Ren stood grounded as he watched the blonde producer circle him, like a hungry predator. Her hostility was evident and he could feel it emanating out from her. The beautiful woman before him was nothing like the teenaged girl that he once knew.

"So you recognise me now?" she asked, with ice in her voice.

Grimly Ren watched, as she continued, "For years I searched everywhere for you. Living only, for the hope that I would one day find you again, so that I could deal out the punishment that you were due. I was so devastated when Rick died. Yet all this time you weren't."

Stopping a few feet away from him she glared in anger at him, while she asked, "You on the other hand did very well, didn't you? Got over Rick's death really fast and went on to make yourself a happy life, with a happy wife and career too? Don't you feel any shame for what you have done?"

Straightening, Ren answered her softly, "There was a time, not so long ago, when all I felt was remorse. But I cannot live in the past any longer, and neither should you. Rick wouldn't have wanted that for either of us. In honor of his life, I have determined to turn over a new leaf."

Tina hesitated at his words. She knew that he was right. Rick was always so righteous and grounded that he would have wanted only happiness for them. She remembered clearly how Rick was always tutoring Kuon and helping him with life's lesson. She even remembered him teaching Kuon about becoming an overcomer.

A sad smile replaced her anger when she thought about Rick's dreams and hopes. He used to talk endlessly about Kuon's development. Rick had wanted to see him grow up into a strong, fearless and capable man. Had Kuon been able to at least do that? As she studied the tall handsome actor before her, she had to remind herself that this man was Kuon. Yet there was so little of Kuon's impulsive personality in him.

Slowly her mood began to change and tears began to cloud her eyes. She couldn't believe that after all her planning; she wasn't able to carry out her revenge. It just wasn't possible because the man standing before her wasn't anything like the Kuon that she had hated for so many years.

Instead, standing before her was a completely different kind of man. Ren was the epitome of confidence and stood tall with pride. He also had a reputation in the movie industry as being very capable and successful. He was someone Rick would no doubt be proud of. This made it near impossible for her to continue.

Sighing despondently, Tina wondered if Rick would be disappointed in her should she succeed in her revenge. Knowing Rick, he would be even more disappointed in her. He would probably try his best to stop her if he was able to.

Her voice was weak with defeat and she was wiping away several tears, when she finally admitted, "Yes, you are right, he wouldn't want this. So in honor of Rick, I shall let you complete this film. I will even support you in this movie but you must show me that you have at least learned your lesson. Show me that you are really not the same person that you once were."

Ren was surprised at how quickly Tina had capitulated. His first inclination was to quit the movie, there wasn't any point in continuing if Tina was hell bent on turning the project into her personal vendetta. But at the same time, he couldn't let matters rest as they were. He owed it to Rick to make sure Tina could recover. Yet he was no fool, he needed to be sure that Tina had meant what she had suggested.

"I am sorry about what had happened. I miss him a lot too but it will not be wise to continue in this project, unless we can work through our personal issues," with keen eyes he watched, as Tina walked away from him.

"Then are you saying that you don't want to remain in this movie any longer? Rick would be disappointed that you would give up so easily," Tina suggested, while she paused to lean against her desk.

Her body was feeling heavy and she couldn't face Kuon any longer. She was too ashamed with what she had contemplated on doing. Guilt for going against her beloved had completely sunk in. Now all she felt was the urge to run into a corner to cry out all her pain.

Ren took a few steps towards her. His eyes never left her, as he tried to explain himself, "What I am saying is that I know how you feel about what I did. I know that I deserve every bit of your animosity but I cannot allow you to continue to sink further down in your feelings, nor will I allow you to take me down with you. Rick taught me that overcoming was essential in life. I don't want to dishonor him."

"Yes, that was precisely what Rick would ask from the both of us now. Since you already know that, then show me you have overcome your past Kuon. Show me that you are someone worthy and honorable, someone that Rick would admire," Tina cried, while she wiped at the tears that were running down her face.

With eyes that were wet with remorse, she looked at the tall actor and could feel his pain. His face was pale with strain, while he stopped directly in front of her. Was he feeling tormented by her suffering? Tina wanted to laugh at the thought. A choking hiccup left her instead. "Don't look at me like that. I don't need your pity," she finally whispered.

Ren drew her into his arms. His voice was calming, while he stroked her hair, "I will show you and Rick that I am not the man I used to be."

Yashiro was growing impatient. He was worried for Ren. He was not sure what was taking the actor so long. Smiling courteously at the other occupants in the boardroom, he tried to make light of the situation, while they continued to wait.

His phone began to buzz, and he was relieved to have an excuse to leave the boardroom to answer his call. After exiting the room, he quickly wore his gloves before reaching for his cellphone.

Kanae had written a short text asking him to call her immediately after he opened the folder that she had sent along. Frowning slightly at the ambiguous message, Yashiro clicked on the attachment and waited for it to open.

An image of Kyoko and Sho came up immediately. Yashiro's mouth dropped wide open when he realised that Sho was naked in the background. His frontal nudity was blocked out by a black bar but it was clear that the singer was not wearing any clothes. Underneath the heading was an article that linked the two as lovers.

Yashiro's face was red with mortification when he finished reading the article that had been forwarded by Kanae. His hands were trembling, while he called her. What was going on with Kyoko and her childhood sweetheart? Surely she could not have done the unthinkable?

"Hello?" Kanae answered.

"Hello, this is Yashiro," he tensely replied.

"Did you read it?" Kanae asked.

"Yes," Yashiro stated despondently.

"Well, what do you think?" Kanae asked miserably.

Yashiro's mind went blank as he considered the article. Shaking his head, he answered, "Was it photoshopped?"

"No, it's real," Kanae sighed.

She had recently gotten off the phone with Kyoko who had explained everything to her about that day. But Kanae could not think of a way to help her friend out of this horrible mess. She needed to count on Yashiro to explain things to Ren. Otherwise, she feared that Kyoko and Ren would be headed for a real scandal.

Her hopes were dashed when Yashiro barked loudly into the phone, "How can that be happening, isn't she aware that she is a married woman now?"

"Of course she's aware! But it's not like Tsuruga-san has been acting any better. We all know that he's in America, doing God only knows what, with some sexy producer!" Kanae yelled back into the phone.

"What? Where did you hear about that?" Yashiro asked in surprised.

"It's all over the news," Kanae was quick to supply. "Well, is it true?" she probed.

"Of course it's not. I know for a fact that Ren has only innocently met up with her," he answered defensively.

"Then why were there pictures of her holding onto him? And why hasn't he been calling her? Has he forgotten that he's a married man?" Kanae bit out in anger.

"It was an accident. Furthermore, he hasn't called because he's lost his phone and he also wanted to give Kyoko some time to study, since he knows that her exams are coming up," Yashiro answered.

"If that is the case, then he had better call his wife up soon," Kanae cautioned.

"Is she still his wife? According to the article, she was caught in Fuwa-san's apartment. What is she up to with him?" Yashiro asked in alarmed dismay.

"This was all a mistake," Kanae announced and she began to quickly explain in detail what had happened.

When she was done, Yashiro was feeling mildly better. But he was still concern that the rumors of the article could be damaging to Ren's marriage. He needed to think fast. In fact, he needed to make sure Ren didn't learn of this event.

Hoping that he was making the right decision, he laid out his plan with Kanae.

Ren was somewhat nervous as he dialed Kyoko's number. It had been nearly two weeks, since they had last spoken to each other but he couldn't wait any longer to hear her voice. He felt like an eager teenager when the phone began to connect. He could feel his heart beat racing with each ring.

As the phone finally picked up, Ren was completely surprised when Kanae answered instead.

"Hello?" she answered.

"Hello, this is Ren, is Kyoko there?" his voice was calm, but his heart beat was racing wildly, as he waited.

"Eh, yes but she is taking a shower now. Can you wait for a few minutes?" Kanae answered immediately.

She knew Ren and Kyoko had not spoken since the incident and somehow, she was beginning to worry about what may happen, should they miss the chance to talk. However, it was true that Kyoko was still in the shower and Kanae did not want to let the golden opportunity for them, slip away.

But Ren hesitated for a long moment. His hesitation made Kanae nervous. Was he mad? Did he finally find out about Sho and Kyoko? Fearing the worst, Kanae ignored everything that Yashiro had cautioned her about and decided that she needed to explain.

"About what happened in the gossip column, you are aware how she must feel, right?" Kanae asked with a stern voice. This was her moment to try and turn the tables on Ren, if she could lessen the burden of Kyoko's guilt by highlighting Ren's indiscretions, then Kyoko may have a greater chance of explaining her situation.

Ren swallowed audible. He had been afraid that Kyoko would find out about Tina's deliberate attempts at interfering with his personal life. A deep feeling of shame sank in. Was Kyoko angry about those pictures with Tina clinging onto him? The idea distressed him and Ren had to still the panic in his mind.

"Yes, I know about that," Ren answered miserably.

Taking her cue from Ren's voice, Kanae decided that she needed to reprimand Ren, and to play up his guilt. After all, he had been equally guilty of incurring scandalous events with his female producer.

"Well, you must understand that Kyoko should not be faulted for what happened. You must consider your own circumstances in what you have been doing there in America. Don't you know how difficult it has been for her having to read about you and Mrs. Herman?"

Kanae's plan worked, Ren was immediately guilt ridden. He did not want Kyoko to misunderstand his circumstance but it was apparently too late. How was he going to explain that it was all just a ploy from Tina to wreck his marriage. His throat constricted painfully as he searched for an answer.

But he could find none. His voice held his apprehension as he replied, "I will try my best to rectify the matter. How is she doing?"

Kanae was glade that she had been able to sway some of the blame onto Ren. Smiling brightly, she replied, "Well ever since then she and Sho have been keeping a low profile, so that no one learns more about them."

Ren frowned as he digested her statement. Did that mean Kyoko was seeing Sho? If so, what could he do to persuade her that he was sorry? Was it too late? Concern that just speaking with her over the phone was not enough to solve the matter; Ren decided that he needed to return back to Tokyo immediately.

His thoughts were interrupted when Kanae said, "Oh, I think I hear her coming out of the bath now-"

Without further delay, Ren was quick to interject, "Kanae, I cannot talk to her yet. What is happening is serious, so I need to be there to fix things."

His voice came across as abrupt and Kanae was shocked at his unexpected change. Needing to remind him not to be too hasty, she replied, "Whatever you do, please keep in mind that you are a married man and you must act as one."

The phone went dead and Ren was quick to take what she had said to heart. This was indeed a lot more serious than he had expected. If Kyoko had felt the need to leave him to find comfort in the arms of Sho, then he was entirely to blame. He should have known that his actions had consequences.

Now what was he going to do?

Kyoko entered her bedroom and was surprised to see Mouko-san standing with a worried frown on her face, while holding her cellphone.

Her friend was quick to notice her and a composed look soon swept over her face. Kyoko would have thought nothing was amiss; however, Mouko-san's knuckles were turning white at how tightly she was clasping her cellphone.

"What's wrong?" Kyoko asked.

Knowing that it would be futile to deny the truth, Kanae explained, "Ren just called."

Kyoko gasped when she heard his name. Taking a deep breath, she slowly asked, "Was he mad?"

Her small frame began to tremble as she prepared herself for the bad news. After all, it had been several days since pictures of her and Sho were out in the press and surely he was calling to question her about that.

"Well, he said that it was serious but that he needed to be here to fix things. Maybe he will come back soon," Kanae answered softly while she walked steadily towards her friend.

Resting a comforting hand on Kyoko's shoulder, she warmly said, "It'll all be alright. Just wait for him, I'm sure he will come back soon."

"Is that so? Do you really think so?" Kyoko asked while she gazed up with a look of apprehension.

Kanae did not want to worry her friend and tried her best to sound confident. Her voice was firm and reassuring, when she said, "Yes, I am sure that everything will be fine."

Sho was headed towards Kyoko's dressing room. His hands were shaking with tension and the small wrapped parcel in side pocket felt like a heavy weight. Would she accept his apology? He could only hope that he had not screwed things up too much.

Kyoko had been furious with him ever since pictures of them had leaked. He had tried to call her to apologize but she was not even answering his calls. This drove him to desperately seek her out. Having been fortunate enough to know several people within LME, Sho was able to locate her most recent gig.

As he knocked on the door of her dressing room, he was not surprised when she answered the door immediately. Dressed in a chicken costume from the neck down, Kyoko looked adorable with her hair pulled back with a headband.

Her eyes registered her surprised when she saw him. But she did not wait long before she stretched her head out and glanced around her nervously. Her voice was tense as she asked, "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see you. I have to something important to tell you and something to give you," Sho explained.

Stepping back, Kyoko allowed Sho to enter. Her demeanor did not change though; she was weary of being seen with him, since their last encounter. Taking several quick steps away from him, she returned to the dressing mirror.

"What is it then?" she asked without looking at him.

"I wanted to give you this, it's something for all the trouble that I have caused you," Sho answered while he handed the small parcel towards Kyoko.

"What is it?" she asked with suspicion in her voice, while she fingered the small package.

"Open it and see for yourself." Sho replied with a nervous smile on his face.

Lifting her shoulders up almost in surrender, Kyoko unceremoniously began to unwrap the small object in her hand. A bright smile lit up her face when she recognised the small glass swan like figure containing her favorite make-up product.

"Odette!" Kyoko exclaimed in happy surprised.

"Will you forgive me for the mess I have made with the press?" Sho asked hesitantly.

Holding the precious makeup to her cheek, Kyoko smiled jubilantly at Sho. She couldn't stay mad at her childhood friend for long, not when she knew that she had been equally at fault for letting the paparazzi take pictures of them.

Sighing heavily, she nodded, "I was not truly ever angry at you Sho but we can't let any more people see us together, otherwise they will get the wrong impression."

"As it is, I need to get you out of my dressing room, before anyone sees you," Kyoko stated, while her eyes began to change a dark color.

Sho grew instantly alert at the primal look in Kyoko's eyes. What was she getting at? His instincts cautioned him against asking but his curiously won out instead. "What do you mean by that?"

Pointing at the chicken head on the counter of her dressing table, Kyoko elaborated, "You are going to put that on when you leave and when you find a suitable area to change you will do so. After which, you will send Shouko back with this costume. Do you understand?"

Scoffing at her plan, Sho answered, "What? Are you joking? I will do no such thing!"

"If you plan on being forgiven completely, then you will do precisely as I have suggested," Kyoko countered patiently.

It was something in her no nonsense manner that struck Sho and he was soon following her suggestion. Taking his shirt off, he was about to put on the chicken costume that she was removing when suddenly a knock sounded at her door.

"Kyoko?" Ren's voice was slightly muffled on the other side of the door but both teenagers froze instantly in recognition at the sound.

Realizing the precariousness of her current situation, Kyoko's face showed her panic. Quickly, shoving a half-naked Sho into the closet and tossing in her chicken costume, Kyoko slammed the door closed on her childhood's friend's shocked face without another thought.

"Just a minute," Kyoko called out, before she pulled a heavy cushioned chair in front of the closet door. With her mouth against the keyhole, she tensely whispered, "Stay in here and be quiet."

Satisfied that she had hidden both Bo's costume and Sho from Ren, Kyoko rushed over to answer the door. Her heart was racing madly in her chest by the time she opened the door.

The male actor looked devastatingly handsome in his dark charcoal suit. His warm tanned skin contrasted vividly against the pale blue cotton shirt beneath his blazer. Kyoko was instantly captivated by his immaculately groomed appearance and felt somewhat intimidated by him. Dressed in a t-shirt and shorts assemble, Kyoko felt dull and shabby in contrast.

"What are you doing here?" she finally breathed out.

"Could I talk to you for a second?" Ren asked. His face showed his seriousness, causing Kyoko to take a step back from the door, allowing him entry.

Ren stepped into the room, closing the door shut behind him. Leaning his large frame against it, he surveyed the small room, while he searched for a way to begin his conversation.

"Um, I wasn't expecting you to be back," Kyoko stated, her eyes skimmed across the room towards the closet where Sho was and she was internally willing Sho to remain hidden.

Taking several steps towards her, Ren pulled her into his arms and held her small frame. His voice was soft when he whispered against her hair, "I needed to see you again."

Kyoko's breathing momentarily halted, she felt like melting into his warm embrace but at the same time, she felt uncomfortable knowing that Sho was hiding in her closet and witnessing their every move. How was she going to get him out without Ren noticing?

Taking her silence as acceptance, Ren lifted her face up to meet his kiss. His tongue savored the curvature of her soft lips before diving into her mouth. Their kiss was long and passionate. Neither of them could get enough of each other.

With eager hands, adding pressure on the curve of her spine, Ren molded Kyoko's petite form into his own. As her soft body sank into his hard one, his hands began to slide up and under the back of her shirt. The silky softness of her skin against his was like a drug that spurred his lust. And the layers of clothing between them were like torture to him.

Needing to touch her more, he lifted her up and carried her over to a cushioned chair that was directly in front of a closet door. Fluidly, he dropped down and settled her across his lap. His lips once again sought hers in another hungry kiss.

Kyoko lost the ability to think as she surrendered to Ren's kiss. Her grief at Ren's indiscretions with the female producer, along with her own entanglement with Sho became like a forgotten dream. Closing her eyes tightly, she locked her arms behind his neck and opened her mouth wide for his demanding kiss.

With one hand, he gently caressed the slope of her spine, while the other hand rested firmly across her slender thigh. A deep sound seemed to be coming from within her when he slid his hand beneath her bra to stroke at her soft flesh. Another sound that Ren was unable to distinguish seemed to be coming from behind them but Ren paid no attention to it.

However, Kyoko was unable to ignore the noise. Abruptly, she pulled away from Ren and shot up to her feet. Taking several steps cautiously away from him, her face was a bright red when she finally looked up at him.

"I'm sorry, we can't," she hurriedly explained when she saw the confusion in his face.

Ren watched her continue to tensely back away, and he swore under his breath. He had not expected her to be so jumpy and bothered over his advances. Haven't they already done more in her dressing rooms? He couldn't understand where her unease was coming from but he couldn't help but think that his involvement with Tina was the likely source.

"I know how you must be feeling but I need you to understand that it was all a misunderstanding," he began with a look of concern on his face.

Stretching out her hand to him, Kyoko tried to stop him from saying another word. She had just barely recovered her senses in time to prevent them from giving Sho a peep show and the thought of what could have happened, was burning her face with mortification.

"Please," she choked out in desperation, "We can't do this now."

The urgency in her words confounded Ren and he quickly rose out of his seat. Walking up to her, he tried to embrace her, in order to comfort her. But his advances were stymied, when Kyoko cried out with a loud, "No!"

Stopping instantly, Ren's eyes widened in shock at her outburst. Had he gone too far? He tried to search for a way to ease the tension that was so evident in Kyoko's frightened face. His voice was a mixture of calm assertiveness, as he tried to restore her mood, "I'm sorry. I won't do that again."

With eyes that were dilated with frustration, Kyoko pulled the door wide open and beseechingly, she pleaded, "Please, not now. I can't do this now."

Pain flooded Ren's senses as he strode slowly towards the open door. "I understand," he said in a voice and manner filled with dejection.

A/N: Hi everyone. I have been really busy lately, so I apologise for taking so long posting this chapter. Thank you for your patience.

Someone asked about the song that Sho sang in the last chapter and it was something I made up for this story. Hope you enjoyed reading it.