7

Kyoko was nervous. This was probably the most nervous she'd ever felt, but as she stood next to Ren and waved at the crowd present she felt much more confident than she ever had before, even when she'd arrived with Kijima-san at the Dark Moon party.

She turned to look at Ren and gave his arm a squeeze before Yashiro immediately drew their attention to making their way through to the photography section and having a million light bulbs go off all at once.

She could hear them screaming her name, screaming Ren's and for a few seconds she didn't know what to do or where to look before she suddenly realized she needed to compose herself.

Ren looked over at Kyoko and noticed she was smiling at the cameras and he leaned down to say something to her, since the loud screams were making it impossible to hear one another if they weren't close enough.

"I think we've caught them by surprise."

"I am sure we'll see plenty of rumors by tomorrow in those gossip columns."

"We'll just have to keep them guessing, won't we?"

With a playful smile on her face and a twinkle in her lovely golden eyes, she said exactly what she and Ren, both were thinking.

"Yes. I think we will."

Both turned back to the flashing lights and continued to pose and smile their way through the photographers until they reached the media section. Yashiro stepped up to them and calmly had a few words for them about what approach they'd be taking for the remainder of the media section before stepping inside the party itself.

"Ren, I'd like you to stay behind, accompany and walk beside Kyoko-chan, but once the interviews start you can keep your distance so as to not interfere or draw more attention to yourselves for tonight. If the reporters start digging too much or asking too many questions about you being here with Ren, I will make sure to bring them back on track. I will talk to every reporter before you begin to speak with them and will tell them they have to be brief. You have to be inside within a few minutes, so time is limited anyways. It's showtime."

Yashiro gave Kyoko a warm smile and guided her t the first interviewer of the night.

"Kyoko-chan! How are you this evening?"

"I am doing very well, thank you."

"Excited for the big event?"

"Very, I didn't expect so many fans of the show, otherwise I would have arrived earlier to try to get some time in with them."

"You're looking truly spectacular tonight. Who are you wearing?"

"I am wearing Vera Wang tonight. I feel like a princess, the dress is truly beautiful and I am so grateful to her for this beautiful design."

"How exciting is it to know Box-R has been such a success?"

"It has been very exciting for me. It has been very exciting for the drama. We're all very glad that the public took to the drama and have made it into such a big hit."

"Did you expect to have so many people becoming as big a fans of Natsu as they did? I mean, everyone knows she's the main antagonist in the drama, yet people have gone crazy for her."

"I didn't expect it, no. When we began filming for the drama it was hard fitting into the role and making her be Natsu all on her own, but thanks to the help and guidance of a wonderful friend, I managed to create a Natsu that I and the director, as well as the cast, felt was just right for the drama."

"She is truly something to behold, as are you Kyoko-chan. You look so wonderful tonight. I see you're very well accompanied tonight. Please, have a wonderful time."

"Thank you. I hope you also enjoy the evening."

Giving the reporter her gorgeous smile, she turned to continue to make her way down the long line of reporters.

Thankfully no one really made an attempt at asking much about Ren's presence although, most did allude to her arrival with the handsome actor every time they interviewed her.

As she concluded her final interview, she and Ren moved into the foyer of the venue along with Yashiro.

As soon as they were in a more secluded area, Ren took her hand.

"Kyoko, you did really well. You were so composed during all the interviews, I think the public will love you even more now."

"Thank you Ren, I was channeling a bit of you to get through them all, especially when they mentioned you, I thought they were going to ask questions and didn't want to get nervous."

With an amused tone, Ren replied, "That was me you were doing?"

"A little, you don't mind do you?"

The blush on her face made Ren want to kiss her, but he didn't want to embarrass her or make her feel uncomfortable, so he leaned in close to her ear and whispered.

"Kyoko, I really want to kiss you right now."

The blush seemed to get even more profuse. Kyoko looked around and when she noticed no one was paying attention to them, not even Yashiro. She turned back to look at Ren, slightly put her hand on his cheek and pulled him down for a quick, gentle kiss.

Ren was completely caught off guard and he couldn't help the bright smile after she gave him the peck.

"I love you Kyoko."

"I love you too Ren."

"Now, let's get inside so you can actually enjoy your night."

Tugging on her hand, he began to walked toward the main entrance, it was then Yashiro who had been distracted due to logistics being handled with security, caught them walking to the main entrance and rushed to catch up with them.

Walking behind the couple that was now making their way into the venue, Yashiro noticed that they were not separating and inside he wanted nothing more than to squeal in joy at the fact that both seemed so comfortable together.

As soon as they walked through the main doors, Kyoko caught sight of Amamiya-san and immediately walked towards her, taking Ren alongside.

"Amamiya-san, Good evening."

"Good evening, Kyoko-chan. Tsuruga-sama. How are you both?"

"I'm doing very well Amamiya-san."

"As am I, it is a pleasure to properly make your acquaintance Amamiya-san."

"It's my pleasure Tsuruga-sama. I was surprised to see you both arrive together."

She leaned towards Kyoko to whisper.

"Are you both together Kyoko-chan?"

Kyoko instantly had a blush cover her entire face and whispered back.

"We are, but we don't want to bring too much attention to ourselves."

"I suspect the other girls will ask questions, but Kyoko, you both look very lovely together."

"Thank you Amamiya-san."

"You're welcome Kyoko-chan. Have fun tonight."

"I hope so and you as well. We'll have to talk more later."

"Of course, go mingle Kyoko-chan."

"Hai – hai. We will."

"It was a pleasure Tsuruga-sama."

"It was Amamiya-san."

Kyoko and Ren walked away from Amamiya-san. As they did, she could only watch and think to herself that they were a very striking couple and that she'd never seen any two people who looked better suited for each other than them at that very moment.

As they continued to walk around the room, people began to take notice of the fact that Tsuruga-san was actually at the event, but besides that unexpected occurrence, people were even more shocked and surprised to see him beside Kyoko. Not just walking together, but actually holding hands and whispering to one another as they walked, as if keeping secrets between each other.

Kyoko got a chance to greet Annaka-san and he of course was almost borderline hysterical when he got the opportunity to meet Ren. He praised the actor and of course, also took note of the fact that it seemed the young actress was holding hands with the actor. Taken aback by the public show of affection, he was caught off guard, but pleasantly surprised and happy for them. He'd assumed that they were merely friends since they'd filmed Dark Moon together, but he hadn't imagined that they were much more than that. As he watched their interaction he noticed just how much they suited one another.

While Ren was very much a gentleman, he kept polite conversation and a slight distance and he met to people. Kyoko was a bit different, very friendly with most she spoke to and praising their actions. It seemed that together they balanced each other out perfectly. He also noticed that they looked quite regal together, almost as if they were a King and Queen meeting people of their court and trying to accommodate everyone. You could tell they were professionals, but despite that, you could also catch the underlying tones of affection between them.

It was the first time he'd ever felt excited about meeting a celebrity couple. A hidden celebrity couple at that.

As Kyoko continued to greet fellow crew and cast members, the ones that stood out to Ren the most had been Makino-san and Sudo-san.

Both played roles that were associated directly with Kyoko and it seemed they had a nice friendship outside of their acting roles. He was however surprised at that level in which they seemed to jokingly make fun of Kyoko and how easily she managed to joke with them as well. He was a little surprised by the admiration Sudo-san seemed to display as well as the awkwardness that seemed to have been placed upon them when Makino-san pointedly asked if they were a couple. Ren of course replied with an affirmative to the question and Sudo-san seemed to almost deflate afterwards.

Despite this, it was quite obvious they liked Kyoko a lot and were very glad to share screen time with her.

As the night came to a close, he was very happy with the progress Kyoko had made with admitting to people they were a couple. As well as the fact that she was not opposed to certain amounts of displays of affection.

At the end of the night they made their way, with Yashiro to the limousine and Kyoko chatted quite excitedly about the night once they were inside.

"I had so much fun. I am so happy we came. Thank you for all your help tonight Yashiro-san. I don't think things would have gone as smoothly at the entrance without you."

"I am always happy to help my newest favorite couple."

"Yashiro-san, you don't have to say that."

"I mean it though, I am so happy about you two. I can't wait for it to be public knowledge that you two are going out! I can just see the headlines now."

"Yashiro, no need to exaggerate just yet. You'll make Kyoko nervous."

"I can't help it. Sorry Kyoko-chan."

"It's alright. I am thankful to you Yashiro-san for always being so kind."

With a smile on his face, he got off of the limousine after the driver announced they'd arrived at his home. After bidding a good night to Kyoko and Ren, Yashiro walked toward his home and all he could think about was how excited the President would be tomorrow when he found out Kyoko and Ren were now a couple.

Kyoko and Ren shared a comfortable silence as their drive continued and all either could think of was how happy they were.

As Kyoko noticed that they were quickly approaching the Darumaya and time for them to say good night as Ren drove himself home and Kyoko went inside to get a good night's rest.

When they arrived the driver opened the door for them both to exit and as Ren had acted all night, he helped Kyoko exit the limousine and walked her to the door.

"Kyoko – I had a really good time tonight. Thank you for accepting my confession and my love."

"Ren – I – you don't have to thank me. I am glad you confessed. You've made me so happy tonight. I wouldn't have enjoyed tonight as much, if I hadn't been with you."

"Good. I love you Kyoko."

"I love you too."

Ren then leaned down and kissed her. He was trying to be gentle and sweet, but as they kept prolonging the kiss, Kyoko suddenly wrapped her hands around his neck and pulled him closer to her. She let out a low moan due to the wonderful kiss she was sharing with Ren and he slowed down their kissing to pull back. He gave her one final gentle kiss and looked at her straight in the eyes. Kyoko then said the single word that seemed to be on both of their minds.

"Wow."

Gazing at her adoringly, he reminded her of the time.

"Kyoko, you have to go in. It's late and we do both have a late morning, but we need rest."

"Yes. I just – I don't want to say goodbye, just yet."

"I know, but we have to. I will call you when I get home."

"Please do, drive safely."

"Of course. Now get inside, once you do, I'll leave, I have to make sure you're safe and sound and indoors before I go."

"Ok."

Grabbing his hand and squeezing, she said, "Goodnight, I love you."

"Goodnight, I love you too."

Slowly releasing his hand as she backed up slowly toward the entrance. She turned around to continue walking and pulled out her keys from her purse to get inside. As she got the door unlocked she turned once more to look at Ren, noticing his stare she slowly waved goodbye to him and letting herself lose some self control, blew a kiss at him.

Ren smiled, waved back and loudly said, "I love you."

Bringing her blush back to her face, she mouthed, "I love you too," gave another wave and continued to stare until she closed the door.

Once she was inside, she leaned against the door and let a huge smile come onto her face.

Ren looked at the closed door and also let a smile adorn his face, before turning to his car, opening the door and getting inside and driving off.

They both shared the same thought then.

Tonight had been perfect and this was only day one.

Author's Note:

I'm baaaaaaack!
Yaaaay finally! I am so sorry for the huge delay. Classes have become hectic and busy.

Final year and I am attempting to finish with high honors to get into my ideal doctorate program.

Besides that though, I am so happy to be back and writing again.
I hope you all enjoyed the chapter.
I will post the next one soon.

Plot time is about to kick in very soon. So I warn you all, less fluff, but I promise to fulfill as much of that desire as possible when I can.

Thank you for all the reviews and support.
Until next time!