Disclaimer: I do not own Skip Beat, and its characters, All Rights Reserved to Yoshiki Nakamura-Published 2002;
Warning: This is purely fiction, driven out from my favorite fandom/s. I do not own nor profit from its characters; the places familiar to the fandom and the ones from the 'real world.' If there are places unfamiliar; Therefore, I take credit together with the characters I personally made which would be addressed by the end notes.
Salamat for reading! Please leave a kudo, favorite, follow and reviews!
"Is that man serious?" Groaned by a woman on the other line, "But what do you plan on the assignment he wanted you to do?" She asked.
Stiffling her amusement, "I really don't know, but when I get there maybe I will think of something." Her friend positively responded.
"I know you can think of anything innovative. Well, I'll leave you to that, I need to get back to work."
Wearing a softened look, "Sure, and take care Moko-san." The actress bid her friend good bye.
"You too, and be safe on your travel." With that said their call ended. With few hours to spare she took a nap while she rides the train. Little did she knew some teens were all giggling and stealing her picture.
While the rising actress relaxed, "Are you sure that's Kyoko-chan?" The girls whispered to each other.
With certainty, "I'm hundred percent sure!" Another insisted.
Finally arriving in her home town, she headed to meet the old couple who helped care and raise her; the Fuwa couple enveloped her with tight hug, "How was your trip?"
With a fond smile, "It was smooth and fine, how you, I'm sorry I wasn't able to call or visit." She asked shyly.
The older woman wore a content look, "It's okay, dear." The woman gave a soft smile, "I'm glad you visit and I am thrilled to know you are doing fine in Tokyo, your mother called and she was surprised to see you."
Feeling relief, "I was afraid to meet her actually, but I need her consent since it is for work."
"Still I am proud of you. And what is this bet I heard from Shotaro?" Kyoko looked pale.
"I don't care who you like or whatever, as long as that person is serious about you, that is enough. Don't jump into what my son pull you to, you are a strong independent woman." Kyoko took that by the heart, "And thank you for always looking after him when he was starting, I heard you also worked double shifts just to put a roof and feed him." Kyoko gave a sad smile.
"I know you think you owe us, but your mother paid us to take care of you, but despite the payment you are, our daughter too, regardless you marry him or not." And they embraced her.
The drive to the Ryokan was short and immediately Kyoko was greeted by her half-brother who was waiting for her. With anxious smile she approached him and stood waiting for him to say something, "Honestly... you, coming with Shotaro in Tokyo was a stupid idea, but I am glad you found something you wanted to do and set your heart with."
Feeling guilty, "I'm sorry." Was her only response and tackled him into a tight hug which he returned. The staff of the Ryokan mobbed Kyoko congratulating her and gave her some love.
All dressed for some work, "No, you are to rest since you are currently on long vacation!" The Okami pushed her out the kitchen and Her brother who is dressed camouflage chef uniform chuckled and shot her a look to leave. Kyoko who doesn't know what to do, pulled out her other bag and took out the contents which was given to her by the LME President.
She tried to open the device and inspected it, "It's the same." She smiled knowing she won't be having issues re-learning how to operate and so as the flying device which she has been practicing with Maria.
She took the drone out by the long bridge and started to play with it, connecting to her phone she started to watch the beautiful view from above. Some locals spotted it and started to point, smile and wave. Kyoko giggled remembering those people, "Let's save that and send it to Maria and Moko-chan." She thought and continued until she noticed that the battery was getting low, "Oh, this was not fully charged?" And immediately collected the device.
Heading back she also checked the DSLR to see if it is charged but the camera was only half loaded, heading to her old room, she plugged it and started to open her new laptop which she invested and started to study.
Serving the young actress some tea, "How is your studies dear?" Asked by one of the staff lady.
Kyoko eagerly responded, "Great actually, I'm graduating next year." And the woman gasped happily.
Giving a little clap, "Oh congratulations, dear! I'm happy that you pursued studying again, and I might say I watched your dramas and they are really touching, your Mio and Natsu is scary~" She giggled.
Bashfully, "Thank you, I do my best to deliver and surpass the director and my co-stars expectations and at least not to cause any inconvenience for them." She told.
The older woman impressed, "Goodness, you are still out doing yourself." The woman gave her a hug. She is one of those people who helped raised her to be the woman she is today and she is grateful to them.
As lunch is being served, "Oh my gosh, that's her!" one of the customer turned to Kyoko who just entered the dining, their phones were up and secretly took pictures of her.
"Nee-chan." A deep masculine voice called out.
She turned with a big smile, "Otto? Did you make all these?" She asked and he nodded. "Wow, you're getting better at this." She giggled.
With a respectful nod, "Not as good as you, but I'm learning. Also are you going to stay here?" He asked.
Tilting her head, "Yes, why?" She looked confused.
Serving her another plate, "I bought an old run-down property and renovated it, I'm hoping you can stay there while you take your vacation." Kyoko was surprised.
"Oh… Well, I can let Yayoi-oba sama know that I can come with you." The boy nodded.
He bashfully added, "I reserved a room for you and left it bare so you can decorate it yourself." Kyoko gave a small smile thinking her step-father cares for her. After letting Yayoi knew that she is to stay to her parents' house, the woman gave a sad look.
"We'll sleep here tomorrow." Otto quickly said and Kyoko turned to him baffled, the poor boy looked skittish.
Yayoi felt happy and asked for confirmation, "Really?" he nodded vigorously. The actress noticed how much Otto loves the Fuwa couple. And later that evening the siblings shared the kitchen in the said house, cooking, until Kyoko received a call from her temporary manager.
A frantic and excited tone greeted her, "Quickly, open your social media and see what is trending right now!"
Kyoko confused, "I don't have any social media." She replied and looked at her brother who then opened his own to help her, and to his shock.
She can hear her temporary manager wince and slap himself, while his beother went to scroll on his account, "You're trending." He flatly said.
Yashiro hearing her brother's voice, "Mogami-san, who is that?" he immediately inquired concerned for his official-charge's suitor position.
Kyoko mused, "Oh, that's my brother, Otsukinoji. Otto, say hi to Yashiro-san." she clarified.
Otsukinoji gracing Yashiro with a short greeting, "Hi." and went to leave his phone to his sister to see.
Taking the device and thanking him, "I'm checking it right now." Kyoko said scrolling at the top trending news, some fans were able to get napping pictures of Kyoko from the train and there were comments that made her fluster, plenty of her fans were gushing at her over the comments.
If her temporary manager can see her she would be even more embarrassed, "Make an account now please? It would be good for your publicity." Yashiro suggested.
Snapping from being embarrassed, "I'll ask my brother for help." Kyoko put down the phone and walked to her brother who is just done cooking.
"Call me when you are done and I will help you set up your public information and profile, hand me the password and user as well and once I'm done I'm giving it back to you and you may change the password if you wish."
Appreciating her temporary manager's help, "Thank you, it would be a big help." Kyoko and her brother ate in silence and finished quickly, and shortly Kyoko pulled out her computer and they worked on it to the stylish living room full of law books and other educational materials.
They finished late in the evening and called Yashiro over to let him know that they've done it, Kyoko showed the picture she wanted to use and her temporary manager approved of it. The next morning she and her brother shared breakfast, "I think I know what I should do for this assignment." Kyoko giggled and looked at her confused sibling.
For the morning, Kyoko called her boss and let him know about her plans, "So what is you plan for your assignment?" He asked excitedly.
With confidence, "To appreciate myself, I should thank those who recognize and support me, and learn from them that I am starting to be noticed." The man on the other line smiled knowing the girl is opening her eyes that she is starting to be known.
Lory approved, "That is great, darling! Now show me how you will do that?" He challenged.
"I will, and I have Yashiro-san helped me set it up."
With an eager hum, "Wonderful, I am expecting great results." With that their call ended and Kyoko knew what to do with the items the President gave her.
With the wind that Kyoko finally have her social media, immediately her close friends from Love Me became her first followers and friends, it was shortly followed by her co-stars and favorite senpai which she is currently upset with, with her account immediately publicized, gossip and articles started circulating that the rising actress that wowed the fans of a new drama 'Lotus of the Mire' for an hour blew her notifications.
And before lunch she and her brother headed to the Ryokan, only to be surprised by her step-father who came to visit, "Baby girl!" He gave a big smile enveloping her into a tight hug, Kyoko is a bit distant to him since he was rarely there when she was a child but he shows his care and love whenever he sends presents to her and her brother, now that he is there he brought some gifts, and to her shock he gave her a Ducati which is almost similar to the one she used to one of the MVs with the Ishibashi brothers and for her brother some few materials for his vehicular project.
Curious, "Papa-san, you came to visit?" Kyoko asked.
"Well, your mama mentioned yesterday that you are to visit Kyoto and I suddenly thought since I'm home for good, I'd visit you kids and I missed you so much, you were just a little girl when I left." He said longingly and kissed her forehead.
Kyoko felt a little sad, "Well, you were busy abroad." She looked down.
With a sad smile, "I know, I finally retired and I hope that from time to time you would visit me and your mama, I know she's cold towards you and Otto, but I am sure she loves both of you and wanted to see you more, it's just to protect you, she refuse to let anyone know you are her daughter."
Baffled, "To protect?" Kyoko looked concerned.
With a deep sigh, "There is someone trying to target her because of a certain case, and that is why I retired so I can protect her." Kyoko knows that her step-father is a terrifying military official and has connections and ability to retaliate.
"I'm glad mother has you, when are you going back?"
With a proud look, "Tomorrow, I'll stay here with you and Otto today since I wanted to bring you both presents, you both are outstanding and I am proud of both of you." He said and showed his affection.
They shared lunch and after eating Kyoko went to the same bridge and tried to play with the drone again to get beautiful aerial recording of her home town, the beautiful cherry blossoms and river created the aesthetic effect, and She sat on top of her brother's two door Jeep and even showed herself with a wave. She doesn't know how to edit her videos and just uploaded it raw with the propellers still blaring. "Excuse the sloppiness, but I want to share the place where I grew up and played" She wrote and many of those that followed her asked for more and didn't even bother commenting at her amateur shots, but instead received compliments for being a first time social media user.
Sortly, Lory called again after her upload and gave approval of her first success, "Although, you need to learn how to add effects, music and edit out the backgound noise, give it some razzle dazzle, love and a big smacking kiss. Don't worry, since you are new to this, a little tutorials would help you. You might want to look up some good applications and other materials for that." Suggested.
Pleased, "Thank you, Takarada-san." She said gleefully.
One certain comment caught her attention, "Looks pretty, mind if you can show the place where we used to meet and play? Alot has changed and everything is new." his profile picture seemed familiar, however only the back of his body can be seen and his blonde state, with the username to be very familiar.
Kyoko ignored it and continued with her task watching some tutorials, "This is quite difficult but interesting." She studied, especially watching one Japanese chef make beautiful shots with his drone and cameras for different angles. Kyoko took notes on how and where to position her camera when making her content. To her amazement, it was her brother's account and taught her about voice over and narrations too.
An hour later she internally groaned and replied, "I'm still mad at you." She wrote and immediately she got a response from him.
It wasnt even a minute came a reply, "Chat me?" He asked.
Kyoko waited for a bit and started typing, "I'm upset remember?" She insisted but mused at her reply.
Like the previous, his response was speedy, "Right… upset." She didn't expect her phone to ring.
A manly deep voice with a sweet tone appealed to her name, "Kyoko?" He called and she didn't make any peep, "I know you're upset I kept you in the dark, but I promise I never lied, I have my reasons. I know it is not proper for you to hear it though calls but at least I want to let you know that I'm really sorry." Kyoko can imagine his face, she sighed.
"Why are telling me this now?"
"Because you have been a big part in my life and I couldn't take it to keep it from you anymore, I know I ruined your thoughts about your fairy prince but here I am your stupid senpai."
"You're not stupid, don't say that." She pouted.
"I'm sorry and I miss you. I didn't know that you will leave like that." He sighed on the other line.
"I need a time to breathe."
"I know." He trailed off. "But I really miss you."
"I… I miss you too." With that said.
"I made a personal account by the way." He informed.
"I've noticed, who took your picture?" She asked.
"Boss did, I made a request and he didn't ask further." That surprised her. "I'll tell you everything once we meet, I really miss you though." He repeated and Kyoko finds it cute.
"Yeah." Was her only reply. Kyoko retuned to what she was doing and tried to make recordings again with her DSLR instead and started to capture the people inside the Ryokan, they gave her bright smiles and greetings. Using proper transitions, cinematic timings for the background music that her temporary manager and boss suggested to avoid copyrights she finished until it was evening.
Sending it first to the President, the man gave her an approval, amazed how she adapted and learned quickly. "I'll try to share this tomorrow." She thought and joined Yayoi on hosting and helping to serve customers. And by the next day she shared it on her social media again which gained positive review from her fans and friends, and again Kuon made an appearance in the comments.
"I kind of want to have you on the frame too. I miss you so bad and I know you're still mad." He stated which caught the attention of many of her followers.
Kyoko replied with her picture in the kitchen with her brother who gave a peace sign with his back turned, "Happy?" her response is a bit cold and giving off some Natsu and Mio vibe to it since she's 'mad' at him.
"Wait, who is that? I'll call you." With that said social media blew off that she is seeing some foreigner. Indeed he video called her and she revealed it is her half-sibling. While the platform is exploding chaos, a certain President is enjoying every bits of it.
There were some who just followed the actress to criticize her and they revealed it must be a publicity since the foreigner is shady and mysterious not revealing much in his profile, until a day later the said foreigner posted a picture of him hugging Kyoko in her home in Kyoto, still hiding his face, but his blonde hair and body build is showing and leaving a statement to it that he is real and he is Kyoko's childhood sweetheart.
"Explain." She demanded and they are currently at their old spot at the clearing.
"I'm sorry I went to you like this, but I wanted to make sure to help you on your path on appreciating yourself, you are more than what you think and you to me is even more precious." Cupping her cheek. "I'm sorry I didn't reveal myself right away because I'm still afraid of my past. I know I should have told you the truth, but as we get to know each other deeper it scares me that you will leave and hate me. After you will know the truth why I ran away to Japan-" Kyoko listened to him.
"Remember when I said I wanted to leave my father's huge wings?" Kyoko nodded, "I almost did, but there were people who hates me because I am father's son and stealing their spotlight-" Looking down, "I somehow strayed in the wrong path and killed my bestfriend." Her eyes grew but waited for him to explain.
"-I was in a gang fight, and Rick who was a positive person in my life tried to save me and ended up being hit by a speeding vehicle." The actor's face turned pale and pained from the trauma, Kyoko's reflexes grabbed his head for an embrace pressing it to her cleat, they were in an awkward position but he then laid back to the picnic blanket and placed his head over her thighs, Kyoko cradled his head and giving him a soothing caresses on his cheek.
He told her what exactly happened, "It's not your fault." She was done listening, "I know you did not have any choice. Rick-san considered you precious and a brother that is why he did that, and I know in the present, he is proud as you turned to be a wonderful actor and given yourself a prominent name without sheltering under Father's shadow. You are known and respected because you are Tsuruga Ren and not as a son of a renowned and legendary actor." She comforted, "You've fixed and straighten your life in to the correct path, and I know, Rick-san wanted the best for you."
"Thank you." Ren shifted his body to hug her mid-section and she gave his head a gentle kiss.
"Now how long are you staying in Kyoto?" She asked sternly, "Don't you have prior appointments?"
"I used to, but Boss gave me a time off." He sighed, "Remember the bully I told you?" He asked and she nodded, "Bennett-san is here and we're working together, I'm still trying to gather my thoughts and wits." Kyoko felt bad for being a little mean.
Her tone softened, "Then stay here with me for a while." She assured and Ren smiled at her hugging her further.
Their little date by the creek was shared by Ren in his foreigner account and tagging Kyoko along which caused her admirers to react violently, especially the singer.
The couple watched the chaos from the window, "We better trim those murder mittens before he chooses violence." Kyoko's younger sibling puts his arms on his hip and supervised his friend on grooming their fluffy ginger cat.
In chuckle, "They're not taking any chances." Ren commented, amused at the fuss at the boys where making trying to restrain the poor coned and reprimanded hissing cat.
With sarcasm, "Ah yes, the threats of its people." Otto flatly said which made Kyoko wheezed in laughter, She recorded the scene and sent it to her bestfriend who was abroad equally coughing in laughter, Chiori her other Love Me friends who joined the video call is cracked because of the predicament. Kyoko who has been active on responding to her followers shared her daily routines at home, and even giving glimpse of her foreigner as well. Many have been pressing her to introduce the man but she gave an excuse that he is someone very important to her and wanted to keep his privacy, but soon he will reveal himself when he's comfortable enough.
Amused at the new moniker, "They started calling you Gaijin." Kyoko said and Ren laughed.
Thrilled, "Can't wait to see their reaction when they realize the Gaijin is actually Ren." He teased and joined her in the kitchen. Ren kept his original hair and eye color for a while to avoid attention and they would have their daily walks to the clearing in peace, and to their comfort they have been using Otto's mini palate cabin as their resting and hiding spot, much to the complaints of yhe younger Mogami. And it was convenient having Ren around to help her with editing all her posts since he is already an expert when it comes to updating his own Social media timeline.
With Lory suggesting they continue the comment interaction with each other keeping Kyoko's fan base busy with speculation and gossip, especially that she has a new up-coming series where she is to star with Ren.
"We're going to the market?" Ren asked excitedly and she nodded picking up her list, "Wait, you're going with just that?" He looked at her concerned.
Confused, "Yes, and why?" Raising her eyebrow.
"Woman, you are not leaving without any cover. You know you are getting recognized and it is difficult to be mobbed or have your pictures stolen, remember when you first traveled here?" He insisted, "Now use this." He puts on his oversized cap to her head.
"Too big." She pouted and returned it to him, she was about to get her own when Ren adjusted it and made sure it was snug, the snap back of the said head wear was adjusted to its smallest and it looked weird, but he was satisfied since she is wearing something that is his. Kyoko then looked at her shirt it seemed okay but they need to cover up a bit.
Placing a face mask it was perfect, Ren on the other hand styled his hair a bit and worn some face mask to cover a bit of his face. They went out holding each other's hands and picked out all the needed supplies at home, but to their surprise some still actually recognized them and just uploaded it online which caused some major chaos pointing that Kyoko is actually dating someone and the said foreigner is crazy tall.
Heading back to the Mogami home, Kyoko started to clean up and prep to make lunch and Ren started to annoy her of any job he can do, Kyoko doesn't trust him well in her kitchen but still gave him something to do, handing him some safety peelers and potatoes, "Start peeling." And Ren chuckled in compliance.
While they were busy in the kitchen, "Kyoko-nee san!" called by some boys from the front door, and Ren went along to see who it was, "Oh, hi, Mr. gaijin, boyfriend of nee-sama. Is Otsukinoji-kun around?" One asked and Ren was taken a-back with his greetings to him.
Composing himself, he replied, "Uh… He's napping at the back… Come in." and the five boys paraded going to the backyard.
While the couple are being sweet they suddenly heard them chanting in a hilarious prayer, and peeking from the window, Ren and Kyoko burst out laughing. The boys had lit candles and surrounded their sleeping friend similar to a solemn funeral ceremony, complaining at how their friend 'is supposed to have fun and not nap the summer away.'
Ren recorded it and sent it to the President and he was replied by a spam of laughing emoji. Throughout the shenanigans the Mogami boy remained outcold and snoring.
That afternoon, Kyoko enjoyed editing and Ren decided to be that clingy boyfriend and just snuggle on her back watching her do some work. And unknowingly Kyoko's sibling posted their picture online hiding Ren's face, funny how Kyoko's admirers were quick to comment which caused an online hilarity.
Kyoko's co-worker who has been having a crush on her was the first to comment, "Can I have what they're having?" adding a sad face on it and the poor Mogami boy who is confused replied to him.
With a response from the oblivious young Mogami, "They are not eating though…" With that statement everything went into a hilarious theories and banters between celebrities and the poor Mogami boy has became even more confused of that they were saying.
And since Kyoko's sibling was dragged to her contents, his own subscribers and followers quickly noticed the similarites and was forced to reveal he was the social media Chef with millions of following online.
Kyoko's fans interested in her private life like any other celebrities, her female followers pressed on her boyfriend's identity and more information about her brother and father that had made an appearance to her channel.
With Ren's suggestions making her with introductions hilarious as possible, she introduced her brother in a very comedic narration, "This is Otto, government name Otsukinoji Mogami. Yes, he is naturally blonde but a reincarnated Japanese old man with odd hobbies of deleting the arborial and bovine community with his personal favorite of exploiting his supposed to be friends in involuntary servitude." A threatening image of her brother holding a hatchet while his friends frantically digging with short shovel in their yard.
Ren even added a disclaimer on her voice over, "Don't worry, there were no cronies hurt in the making of the pond." which amazed Kyoko's fans as her Gaijin's Japanese was on point.
Kyoko even included her step-father in a very sweet manner introducing him to everyone. And then comes Ren, "Honestly, I want to reveal myself, I don't want to share my babe to anyone, especially to the fake blonde and a fake blonde wannabe-" he said while the camera only fitted from his neck down- making sure cutting his head to hide his identity. When he was about to reveal himself by lifting the camera, Kyoko in her Mio, Natsu and Momiji personalities combined mysteriously appeared with Otsukinoji and his friends in the back, with one order from the younger blonde, his goons grabbed Ren on the head and covered his face while Kyoko grabbed the camera, Ren's muffled protest and struggle can be heard in the background.
This time it was Kyoko's step-father's voice over announced the disclaimer in English, "There was no Gaijin violently hurt from the introduction." despite the disclaimer, in the background, Kyoko was opening up a closet while the teens grabbed all of Kuon's limbs dragging and casually swings his body to be dumped in the closet.
With the polished edit helped by Otsukinoji and his group of production friends, it pleased Lory and her fans begging for more hilarious uploads. Chiori and Kanae dragged Kyoko into a quick video call and fell into fits of laughter while hers and Ren's shared manager approved and provided more content ideas for her coming upload.
In the end, her fans stopped asking for her Gaijin's identity and wanted it to be a running gag in all her content.
As two weeks passed by quickly, Ren insisted that he would drive her bike back to Tokyo since she doesn't have any license yet and it would be safer, while she takes the train, "I'll meet you at my apartment." He kissed her and she bid him his safety.
Arriving in Metropolis, indeed they met in his apartment and Jelly was there with the President waiting for Ren and Kyoko, from blonde he became Ren Tsuruga again and Kyoko pouted, "Don't worry, once it's Ren's day-off, Kuon will appear as promised." Lory informed Kyoko that she passed his assignment and when she was about to return the gadgets to him.
"That is my present to you for passing this school year. You never failed to amaze and meet my expectations." He said giving her a head pat, "I hope this time with my boy; Kuon around you will be able to leave Love Me and become a full-fledged actress." He gave her a hug, "Just remember to always appreciate and love yourself first to understand others who cares and love you." Kyoko nodded.
Even after her assignment Kyoko kept track of her account and started to post city aesthetic pictures which has been gaining praises from photographers and other travel influencers. "How come Kyoko-sama is not posting any of her gaijin beau's pictures? Is it one sided for the poor gaijin." One finally noticed and Kyoko in response to her commented a picture of her and Kuon in his apartment's balcony in a snuggle.
"As much as I want to show-case him I really want to keep him for myself and what we do on our free time." With a wink emoji which caused many of her close friends to react.
"Our innocent baby! What did you do to her, Gaijin?" Chiori was the first one to react which made Ren laugh, in retaliation Ren posted Kyoko sleeping on his bed.
As her popularity grew with the help of her self-promotion using social media, Ren in the person of Kuon kept tagging her with his candid shots he secretly took of her at home showing to her admirers and fans what and who she is personally from the eyes of another.
~END?~
A/N: I edited and added some few lines and details, I got fed-up reviewing and did this to stall. LMAO, part 2 is in the making and still thinking some badass moments for Kyoko. I have read a comment about Kuon's identity reveal from the reviews and dont worry I'll work on it.
Thank you so much for reading!
-M.A.X
