seemed like he just won a lottery and being the richest man in the world.
The other four cringed.
"Ah, but that's good too. At least Mogami-kun is 18 now or Ren would be accused as criminal for laying his hands on a girl under 18 years old... Busy! Busy! I have to call the PR division to arrange something. How exciting!" Lory kept saying things whilst moving there and here.
"That's called tentekomai," Kyouko pointed to Lory and then shrugged.
Ren laughed and startled both Yashiro and Torii. Both managers were startled even more when Lory's stated his orders fast. They had no choice but to start scribbled down Lory's orders before it got longer.
One week later after New Year, the couple held a press conference to confirm their relationship. They had been practicing how to answer the press questions under the PR division. The person in charge from PR division who was assigned for the couple had listed out some questions for them to read. They wrote their answers down, and Miyamura, the PR in charge, written out their answers in a more presentable way.
"Since when did you two started dating, Tsuruga-san, Kyouko-san?"
"We started dating from mid-June," Ren answered. Fake dating would be from mid-April though, he said inwardly.
"We actually suspected that you two started dating earlier than that. Perhaps before that award ceremony night."
Ren and Kyouko smiled nervously. Yes, we were sort of dating that time, they confirmed inwardly.
Most questions asked were just as predicted by Miyamura. The couple answered it at ease. They had agreed to announce their marriage as well and proceeded with their plan. Sooner or later, they'd have to announce it after all.
"Eh? You will get married soon?" There were a lot of murmurs and buzzing voices after the couple stated that.
"Why with the rush?"
"Kyouko-san is still 18 right? Are you pregnant, Kyouko-san?"
There were a lot of questions at one time. Ren lifted out his right hand, asking them to keep silent.
"We love each other and I want to be with Kyouko," Ren answered.
Kyouko nodded. "Yes, I want to be with Ren. As you said, I had just turned 18 but there's no too fast. I'm not pregnant either."
"Yes, there's no too fast for us. I think I have been waiting forever for her. And I already got her parent's consent," Ren stated.
After that statement, the journalists asked them with more questions regarding the marriage plan which the couple didn't want to answer just yet.
"Just wait till the time comes." Ren smiled meaningfully.
"Please give us your blessings!" Kyouko bowed slightly.
"It will be on the end of the May. To be exact, on May 28th," Ren added.
"It will be held in Kyoto," Kyouko answered when she heard they asked the venue.
The part they didn't want to answer in the January's interview, revealed when they were married 5 months later. Their marriage was broadcast live in national television. Most people gaped at the television when they saw the man who walked beside Kyouko on the aisle was a tall blonde guy. Some of the fans recognised the guy as Kyouko's boyfriend in Inokashira Park. None of them had ever thought that the foreigner guy and Tsuruga Ren were the same person. They thought that she preferred a Japanese guy over a foreigner when the news about them dating was confirmed.
Ren revealed his true self as Hizuri Kuon in the interview after his wedding. He also revealed the fact that he and Kyouko were childhood friends. The media was surprised with the revelations. Not only for the fact that they met each other as children, but also for the fact that he was Hizuri Kuu's son. There had been no news about Hizuri Kuu's son and he actually had been living in Japan for 7 years, and even being the biggest actor in Japan. Ren also revealed the reason he was in Japan. He admitted to the public that he wanted to follow Kuu's footstep. When he was asked about his next career plan whether he would choose US like his father or stay in Japan, he said with a smile, "One thing is sure for me, I'll be where Kyouko is, so… it will be Japan for now. As for the future, if I have the chance to have a career in the States, I'll take or not take it. Currently I'm content with my life in Japan."
Oh! This is bad! Shouko thought when she was leisurely watching the television in her apartment room. She was surprised when she saw the live broadcast of Kyouko and Ren's marriage. She gaped as well when she watched the interview. She wasn't updated with celebrity news since they were on a concert tour around the country for the past months. She hurriedly reached for the remote control and about to turn it off when…
"SHE GOT MARRIED? NO JOKING!" Shou said in loud voice from behind of her. "Who's that blond guy? Tsuruga?"
Shouko dropped the remote control in surprise and turned to look at Shou nervously. She smiled awkwardly. Crap! I am late!
Shou was pissed off. He picked his mobile phone and hit several buttons.
"The number you are calling is no longer in service," was the answer he got.
"She's just Kyouko. How dare she get married? And in Kyoto?" Shou dropped his mobile phone and stomped on it several times till the phone broken in pieces. "Get me Kyouko's new number, Shouko."
Shouko sighed. "Sorry but… I don't think I can help."
"I'll head back to Kyoto now." He reached for Shouko's mobile phone and his hand was slapped away by Shouko.
"Shou, she's married now. Moreover, wasn't it your fault at first? You treated her like a maid and you want her back now? Isn't it too late?" Shouko said. "Deal with it!"
Shou sank himself down on the sofa. His face turned into Niou. He kept grumbling about how Kyouko was supposed to be his.
Shouko rubbed her forehead. She felt headache was coming. He will have to accept this fact no matter how hurtful it is. It was his fault anyway. She sighed. Wish you the best, Kyouko-chan.
A/N : This chapter was like a conclusion. I just hope it wasn't too rushed or anything cause it was already really long. Next is epilogue of course. Thanks for reading.
Ah, before I offended someone with my reckless writing, I got to tell you that the part with Julie and Kuu was something I often heard. It's not my personal opinion. I tend to write something surprising but hopefully in a good way. :P
Fixed several things there. I think this heavily packed chapter worn my brain...