Kyoko: the First Japanese Princess

by Elena5Shiho

When It comes to Family, Family always come first, and when challenges come forward, Family will stick together. The Truth always wins and it will always prevail. Finally, people should always be fair and respectful. This story is about Kyoko the first Japanese Princess, how you ask? Because dreams do come true in the world of skip beat.

27. Chapter 27: Chinese Mustard Rice balls

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

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Chapter 27: Chinese Mustard Rice balls

(In the Grad-Jewel Hotel)

Kioshi laid down for a while, … he thought about all the things that happened so far, since arriving in Japan. All he wanted to do was apologize and leave, but … learning about Kyoko made him more eager to stay and learn more about his child

He knew his mother's approach is completely wrong but didn't know what he could do to solve that issue. He was aware that his father can deal with his mother more efficiently, but he couldn't bring himself to reveal the truth over the phone.

He dreaded the phone call he was about to make and considered not going through with it … but he knew he had to

Kioshi waited until the meeting was over … then waited another 10 minutes before making the call … he waited as the phone rang, once … then twice … then … his father answered

He talked to his father for a short while, due to a sudden emergency his father had to attend to.

He was able to assure his dad that he had everything under control and that the matter in hand can wait until they meet in Japan.

His father wasn't too convinced honestly, but, since work was calling, he dropped the topic and decided to talk about it in more depth when they meet.

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(In Yashiro's Car)

Kyoko: well … wouldn't running away be considered a rebellious act?!

Firm, Yashiro, and Ren said in unison: That's not your fault!

Kyoko laughed awkwardly and said: right!

Anna thought to herself (did she just say she ran away? … from home? … or what? … and who's fault is it? … I shouldn't get involved, this is none of my business)

Hiroki: Can I ask?!

Kyoko: sure, … but I can't promise I can answer … it all depends on the question!

Hiroki: How did your mom react to that?

Ren and Yashiro were also as curious … but they never asked this type of question before

Kyoko: Nothing happened really, because I wasn't really there to see her reaction … she was obviously outraged, as in she was so mad all she could see was Crimson! … she did ask me "Just how stupid can you be" … but then … we talked and everything was fine … just that!

Surprised, Hiroki: oh? … that's surprising! … I mean, I don't know your mom, but she's a lawyer, I thought she might be stricter than that!

Yashiro: Oh No … you never want to hear a parent say "they were so mad all they could see was Crimson!" … EVER!

Kyoko: I know right! … I guess most of the anger has settled before we talked … she scolded me in the beginning, which I understand completely! … but overall, it all went well!

Anna was surprised, to say the least, she did think that Saena seemed like a very strict parent … but since she doesn't know all the details she couldn't really judge the situation … she was glad the Saena and Kyoko had a good relationship despite all the past Saena gone though

**(Anna doesn't know the slightest thing … so who can blame her for assuming all is good) **

Hiroki: but what does "she was so mad all she could see was Crimson"

Yashiro: You know, when you enraged so much, you can only see red?! … Red is the color of anger, so … you can say she was blinded with anger, and that's something you never want to happen … I never heard my parents say that… but a school mate was kicked out of his home when his father said that … do you get it now?

Kyoko looked at Ren and smiled awkwardly … she did remember her mother saying that she considered legally sever her parental relationship, even though she knew it would be impossible …but she wasn't going to reveal that to anyone … since it was in the past and now she has improved her relationship with her mother … besides, no one needed to know that since it didn't even happen

Ren knew that smile meant something … but he respected her silence, so he didn't ask any questions … he knew about Kyoko's past, better than anyone at this point … sure Sho might know more details since they lived together, but that changed, since Kyoko is also changing and he is allowed to be there by her side and he's is witnessing it all … he's happy that Kyoko is on good terms with her mother now, and that's all that mattered

They stopped at one more red light, before approaching the hotel, so Anna asked if they can drop them off there instead … hoping her husband isn't waiting in the Lobby or outside

Yashiro agreed and he parked nearby … he unlocked the doors and said: Well, then … Have a good night!

Kyoko: Thank you for coming Hiroki-kun … and … Thank you Mrs. Miyasaki for warning us about the cameras

Anna: your welcome … and … I don't mind if you called me Anna instead … I prefer It that way honestly

Kyoko: Sure! … Oh, I forgot! … Thank You Anna-san for supporting me as an actress! … I might be inexperienced, but I will do my best to be a great actress!

Anna shook her head and said: you're already one of the best I've seen so far! … your transformation is magical honestly! … Thank you for making the shows more enjoyable!

Kyoko's eyes widened as she smiled cheerfully … she loved when people noticed her Magical transformation … so she beamed while happily saying: Thank you for your support!

Anna smiled lovingly and said: I'll be waiting for your next project eagerly! … good luck! … and Thank you for giving us a ride … have a good night!

Hiroki got out of the car and bowed while thanking them, alongside his mother

Ren waved a hand and smile politely

Yashiro nodded to them

Kyoko: oh … um … I just want to apologize one more time!

Confused, Anna: for what? … you don't have to apologize for anything!

Hiroki nodded, agreeing with his mother

Kyoko: still, … I'm sorry I can't consider you family!

Anna: That's all right! … really! … you don't have to force yourself to do such a thing! … We respect you as a person who made a reasonable decision, on such a difficult topic … We would like to support you for any choice you make … and perhaps it's better for all of us if you viewed us as fans … while we view you as a rising actress! … that would be simpler and less complicated, right?!

Kyoko nodded, and said: Thank you … I would really appreciate that!

Anna bowed one more time and waved as she walked away with her son … after wishing them to have a good night

---

(In the Grad-Jewel Hotel)

when the son-mother pair arrived at the hotel, they met with Kioshi who was walking back and forth worrying about his wife and son … he was thinking: my son has yet to return, and my wife was gone for longer than expected and isn't answering her phone

he went to the nearby shop and asked about her, and the shop owner said that she was in a hurry leaving, so he worried that something had happened to Hiroki and was unable to contact him due to that. He returned to the hotel in hopes they would be back and waited in the lobby for nearly 10 minutes before they finally came back

Kioshi: Your both back! … I was so worried!

Confused, Anna: did something happen?

Hiroki: mom, I'm going to bed … good night!

Anna: alright, good night!

Hiroki looked at his father, but then walked away without saying anything to him

Kioshi looked at his wife and asked: are you ok?!

Anna looked down and said: yeah … why?

Kioshi: because you can't hide the fact you cried! … Anna, do you want to go back?!

Anna wiped her eyes and said: that was a while ago … I'm fine! … really!

Kioshi: Anna, I know you're upset about many things, but especially by the news we got today!

Anna: I don't blame you … you can't control that … we're on the same boat!

Kioshi hugged his wife and said: I'm still sorry … if this is too hard, we can drop the topic, but if you want to talk about it, then we can … ok?!

Anna: We should wait for the results first …

Kioshi: ok, … if that's what you want, then we'll do that!

Anna looked away and asked: have you told anyone about it?

Kioshi: no, no one!

Anna: you didn't tell your dad?

Kioshi: I was about to, but something came up and he needed to go … he will come soon and I will tell him everything, ok?

Anna: Can you really handle your mother alone?!

Nanami who has arrived walked to her son to tell him off, … she heard Anna's questions, so she answered herself: Why the hell would he need to handle me?! … am I some loose dog or something?!

Kioshi looked at his mother, changing the subject by saying: Dad knows about your absurd spending, and he called you to ask about it!

Nanami: Well, I wasn't allowed to answer my damned phone, since you left me there all alone!

Kioshi: you told me not to come, and besides, … you tried to blame it all on me! … what was that about?!

Nanami: I was trying to help you, but you stabbed me in the back!

Kioshi: I don't appreciate being accused of something I didn't even do! … I just said the truth, … why would I lie to the police?!

Anna: Kioshi … if you want to talk, do it in the room, we're still in the lobby!

Nanami: Shut Up! … mind your own business, you ….

Kioshi interrupted his mother saying with a strict tone: Watch it! … my wife is a red line, and you don't want to cross it!

Anna was surprised her husband was using an aggressive tone with his mother

Nanami: You watch it, … I'll tell your father that you're being a terrible son!

Kioshi: go ahead! … he already heard my side, … why don't you explain yours?!

Nanami: Do you really think I won't tell him about your little accident with that woman?!

Kioshi: You promised you wouldn't … but if you do, then we will separate from here, and you won't hear from us again!

Shocked, Nanami asked: what do you mean by that?!

Kioshi: you know exactly what I mean! … I'm more than ready to take my family and move to a different state if I have to! … so maybe you should keep your promises, at least to your one and only son!

Nanami: are you threatening me?!

Kioshi: take it the way you want! … I'm really done dealing with this, … you don't listen, you don't respect me or my wife … and above all your hurting others for no good reason, I don't want to associate with you if you keep doing that!

Appalled, Nanami asks: No good reason, you say?! … I'm trying to help you meet your only daughter!

Kioshi: I don't want to meet her! … how about that?! … I already changed my mind about that child! … if she doesn't want to meet me, then I will respect that and let it go!

Nanami: you gave up this easily?!

Kioshi: respecting people isn't giving up?! … maybe if you do that you'll see better results!

Nanami: fine! … if you don't want to meet her, then don't! … I still want my granddaughter, and I will find a way to bring her home … maybe I will raise her myself!

Kioshi: if you break the law, you will have to answer to the police yourself … I won't help you!

Nanami: I'm disappointed in you, … I didn't raise you like that!

Kioshi: I'm sorry to disappoint you, … but, I'm no longer going to join you on this! … I don't want to risk spending the rest of my life behind bars … I'm grateful Mogami-san isn't going after me legally … and I'd like to keep it that way!

Nanami: As if I'm going to do something illegal, with the police watching me!

Kioshi: I don't know what you're planning, so I'd rather stay clear … I have a family to take care of, and I would like to spend time with them instead of this nonsense!

Frustrated, Nanami asks: Are you really backing out completely?! … you don't care about that child at all?!

Annoyed, Kioshi: if you don't wish to listen to me, then I'm ending this conversation here … Respecting is an act of caring last I checked … let's go Anna … (he holds his wife hand gently, and walked away leaving his mother standing in the lobby … looking dumbfounded)

---

(In Saena's apartment)

Yashiro dropped Kyoko off … she bowed thanking both men for accompanying her and bid them good night, before heading to the apartment

She walked to the apartment, wondering if Todoh-san would be there … she also wondered if Remi was behaving herself … worried that she might scare her mom, and fearing she might have to take her to a shelter if that happens

To her surprise, she walked in and witnessed a scene she never thought she would ever see

Her mother was seated on the couch, holding some paper in her hand, … while her other hand was petting Remi who was sleeping on her lap

Saena noticed Kyoko coming in, so she said: welcome home

Excited, Kyoko: Ah … I'm home! … (she ran towards her mother after taking off her shoes) then asked: you two get along now?!

Unsure, Saena answered: I guess … she kept coming to me after you left, so Todoh-san helped me warm up to her a little … this is my limit though … I really don't know how to play with her

Kyoko: that's ok! … I'm glad that you seem comfortable petting her since you didn't even touch her yesterday

Saena admitted: I never planned this … but … it happens that Remi likes sleeping here, on my lap … for some odd reason!

Kyoko: is it uncomfortable?

Saena: No … I don't mind it anymore!

Kyoko smiled and nodded happily … she then asked: did you two eat?

Saena: Yes, we did … I gave her the other half of the can at the same time

Kyoko: great!

Saena: what about you, did you have dinner as you planned?

Kyoko: yes, … I even met Anna-san

Surprised, Saena asked: she came along?

Kyoko: no, … since it was late, we decided to drive Hiroki-kun to the hotel, but due to the road being closed, we went a different route, and by coincidence, his mother was sitting near the light we stopped at

Saena: I see

She was a little apprehensive but decided to say it anyway, so she said: I think she was crying when her son saw her … I wonder, did you get to meet her today, and did you tell her?

Saena nodded and said: Yes, I managed to do so … I gave them a copy of the report, and gave them the option to meet the doctor, … That's about it

Kyoko smiled worriedly and asked: and are you ok?

Saena smiled and reassured: I'm completely fine … you don't need to worry about me!

Kyoko was relieved … she was worried her mother would be affected by the meeting, given the fact she saw Anna crying just a while ago … she sat down and pet Remi who was still asleep on her mother's lap

Saena: I guess I do owe It to Todoh-san …for being fine

Kyoko: So Todoh-san joined you?

Saena: Yes … I don't think I would have handled it well if he wasn't there … he knows exactly what to say or do, … I genuinely don't know how to repay him for everything he's done so far

Kyoko: I'm glad he was with you! … he's truly a great person!

Saena nodded and said: He really put that guy in his place for once …

Kyoko: did that person say something insensitive to you, again?

Saena: Apparently, he learned about the fact I left you in Kyoto for several years, and he was really upset about that … he wanted an explanation as to why

Kyoko: He doesn't need to know! it's none of his business!

Saena: that's what I said, … but when he kept asking, Todoh-san fired back with some general facts and ranted for a while, making that guy speechless, to say the least …

Kyoko smiled slyly and said: I wouldn't expect anything less from Todoh-san! … he's truly amazing!

Saena nodded and smiled … then said: we should get ready for bed

Kyoko: um … can I ask you something?

Saena: go-ahead

Kyoko: when you were young, …did you ever act rebellious?

Confused, Saena asked: why are you asking that?

Kyoko: I'm just curious … it came up in the discussion, on the way back

Unsure, Saena asked: so, you told them you ran away?

Kyoko looked down unsure if she should have … then said: I didn't explain the situation, so they don't really know much …

Saena: so, this boy is being rebellious right now?

Kyoko: Hiroki? … no … He was talking about his mother, since her father is a lawyer, it seems

Saena: yes, I've heard … Todoh-san told me about that

Kyoko: well, the discussion was about alcohol …

Puzzled, Saena: why would you discuss that, to begin with?

Kyoko: Yashiro-san told Tsuraga-san that he should stop drinking to avoid sticky situations like the one with Kusunoki-san … he agreed but wondered if it's even possible, so I said it is because you don't even drink

Saena nodded and said: alcohol is terrible, it's better to stay away from it

Kyoko agreed saying: Yeah, … although Okami-san once gave me some light Saki, I couldn't bring myself to drink it

Shell-shocked, Saena asked: Yayoi give you alcohol?

Kyoko: No, … it was the Okami from Darumaya … I was a little depressed after I failed the audition … more like, … I wasn't sure what to do anymore, as I met Shotaro that day, and he didn't even recognize me … I was so angry and filled with Vengeful feelings, yet I thought I couldn't get revenge because I failed that audition

Saena: how did you manage to get into the agency after losing the audition then?

Kyoko: I guess I couldn't just give up, so I went to the agency and I found out that I was the first "Love ME" section member … I met with the president, who told me about the whole idea, and I got excited, so I accepted … regardless of the horrible name and uniform I had to wear

Saena: I'm not asking to criticize you, but … why did you fail that audition?

Kyoko: ah well … because I had no love emotions left, I guess … I broke the phone out of anger and rage because I remembered Shotaro, and I couldn't imagine him asking for forgiveness and another chance … I didn't want to seek to be loved anymore, because I thought I was worthless and didn't deserve it ….

Feeling guilty, Saena: I'm sorry …

Kyoko: It's not your fault … it's Shotaro's!

Saena disagreed, saying: no … it's also my fault, if I didn't negatively view you, and loved you like a normal parent, you wouldn't have been hurt this much … I'm aware of all the damage I caused you, and although I'm still not confident I could do better, I'll try

Kyoko smiled and said: I think you changed a lot, and I'm very happy now! … so, don't worry about the past! … we were both hurt by different things, but that's why we're who we are today!

Saena nodded and smiled softly back at Kyoko then said: let's see … when have I acted rebelliously?

Kyoko was very curious to hear about her mother's childhood, she didn't know what to expect to hear, but was very excited, to say the least

Remembering something, Saena looked down in agony and thought (should I talk about that?)

Worried, Kyoko said: if it's something you don't want to talk about, you don't have to!

Saena: No, it's ok … it's the only thing I remember however

Kyoko nodded and listened carefully

Saena: After I graduated from senior high, I was expected to settle down and become a housewife… at least that's what most females went through back then … boys go off to college or join their family business, while females got married and started a family … however, I didn't accept that, and rebilled against my parents' wishes

Shocked, Kyoko: your parents wanted you to get married right after high school?!

Saena nodded, then continued: My father was aware of my ambitions to become a lawyer, … he had failed to be one, and decided to join the family business instead, … my mother never had a chance to become anything but a housewife, so … I wanted to be different, I studied very hard to get to where I am today

Kyoko nodded acknowledging her mothers' efforts

Saena: My father told me that my job as a daughter is to marry into a good family, … I was told its futile to fight my fate as a woman … so they arranged a marriage meeting, on the same day I was supposed to go for my university exams … I rebelled and ran off to take my exams because I couldn't accept being forced to do something I didn't want to do

Kyoko: your parents must have been old-fashioned

Saena nodded and said: there are still many people like that, especially in the rural areas

Kyoko: so, what happened then?

Saena: My father was upset with me, and so was my mother, … they said "I embarrassed them in front of my future in-laws" … so, I challenged my father, if I got accepted into law school, he would let me study and if I didn't, I would settle down as they wanted

Confident, Kyoko asked: because you were confident you would get accepted?

Saena: Yes, … They knew that I always got perfect grades, so they were reluctant to accept my proposal … but thankfully, that person didn't want to marry a "strong-headed woman", so they agreed to my terms until they could find someone else … but before then, I received my results and I was accepted into law school

Kyoko: so, then they allowed you to become a lawyer and stopped asking you to get married?

Saena: it wasn't that simple … I was told that if I fail any exam, I would have to drop out and settle down … so I worked really hard to avoid that … and by the time I took my bar exam, they had already given up on getting me married

Kyoko admired that and said: That's amazing!

Saena sighed and said: if only I avoided making such a terrible mistake, … I would still be proud of all my efforts … but, your right! … the past is what got us here, and I don't want to look back anymore

Kyoko nodded and said: I still find it admirable that you fought to be who you want to be, and achieved that!

Saena: and now it's your turn, to fight and become the actress you want to be!

Fired up, Kyoko said: I will do my very best!

Saena nodded and smiled

Kyoko was very happy to have had such a conversation with her mother, it made her more excited for the future and pushed her to work her hardest … she wasn't going to stop until she achieved her goal of becoming an actress that represents Japan

---

(The next day - In the Grad-Jewel Hotel)

The family of 5 got ready to go out and about in the streets of Tokyo … Hiroki still wasn't too excited to spend time with his father, but didn't want to ruin the mood … so he went along

Their grandmother didn't join them, as she had other plans

The boys left the hotel along with their parents, heading to downtown Tokyo

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(Downtown Tokyo)

The family of 5 went walking around the shops, buying nice clothes, and eating some street snacks along the way.

After a while of walking, Hiroki spotted a place that was recommended to him yesterday by Kyoko … she told him about the place called HokuHoku Diner, which had delicious Rice balls, and recommended that he'd try the Chinese Mustard rice ball.

Intrigued, Hiroki asks his parents if they could eat there … his father agreed right away, wanting to please his son and get back on his good side … Anna also agreed, suggesting that having a light lunch would do … the younger kids weren't too sure, with Hayato commenting: this place looks cheap!

Kioshi: hey! … it's not about the prices … it's more about the food, plus … isn't fast food cheap, yet you love it the most?!

Hayato: I guess! … but I'm not sure they have anything good! … this isn't McDonald's!

Hokuto: I want Mcdonald's!

Kioshi: Boys, we're going to have lunch here! … give this place a chance! … besides diners are great, I'm sure they have something good!

Hiroki: I will go ahead and order … since there seems to be a line! … you can go to the candy store without me!

Anna: ok, well meet you there!

Kioshi takes out some cash and says: order whatever you want, and we'll all share, how about that?

Hiroki: ok … (he takes the money and starts walking towards HokuHoku Diner

** In the same time**

Sho comes out of a car with Shoko giving him a hat telling him to stay in disguise … he put on the hat and stretched … he looked around and smiled as people looked at him, … some girls noticed him and waved which made him smile smugly, acting cool by waving and walking away

As he walked, Shoko followed him

Shoko: I can get it for you, just stay in the car!

Sho: I can get it myself! … I need to see what they have and choose carefully!

Shoko gave up, and just followed until he suddenly stopped and stared at a man

Sho: Why is he still here?!

Shoko: you mean that guy who came with his mother to offer you sponsorship and you declined!

Sho watched as the guy gave his oldest son some money and walked away with his wife and two younger sons

Shoko: just ignore him, he's free to go wherever he pleases

Sho sneered as he stared at the man until he disappeared into a store, … then he saw the oldest son enter the diner … he sighed, then walked towards the diner thinking (I hope they don't join him, … I will lose my appetite if that happens!)

He enters the store and sees the long line …. And sighs heavily … but stands in line hoping that his favorite rice ball will last until it's his turn

Hiroki was standing in the line, … and behind him was an older woman who looked like she's in her early 50's … Sho stood behind her thinking (there are 7 people ahead of me,.. this won't take too long, I hope) … Shoko had excused herself to the restroom and told Sho to get her anything

The line moved rather fast, with a few people having ordered a single rice ball and left … it was Sunday, so the place wasn't too packed

It was finally Hiroki's turn … he moved to the register and asked: Do you have any Chinese Mustard rice balls?

The employee: Yes, we have 4 left, how many do you want?

Hiroki: all four! … I will also take 2 salmon rice balls … and 5 original

Sho overheard Hiroki's conversation with the cashier, making him angry and frustrated … he once did that to Kyoko … but that doesn't mean others can do it to him … he clenched his fist and stared daggers at the boy who took all the rice balls he craved

Hiroki finished his order by asking for 2 tuna rice balls and 3 meal sets … he took the box full of rice balls and his number … and walked to an empty table of 4 … he took a chair from a nearby table, to make it 5 … and sat down waiting for his family to join him

Suddenly, some young blonde guy wearing a hat sat facing him and glared at him angrily

Unsure, Hiroki asks: can I help you?!

Sho: Sure, give me the Chinese Mustard balls! … you bought them all! … that's not fair!

Baffled, Hiroki asked: won't they make more?

Sho: that's not my problem! … I came here because I'm hungry and was craving them … but you snatched all the rest! … do you think I'm so free that I can wait for another batch to be made?! … besides it is Sunday, they close early!

Hiroki: well then, sorry …

Sho: now give me two, and I will give you my CD for free! … don't you think it's a fair trade

Hiroki: Sorry, but I can't do that … I bought this for myself and my family!

Sho: you bought other things, right?! … so missing 2 Chinese Mustard balls won't be much! … come on! … don't you know who I am?

Confused, Hiroki asks: does it matter?!

Sho: I'm Fuwa Sho! … you should be honored to meet me, … not many get this privilege!

Unimpressed, Hiroki said: I'm not a big fan of your music … I prefer listening to Taylor Swift!

Annoyed, Sho spat: so, you're that guy's son?! … you're an American too?!

Hiroki: I don't know which guy you're referring to, … but yes, I'm an American, so naturally I would prefer English music, … and since Jpop isn't big in the US, I don't listen to it much!

Sho: aren't you half Japanese! … where has your loyalty to this country gone?!

Hiroki: I'm not sure why I should be loyal to Japan when I'm an American … sure I love Japan, but I don't really belong here … Japan is far too foreign to me sadly!

Sho: what a loser! … you know Japanese but don't listen to Japanese music?! … ugh! How useless!

Annoyed, Hiroki asks: can you leave me alone now?

Sho: Not until I get my Chinese Mustard rice balls

Hiroki: I apologize, but I don't want to trade with you!

Sho: what the hell?! … I'm telling you I'm a celebrity and I'm trying to be nice! … why won't you trade with me! … do you even like Chinese mustard?!

Hiroki: I'm not sure, I haven't tried them yet, … but since I'm not a picky eater, I'm sure I'll like them!

Sho: why buy 4 when you don't even know how they taste?! … that's senseless!

Annoyed, Hiroki: I think you're the senseless one… why don't you go to someone else who also bought them and trade with them … leave me alone!

Irritated, Sho asked: so, you're giving one to your father?!

Hiroki: yeah, so?! … what's wrong with that?!

Sho: Don't you know what your dad did?!

Hiroki looked away giving himself away, but replied: wait, … why would you know my dad?!

Irritated, Sho spat: because I met that jerk!

Hiroki was equally irritated, but at Sho … he was sure mad at his dad concerning Kyoko's matter, but … that didn't give this guy the right to insult his father, so he said: watch it! … you're talking about my dad!

Sho: so?! what's your point?! … are you defending him regardless of his horrific actions?!

Hiroki: I'm not happy with what he did, but … that doesn't give you the right to insult him!

Sho mocked him saying: so, you know, yet you still think he's a good man?! … because he's your dad?!

Hiroki: look, dude, … I didn't come here for problems … I came to eat with my family!

Annoyed, Sho taunted: Family you say?! … you have the audacity to say that to me?! … don't you know what Kyoko went through?!

Hiroki: …

Sho: yeah, as I thought! … you know nothing about her … you don't even care, do you?!

Hiroki: I do care, … It does bother me that she grew up without a father, but … at least she has a mother!

Enraged, Sho hit the table with his fist and spat: Right?! … you care, when you don't even know anything … have you bothered to ask?! … no, I suppose! …. In any case, it's your fault, to begin with!

Puzzled, Hiroki asked: my fault?! … what do you mean by that?! … I wasn't even born back then!

Sho: It's your fault Kyoko grew up without a father … he was too busy fooling around with your mother to care!

Furious, Hiroki: Hey! … watch it! … don't bring my mother into that matter! … she has no fault in all this mess!

Sho: yeah?! … who stole Kyoko's dad from her mother?! … tell me?!

Hiroki: My mom has nothing to do with it! … my dad met her 2 years after he came back from Japan! … she knew nothing about all that, so don't blame her!

Sho: Oh, so you're a mama's boy? … being all protective?! … you really are pathetic!

Annoyed, Hiroki: cool … are you done now?!

Sho: Nah … I'm not done with you, Kid! … you don't get it, do you!

Frustrated, Hiroki asks: I don't get what?!

Sho: Not because you had a loving mother, means Kyoko had the same!

Confused, Hiroki: What are you talking about?

Sho: Because your father was busy with you people, he wasn't there for his only daughter … if only he was there, he could have protected her from her abusive mother!

Hiroki looked at Sho not knowing how to react to what he just heard

Sho looked around and pointed at a mother and daughter, then said: look there … see that girl pulling her mother hand … Kyoko wasn't even allowed to touch her mother, to begin with!

Confused, Hiroki asks: she couldn't touch her mother?

Sho: yeah, … every time Kyoko went to her mother, her mother would pull her hand away, and look at Kyoko like she did something unforgivable! … she always made her cry

Hiroki: ….

Sho: look … now the mother is patting her child's head … Kyoko never got that either … she was only screamed at … no matter how hard Kyoko tried at school, her mother was never happy! … she wouldn't accept anything but a perfect score! … she never patted Kyoko, … let alone touched her!

Hiroki looked down confused, … Kyoko never mentioned that yesterday … not that he had the right to know … Kyoko is free to share or hide whatever she wanted … but he never thought that Kyoko had a terrible relationship with her mother

Sho: She spent all her time with us, and eventually moved in when her mother left for Tokyo alone! … she never ever called Kyoko or sent any presents … my mother did everything for Kyoko herself!

Hiroki thought that Kyoko had moved with her mother, … not knowing she stayed behind living without either parent by her side … he wasn't sure how to feel about what he just learned

Sho: For all the time that I knew Kyoko … she never cried until her mother did something, like screamed at her, or moved her hand away, warning Kyoko not to touch her … she never even celebrated the holidays with us, … she just left Kyoko in our care and never asked about her!

Hiroki: ….

Sho: you're speechless aren't you! … I get that Saena-san was hurt by what that monster did! … but Kyoko was innocent, she did nothing to that woman, yet her mother never loved her! … I believe that your dad destroyed that woman so bad, that she couldn't love her own child!

Hiroki looked down and clenched his fist … he knew his dad did something awful, but he didn't know what was the result of all that … he felt really bad for Kyoko, despite her telling him not to pity her …

Sho: Sure, she never physically harmed Kyoko … but Kyoko was emotionally broken! … she only thought of helping others so she's accepted … I truly pity her!

Remembering some of the things he heard about Kyoko's childhood friend, Hiroki looked at Sho and asked: so, what did you do to help her?!

Sho: what the hell?! … why am I supposed to help her … we were the same age! … there was nothing I can do for her when she cried! … unlike her, I had both parents who were loving and caring … and almost overprotective of me … nothing I said would have changed anything!

Hiroki: you know that you don't have to say anything … actions speak louder than words!

Sho: don't try to switch things and blame me! … your father is to blame for this whole thing!

Hiroki: I don't know much about you and her … sure, … but I've heard things, like … for example, … you're a bad childhood friend!

Sho: What did you say?!

Hiroki: I get that your mad that my dad did something terrible, … but … I'm just as powerless as you, honestly! … I can't do anything even if I wanted to … but the difference here is, you had a chance to help but didn't!

Sho: what was I supposed to do?! … report her mother or something?! … she had no bruises to prove any abuse … since she suffered from the emotional type! … what would you do if your mother never loved you?! … huh?!

Hiroki: I don't know!

Sho: sure, you don't … because your parents love you … look at what you're wearing! … branded clothes! … and the expensive type! … you eat well and you're happy! …

you're the complete opposite compared to your own sister! … she never wore those types of clothes … she was never loved by her mother … your father abandoned her! … she never asked for anything and always worked hard … yet since her grades weren't perfect her mother couldn't bother with her either!

Hiroki looked down, upset and unsure what to say or do

Sho finally admitted, saying: Sure, I wasn't the best friend out there … I couldn't be bothered since I can't solve her problems! … I made some mistakes, but that's doesn't mean I don't care! … got it?!

Hiroki looked away and said: don't compare us … since she doesn't consider us family! … I respect her choice because that's the right thing to do!

He hadn't noticed his parents entering the diner and approaching their table

Sho sarcastically sneered: How honorable! … like that will change anything?! … that doesn't change the fact you share a father … neither does it change the fact Kyoko had a miserable childhood … and that all your fault!

Hiroki looked down annoyed that he couldn't say anything

Sho: and don't you dare play innocent! … while you laughed and played as normal kids do … your older sister didn't get the same treatment! … you know … most kids actually cry for their mothers … in Kyoko case, she always cried because of her mother!

Hiroki: sometimes mothers say things that make kids cry!

Sho: ha?! … you think it's that simple?! … whenever I saw Saena-san come over, I dreaded what would happen … its always the same … she comes and makes Kyoko cry … she only looking at her with disgust … she never once tried to stop her from crying, she just walks away leaving Kyoko curled up in a ball crying her eyes out!

Hiroki: so, that's why you're so upset? … because the friend you seem to care about was sad when she was a child?

Sho: sad?! … that's all you think it is?! … she was miserable I tell you! … I couldn't tell you how many times Kyoko ran after her mother begging her not to leave her behind, but her mother just ignored her and left regardless, leaving her behind crying for attention!

Hiroki bit his lip … he really didn't know how to react to all this information … not that his reaction mattered anyway … he felt really bad for Kyoko hearing that

Sho: and when she sees her mother come back, she would run to her in excitement, just to be rejected all over again … and that cycle kept repeating itself until her mother moved to Tokyo! … (he looked away) and said: that girl never learned how to give up!

Hiroki: isn't it good, though, … she's never given up and that paid off! … she has a good relationship with her mother now, no?

Sho: You never know how long that will last! … I don't know if that's the effect of that guy coming, but … it might have been better if he never came back!

Hiroki: I get that you hate my dad for what he did to your friend, … sure it affected you somehow, but …

Sho: but what?! … you don't think it's personal, do you?! … I have a personal grudge against that man!

Hiroki: my dad did nothing to you!

Sho: yeah?! … what about my uncle?! … my uncle who was supposed to get a promotion, not only lost it but he was fired for what happened!

Shocked, Hiroki asked: your uncle got fired?!

Sho: yeah! … since he took the responsibility for what happened! … although it wasn't his fault that woman was fooled! … he was the one who added her to the team after all!

Anna and Kioshi were shocked by what they just heard … they never imagined that what he did hurt more than just Saena … although they knew the client who lost the case did get hurt by the loss, but … for Sho's uncle to lose his job was something else

Hiroki: So, … because your uncle hired her, he took the responsibility for what happened and was fired because of that?

Sho: He wasn't the only one fired, … everyone on that team got fired because of one mistake made by that woman … she ruined everything my uncle worked so hard for … frankly, Kyoko's just like her! … she became a fool just because she fell in love! … I can't believe a lawyer like her who was supposed to be so smart, fall for that man's tricks so easily!

Hiroki was surprised to hear him say that Kyoko is just like her mother in that aspect, so he asked: do you mean she became a fool because she liked someone? … perhaps that someone was you?

Sho: don't push your luck kid! … I'm not telling you about my past with her … that's private!

Hiroki: oh, is it?! … because you don't want to admit you were a jerk and she was a fool to fall for you?

Sho gnashed his teeth in anger … he never thought this kid would catch on to that … so he asked: what makes you think that?!

Kioshi interrupted: you!

Sho got up and looked back … seeing Kioshi standing behind him angered him, making him think to himself (when did he come here?)

Kioshi: You're that childhood friend, right?

Pissed, Sho spat: so?! … why are you asking, when you already know?

Kioshi: I'm just wondering if what Hiroki said was true! … it makes sense that you two are no longer in contact … furthermore, you said she's no longer the girl you knew … you ….

Sho interrupted him: it's too late for you to realize anything … and even if you did, you can't do anything about it! … what are you gonna do? … beat me up?!

Fed up, Hiroki stands up and says: HEY! … you can hate my father all you want! … but you can't assume he's a violent person! … I won't allow that!

Anna held the two youngest boys closer to her, unsure what to do in this situation

Kioshi stayed calm, saying: look, I'm not going to do anything to you, or anybody for that fact, … I think having a conversation is a healthy way to dissipate issues or misunderstandings … I don't view violence as a solution, no matter what happens

Sho: you think I'll believe the shit your spewing? … who assaulted Saena-san, answer me?!

Baffled, Hiroki asked: Assaulted?!

Anna wanted to defend her husband, but he spoke before her saying: My mother did the wrong thing and was taken to the police for that!

Sho: while you walked free like an innocent man when you yourself destroyed someone else's life! … don't take me for an idiot! … your actions didn't only hurt that woman, but it had a ripple effect that hurt everyone around her… including an innocent child!

Kioshi: I get it! … what I've done is unforgivable, and I will spend my whole life repenting and regretting my actions … I really get it … I'm a coward! … I failed everyone! … I can't change the past, but I can do better in the future!

Sho: Nonsense! … how can you fix something that you can't undo?!

Shoko who was stuck in the bathroom for a while, finally emerged … she rubbed her tummy and thought (were the leftovers I ate yesterday spoiled? … now, where is Sho?) … as she got back to the main hall, she saw that there was a small commotion in the back of the hall … so she ran to see what's going on, fearing Sho might be involved

Kioshi: I know I can't fix this … ok? … there is literally nothing I can do to fix this … but as a person, I can …

Sho: save it! … you can't do shit for no one! … your so useless! … just go back to where you came from you ….

Shoko interrupted Sho by covering his mouth and shushed him angrily … then bowed apologetically saying: I'm sorry, he can be reckless and insensitive sometimes!

Kioshi looked down and clenched his fist … he was so frustrated and annoyed with himself, but more so he was annoyed that his son was dragged into his mess … so he said: I know I have no right to ask you anything, but please, keep my kids out of it! … attack me all you want, but not my kids!

Sho removed Shoko's hand and said: your kids?! … who do you mean by that, huh? … just the three boys?! … are you that's senseless?!

Kioshi: I'm respecting her decision in not wanting to be a part of my family … I have no right to ask you anything concerning her … but …

Sho interrupted: Damn right! … you have no right to say anything about her, or ask me anything either! … I'm not telling you a single thing, regardless if we're close or not!

Kioshi: understood, … I won't ask for anything … just keep my sons out of this, completely!

Sho: whatever! … I don't want to speak to any of you anyways! … you are all selfish people who don't care about anyone but yourselves!

Shoko whispered angrily: Sho! … Stop it right now … if people figure out who you are, you will be all over the news! … calm down and let's leave if you got everything you wanted from here!

Sho: I didn't! … because this kid bought every single one left!

Kioshi looked at his son then at Sho and said: if you have an issue, you should talk to the staff, my son was just helping out with ordering our food before we joined him!

Sho: whatever! … I'm leaving!

Shoko took Sho and pulled out of the place and into the car … then gave him a lecture on how reckless and stupid he was

Hiroki looked at the food and thought (That jerk!)

Kioshi, Anna, and the youngest two sat down with Hiroki on the table … Hiroki however got up and walked away

Anna: Hiroki, where are you going?!

Hiroki: our order must have been ready, I need to go get it

Kioshi: I'll join you

Anna wondered if it was a good idea, but since Hiroki didn't protest, she stayed seated with her the little ones, as her husband and son grabbed the rest of the meal

Hiroki walked ahead of his father without saying much … he was still very upset with his father, but couldn't ignore Sho's attacks on him

Kioshi: Sorry Hiroki … I really am!

Hiroki looked at his dad without saying anything … he then looked at the ground as he waited in the short line ahead

Kioshi: I don't want you or your brothers to be dragged into my mess … I hope he didn't say anything that hurt you!

Hiroki kept looking at the ground as he said: He said it's all our fault … that you were busy being our father and forgot about her

Kioshi: It's not your fault, I assure you, … it's all my fault, I did such a terrible thing, and I truly regret it!

Hiroki: I don't know if he's just angry about his uncle … or he just didn't want to be compared to you!

Kioshi: I don't know … but I don't think he can be compared to me, he's just a teenager!

Hiroki: I don't know about that … I have a feeling that she understands her mother because something similar happened to her, … concerning that guy!

Kioshi: you think that guy fooled her in some way?

Hiroki: maybe … who knows! … but, you can't really go after him for that, even if true!

Kioshi: I won't … I don't have the right to do that, anyway

Hiroki: so, are you backing off?

Kioshi: yeah, it's the right thing to do … I have to respect her choice regardless of how I feel, … I have responsibilities to you, your mother and brothers … so, no matter what, you will always come first, because you're my family, and I will do the right thing and stand by that!

Hiroki: what about Grandma?

Kioshi: I'm not talking to her right now, things are complicated, but I will figure out a way to convince her to stop

Hiroki: did she really assault her mother?

Kioshi: yes, not only her but also her co-worker … apparently

Hiroki: why is grandma so fixated on that matter? … is it really because mom can't have a girl? … aren't we enough?!

Kioshi: I think it might have to do with her chosen career

Confused, Hiroki asked: why does her career matter?

Kioshi: because you know how she is with her high-society friends … they all like to brag about every little they have, and … the one who has most is the leader, … my mother is probably aiming to be that, and thinks an actress being her granddaughter would give easily get her there

Hiroki: so, you're saying that she doesn't even care about her personally, she just wants her for her own benefit? … when did she become like this

Kioshi: She was like this since forever, … you were just too young to notice that … she might be following her own mother's footsteps in that matter, but, … all this is going too far

Hiroki: Can you promise me something?

Kioshi: anything!

The line went by, and they finally got their food … they all sat and ate the food happily

Hiroki really liked the Chinese Mustard rice balls, so did Anna … Kioshi wasn't a big fan, so he gave the rest of his to his wife … the younger kids preferred the tuna and salmon rice balls, so Hiroki ended up eating two, which he didn't mind at all

He was grateful for Kyoko's recommendations, and he did send her an email thanking her for the recommendation and that he really enjoyed the Rice balls, especially the Chinese mustard ones

---

(In Ren's apartment)

Kyoko and Ren returned from shopping at the down stair's supermarket … Kyoko had a field day trying to get Ren to buy things that aren't expensive, explaining her personal knowledge to him, so he can stop buying food carelessly

Kyoko sighed in relief as they reached the kitchen

Ren: Did I stress you that much?

Kyoko: Not you personally, but your shopping habits did! … how can you spend money like that?

Ren: I never thought of it that way

Kyoko: I guess I'm just not used to seeing people spend a lot of money … I had to save every penny to pay all the bills … I'm grateful I don't have to do that anymore

Ren: say, … that guy, he never paid anything when it came to the bills?

Kyoko shook her head and said: As I said before I was the one who paid for everything, food, bills, the apartment, … everything

Ren narrowed his eyes as he asked: even after he got famous?

Kyoko: I never saw any of the money he made, … besides, apparently, he had his own place at the same building as his manager … although he did say he was staying with her anyway

Ren: knowing you, you would never ask him for money, even if you were friends back then

Kyoko: never! … I'm not entitled to what he owns … I was too afraid he would call me out like someone trying to live off of his fame … again

Alarmed, Ren asked: again?

Kyoko: when we were younger, he asked me what I wanted to do in the future since I always did what I was asked to do … I answer him, never mind my stupid response, but he snapped at me and accused me of wanting to ride his coattails

Ren's veins popped a bit hearing that … he tried to calm himself, but he still asked: and when was that?

Kyoko: I think we were around 11 years old then … I had no ambitions back then, and I have yet to learn the tea ceremony properly … I was still living in that terrible fairytale, and assumed things were going that way eventually …

Ren: I'm sorry I opened that topic, I'm just curious honestly

Kyoko: I don't mind … I have accepted what happened and I learned a lot from that stupid and painful experience … I'm happy I'm here now, and I'm content, but I will keep fighting to reach my dreams!

Ren: Can I ask you about something I'm a little puzzled about

Kyoko: go ahead!

Ren: you said you wanted to … marry … him … back then at least, was that connected to the business his parents ran?

Kyoko: I'm not sure what I was thinking back then, but … your right! I was trained on various matters that would mean I would take the place of Sho's mother eventually … like the Tea Ceremony for example … she is the only one to perform it, so training me seriously was because she wanted me to ultimately inherit her position

Ren: So, you think that his mother wanted to help you realize your ambitions back then, or was it because she is the one who was ambitious for you to take her place

Kyoko: I never thought of it that way … I'm sure she wanted me to be his wife and her successor and she trained me to do so, … silly thing is, he asked me to go with him because his parents wanted him to marry someone who was boring and plain and take over the business … and I thought that he was choosing me to be his partner instead, which is why I agreed …

Ren: but in fact, he was talking about you the whole time, and he just made it sound like he was talking about someone else

Kyoko: yeah… sadly, back then I didn't realize it was me he was running away from

Ren: So, he ran away with the person they wanted him to marry, taking away both their heir and their targeted partner?

Kyoko: come to think of it, Yayoi-san was the face of the Inn, so … if it ever went the way his parents planned for, … I would be the face of the Inn, and he would live in my shadow

Ren: At this point, I don't know if he's only being selfish … or he's being a devious jerk!

Kyoko chuckled and said: maybe both?! … he couldn't imagine losing his fame and his ego led him to manipulate me … ruining both my life and his parent's plans … I really wonder what his parents are going to do if he really doesn't want to inherit their business

Ren: I don't care what they do, as long as you don't get dragged into their plans

Kyoko: no worries, … Yayoi-san respects my career choice, and has handed everything back to my mother … his father told me that I don't owe them anything and that they wish me all the best and will support me from afar

Ren: I'm glad they let you go

Kyoko nodded and said: you know, yesterday, I had a good decision with my mother!

Ren: is that so?

Kyoko: yeah … the topic of being rebellious caught my attention, so I wanted to know more about her … and I was seriously shocked by what she told me … but, you know, … I feel like I understand her much better now

Ren: I'm glad! … I'm really happy that things got better between you two!

Kyoko: me too! … anyway! … we should start cooking!

Ren laughed and said: we shall!

The two spent some time cooking some new dishes, giving Kyoko a chance to teach Ren new skills. He was luckily a fast learner, who picked up those skills really fast.

They enjoyed cooking together, blasting music in the living room, as they sang along to their favorite music songs, specifically Disney songs that Kyoko loved.

They ate the food they cooked and packed the leftovers for later … Kyoko also took some food with her home, since they did cook a big portion.

The two grew closer, and more comfortable talking about any subject with one another. The night went smoothly and ended on a high note

Ren drove Kyoko home, and returned to his place … he was very happy and content with their current relationship … not wanting to push for more, because right now was perfect … nothing ruined their mood and they had so much fun together … he hoped that tomorrow would be just as good, so he went to bed, hoping to wake up early and join Kyoko on the car ride to work.

---

(In the Grad-Jewel Hotel – Hiroki's room)

Anna knocked on the door and said: I'm coming in, is that ok?

Hiroki: sure!

Anna came into the room, after turning off the lights in the neighboring room

Hiroki: They fell asleep?

Anna: yup, … they must have been exhausted from a long day in town, how about you?

Hiroki: I'm fine … I was about to watch some anime, before going to bed

Anna: I see … I just wanted to say that I am proud of you, … you handled the situation well, I must say … I'm sorry you went through that!

Hiroki: it's ok, don't apologize, it's not your fault … that guy is just a jerk!

Anna: what did he want from you, to begin with?

Hiroki: He was upset I bought the rest of those Chinese Mustard rice balls, … they were only 4 and I was buying it for us as a family … I didn't see anything wrong with that … but then he brought up dad and went on accusing us of taking Kyoko's dad away from her

Anna: How did he know who you were, to begin with?

Hiroki: I don't know, perhaps he saw me with you guys and recognized dad since he met him before apparently!

Anna: oh … I see, well, don't take it personally! … it's really not your fault at all!

Hiroki: I know! … it just bothered me that he kept comparing us … more so, it bothered me that he said that … (he whispered) saying: Kyoko was abused as a child …

Unsure how to react, Anna looked at him with a complicated look … she bit her lip as she looked away thinking of the things Saena said before … then said: that's terrible …

Hiroki: you know something?

Anna: Mogami-san did mention that she wasn't a good mother, she admitted that … and I know that they lived apart for several years before living together in Tokyo

Hiroki: I assumed that when her mother moved here, she came along

Anna: no, … I really don't know any details, but I understand that a single mother's life here is at least 10 times harder than it is in the US …

Hiroki: Do you think her mother was overwhelmed by what happened that she couldn't accept her, and love her as normal parents do?

Anna: that is very possible … Moreover, now we know that Mogami-san lost her job because of what happened back then … which is awful, that might be a huge part of what happened … oh my!

Hiroki: you didn't know that before?

Anna: no, we didn't … she didn't want to tell us, which is fair!

Hiroki: why not?

Anna: I guess it has a lot to do with pride! … she does seem to carry herself with pride, especially in her career, … like my father, he had so much pride in himself being a lawyer! … so, I don't think she would want to talk about the past with someone who she doesn't like, about a topic that concerns herself, … having lost her career must have been a huge blow, and might have caused her to think of very negative things

Hiroki: I wonder, … what would you do if you were in her place?

Anna: I would have had an abortion right away! … but given I don't know the laws here, I don't know if that's possible, honestly

Hiroki: I never imagined you saying that, ever! … having an abortion of all things?

Anna: I don't know how difficult her pregnancy was … but you have seen how I was when I had Hokuto, at least?

Hiroki: yeah … you had such a hard time with him … you even had diabetes!

Anna nodded and said: so, given that she lost her job sometime after that incident, and she was pregnant … she might have suffered from depression associated with pregnancy … which might have led her to have negative feelings for her child!

Hiroki: so, if you were in her place … a lawyer in Japan, who couldn't get an abortion, what would you do?

Anna: I don't know … give the baby for adoption is the safest option, but then again, I don't know about the foster system here either …

Hiroki looks it up and paled at the results he got, then said: that's also a no-go! … apparently putting your child for adoption is frowned upon! … not to mention, the foster system seems to be poorly managed!

Anna: wow! … living in Japan is tough, not only is it difficult to be a single mother, you can't even give your child away either! … the whole picture has become clearer

Hiroki: I wonder, is it fair to blame dad for all that? … I mean, he caused all that damage to that woman, and her daughter suffered because of it

Anna: although it is true … to some extent, … I can also say that the blame also goes to Mogami-san, … Sure, Mogami-san is reacting negatively to what happened, but Kyoko is an innocent child in all this, she shouldn't be abused in any way

Hiroki: I mean, that guy never said her mother hit her or anything … it's just she was never nice to her … but, he did consider her abusive

Anna: how so?

Hiroki told her everything he heard from Sho, then said: I don't know if that guy is even trustworthy, … she, Kyoko … talked badly of him when we met … so, I don't know if we should believe everything he says … but,

Anna: he was angry, and it sounded real, everything he said … at least from his perspective?

Hiroki answered weakly: yeah …

Anna looked down and sighed, then said: I hope that's all that happened … I really do!

Hiroki: I agree …

Anna: alright … have fun watching your shows … I'm going to bed now

Hiroki: good night mom

Anna: Good night!

Hiroki waves as his mother left his room and return to hers … she walked into the bedroom to find it empty … so she wondered where he husband was … she looked around and saw that the balcony was partially open, so she went out to the balcony and said: here you are

Kioshi looks at his wife and nodded, then said: I needed some fresh air to think!

Anna stood next to her husband and said: about?

Kioshi: many things … among them, the fact she lost her job!

Anna: yeah …

Kioshi: her co-worker said that she got a wage cut, … so I'm a little confused

Anna: to be fair, he said the least she could face was a wage cut … it doesn't mean that's what happened … right?

Kioshi realized his wife was right and said: that's true … but why, why not just say what happened?

Anna: she made a point that she didn't want to tell you what happened, which is why that guy was very general and didn't go into specifics about what really happened

Kioshi: I was very ignorant wasn't I … I said terrible things to her!

Anna: Yeah, you were!

Kioshi sits on the floor on the balcony and covers his face with his hands saying: what the hell have I done?!

Anna sat next to her husband and put her hand on his shoulder to comfort him … she really didn't know what she can say at that moment

Kioshi: do I have to apologize to that man too?

Anna: it's up to you, I won't force you … since I think we made a huge mistake coming here anyway

Kioshi: Anna, … you only had good intentions of coming here! … you encouraged me to do the right thing!

Anna: even so, … look what happened? … the pain we caused … the scars we opened

Kioshi: you didn't do anything wrong! … it's the pain I caused, you didn't cause anything

Anna: moreover, your mother doesn't seem interested in stopping … I'm worried about what she might do next!

Kioshi: yeah, that … we shouldn't have told her anything!

Anna: we messed up … we acted too suspicious and she caught on … there was no way we could've avoided that discussion

Kioshi: Anna, ... do you think I should just tell my dad about this?

Anna: I don't know … you wanted to speak face to face, … but if things do get out of hand and you can't control it, then perhaps telling your father might be our only solution

Kioshi: but where do I draw the line? … when is the right time? because I don't want to tell him when it's too late to fix anything!

Anna: that's the biggest mystery … although it could help if you talk to her about her plans

Kioshi: that's won't do … she won't tell me anything, especially since I declared I'm not interested … plus, I don't want to be dragged down in her plans! … like her attempt in getting me involved with the camera thing

Anna: Right! … when you told me what she said, I was appalled! … she said you were innocent and can never do wrong, yet she tried to drag you into her mess?!

Kioshi: tell me about it … she is too focused on her goal, that she is blinded by it … she lost all common sense! … I'll see what happens tomorrow then decide what to do … hopefully nothing happens and we can go about our day with no trouble

Anna: yeah … anyway, I'm happy you and Hiroki talked

Kioshi: yeah … I will gain his trust back by being a good father to them all! … our boys!

Anna nodded and smiled saying: that's the best thing to do right now!

Kioshi sighs and says: I feel bad for what happened today … I really don't want our boys to be subjected to anything because of what I did

Anna: yeah, our boys shouldn't suffer, and we must try our best to protect them!

Kioshi: what was that guy's issue?! … did Hiroki tell you exactly what happened?

Anna: wasn't it because Hiroki bought the rest of the Chinese Mustard rice balls?

Kioshi: yeah … but then he went to attack him because he's my son? … just because he saw us together … I shouldn't have met that guy, to begin with, that was an awful idea!

Anna: he's the same guy we saw behind that restaurant, right?

Kioshi: yeah, Fuwa Sho, the musician … also her childhood friend

Anna: just curious, did you learn anything from him when you met?

Kioshi: not much, but I know they aren't on good terms, it was clear from the first time we saw them together, really … but, I wonder what happened?

Anna: perhaps, he did something similar to her?

Kioshi: in which way?

Anna: I might have heard somethings when we ate at the same café, in the mall, … I don't know if I should be saying anything … but, from what I understand, he deceived her and used her, then pushed her away

Kioshi: so that guy is angry that he's similar to some extent?

Anna: maybe … I mean, I get he's upset for his childhood friend, but at the same time, he must have ruined his friendship with her by doing something terrible that hurt her … it's hard to judge when you really don't know the whole story

Kioshi: if he cares so much about his childhood friend, he wouldn't have hurt her like that, … but your right, we don't know the whole story … and we might as well never know it … because I won't snoop around

Anna: I'm glad you made that decision!

Annoyed, Kioshi: I just hate that I caused some much pain, for no good reason … I'm really am a terrible guy! … I shouldn't have listened to my mother back then … I will regret my actions for as long as I live!

Anna nodded and sighed, then said: let's make sure our kids don't make a similar mistake in the future!

Kioshi: yeah! … I will encourage them to follow their dreams and not stress about joining the business … they really don't have to!

Anna: I know Hiroki won't!

Kioshi: I agree … he was never really interested in the business since he was young … I would say Hayato showed more interest

Anna: yeah, that's true, he always wanted to come to your work

Kioshi: but that might change, and I don't mind that at all!

Anna: it's cold, let's get back in

Kioshi: alright

They both return to the bedroom, with Kioshi closing the balcony and making sure it's securely closed

Anna took her phone and sat down, she looked up the abortion laws in Japan and thought (did she require Kioshi's consent for an abortion? … well, he was unknown, using a fake name, and she probably knew he didn't give her his real name after he was gone … why am I even thinking about this …)

Kioshi saw next to his wife and said: are you looking something up?

Anna: never mind that … it's just … the things we heard today are concerning

Kioshi: about Mogami-san losing her job?

Anna: no, about Kyoko … who her friend said she was miserable, … were you not paying attention?

Kioshi: No, I heard it too … I just don't know how to react to that!

Anna: If I was in her position I would have had an abortion, but it seems that it's difficult to some extent and you need your partner's permission, too

Kioshi: why would she need permission?

Anna: that's what it says here! … (she shows him her phone to see the article she was reading)

Kioshi: come to think of it, … when mom asked her why she didn't have an abortion and choose to have the baby, she said it wasn't really her choice … but was that about having to raise the baby or the abortion

Anna: maybe both?

Kioshi: then why not put the child for adoption?

Anna: The foster care system here seems poor, and it seems like it's looked down upon! … given what we know, she wouldn't put herself in that position twice! … she had a baby as a single mother, there is no way she would put her for adoption and further hurt her reputation

Kioshi: come to think of it, I never really hear that kids are adopted from Japan, the people I've come across are usually Chinese or Korean

Anna: we can safely assume that she couldn't get an abortion for whatever reason, so, she was forced to her daughter ... and because of that, she had a hard time accepting her and they both suffered because of that

Kioshi: add to that, losing her position, …

Anna: I wonder how she recovered from that … I know her boss is aware of her situation, which is why she seems to have secured a job regardless of her single mother status

Kioshi: but this boss is here in Tokyo …

Anna: but he was originally from Kyoto, right? … he's that guy's uncle

Kioshi: right … he not only lost his promotion but also his job according to that guy

Anna: so, maybe he came here to Tokyo to get a fresh start, and he gave Mogami-san a job because she was struggling in Kyoto?

Kioshi: but why hire someone that caused you to lose your job?

Anna: because he knows she had potential? … or perhaps he felt bad for what happened, given he took responsibility for what happened

Kioshi: I would agree with the first part … him taking responsibility for what happened back then, shouldn't keep him feeling guilty any longer

Anna: well, I'm just glad they are in a better position now … they look happy together, which is good! … perhaps they sought mental help and it helped them get closer

Kioshi: No way! … there is no way they would seek going to a psychologist … mental health has been considered a Taboo subject … so I would assume someone like her, would never go to one!

Anna: I mean, I know it's a bit taboo since your mother was displeased that I went to one, after our first miscarriage … she said family matters are private and I shouldn't share them with pure strangers … but…

Kioshi: You know I went to school, here right? … one time, in 12th grade, one classmate was seen near a psychologist clinic … she was so humiliated to been seen there, that she stopped coming to school … next term we heard she transferred elsewhere

Anna: is it really that bad here?! … I can't even imagine living here!

Kioshi: come on, it's not that bad, … at least generally!

Anna: I'm utterly shocked by all this … perhaps it's better to stop talking about this, because the picture gets worse and worse the more we know! … we should just go to bed … I'm exhausted

Kioshi: your right … (he gets up to turn the lights off and then returns to bed)

While Anna fell asleep almost instantly, Kioshi couldn't sleep … his mind kept going back to what he heard from Sho … Kyoko being miserable, her mother is the reason she cried so much, she was rejected … and it was all his fault … if he didn't cause all that damage … how would things have been then?

---

(The next morning)

Ren woke up early, he got up after having a great night's sleep and took a shower … he got changed, then looked at himself in the mirror

He smiled as he fixed his hair … he then walked to the kitchen to eat something for breakfast … Kyoko has made some food for him and told him to have it for breakfast if he wished.

He sat down and ate his breakfast happily, feeling grateful and much more in love … he washed the container and left his apartment when he got a text from Yashiro

He greeted his manager happily, which made him smile cunningly aiming to tease him, but Ren gave him a gentleman smile warning his friend that he shouldn't try messing with his mood!

They drove away heading to Kyoko's place to pick her up

---

(In a convenient store)

Kanae woke up to find nothing in the fridge … she was hungry and didn't have much time to do some shopping …. So, she decided to go to the convenience store nearby to get something quick and easy to eat … she didn't want to buy extra food, because she was going to travel soon, and she knew better than to buy food that she won't eat by the time she leaves

She walked through the food aisle and picked some rice balls … then picked up a relatively healthy bento box … then walked to another aisle where she picked up some travel necessities

As she walked from one aisle to another, she picked up some things she needs … she spotted the candy section and walked right by it, … then returned and picked up some gum, which she heard would help on the airplane in both take-off and landing

As she walked to the cashier to pay for her things, she passed by the magazine area, she didn't pay much attention to gossip, so she wasn't too interested, however, as she skimmed through the front pages, she stopped at one magazine and knitted her eyebrows … she walked to it and picked it up and stared at the title page … Boost magazine was back at it again, spreading some outrages rumors

She froze as she remembered what she was told earlier that week … she thought (this can't be true! … I know it's not! … but this! … I need to warn them!)

She took out her phone and snapped a picture and sent it to her group chat … she then went on some social media channels to see if anyone is speaking about this matter and found that people are having a field day with this news

She put the magazine back, vowing not to buy it, she wasn't going to support the company by buying their magazine that is full of lies … she stormed away, paid her for things, and left heading towards LME headquarters

---

(In Saena Apartment)

Saena woke up, got changed, and went to the kitchen, where she found Kyoko cooking breakfast cheerfully … she went ahead and helped prepare the rest of breakfast

They set the table, welcomed Todoh in, and sat together to eat

They chatted a little while they ate breakfast … as they finished, Kyoko got up to get ready, as she got a text from Yashiro informing her that he's close to reaching her place

Saena got some help from Todoh-san, as they cleaned up and packed a light lunch

Kyoko cheerfully said: well then, I'm heading out now

Saena: alright, take care

Todoh: Have fun out there

Kyoko waved to them as she opened the door … Remi ran after her, so she knelt down and pet her … she then kissed Remi before holding her and handing her to Todoh who came to help … Kyoko said: Goodbye! … see you tonight … (then closed the door with a bow thanking Todoh for his help)

Todoh: she doesn't want any lunch?

Saena: she said she has lunch plans with her friend

Todoh: I see … well then, we should head out too!

Saena: you're right … let me get my things first

Todoh nodded as he played with Remi for a tiny bit

Saena sighed as she closed her bedroom door behind her

Todoh: what's wrong?

Saena: nothing, … I'm just stressed for no reason

Todoh: come on … take some points from Kyoko-chan … you saw how cheerful she was

Saena: I'll try … let's just go

---

(In the Grad-Jewel Hotel)

Hiroki woke up … he went to the bathroom and took a quick shower … then exited the bathroom and picked up his phone

He looked up some events he and his family can go to today … as he scrolled down, he came across some social media news that caught his attention … he clicked on the link and was stunned by what he saw … he gripped his phone in anger, and headed out of his room to his parent's room … his mother opened the door and said: Good morning … she noticed her son wasn't too happy and asked: what's wrong?

Hiroki held up his phone and said: this is what's wrong!

Anna was just as shocked as her son … she looked back at her husband and said: hey, do you mind switching the channel to news media? … its channel 62, I believe!

---

(In Yashiro's car)

As Yashiro parked the car in the garage, he picked up his phone to text Kyoko that he had arrived … but he noticed that Kanae sent a text message and open it … he paled while staring at the picture … he took off his glasses, rubbed his eyes and looked again, but nothing changed

Ren who was on his phone, skimmed through his emails, deleting most of them, and smiled as he waited … he had a great night the day before, so he was excited to see Kyoko this morning

His wishes for a good day halted as he heard Yashiro exclaim: This is Terrible!

Ren frowned and asked: what's the matter! … I was hoping for a good day, today!

Yashiro: There is no way today will be a good one! … Boost is back at it again!

Ren: what's the news this time around? … is it me and Kana-san drinking together?

Yashiro: No, I think this is even worse! … (he held up his phone) and said: look!

Ren read the biggest text on that page and then looked at Yashiro with his eye full of concern

Yashiro: What should we do?! … she will be here any moment now!

Ren: contact the president!

Yashiro: yes! … your right! …. (he dialed the number right away and waiting on the line)

Ren: I don't want to tell her this … this early in the morning

Yashiro: in the same time, it's better if she knows! … so, she doesn't get shocked by it later!

~ A few minutes later ~

Kyoko approached the car, open the back-seat door, and cheerfully said: Good Morning!

Yashiro smiled awkwardly and said: Good morning, Kyoko-chan

Ren looked at her and calmly said: good morning

Kyoko entered the car and sat next to Ren, closing the door behind her … then said: is everything ok?

Ren looked away and said: Sorry …

Yashiro: Kyoko-chan … we need to tell you something, so please, don't freak out, ok?

Kyoko looked at them both and frowned asking: did something bad happen?

---

(At the filming studio)

Kazumi walked in and said: Good morning!

Momose who was sitting in the green room looking at her phone, with a slight frown … she was texting the group on this matter … trying to figure out how to react to it

Yumi came into the green room with Rika and Tomiji and said: did you see the tabloids today

Rika: yeah! … I can't believe it though! … do you think it's true?

Tomiji: I mean it's possible! … people have different reasons to enter showbiz, perhaps she was that desperate!

Suzuki-san walked in with Akako-san … and said: what are the young ones talking about

Akako Ito-san: beats me! … I can't keep up with trends anymore … I've grown too old!

Suzuki-san: don't say that … your still young Ito-san! … you're a beauty!

Tomiji: aren't you two married?

Suzuki-san: yes, but I can still compliment my co-worker, can't I

Akako Ito-san: Your too nice!

Kazumi approaches Momose and says: how are you, today?!

Momose was too focused on her conversation through text, that she didn't hear or pay attention to her surroundings … so Kazumi felt a little ignored

Yumi: She's been on her phone for a while now … maybe it's something private!

Kazumi: oh ok, so what up?!

Rika: haven't you seen the news?!

Tomiji: pulls out the article and shows it to Kazumi

Suzuki-san and Akako Ito-san came behind him to see what's going on as well

Kazumi looked at Momose … and said: I'm not very familiar with that

Yumi: She never talks about her private life with us, so we can't really tell if it's true or not

Rika: let's ask her when she comes!

Tomiji: should we though, maybe it's a private matter

Rika: which is all over the news!

Suzuki-san: I'm not sure that's a good idea … sometimes the tabloids share untrue stories, … we should let her speak up if she wants to … otherwise ….

Momose stood up and said: Oh Hi! … I didn't notice all of you have come here!

Akako Ito-san: you should pay too much attention to your device Momose-san!

Momose: Sorry, but something came up and I needed to sort it out with my friends … anyway! … I have something important to talk to you all about

Yumi: what's up?!

Momose: you might have seen the tabloid by now … and if not, that's fine … I just want to ask you all not to talk to Kyoko-chan about it … at all! … no matter what!

Rika: why?

Momose: because it's not true! … Kyoko knows who that person is and although it's true that Kyoko didn't live with them, or know them personally … it's for a good reason!

Tomiji: is he some bad guy?!

Suzuki-san remembered the incident when they changed his character's name for Kyoko's sake, so he thought (maybe that old name reminded her of someone unpleasant?)

Akako Ito-san: I think we should halt the questions and respect Momose-san's request … she is friends with Kyoko-san, so she should know better!

Everyone agreed to Momose request and they told everyone else who came afterwords about the matter to make sure no one goes out of their way to ask Kyoko about that false news

---

(At Viride General Law Office)

Saena and Todoh walked into the office, as everyone stopped talking and stared at Saena with an unsure expression on their faces

Katagiri came out of his office and said: Everyone, keep your thoughts to yourself, we will have a short meeting at lunchtime about this … Mogami, Todoh come to my office!

They both walked to his office as he closed the door behind them and sighed heavily

Saena: what's the matter?

Todoh: it's too early for bad news, don't you think?!

Katagiri: sorry to ruin your good morning, but I have to do this, … you two don't pay much attention to the news, do you?

Saena: I don't like getting stressed over things I have no control over!

Todoh: I agree … I only watch the news for fun, when I have the time… so what is this about?

Katagiri opened his TV and said: this! … it seems like that old lady has found another way to hurt you without actually breaking the law!

Saena stared at the TV, knitting her eyebrows at the sight of the big "BREAKING NEWS"

Todoh clenched his fist in frustration and said: seriously?! … this is breaking news

Katagiri: For tabloids, yes … they take anything and make big news out of it!

Saena: This is more like defamation?

Katagiri: there isn't much you can do with that though … you can go after the magazine that started this, but they can just come out and say they got it from a third-party source

Saena: so, we can only ignore it?

Todoh: she can come out and deny it … to turn off any further speculation

Katagiri: but that already got people interested and some reporters might start digging for gold … that women can easily feed them more info as she wished, and she has the freedom to share her opinion, even if untrue!

Saena: this is going too far!

Katagiri: I've contacted my friends in showbiz, and it seems like she planned this for the past week, … they were just waiting for her to say go!

Saena: is She trying to create something to get her attention?

Todoh: like, if you want me to stop, then sign the papers I asked for … or let us meet her regardless of how she feels?

Katagiri: I think that's her aim … but I'm not sure … we just have to wait and see

Saena: No, … I'm going to contact her boss and talk to him about any way to stop this without hurting her!

Todoh looks at Katagiri and said: this is …

Katagiri: Bad! … I know!

Saena: what are you two hiding?!

Todoh: nothing really … news like this will just put more pressure on us, through

Katagiri looked at the screen that displayed the tabloid news in a big bold font saying "Kyoko from LME … I entered Showbiz to find my father!"

He then said: this is like crying from attention … first being poisoned, then being bullied and now this … people will spin this in the way they want and it will cause so much trouble!

Saena looked grim thinking to herself (I should've pressed charges? … could that have stopped this)

Katagiri answered her question saying: I know what you're thinking … you think pressing charges might have changed the outcome? … let me tell you this, nothing could have predicted this … the already planned the release in advance … so even if she was arrested on Saturday, the plan was already in motion!

Saena looked down, unsure what to do or say

Todoh: so that's why they looked at her when we came?

Katagiri: I'm going to explain the situation in the simplest way possible, … I'm sure they respect you and they know how hard-working you are! … so, don't worry!

Saena nodded quietly

Todoh: let's go! … you should contact Takarada-san, and I will gather everyone

Katagiri: that works … the sooner they know that faster things get back to normal

---

Author notes:

Chapter 27 Ends here!

Hi all … sorry for the wait … I had a good idea, but I felt like I was repeating myself as I went on … so forgive me for that … I will try to avoid repeating the same things over and over again going forward ... and the title, I know ... its silly but it's all I can come up with.

How is Kyoko going to react and is she going to do something about this news? … is this only the start of tabloid trouble … or is this going to make things more complicated for everyone. Howe is Kioshi going to deal with his mother and is he going to be better person now, is he even redeemable?!

Thank you all for reading this chapter and thank you for your support

Reviews are much appreciated

Until next time! Ja~ne