5
Kyoko was standing at the mirror reapplying her lip gloss. She couldn't believe that Ren had actually told her he loved her. Well – she knew it was real, he did say it quite a few times to make a point, but she'd never imagined that they could ever be anything more than sempai and kouhai, much less love one another. She couldn't even imagine being in love just a few hours ago.
Everything had happened so quickly. The moment she had seen him at the foot of the stairs, she just knew he was the one she loved. It was like her heart forced her to look at him as more than just Tsuruga-san. She never wanted to love again, not after what Sho did, but here she was, in a beautiful restaurant, looking like a princess, with a prince charming at her side and finally being happy.
That was all she could think about right now, just how happy she was. She felt no anger or hate at this moment, her thoughts were solely focused on the man that was waiting for her outside of the restroom door.
Finishing up, she looked herself over once more and made a mental note to look herself over in a mirror before they got to the party so she could make sure she had kept Miss Woods work intact. Grabbing her small purse where all her makeup was, she quietly made her entrance back into the salon.
Ren was sitting there looking off into the distance until he heard the restroom door close. He immediately turned his head to the side and noticed how flawless she looked once again. He was a happy man and couldn't wait to spend the rest of the night with the woman he loved. Tonight was the beginning of what he knew would be the rest of their lives.
Kyoko calmly made her way back to her seat and smiled at Ren.
"Ren – did you order for us already?"
"Yes, don't worry, I made sure to get something I know you'll like – no frogs legs." He gave her a teasing smile which made Kyoko let out a giggle.
"I'm still feeling nervous Ren. I don't know how to act when we go to the party."
"We'll be fine, just be yourself Kyoko. We don't have to tell anyone we're dating, they can make their own assumptions. When we're both ready, we can make an official announcement."
"Ren – it's not that I don't want people to know we're dating, I – I love you. I just want our private life to be as private as it can be. I – we – we're just starting this relationship and I don't want people to question us, as it is, I feel like we're oddly matched and that people will find it impossible to believe we're dating. I don't want them to rub it in my face whenever they can on TV and in magazines."
"Kyoko – "Grabbing her hand and giving it a squeeze, Ren continued, "I want you to really remember what I am about to say to you. We are not oddly matched. We are perfect for each other because we both love one another. We are exactly where we are meant to be today and I don't plan on ever letting you go. I will never leave you Kyoko."
She gave him the brightest smile he had ever seen, a smile that reminded him of when they were children back in Kyoto, he smiled right back and knew that he'd gotten through to her.
The door opened once more and this time they were greeted with their appetizers and cider. The waitress served them and proceeded to inform them that their main course would arrive shortly, and then walked out briskly to leave the couple alone once more.
"What should we do about tonight then Ren?"
"Yashiro can take care of it. He knows what to say and do better than anyone and make sure they stay on course with regards to the event and not to us."
"Isn't that a lot of work for Yashiro-san? I mean – he is your manager, but covering for the both of us?"
Letting out a chuckle Ren continued, "I think nothing will make Yashiro happier than finding out tonight that you and I are actually together."
"Eh?"
"I've liked you – loved you – for some time now, he has done every single thing imaginable to make sure we get some alone time whenever possible. Why do you think he keeps asking you to come over to cook for me?"
"He was trying to get us together?"
"Yes – I think you'll see Yashiro's fan girl side tonight."
A deep blush crawled up her cheeks, "I am so embarrassed – he knew before I even realized it."
Ren gave her hand a squeeze once more, "He realized it before I realized it. At least we know we have someone on our side with everything that may come in the future, be it positive or not."
"Yes – Ren – thank you for telling me tonight."
"I had to. The way you look tonight – I wouldn't have made it through the night if I didn't tell you what I felt."
The door to the salon opened once more and their main courses were presented. They ate in a comfortable silence, both thinking about everything that had happened in such a short amount of time. Neither had thought they'd reach this point tonight, but here they were. Kyoko finished her meal before Ren.
"Ren – the food was really good. I'm glad you ordered. I wouldn't have known what to pick."
"I'm glad you liked it. I knew tonight was going to be special. Not as special as it had turned out to be, but I thought it deserved to be celebrated."
"Ren?"
"Yes?"
"Finish your food. I know what you're thinking. You've only got a bit left."
"I'll finish it. See?" Grabbing the fork Ren finished what was left on his plate. "Finished."
"Are we still having dessert?"
"We are. I can't bring you out to a nice restaurant and not get dessert for us."
"I am looking forward to it then. I have never had any French sweets. I wonder how amazing they'll be. I have always heard they're the best at making desserts."
"Shall we call for them now then?"
"I think it would be best, we can't arrive late."
Ren put his hand to the wall behind him where a small buzzer was located and pressed the button to call the waitress in.
The waitress made her way in almost immediately.
"Yes sir, may I be of service?"
"Yes, we've finished the main course, could we perhaps now have our dessert?"
"Of course. I will return with the dessert cart and to remove your dishes."
"Thank you."
The waitress left and Ren turned to Kyoko.
"Ready for some dessert then?"
"Absolutely."
The waitress walked in with the dessert cart and Kyoko's eyes light up with the array of desserts being presented. Another waiter walked in and began retrieving the dishes and placing dessert spoons for them to use.
Kyoko picked out a chocolate mousse tart with strawberries for her dessert, while Ren opted for a vanilla mousse with a light caramel sauce for his.
Taking the first bite from her tart Kyoko couldn't help the moan that escaped. She slightly blushed as Ren was looking at her. He gave her a smile and tried his own.
"Is it good?"
"Yes, it's not too sweet, how about yours?"
Kyoko's blush darkened, "Good."
"Can I taste it?"
"Eh? Uhhhh – yes."
Ren stared at her and waited. Kyoko stared back and suddenly realized what he was waiting for. The blush still on her face, she got a spoonful of the tart and raised it slowly to his mouth.
Ren looked directly into her eyes and opened his mouth to take the tart into his mouth. His lips enclosed around the spoon and slowly released it, never once breaking eye contact. Suddenly he raised his spoon to her mouth and she also opened her mouth to take the spoon in. The taste of vanilla and caramel mingled in her mouth and it tasted just as heavenly as the dessert she'd chosen. Releasing the spoon, Ren noticed it still had mousse on it and placed it into his mouth to lick it clean.
"Delicious."
It was then she realized they'd just shared an indirect kiss, more than one actually and she didn't mind. As a matter of fact, she wished he would give her an actual kiss. It was then her blush seemed to cover her from head to toe. She looked down at her tart and just continued to eat. Knowing that Ren had eaten from her spoon and not caring one bit, because she wanted his actual lips on her own.
Ren looked at her spreading blush and smiled. At least she hadn't gotten angry. As a matter of fact, it seemed as if she was ok with what had just happened.
They both finished their desserts and Ren once again pushed the buzzer.
The waitress walked in and he requested the check and she walked out.
"Ren – I will pay for my…."
"No – this is our first date. I will pay. I want to. Tonight is special and I picked out this restaurant because I wanted to give you a treat, so I will pay Kyoko."
Giving him a smile, she agreed.
The waitress walked in with the check, Ren pulled out his credit card and she walked out. She came back almost immediately and handed the card back to Ren and had him sign a small receipt.
She took it back and placed it inside a small booklet and went to the door to wait for them to make their exit.
Kyoko stood, as did Ren and he made his way over to her, he grabbed her free hand and slowly guided her out. Kyoko contained her blush, but on the inside she was screaming in joy.
Feeling Ren's hand in hers made her feel so excited and her heart felt like it was beating a million times a minute. She knew she had to contain her blush because she didn't want the waitress to see her, but she knew walking out holding his hand was confirming what had just happened. They were now a couple.
Walking out of the restaurant, the limousine was waiting for them and the driver proceeded to open the door for Kyoko. Helped once more by Ren she took her seat and waited for him to make his way to his.
When he was inside and his door closed, Kyoko turned to Ren and immediately kissed his cheek and whispered into his ear.
"I love you."
This time the one who blushed wasn't Kyoko, it was Ren.
Author's Note:
I am back! I apologize profusely for the delay!
I have had a bout of bad luck with my health and my internet service and couldn't bring myself to upload.
I just started classes again this past week, but I will be doing my best to update at least once a week.
I hope you all enjoyed this chapter.
I have been reading all your reviews.
For the record the fluff will probably only be as potent for 2-3 more chapters before going into the main plot for the story.
I had considered jumping straight into the plot, but I thought instead of starting the story as if both Kyoko and Ren are already together, you'd all appreciate them actually getting together first and reading how it all unfolded.
There will be fluff of course, seeing as the story is centered on their relationship, but the plot will be tied in with the filming of the new drama posed in the prologue.
Thank you for being so patient!
Until the next chapter lovelies!