Hello wonderful readers!
And so I now present to you the last chapter of my story submission to the Hikaru challenge! A big thanks to the users who were willing to give a non Kyoko/Ren pairing a chance and read my little story:)
I would also like to thank the users who took the time to review my story, reviews make me smile:) I always love hearing what people think of my stories.
I have to admit that I quite enjoyed going through these chapters and fixing them up before posting them, ever since bridge rock came into the manga and it became clear that Hikaru had a crush on Kyoko I've been hoping that Hikaru will get a chance at the girl.
My personal wish is that Hikaru and Kyoko start dating for a small time, giving Kyoko a chance to realize that being in a relationship with a guy doesn't have to be a scary thing. Eventually I see Hikaru realizing that Kyoko and his relationship is better off as just friends and her agreeing before eventually moving into a relationship with Ren.
I think that not only would this serve as a wake up call to Ren to get his butt in gear and confess to Kyoko but it will allow her a relationship that wasn't stressful in the begining and will make her more confident going into a relationship with someone like Ren that has a lot of baggage. Sometimes I see Kyoko behaving a bit like a doormat with Ren which isn't a heathy thing in a romantic relationship so being with someone as kind as Hikaru will allow her to realize that she has every right to stand her ground in something she wants.
Haha, just my own personal hope:)
Anyway, hopefully you enjoyed the story thus far and I'm really excited to present to you the last chapter of the story. This one didn't take to many fixes to become presentable which made me happy and I think it will make some of you fluff lovers smile:)
Disclaimer:
I don't own Skip Beat.
A Second Glance
Kanae and Kyoko were sitting together on the back porch overlooking the beach reading when Yashiro walked over.
"Kanae-San, Kyoko-chan." He greeted pleasantly.
Kyoko smiled and greeted Yashiro while Kanae just stared at him.
"Kanae, would you be willing to take a walk with me?"
Kanae blinked.
"A walk?"
Yashiro smirked slightly.
"Yes. You know, that think where you use your legs to transport you from one place to another."
Kanae growled and threw a pillow at him which he merely leaned to the side with a laugh and watched as the pillow flew past his head and landed on the sand a few feet behind him.
"Your a jerk." Kanae growled.
"I know. So will you take a walk?"
Kanae put the book aside and stood abruptly before stalking down the stairs past him making Yashiro blink.
"Well are you coming glasses? You were the one that invited me."
Yashiro's eyes widened before he grinned widely and hurried after Kanae.
Kyoko was smiling as she watched them walk away. She couldn't wait to hear about this walk.
"There she is! Hey Kyoko-chan!"
Kyoko turned and shrieked as she turned to see Yuusei's face mere inches from her own with his cheeks puffed up like a puffer fish and his eyes crossed. She fell back off the chair, landing on the deck with a thump as Yuusei dissolved into laughter.
"That was hilarious!"
Hikaru and Shinichi rounded the corner to see Kyoko splayed on the deck and they both turned to Yuusei, their hands making connection with the back of his head at the same time.
"Idiot." Shinichi muttered.
Hikaru stepped around his friend and offered a hand that Kyoko accepted. As soon as Kyoko was standing he turned to Yuusei.
"Such a brat, scaring a lady on purpose."
Kyoko opened her mouth to counter his statement but Hikaru spoke before she could.
"Anyway, we came out here to ask if you wanted to join us. We were planning to use the two Sea-Doo's in the equipment shed attached to our villa."
Kyoko was about to say yes before hesitating.
"I'd like to but I've never ridden on one of those before." Kyoko admitted.
"No worries. Hikaru's awesome on one of these things so you'll just ride with him! Shinichi and I will do awesome and crazy tricks together on the other one. You'll be perfectly safe with Hikaru."
The three guys fixed her with identical hopeful expressions and Kyoko caved.
"All right. Just let me change into my swimsuit."
The boys all cheered and Kyoko ran to change before meeting them on the porch. She helped them take the Sea-Doo's down to the ocean and watched as the guys got them set up.
Yuusei hopped on to one with Shinichi behind him and they grinned as they revved the engine.
"Hop on!" Hikaru grinned as he offered a hand.
Kyoko hesitantly placed her own hand in his and swung on behind him. She placed her hands on his back with a tiny blush, making sure to keep a inch of space between them.
"Ready?"
"YesAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Kyoko's agreement faded into a shriek as Hikaru sped out of the shallows into the deeper water.
Her plans of keeping minimal contact with Hikaru were thrown to the wind as she found herself plastered to his back with her arms wrapped as tight as she could around his waist.
She heard Hikaru laugh and slow in the water, allowing Kyoko to recover.
"You okay?"
Kyoko took a shaking breath before responding.
"Yeah. Just wasn't expecting it to be like that."
Hikaru chuckled.
"How about this. I'll go slow and once your comfortable we can try faster speeds. If in the next fifteen/twenty minutes you still aren't enjoying yourself we can go back to the beach and we can hang out in the water there. I'll teach you how to body surf or something. Sound good?"
Kyoko nodded.
"Yeah."
Hikaru slowly started up again and eventually Kyoko was able to relax.
"You can go faster now!" She called.
Hikaru nodded before the Sea-Doo shot forward. Kyoko who was expecting the burst of speed this time couldn't help a delighted giggle.
Soon her and Hikaru's cheers and whoops filled the air, mixing with the shouts and laughter coming from the Sea-Doo that Yuusei and Shinichi were on.
Two and half hours later the four returned to the beach, tired but grinning from ear to ear.
Once they had put everything away and changed into shorts and tee's they all headed down to the food hut near the pool. They ordered a massive plate of fries for everyone to share and a milkshake each before settling down at a table.
They ate and chatted about random things. Then as Yuusei and Shinichi engaged in a conversation about some girl Hikaru turned to Kyoko.
"Have you ever tried dipping your fries into your milkshake?"
Kyoko made a face.
"Gross! No way!"
Hikaru laughed.
"Actually it's really good. Try it!" He said.
She shook her head and he rolled his eyes with a goodnatured grin before picking up a fry and dipping it in his vanilla milkshake and holding it out for her to grab and try. She shook her head and he smirked before holding it to her mouth.
"Come on, try it."
Kyoko gave him a look and he prodded her tightly closed lips with the fry.
"If you try this I'll try whatever food you want me to try outside of bugs."
Kyoko studied him.
"Promise?"
He smiled.
"Promise."
With one more disbelieving look she opened her mouth and allowed Hikaru to drop the fry and ice cream in. She chewed hesitantly, fully expecting to hate it.
"Oh my god this tastes amazing!" She gasped.
Hikaru grinned and pumped one fist in the air.
"Beat that!"
Kyoko swallowed and grabbed another fry before turning to her milkshake.
"I shall never doubt you again."
The next day everyone piled back onto the cruise ship for the return voyage. Kanae and Kyoko made sure that their suitcases were settled in their room before heading up to the top to meet with everyone for lunch.
The day passed with laughter and jokes as everyone sat around talking about the cool things that happened on the trip. Kyoko went out of her way to avoid making eye contact with Ren and instead focused on everyone else.
Which is probably why she was the first to notice that Yashiro and Kanae were holding hands.
Upon pointing that out with a shriek and a smile the table then turned to focus on the couple.
After conversation started to dwindle everyone ended up retreating to their cabins and a unanimous decision to have dinner at everyone's leisure instead of doing it as a group was made.
Kyoko personally retreated to her own cabin with a grin and Kanae and Yashiro left the table together to go for a walk or something of the like.
Kyoko read and listened to music for a couple of hours before deciding to take a walk on the top deck that was quiet with few passengers. She stood at the helm with a soft smile as she watched the ocean peacefully. It took some time before she registered that she was shivering.
She stayed for a few moments longer before preparing to pull herself away from the beautiful sight of the ocean and return to her warm cabin. Just as she was about to turn away and head in when a soft and warm coat was unexpectedly draped around her shoulders.
Kyoko turned in surprise to see Hikaru step up to stand next to her.
"Hikaru-kun?"
"Seems we have the same idea. I had come up here to enjoy the peace and quiet."
Kyoko nodded before turning back towards the ocean. They stood together in a companionable silence when suddenly Hikaru spoke.
"Kyoko-chan?"
She tore her eyes away and turned to face Hikaru only to breath in sharply when she found herself face to face with the young idol.
"Y-yes?"
"I'm quite glad that we got to spend more time together during the cruise. I really enjoy hanging out with you. If your willing I would love to perhaps do things together even once we get back."
Kyoko nodded eagerly.
"I would love hanging out with you. Oh and Shinichi-kun and Yuusei-kun!" She added hastily with a blush.
Kyoko was so focused on her slip that she missed the delighted smile that flickered across Hikaru's face.
"I'm glad."
They stood together for a bit longer before Hikaru turned to Kyoko.
"Why don't we head downstairs, maybe get a warm drink or something."
Kyoko nodded and Hikaru started walking with Kyoko behind him. Suddenly the ship shifted odd under her feet and Kyoko found herself losing her balance.
She let out a squeak and Hikaru turned just in time to catch her as she fell into him. He took a half step backwards to keep the, both upright and Kyoko instinctively gripped his shirt to balance herself.
As soon as they were steady Kyoko looked up onto to find herself practically nose to nose with Hikaru.
Her face flushed and she went to step back only to find that Hikaru had wrapped his arms around her back.
And he wasn't letting go.
H-Hikaru-kun?"
Said male didn't speak but the fading light caught his eyes and Kyoko swallowed hard as she caught sight of a glint in his eyes that made her even more aware of the fact that Hikaru was most definitely male.
"Kyoko."
His voice was both husky and amused and Kyoko definitely didn't miss the lack of honorific.
"Uh..."
He smiled slightly and while keeping one arm wrapped securely around her waist he reached up and brushed her bangs from her eyes.
Kyoko stared up at him with unblinking eyes. He simply gave a huff of amusement before his hand trailed down her face to her neck and slipped behind her head to cradle it.
With a soft smile he lowered his head and gently brushed his lips across her own. Kyoko's eyes widened and he pulled back to give her a searching look. Unable to speak at the moment she simply blinked at him as her whole face flushed in embarrassment.
He seemed to be able to see that Kyoko was not angry or upset by his actions and so leaned back down to press his lip against hers more firmly. Kyoko was frozen for a moment before Hikaru shifted his mouth over her's and coaxed her into responding.
She gave a soft sigh before allowing her eyes to slip shut as she leaned into him, tilting her head as she responded hesitantly to the kiss. Hikaru finally pulled back and Kyoko slowly opened her eyes.
Looking up at his sparking brown eyes effectively snapped her out her daze and she went to leap back and flee from Hikaru, but he predicted her response and stopped her.
"Please don't. You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that, please don't just run away and leave me standing here." He whispered.
Kyoko froze as her eyes searched his face. Hikaru bit his lip before sighing.
"Kyoko, I really, really like you. I have for a very long time. I've clearly crossed a line that has made it so that things will never be the same again so I'm going to take one more risk. Will you be my girlfriend?"
Kyoko blinked.
"Like in a romantic relationship?"
"Yes."
"But I'm boring and plain with no sex appeal! Why would you want me?!"
Hikaru stared at her incredulously.
"What are you talking about? Your beautiful! I've thought that since I met you and the others agreed with me. What makes you even more attentive is that you aren't hung up on your looks and your so open and friendly. You practically glow when you've got that smile on your face."
"You-you think I'm beautiful?"
"Yes! Hasn't anyone told you that before?"
Kyoko glanced away uncomfortably
"Well, when I'm in character they have. But I didn't think I was pretty when I'm dressed like normal."
Hikaru shook his head and leaned his forehead down against hers.
"Well let me be the first to tell you that no matter what character your playing and what clothing your wearing your beautiful."
Kyoko relaxed slightly as she met Hikaru's earnest gaze and saw the honesty in his face.
"So I'll ask you again. Will you be my girlfriend?"
Kyoko bit her lip shyly and flushed.
"...yeah."
Hikaru grinned and wrapped his arms more securely around her, pulling her to his chest. Kyoko rested her head on his collarbone and relaxed against him with a soft smile.
Eventually they moved apart and Hikaru reached down, grasping her hand in his own and weaving his fingers through her's.
"Let's go inside. It's getting cold."
Kyoko nodded and together they walked to the stairs that led to the deck below. As she glanced sideways as Hikaru Kyoko felt her heart lift.
She didn't love him yet, but she did like him. Being around him made her feel safe and valued as a person, even with her mistakes and flaws. If this was what love would feel like Kyoko wasn't so scared of it anymore.
Ren strolled down the hall towards where the two private rcabins belonging to the two love me members and the Ishibashi boys were located.
He had left the situation for a day but now it was time to calm himself down and talk to Kyoko. He wouldn't bring up what had happened and he was sure that she had forgotten about it already but he did want to ask her about a upcoming acting job she had mentioned before the cruise.
He was pulled from his thoughts when he heard Kyoko's voice. He smiled slightly, this was perfect since he wouldn't have to get through Kanae to talk to Kyoko.
Then he heard a male voice and stiffened, looking around the corner to see Hikaru and Kyoko walking together.
"...thank you." As they got closer the only thing Ren understood was her thanking the star with her.
"You don't need to thank me Kyoko. I was simply telling the truth. I know you don't really believe me right now but hopefully one day you'll be able to."
Kyoko gave a shy nod and Hikaru smiled.
"We should probably get to bed since tomorrow is the last day on the ship before we arrive and disembark so the president probably has all sorts of crazy activities planned for us."
"Yeah, knowing president Lory that's true. Goodnight Hikaru."
Ren flinched at the lack of honorific. He had a bad feeling about what was going on here and he hoped desperately that he was wrong.
"Goodnight Kyoko.' Hikaru said with a soft smile before giving her a chaste kiss that Kyoko shyly responded to.
Ren stared at them in horror as anger welled up in him.
"What is going on here?" He growled as he stepped into the hall.
Both Hikaru and Kyoko spun to face him, Kyoko's face going pale upon seeing Ren. He expected her to go into her typical apology at being caught by him. He however didn't expect Hikaru to turn away from Ren to face Kyoko.
"I'll take care of this. You go ahead and head to bed."
Kyoko looked back to Ren who crossed his arms and raised a brow. He knew she wouldn't let Hikaru take care if this since she always wanted to take care of her own situations.
If she dismissed Hikaru and followed Ren to somewhere they could talk it would give Ren the chance to smooth over what had happened at the resort as well as convince her that dating Hikaru right now would be a bad idea since it would take her attention off her career. Convincing her not to date Hikaru would by him some more time to confess. Then Kyoko nodded and his stomach bottomed out.
"Alright. Thank you Hikaru, goodnight." Kyoko said softly, releasing his hand which Ren had not noticed her holding before slipping into her room without a backwards glance, the door clicking shut behind her.
Then Hikaru turned to face Ren, the older males smile long gone as he walked towards Ren and then passed him.
"Let's go."
Ren turned and fell into step next to Hikaru, his hands clenching and unclenching as they walked. Once they were out of earshot of either the Ishibashi boys or the two LoveMe girls Hikaru turned to Ren who was glaring at the bridge rock host.
"Let me guess, your going to tell me that she belongs to you now." Ren said is a slightly mocking tone.
Hikaru gave a harsh bark of laughter.
"Kyoko is not a fire hydrant Tsuruga-kun. I will not claim her as if I'm a dog marking my territory. Kyoko belongs to herself, no on else."
Ren bristled at the honorific that the older male had applied to his name.
"However, I will say one thing. Kyoko does not belong to me, but she is my girlfriend now and you no longer have the right to flirt with her. I will not ask her to distance herself from you since she respects and admires you very much however she is off limits now, which means that I had better not find out at you've been making moves on her or abusing your Sempi status in her life to manipulate her into breaking up with me because you've told her that dating me makes her less serious about her career."
Ren gaped at Hikaru who continued on.
"What her mother and Sho have done to her has made her feel worthless about herself and it's going to take me a very long time to reverse the effects that their words had on her. Because of your jealousy and the things you have said to keep her away from other males you have only made it worse and I will not allow you to hurt her because your angry about us dating."
"I haven't done anything."
"Funny, from what she told me when Sho and Beagle harassed her you were more worried about how that would effect your chances at her heart then you were about the effect it would have on her."
Neither males noticed that the door to Lory's cabin had been open for the entire conversation and both Yashiro and Lory were staring open mouthed as they listened to Hikaru and Ren.
"I was worried about her." Ren spat through gritted teeth. How dare this guy judge him!
"Clearly not enough to put her above your own petty jealousy. I will only warn you once, you continue treating my girlfriend the way you have been and I will go to President Lory. Understand?"
Without waiting for a response Hikaru turned and exited the hall.
Ren stood frozen facing the direction that Hikaru had just left as his mind raced. He clenched his jaw as he thought about just sitting by and watching Hikaru steal Kyoko right out from under him.
He stood in silence for a few moments before hearing a clearing fit he throat from behind him. Ren turned to see Lory and Yashiro watching in silence.
"Ren." Lory said quietly.
Ren met his gaze and flinched away from the solemn look.
"You support their relationship." Ren whispered.
"It's over Ren. Kyoko is off limits now."
The sun was shining brightly as the members of LME disembarked from the cruise ship. Once everyone was off the ship they gathered near the two limo's. One for taking the Ishibashi boys, Kyoko and Kanae home and the other to take Ren, Yashiro and Lory to the LME building.
As the Ishibashi's climbed into one of the limo's Kyoko went to follow but was stopped by a large hand that was gently set on her shoulder.
She turned to see Ren looking at her with a serious expression.
"Before you head out...I wanted to apologize for my reaction with Sho. I was way out of line and I'm sorry."
Kyoko felt her eyes widen in surprise. Her mentor was apologizing to her?!
"It's alright Tsuruga-san!"
Ren smiled slightly.
"No, it isn't. But thank you for saying that."
Kyoko nodded and turned away to go back to the limo.
"Oh and Mogami-san?"
Kyoko looked over her shoulder to see Ren smiling almost sadly at her.
"You've found a good man in Hikaru-san. As your mentor and friend I approve."
Kyoko broke into a wide grin.
"Thank you Tsuruga-san!"
Ren nodded to her and Kyoko climbed in, settling down next to Hikaru. As the door closed behind her she heard Ren talking to Lory.
"Say president, about that movie offer from the producer in the USA..."
Once the door was closed and the driver had climbed back in the limo pulled away from the curb. Kanae, Yuusei and Shinichi were all talking about a new album that had been released by some K-pop band but Hikaru was watching her.
"Is everything okay?"
Kyoko beamed at him.
"Everything's great. He not only apologized to me about what happened on the beach but he also told me that thought you were a good guy and he approved. I was very worried he would think I wasn't dedicated to being a actress because I have a boyfriend."
Hikaru seemed surprised to hear what Ren had said but then he broke into a bright smile and wrapped one arm around her shoulders, pulling her into his side and kissing her temple.
"I'm not the best looking guy or the most famous guy but I'm seriously glad that you spared me a second glance."
Kyoko rested her head on Hikaru's shoulder with a happy smile.
"So am I."
Owari (the end)
The story has ended, and so now fellow Skip Beat fans I, Queen-of-Ice101 challenge you. Are you brave enough to accept this challenge and put your creativity to the test?
For those of you who dare to take the Hikaru challenge please add the following tags onto whatever other tags you add:
"Hikaru Challenge"
And...
"Are you brave enough to accept the Hikaru Challenge?"
I have thrown the gauntlet! Who will pick it up?
Aaaaaaaannnnnddddd...it's over!
The Hikaru challenge story is officially over! Happy me:) I have a really bad habit of starting something and then losing inspiration and abandoning it so I'm glad I was able to finish this story.
I hope that my way of having Ren change in his interaction with Kyoko after she became Hikaru's girlfriend satisfied all of you, I wasn't fully pleased with the loose ends this left but I felt this was the most realist thing I could do with their relationship. I know of a Hikaru Challenge story that created a sequel but I won't be doing that so you lovely readers will just have to imagine what happens after this.
Anyway, in a slightly unrelated note I'm gonna throw a question out to you lovely readers regarding another Skip Beat fanfic. IF you could choose any kind of Skip Beat fanfic with any pairing in the series (aside from Yaoi/Yuri as that isn't really my thing) to read what would you want? I've decided to create a fan requested story to challenge my writing abilities a little bit by attempting to write a story according to a request so I would love to hear from you guys:)
Anyway, hope you all enjoyed the story!
So what did you think? Reviews are welcome! Flames shall be laughed at, posted for others to laugh at, and ignored as I go work on more fanfics.