Hi everyone! I'm so sorry for the later than usual update. School just started again, so things have been a little crazy. Nevertheless, I hope you enjoy this installment! I look forward to reading your reviews, as always!

Disclaimer: I do not own Skip Beat or any of its characters.

"Um, hello…"

"Good morning, Mogami-san. How are you today?"

"G-g-good. How are you…?"

"Sebastian," he said with a graceful bow of his head, the multi-colored feathers on his hat brushing the wooden floor. "President Lory sent me to drive you to LME. Do you require more time to get ready?"

Kyoko vigorously shook her head and opened the front door wider. "No, no! I just need to grab my bag. Please come in, Sebastian-san."

"Thank you, Mogami-san." He took one step through the archway and remained there, his hands linked behind his back and his spine ram-rod straight. Kyoko had always thought she was proper, but this man made her look like a wet noodle in comparison. She had never met anyone so regal in her life. Although his petticoat and hat were outrageous, the Victorian outfit looked good on him. He was the type of man who could pull it off with his integrity intact.

Realizing she was still gaping at her bizarre guest, she immediately bowed her head in embarrassment and dashed back into her bedroom. She grabbed the note off of her bedside drawer and gave it a quick read through:

Good morning, Sho-chan!

I'm sorry I wasn't able to wake you up today, but I figured you would want to sleep in since you had a tough day yesterday. Breakfast is all ready on the table so eat whatever you like and don't worry about the dishes. I'll get to them when I get back. Have a good day recording!

-Kyoko

Pleased, she went into the kitchen and taped the note onto the fridge. Kyoko glanced down the hallway and felt her stomach twist with discomfort at the sight of his bedroom door. She knew she should tell him what she was doing, but a part of her also knew that he wasn't going to approve. Sho would most likely say she should spend at least another week resting, but Kyoko felt restless. She needed to do something—anything. And after that enigmatic conversation with President Lory, the curiosity was growing so thick in her throat she felt like she was going to choke. She needed answers.

So with her lips pressed together with determination, she hooked her purse over her shoulder and met Sebastian at the door. He led her to the elevator, pushed the button for the lobby, and made his way outside. Kyoko's eyes grew with astonishment at the long, bright limo waiting for them. It looked like a golden brick. If it wasn't for the black wheels, Kyoko would have never thought this was a car. But upon seeing Sebastian holding the door open for her, she quickly made her way to the rear of the vehicle and lowered herself inside.

The interior was just as flashy, with black leather seats that stretched the whole length of the car, colorful lights upon the ceiling, and silver, sleek appliances strewn about. Sebastian gently closed the door behind her and took his place in front with the driver, leaving Kyoko to her own thoughts as she gazed out the tinted window.

She held her hands together in her lap, squeezing until she lost all the feeling in her fingers. Kyoko had no idea what to expect when she arrived. Were people going to bombard her with questions? Were reporters already waiting for her outside of the building? How was she going to explain that she had no recollection of being an actress or famous? Not to mention, she didn't even know how to act. How does a famous actress carry herself? What does a famous actress do? What does a famous actress say?

Kyoko glanced down at her attire, hoping that the red blouse, black pencil skirt, and sensible black kitten heels would at least make her look the part. The outfit was certainly more form-fitting than what she was used to, but it was elegant and simple enough for her to blend in. Kyoko grimaced. If she knew anything about entertainers, she was sure that the latter part was what a famous actress SHOULDN'T do. And yet, she couldn't deny her fervent wish to just curl into a tiny ball and forget about the world around her and how messed up everything was.

She dropped her head into the palm of her hands. "Why me? Why is it always me?"

"Mogami-san?"

Kyoko jumped, swiveling her head towards the voice coming from the roof. "Yes?"

"We've arrived."

Already?

"Yes."

Blinking in surprise at his response, Kyoko smiled sheepishly and gave a nod. "Thank you, Sebastian-san."

But just when she was about to reach for the handle, his voice pulled her to a halt. "I'll get the door, Mogami-san. I just need to check if the coast is clear first."

"What do you mean?"

"There may be reporters waiting."

And just like that, anxiety surged up her throat. Kyoko nodded without a word, sitting back against the leather seat and begging her erratic heart to slow. She could do this. She could do this. She just had to act. She just had to make it seem like she wasn't nervous out of her mind or that she felt like she was about to hurl the tiny bit of breakfast she had eaten. She was an actress…or at least she could pretend she was one.

A tiny click pulled her attention to the door and she watched it swing open with wide eyes. Sebastian's well-tanned hand was held out towards her. Tentatively, she accepted his help and was gently pulled to her feet.

The silver building loomed over her, obscuring the sun's warm rays. LME was exactly like she had pictured: grand, sparkling, and so completely out of her league that she wanted to turn tail and run. How was it that she belonged to a place like this? This was where famous celebrities congregated. This was where actors and actresses had started their mind-blowing careers. This was where fans desperately tried to sneak in just to steal a quick peek of the men and women they had looked up to all of their lives. And she was a part of this? No way.

"It would be best if we hurry inside, Mogami-san," Sebastian informed with a gesture of his hand.

Obediently, she followed him through the double glass doors and stepped inside the cool lobby. Kyoko thought she would come face-to-face with famous people immediately, but not a single face was familiar. In fact, there was barely anyone around.

So far so good.

Beside her, Sebastian took out a sleek black cell phone and pressed a button before holding it to his ear. "Good morning, Kotonami-san," he said with a tip of his head. "We're arrived."

"I know."

Kyoko turned to the female voice and saw a tall, beautiful woman walking towards her. She wore dark fitted jeans, a tailored white blazer that cinched at her slim waist, and a pair of sleek red heels. Her long jet-black hair was swept over one shoulder, exposing the smooth curve of her pale neck. When she was about a foot away, Kyoko politely bowed her head and murmured, "Hello, my name is—"

"I know who you are."

Kyoko raised her head, feeling the air around her chill. Then remembering the disaster that had happened the last time they met, she bowed her head again and said, "I'm truly sorry about that day at the hos—"

She turned to Sebastian. "Did you call him?"

"I informed him in the car."

"And this is all I'm supposed to do?"

Sebastian nodded.

She sighed heavily and ran a delicate hand down her face. "This is idiotic."

"I'm sorry for the trouble I'm causing," Kyoko began in earnest. "If I'm in the way, I can certainly find my way around—"

"How?"

Kyoko stopped. "Huh?"

The woman turned to her with cold eyes. "How do you expect to find your way around here? Did you get your memories back?"

"N-n-no, I didn't—"

"Then don't offer to do something you obviously can't."

Kyoko lowered her head, feeling humiliation creep to her cheeks. "I'm sor—"

"Save it. Let's just get this over with." Then without another word, she gracefully turned around and walked towards the rows of elevators.

If there was any time Kyoko wanted to sink into the floor and disappear forever, this was it. In two minutes flat, this woman was able to break the tiny bit of confidence she had. Her words were so curt and sharp that Kyoko had barely time to register them before they tore into her. But picking up her heavy-leaden feet, she silently followed after her anyway, unable to keep her eyes off the floor.

This was the person President Lory said would want to help her? He had to be kidding.

She looked like she was more likely to push her off the edge of a cliff than help. Kyoko could already feel the hair on the back of her neck rise in fear when she stepped beside her inside the tiny elevator. The air was thick with tension and waves of animosity radiated off of her like heat.

How could someone so beautiful be so cold? She looked like a princess reincarnated with porcelain skin and dark red lips. In all the stories Kyoko had ever read, princesses were always as beautiful on the inside as they were on the outside.

Maybe she's an angry princess.

"I'm a what?"

Kyoko looked up in horror and slapped a hand over her mouth. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean that. I've been having this weird habit of speaking my thoughts out loud and I—"

She held up a hand. "Stop. I don't care."

Kyoko glanced down at her feet. "Sorry."

"Is that all you do? Apologize?"

"I know I'm frustrating you—"

"You have no idea," she growled.

"—but if this is about how I acted at the hospital—"

"Stop bringing that up."

"I'm just trying to make amends—"

"Did I say you should?"

"But President Lory said we were friends—"

"Is that what he told you?"

"Well, more like he said you would help me—"

"And why would I do that?"

Kyoko blinked in surprise. "Isn't that why you're here?" she asked.

"President Lory is my boss. I don't really have much of a choice when it comes to him."

"So…we're not friends?"

Her body stilled.

All of the air was suddenly sucked out of the tiny space. Everything froze in place as Kyoko watched her slender shoulders stiffen. Words of apology were lodged in the middle of her throat. She could barely utter a sound.

But the young woman didn't turn to look at her. Instead, she tightened her already clenched jaw and murmured, "No, we're not."

On cue, the double doors silently slid open, filling the room with fresh air again. She smoothly stepped out without another word, leaving Kyoko trailing behind her on wobbly knees. Nothing else was exchanged between the two. Kyoko didn't dare to speak another word. It was clear that this woman did not like her and she was too much of a coward to figure out why. Her nerves were stretched thin enough. Any more of this and she was sure to snap in two.

Tearing her eyes away from her back, Kyoko looked around the hallway. White walls surrounded her on both sides with a silver door appearing every few feet. It was completely deserted. Not a soul in sight. Curious and slightly apprehensive as to where she was taking her, Kyoko picked up her pace until they walked side by side.

She cleared her throat. "Where are we going?"

"Your dressing room."

Kyoko's eyes widened, but she didn't provide any other response. She was too stunned to make a sound.

My dressing room? Here?

They walked farther down the hall until the spaces between the rooms got larger and larger, until it was only after some time before another door was seen. Finally, she stopped at a door on the right. She stepped aside for Kyoko to read her name engraved in the middle of a golden, metallic star.

"This…this is mine?"

She didn't reply.

"Can I go in?"

"No, we're just going to stand out here and stare at the door all day."

Kyoko bowed her head. "Sorry."

"Just open it."

Giving the silver handle a turn, Kyoko carefully pushed the door open to reveal a spacious room that would have fulfilled every person's dream. The room was divided into specific compartments, one with a sitting area that had black velvet couches, a cream colored coffee table, and a flat television screen hanging on the wall. The other consisted of a wall lined with tall mirrors in front of a circular stage that was lit up with white lights hanging from above. Then on the farthest wall were racks after racks of clothing, organized into dresses, shirts, pants, shoes, purses, and so much more that Kyoko had never realized there were so many different types of apparel in the world.

She stumbled in further to find the room decorated with framed pictures of herself on the red carpet, accepting awards, hugging other celebrities she remembered watching in theaters, and posters of movies she had starred in herself. This was her life. This was the world she had been living in for the last five years and she didn't remember a wink of it.

Forgetting that her guest was watching her every move, she walked towards the vanity table near the stage and ran her fingers over the smooth wood, the velvet-cushioned chair, and the many make-up cases, perfumes, brushes, and creams that were laid all over the table top. Kyoko wanted to cry at the sight of it. It was exactly what she had wanted since she could remember: a chance to be the girl she never thought she could be.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

Kyoko turned around to see her guide reaching into her jacket pocket and bringing the phone to her ear.

"Yes? I see…Give me a minute." She looked up and met Kyoko's curious gaze. "I'll be back. Stay here." And without waiting for her response, she walked out.

Kyoko let out a deep breath she didn't even know she was holding, but the instant relief of not having an audience was obvious. So feeling like she had been released from her chains, Kyoko moved about the room with greater ease. She picked up a few garments, holding it up to her body and thinking they probably looked better on the hanger than on her. She wanted to step onto the stage, but shyness got the best of her. So instead, she walked towards the sitting area and picked up a book called Tips on How to Keep Your Audience Invested.

"Huh, I guess acting is more than just…acting," she mumbled under her breath. Kyoko placed the book back onto the table and walked around the couch towards the opposite wall. She slowly made her way down the row of framed pictures that captured her smiling, laughing, making a funny face with her friends, talking to reporters, and—

She stopped.

If Kyoko hadn't been walking so slowly, she would have completely missed it. But now that she had seen it, she couldn't stop staring. It was her at a premiere, wearing a white, chiffon ball-gown that touched the floor and her normally frazzled hair was curled into soft waves. But it wasn't the sight of herself that had caught her attention. It was the man standing beside her with his arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her tight to his side. They were laughing with such merriment that even Kyoko had to crack a smile.

She knew that face. She knew this man.

Tsuruga Ren…

Kyoko hadn't thought much about him since the time she met him at the hospital, but upon seeing this picture, she now understood that they did indeed know each other—maybe even better than she had previously thought. How else could she look so relaxed and happy standing beside him?

Of course, present-day Kyoko didn't understand how that could possibly be. Tsuruga Ren was Sho's number one rival, his arch nemesis. So the fact that Kyoko seemed to be on good terms with the actor was absolutely mind-boggling and even a slight testament to her betrayal of the musician she loved. Still, even as she stared at their faces, Kyoko had to admit that he didn't look anything like the bad guy she believed him to be.

In fact, if she thought about it correctly, he was quite kind, recalling the comforting embrace he had given her when she panicked. The gentle timbre of his voice was so soothing that it had relaxed her in an instant. Kyoko felt the heat rush to her cheeks as she thought back to how she shamelessly clung to him, as if she had every right to do so.

Unable to stare at his handsome face much longer, Kyoko quickly turned her back to the picture and was about to step away when she stopped right in her tracks.

He was standing at her door.

Tsuruga Ren was standing at her door.

And he was looking straight at her.

Besides the fact that he looked like he had just walked out of a photo-shoot, wearing a gorgeous black suit, but he was gazing at her as if he couldn't believe his eyes. The surprise was so evident in his expression that Kyoko couldn't find the will to say anything. The room grew so still that any slight movement was going to break the taut tension that was holding everything in its place.

She swallowed the thick knot in her throat as his eyes locked with hers. "H-h-hello."

He didn't reply.

Kyoko nibbled on her lower lip, unsure of what to do. "My name is Mogami Kyoko," she tried again. "We met at the hospital?"

…

"Do you not remember?"

"I remember."

Kyoko's eyes widened as she felt her heart jump in her chest. What the…?

"I remember," he murmured again in the same deep voice, breaking eye-contact. "How are you feeling?"

"F-f-fine, thank you."

"Good." Then just like that, he turned around.

"Wait!"

He looked back at her.

"Um…I just wanted to thank you…for being there at the hospital. You really…" She smiled shyly. "Thank you."

"It's alright. I'm glad I was able to help." And with a slight nod of his head, he turned away and—

"So how's work?"

He turned to face her.

Kyoko didn't know why she couldn't stop talking. It was clear that he wanted to go, but she couldn't watch him leave. So instead, she stepped forward and said, "I mean, you seem to be here early."

"I wanted to stop by my dressing room and have a quick change."

"Your dressing room is—here?"

He nodded. "It's right across from yours."

Kyoko looked out the door as if she could see it, but all she could see was his tall, broad frame that took up the entire archway. They had a good 20 feet of space between them, but even from far away Kyoko could tell that she only measured up to his shoulder. He was much taller than the average man, but he stood with such grace, even when casually leaning against the door frame. She couldn't stop staring.

"Are you working?" he asked.

Relieved that he finally initiated a question, she nodded eagerly, but then realizing her mistake, shook her head and said, "No, not really. I'm just having a tour of the building."

"Who's giving you the tour?"

"I am." With her red heels clicking against the floor, she walked up to him from down the hall and stood before him with her hands upon her hips. "Did you really have to ask?"

He faced her and gave her a small smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "True, I shouldn't have." Then after throwing one last glance over his shoulder, he turned back to her and murmured, "I should go."

But just as soon as he took a step, she asked: "You're really going to do this?"

He stopped.

"You're just going to walk?"

"Kotonami-san—"

"I know your reasons," she cut in, giving her back to Kyoko. "I know how you feel. But this is wrong and you know it."

He didn't answer her question. He didn't say a word. Instead, he looked over his shoulder again and stared back at the girl standing inside the room.

She felt her breath catch. Her heart pounded within her chest and her stomach tightened with anticipation.

But he didn't do anything. He didn't say anything to her. Not even a flicker of emotion crossed his face. Instead, he just walked away without another look back.

Disappointment flooded her veins. Kyoko was hoping he would say something—anything. But at the same time, why would he? Who was she for him to treat on such friendly terms? He probably thought she was a nuisance, babbling away without any purpose whatsoever.

When Kyoko looked up, she saw her still standing at the doorway, her hands clenched into tight fists at her sides. She lowered her head and gave it a little shake. Then in a voice so low, she whispered, "You coward."

Kyoko's eyes widened. The pain was so raw that it hurt just from listening to it. Slowly, Kyoko took a step forward and murmured, "Kotonami-san?"

"Don't…call me that."

She faltered.

"Don't ever call me that again."

Then without another word, she slammed the heavy door behind her.