Hello Everyone,
I don't own Skip Beat, Yoshiki Nakamura-sensei does, So I give her all credit for the original Story, While I own this fan-fiction – My first about Skip Beat
Chapter 12: Are they Just Friends?
(At the Karaoke)
Kanae and Chiori left the room for a short while, they came back and with them was a cake to celebrate the fact Kyoko is fully recovered. They wanted to celebrate that earlier, but they all had conflicting schedules, so today was their best opportunity to celebrate.
Everyone enjoyed the cake, and they all gave Kyoko encouraging words to keep her head high and not worry, because they will always be there for her and protect her. Kyoko was very grateful and touched by this, and she promised them that she will also be careful, so that event won't be repeated ever again.
After celebrating Kyoko, they decided to resume the Karaoke activities. Kanae and Chiori were a little disappointed that Ren didn't do anything special given the opportunity, but hoped that soon, their papers will be chosen, so Kyoko and Ren will finally sing together … wishing that it will finally make Ren and Kyoko interact closely.
Chiori asked Kyoko to pick a paper from the box, while her fingers were crossed, hoping Kyoko will pick the paper that says she has to sing with Ren, she was desperate to see what Kanae is suspicious about. Unfortunately, Kyoko didn't pick the paper Chiori hoped for and instead, it was Momose's turn to sing!
Momose, who choose a childhood favorite song of hers, which got everyone to join her by clapping .. everyone loved the song, and this somehow helped her become friends with everyone there, especially with Chiori and Kanae. After singing, she picks the next singers, who were Hiou and Kanae, again!
A little embarrassed, Hiou: I guess, we both wanted to sing with each other!
Kanae smiles and says: It was fun the first time around, let's enjoy it once more! … we won't be seeing each other for a while, so It's great we get to sing together!
Hiou smiles and agrees with her, although deep down he was down and sad, he really didn't want to be apart from her for that long.
Next turn was for Maria and Kyoko. Maria was super happy because she finally got to sing with her favorite Onee-san. Kyoko let Maria pick the next singer(s) … when she picked a paper and opened it, she laughed outload and asked: who requested this?!
Kyoko takes a peak and laughs along with Maria and answers him: it's Tsuraga-san and Yashiro-san!
Kanae smiled slyly and whispered to Hiou: it was you, wasn't' it?
Hiou nodes at her and says: they shouldn't pick a fight with me, or I will make things awkward for them, both!
Yashiro: Can we skip this turn?!
Chiori: Are you that upset with each other, that you won't sing with each other?!
Ren looks at Hiou and asks: It's you isn't it, the one who requested us to pair up?
Hiou smiles and says: who knows?!
Although it was awkward, Ren and Yashiro sang with each other …. Luckily for Ren, Yashiro was finally acting normal again, but he was unaware of what's to come!
Kanae: 8 more to go … anytime now!
Chiori: yeah … we have 2 chances of 8!
Next to go was Ren alone … he settled for a song he listened and liked a while ago … it was about growing and becoming wiser … after he was done, he picked and paper and said: Mogami-san, it's your turn to sing with your best friend, Kotonami-san!
Kyoko: Finally!
Kanae whispers to Chiori: told you so!
Chiori smiles and nodes, accepting that she may never be as close as Kanae is to Kyoko, but she is happy she's at least close friends with her … Kyoko was a great person who helped her realize a lot of things, and aided her in figuring out what she needed to do going forward.
Kanae enjoyed singing with Kyoko, they choose a song they both liked, and they sang it perfectly … after they were done, Kyoko told Kanae to pick a paper, as she really didn't mind. Kanae picked a paper while praying it would be her targets, but unfortunately for her, it said she had to sing again, and this time with Yashiro-san
Ren covered his moth while he smiled cunningly … he thought ( that's what you guys get for teasing me over and over again … perhaps this will teach you not to mess with me!
Kanae: You planned this Tsuraga-san?!
Yashiro: I can't think of anyone else who would pair us … he surely want's to punish us for teasing him in the past!
Ren: you never stopped teasing, so maybe this will be a repellent …. Enjoy!
Kyoko: When did Moko-san tease you?!
Kanae: I don't remember teasing him … he's probably just butt hurt that I'm closer to you, and I always win! … what a sore loser!
Ren: you don't remember … I see!
Kanae: Anyway … I don't mind singing … this won't affect me at all!
Yashiro: Agreed …let's enjoy this Kotonami-san … so we can send him a massage that nothing affects us!
Chiori: Yashiro-san has a serious problem with Tsuraga-san … isn't that concerning?!
Momose: Don't worry, they will get over it eventually!
Yashiro and Kanae sang a duet together, and they stared at Ren the whole time, making it look like they enjoyed singing, which was true to some extent … but they just wanted to mess with Ren even more!
Kanae told Yashiro to pick who's next, as she was the one who picked last, so he agreed and went ahead … he picked a paper and opened it … then smiled cunningly and said: looks like my prayers were finally answered!
Maria: who's going to sing?!
Ren thought to himself (and the teasing continues)
Yashiro: Ren and Kyoko-chan …. You're up!
Chiori smiles and thinks to herself (finally)
Ren gets up and takes the paper from Yashiro and says: I'm sure that's your hand writing!
With a sly smile, Yashiro sarcastically says: I'm just allowing two friends to sing together … since there is no more misunderstandings as you say … you shouldn't care what others think and enjoy your friendly singing time … with you FRIEND … Kyoko-chan
Momose: That's a lot of emphasis to the word friend!
Hiou: I guess he's hoping they would be more then that!
Maria: Hmm?! … ( she thought to herself: It's not only me who hopes Ren and Onee-san become a couple … great … the more support the better)
Ren: what do you want to sing?
Kyoko cautiously answer: I'm not sure … do you have anything in mind?
Kanae whispers to Yashiro: So you also suggested they sing together … so out of the last 4 next chances, there is 2 more!
Yashiro: So you also suggested that … who else?
Since she heard both Kanae and Yashiro talk, Chiori joins them and answers him: Me!
Ren looks through the book of songs … and says: let's look for one!
Kyoko: Yeah!
Secretly, both Ren and Kyoko were happy to get the chance to sing together … but they never imagined they would get the chance, so thinking of a good song to sing together was challenging. They both started whispering to each other as they looked through the book
Ren: Do you want to sing that song?
Kyoko: Which song?
Ren: The one we heard the other day!
Kyoko: you mean the one we sang together?
Ren: yeah … it's a song were both familiar with
Kyoko: I kind of secretly hoped to keep that one between us, so I didn't suggest it!
Ren: I'd like that … good point! …. It's a secret between you and him!
Kyoko smiles and nodes
Ren: you watched the movie called " fireworks", right?
Kyoko: yeah … I heard about it and gave it a try, the song was really catchy in the end!
Ren: Since it's a duet, let's do that one!
Kyoko: Agreed!
Ren and Kyoko choose the song and they start singing the song cheerfully
Kanae stayed close to Yashiro and Chiori, and they started whispering as they discuss the scene in front of them
Yashiro: look at them …. They are overly friendly … don't you think?
Chiori: They were whispering a moment ago … as if they were discussing something they didn't want any of us to hear!
Kanae: You're their manager, don't you know if they met in secret recently?
Yashiro: The other day, Ren told me to take the rest of the day off … he went and picked her up after she finished her pre-script run! … it was the day before Kyoko invited us to the Karaoke!
Chiori: So did something between them happened then?
Kanae: You mentioned misunderstanding and lying earlier … what is that about?
Yashiro: After our meeting with the president, we picked Kyoko up, remember?
Kanae: yeah … she wasn't being formal like she used to be
Yashiro: Exactly … they were openly flirting in the car … he complimented her, she got all shy and said he was embarrassing her … not to mention, he already heard her sing before!
Kanae: She never sang around us before … when did he get her to sing? … the pre-script day you mentioned … maybe they talked and things changed between them!
Yashiro: Ren told me the barriers between them were broken, and that a lot of the misunderstandings between them were cleared … I questioned him, and he did confess he shared some secrets with her, but he emphasized that they aren't dating
Chiori: Some secrets! … so they do have some secrets between them, that even you don't know about!
Kanae: Interesting!
Yashiro: A few things he said pointed out to me that he shared his past with her, she knew about his late friend … also … she wasn't jealous he wanted to cook for Ms. Right!
Chiori: who is that?
Kanae: do you mean Mrs. Right … as his right and future wife or partner?
Yashiro: Yeah … also … she knows how bad his cooking is!
Chiori: Tsuraga-san is a bad cook? … so he's isn't perfect after all!
Kanae: So that means he cooked for her before?!
Yashiro: I believe so! … she suggested she would teach him how to cook! … can you believe that?!
Chiori: Do you mean she suggested she could teach him, so he can cook for his future partner, maybe he shared a secret with her about the women he loves, and she's supportive of that!
Kanae: There is no way he likes another women but her … he treats her in a very special way .. even his white day gift is very personalized to her taste!
Yashiro: Wait what?!
Kanae: you didn't know about it?
Yashiro: He prepared a white gift for all the women who gave him chocolates as courtesy, but when I asked and tried to confront him about the fact he couldn't give his gift on white day, he said he didn't prepare one yet.
Kanae: Well, I guess he needed time to prepare something that special … He sent her two tickets to some fairytale princess themed event … just what she likes, am I right?
Yashiro: To send something personalized like that is solid proof that he knows her well enough .. no .. it's not about knowing her well, it's because … He is definitely head over heels in Love with her!
Chiori: I can't say your wrong about that, because I wouldn't know … but if your saying he knows her well enough because he knows about her fairytale love, doesn't say much .. even I know that she still believe Fairies are real!
Kanae: what? … Fairies aren't real … what makes you say that!
Yashiro: I actually agree with Amamiya-san … she does believe that fairies are real, she even looked around for one the other day!
Chiori: Again?!
Kanae: What do you mean by again?
Chiori: I was actually thinking that she might be the fairy, MR. D is looking for! .. the father of winners wrote in a book that he is still looking for his fairy … and from his description, I thought Kyoko fit it perfectly!
Yashiro: so you called her a fairy and she started looking around for one?
Chiori: yeah … there was a crowd of girls looking around for something, she joined them, and it turned out to be Tsuraga-san … its was around the time to film that car chasing scene, I guess she got really worried and went to meet him!
Kanae: Well, that shows how much she also cares for him and his safety … I suspect that she feels the same way about her, but ….
Yashiro: But?
Kanae: She always seemed troubled instead of happy and excited about it … it makes me think that her past with that guy ruined her hope for a future relationship … we still don't know if that promise between them still stands!
Yashiro: Promise?! … what promise?
Chiori told Yashiro about the promise, she and Kanae learned about when they helped Kyoko pack her things, before moving in with her mother
Yashiro: What?! … That insane jerk! … he's ruining everything!
Kanae: I was thinking of going to him and giving him a peice of my mind … but I'm unsure if that will bother Kyoko … and I don't want to deal with him myself anyway!
Chiori: Since he's banned from meeting her now, and her mother dealt with him, do you think it means that promise might be void now?
Kanae: That's a big possibility!
Kyoko and Ren finished singing their first song together. It was a little awkward for both of them, as they were trying to act like normal friends, but their closeness was showing, despite their efforts. Ren affection for Kyoko was clear as crystals, he treated her differently, and everyone can see that
After the song ended, Ren told Kyoko to pick who's next to sing, so she went to the box and picked a paper, opened it, and stared at it, without saying a word.
Ren: what's wrong?
Kyoko: It's us again!
Ren: I see … maybe this time it's Kotonami-san's choice of duet!
Kyoko: But this isn't her hand writing!
Ren: Then … maybe Amamiya-san?
Kyoko: That's right … I've read Amamiya-san's writing before, this is quite similar to her hand writing!
Ren: It's looks like your friends want to pair us together!
Kyoko: Seems so, but why?
Ren: Who know! … but I wonder, do you think that's a bad thing?!
Kyoko: Not really … it's just weird, because both of them aren't into getting into relationships either, so why me? … anyways … I don't know what we should sing next!
Ren: Hmm, true!
Kyoko: let's look through the option and see, we might find something
Ren smiles and nodes
They both look into the song option for a few minutes. Ren points out a song and looks at Kyoko for conformation. Kyoko agrees and they start singing the song
Kanae: Best friend, by Kana Nishino?
Yashiro: This is so frustrating, it's as if their taunting us … were best friends instead of lovers!
Chiori: This song is better between Kyoko and you, Kotonami-san … but she choose to sing it with him, which is interesting!
A little frustrated, Kanae asks: Since when did they become best Friends?!
Yashiro: Is this a clear message that they are friends … not a couple?!
Chiori: Don't worry, best Friend friendships between a male and female tend to turn in Romance in the future!, … if you're lucky!
Kanae: But this disapproves our theory of them being a couple … in secret!
Yashiro: Nothing is working with those two idiots! … if spending a night together doesn't work, nothing well!
Chiori: When did they spend a night together?!
Kanae: Are you being Serious?!
Yashiro realized that he shouldn't have said that, since it was part of the secret mission, but it was true … Ren and Kyoko spent a lot of time together, but that didn't advance their relationship into a romantic one!
Chiori: Speak up!
Yashiro felt nervous, but then remembered another time Kyoko and Ren spent together and said: I remember when Kyoko-chan met Ren at 2 am, when they were filming Dark moon, and spent the night there, but nothing significant happened then!
Chiori: you mentioned that before, if I remember correctly!
Kanae: yeah … you did mentioned that when we were discussing how Kyoko got over Mio and got help from Ren to create her own version of Natsu
Chiori: But then, considering them best friends isn't a far-fetched stretch … they are close enough to spend time together privately!
Kanae: I underestimated their relationship … she really does depend on him a lot more then I initially thought!
On the other side of the Room, surprisingly, Maria and Hiou were getting along … Maria was telling him about her plans to enter the showbiz and possibly model like her mother, and Hiou told her stories about his journey as a child actor, he gave her tips on how to deal with people in the industry. They become good friends and even exchanged contact information
Momose was sitting down and watching the her favorite pair singing, but she got the urge to join the conversation, so she got closer to Kanae, Chiori and Yashiro and listened to their conversation.
Yashiro: It's the same for him … He once invited Kyoko to come to his place after he finished work!
Kanae: Those two meet more often than I expected!
Yashiro: Believe me, even I have no idea how many times they met secretly there … ( then he says Sarcastically) : But apparently their just friends!
Chiori: What is the context of their meeting this time?
Yashiro: Well, Ren was having trouble with Katsuki, so Kyoko called me about his schedule … I gave it to her for a condition, which was to make sure he eats, so she cooked for him, the next time she met him, she cooked him lunch and gave it to him, so he thanked her and asked her to come to his place!
Momose: When was that? ….before the Test?
Yashiro: Momose-san?!
Momose: could you answer my question, please?
Yashiro: Yeah, he asked her to come by his place the day before the test!
Momose: So when he was acting Katsuki, he was probably imagining her in my place!
Kanae: What do you mean? … I'm confused!
Yashiro: That's what I think, Ren made it clear to me too, Kyoko is off limits since he's an adult and she's still a high schooler, he probably put himself in Katsuki's shoes and finally understood how he felt about Mizuki! … I'm sorry Momose-san … you …
Momose interrupted him saying: What are you apologizing for, I'm all for it! … I sincerely think they look good together! … Besides, Kyoko will turn 18 soon enough, so his excuse won't work anymore! … I made it my mission to support them!
Kanae: You acted Mizuki, right? …. Did you think the way they interacted was anything special?
Momose: Come to think of it, Yes definitely! … they were always close, any issues Kyoko faced with filming, he would help her get back on her feet … besides, when we're filming in Karuizawa, Tsuraga-san came earlier than expected, and when I was looking for her with her former childhood friend, we found her in Tsuraga-san's room
Yashiro: Well, I'm the guilty one who toke her there, without telling anyone
Momose: That guy wanted to show off in front of Tsuraga-san, that he was the one to Save Kyoko from the stalker … and let me tell you two! … Tsuraga-san became Katsuki right away!
Yashiro: You mean he got really angry, ... possibly super Jealous as well… he even told all of us to leave him alone!
Momose: I actually wondered why you two came earlier than expected, you came first, and then Tsuraga-san … was it because of the phone call between them?
Yashiro: Yes … Ren was worried something happened to her, so he asked me to go there first!
Momose: Although she told him everything was fine, and there was no trouble, … in reality she was shaken and looked terrified, I think she just didn't want to worry him!
Kanae: She always thinks that she's inconveniencing people, so even when she's troubled, she keeps it all to herself, but he …. He somehow knows how to read her well!
Kyoko and Ren finish singing their second song … Kyoko asked Ren to choose who's going to sing next
Ren smiled and went to the box and picked a paper, and opened it …. He looked at her and said: is this Kotonami-san's handwriting?
Kyoko smiles awkwardly and says: Yeah ….
Ren: what now? …. What should we sing?!
Kyoko: back to the song book, am I right?
Ren: I guess!
Yashiro: Why not let us pick a song, since you spent so much time choosing the first two!
Ren: Right now … I wouldn't trust your choice of music!
Kanae: Give it up Tsuraga-san … I don't plan to stay here all night because your too picky choosing a song that would be appropriate and not too suspicious
Ren: I'm not sure what your hinting at!
Yashiro: Sure … we are going to choose a song … end of discussion!
Ren: Was this your plan all along?!
Kyoko: let them choose a song … since we have no idea what to sing … it's ok!
Kanae chooses a song called, "You are the Reason" and says: it's an English song, I think it's perfect for you two!
Chiori: We are pretty sure you have good enough skills to read and speak English … don't disappoint us please, … or this will go on your records!
Ren: What do you mean by records?
Chiori: Your Celebrity record! … it would be pretty embarrassing if you, Tsuraga Ren, can't speak or read English!
Ren: No worries … my record would never be tarnished by such thing!
Kanae: you seem quite confident with your English skill, … what did you go to America as a young kid and learned the language or something?!
Yashiro: His Childhood is the biggest Mystery!
Chiori: So, even as his manager, you don't know much about his childhood?
Yashiro: I met him a little over 6 years ago … so whatever happened before we met is a complete mystery for me … he rarely talk about his past with anyway, let alone me … but … one person here know a lot more than I do … right … Mogami-san?!
Kyoko looks at Yashiro nervously and said: what's makes you say that?!
Yashiro: I don't know … maybe the fact you know about his childhood friend and how bad his cooking is!
Ren: I'm free to share whatever info I want, with whoever I want … it all depends on the situation and context!
Kanae: So what was the situation and context needed for you to tell Kyoko about your childhood friend and your inability to cook?!
Ren: I needed to explain why I did something, which was related to my friend … as for my cooking, she had the unfortunate chance of tasting it!
Yashiro: So you did cook for her?
Kyoko: He wanted to eat something I wasn't particularly familiar with, so he cooked … it wasn't that bad … since we did end up eating it all
Kanae: More like, you ate it all because you hate wasting food! … but that doesn't explain why you wanted to eat that dish with Kyoko!
Ren: your being nitpicky about everything … is there anything wrong with us having dinner together?!
Yashiro: A Guy and a girl having dinner together sound more like a date then just a FRIENDLY dinner!
Ren: I'm not going to argue with you … let's sing Mogami-san!
Kyoko: Ok!
Kanae: He's clearly avoiding the topic!
Ren starts the song and raises the volume so he can channel out their annoying discussions
Yashiro: He's pronunciation is perfect, it's as if English is his native language
Chiori: with his past a mystery to us, you never know …. Maybe he's a foreigner .. he is abnormally tall for a Japanese, you know!
Yashiro, Chiori, Momose and Kanae kept whispering and discussion the relationship, but they all couldn't conclude that Ren and Kyoko are in a romantic relationship
Kyoko and Ren finish singing, and everyone claps for them … they were all impressed by both Ren and Kyoko, their voices and their English skills
Hiou made a mental note that he needs to focus more on learning English, so if Kanae takes longer then he hopes, he would visit her instead of waiting for her return.
It was Kyoko's turn to pick a paper, since Ren picked the previous one … she goes ahead and picks one of the last two papers in the box and opens it, then says: Now, I'm confused!
Ren: Is it us again?!
Kyoko nodes without saying a word … she was wondering (who is pairing us this time?!)
Kanae whispers to Yashiro and Chiori saying: were not alone!
Momose: That's because I also choose them as my desired Duo!
Hiou: I wonder if their sick of singing already?!
Kyoko: what now … should we let them pick another song for us, or should pick one on our own?
Ren: Here's an idea, let's check the last paper, and have someone sing while we look for a song … that will save some time!
Kanae: I guess we can do that … she goes to the box and opens the last paper and bursts out laughing
Yashiro, and Chiori go up to her and see what's written and the paper and join her
Momose: let me see!
Kanae shows Momose the paper, and she also starts laughing with them
Hiou: Is this supposed to be a joke?
Maria: let's check it out! …. (She and Hiou take a look and also join them … at this point all of them were laughing but Ren and Kyoko)
Ren: I don't even want to know what their laughing at
Kyoko: by the looks of it … the last paper is probably about us singing for the 5th time!
Kanae: You got that right! … Tsuraga-san tried to buy sometime … but someone had a different idea!
Ren: Are you sure that no one switched the rest of the paper just to taunt us?!
Kanae: Suspicious much! … No one touched the box … you never even left the room, so you should know better!
Yashiro: it's just clear the not only us think that you two look good together!
Ren: go ahead then … spill it out, who else choose us to be a pair … I know you, Kotonami-san and Amamiya-san, did, what about the last two?!
Kanae: There was a reason why we choose to do a raffle … so some of us can stay a mystery … am I right?
Everyone agreed and they resumed laughing
Frustrated, Ren: You know what … it's getting late, we should all head to our respective homes and get a rest, tomorrow is a work day, mind you!
Kyoko: I agree! … I should let my mom know that I'm coming home soon!
Kanae: look who's trying to avoid singing!
Yashiro pulls Kanae, Chiori and Momose, and says: should we let them go … I fear that if we force them, they will just avoid each other all together!
Momose: it's a shame they don't want to sing anymore … they are really good at singing
Hiou: It's 11:00 pm anyway … Maybe we should head home … it was really fun though … maybe we can do this again one day
Everyone agreed, it was really fun, and they got to enjoy food, music and celebrate Kyoko's recovery .. as well as wish Kanae look on her trip to the US
Soon after, the manager for Hiou came to pick him up, and Maria was picked by Ruto, because they both had to go to school tomorrow. Momose, Chiori and Kanae decided to go home together, while Yashiro took Kyoko and Ren home. Besides all the teasing everyone had fun, and although Kanae and Yashiro were still suspicious, they decided to let it go for now … because they believed they still have may more possibilities in the future.
(Next Day – Monday Morning)
Saena: Good morning!
Kyoko: Good morning … Thank you for preparing breakfast!
Saena: Come on, sit down and eat … Todoh-san will be here soon!
Kyoko: right! … ( she sits down and stats eating her breakfast)
A little nervous because she cooked something new, Saena asks: is it any good?
Kyoko: Yes, its delicious … the broth is rich with flavor!
Saena smiles and nodes, then she joins Kyoko and starts eating her breakfast
After finishing, Kyoko thanks her mother for the breakfast and goes to their room to change her clothes and get ready for school
Saena finished her breakfast and began packing some of the food in a bento box
Kyoko came out and said: I'm ready!
Hesitant, Saena says: Take this …. For school …
Overjoyed, Kyoko smiles cheerfully and says: Thank you Mom!
Saena nodes to Kyoko …. She looks away and thinks ( why is it so easy to make her happy?)
Kyoko: I've always dreamed you would prepare a Bento for me … I'm so happy!
Saena: If it makes you that happy, I will try to prepare one for you more often … when you have school, that is!
Kyoko couldn't resist, so she ran and hugged Saena tightly
Although surprised, Saena welcomed it and patted kyoko's back softly
Saena's phone started ringing, so she picked it up and answered, hung up shortly after and said: Todoh-san is waiting for us in the garage!
The mother-daughter pair gathered their stuff and got down to meet Todoh-san … they were both thankful to him and didn't want him to sit and wait for long.
Todoh-san: You two are fast … you really didn't have to hurry down … I don't mind waiting!
Saena: We were already ready!
Todoh-san: well then, come on in!
Saena sits in the passenger seat while Kyoko sat in the back
Kyoko: Thank you Todoh-san!
Todoh-san: Anytime! …. ( he looks at the address of the school) and says: I know the way there!
Saena looked outside the window and her thoughts were mixed up, between feeling happy, nervous, and stressed
Todoh-san: So are you going to school tomorrow, Kyoko-chan?
Kyoko: No … I have an on-site filming day tomorrow … I will be out of town early tomorrow until late at night … but it all depends on how the filming goes … maybe also the weather!
Todoh-san: Sure … Tokyo's weather is quite unpredictable … be careful out there!
Kyoko: I will, thank you Todoh-san!
Todoh-san looks at Saena who is staying quiet and thinks ( Surely, she's stressed about tomorrow)
Saena looks at him and says: You can stop here, Kyoko can walk from here
Kyoko: Yes, please!
Todoh-san: but why ? … the school is just a few minutes away!
Kyoko: I usually walk the rest of the way … a little exercise doesn't hurt, especially since I ate some junk food yesterday … besides, I need to keep my energy levels up for tomorrow!
Todoh-san: Alright … take care Kyoko-chan!
Saena: Take care!
Kyoko: Thank you …. I will! … ( she exists the car, bows to them and waves as she walks away)
Todoh-san: She's adorable!
Saena looks at him without commenting … she just nodes and looks away
Todoh-san: I can tell your stressing over tomorrow's meeting!
Saena: I'm more stressed about what to tell her and when to do so, then the meeting itself, I'm confident that the Japanese law is on our side!
Todoh-san: I see … so you're not really comfortable keeping it a secret from her?
Saena: I'm just scared of how she will react, …she was so cheerful today, and I didn't have the heart to ruin her mood, besides … the main reason I didn't already tell her is tomorrow's filming
Todoh-san: Maybe you should just listen to her boss and not tell her until he tells you too
Saena: I don't take orders from him … it's was a considerate recommendation from his side, given Kyoko's safety … if she loses concentration, she or her fellow actors might get seriously hurt!
Todoh-san: So after tomorrow, there is no more dangerous scenes to film?
Saena: I'm not sure … but leaving it a secret isn't helping either .. I'm not sure how the meeting will go, and although I know you're here and the law is on our side, no one knows what might go down .. and perhaps they say things that get to me … how am I supposed to act in front of her then?
Todoh-san: why are you so concerned about that? … you are fine right now, even given your stressed about meeting them … you treat her normally!
Saena: Don't you remember how I treated you after meeting him for the first time, I was as cold towards her, and she was affect by that … besides, when I saw him a few days later with his kids, … I won't lie, but it bothered me a lot that he dared to come close to her … who know what he would have done if I wasn't there!
Todoh-san: That makes sense … and I can't just tell you to pretend to be ok, that won't help either of you!
Saena: let's just go to work, perhaps work will get those issues out of my mind
Todoh-san: Alright!
(At Kyoko's school)
Kyoko enters her class and almost everyone in the class turns and stares at her, so she smiles and greets them cheerfully … she then heads to her desk, but finds a new classmate sitting in her seat, so she says: Excuse me … but this is my seat!
Hanako Sasaki (New singer – new classmate): So? … what's your point?!
Narumi Okada ( Talent): Actually, Hanako-chan just moved to this school because she's the new singer at Akatoki Agency
Risa Sakamoto( Actress ): Your desk has been moved to the back! … so move … your face is so plain, it hurts just looking at it!
Everyone in class starts laughing at Risa's comments at Kyoko
Maiko Sakai ( New Model): who are you anyway … weren't you in Nanokura's class? … how did you switch to a class above your grade?
Kyoko: I missed one year of high school, but since my grades are good, I get to get back to my original grade!
Hanako Sasaki: what, did you flunk all your exams, and realized no one likes a failing actress and picked up your act … what a joke!
Kyoko: That's not true … it's more of a personal ….
Narumi Okada cuts her off saying: we weren't asking … we really could care less about your life!
Risa Sakamoto: I don't know why anyone would even bother with you … you probably paid your way into LME!
Kyoko: That's not true! … please don't ….
Hanako Sasaki: shut up … your voice is even worse than your ugly plain face! … don't dare speak near me … as a singer who needs good hearing, hearing your voice might end my career!
Annoyed and pissed off, Kyoko asks: what did I do to be treated this way?!
Narumi Okada: What did you do?! … you tell us … why were you with Tsuraga-san at the Karaoke Yesterday, ha?!
Risa Sakamoto: She's basically a slut who joined LME just to be around Tsuraga-san!
Maiko Sakai: Since I modeled with Nanokura before, I've heard you've also been around Fuwa
Sho too!
Kyoko devils came out at the mentioned of Sho's name, … Kyoko felt helpless, and really didn't want to reveal that she and that guy were once childhood friend, so she just looked at them awkwardly
Hanako Sasaki: How dare you come near our precious Fuwa Sho?!
Narumi Okada: There is no way our Music God is interested in such a stupid plain idiot like her!
Risa Sakamoto: You should be ashamed of calling yourself an actress, believe me, no one likes you, not one bit!
Maiko Sakai: I guess I'm going to be talking to Nanokura-san to get more info about how this bitch got close to him … we need answers!
Kyoko thinks to herself ( there is no point arguing with them, since they don't even want to hear me out to begin with … I'll just ignore them as per usual!) … so she smiles and walks away towards the empty disk in the back of the class
Hanako Sasaki: she just walked away?! … is she ignoring us?!
Narumi Okada: Don't worry, we won't let it go!
Risa Sakamoto: We will get her for not answering our questions for sure!
The teacher enters the class and everyone gets up and go back to their respective seats … the teacher takes the attendance and once she reached Kyoko, she says: Why did you change seat's Mogami-san?!
Innocently, Hanako Sasaki interjects: I'm new here, so my classmates told me I can have this seat … I didn't know it belonged to someone else!
Teacher: I see, welcome to class! … however, Mogami-san … why didn't you let her know it's your desk, are you voluntarily giving her your seat?
Not wanting to cause a scene, Kyoko answers: I don't mind, she can have it!
Teacher: that's very nice of you Mogami-san … well then, let's continue
The bell rings after the end of the class, and teacher leaves, after asking Kyoko to collect the homework and hand it to her before the break ends
Kyoko gets up and starts collects the homework, most student just handed the homework to her, but the group of 4 girls kept messing with her and giving her trouble, by snatching some papers away and running around the class to waste her time
Kyoko: Give it back please!
Hanako Sasaki throws the paper on the ground and smiles slyly … Kyoko tries to pick up the paper, but Hanako steps on it and it rips in the process … Kyoko was pissed off, and she released her devils out again … they haunted the whole class, giving her a scary aura, most classmates stayed quite, but the 4 girls refuse to let it go!
Narumi Okada: you ripped the paper, how careless! … Nakamura-kun, she ripped your homework!
Nakamura, one of the quite ones, got up, took the paper, taped it, and handed it back to Kyoko, saying: don't mind them!
Risa Sakamoto: what the hell, on which side are you?
Nakamura: No one's … I just want some peace of mind! … I barely got to sleep because of my schedule, ok?!
Maiko Sakai: whatever!
Kyoko takes the paper and heads to the teacher's room to hand the homework, she wanted to hurry back to she can eat the Bento her mother prepared for her, for the first time!
After Kyoko left the class, Hanako Sasaki walked to Kyoko's desk, and suggested: you want to play a game?!
Narumi Okada: This is going to be fun! … I just want to see her reaction when she comes back
Risa Sakamoto: Look, it's an a bento box, fancy! …. ( she opens it, goes to the trash and dumps the food, then throw the box and the chopsticks in as well)
Maiko Sakai: It's waste the food is uneatable now … ( she starts laughing)
Hanako Sasaki: let's see how the allegedly Evil Mio is going to react to this?!
Narumi Okada: Mio sucked so bad, I hated her, she ruined the show … I can't believe they even let her act in the same drama as Tsuraga-san!
Risa Sakamoto: You can't even call that failure of human an actress, that's an insult to me and my raising career!
Maiko Sakai: she's coming back!
Kyoko gets back to class and was smiling happily, … she just ignored the girls who cunningly stared at her and head to her desk, she tried to take out the bento box, but couldn't see it … she started looking in her bag and inside her desk, … then she realized, they were staring because they must have took something … so she angerly asks: did you throw my food away?
Hanako Sasaki: what are you looking at … we were here having a friendly conversation, why would you assume we touched your food?
Narumi Okada: Are you accusing us of theft, … do you have any evidence?!
Risa Sakamoto: I wonder if she had her food thrown away before, she must be an expert!
Maiko Sakai: An expert in the art of buying bullied … right?!
The whole class started laughing at Kyoko who was getting really upset
Kyoko walked to the garbage and found her bento box, chopsticks, and the food spilled in there, she picked the box and chopsticks, and says: Wasting food is not funny, … this was … this was …
Hanako Sasaki: oh … did you wake up early just to prepare it? … this was your food for the day?
Narumi Okada: you can always buy food from the cafeteria!
Risa Sakamoto: Maybe she's poor, that's why all her stuff look used and old!
Maiko Sakai: Makes sense, a failure of an actor won't get paid much … her acting sucked so bad, I almost had to clean my eyes with bleach
Feeling like the whole class was against her, Kyoko left the classroom without saying a word
Hanako Sasaki: Do you think she will tell the teacher about this?
Narumi Okada: what is she, a preschooler?
Risa Sakamoto was a little worried, she was the one who throw the food and she wondered if Nakamura was going to speak against her if the teacher came and questioned the class
Maiko Sakai: Don't worry, our class already has a rule to not speak up if questioned by teachers, we are all on against that idiot!
Kyoko comes back in after washing the box and puts it away, she sits in her seat and take out a her script to study it until the break is over, but her script was ripped apart, and there were scribbles all over, it's almost impossible to read her lines which she highlighted.
Risa Sakamoto: An actress has to always take care of her stuff, especially the script, it's not our fault your script got damaged!
Maiko Sakai: go ask for a new one, I wonder how the director will react?
Hanako Sasaki: He will surly look at her and shake his head in disapproval
Narumi Okada: that's it?
Risa Sakamoto: In the real world, if a failed actress like her comes in with a damaged script, she would be fired right then and there
Maiko Sakai: Good luck finding a new project after that !
Kyoko felt pissed, upset, and perhaps furious, she wanted to get back at them, but with all the girls laughing with the 4 bullies and the boys smiling smugly at her, she found herself with no allies, and feared if she reacted, that they will turn even the teacher against her!
(In the Grand-Jewel Hotel)
Kioshi returns to his room after having a discussion with his mother concerning tomorrow's meeting with Saena
Anna was lying in bed reading her favorite manga that she purchased earlier
Kioshi: You're here, I was hoping we can talk!
Anna looks at him for a second but decided to ignore him, so she turned giving him her back instead of facing him, since she was still upset with him
Kioshi: I know your angry, and upset with me, … I just want to apologize about how things are!
Still ignoring him, Anna flips to the next page pretending not to be interested in what he has to say
Kioshi: Honey … please hear me out … you know that I can't just go against my mother, she won't take it easily! … you know how she is!
Anna: And I thought you were more afraid of your father … turns out your terrified to stand up to what you believe, even if it hurts the very people you love or care about!
Kioshi: Perhaps this showed me how terrifying defying my mother can be … although, I personally haven't told me father about … you know … the child … since we still have no idea if she is mine!
Anna: yet, you just go and say your confident she is, in front of your mother, … how can you be such a hypocrite … I'm really disappointed, I thought you were different … I loved you, the old you, that is!
Kioshi: I'm still me … I just find it hard to speak up, because I know how my mother would react if I go against her … and to be honest, I am dreading tomorrow's meeting … Mother's approach is wrong, but I couldn't bring myself to tell her not to take such approach!
Anna: you have no option but to man up! … you have to stand up to what you believe in, … you apologized to her, … do you really want to undo that by going to tomorrow's meeting!
Kioshi: I'm sure my mom won't even give me a chance to talk … just like the meeting with that lawyer … she painted a bad picture and I couldn't help but keep most of the details a secret because she ordered me to do so ..
Depressed, Anna: In the end, it's actually my fault … if only I kept my mouth shut and didn't force you to apologize, none of this would be happening!
Kioshi: Honey, please don't blame yourself … you just wanted me to do the right thing!
Anna: I didn't realize that there was no point of doing the right thing, it was far too late for that!
Kioshi: It's never too late … you were right … besides, … if I didn't apologize, I would have learned about Kyoko!
Anna: What good about finding about her … you basically learned about her before you met your Ex … it was much better when we only knew her as the actress for Mio!
Kioshi: …..
Anna: when we saw her in the mall, I realized how bad this might be for her … this will only hurt her, believe me when I say this!
Kioshi: So your saying learning about me being her father will only harm her … how, why ?
Anna: Just put yourself in her position, her mother was her only family, you appearing after she lived 17 years, isn't really convenient … it will just flip her life upside down!
Kioshi: I have to disagree with you on that … don't you think she will be happy finally knowing who her father is, and perhaps meeting you and her brothers will make her feel like she's a part of a bigger family … it's not as lonely as just being with her mother … I don't want to take her away, I just want to have a relationship with her, if she's really mine!
Anna: Why can't you voice your opinion, like how you did just now?!
Kioshi: I told you, she's my mother, I can't just go against her … she raised me all my life and honestly, after I saw how you had our children, I have so much respect for you, and all mothers in general, but that also made me feel strongly about how grateful I am to my mother!
Anna: I'm not telling you to go against he just for the heck of it, you're not going against her for everything … just stand up to what you believe … hurting that women and her child is the last thing you want to do, … if you want just a relationship with the child, you have to be considerate towards not only the child, but the mother as well!
Kioshi: I don't plan to hurt either!
Anna: But your mother might … and you being there, sitting without sounding your opinion, will only make it look like you agree with everything she says, and it might turn sour really fast, seeing how hateful your mother is towards her, even though she has yet to even meet her!
Kioshi: I understand your point, I will try to speak up, but I can't guarantee it!
Anna: it's up to you ! … as for me, since I'm forced to attend it against my will, I don't plan on keeping quit at all! … I will voice my opinion, even if it will make it look like I'm on their side!
Kioshi: That's alright with me … I just hope your relationship with my mother won't end because of tomorrow's meeting!
Anna: To hell with that … I will stand up to what I believe is true … and if your mother will hate me because of it, then so be it!
Kioshi sighs heavily, fearing the worst is yet to come … he only hoped to learn more about Kyoko, but now, the risks are bigger then the rewards … he is risking his mother relationship with his wife, for a relationship with his daughter, although it's not even guaranteed!
Anna: I'm sorry if that's not what you want, but if you won't speak up, I will … I won't stay still watching your mother insult that women, … and don't tell me she won't, because I'm damn sure she will say much worse!
Kioshi: Well, I did tell her to keep insults to minimum, because we don't want things to go bad!
Anna: You think she will abide by that … she even insulted me, and you barely budged!
Kioshi: Sorry, I really am, … I don't think she should insult you at all, because you're my wife and the women I love!
Anna: Whatever …
Kioshi: Honey, I'm serious!
Anna: Just to warn you, you don't know how they lived up to this day, so please keep your assumption to yourself and don't provoke her … as I said before, you were rude to her and you know it!
Kioshi: I get that … I probably said something that bothered her, but the issue is that she won't speak up and correct me!
Anna: she really doesn't have to, if she didn't want to … some people hate complaining to others about their own problems, even its caused by others … you saw how she blamed herself, not only for what happened, but she even thought she was a homewrecker, and you didn't deny that right away … so maybe, you should also be more considerate next time!
Kioshi: I will try … I promise!
unconvinced, Anna sarcastically says: sure … give it your best shot!
Kioshi: I will … really! … here's an idea …. If you think I should say something, you can pinch me!
Anna: No, I won't do that … you need to stand up to what you think is right … that's on you, not me … besides, who knows in which order we will be seated by … you can't guarantee I will be there beside you to babysit you and teach you when to react!
Kioshi: I just don't want you to be disappointed in me! … I don't want this to ruin our marriage !
Anna: It won't ruin it … it could put a strain on our relationship, and for a while, … but there are always ways to get past that … as long as you stay true to the promises you made on our wedding day!
Kioshi: I will avoid straining it … you know I love you and I will do anything to keep our love alive … besides, I don't want the kids to sense we have any issues, so ….
Anna: I'm not pretending I'm happy and have no issues around you and your mother for no reason!
Kioshi: but I can feel that the boys, especially Hiroki is sensing something odd
Anna: Well, of Course, they're not stupid after all … they're smart and intelligent boys, and you never know, they might know more than what meets the eye!
(After school)
Yashiro arrived just in time to pick Kyoko up from school, but she was nowhere to be seen
Ren who was sitting in the back of the car, attempted to open the window, hoping it would be more clear for him to spot her
Warning him, Yashiro says: Don't even think about it … you're in front of a high school … you don't even know how many people will run towards the car if they saw you!
Ren: Here she is !
Yashiro teasingly asks: Did your heart guide you?
Confused, Ren: what?!
Yashiro: Nothing …. ( he opens the window and calls out to her)
Kyoko, who was lost in thought, didn't hear him, she kept walking towards the bus stop that was nearby
Concerned, Ren stared at her as she kept walking away, she wasn't her cheerful self … and she was still wearing her indoor school shoes … outside!
Yashiro: I will go get her! … ( he gets out of the car, runs towards her to catch up with her)
Feeling a tap on her shoulder, Kyoko looks behind her and says: Yashiro-san?
Yashiro: I was calling for you … didn't you hear me?
Kyoko: Sorry, my mind was somewhere else, … forgive me, but I'm taking the Bus today … you should just go and be by Tsuraga-san's side!
Yashiro: what are you talking about … I can't let you do that!
Kyoko: I'm not a little fragile child … I can manage reaching the agency by myself!
Yashiro: We are heading to the agency as well, … besides … we must protect you, you never know if that person who tried to harm before won't attempt to do it again!
Kyoko: …
Yashiro: Are you ok?
Looking away, Kyoko lies: I'm fine I assure you … I just have somethings on my mind!
Yashiro sighs, and says: Although I'm not convinced, I won't push you … let's go!
Kyoko and Yashiro walk towards the car and enter it
To Ren's surprise, Kyoko was suddenly sitting in the passenger seat instead of sitting next to him, … she greeted him distantly… and proceeded to look out of the window to avoid any conversations
Kyoko and Ren did agree by text to act as they usually did before … to avoid being put in an awkward situation, but Kyoko was taking it to a completely different level, and that bothered Ren tremendously
Ren: Mogami-san … is everything ok?
Kyoko answers coldly: Nothing for you to worry about!
Yashiro notices that Kyoko and Ren aren't as close as they were the past few days, in fact, Kyoko seemed to have blocked all her emotions and is trying to avoid talking to them by giving answers that won't allow them to dig deeper
Determined to find out the issue, Ren asks: what happened to your shoes?!
Surprised, Kyoko panics for a second, but holds back and says: don't worry about it!
Yashiro: Your wearing your school shoes instead of normal ones … is there an issue with your normal shoes?
Ren: did someone take your shows, or did they get damaged somehow?
Yashiro: we can stop by some store and help you buy a new pair if you need one!
Kyoko: You really don't have to worry, I have a spare in the Love me section room!
Sensing that Kyoko won't speak up, Ren halts any attempts for more information, and thinks to himself ( something must have happened to her, possibly in school, … if I was Kuon right now, would she disclose the information to me voluntarily? … ( Kuon): Damn you Ren, you can't get to her like I do!)
Yashiro and Ren felt helpless, as when they arrived, Kyoko quickly thanked them and marched away
Ren: Something must have happened, but she still won't speak up!
Yashiro: let's hope Kotonami-san is there … she's good at figuring out things and reading Kyoko's mood … she might be able to help her … especially if it's a girls issue!
Ren: what do you mean by that?
Yashiro: What I mean is that sometimes girls feel more comfortable talking to one another about their issues, … kotonami-san is her best friend, if anyone can help Kyoko, it's her!
Ren: Your probably right!
(Saena's Apartment )
Kyoko was getting her things ready for tomorrows on-site shooting
Saena returns home and gets ready for bed, she wanted to get that meeting over with so she can finally relax … but she noticed that Kyoko wasn't acting as she normally does
Kyoko got up after getting her things ready and attempted to leave the bedroom
Saena: Stop right there!
Freezing in her spot, Kyoko, looks at her mother and says: I was just going to check what we have for tomorrow!
Saena: why? … won't they provide you food there?
Kyoko: It's actually my turn to cook tomorrow … at least I should prepare breakfast before leaving!
Saena: Don't worry about that … you should just sleep, you need to be well rested before tomorrow's filming!
Kyoko: but …
Saena sternly asks: What's the matter Kyoko … did something happened to you today?!
Feeling cornered by her mother, Kyoko just nodes
Saena sighs and softly says: Come here … and tell me what happened!
Kyoko looked down trying to hold herself from crying … she was touched her mother cared enough to ask … she wanted to talk to Kanae, but she and Chiori were too busy to come to the agency, and she didn't feel confrontable talking to Ren about the issue, because the girls kept bullying her using him as an excuse
Saena: I won't force you to talk, but … I told you before that you can talk to me about your issues … besides, I don't want you to go to your filming if you're not feeling well, you might end up injuring yourself!
Kyoko: Today …. My classmates turned on me suddenly!
Saena: why … what happened, did they mention anything in particular?
Kyoko: A new girl joined the class today, and she along with 3 others took my seat, and kept trash talking about me … they even ….
Saena: they even what?
Upset, Kyoko looked away trying to compose herself
Saena: let me take a wild guess … they threw your food away?
Kyoko nodes and says: I tried to ignore them and I let them have my seat, but they kept bullying me throughout the day
Saena: And I assume you didn't inform the teacher about this?
Kyoko: The whole class was on their side, … perhaps aside for a guy called Nakamura-san, but … I feared that even if I tried to speak up, no one will back me up!
Saena: Can you tell me what happened exactly?
Kyoko nodes and tells her about what they said, who they treated her, and made her job of collecting the homework difficult … she told her about her script and shoes
Saena: I don't mind going to your school and discussing this issue, but I won't if your against it!
Kyoko: To be honest, most of the things they said and did, didn't really bother me… I was just really upset they threw the food away … I was really looking forward to eat it!
Saena sighs and says: It's ok … I don't mind preparing another one for you … but, I don't want you to be ok with what they did, you need to stand up for yourself ! … I'm not sure why you think the teacher won't take your side, but you should try to trust her!
Kyoko: My issue is that telling a teacher is something a child would do … it is widely looked down upon in high school, asking a teachers for help that is!
Saena: Have you talked to anyone about this? … like your friend Kotonami-san … or Tsuraga-san?
Kyoko: Moko-san was busy today, so I couldn't see her … but … when it comes to Tsuraga-san, I don't think getting him involved is a good idea!
Saena: That makes sense … you won't tell him because they did mention him … you don't want to either guilt him or have him try to defend you in a way that might do more harm than good!
Kyoko: I will be fine … I will just brush it aside, and avoid going to school for a while!
Saena: That's ok for now … but that won't be your solution to this issue … we will talk about this later, but for now, put this issue aside and rest well, ok?
Kyoko: ok! … thank you mom … and I'm sorry the food you prepared went to waste!
Saena: Don't apologize, it's clearly not your fault! … I want you to understand that well!
Kyoko: I understand!
Saena: No … This is an issue we both suffer from … but together, I plan to put a stop to such bad habit … no more self-blaming and no more apologizing for other's wrong actions!
Kyoko smiles and nodes in agreement
Saena: It will be difficult … but let's do this together, ok?
Kyoko: ok, I will do my best!
Saena: alright then … let's get some sleep!
Kyoko: ok … I will close the lights!
Saena: Good night!
Kyoko: Good night!
(The next day – Tuesday – Saena's Apartment )
Waking up extra early, Kyoko ended up deciding to make breakfast in the end … not only that, but she also made lunch for her mother to take with her to work
Saena woke up, got up, and went to the kitchen where she found her daughter cooking
Cheerful, Kyoko greeted her mother: Good morning Mom!
Saena: Good morning … I assume you feel better now?
Kyoko: Yes … I felt much better after we talked about it!
Saena: Yet, you still insist to making breakfast?
Kyoko: I woke up earlier than I expected, so why not … right?
Saena: Let me help you then … you should get ready to go soon!
Kyoko: I'm actually done … ( she put the food in a dish) … and then says: let's eat together!
Saena nodes and sits down …. They start eating and had a little friendly chit chat
Personally, Saena was surprised she was so calm, even though the past few days she felt anxious about the meeting … it's as if she accepted that whatever will happen,will happen and she will just have to deal with it as times goes on
After finishing her breakfast, Kyoko attempted to pick up the dishes to wash them
Saena: leave the dishes, I will clean them, you just get ready to leave!
Kyoko: Ok, thank you mom! …. ( she goes to the bedroom, changes her clothes and picks up everything she needed ) … she left the room and said: I'm ready
Saena: by the way … what are those?
Kyoko: Ah, this is lunch for you and Todoh-san! … I wanted to thank him for taking me to school yesterday … I'm grateful he's taking the effort to help us out … I hope that's not too much!
Saena: That's very kind of you … I will make sure he receives it!
Kyoko hears her phone ring, reads the massage, then says: alright then … I will get going!
Saena: ok … take care
Kyoko: I will
Saena: be careful … and come home safely !
Kyoko: ok! … I promise!
(At Viride General Law Office)
Saena finished her meeting with a client and headed to her desk
Todoh-san: Just in time for lunch!
Saena: Where are you going?
Todoh-san: To get lunch … do you want to join me?
Saena: Actually, …. Kyoko prepared lunch today, … for both you and I!
Todoh-san: Really?! …that's so thoughtful of her!
Saena: she wanted to thank you for yesterday!
Todoh-san: I really didn't do much … but thank you!
Saena hands him an adult bento box and says: here!
Todoh-san take it and says: Let's go eat! … we need all the energy we can get before our next meeting!
Saena nodes in agreement and walks besides him, they head to the break area and take a seat … and start eating
Todoh-san: you seem relaxed!
Saena: is that a bad thing?
Todoh-san: Not at all … it's a good thing … too much stress is bad for your health, so it's good that your relaxed!
Saena: Maybe I just accepted that whatever is going to happen will happen … there is no point stressing about the unknown
Todoh-san: Good point … by the way … this is delicious!
Saena: yes,… yes it is … this is the best tasting food she's made yet!
Todoh-san: That's impressive! … especially for you, who barely eats, to say this, means a lot! … you should let her know!
Saena: Oh come on! … I eat! … you make it seem like I have an eating disorder … I just forget about eating sometimes, no big deal!
Todoh-san: It's worrisome when you overwork yourself while having no food in your system, you just don't notice it!
Saena: whatever you say!
Todoh-san: She must have been excited for today, since she wake up early enough to prepare this!
Saena: to be honest, she was actually very upset yesterday … so I'm quite surprised she was this cheerful today!
Todoh-san: Upset? … can I ask why?!
Saena: Her classmates aren't being nice to her, they even threw away her food that I made for her, which seems to be the biggest reason why she was upset … she seemed excited to eat it!
Todoh-san: I see … so she is being bullied at school! … why are people so hateful these days?!
Saena: It's seems to stem out of Jealousy since she's associated with both Fuwa-kun and Tsuraga-san
Todoh-san: I thought you banned Fuwa from meeting her?
Saena: That doesn't change the fact she knew him, and appeared in his music video in the past!
Todoh-san: True!
Saena: I don't know how to help her … talking to a teacher seems to be the best option, but I thinks she's too keen on that … I would go to her school and try to help, but she didn't seem interested in that solution either!
Todoh-san: I would strongly advise against that … a mother helping her high school child get over a bullying incident is like social suicide at times … especially in the time of social media, that will only lead to more or worse bullying! … you don't want to send the school a massage that my daughter is weak … and the last thing you want to be called is a monster parent!
Saena: Monster parent? … is it such a taboo for parent's to help their child who is being bullied?
Todoh-san: I have dealt with such cases before, parents tried to meddle in the school, and its way of handling their child's bullying case, the bullying got so bad, that the child took their own life, so the parents came to me to sue the school … and that's just middle school! … it would be much worse if it's high school, believe me!
Saena: So I just have to help her from home and hope for the best, right?
Todoh-san: it's a tricky situation indeed, but that's the best option, in the end, I think that Kyoko-chan is strong, I just hope she won't let them get to her!
Saena: I hope so too!
Katagiri-san comes and says: Are you ready for the meeting?
Saena: More or less … I just want to get it over with!
Katagiri-san: well, good luck!
Todoh-san: Don't worry, we got this!
Saena: The law is on our side!
Katagiri-san: yes it is … so take a deep breath and go for it!
Saena: Thank you!
Katagiri-san: It's my job as a boss to be supportive of my employees, just take it easy … and enjoy this fancy meal … although it's odd you two went to get lunch together
Todoh-san: Actually, Kyoko-chan made this for us!
Katagiri-san: Really? … She can cook, that girl … impressive!
Todoh-san: you want to taste some?
Katagiri-san: Don't mind if I do … ( he tastes the food ) and says: This is seriously delicious, … She might even be better than my brother in law! … are you sure she wants to be an actress, because she can totally takeover a restaurant with such cooking skills!
Todoh-san: Hey, stop eating my food! … you should ask her for some if your that impressed!
Katagiri-san: You offered! … besides! … why did she make some for you anyway?
Todoh-san: She was grateful I helped around … taking her to school and such!
Katagiri-san: You two are sure close!
Todoh-san: Do you have an issue with that?
Saena: Are you two fighting right now?
Katagiri-san: Not really … Mogami, let Kyoko-chan know that she's an amazing cook!
Saena: I will!
After lunch, they both got up, washed their boxes, and met in the hall
At the same time, Akemi Nakano, Kioshi, his mother and wife arrived, and entered together. The secretary took them to the hallway, on the way to the meeting room, where they saw and overheard Saena and Todoh talking
Todoh-san: Here, thank you again, please let Kyoko-chan know that I enjoyed it … since I won't be seeing her today!
Saena: I will, I'm glad you liked it, and thank you for washing the box, you really didn't have to!
Todoh-san: You don't need to be formal … besides, it's the least thing I can do, this really made me day!
Saena: I'll will put this away, and get ready for the meeting!
Todoh-san: Ok!
The Secretary takes Nakano-san, and the Miyasaki family to the meeting room and lets them know that Saena will join them shortly, she also asked for their choice of drink while they wait.
(Takarada's Office)
Ruto: Sir, you wanted me to remind you, that the meeting between Mogami-san's parent's is today!
Takarada: Is it Tuesday already?
Ruto: Yes Sir …
Takarada: Ok, Thank you for reminding me … I'm so Nervous … and worried!
Ruto: What can I do?
Takarada: All we can do is sit and wait … but … is everything ok on Mogami-kun's side?
Ruto: Yes … I made sure they take extra precautions, and I informed Yashiro-san to update us about everything … he has sent an update a few minutes ago letting us know everything is going well so far.
Takarada: That's great … anything else to report!
Ruto: yes … I was informed that Kyoko Mogami-san was acting weird after school, there might be a case bullying involved!
Takarada: Hmm, maybe I should talk to my friend … he needs to pay more attention to his students!
Ruto: Sir, … I would advise against that, since we aren't sure yet, if that the case!
Takarada: Good point … I should talk to Mogami-san and Mogami-kun before making a move!
Ruto: Should I try to find more information?
Takarada: Not yet, … for now just update me on Mogami-kun's filming whenever you get one .. and I will patiently wait to hear from Mogami-san regarding the meeting!
(At Viride General Law Office – Meeting Room)
Akemi Nakano thanks the secretary for bring the coffee and tea
Secretary: Mogami-san will be here shorty … ( she bows and takes her leave)
Kioshi thought to himself ( Is that man ( Todoh) close to her daughter?)
Nanami- obāchan: Why is she taking so long to come … are we that insignificant?
Akemi Nakano: Please be patient, it's the end of lunch time, so you should allow her some time to get ready before coming here
Nanami- obāchan: She's coming alone, right?
Akemi Nakano: I have no Idea … we shall know soon enough!
Outside the meeting room
Todoh-san: Are you ready?
Saena: Ready as I will ever be … let's just get this over with!
Todoh-san: Don't worry, I will support you no matter what!
Saena looks away and says: Thank …. You …. ( she takes a deep breath and composes herself)
Todoh-san opens the door and enters after allowing Mogami to enter First
Saena walks to her seat, and is followed by Todoh-san
Todoh-san introduces himself saying: Hi, my name Todoh Susumu … and I will be representing Mogami Saena-san as her lawyer in this case…( he cunningly smiles and sarcastically says): It's my absolute pleasure to meet you all!
Saena thinks to herself ( We do I have a feeling that he's planning to enjoy this … Todoh-san, what are you up to?!)
Author notes:
Chapter 12 Ends here!
Hi again, I'm sorry for the last update … I wanted to write, but since school started, I have less chances to be free and right comfortably … I will do my best to write more in the future!
Next chapter – Finally the meeting between Kyoko's mother and father … along with the difficult Nanami …. Wil Todoh-san control this meeting … or will the Nanami outshine him?!
Thank you all for reading this chapter and thank you for your support
Reviews are much appreciated
Until next time! Jane!
Sources:
/column/japanese-schools-and-bullying-from-a-teacher-and-mothers-point-of-view/