It was barely nine in the morning, and already Shouko was feeling like it was going to be a long day. Her head was pounding painfully and she could feel the beginnings of a migraine coming along. Digging through her purse, she was hoping to find some headache medicine in there.
The soft noise of her grumblings was what alerted Sho when he stepped out of the shower. Watching her though the open bathroom door, he could tell that she was not her normal cheerful self. A small tinge of worry crossed his mind when he wonder if she was getting sick, would this affect today's schedule?
It wasn't that he was overly concern about having to work the entire day by himself. It was more that he was concern that Shouko would force herself through the would be hectic day, despite how she felt. And he just wasn't too good at working through the day, while being managed by a sick Shouko.
Her mood swings that would happen while she was sick, was something that Sho absolutely hated. But the worst part about it was that he would have to be on his best behavior to keep her headache from worsening. That often entailed having to be nurturing, mindful and caring towards her, and that was something he hadn't really gotten a hold of yet.
In fact, he was just beginning to learn how to be nice to the female sex. So used was he, to having women adore him and cater to his every whim, that the idea of caring for them was still very new to him. However, it wasn't an option for him either. He had learned his lesson when the last person he had mistreated had left him.
He made a frown as he remembered Kyouko. She had taught him a lot about himself. He had really made a mess out of his relationship with her but his pride would not allow him to correct the situation. No, not when she was so determined to wage war against him. Wasn't she absolutely out to make him kneel down to her?
Grimacing, Sho contended that he might have been willing to say a few words of apology but he wasn't about to crawl on all fours to make her happy. And that woman would never accept his words of apology anyway. She hated him and unfortunately, he deserved every bit of her hatred as well. In fact, it was the only way he could make her still think of him.
Shoving the thought of why he wanted her to still think of him into the furthest back parts of his brain, Sho heard Shouko groan softly in frustration. Stepping into the bedroom with a towel wrapped around his waist, he asked her, "Are you getting sick? You don't look well."
Shouko's eyes narrowed on the near naked singer. Like a watchful guardian, her eyes took in his youthful handsome form, with a concern over his lack of attire. Trying to smile, she hastily admitted, "No, I'm fine. It's just a slight headache. Nothing to be worried about but you better get some clothes on before you catch yourself a cold."
"Do you have any medicine then? If not, I could go get you some now." Sho volunteered, while he ignored her concern. He had realised that whenever Shouko got one of her 'headaches', unless she took her pain medicine immediately, it would persist beyond the usual period.
"I'm trying to find some but I don't think I have any. Will you be fine getting it for me?" She asked Sho, not surprised that the youthful singer would offer to run such a menial task for her. He had always been a good kid, and although, he had his moments when his immaturity would surface, overall, he was always considerate of her.
Nodding, Sho turned towards his closet and began dressing. "I should be back in half an hour. Was there anything else you need from the store, while I go there?"
Shouko's voice was stern and her demeanor took on an authoritive form, as she said, "No, just the headache medicine would be fine. But Sho, please don't linger outside today; we have a full schedule, starting from noon to night. We can't afford to be late for anything, do you understand?"
"Yeh, yeh, I know," Sho brushed off her tone with a shrug. He was not happy that Shouko was always one to be strict about schedules and being on time. But since this was his one chance to get out and not have to be guarded by an overly motherly manager, he smiled his sweetest smile at her, to reassure her.
Putting on his jacket, he left the bedroom and with a final word to her, he called out, "I'm off. But just in case you need anything, I have my cell phone."
Shouko could hear the door shut as Sho left. Laying down on the bed, she tried to rest for a few minutes to help with her pounding head. But it wasn't long before the doorbell started to ring again. Thinking that it was probably Sho returning because he had forgotten his wallet, she wearingly got up to answer the door.
Why was he always so forgetful? And why didn't he carry his keys with him? This wasn't the first time that he had forgotten his keys or wallet. Seriously, she couldn't imagine him ever being able to take care of himself like someone his age would. Grumbling to herself, she strode purposefully towards the door to answer it.
"Sho, don't you know by now that…" her words trailed off when she saw who was standing on the other side of the door.
With her long, platinum blonde wig and lip piercing, Shouko had to look twice before she recognized the actress. Dressed in a leather black dress, fishnet stockings, and ankle high boots, Kyoko was almost unrecognizable. But it was the blazing golden flickers that showed through her grey contacts that gave her away.
Those eyes had too familiar a fierceness about them that Shouko had only ever seen on one person in her entire life. And that person was Mogami Kyoko. "Kyoko?" Shoko asked.
"Yes. It's me. I am sorry to disturb you. But is Shoutaro here?" Kyoko asked politely and bent her form to bow from the waist down. Her head faced the ground for a full ten seconds before she straightened herself up, and there was a strange formality in her demeanor that came across to Shouko.
Something was completely off by the way Kyoko was dressed and behaving but Shouko was not about to let the young teenager leave without finding out the reason. Putting on her professional composure, she replied just as polietly, "Sho just left to go get something but he should be back shortly."
Seeing the younger girls' look of disappointment, she stepped aside to invite the teenaged actress in and at the same time quickly asked, "Would you like to come in to wait for him?"
The young actress hesitated for a second but as Shouko, lifted a hand towards the room and nodded, quietly ushering her in, her apprehension dissolved. "Thank you," Kyoko replied, while she stepped in.
Shouko shut the door behind her and led the way into the living room. And as if indulging in polite chit-chat, she absently asked, "How did you know where he lived?"
"It was something Sho had mentioned when we first moved to Tokyo. He had been so amazed by your apartment in this fancy district that he had talked about it for weeks. That was one of the reasons that he had insisted that he needed to stay in an elegant neighborhood as well," Kyoko replied as she followed Shouko in.
"I should have known," Shouko answered, slightly amused by the honesty of the young actress. She could also see how Sho would have been so eager to live in the city, since he had spent his entire life in Kyoto. But she was somewhat surprised that Kyoko would still remember what Sho had once told her.
Could it mean that the actress had some reserved feelings for the popular singer? Shouko could only guess at the strange relationship between the two. Although she knew that Kyoko once had deep feelings for Sho, she was uncertain if those feelings still existed or if they could reemerge.
"Can I get you a drink, while you wait?" she asked, while walking towards the kitchen.
"No, thank you," Kyoko shook her head, as she replied politely. Her manner was impersonal as she scanned the apartment in curiosity. So this was where Shoutaro lived. It was very modern and urbane compared to the tired and traditional home they had both come from.
Her eyes settled on a golden record that was encased in a glass box that was on display. The record was to commemorate Shoutaro's first top of the chart single. It was also the very song that Kyoko took part in when she performed as an angel in his PV.
"Is that…?" she asked, while she walked closer to admire the item.
"Yes," Shouko answered with a tinge of pride in her voice.
"You know ever since you were in his PV, his music has changed from that time. They say that he grew better and deeper, as a singer," she continued proudly while she watched the actress admire the record.
Her hope was that Kyoko would be able to understand the impact the she had on Sho and perhaps they could mend their relationship. Their relationship as it was now was only to worsen and eventually cause more damage to the young singer if nothing was to change. Thus, as his manager, Shouko wanted to take every opportunity possible to rectify their circumstance.
But Kyoko was not fazed by Shouko's suggestion. Her lack of reaction was clear. "I'm sure it had nothing to do with me," Kyoko replied without any emotion in her voice.
"I'm not so sure about that. In fact, I think you will always be the most influential person in Sho's life and career," Shouko stated firmly. She knew it would not be easy to change their situation but she was determined to try.
Tilting her head in confusion, Kyoko finally wavered as she asked, "Influential? What makes you think that?"
Shouko had always been a good judge of character. Taking in all that she knew of Kyoko and how Sho had unfortunately misused Kyoko, she decided it was time to intervene on behalf of the young singer. If there was any possibility that they could ever restore their relationship, then surely it would have to begin with Kyoko's forgiveness.
And as Sho's manager, it was time to right all that had been wronged by him while he was climbing the ladder of success. Sighing slowly, Shouko gave Kyoko a serious look, before she cautiously explained, "I know that he hasn't always been good to you, but the truth is, Sho really loves you."
A burst of laughter escaped from Kyoko before she could contain herself. With mirth in her eyes, she shook her head vigorously from side to side. Her small hands went to partially cover her mouth, while she chortled, "No, that is impossible! He couldn't love anyone but himself. I'm sorry, Shouko but I think you have misunderstood Shoutaro."
Lifting a hand up, Shouko waited for Kyoko to stop laughing before she added, "I know you think you know everything about him. And I am sure that you know a lot about him. But I am his manager and I have also witness the things that he has done because of you and can surmise from his behavior that he can only be madly in love with you."
Kyoko stopped momentarily. She could tell that Shouko was convinced by her own words but bile rose in her own throat, as she tried to swallow what Shouko was trying to imply. After so many years of being used by Shoutaro, it was almost impossible for her to conceive that the singer could ever love her. "I still find that difficult to believe, Shouko."
Shouko expected resistance from the actress. She understood the workings of the female heart and trying to put herself in Kyoko's place, she took a step in her direction, while contemplating her stagey, before she began.
Raising a hand to her lips, she recounted, "Then let me explain to you what I have seen. In the past year, his music has changed from rhythmically, redundant, abstract lyrics to passionately, profound, multidimensional vocals that target the soul."
Her eyes held Kyoko's steady before she continued, "He's constantly searching the internet for any news of you, like an obsessed fan. And when he reads or hears anything concerning you, he spends up to weeks festering about what he hears. His face and demeanor changes erratically from it, and it affects him whether he is performing or at rest."
Taking another step towards Kyoko, she continued to search the young starlet's face. A relived smile broke across her face, when she realised the younger actress was slowly accepting what she was hearing. "He becomes like a demon from his fanatical thoughts of you and he goes crazy with jealousy over you when he thinks you might be with another man."
With a gentle tone she finished, "I can tell what all that means, it's obvious that he's in love with you."
"I'm sorry but I…" Kyoko eyes brightened with unshed tears, as her words trailed off. She was trying hard to swallow back the sudden flood of emotion when she recognised what Shoutaro had been feeling towards her. But her own heart no longer existed to love him and she was unable to receive his love as well.
A knowing and sad smile slowly formed on Shouko's face, "I know but if you could only forgive him. He is still very immature and has a lot to learn. Also, if you and he could become friends, then maybe the both of you could finally move on to developing a semblance of a healthy future."
Kyoko's eyes darkened when she realised that what Shouko was saying was true. There really was no reason for her to keep a grudge in her heart for Shotaro any longer. He might have been the first person to trigger the locks on her locked box but he was no longer the person that mattered in that aspect.
The locks on the box in her heart kept on coming off, no matter how hard she tried to keep them locked, anyway. All that mattered was for her to find a way to resolve all that has been exposed by Tsuruga-san. These included questions that have their answer linked to her past history of loving Shoutaro.
And perhaps Shoutaro was able to help her in her current predicament. Developing a healthy future was also a very appealing idea. Could that be the first step in solving her problems? With a small smile on her face she asked uncertainly, "But do you think he could?"
Like a loving mother, Shouko wrapped a tender arm over Kyoko's shoulders and giving her a tight squeeze, she answered, "I think it would be a dream come true for him."
Yet, a brief touch of nostalgia hit Kyoko and uncertainty gripped her, as she remembered how Sho was quick to laugh off all her adoration filled transgressions. "But I've known Sho for a while now and he…"
"No, you knew Sho a while ago, that's not the same thing. He's not the same man anymore," Shouko persisted.
A quiet ringing interrupted them as the doorbell chimed. Signaling her reassurance, Shouko squeezed Kyoko's shoulder one last time before she released her. "That must be Sho, why don't you wait here while I speak with him first."
Kyoko nodded and watched as Shouko walked out of the room. Her initial instincts were to stop her and to pretend that she had never heard Shouko tell her that Shoutaro was in love with her. It would be so easy to just tell Shoutaro what she had intended then, leave.
But as the sounds of Shoutaro and Shouko talking quietly in the next room interrupted her, Kyoko reached for the television remote control. She needed a distraction. She didn't want to hear what they could be saying in the next room. She even wished she could have been abducted by aliens or a secretive crime fighting organization.
Again Kyoko? Why do you have such thoughts when it is obvious that there is no way you can run away from the life you are living in? Her subconscious mind scolded her.
Flipping on the television, Kyoko skimmed through the channels. She paused at a samurai drama and tried to watch the period piece. And her thoughts were soon reminded of Mouko-san, and she began to wonder how she was doing with her own samurai drama. Hoping that she would see her best friend in the current movie, she tuned attentively in on the television set.
As if by coincidence, her cell phone began to vibrate, shaking Kyoko and causing her to bounce with its mechanical juddering. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled the phone out. A large smile spread across her face when she recognised Mouko-san's number. Lifting the phone to her ear, she jubilantly answered, "Hello."
"Hello Kyoko? Where are you?" Kanae curtly asked.
"Umm, I am actually…well; I'm on my way to LME." Kyoko's voice was a pitch higher as she fabricated an answer. She was a little taken aback by the fierceness she detected in Mouko-san's voice and her instincts told her to beware.
She also did not want Mouko-san knowing where or what she was currently doing. The idea would likely case her friend to burst from anger. More importantly, this was not something she could easily explain over the telephone. And knowing Mouko-san, this was something that her friend would expect a detailed explanation to.
Kanae's voice sounded more serene as she responded, "That's good, I'm already here. Call me when you get here. We need to talk."
Kyoko was not even fazed when her phone went dead. Mouko-san had hung up in her usual manner, without saying goodbye. It was so like her to sound serious in just about anything. Sighing, Kyoko wished her friend could develop a more subtle way of speaking, one which would not be so disconcerting.
Sho interrupted her thoughts when he entered the room, while clearing his throat. The young singer was dressed in jeans and a skull and bone t-shirt. His stride was casual but the look on his face showed his apprehension.
When his eyes finally caught a look at what Kyoko was wearing, she had to force herself not to laugh at the way his mouth dropped wide open. She should have known her look would be shocking to him. 'Setsuka-san', was probably the last thing he would be expecting her to look like.
Biting back her mirth when she realised that he was frozen stiff, Kyoko rose from her seat and walked over to him. Stopping several feet in front of him, she continued to watch for any progression in his stance. With her hands on her hips, she offered him an apologetic smile, which made him flinch.
"Is that really you?" Sho croaked out.
"Yes," Kyoko replied with her eyes dancing in merriment.
Sho swallowed audibly. He wasn't expecting to find a leather dressed bombshell version of Kyoko in the living room. This wasn't anything he could have ever imaged her as. Yet as his eyes took in the full scope of her sexy assemble, his cheeks began to redden vividly and tiny beads of sweat started to form on his forehead.
He could feel himself grow nervous and clenching his hands into fists, he forced himself to remain calm. He was already on edge when he was told that Shouko had revealed to Kyoko that he was in love with her. Somehow he just didn't want his confused state over what Kyoko was wearing to interfere in what he now had to address.
Acting the macho man, Sho was determined to keep his cool as he began. "So Shouko had told me what she had said to you," Sho professed in a matter of fact tone, while he averted his eyes away from her.
Nodding, Kyoko's eyes trailed Sho, while he lazily leaned a hip against the couch. Crossing his arms defensively over his chest, he continued, "And if what she said was true, then how does that make you feel?"
Returning to her seat, Kyoko reflected on what Sho was implying before she answered, "If what she said was true, then I think we should be friends again."
Her face was unreadable and her tone of voice was soothingly calm, almost rich with sincerity. But the effect it had on Sho was disturbing. A muscle twitched along the edge of Sho's jaw, as he tensely asked, "But what if I don't want us to be friends?"
Kyoko's face fell. The look in her golden amber eyes turned sad. Softly, she countered, "If we can't be friends then I still think I can no longer hate you."
Realizing that Kyoko was likely misinterpreting his words, Sho shook his head. Walking towards her in quick large steps, he stopped and fell to his knees in front of her and hastily said, "No, I think you misunderstood me. I don't want you as a friend; I want us to be more than just friends."
His hand was outstretched to Kyoko in his appeal. He was hoping that she would understand that what he was seeking from her was what she had first wanted from him. Wasn't this something that they could also both benefit from mutually? His eyes were filled with hope, while he waited for her answer.
"That's not possible," Kyoko answered promptly. Her eyes stared at his open hand and she swallowed when she saw him clench it into a tight fist. Had she really expected Sho to understand where she was coming from? Did he really expect her to want him now after all that he had subjected her to?
Her breathing became labored and she looked away from the young singer in her frustration. Reminding herself that she was here to make peace with Shoutaro, she focused her energy on keeping her grudges intact. Her voice was soft when she finally asked, "Why now?"
With an almost painful cry from his chest, Sho stood up. The look in his dark eyes were wide with desperation and his voice shook as he admitted, "Why do you have to ask, don't you already know?"
"Sho, until only recently, I still thought you hated me. I even thought that I was nothing more than a used tissue in your eyes. So unless you can explain what has changed, don't expect anything from me. In fact, never mind. I shouldn't even be here," Kyoko exclaimed as she rose quickly from her seat to leave.
"Wait before you make up your mind, just think about it first," Sho cried as he grabbed her by her shoulders and held her tightly.
"I don't have to think about it anymore. I love someone else!" The angle in her lips were downcast in misery and her eyes showed no remorse as her words stung Sho, making the young singer flinch in pain.
"Then why are you here?" he choked out in a hoarse voice, as his throat constricted painfully.
Kyoko's eyes lit up with fire. Her voice trembled with bitter emotion as she recounted, "I am here because I wanted to let you know that you win. You were right; I was a failure at being able to keep myself from loving him. I will now return to Kyoto and work at your family's Ryokan."
Sho's face hardened. He knew what this meant and he did not want to lose Kyoko to Ren. He needed to find a way to make her love him again. The thought of someone else being deeply loved by her was too disturbing to him. It brought on almost a demonic jealousy and he had to force himself from wanting to do her bodily harm, for so easily replacing him with another man.
With extreme effort, he released her gently and took several steps away from her. Walking silently in a circle, he crafted an idea. Hoping that it would work, he finally offered, "No, I don't want that. If you are serious about paying for your failure, then you can stay with me in Tokyo and pay off that bet here instead."
Kyoko's eyes narrowed at Sho's suggestion. She was already used to his actions and rationality. It was almost like a second nature for her to question all his motives. Shaking her head she questioned, "And if I don't?"
"If you don't then I will tell him how you feel about him. But if you stay, I will even allow you to continue as an actress, isn't that something you love doing?" Sho's voice was tight, he knew that she would not want Tsuruga-san to know how she felt, but he held his breath, while he waited for her response.
Sho also knew that Kyoko took a lot of pride in her work. He was determined to show her that he could be supportive of her and if anything, he was better suited to her position in the public arena than any man. And that included Tsuruga Ren, who he now knew was far more treacherous than just the average foxes and raccoons in the show business industry.
Hadn't that man come close to showing his true dangerous side when he confronted him in the parking lot? If that glasses wearing manager had not arrived, then surely, something bad would have happened. And it was likely that Tsuruga Ren was only looking to screw with Kyoko, treat her like a finger food and swallow her up in a single bite.
This was the true nature of Tsuruga Ren and Sho was not about to allow Kyoko to be tossed around, like an empty coke can, flicked off the table with a single finger. He needed to show Kyoko that she would only be safe if she remained by his side. She was too naïve to be alone in this industry. She didn't even have a manager to protect her from all the wolves.
Looking away from Sho, Kyoko contemplated his offer. This wasn't exactly what she had planned on doing. She had already failed at making Tsuruga-san love her, and hiding away from him was the only way she knew how to stop him from seeing how foolish she had become.
Yet, if she stayed with Sho, perhaps she would be reminded of her stupidity and thus, be able to contain that dreadful emotion within her. He would be like having an open history book of her failure, a constant reminder of her humiliating past. This would help her stay focus and keep her from letting him or anyone else know about her feelings.
Her shoulders relaxed and her face softened as she raised sad eyes that were empty and dull to Sho and replied, "Fine."
Pleased that she was responding as he expected, Sho's eyes lit up with glee. It could not have gone any better, if he had rehearsed it. This time, he was going to change everything she ever thought she could know about him. This time she was going to fall in love with him and stay that way. This time, she was not going to get away from him.
A/N: Hi everybody. Glad that you are still reading my story.
Thank you for your support and all your reviews. I hope that my story will be different from what most of you have already read and I try to stray from your typical fanfics, so please keep your comments coming but don't mind me too much when I divert from your suggestions.