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 34: The Mastermind
(In the hospital)
Kioshi and Anna came to visit a friend of Kioshi's who collapsed 2 days ago … they came to check on him and wish him a speedy recover
Yusaku: Thanks for coming, I appreciate it
Kioshi: I really hope you're feeling better, perhaps you should cut down on the alcohol
Yusaku: I should indeed! … my liver will stop working if I keep drinking like this … Bahahaha
Kioshi: is this because you overworked yourself
Yusaku: Yeah, … I haven't slept the night before, and worked all day, … I had this deadline, and I couldn't miss it, so … once I submitted the work, my body just gave in … I thought I died for a second!
Kioshi: are you working alone?
Yusaku: no, … but some people slacked, and I didn't notice until it was too late … so most of the work was done by a small group of us … I will fire those suckers once I get back
Kioshi: you should really take care of yourself!
Yusaku: yeah … I can't disappear now, or I won't be able to walk my princess down the aisle … you can do it for me if I don't make it!
Kioshi: don't say that!
Yusaku: How are you, Anna-san, … I hope you're feeling better
Anna: I am, thank you for asking
Yusaku: are you trying again?!
Kioshi: not until we learn more from the doctor … it seems like I'm the problem!
Yusaku: why?!
Kioshi: genetics, it seems!
Yusaku: ah! … I feel bad, that's not something you can control! … Don't give up, it might happen eventually, but if it's too much, you have 3 amazing sons, so you're not really missing out!
Kioshi: not missing out?
Yusaku: girls are a huge burden, … I mean my girl is precious, but, I can't sleep at night worrying about her … you know, … there are so many terrible people out there, and I can't help but want to protect her … I can't do that if I die here
Kioshi: stop talking about death, you're not even 50, yet!
Yusaku: I know …
Kioshi: you must love your daughter so much
Yusaku: too much! … she's such a trouble maker though, … I can't even keep up with her anymore, and … she's in college, but she wants to move out and date … I'm so terrified by that!
Kioshi: they got to grow up one day … we just have to advise them and hope for the best!
Yusaku: yeah, … but I'm not letting a jerk near my little girl! … she's not to be tarnished by those hormonal monsters!
Kioshi: I can't relate … but, I'll make sure my sons don't end up like that … or like me …
Yusaku: hey! … you're a great guy, they should become like you!
Kioshi: No, I'm not the guy you think I am!
Yusaku: are you confessing, I should call my son, he can arrest you for me!
Kioshi chuckled then said: I tried that … the police wouldn't book me even despite my attempt to turn myself in
Confused, Yusaku asked: what the hell?! … are you serious?!
Kioshi: yeah …
Yusaku: why?!
Kioshi: I tried to stop my mother, but … it seems like she doesn't care about me anymore, all she cares about is her goal, and no one can stop her!
Yusaku: wait, what?! … first your mother adores the hell out of you, … and second, why stop her?
Kioshi: she's trying to destroy someone because they won't do as she demands … as if they don't have a choice … either listen to her or drown in despair!
Yusaku: ok … can you tell me what happened?! … I'm a little confused
Kioshi told him the short version of events that happened 18 years ago
Yusaku: Wow! … you're such an asshole … I'm sorry Anna!
Anna: no need to apologize, it's not your fault!
Yusaku: I can't believe she did that, your mother is insane! … so now what?!
Kioshi: I would also add, that … she had a child
Yusaku: What?! … are you being serious!? … how are you still alive?!
Kioshi: because he doesn't know … yet …
Anna: he wants to tell him face to face
Yusaku: I mean, as you should, … but I would be deathly terrified to do that, … I would do it over a phone call if I was you … but I get why face to face is better! … you need to face it like a man!
Kioshi: I'm hardly one … I caused too much trouble and pain … I'm truly a terrible person!
Yusaku: as long as you know that! … so, what is your mother trying to do?!
Kioshi: she's trying to take the child away, against their will, … but since she refused, she's punishing them, by destroying them both … she thinks that if the girl doesn't have a place here, she will come to her and go to the US for a better life
Yusaku: that's repulsive!
Kioshi: I know … I just don't know what to do to help … or fix my own mistakes!
Yusaku: wait, … you said girl?! … you actually have a daughter?
Kioshi: yes …
Yusaku: what about the genetic thing you mentioned earlier?!
Kioshi: she has it, a condition caused by that anomaly … as far as we learned not many survive due to it, but she had the odds on her side
Yusaku: that's Karma right there! … Sorry Anna! … not you, but for him!
Anna: I understand … that's ok!
Yusaku: is she like, unable to move or something?
Kioshi: no, she's normal, … she just can't take a specific medication
Yusaku: you have no relationship with her?!
Kioshi: zero! … I want to respect her wishes, so I won't pursue one
Yusaku: at least you're doing one thing correctly!
Kioshi: I'm trying … but with my mother, I really don't know how to stop her
Yusaku: tell your dad! … he knows how to control her!
Kioshi: she won't answer his calls, … and frankly, I think that ambushing her with a phone in hand will be terrible as she can just hang up on him … it's futile
Yusaku: true … but maybe if you tell him to come, it won't
Kioshi: he has some important work to finish first, … I can't simply drag him here …
Yusaku: I see … so maybe listen to your mother's plan, then go behind her back and destroy the plan, that's what I would do
Kioshi: that won't work, she doesn't tell me much, and we're not really talking as of recently!
Yusaku: damn that is difficult … you can't really team up with that woman, right?
Kioshi: no chance … she hates my guts, and I don't blame her
Yusaku: I really want to give your dad a call and tell him about your actions
Kioshi: he knows, … he just doesn't know about her …
Yusaku: Tell him, before I do!
Kioshi: I will
Yusaku: I hope you survive, for the sake of your kids!
Kioshi: I'm not too worried, because I know Anna is the better parent, and they will be fine without me
Anna protested: I'm not doing this alone! … we're in this together!
Yusaku: Yeah! … you can't leave Anna with 3 boys! … she's your queen now!
Kioshi: She has always been my queen, I feel bad for disappointing her
Satoru, Yusaku's son came in, and said: how are you feeling today, dad?!
Yusaku: Satoru?! … why are you here?! … don't you have work?!
Surprised, Kioshi: This is Satoru?! … he's grown up so much!
Satoru: I'm sorry for my intrusion … I wasn't aware you had guests
Yusaku: This is Kioshi, he's been my friend since middle school! … You met him a long time ago, and that's his wife Anna
Kioshi: he won't remember me
Satoru: It's nice to meet you two!
Yusaku: so, what up with work, you had a big case yesterday!
Satoru: it's today, but yeah … I kind of ruined it all, for my commander at least
Yusaku: what?! … are you fired?!
Satoru: hardly … I reported him myself, I'm just hiding so he doesn't attack me on the way out!
Yusaku: wait, what the hell is going on?!
Satoru: I told you that my commander is a quack! … he's insane!
Yusaku: so, you saw something was off and reported his actions?!
Satoru: yeah … I couldn't handle it anymore, I'm part of the police force, enforcing the law, not breaking it! … yet that guy throws the rule book and does as he pleases!
Yusaku: what happened, can you tell?
Satoru: well, first he tried to turn the victim into the criminal, like?! … seriously?!
Yusaku: what?! … that's insane!
Satoru: yeah! … someone is paying him good money to cover something up, and he's not even afraid of showing that off … as if he has some dirt on others, so no one ever reported him before!
Yusaku: I heard that you met the Kyoto police guy, was it he who encouraged you?
Satoru: yeah, my partner works for him, and he's been on this guy's tail since he took the case … when I was told to follow the victim and get info about her I got confused, because we need to catch the person who tried to kill her, but no … he came to arrest her today!
Yusaku: Arrest her, with what evidence?
Satoru: made-up crap! … he showed it off yesterday, with his new 10K watch … 2K suit, and 1K fountain pen! … he doesn't have a warrant, so I hope things will turn out fine!
Yusaku: I hope things go well for you and your team, that guy must be stopped!
Satoru: imagine! … that guy heard that the mother had an accident yesterday, so she's hospitalized here! … and he thought it was a great idea to arrest the daughter in front of her injured mother!
Stunned, Yusaku: Wait! … he's out of his mind!
Satoru: I had enough with him, so I reported him and I was told to step down from the case for now … but I was told something else by Satoshi-san
Yusaku: who's this Satoshi guy?! … what did he say?
Kioshi thought that the name seemed familiar, but couldn't pinpoint where he heard it before
Satoru: He's the police chief of Kyoto … he's here to help his brother with this case, … as his brother's co-worker is the injured mother … and her daughter is the victim
Stunned, Kioshi: wait!? … are you talking about Mogami!?
Anna thought (injured?! Her mother had an accident yesterday?! … was she too shocked by the news she couldn't focus … or did someone attack her?! … oh no!)
Satoru: you know them!?
Kioshi: what is going on with them?!
Satoru: Well, my boss, Okabe-san tried to arrest the daughter, Kyoko-san with no warrant .. her lawyer stopped him, but she agreed to do the questioning …. He's currently interrogating her here … while her mother was involved in a car accident yesterday
Yusaku: is she?
Kioshi took a few steps back, then ran out … trying to find something … anything
Anna ran after her husband, debating if she should stop him and tell him to mind his own business or join him to find something out
Satoru: what the heck?!
Yusaku: he's the father … darn this got complicated, quickly!
Satoru: he's the bad father?!
Yusaku: how?!
Satoru: she's all over the news, … some people think that he's spreading the news about the mother, so he can take her away!
Yusaku: it's not him, it's his mother who's behind that!
Satoru: oh my … this sucks … should I stop him?!
Yusaku: let him be!
Kioshi spotted a few police officers gathering … so he followed behind along with his wife who joined him … as they got closer, they saw Saena seated in the waiting area with her head bandaged, and her left arm in a cast … she looked unsure and worried … they also recognized Ren, who was seat near her … looking just as worried
Anna: What are you planning to do?
Kioshi: what can we do?! … we can just stand here and watch … maybe pray that things will go their way … I can't think of anything else
Anna: yeah … let's make sure they don't see us!
Yashiro who was watching from a distance recognized Kioshi and his wife, so he contacted Lory, who told him to leave them alone, unless they try to approach Saena or Kyoko, and Yashiro agreed.
(In the waiting Area)
Saena noticed that the number of present police officers is increasing … some wearing protective uniforms, while others wore their standard uniform and stood around watching everyone around
Ren: is it just me, or is there more police around?!
Saena: there is more, indeed … what is going on?!
Ren: it seems like Satoshi-san won't be telling us
Saena sighed, then said: we can't do anything other than sitting here and wait
Ren nodded, then asked: do you want a drink?
Saena shook her head no, … then said: no, but thank you
Ren nodded and waited silently
A teenage girl who came with her grandmother sat near them and started playing on her phone … she had her headphone on, but they weren't fully plugged in … she was unaware, so when she opened a song she liked, everyone near her can hear the music loud and clear
Saena wanted to inform the girl that her headphones weren't plugged in, but the lyrics of the song caught her attention so she listened for a little
** lyrics**
You came back after what? … I belonged to you and I was ready to die for you
All I wanted to do was to hold you up when you grew weaker
In the end, you sold me for cheap, … may you be forgiven
You finally came to ask about me, … (sarcastic) that's nice of you!
No need, you can rest assured, I'm living my best life without you
I'm stronger than life, I won't ever be defeated … no no no!
With you, I was living an illusion, believing it to be true
My pain won't shake me, won't break me! … I will still live
I'm used to meeting people who are worthless and empty
It's not manly to hurt the people's girl, and walk away silently
For your information, we girls want to belong in our man's arms
As if he's like a father who provides her a safe shoulder to lean on
But not to a playboy, and a weak, selfish man like you
It's enough that you were standing with me, like your shadow
It's fine because I'm going to relax and live my best life without you!
At this point, someone alerted her that her headphones weren't plugged properly, so she apologized and paused the music, to plug her headphones correctly
Saena found the song interesting … but couldn't really apply it to herself … she didn't think she was strong, nor living her best life … she had dedicated her life to work, to pay back Katagiri for her shameful mistake …
But in the back of her mind, the song kept playing … telling her that she should live her best life despite what happened and that she spent nearly 15 years paying for her mistake, so she should try to move on … and to live more
She wondered about that but tried to stop herself, because she had more important things in mind, specifically, Kyoko and her case
(In the Interrogation Room)
Todoh smiled slyly, as he rested his back and crossed his legs … he pulled out a file with a red tag, opened it, and threw it on the desk, presenting a picture of a box full of money … asking: care to explain this?!
Okabe palled the moment he laid eyes on the picture
Todoh got up and then asked: Yesterday, you showed up with a new pricy suit, … a 10K watch, and a new fountain pen … care to explain where you got all this money from?!
Okabe narrowed his eyes, and thought of a reason, before explaining: I have a side business!
Todoh: right, … under who, you wife, … son?! … none of them have a business linked to them, and neither do you … partners?! … too far-fetched, because you've become a loner these past few years!
Outraged, Okabe shouted: are you watching me!?
Todoh: I have no time to do that myself! …I have better things to do!
Okabe: Cut it out! … this is nonsense!
Todoh pulled out another picture … this time it was a car with its license plate
Okabe: what is this … it's not mine!
Todoh: I know, it's too fancy and pricy for you, … you couldn't afford it even with all the money you got, delivered personally by this car!
Okabe forged ignorance, asking: What are talking about?!
Todoh: A delivery car appearing at the end of the night, to deliver a box full of cash is highly unbelievable! … sure, someone rented one, to make it look like delivery, but the box came out (he points) from this car!
Okabe lied: what money … you're making things up
Todoh: ok, then let's go back to our case for now, … you mentioned that my client got the chocolates to be delivered to her mother's place, right?
Okabe: Yes!
Todoh: Kyoko-chan, did you live with your mother back then?!
Kyoko: No, I was staying at Darumaya
Okabe: she could have delivered it there
Todoh: could isn't a word you use when you give a story, or a theory depicting a sequence of events … you can't just change it! … this just shows you're not even confident with your own theory!
Okabe: Stop doubting me and my work!
Todoh: In the weeks before the incident, no chocolates were delivered by that store, or anyone to Mogami's place, or Darumaya … how about that?!
Okabe: How would you know that?!
Todoh: because I looked up the records for the store deliveries, as well as the deliveries made to both locations … Mogami didn't receive any packages for a month prior to the incident … moreover, Darumaya only got food deliveries for their restaurant by a trusted partner … nothing else!
Okabe argued: she could have requested the chocolates to be delivered secretly with the food!
Todoh: not possible, because they were never contacted by Kyoko, as they never met or talked to her, … her landlords handled those deliveries … we talked to them personally and they said they would never get chocolates for a fancy place … we checked their financial and contact records to verify that!
Okabe: fine! … she got it delivered to the agency!
Todoh: changing your story isn't helping you one bit! … anyhow … let me ask you about some facts, or maybe test you … how many poisoned chocolates were there in the box?
Okabe guessed confidently: 5 … she couldn't make too much or it would be suspicious
Todoh: wrong! … there were 12! … next … who's the sender according to the card that came with the chocolates?
Okabe: A fan … I think I already mentioned that
Todoh took out a picture of the note and said: read this … does this say fan?! … I don't think so! … and you said she bragged to her coworkers?! … she actually asked them if they got anything like that because she was confused by the delivery herself
Okabe sighed and said: what's your point … I didn't know some facts, no big deal!
Todoh: you can't build your case on pure lies! … if you got some facts right, I would be a tad bit worried! … bit you messed it up big time! … your story isn't one bit believable!
Okabe: I still stand by my suspicions!
Todoh: that she tried to kill her co-worker, Tsuraga Ren because he's a rival?! … in some poisoned car accident?!
Okabe: Yes!
Todoh: do you think she's stupid or something?! … poison doesn't disappear even if you get into a car accident! … an autopsy will be done regardless and poison will be found, hiding her crime by causing a car accident is pure stupidity!
Okabe: She wanted the guy dead! … she can't compete with him and so she needed him out, she wasn't thinking straight … and rushed things! … stupid ideas still happen!
Todoh: Who said she viewed him as a rival?! … he's her co-worker and respected senior, … and do you really think she's that shallow to kill her rival to win?! … her mother is a lawyer, you think she will think of committing crimes knowing that?!
Okabe: I don't know! … I'm just ….
Todoh: listening to the possible suggestion given to you!? … or making this up!? … it's one or the other!
Okabe got up and slammed his hand down, saying: Shut the hell up!
Todoh: You have no arguments, do you … well, I have one more fact to discuss before closing this topic! … you said that she pretended that she lost her memory, correct?!
Okabe: Yes, … so she can play innocent!
Todoh: As reported, that never happened! … (he took out Kyoko's statement) and said: Kyoko-chan … what did you think happened when you woke up in the hospital
Kyoko answered: I thought that I ate expired chocolates
Furious, Okabe argued: you think I'm stupid! … you, who was trained under a chef, thought that poisoned chocolates were expired?! … I'm no idiot to believe that!
Todoh: Kyoko, have you ever tasted poison before? … do you know how it tastes?
Kyoko: Never before the incident … I didn't know how it tasted, but … from what I remember they tasted bitter, which was unusual for milk chocolates to taste that way
Okabe: why did you assume they were expired?
Todoh nodded to Kyoko, allowing her to answer
Kyoko: I wasn't sure, … but that's where my thoughts went … bitterness is associated with dark chocolate, but the color was definitely for milk chocolates …and the bitterness was slightly different, … I never had expired chocolates, but I assumed it was because I never imagined someone would try to poison me!
Okabe: LIES!
Todoh: then read this! … this is her statement, and it says the exact same thing!
Okabe: she practiced! … there is no way she didn't know they were poisoned when she made them herself
Todoh scoffed, then said: you can't even prove she made them … none of your claims make any sense, and you got all your facts wrong … ( he took out Kyoko's phone records, and slammed them on the table) then said: she never called any chocolate place, or any Strang number prior to the incident ( he took out financial records) then said: no payments have been made to any chocolate place, nor any suspicious people … and I have proof of every single location she has been in and records of her going and leaving places like the sets she worked on, and her agency
He then took out her schedule and said: she had no time to go anywhere, let alone anywhere suspicious … you have no proof of her ever buying those fancy chocolates or ordering poison! … so, stop making things up to fit your agenda! … I know you're trying to make her take the fall for it, even though you know she didn't do it!
Okabe: are you accusing me of conspiring against her!
Todoh nonchalantly answered: Yes, I sure am! … and I have proof, starting with that package filled with money, you received on Monday, July 7th, at 9:38 pm … you foolishly spent the money, when usually people who receive such payments wait until everything is settled! … we tracked the cash, back to the person who withdrew that money and sent it your way!
Okabe: bullshit! ... impossible!
Todoh: if they gave you the cash they stashed a long time ago, we couldn't have tracked it, but he withdrew the money before making the payments … another foolish mistake … he also made sure they were new bills, … which is like connecting the pen to the paper! … he got new cash that was printed recently, and the bank keeps those records, so it was simple to trace!
Okabe was sweating bullets at this point … he tried to think of a reasonable retaliation, but Todoh interrupted his thoughts
Todoh: it's interesting you know … we spent almost 2 weeks and got everything we needed … you spent longer, and you're nowhere near the truth! … because you weren't looking for it, to begin with
Okabe didn't have an idea of how to defend himself, so he shouted: HEY! … knock it off!
Todoh: I don't take orders from you! … I'm just doing my job!
Okabe: last I check, you're a lawyer, … investigating this isn't your job!
Todoh: If I need to investigate the matter myself to ensure my client's innocence, then I won't hesitate to do so!
Okabe: This is over! … I'm arresting her for murder, and you … for obstruction of justice
Todoh: I'd like to see you do that, … you have presented zero evidence to support your claims! … and I have done nothing but prove my client's innocence
Okabe: guilty or not, she's taking the fall! … I don't care anymore! … I have a job, and I'm here to do it!
Todoh: I'd be doubtful of that … if I were you, I would be truly terrified
Okabe wanted to grab Todoh, but was unable … he was too short to grab him with a table between them … he thought about going around, but Todoh sat down and said
Todoh: it was easy to track the money, which also helped us identify the culprit you're trying to protect by throwing the victim under the bus
Okabe insisted: She's the real culprit!
Todoh: admit you lost, or do you need me to explain everything for you … I have the time, and I will gladly sit here and tell you about your botched case!
Okabe: I'm not listening to you … (he shouted): Come in and take her!
No one responded to him … so he shouted again, however, he still didn't get any response
Todoh saw Okabe try to approach the door, so he said: it's futile, they won't come, … they aren't on your team anyway … since no one is interested in riding a sinking boat!
Livid, Okabe: YOU!
Todoh: you can leave if you want … but you can also sit here and enjoy your last few moments of freedom!
Okabe: Nonsense!
Todoh smiled slyly and said: then go ahead!
Fearful, Okabe sat down, and said: I can disapprove your claims! … go ahead!
Todoh: where do I start?! … oh yeah. … let's get back to the money we traced … the money was withdrawn from the account of Yamamoto Daisuke, who seems to work as a secretary … however, the money was wired to him by his boss, Tanaka Yuji … a politician, who seems to be popular with some people
Okabe: ok? … that has nothing to do with the culprit, Kyoko!
Todoh ignored him and continued: we investigated him and his connection to the case, but we didn't find much
Okabe: most definitely, because he's unrelated to this case!
Todoh got irritated, but remained calm … he took out another file from the bag and said: however, his daughter raised a few red flags!
Okabe froze … he thought (how the hell?!) ….
he then asked: why did you investigate his daughter … leave his family alone!
Todoh: Not if they are involved in this case … first thing to point out, is his daughter is a regular customer for that fancy chocolate store
Okabe: nothing weird there … rich people can eat and indulge in whatever they like!
Todoh: sure, but it raises flags when it's the same shop that sent poisoned chocolates … moving on … they have a private chef, who does anything they ask … and we found out that their previous chef was fired a week after the incident
Okabe: that's not related to our case!
Todoh: it is, however! … you pointed out the imperfections in the chocolates, and that can happen when a chef is not too experienced with chocolate recreation, … in fact, when we talked to him, he admitted to remaking the chocolate and adding the substance he was given … we also found the mold he used among his belongings
Okabe: wow! … amazing! … you found the culprit, are we done here?! … so, I can go and arrest him
Todoh: that's already done, … moreover, he was ordered to do it, so someone was behind it! …
Okabe: are you not satisfied with finding the culprit!? … do you need to bring others down?!
Todoh: I merely spoke about the chocolates and who recreated them, … but he's no mastermind! … he didn't get the poison, it was brought to him by none other than Tanaka's daughter Hitomi!
Kyoko couldn't recognize the name at all, and didn't know why someone like that would target her, she was a little confused, but decided to wait, as she might get some answers from Todoh who was still explaining things
Okabe: why would a teenager order poison, it's senseless of you to accuse her like that!
Todoh wanted to shout from frustration, but stayed composed, … he then questioned: and how old do you think my client is?! … she's a teenager just like Tanaka Hitomi-san! … why is it ok for you to think Kyoko bought something like that if I can't do the same?!
Okabe: she's rich and comes from a good family … opposite of this despicable girl, … growing up with a single mother, … had no father to discipline her and teach her manners!
Todoh chuckled and said: so, you assume people raised by single mothers are no good, while people who come from a good background are somehow angels … I would think otherwise!
Okabe: you have no proof, stop slandering that family!
Todoh: I do! … (he took out several pictures of Hitomi's online chats)
Okabe: what is this?!
Todoh: what do you see?! … those are online forms, where people talk about their dark thoughts and give some idiots ideas to help!
Okabe: You're making this up!
Todoh: that's what I can say about your whole theory, however, these are screenshots and records of Tanaka Hitomi online activity
Okabe: now you're also involving someone else!
Todoh: Nothing surprising here! I'm already building a case against those people!
Okabe: Stop this nonsense! … I'm tired of your games!
Todoh: let me tell you exactly what happened, and see what you think by the end of it!
Okabe: I don't believe this! … Go write your story and publish it somewhere! … I don't care what you think, because I'm booking her, whether you like it or not!
Todoh crossed his arms and looked at Okabe, who didn't move from his place … he smiled and asked: are you finally interested in listening?
Fearful, Okabe just said: I'm sure your wrong, but let's see what you think happened
Kyoko was equally interested in knowing what happened, even more so … she looked at Todoh and listened to his scenario of events
Todoh: alright, I'm going to start from the day Morizumi Kimiko retired from Showbiz, I believe that was April 27th of this year … her actions the night before led her to retire, as she didn't want to end up in a scandal, and she thought she could get away with hurting someone for her own gain
Okabe: I don't really care about that … Morizumi Kimiko and her retiring has nothing to do with this case
Todoh: Except, it has everything to do with it!
Okabe: then why did she retire, tell me!
Todoh: Are you not aware? a police report has been issued in this matter already since we are legally pursuing her!
Okabe: I don't have to know every single police report, am I a library or something?!
Todoh: well then, … Morizumi-san tried to threw Kyoko off a third-floor balcony, on April 26!
Okabe: Another victim moment … nice, thanks for letting me know, I should add that to my list!
Todoh looked at Kyoko and smiled calmly, assuring her that she doesn't need to worry about that
Okabe: what does it have to do with her retiring?!
Todoh: She was caught in the action, and was told that if she doesn't leave showbiz, pictures of her trying to throw Kyoko will be revealed
Okabe: So, Kyoko Blackmailed her too!?
Todoh: no chance, Kyoko never had a say in this matter, she was drugged, and she wasn't able to fully move until that girl left! … another one of Kimiko's victims made sure to stop her before she hurt another person!
Sarcastic, Okabe: wow, very heroic!
Todoh: your mockery of the situation is not appreciated! … are you going to listen, or do you want me to finish things up already?!
Okabe was fearful of what Todoh was saying, so he gestured: go-ahead
However, he was secretly thinking of a way out
Todoh: Morizumi-san was really upset, but, she wasn't going to let her social media know about her failure to obtain a new role, she, however, went to another private website, where she can post things to loyal fans who pay to hear her out, and talked about her frustrations
Okabe: what's wrong with making money off your fans?!
Todoh continued: She posted about her retirement, and that losing the role of Momiji to Kyoko from LME was the last straw … she was going to quit and live a quiet life
Kyoko thought (is that even possible, for someone like her to live such a life?!)
Okabe: I still fail to see the connection!
Todoh: It's obvious I'm not done yet! … after she posted about her frustration, and named Kyoko from LME as the person who pushed her away from showbiz, her most loyal fans, among them was Tanaka Hitomi … a paying member and always interacted with Morizumi about things that upset, sometimes trying to use her money to help, although Morizumi is also rich herself
Bored, Okabe complained: get to the point already!
Todoh frowned as he got agitated, but continued: Hitomi promised to help Kimiko to get her the role back, … by eliminating the person who took the part, Kyoko … Kimiko didn't respond; however, her manager gave her some information about where the movie was being filmed … and tips about how to be discreet … we don't know if Kimiko asked her manager to do that or not, but both are accessories to this crime, as they put a target on Kyoko's back!
Kyoko thought back at the attempt to throw her off the building, remembering it was both Kimiko and her manager who did it … then thought (so they are indirectly related to the poisoning?)
Todoh: Hitomi knew who to target and where to find them, and thought about sending Kyoko a gift of chocolates, using the staff as senders to hide her identity … she bought chocolates, and poison, and had the chef remake 12 of the 24 pieces in the box, adding the poison to them! … he's no chocolatier, so he made those mistakes you pointed out with the air bubbles!
Okabe snorted, saying: good try!
Todoh took out a police statement and said: here's his statement, where he admitted to making them, and that he did notice the air bubbles, but didn't think the victim would notice, or care
Okabe took the statement and read it, … clenching it by the time he finished … he thought (they didn't send this jerk away?! … he ruined everything!)
Todoh: She sent the chocolates, and Kyoko received them, … the makeup artist found it odd, so Kyoko asked two of her co-stars about receiving chocolates, and they informed her that they had chocolates on the first day of script reading, however, the chocolates we're done by the time Kyoko arrived, so she didn't get any that day, and wasn't aware they had chocolates
Okabe: that's why you don't come late!
Todoh: she wasn't late, … but that's beside the point … Kyoko assumed that she received her chocolates later, and so when she was in the car, heading to meet her mother, she had one and shared another with her co-worker Tsuraga-san, once they arrived, she also gave one to her manager
Okabe: and you're saying she didn't know they were poisoned … aha, sure … keep lying to yourself!
Todoh sighed, and continued: as she got down, … she decided to take one more, and eat it as she waited for her mother
Okabe: why didn't she take it with her, and shared them with her mother, too?
Todoh: she might have been in a hurry, … she did mention that she regretted not bringing it with her, but she was glad that she didn't in the end! … if you read her statement, you would have known that!
Okabe: then what?!
Todoh: as it says in her statement, she slowly ate the chocolate piece as to savor it, but her first bite was enough to take her down, she collapsed in front of her mother, and help was called, CPR was done to keep her alive while help arrived … she was then taken to the hospital
Okabe was mentally kicking himself, he thought (I fucked up! … damn it! … how do I get out of this?)
Todoh: police came and took the half piece that was dropped by Kyoko, the victim! … then the box was also given to them, and the two guys who also consumed the chocolates were taken to the hospital for a checkup … they also gave consistent statements … now, who's telling the truth?!
Okabe raised an eyebrow but said nothing
Todoh: The police started investigating the case, and Kimiko was a prime suspect, because of her previous attempt on Kyoko's life … however she had left the country prior and she had no connection to that chocolate shop … the investigation was at a roadblock, but … things changed when you suddenly become the main detective in the case!
Okabe: what's wrong with that?!
Todoh: with your shady record, recent cases being reinvestigated, mistrials granted, and innocent people gaining freedom, we became worried you wouldn't investigate the case properly, and we had every right to be, given that we're here now!
Okabe: you just didn't want me to catch the real person behind this, … hiding the fact she's the mastermind!
Todoh chuckled and said: you probably didn't know that you were being investigated in the background, and this case gave us all we needed! … you did exactly what we thought you would, and you fell into the trap, you dug yourself a perfect grave! … your career fits right in there!
Shocked, Okabe: What the hell!?
Todoh: It's all started with the case transfer, … oddly, a good detective would lose the case to a shady one like you, … we followed the trail to find out why you were given the case, to begin with … people knew that you were weak when it came to money dangling in front of you!
Okabe: That's absurd! … what the hell do you think you're doing!
Todoh: I heard that you took people drinking and would take pictures of them doing questionable things, then you would blackmail them about it if they find your actions worrisome, which is why you got away with this many botched investigations in the past
Okabe was seething on the inside, … because he wasn't aware there was a plot to take him down
Todoh: some people, like Uno Takuya, who saw that you got away with things and joined in, … but they were more careful than you are because he spent nothing from the bribe he received so far … while you spent them here and there … including jewelry for the lady and games for your kids!
Okabe: what's wrong with spending money on my family?!
Todoh: nothing, except it's not money you earned! … It illegal for you as a police officer, or anyone to accept bribes, much less spend them … you as a police officer should be reporting a bribe and arresting the people involved, …. but you, you accepted the money, made the victim into the scapegoat, and spent the money lavishly!
He smiled and continued saying: you got money from that politician who learned what his daughter has done, and tried to cover it up … you probably received that note as fake evidence against Kyoko, … trying to turn her into an attention seeker of some sort!
Okabe felt cornered, but he refused to admit it, so he said: you can quit being a lawyer and become a best-selling author!
Todoh: no thanks, I like my job, and have no interest in writing books!
Okabe: you have no right to accuse me of such things! … you're not even a police officer! … you can't charge me for anything! … even if I was to confess, nothing would happen to me!
Todoh: with all the blackmail material you have, I don't think anyone would volunteer to do this, so I was given permission to do this myself!
Okabe laughed, mocking Todoh saying: because your brother is in the police doesn't automatically turn you into one too!
Todoh: I'm satisfied with my role as a lawyer!
Okabe: Sure, I took the money and made the victim the criminal, but what are you going to do about it!? … I already submitted my work to the prosecutor, … it's over for her!
Smiling cunningly, Todoh: I don't think so! … (He opened his phone, and showed him a text from his brother Satoshi, saying that the prosecutor disregarded the case, as the evidence was not sufficient)
Then, Todoh took out a live recovering device, and said: I got your confession recorded, and everyone heard it loud and clear!
He then sent a text, saying "now" to the Tokyo police chief
At this point, the door slammed open, with half a dozen police officers entering … they ignored Kyoko and headed to arrest Okabe, who resists arrest … he swung his fist at one officer, but was pushed down and handcuffed … they held him down and waited for their boss to come
The police chief came in and said: we were listening to this whole conversation, and we got an admission from you that you did receive money in connection to this case, and that you tried to turn the victim into the criminal … it's over for you Okabe!
Okabe looked down with fear in his eyes, he didn't imagine this would backfire back at him
Todoh sneered: you're a disgrace! … let's go Kyoko-chan!
The police chief: has he done anything to her?!
Todoh: Yes … he also left his inked fingerprints on her
Kyoko agreed to let the police collect evidence … they took some pictures, and although a little ticklish, they also got some fingerprints from her neck
They apologized that she had to go through all that, and thanked her for being patient with them, then they let her go out, while they talked to Todoh for a little longer
(At the private school)
The police officer Yamato-san arrested Tanaka Hitomi, and although she started acting hysterical, she was handcuffed and led out of the school … many of the girls watched as the police lead her from the hallways to the gates, with some sneakily taking pictures and posting it on social media
The media had already caught on to the fact the police is at a private all-girls school and gathered behind the gates … as they saw the police walk by, they took hundreds if not thousands of pictures and videos and reported on the matter
One reporter tried to ask for the reason for arrest, but was told to wait for the official police report to come one … and with that, they put the Hitomi in the backseat of the police car and drove away
The principal was panicking as reporters stayed around, reporting that a student had been arrested from this school
(At the hospital – Waiting area)
A man kept staring at Saena with a cunning smile, … which made her feel uncomfortable
Ren noticed, but wasn't sure what to do about it … he would have gotten up to stop him (without thinking) if it was Kyoko, … but he didn't want to do anything unnecessary to annoy Saena … as she didn't say anything and ignored the guy
Ren wasn't the only one who noticed, as Kioshi and Anna noticed him hovering around the area while watching Saena for some reason … they thought he was some creep or something, but didn't do anything about it
Neither did Katagiri, or Satoshi, who knew exactly who he was … but waited until they got signals to do as they wished
Satoshi looked at the time, noting it has been around 2 hours since Kyoko and Todoh entered that room … and thought (I wonder how much longer, this might take an additional hour, if not more)
But before he could voice his thoughts to Katagiri, he saw the signal and thought (that was quick! … is Susumu that impatient?!) … he stood and signaled … an officer went inside the room, then gave a different signal
Katagiri: they want you to do the honors?!
Satoshi: ah, this is better than I expected … I thought I would be a mere eyewitness, but now I get to do some actual work here!
Katagiri: Go for it!
Satoshi went to the police officer and took the warrant, and then approached Tanaka-san and arrested him in a flamboyant fashion
He had all the police around surround the politician, making his bodyguards react … bodyguards were taken down by the professionals and now the guy was singled out … Satoshi then approached him snapping his finger as got to his spot, then present the warrant and said: you're under arrest for bribing police officers, obstructing justice and tampering with evidence, politician Tanaka Yuji!
The guy tried to reason, that he was rewarding the officers for doing their job, but Satoshi wasn't having any of it … he got the guy handcuffed, and the police officers clapped and cheered, making the guy feel despair that his political career would be over
Saena was confused by all that, as she was still unaware of how this guy is connected to Kyoko's case
A few minutes went by, and Ren was getting impatient, he was worried about Kyoko and couldn't sit still any longer, so he asked: I'm going to get something to drink, should I get you something?
Saena declined again but thanked him for his offer
He went ahead and walked away trying to get something to drink and calm his nerves down
At this point, Kyoko was escorted out of the room with a police officer, she nodded as he spoke to her, then left her with Katagiri-san
Katagiri gestured to her mother, who stood when she saw Kyoko come out to the waiting area … she didn't see Todoh and was worried a little, but was glad to see that Kyoko looked fine
Kyoko Ran to her mother and hugged her, then said: they caught the criminal, they caught her!
Saena Was relieved hearing that but questioned: who is it?!
Kyoko: someone called Tanaka Hitomi
Saena nodded and sighed in relief, … but then noticed the fingerprints, and asked: what happen to you?!
Kyoko: That police officer …
Katagiri corrected: that phony jerk … he's no longer a police officer!
Kyoko nodded and said: he locked Todoh-san out and tried to intimidate me to talk to him, but Todoh-san came back and stopped him!
Saena: are you ok?!
Kyoko: I'm fine! … I'm glad it's all over!
Todoh came behind them and said: not quite yet, but luckily this part is done for good!
Satoshi joined: It might have been a blessing that he was given your case, … because we not only brought him down but all his crooks as well, … adding to that, that failed politician and his daughter!
Saena: all that? … was this a big thing in reality?!
Katagiri: yup! … and Kyoko's case helped us catch them red-handed … we thought they would head this way once the bribes were delivered, … you were right after all!
Satoshi: thanks to your caution, we were able to track all of it!
Kyoko: I'm glad my case helped! … I was scared, but Todoh-san defended me! … so, I don't mind having gone through that, if it was to take bad people away!
Todoh nodded and said: I'm glad I could help
Saena looked at Todoh for a long minute of silence, before bowing down, … she appreciated all his help, and that he went that far for them … she was also thankful that his career came unscathed
Kyoko stood next to her mother and bowed similarly … a deep thankful and appreciative bow
Todoh: no need to be this formal … I was just doing my job!
Katagiri added: and more!
Satoshi: yup, … you were the mastermind behind all this … along with her boss
Kyoko: Takarada-san was in on it too?!
Todoh: He helped with resources when it comes to social media, as well as records for your work! … he was a great help!
Hearing he was after all that, Saena became worried, and asked: you won't be punished, right?
Katagiri: what are you saying? … definitely not! … he coordinated with the police every step of the way, … this was a shared effort!
Satoshi: don't worry, I wouldn't let anyone arrest him other than myself!
Confused, Kyoko asked: why?!
Todoh: he's just messing with you … he can't arrest an innocent man!
Katagiri: you're a far cry from innocent in my books!
Satoshi chuckled and said: I wish you would actually do something worthy of arrest, I want to have some fun
Todoh: not on my account! … I didn't work this hard, to be arrested by you! … get lost if you're done here!
Satoshi: I'm going to tell our parents that you almost got arrested! … I would like to see what they would do to you!
Todoh: Sure, kill them, and get arrested yourself … have fun in jail! … I will come for a visit just to say hi … and see you in that disgraceful outfit!
Katagiri: alright, cut it out … just celebrate this win, because you earned it!
Satoshi: I have to admit, you would have done well as a police officer under my watch!
Todoh: No chance in hell would I work for you!
Ren finally returned to see Kyoko out and about … He wanted so much to run and hug her, but held back his yearnings, and walked calmly towards them … He said: is everything over now?
Kyoko smiled cheerfully and said: Yes!
She took Ren aside and let her mother talk with the adults, while she explained what happen to Ren in detail
Ren noticed the fingerprints and said: did he hurt you?!
Kyoko: I'm fine, really, … Todoh-san came back and stopped him before he could actually hurt me!
Ren felt relieved and said: I'm really happy you're ok! … I'm glad they found who's behind this!
Kyoko nodded happily and said: Todoh-san said it's not fully over, but this is for the most part
Ren: That girl needs to be accountable for her actions! … I won't rest until she's put behind bars!
Kyoko: I'm not too worried, because Todoh-san and my mom are working on that!
Ren nodded and said: should we celebrate this?!
Kyoko nodded happily!
Yashiro who was watching from a distance was glad to see that Kyoko was ok, … he called Lory and told him the news and heard a loud cheering … he smiled and sighed happily
Kioshi and his wife didn't really understand what was going on, but they did figure out that Kyoko was free and some guy was arrested
Saena was taken to her room, to rest, and was joined by Todoh, Kyoko, Ren, and Yashiro
(In Saena's room)
The doctor came for a small checkup and told Saena that she was fine enough to be discharged tomorrow … which made Kyoko and Todoh very happy, but Ren wasn't as thrilled, as he thought that Remi's stay was cut short way too soon for his liking
Ren and Kyoko left with Yashiro for work shortly after, and Kyoko promised she would be back after she's done
Todoh was summoned by Katagiri, and the police officer for some paperwork that was needed to be done … Satoshi laughed and told Todoh that him being the mastermind, didn't mean he didn't have to do the paperwork … and left biding Todoh goodbye, telling him good luck with the rest, and that he would be leaving to Kyoto tomorrow morning
Satoshi: I'm hoping to see you in Kyoto before the end of the year … be a man for once, ok?
Todoh sneered and said that he wasn't going to go to Kyoto because he wasn't interested in talking to him … and that he wasn't going to come until next year, just to annoy his brother
While Todoh was Away, Takarada paid Saena a visit
Takarada: can I come in?
Saena: yes
Takarada came in and gave her a flower bouquet and said: I'm happy to hear you're alright!
Saena nodded, and then Said: I have to thank you for everything you've done, helping Kyoko with what happened today!
Takarada: I didn't do much, really … it's was all that master mind's plan, I just followed and did what I could!
Saena: you're unusually modest …
Takarada: because it's true … by the way, is the car salvageable?
Saena: I was told it's gone for good
Takarada: ah … I see, if you need any help getting a new one …
Saena: I can manage … besides, I don't think I will be driving again, any time soon
Surprised, Takarada said: really, you don't want that freedom back, or are you a little traumatized by what happened? … please don't tell me it's one of the "I don't think I can do this again" types of things!
Saena: It's not forever, just temporary … getting a new car is a pain, plus I'm going to have issues with the insurance due to the accident, I should plan everything once I recover fully
Takarada nodded and said: that arm will prevent you from driving for a while … with that, … I would like to express my apologies for the past week or so … the news must have been hard to deal with!
Saena: It's not your fault, … you helped a lot, and I'm grateful for that!
Takarada: I'm glad I was helpful …rest assured, we are going to release a campaign that will prevent those types of news from being published ever again … it will start from Friday, and I'm hopeful the effect will be relatively instant
Saena: if it's going to protect Kyoko, then it would be great, she'd had enough of all this
Takarada: Equally so for yourself as well … you bore most of the terrible news, and I'm hopeful you're still fine after all this
Saena: We'll know soon enough …
Takarada: I'm wondering, this accident happened after you heard the latest news?
Saena nodded, then said: It doesn't have anything to do with the news however, I had no way out, as even jumping out of the car might have done more damage compared to this (her hand)
Takarada agreed: Yes, that's possible, … I heard it was a terrible accident indeed … people should never drink and drive no matter how miserable they may be feeling
Saena: that's why I hate alcohol, it makes people make terrible decisions, that can hurt many people
Takarada: I assume you don't drink often
Saena: rarely, if ever … (she looked down) and confessed: However, I thought about drinking that day, but Todoh-san warned me not to
Takarada: isn't he a reliable companion!
Saena froze, while her mind tried to decipher what lory really meant by "companion"
Takarada: no need to overthink it, Mogami-san … by the way, you told me about your conversation with the American lawyer, anything else came out of it?!
Saena: as in?!
Takarada: did he give you any other piece of advice, besides getting a legal guardian?
Saena looked away and said: maybe, … but it's no use to me
Takarada: why?
Saena: I'm not going to seek a therapist! … I'm an honorable lawyer who won't have my reputation ruined because I went to one, … it's enough the news destroyed my reputation to some of my clients so far … going to one would kill my career right then and there!
Takarada: you're not completely wrong, I understand your concerns about that, and after that news, being seen in such a clinic would hurt … but there are other options
Saena: I'm not interested in online therapy either, anyone can hack a computer, … and that woman going to the black market for help shows that she's willing to go to further means to hurt us!
Takarada: hmmm … I never thought of that, … your right, cyber-attacks are possible, alas! … however, I wasn't talking about that
Saena: then?
Takarada: You're talking to me now, right? … isn't that helpful?!
Saena looked at him in confusion
Takarada: I'm no therapist, but I think that talking to someone is helpful, … anyone! … even if you don't get any advice, and even if they know what's going on, … they don't know what's going on inside your heart or mind, … so expressing your feelings to them can help!
Saena looked away not wanting her wavering heart to expose her
Takarada sighed, then said: think about this, Mogami-san … if you bake cookies, and you put all your feelings and efforts in them, but they burned, … would you stop baking cookies?!
Confused, Saena: I'm not sure
Takarada: Let's say they burned because you didn't think about timing it, or you didn't listen to the timer when it went off … would you quit right away?
Saena: not really?
Takarada: exactly, because the next time, you will pay better attention to them, and make sure they come out perfect, right?
Skeptical, Saena said: I assume so …
Takarada: ok, what about your job! … you worked so hard to be a lawyer right, but from the beginning, someone pushed you down and hurt you, career-wise, right?! … did you give up then?
Saena: If I did, I wouldn't be here …
Takarada: exactly, you didn't let one failure define you and your career, you fought back and never gave up, which is why your considered one, if not the best female lawyer in Tokyo!
Saena nodded but said nothing
Takarada continued: evidently, trying again applies to many things, like baking cookies, your job, and frankly, we as children never gave up trying, … because we wouldn't be standing and walking around if we gave up after falling the first time around!
Saena wasn't sure where he was going with this so she listened without interrupting
Takarada: I will leave you with this … you shouldn't give up on anything, … especially if you haven't used all your effort yet! … think about those cookies, and how paying better attention and listing to your timer helps you bake the perfect cookies!
With that, he bid Saena goodbye, wishing her a speedy recovery, and left
Todoh came back to find Saena lost in thought … perplexed about the meaning behind the baking cookies analogy, Takarada kept mentioning
(The Rest of the Day)
Ren spent his time at work, and so did Kyoko … but they did end up going to his place to celebrate the fact the person behind her accident was caught and arrested
Kyoko got to see Remi once again, and so how happy Remi was around Ren, and vice versa … she thought maybe Ren could get a cat, and they would have some sort of cat playdates, but scratched that because she knew that Ren was too busy to adopt a cat … and dates made her too shy!
Afterward, She was taken to the hospital, so she could stay with her mother once again
She found Todoh there talking to her mother about the specifics of the case, in the finest details, and their new plan against the Morizumi girl as he called her
He put his work away, and relaxed
Kyoko noticed that he seemed far more comfortable than he was the day before, and she thought that was because her mother was fine after all
Kyoko fell asleep after a long day of mixed emotions and hard work … she slept on the bed next to her mother
Todoh sat facing the window after turning off the lights, leaving Saena to sleep peacefully
(The Next Day)
Saena woke up along with Kyoko, and left Todoh to rest as long as he needed, … since he worked so hard … they did feel bad that he slept while sitting down, but he personally didn't mind.
He woke up shortly after, and left for some coffee, then returned to get a lecture from Kyoko on how important breakfast is, and that coffee is not merely enough to start a day … he gave in and ate something light
Saena felt weird about the dynamic of their relationship, … Kyoko trusted him, but it felt like it was more than just a lawyer … she was comfortable enough lecturing a grown man in his late 40's about breakfast … but at the same time, she was respectful towards him
Her mind wondered (how would she feel about him if she learned he had feelings for me?)
Todoh noticed that Saena was absent-minded and called her out, asking: you ok?
Saena nodded and said nervously: it's nothing …
The doctor came shortly after and cleared Saena to be discharged … she was given some pain medication and scheduled for some physical therapy later
Saena thanked the doctor and got changed, … and finally left the hospital with Todoh and Kyoko
Todoh took them back to her place, and bid them goodbye, as he had some meetings that day
Kyoko also had some work, so she cooked some lunch and put it away for her mother to eat when she's hungry, then left for work
Saena sat down in her quiet and empty apartment … Remi wasn't even there either
She was lost in her thoughts, some were about her damaged car, others about someone's special feelings for her
She also thought about the news and checked out the stories Yashiro read yesterday … she read many different stories with many different endings, some women found love, others are still in despair … many calling for a change in the country's legal systems and how they are viewed by society
Those stories gave her mixed feelings, some women reminded her of her experience, while others had a completely different one from her … none were identical which was excepted
She wondered how some woman loved their children despite being violated or raped, while others felt similarly to her about their children, despite the fact they choose to be intimate with their ex's … she came to understand why … and realized that she never really hated Kyoko herself, … she regretted making Kyoko feel hated, and promised that she would do better in the future, … doing whatever she could to repair the damages she caused if she could
She thought back at Takarada's words and thought: I'm supposed to make cookies to understand that analogy?! … she looked at her arm, and sighed, thinking (I can't bake with this, can I?!)
She got up and looked around the kitchen, and sighed again, saying: I don't even have most of the ingredients to make them!
She decided to think about something else instead, … she sat down and opened her laptop, … she used one hand to type the password, then sighed heavily, thinking (I can't work like this!)
She closed her laptop, returned to the living room, opened the TV, trying to find something good to watch since she had nothing else good to do
After switching channels for a while, she gave up and settled on a documentary about lions in Africa … it was definitely better than nothing, so she watched until she fell asleep on the couch
(In the Airport)
Hiroki arrived and waited in the arrival area … he walked back and forth while he waited for his friends to come ….
After waiting for nearly 30 minutes, Diana and her older brother Mark emerged from the baggage claim area … along with 4 other friends
Hiroki ran towards them and proceeded to hug Diana, who hugged him back happily … they were super happy to see one another again
He fist-bumped Mark, who was always like an older brother to him … then said hello to his other friends who felt like he cares about Diana more, but didn't mind, because they thought that Hiroki and Diana made a great couple
They got into the car and drove away to the hotel, once they arrived, they found out that Diana and her brother were staying at a different hotel, which shocked them all the same … they thought their father made them a reservation, but it turned out that he did at a different hotel
They called him asking why, and he said he had some type of point system, and a deal, so he went for it … he apologized for not informing them earlier, so they drove them to a hotel almost 10 minutes away from Hiroki's
After Diana settled in her room, she invited Hiroki to come over and sat down with him, talking about different things … mainly about the Kyoko situation
Hiroki got a clear warning from Mark, not to do anything intimate with his sister! … he supported their friendship and didn't mind them having a crush on one another, but hoped they would be responsible enough to wait until they are old enough to date
Mark wanted to be a responsible brother and ensure that his sister behaved well, as he was expected to protect his sister when they were aboard together
After talking for a bit, Hiroki, Diana, and Mark went out and about in Tokyo, while their other friends surrendered to sleep due to exhaustion caused by jet lag
(The Rest of the Day)
Kyoko spent all her day at work, … she was cheerful and happy things had improved
Her mother was fine and resting at home, her case was solved, for the most part, and there was no more breaking news since then
She contacted Kanae in her break, after making sure the time was appropriate to contact her friend … she figured out how to face time her friend and they sat and chatted about everything that happened in detail
Kyoko: so yeah, that's what happened!
Kanae: I'm glad things turned out well, that girl should spend the rest of her life behind bars
Kyoko nodded and said: I heard the Todoh-san, Katagiri-san, and Satoshi-san promised to make sure she doesn't get off lightly
Kanae: why would she! … she's guilty!
Kyoko: They are worried people might consider her young and stupid … since she's also 17 like us!
Kanae: I can't believe people that young think of devilish things like that! … if she doesn't get punished enough, … I might get help from Maria to make a Voodoo doll to curse her! … she needs to be accountable for what she has done, she almost killed you!
Kyoko: I'm sure Todoh-san has everything under control
Kanae: say, this dude! … Todoh-san, … I low-key think he likes your mother! … he wouldn't be going out of his way to do all this without having ulterior motives … or its love!
Kyoko: yeah, I know, I asked him a while ago … his reasons are weird, but to all their own preferences
Kanae: oh! … don't tell me that he likes her because she's tough!
Kyoko: more like, because she's complicated! … and he likes puzzles … something like that!
Kanae: wait, that's all!?
Kyoko: I don't know, … but he's known her since before she even met that guy, so …
Kanae: wow, the dedication! … Men are weird!
Kyoko: tell me about it! … I can't read them at all!
Kanae: and they can't read us! … the story of all humanity!
Kyoko: I wonder if two women loved each other, would they be more understanding towards one another?!
Kanae: I don't know about that, I know that a girl in my class who liked another girl … she was unhappy, however … mainly because when people found out, so she was outcasted … people can't freely love the same gender, apparently
Kyoko: yeah, I heard the people from that community prefer to do things privately because it's not widely accepted … I originally thought they were an urban legend!
Kanae raised an eyebrow, and said: most things are like an urban legend to you!
Kyoko: Hey! … you're exaggerating! … it's just I was sheltered growing up, so hearing something like that is real is mind-blowing
Kanae: I find that hard to believe sometimes … you lived with a horny teenage boy and you never saw things like that before?! … does he watch porn on his own!?
Kyoko became as red as a beet, as she stuttered: I don't know! … do boys watch porn for real?!
Kanae: I assume he did!
Kyoko: well, when we watched a show a long time ago, his mother freaked out and turned it off right away!
Kanae: surely! … but, out of curiosity, what did you watch!?
Kyoko: I don't know the name, … he was switching channels and stopped at some show, he was captivated so we watched it until his mother came in
Kanae smiled and asked: what happened in that show?!
Kyoko: Moko-san! … it … it … it wasn't much, … just a girl taking off the guy's shirt, and touching his upper … upper …. Bo … dy
Kanae: I can't believe you are still shy saying those things! … your almost an adult!
Kyoko: I prefer to be an innocent pure girl, Moko-san! … those things are dangerous!
Kanae: wait … when you said you couldn't understand men, who were you referring to?!
Kyoko: everyone?!
Kanae: come one, spill it!
Kyoko: I'm at work, Moko-san!
Kanae: in your own, private space, … you never told me about that confession in detail!
Kyoko: this isn't the right place or time!
Kanae: but still, I want to know if he said something you still don't understand?!
Kyoko frowned … then looked down and whispered: He said he liked me
Dumbfounded, Kanae: really?! … is that all?!
Kyoko: no … but, … I still find it hard to believe that he liked me, he used that other word, but still … I don't understand why!
Kanae: he didn't say?!
Kyoko: he did … but …
Kanae: oh my god, Kyoko! … get a grip! … the guy likes you, what's wrong with that!
Kyoko: It's because … it's hard to see myself as anything but plain!
Kanae: plain?! … seriously!?
Kyoko: yeah! … I have small …well, a small chest
Kanae: you still have time to grow that!
Kyoko: and short hair
Kanae: hair grows if you don't cut it!
Kyoko: and I curse people
Kanae: everyone does! … I even curse in my sleep!
Kyoko: I'm not fashionable
Kanae: I don't see anything wrong with your fashion sense, you just need to afford it!
Kyoko: what about a soothing personality?
Kanae: who needs that?! … is he a baby who needs to be soothed to sleep!
Kyoko: no… but
Kanae: what more can he need, you're a kind-hearted person, with great cooking abilities! … you literally make him eat like a normal human with your cooking! … you can do anything a housewife can do, and more … I'm not saying you're as good as a housewife, but you have good qualities about you that are desirable!
Kyoko: but … I'm not pure!
Kanae: I thought you wanted to be an innocent pure person! … how can you, of all people be impure?!
Kyoko: I have some bad thoughts in my head, … I'm not a happy-go-lucky person anymore, I have a nasty personality!
Kanae sighed heavily and thought (I need to kick the ass of the person who made her feel that way, … The Fuwa guy won't be safe around me!)
Kyoko: see! … you can't deny that!
Kanae: No, I'm just thinking of ways to torture the person who made you think that way!
Kyoko: Moko-san! … you can't do that!
Kanae: anything else?!
Kyoko: I'm … I'm not sexy …
Kanae: says who?! … come on stop listening to the people who say stupid things!
Kyoko: No! … when I look at the mirror, I don't see a sexy person, … I see someone plain …
Kanae interrupted: not that again! … have you looked at Natsu and thought she's plain!?
Kyoko: No, she's supposed to be sexy!
Kanae: well, she can't be sexy if you aren't! … it's your body, and it's sexy, you just have to see it that way … dress in a way that makes you feel sexy
Kyoko: I'm short …
Kanae: compared to who!? … don't compare yourself to that huge dude! … he's in his own league!
Kyoko: I mean, don't you think height might hinder a relationship?!
Kanae: you can make it work somehow … and besides, you still have room to grow! so don't give up yet! … you will be taller and your breasts will become rounder as you grow older!
Kyoko blushed and nodded … but then looked down and asked: but, what do you think he likes about me, … physically?!
Kanae: ask him! … I can't read his mind or guess, that's gross! … but I can tell that he's into you! … I can see it from a mile away!
Shocked, Kyoko palled as she shrieked: you're kidding!
Kanae: Nope! … all his actions make sense when you think about it! … and man, his jealousy is something else, so good luck dealing with that
Kyoko laughed and said: I don't need to deal with that yet!
Kanae: you're already dealing with it!
Kyoko admitted: more or less!
Kanae: how about you, … what do you think about him, physically!?
Kyoko: Moko-san! … if I say my thoughts, I will become impure! … I can't possibly explain those things!
Kanae: come on! … your pureness doesn't go away because you have normal attractions! … you're a hormonal teenager, act like one!
Kyoko: if that applies to me, why don't you tell me what you like about a man!
Kanae: I don't have anyone I like!
Kyoko: what about Hiou-kun?!
Kanae: He's underage! … he's not even a teenager! … I like him and respect him as an actor, yes, … but as a man, hardly!
Kyoko: have you seen men in America that are attractive
Kanae: I have to admit, … I like Japanese people better, they aren't this vulgar back home!
Kyoko: are you being harassed?!
Kanae: some guys cat-call me on the street … it's annoying, but I'm never alone, so nothing to worry about!
Kyoko: be careful out there Moko-san!
Kanae: I will! … so now back to you, what do you like, physically?!
Kyoko: do I have to spill the obvious?!
Kanae: please don't tell me you like him the same way his fans do?! … he's handsome and tall, I get that … but you, you have to have something you like specifically
Kyoko: I … well, … I played Tennis with him for my role
Kanae: He was your tennis trainer!?
Kyoko: yeah, he offered, … I mean I'm helping him with something, so it's like payback for that!
Kanae: sure … he just wants to spend time with you, but believe whatever you want!
Kyoko: Moko-san!
Kanae: ok, so you played tennis … and?!
Kyoko: well …
Kanae: well?! … talk! don't keep me waiting for too long!
Kyoko admitted: I felt weird things … like … he was athletic and … his forearms are so defined, his abs … um … I …
Kanae: ok! … stop right there, are you salivating?!
Kyoko's face was beet red as she denied it, saying: NO, I'm not!
Kanae: wow! … ok! … so, you felt things!?
Kyoko: I don't want to talk about this anymore!
Kanae: come on! … you're on the road to recovery!
Kyoko: don't say it like that! … I'm not sick!
Kanae: let me ask you this, have you seen anyone like that before … in that way?! … has anyone made you feel like that before?!
Kyoko: No, I never felt that way before
Kanae: not even with that jerk?!
Kyoko: come to think of it, I never felt that way with Sho, and I remember thinking that while we trained tennis … what do you think that means?
Kanae: it means you never actually liked that jerk in the same way you like Tsuraga-san!
Kyoko: I'm I getting sick?!
Kanae: ugh! … seriously! … you need to stop doubting yourself and start listening to your heart! … you need to work on yourself first!
Kyoko: so, I need to make sure I grow taller and find a way to make my chest bigger?!
Kanae: Not that! … you need to work on loving yourself for who you are! … and talk with that dude, ask him what he likes so you can get some insight!
Kyoko: It's too embarrassing Moko-san!
Kanae: Fine, don't ask! … figure it out somehow, but let me tell you this, if you already like yourself the way you are, you don't have to worry about growing taller or about having bigger breasts!
Kyoko: That's the problem! … I can't find a good reason why he would like …
Kanae wanted to reach out through her phone and knock some sense into her friend, but a knock on the door interrupted her
Kyoko: yes?!
Staff: we are ready for you, Kyoko-san!
Kyoko: oh, already? … alright, I will be right there!
Kanae: I guess we can talk about this later, but don't lose sleep about it … and if you can, ask some guy you trust about that!
Kyoko: how would they know what he … likes?
Kanae: well, it's just a general perspective from a male friend!
Kyoko: oh … so I can ask any guy I know!
Kanae: not anyone, but someone you trust, someone who won't make things weird or awkward
Kyoko: now, I can't think of anyone!
Kanae: sleep on it! … anyway, you should head out, … talk to you later
Kyoko: alright … let's talk soon! … take care
She hung up, put her phone away, and joined everyone on set … she worked for another 2 hours before she finished
She changed and she headed home, forgetting to get Remi back from Ren … she did plan to get her, but Ren was too busy today, so she didn't want to bother him
She texted Ren about getting Remi on Friday, as they both had time after 7
pm to meet at his place, … Ren suggested she'd have dinner with him, she accepted on one condition, they cook, instead of ordering out … he agreed happily and was delighted his Friday would be much brighter then he's boring dull Thursday, as he couldn't see Kyoko at all
Author notes:
Chapter 34 Ends here!
Things are calming down finally, but is this the end, I wonder?! … you will know eventually!
Why did Diana, her brother, and Hiroki's friends come to Japan?!
How did Todoh-san do with his mastermind plan?! Do you think he's done well?
What did Takarada mean with his cookie baking analogy, indeed?!
Thank you all for reading this chapter and thank you for your support
Reviews are much appreciated
Until next time! Ja~ne