Tina entered the large production company that her husband had left to her in his will. With the lavish expense of thick carpeting in the hallway and the massive expensive tiffany chandelier that hung in the reception room, her face brightened up.

Although she came to work every day, she never could get used to the opulence of her inherited company. Having grown up poor, she had worked her way out of poverty by modeling. Yet despite becoming a top model, it wasn't until she had met her husband, Allen Herman, before she went from rags to riches almost instantly. She still could recall the day they had met.

His sly smile and fast courtship had begun from the moment she had stepped out onto the catwalk. Having taken a stumble off stage and on to his lap, she had been mortified with humiliation. But the millionaire film mogul had helped her back onto the stage and left a lasting impression on her when he whispered a word of encouragement.

But their marriage had been short lived. He was nearing sixty-seven when they had married, while she had been in her twenties at that time. However, in a world where rich older men married trophy wives on a daily bases, they did not stand out in any way. No one could even say that she didn't care for him either. She did everything to please him. Yet at the same time no one believed that she had truly loved him, it just wasn't likely.

For the most part, Tina never cared what people believe. She knew in her heart that she respected Allen and cared for him, so that was enough. As for love, she had only ever loved one man in her life. His name was Rick, and he had been her soul mate. But his life had been cut short by a very selfish, impulsive young actor by the name of Kuon Hizuri.

She had almost gone crazy with misery when Rick had died but her hopes of obtaining revenge on Kuon had been the only way she had been able to recover from the tragedy. Several years had passed since then and although Tina was no longer the punk rock teenager from before, she had never given up on her revenge.

After years of feeling the loss and pain of losing Rick, Tina had grown more and more bitter. And it wasn't until she had met Allen, who owned one of Hollywood's largest production company that she was finally able to come closer to her dream. With his wealth and influence, she had begun to search for Kuon in the film and television industry.

Today, she will be meeting with Kuon, only he was now known as Tsuruga Ren. Tina's face turned grim when she recalled how quickly he had disappeared and changed his identity after Rick had passed away. Had it not been for her coming across his profile during a meeting with Director Hiromitsu, she may have never seen him again.

But fate was on her side and she was quick to find out all she could about the actor's current state. Her eyes narrowed when she remembered her private investigator telling her about how successful Kuon had become as a Japanese actor. He had even recently gotten married and was living happily with a Japanese wife.

Anger flooded Tina's being, she resented that he could dare find happiness. Tina was not going to allow Kuon to get away with a blissful life, especially when she had lost her loved one to him. It wasn't fair that Kuon could go on to experience love and happiness. She was determined to change that immediately, at whatever the cost.

Stepping in the elevator, she pulled out her powdered compact and examined her features. Her blonde hair was styled in a short bob haircut that framed her head and she wore a thin layer of makeup over her eyes and lips, preferring to go for the natural look. Her appearance was completely difference from the heavy makeup wearing teenager that Kuon knew her as.

Like him, she had undergone a physical metamorphosis. She doubted that he would recognise her. An icy smile swept over her face, as she realised that she not only didn't look like her old self but that she even looked like the type of girl that Kuon would be attracted to. She would definitely be using this to her advantage.

Yashiro was pleased with how the meeting was going. He was smiling widely and nodding politely throughout the entire moment. But his smile ended abruptly when Tina asked, "So Ren, are you currently single, it doesn't say in your bio what your relationship status is?"

Quick to interject, Yashiro answered, "Mrs. Herman, how is this relevant to the film?"

A glint of amusement sprung across Tina's face, before she answered, "Well, you see, here in the United States, fans are a fickle lot and the scope of his popularity increases if he is single. Ticket sales increases in portion to the popularity of an actor, so I just want to ensure that he is the right candidate for our project."

Undaunted, Yashiro replied, "In that case, please be assured that Ren is certainly a bachelor and has no ties to anyone at the moment."

Ren stared at Yashiro for his bold faced lie. His instincts were warning him that what Yashiro was doing could have dire consequences; yet Yashiro's years of experience in the filming industry convinced him to trust his manger. So keeping a cool and level look on his face, he decided to go along with Yashiro's lead.

"Yes, that is right. I have only one love and it is acting," Ren replied with a fetching smile.

"Really, such a popular actor and yet you are not seeing anyone? I hope that you aren't hiding something naughty in the closet perhaps?" Tina countered with a dark smirk.

Her suggestion was full of innuendo and her eyes showed a tinge of disbelief that held just enough of a challenge that Ren couldn't resist. Shaking his head, Ren flashed her a devastating smile and replied, "No, Mrs. Herman. I certainly have nothing in my closet that could peak anyone's interest."

"Well, I doubt that Ren. Someone of your caliber would definitely peak even my own interest," she inferred with a sultry and sexy smile of her own.

Ren froze at her invitation, it wasn't that he wasn't used to the attention that women gave him. It just wasn't something that he had ever come across with, while acting in Japan. However, America was known for its casting-couch practices, and the tone of which his interview was now headed for was making him acutely uncomfortable.

Recognizing his discomfort, Yashiro decided to take action on behalf of his charge. Rising from his seat, he pulled Ren up with him, while he politely affirmed, "Mrs. Herman, it appears that this conversation has now touched on a personal level, which I do not believe needs to be discussed in such a business setting. Perhaps another time?"

Tina chuckled at Yashiro's intervention. Standing up, she lifted a beautifully manicured hand to Ren's arm to draw him towards her, while she whispered into his ear, "Meet me at L'Ermitage in Beverly Hills tonight at eight for drinks; I have something important that I want to share with you."

Ren stared down at her tiny hand; his face was burning at her bold invitation. He didn't want to come off as an immature teenager to her brazen demeanor, not when there were so many witnesses at the moment. Holding onto his dignity, he decided to give her his brightest smile and nodded.

It was a quiet afternoon and Kyoko was browsing the newspaper in search of the latest gossip regarding Ren. This wasn't something that was new to her. Ever since Sho had insisted that the paparazzi would find out about their marriage, Kyoko had been on the lookout for their predatory gossip.

It was torturous knowing that sooner or later, news would break of their marriage but Kyoko was still uncertain what to do about it. Day by day, she lived in constant dread that Sho's prediction would come to pass. If only she wasn't still a newbie in the industry. If only she was at the same pinnacle of success as her husband, then perhaps she wouldn't feel so inept in her circumstances.

Yet she had such a far climb ahead of her. In fact, her goal had now become even more of a farfetched dream, now that Ren was debuting in America. Perhaps she should have followed him there, when he had asked her.

No, even President Lory had insisted that Kyoko remain in Japan, while Ren was away. In fact, he had been adamant that they separate for a short while, despite knowing that she was now Ren's wife. Was he trying to save her from doing something stupid? Kyoko wondered briefly.

She didn't want to repeat the mistake which she had made when she left everything behind in Kyoto to support Sho's dreams. Yet, she would have done so, without further thought had it not been for the president's intervention.

So you think it would have been a mistake if you had left for America to support Ren? Her subconscious mind asked.

"No, I don't think it would have been a mistake. It's just that I…" Kyoko's voice trailed off as she caught a glance of a recent article showing Ren dinning with a stunningly beautiful blonde. The headline read:

Tsuruga Ren's cozy rendezvous with Production company owner Tina Herman.

A startled gasp escaped her as Kyoko began to read the article. Surely, they were mistaken? Yet, the short synopsis contained photographic evidence of Ren's dalliance with the remarkably sexy producer of his next film. There was even a picture of the blonde with her arms fixed around his waist, as they exited the fancy Beverly Hills hotel.

Kyoko's face paled by the time she had finished reading the gossip column. Her heart was racing painfully in her chest and she could feel her stomach lurch in protest at the oppressive news.

Was this really happening to her? Did Ren just find someone new to replace her with? And so soon after they had confessed their love for one another? Had Sho been right all along? Had Ren only been playing around with her and was now on to his next fling?

No. No. This can't be. It must be a mistake. I have to call him, I'm sure he will explain himself. He's not like Sho, he had even sworn to me that our love would be different.

Kyoko ran to her purse to find her cellphone. Her hands were trembling so hard that she nearly dropped her phone, as she reached for her it again, to dial Ren's number. His phone rang three times before it was answered.

"Hello?" Kyoko asked.

"Umm…yes?" a sleepy female voice answered.

"Hello? Is this Tsuruga Ren's phone?" Kyoko questioned in English.

"Yes, who's asking? Don't you realize that it is two in the morning?" The female barked back, in a slightly raised voice.

Checking her clock, Kyoko bit her lip in frustration when she realised that the fourteen hour difference in time zone meant that Ren was probably asleep. Yet, why was his phone being answered by a woman?

"Who is this?" Kyoko demanded. Her face was contorted with anger, as she waited for an answer.

"This is Tina Herman, who are you?" the husky female voice countered coldly.

Kyoko ignored her question and instead asked one of her own, "Are you that same woman that owns the production company?"

After a long silence, she was met with a reply. In a drawn out purr, Tina finally responded, "Why yes. That is exactly who I am. And if I were to guess, I take it you must be Ren's wife, Kyoko?"

Kyoko was seeing red. She didn't understand why the sexy producer of Ren's next film would be answering his phone at such a hour but she was furious with what that implied. Trying not to yell at the infuriating producer, Kyoko resolved to ask in a calm and controlled voice, "Can you wake Ren up, I have something to ask him?"

Laughing into the phone, Tina responded teasingly, "No. I don't think I can do that. But I will let him know that you called. Bye."

Tina had hung up and Kyoko was left staring with her mouth wide open at the phone in her hand. Did Ren's lover just hang up on her?

The alarm clock was loud and blaring and Ren opened his sleepy eyes in response. He squinted as he checked the time. It was four in the morning in Los Angeles but he had deliberately set his alarm clock to wake up at that early hour, so that he could call Kyoko immediately after she had gotten off work.

Yawning widely, he reached over to his jacket and began to search his pockets for his cellphone. But his pockets were empty. Frowning, Ren tried searching through his trousers to see if he had left it there. But again there was no sign of his missing cellphone.

Mumbling at the inconvenience of not being able to find his phone, he gave up looking for it. Lifting up the hotel's telephone, he dialed the international code for Japan, along with Kyoko's cellphone number. Impatiently, he waited to hear the connecting dial tone. But after several rings, Kyoko did not answer.

It didn't surprise him that she wouldn't answer. Ren had realized that calling her from an American number would likely cause his caller I.D. to be listed as 'unknown' and that was reason enough for Kyoko not to answer. Sighing loudly, Ren resolved to borrow Yashiro's cellphone first thing in the morning, in order to call her. His next step was to find his missing cellphone. Hopefully, it was hiding somewhere in his luggage.

Dragging himself out of the bedroom, Ren staggered over towards the bathroom to shower. His head was still throbbing from the hangover that came from one too many drinks with his brassy producer. She had been more than a hand full to deal with last night and Ren was glad when the night had finally ended.

They had met at the popular hotel for drinks and ended up having dinner as well. Aside from her constant probing over his personal life, she had remained reserve and contained. With the exception of drinking him under the table, he felt like he had maintained his self-image rather well, without compromising his values.

Although they were spotted by several paparazzi throughout their meal, Ren had not been overly-concern. Getting used to the paparazzi was another fact of life for any actor that wanted to prevail in America. His own parents lived under the constant constraint of public swarming and were never really affected.

As long as he had nothing to hide, they could do him no harm. A small frown crossed his face, as he recalled a minor detail to yesterday's evening. When Tina had taken a stumble and had thrown her arms around Ren, there had been several flashes. But Ren was certain that there would not be any negative fallout from that particular incident. It wasn't as if they were caught in a passionate embrace.

In any case, Ren decided to ignore the issue. He had enough on his mind and at the moment, his mind was filled with Kyoko. How he missed her over the last few days. He felt like an eager teenager, obsessed with a first love. But at the same time, he was trying to remain undeterred; the last thing he wanted was to attract too much attention to their relationship.

It was hard enough having to sneak around, pretending to be single, while in Japan. It was damn near impossible to have to carry on the charade any longer. The fact that Yashiro had insisted that he do so for the sake of his next film project went against every grain in his body. Yet the manager was adamant about it, bringing it up immediately following yesterday's meeting.

Then again, Lory had mentioned something similar not too long ago. Ren winced when he thought of President Lory. The man was just so full of surprises that Ren could barely keep up with his antics. On the one hand, Lory had been ecstatic about Ren's marriage to Kyoko. On the other hand, he had been the first to caution Kyoko from taking the next flight out to America to be with Ren.

What exactly was that wily fox up to? After instigating and playing cupid to their romance, it just didn't seem to make sense that the president would seem so adamant to keep them apart. Ren wasn't able to understand the logic behind Lory's assessments. It was probably a function of Lory's addiction to love-themed video games. Yet the man was a love guru and Ren had to defer to his better judgment.

Unfortunately, he hated that Lory couldn't see how much Ren needed Kyoko. He also hated that Lory probably would enjoy learning that Ren was experiencing painful withdrawals for Kyoko. Knowing Lory, the man would target Ren's celebrity status and expect him to respect his fans.

What difference would it have made if everyone knew that he was now a married man? Ren resented his current profession and how it was imposing on his personal happiness. It wasn't as if his acting would suffer. Yet, like Mrs. Herman had suggested fans were a fickle lot and by remaining a bachelor, his popularity increased, which would ensure the success of the movie.

Muttering at the injustices of having to cater to the whims of his fans, Ren sank into his bath. Soaping himself thoroughly, he wondered what Kyoko was currently doing. She was likely getting off work from Box-R. Her schedule was also being somewhat impacted by her schooling since exams were just around the corner.

Knowing Kyoko, she would be cramped up in a dark corner of her room studying ferociously for an 'A' grade. Perhaps, he should leave her to her studies as well. Ren didn't want to intrude, as he understood how much of a perfectionist Kyoko was when it came to school.

Sighing, Ren decided he would do what's best and give Kyoko her precious study time. He wouldn't want to be blame for distracting her. It was for her best interest that he not call her after all.

The stage was burning up and Sho was beginning to feel dizzy from his current performance. With the loud music blaring, he took a deep breath and began to sing. His throat felt dry but he overcame his thirst by imagining Kyouko sitting in the crowd listening to him. It always helped him to perform better when he pictured her there.

With his eyes closed, he sang from his heart. Hoping that one day she would hear the music coming from his soul, they were not just words that he had penned up. They were the very essence that filled him with remorse. Loss, hopelessness and pain, they were the only emotions that he was feeling now a days.

I know that it was all my fault; I know I was to blame.

I should have known better, your devotion was not a game.

But I was just spoiled blind, thinking I was so cool.

And now that you're gone, I don't know what to do.

Holding back his sorrow, he repeated the chorus, imagining Kyoko listening to his song. Somehow it was usually when he was singing that he would feel the most agony. It was then that her absence had its greatest impact. Surrounded by thousands of screaming fans, he only felt more alone and miserable because he was now aware that the only face he wanted to see was Kyoko's.

His forehead was getting saturated with sweat. He could feel his clothes stick to him, as he began to get drenched by his perspiration. His movements felt heavy and his shoulders sagged from his despair. The lights were blinding but Sho didn't care about his discomfort, his mind was filled with his lyrics.

You have gone, I've set you free. I loss all of you, and half of me.

Can I ask for you to see, this sadness that you've left in me.

All I want for you to do, is tell me that you loved me too.

Would he ever hear Kyoko say that? The answer filled his heart was sorrow and his hands were shaking, while he held his microphone. He couldn't help it anymore. Not only was the song a crushing reality but Kyoko was now a married woman. Deeper and deeper Sho sank into a depression. It was too late for him to win her back. His only option was to watch quietly as she now lived her life without him.

Rejected, that was how he felt. After all the years of thinking that she would always be there by his side, he finally understood that she had finally left him. He wasn't even sure if she would ever accept him as a friend anymore. He would be lucky if she would. Yet there was nothing he could do about it. It was already too late.

I am sorry for everything, every moment that I took you for granted.

I am sorry for everything, every hurt that couldn't be recanted.

I am sorry for everything, every single tear that you shed.

I am sorry for everything, every bitter word that I said.

His heart was drumming in tune with the beat of his melody. A jabbing sensation was beginning to pierce his chest. As he exhaled his breath, his chest began to tighten painfully. He sang his next lines filled with pain. He wasn't sure if the pain came from his deep sorrow but when he tried to draw in a deep breath, he couldn't. Again, he tried to suck in air but the pain was sharp and getting more intense.

His chest was expanded but he couldn't breathe. Desperately, he looked into the crowd, searching for help. The music in his background was now getting louder, as it came closer to the end but Sho couldn't sing any longer. With an agonizing gasp, he fell onto the ground. Clutching his chest, he struggled to breathe. Only a faint whisper left him as he tried to finish his song. But his mind was muddled from a lack of air.

Kyoko, tell me that you love me too.

The crowd began to roar in surprise. Girls were screaming at his sudden collapse. Someone in the audience asked, 'Who is Kyoko?' while several of the band members rushed over to Sho.

Within minutes, the singer was being carried off the stage and the concert was abruptly ended. Footage of his performance was aired via cellphones, through the internet and on national television. The headlines were all the same. Fuwa Sho nearly dies on stage.

In the hospital, Shouko and Kyoko sat quietly in the waiting room, while they waited for news from the emergency doctor. A shy nurse entered the room and both women looked up anticipating information. But the nurse quickly scampered away before either of them could ask.

Kyoko had been just coming off the set of Box-R when she had received word from Shouko that Sho had collapsed. A car had been sent to collect her at the studio and had driven her straight to the hospital. Uncertain of what had happened; Kyoko had worried all the way to the hospital.

It was unusual for Sho to collapse, he had always been healthy and Kyoko was unaware of him having any health problems. But Shouko had insisted that she come. Aside from Kyoko, Sho had no immediate family or close friends nearby that could supply the doctors with his past medical history.

It didn't take much longer before a haggard looking, middle-aged woman, dressed in green scrubs and a long white coat, entered their small waiting room. Nodding at the two worried females, she introduced herself, "I am Dr. Inoue, I am taking care of Fuwa-san."

Kyoko bowed at the physician, while Shouko responded, "Doctor, this is Kyoko, she is Sho's childhood friend and I am his manager. You may call me Shouko."

Smiling politely, the doctor began, "As you know, Fuwa-san was struggling for air when he came in. After stabilizing him, we were able to get an x-ray to assess why. It appears that he had a primary spontaneous pneumothorax. His pneumothorax was quiet severe and soon became what we would label as a tension pneumothorax. He probably could have died had he not received immediate care."

Her words left a lasting impact on Kyoko as she looked up with worried filled eyes. Her voice was barely a squeak, as she asked, "How is he doing now?"

"He needs to remain in the hospital for respiratory support, until he can breathe on his own," she solemnly answered.

"But how did this happen?" Kyoko asked.

"Although PSP has been known to appear in young, tall, thin males for no real reason, it can be precipitated by emotional stress, smoking, or changes in environmental pressure. Has any of that happened to him recently?" The doctor asked, while she searched the faces of the two worried women.

Shouko hesitated a short moment before she answered, "Sho does not smoke, nor was he experiencing any changes in the pressure, while he was performing on stage. However, he had been under a lot of stress over a personal nature."

Kyoko looked down and away at her statement. Her heart was pounding loudly and she could feel herself sink with guilt. Had she been the cause of his condition?

"I would recommend that his stresses be kept to a minimum then, while we try to help him recover," the doctor suggested, before she got up and excused herself from the room.

Both Shouko and Kyoko accepted this news with grimness and the room fell silent when the doctor left. Shouko was the first to recover, her voice wavered when she said, "You know, he had been really distressed ever since he found out about your marriage."

Kyoko kept her face lowered, as she listened bleakly to Shouko. She didn't have any immediate reply. She already knew she played a part in what had happened to Sho.

"I know that the both of you have had your differences, but please for his sake, can you at least patch things up with Sho. He has been desperately hurt and is filled with regret over loosing you. If only you could just be friends again," Shouko pleaded.

Nodding her head, Kyoko lifted up sad eyes to Shouko and replied, "I will try my best."

A/N: Hi everyone. Hope you are enjoying my story. I have been happy to receive all your comments and want to reassure you guys that this is not a SxK romance but a RxK one. Thanks for your support and I hope to continue to hear from you soon.

For those interested: SPS is a real condition.