A/N: I am so sorry for the wait between chapters. But I am happy to announce this is a rather long chapter compared to normal for me. I hope you enjoy it!
Chapter 18: Coming Together
The next day Kyoko was sitting in front of Ren's laptop on the couch in their apartment. She had work earlier in the day and was now home trying to come up with the perfect team building activity for the LoveMe section. She sighed as she scrolled through yet another useless Web page.
"How is it that I can't find anything?" She moaned, leaning her head back on the couch. She sat up straight again when she heard her phone ringing. She glanced at the caller ID. Unknown.
She sighed and answered the phone. "This is Ky-"
"What the hell kind of prank is this?" Sho yelled into the phone.
Kyoko held the phone away from her ear for a moment. When he'd stopped yelling she put it back. "What are you talking about?" Kyoko asked him.
She could hear him breathing hard. He was not happy. "You set me up on a date with a twelve year old!" He exclaimed.
Kyoko snorted. "Um, what?"
"You said I had to entertain a girl who was a huge fan of mine. But you neglected to tell me she's only twelve. I'm not a freaking babysitter."
Oh, so the president's friend must've had a younger daughter than I expected. "Look, Shotaro. I didn't know anything more than you did. The President didn't tell me how old she'd be." She paused. "I hope you're being nice to her."
She could hear an irritated grunt from Sho through the phone. "Of course I'm being nice. I'm not gonna be mean to her just 'cause she's a kid." He grumbled.
Just then Kyoko heard another voice through the phone. "Sho-chan! I'm back!" the young voice called loudly.
"Oh crap," Sho said before the phone call ended.
Kyoko couldn't help but laugh as she stared at her phone. It's probably good for him. She thought to herself.
"What's so funny?"
Kyoko looked up and saw Ren entering the room. He was dressed in a suit with his hair styles perfectly. She smiled, "How'd your interview go?"
He sat next to her on the couch. "Same as usual." He responded. "But I want to know what made you laugh so cutely." He teased.
Kyoko rolled her eyes but a blush touched her cheeks. "Sho called to give an update about his assignment."
Ren raised an eyebrow, confused how that was funny.
"He was supposed to help escort the daughter of a friend of the President. She's a big Sho Fuwa fan. Except," Kyoko paused trying not to laugh again. "She's a kid. He was expecting a girl his age."
Ren smirked at the thought of how disappointed Fuwa must've been. He glanced at the laptop and leaned his head on Kyoko's shoulder. "What are you working on?"
Kyoko sighed. "I'm trying to find a team building activity for the LoveMe section. The president asked me to handle it. But I'm not having any luck with ideas."
Ren looked thoughtful. "What about a scavenger hunt? You could do it in teams and the winning team could get something."
A smile broke out on Kyoko's face. "That's a great idea!" She exclaimed. She leaned over and pressed a kiss to Ren's lips. He watched as she closed the laptop and placed it on the table before running out of the living room. He followed her to the bedroom and smiled as she darted around the room grabbing her bag and a notebook.
"Going somewhere?" Ren asked with a laugh.
Kyoko looked up and smiled. "Yeah, I need to go talk to the President about my idea. Do you think you can give me a ride?"
The President looked surprised to see Sebastian lead the young actress into his office that afternoon. He stood and smiled as Kyoko bowed to him.
"Good afternoon, Mogami-kun. How can I help you?" He asked curiously.
"I'm sorry to come without calling first but I've decided on what activity I'd like to plan for the LoveMe section. But I need your help." She explained quickly, hoping she wasn't interrupting anything important.
She watched as the president's smile grew into a Cheshire cat like grin. "Why of course, I'm thrilled to help."
Two weeks later, the entire LoveMe section met in their assigned room. Kyoko began by introducing the newest members to Kanae and Chiori before pulling out a stack of papers for the activity. Everyone except Sho sat around the table listening attentively, while the singer laid on the couch lazily.
"The President asked me to plan a special team building exercise for our section and he helped figure out how to execute it. So, today we will be doing a scavenger hunt." Kyoko announced, forcing herself to be cheerful. In all honesty, she was very nervous about today's activity.
She heard a groan from Sho, and saw Chiori grab Kanae's arm to stop her from approaching the offending teen. Yukia glanced nervously at James who seemed to be trying to hide his excitement.
Kyoko continued, "I asked the president to set up a list of things for us to do or collect and he has split us up into three teams of two. We have to work together with our partner to complete our list and the first team back here with a finished list will win a special prize."
Kyoko noticed Sho's eyes had focused on her when she said win and prize. Maybe that'll motivate him to actually try at least. She hoped silently.
She looked down at the first paper in her hands. "The teams are as follows: Kotonami-san and Amamiya-san, James-san and Yukia-kun, and Sho and myself." She handed out a paper to the other two teams. "This is your list. It's one o'clock now and we will play until we all return or meet back here at six if you haven't finished yet. The only rule is you have to stay in or just outside of the agency." Kyoko watched at both of the other teams quickly read through their lists before grabbing their things and heading out the door with a quick good bye.
It was only after the other four members had left, that Sho finally approached Kyoko. "Let's me see that." He ordered, holding out a hand for the list. She handed it to him and watched him read through it.
"Who the hell came up with this stuff? It's crazy."
Kyoko rolled her eyes but gave a small chuckle. "That's the president's handiwork." She muttered picking up her purse. "Shall we go?"
He sighed but nodded and followed Kyoko into the hall. "What should we start with?" He asked.
She glanced at the list he held towards her. "Number four sounds easy. 'Get three business cards from someone you don't know.'"
Sho groaned. He really didn't want more people than necessary seeing him in his hideous pink uniform but he also couldn't stand the thought of losing. Plus, he kind of owed it to Kyoko to at least try to win, so without complaining he followed her to the elevator.
He watched as Kyoko pressed a button. "The singing section should be a good choice. I don't know very many people there and it's good for you to meet more people you'll be working with." She told him.
The elevator stopped and they exited onto a somewhat familiar floor for Sho. He had been up here two or three times since joining LME for meetings with the head of the singing section but that was it so far.
They passed the head's desk and headed to some of the lesser known employees work spaces. Kyoko bowed in greeting to a young man who Sho noticed looked a little star struck at seeing her.
"Excuse me. We are from the LoveMe section and are in the middle of a scavenger hunt. We need to obtain business cards from three people we don't know. Do you think you could help us?" Kyoko asked politely, and Sho noticed with annoyance, the charming smile she flashed the young man.
He nodded and hurried away from his desk before returning a few moments later with all three of the required business cards. As they returned to the elevator, Kyoko noticed the scowl on Sho's face.
"What's wrong?" She asked, trying not to sound annoyed.
Sho shrugged. "I just didn't know your boyfriend was okay with you flirting with random guys."
Kyoko now felt irritated and confused. "I wasn't flirting with anyone. What're you talking about?"
"That guy from before!" He exclaimed. He then sighed and held the list out to her. "It doesn't matter. Just pick something else for us to do."
Kyoko stared at the list. "What about this?" She asked.
Sho looked at the one she was pointing at. "Find a meeting and serve tea to everyone present." He grimaced at the thought. He was barely surviving working at the Darumaya but that was only because they allowed him to help with very easy things. He wasn't sure if he could handle this.
When the elevator arrived back at the lobby, Kyoko approached the reception desk.
"How can I help you, Kyoko-san?" the girl asked.
Kyoko gave a small bow. "For our scavenger hunt we have to serve tea at a meeting. Is there one that's just starting?"
The girl looked at her computer and clicked on several items. "It looks like there's a meeting on the third floor in conference room G. It's starting in about five minutes."
Kyoko beamed. "Thank you so much!" She hurried back past Sho and hit the button on the elevator. "If we hurry we can make it before the meeting starts, that way it'll look more natural."
Sho looked at her seriously. "You're not expecting me to serve tea right?"
Kyoko met his eyes, a determined look in her own. "Yes, I am. It would do you some good to learn to serve others sometimes." She stepped out of the elevator when it opened to their floor and led Sho to the conference room. He watched her uncertainly as she knocked.
She's crazy. And yet, I'm listening to her. He shook his head trying to discern what all this meant. But before he could figure it out, the door opened and they were allowed entry into the room to complete their next task.
Meanwhile, at an on-site filming, Ren sat in his dressing trailer feeling anxious. He flipped through the script he had already memorized long ago.
"Ren, what's wrong?" Yashiro's voice startled Ren.
"Nothing," Ren lied easily.
Yashiro rolled his eyes. "This isn't a very long or complex commercial, yet you've been flipping through your script for the past twenty minutes. So what's wrong?"
Ren sighed and set down the papers in his hand. Ever since he and Kyoko had began dating it had become harder to lie to his manager. Especially once his secret identity had been revealed.
"I'm just wondering how the LoveMe scavenger hunt is going." He answered half-honestly.
"You're worried because she'll be with Fuwa?"
Ren cringed at Yashiro's phrasing. "Can you please not refer to it as her being with Fuwa?" He ran a hand through his hair. "It's not that I don't trust her. I just don't trust him. He's hurt her too many times, physically and emotionally."
"We could go check on her after your filming?"
The young actor shook his head. "No, she'd just get mad at me. I promised to trust her."
Yashiro smiled. He couldn't help but feel proud of how Ren was maturing. Sure, he had seemed mature before, but that was just an act to cover up his true self. Now he was learning to mature for his relationship.
"Although, if for some reason my work requires me to stop by the agency for a bit afterwards…"
Yashiro chuckled at Ren's admission. He had matured, but he was still himself.
By the time four o'clock rolled around, Kyoko and Sho had completed more than half of their task list for the scavenger hunt. They looked over the remaining items, trying to decide which would be the best to do next.
"I guess we should do this one next. 'Write and record a song'. We don't want to run out of time-"
Sho cut her off. "That one is going to be the easiest. I can write a song in my sleep." He boasted.
Kyoko struggled not to roll her eyes. "Yes, but we are supposed to do this as a team. Remember?"
Sho sighed. He was tired and not used to doing so much work. Kyoko noticed that he was beginning to look frustrated.
"Hey, can we go to the cafeteria while we write? I want to get something to drink." She suggested.
Sho seemed to perk up at the idea of a drink (and maybe food?) But he feigned annoyance. "I guess we can. Where is it again?" He followed Kyoko without any complaints and they soon found themselves seated at a small table in a corner of the cafeteria. Each with a cup of tea in front of them and a snack.
Kyoko flipped over their task list to the blank side and handed Sho the pencil she had been using to mark things off. "You can start it if you want."
He raised his eyebrows in surprise at her offer but gladly accepted the pencil. It's probably been a while since he's done any real writing. She mused as she watched him glance around the room for inspiration.
Just as he was starting to focus, there was the sound of lots of excited girls near the entrance of the large room. A moment later, Ren stepped inside with Yashiro. Ren smiled charmingly at the people accompanying him. A couple of gentleman and four young ladies. Kyoko's eyes locked onto his handsome form and she forgot Sho was with her. Sometimes, when she saw him like this, she was reminded of how small she was compared to him in their industry.
Before she could look away, Ren felt her eyes and looked towards her. He smiled at her and gestured for her to come to him. She hurried to his side while Sho watched from his seat.
He saw Kyoko bow to the people with Ren and then chat happily with them for a minute before saying good bye and returning to her seat.
"What was that about?" He asked as she sat down. He didn't miss the flushed look on her face or the smile in her amber eyes.
She looked surprised, as if she had forgotten he was there. "Oh, Ren wanted to introduce me formally to the director and producers for the drama we are starring in soon."
Sho nodded. He watched Kyoko for another minute before looking down at the paper. It was still blank, much unlike his mind where thoughts swirled around, giving him a headache.
"You seem happier."
Kyoko looked up from her tea. "What do you mean?"
Sho met her eyes. "You look happier with him. Different from when you were taking care of me. You never looked at me like that." He said softly.
Kyoko was startled by his observation. She wasn't quite sure how to respond. She lost her chance though when Sho stood up suddenly. He passed the paper and pencil across to her. "I'm gonna hit the bathroom." He muttered.
Sho turned away but Kyoko didn't miss his parting words. "I'm happy for you."
At five thirty, Kyoko and Sho finally entered the LoveMe section with their completed list. Inside they found the president along with the two other teams.
"Welcome back!" the president greeted them. "I'm glad to see all our teams made it back in one piece and managed to complete all their tasks."
Kyoko tried not to laugh. The president looked positively giddy. She and Sho sat down at the large table and waited for the president to speak again.
"Well, first place goes to Yukia-kun and James-kun's team." He held out an envelope to them. "Your prize is an all expense paid vacation for two to Hawaii." As the word "Hawaii" left his mouth two staff members waiting nearby placed leis around their necks.
"What a waste of time." Sho muttered under his breath.
Kyoko thought the president would ignore him, but instead he focused his attention on the young singer. "Fuwa-kun, I think this has been a very good learning experience for you and the LoveMe section as a whole. I hope you will all begin to rely on each other and help each other to grow until you can graduate from the LoveMe section."
Kyoko was surprised by the president's serious speech. She hadn't expected him to be so calm. However the next second he was back to his overly excited self as he demanded their notebooks from each member and stamped a 100% stamp on a page with his signature next to it.
A few minutes later the other LoveMe members filed out of the room, leaving behind Kyoko, Sho, and the President. The president approached Kyoko and patted her on the shoulder.
"You did a very good job on today's activity," He praised her. "I'm proud of how you're running things. Just what I'd expect from my number one LoveMe member." He flashed her a smile and gave a quick wave to Sho before leaving the room.
Kyoko began to pack up her things. Ren would be there soon to drive her home. She glanced at Sho who was sitting on the couch flipping through a magazine.
"How are things going at Darumaya?" She asked.
He shrugged, "It's okay I guess. The room's small, and it kinda feels like it's haunted. I don't like working at the restaurant but it's not too bad I guess."
Kyoko nodded, a small smile appearing on her lips. I'm glad you're making this work, Shotaro." Kyoko said before moving towards the door. "I'm going to head out now. See you later."
Sho gave a nod to show he had heard her and a quiet "See you." But just as Kyoko had made it halfway down the hall she heard the LoveMe section door open and footsteps. She turned to find Sho looking conflicted.
Before Kyoko could ask what he needed, he began to speak.
"Why did you let me join LME? After everything I've done, you could've just refused and forced me to return back to my parents. You could've said you finally got your revenge. So, why?"
Kyoko glanced down. She hadn't really thought he would ask. She hadn't thought the reason would matter to him. She looked back up and met Sho's eyes.
"I almost said no. A part of me wanted to just refuse and let you have failed. But one thing stopped me."
Sho raised an eyebrow. "And what's that?"
Kyoko gave a small smile. "I realized you needed the LoveMe section more than I ever did. Not for your career but for you as a person," She paused as if unsure about continuing.
"I've found my happiness. I learned to get passed my hate and desire for revenge. How terrible of a person would I be if I didn't want you to have happiness too?"
Kyoko didn't expect what Sho did next. She hadn't expected her former childhood friend and rival to suddenly envelop her in a hug that years ago would've made her melt on the spot. But now it was warm and friendly, and she had a feeling they had moved past all of their previous issues.
When he released her he was blushing. "Sorry," He muttered. He scratched the back of his head before hurrying back to the LoveMe section.
Kyoko laughed to herself as she turned the corner to head to the front to meet Ren. Instead she ran straight into him. She looked up and saw that Ren was the person she had bumped into and immediately worried if he had seen the hug. But to her surprise he didn't look the least bit angry.
He smiled at her. "Ready to go home?" He asked.
Kyoko gave a confused look but nodded. Maybe he didn't see…
"I wasn't there to spy on you. I just came to pick you up but I stopped because I know he won't talk to you sincerely if I'm there." He explained.
"But that means you saw-"
Ren nodded. "But that's not important. I trust you. And I know you'll come to me if you do need help. Until then, I won't do anything that'll hurt you."
Kyoko felt her eyes water with happiness at his actions. He really does trust me now. She smiled, forcing back her tears.
As they continued walking, Kyoko began to talk. She thanked Ren for introducing her to the Producers for their new drama.
"Do you know anyone else who's been cast in it?" She asked as they climbed into the car.
Ren shook his head then paused. "Well, there are rumors of one person but nothings set in stone yet."
Kyoko nodded and Ren pulled away from the agency. Things felt like they were finally settling down in her life. She and Ren were finally happy and able to trust each other completely.
She smiled as she glanced over at Ren. It had taken a long time to pick up all the pieces of their broken lives but it seemed they had finally managed to put them all back together.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed this! All that's left is the epilogue which I'll be posting in a few days along with a preview for the next section of the series! Thank you for sticking with me through it all!