Chapter 110: Murderer!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Saena would be the one to prosecute Kimiko and her manager.

Ren glanced at his phone for the time. Finally, she would be home soon. Her last text said they were fifteen minutes out. He had the evening off and wanted to surprise her. He pulled out the little dishes that Kyoko often used to plate the side dishes for their dinners.

He opened the rice cooker and filled two bowls of rice doming the top as she taught him. He reached for the bag of food he brought with him and opened the containers. He ladled miso soup into two other bowls. The broth was still steaming. He continued plating the pickled vegetables, grilled fish, skewered beef, and salad. He left the food and started setting the table. He laid a white linen cloth over the coffee table first. Next came the candles and a floral arrangement for the centerpiece. This would have to do for a romantic celebratory dinner.

When that was done he began setting the food on the table. It would be ready as soon as she walked in. He initially wanted to take her on a date but her schedule, unfortunately, ran later than expected. This gave Ren an opportunity to improvise.

When the food was set, he sat at the table and began folding his latest note. By now, he memorized every fold required to make the perfect crane. He put the decorated bird on her side of the table. He pulled out another sheet of paper and his unicorn notebook from his pocket. He flipped to the page he was looking for and smiled. This is a good one to use.

As soon as he finished writing his note he folded the paper into another crane. He stuffed the extra crane and notebook into his bag. He was cutting it close. She could arrive at any moment and catch him in the act. He wanted to keep this game going for a while longer until he reached his goal. She seemed to genuinely enjoy his notes and as he hoped she was saving each one.

Ren used his phone to take a picture of his table setting focusing on the crane. He logged on to their social media site to post his picture. Before posting, he chuckled at the picture she posted this morning of her with the other leads and some extras: Epic battles are rarely pretty!

They were a mess. Their backdrop was of a smoldering war-torn set. Kyoko stood in the middle next to Koga. She had foliage in her hair. Soot, fake blood (at least he hoped it was fake), and dirt covered her entire person. Although, her face was a disaster her bright eyes shone with happiness. Everyone held a "thumbs up" sign with their hands. Ren's heart swelled with pride. He received an excited voicemail from her earlier detailing her participation in the scene. It sounded epic indeed.

He took a few minutes to read some of the comments. Many were voicing their impatience for the movie to be released and were grateful for the small spoiler. Ren left a similar message of congratulations to the cast and crew anonymously. Of course, he had to single out his devotion to the actress starring as Momiji without sounding like a creepy fan.

He finally posted his picture: Dinner by Moi for my one and only Kunoichi. I had a little, okay a lot, of help to create this meal for her. I hope she enjoys it.

The comments and likes were instantaneous. Ren was pulled from his phone by the sound of the front door. He jumped to his feet and rushed to the door. She was finally home.

"Oh!" Kyoko said as she lost her balance from the sudden opening of the door. Ren swept her into his arms.

"Welcome home!" He said squeezing her tight.

"I'm home," she said smiling into his chest and inhaling his scent. Yes, this is home. She wrapped her arms around him in return.

"I missed you," he said stroking her hair. They stood in the opened doorway for several more seconds before he pulled away.

"Sorry. Let me help you." He reached out for her overnight bag and held the door open for her. "I made dinner."

Kyoko raised a brow skeptically. "I promise I didn't ruin the kitchen. I had help."

"Help?" She asked curiously. Who did he invite into their apartment to help him?

"Come and eat. I'll tell you all about it once you've tasted it."

Kyoko sat at the low table and stared at the food. It had all her traditional Japanese favorites. It looked to be cooked perfectly. She glanced at Ren.

"You made all this for me."

"I had help," he said with a smile and sat across from her. "I hope you like it."

Her eyes landed on the crane sitting on her side. She reached out and opened it. Ren had the joy of watching her face light up with a soft blush as she read his note. She raised on her knees and kissed him softly on the lips. "I love you," she murmured against his lips and sat back down.

He blushed. He handed her chopsticks to distract himself from jumping her bones. Kyoko took them and bowed. "Itadakimasu!"

He watched her take a few satisfying bites before he joined her. After a minute of eating, she stopped. Her eyes widened in surprise as she mulled over the food in her mouth.

"Corn?"

"Yes," he asked pausing mid-bite.

"Did Taisho help you cook this food?"

"Wow, your taste buds are amazing but yes he helped me."

He laughed when Kyoko gazed at him like he was a heroic being that could slay demons and move mountains.

"How did this happen?"

"You see, I initially wanted to take you out to celebrate but...I knew you wouldn't be up for going out after an exhausting day. At least I wouldn't be if I was in your shoes."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be, baby. Your work is important. We're together now," he said threading his fingers with hers. "Anyway, I thought I would cook for you instead but I didn't want to ruin it. I dropped by the Darumaya to ask the couple about your favorite recipes. I noticed you always eat the same thing when we dine at the restaurant so I thought Taisho could help me with a grocery list. I was terrified when he let me into his kitchen."

Kyoko giggled. "I'm very impressed! Taisho must really like you if he made you touch his knives."

Ren held his hand up to show a bandaged finger. "His knives are deadly. I never want to cross that man ever."

"It's delicious. Thank you for entering the lion's den for my sake."

Ren rolled his eyes and smiled. They continued eating until every bite was gone. Ren found he had an appetite again now that she was home. Yashiro would probably rat him out for skimping on meals these last two days.

For dessert, Ren brought out bowls of matcha ice cream prepared by the Okami. Kyoko was in heaven as she took a scoop of the treat.

Kyoko paused eating when her phone buzzed for an incoming call. She looked at Ren and stood to retrieve her phone from her bag.

"Hi, father. Is everything alright? I have you on speaker."

"Kyoko, I'm sorry to disturb you two after you've only returned. I'm downstairs in the lobby. Do you two have a moment to talk? It can't wait."

Kyoko paled and tears swam in her eyes. Her voice caught in her throat leaving her speechless.

"Of course, Tadashi-san. Please let security know they can call for permission," Ren said intervening on her behalf and wrapping an arm around her.

"Thank you, Ren-kun. I'll let them know." Ren hung up the phone.

"Hey, we don't know what he wants to talk about. It could be nothing." He said kissing the top of her head.

The home phone began ringing. "That's downstairs." Ren gave his permission and headed to the bathroom to put on his contacts.

He waited in the hall for Tadashi to come up the elevator. Kyoko didn't know he was outside. She was in a frenzy cleaning up the dinner dishes. He tried helping but she pleaded to do it alone. It would help get her mind off of things.

Tadashi stepped off the elevator startled to be confronted by Ren.

"Is something wrong?" Tadashi asked worriedly glancing at the apartment door.

"You tell me. She's upset. Are you here to tell her you're leaving?"

"What? No. I'm not leaving...yet. Wait, she's upset because she thinks I'm leaving?"

"She lives each day thinking you're just going to up and disappear." Ren sighed.

"I've tried to reassure whenever she asked. I guess she just doesn't believe in me yet." Tadashi said sadly. "No worries," he said perking up. "Hopefully, what I have to say tonight would ease her mind."

Ren opened the door and let Tadashi in. "Kyoko, Tadashi-san is here," Ren called loudly.

"Father, welcome. Please have a seat," Kyoko said carrying out a serving tray of tea and cookies. There was not the slightest crack in her smile.

Ren exchanged glances with Tadashi. Ren shrugged. Oh boy, she's in full Okami mode right now.

"You didn't have to trouble yourself, sweetie. I won't take up too much of your time," he replied kneeling at the low table. Her hand shook as she poured tea into his cup.

"I'm here tonight because of real estate. I came to ask for your permission. It's time-sensitive and I don't want to let the opportunity pass me by but if you two are even a little against it, I'll walk away."

Kyoko blinked confused, "Real estate?"

"Yes, my friend Sota…you remember Sota, right?" He asked looking at them for confirmation.

They both nodded. Her father's friend was hard to forget. They owed him a debt of gratitude for his help with Kimiko even if he was on the shady side.

"Anyway, he just got wind that one of his clients is selling his home and thought I would be interested in it. The seller would be putting it on the market first thing tomorrow. I just came back from visiting the place. There are some things I would like to change but other than that it has good bones. He's giving me one hour to decide if I want it or not. I had to ask you both first."

"Wait, a moment," Ren said trying to piece together what Tadashi just told them. "Let me get this straight. You are trying to buy a home."

Tadashi nodded.

"A permanent one. Right here in Tokyo, not New York City."

"Yes. Why would I buy in New York? I'm trying to sell my home there." He asked confused by the question.

Kyoko grabbed Ren's hand and smiled joyfully from her heart. She finally understood what was happening. Her father was trying to buy a home to live permanently in Tokyo.

"Yes! Yes, buy it!" Kyoko said enthusiastically. "I hear ownership is the better investment."

"Yes, that was the idea. Are you sure? You don't think it's too weird. We'll practically be neighbors. I mean there are six floors separating us but still very close."

"The place you want to buy is here? In this building?" Ren asked.

"Yes, did I not mention it? This is why I wanted your permission. I don't want you two to think I'm intruding in your private lives. If it's a problem, I can look elsewhere. And please don't spare my feelings. Tell me the truth if it's weird."

Kyoko shook her head. She was elated at the idea of having him not only permanently living in Tokyo but close by as well.

"I'll agree on two conditions," Ren said seriously. "One, no drive-bys." He needed to protect his identity.

Tadashi nodded in understanding, "Agreed, I promise to always call first."

"We'll also extend the same courtesy," Ren said looking at Kyoko. She nodded her agreement.

"And two, we will take turns hosting family dinners on Sunday night. Effective immediately, non-negotiable. We'll host until you're settled."

Kyoko threw her arms around Ren and squealed. She peppered his face with kisses.

"Babe, please stop. Your father is present. I want to live a very long life with you."

Kyoko pulled herself together and apologized.

Tadashi laughed and swiped the tears forming in his eyes.

"Thank you, Ren-kun. I appreciate you sharing her with this old man."

Ren chuckled as he watched the father and daughter hug and cry tears of happiness. They were so alike in that regard. He hoped he didn't regret this decision.

Tadashi put his call into his realtor and asked him to broker the deal as soon as possible. He hugged his daughter and shook Ren's hand then left for the night.

Ren locked the door behind him and pulled her into a hug.

"Happy?" He asked tipping her face up to his and pecking her button nose.

"Very. What can I do to thank you?"

"I didn't do much but should you feel so inclined. How about we start with a shower?" The Emperor whispered into her ear.

Kyoko giggled and removed his arms from her waist. She clasped his hand and led him to their room. She supposed she did owe him a shower.

Kyoko took her days living life after Momiji in stride. She attended school regularly and settled in to a routine. After school, she divided her time between LoveMe duties and the LME training school. She did have new work but those weren't for another week. She continued her music lessons and resumed her acting classes to fill the time.

On this particular day, she sat nervously at the table beside her mother and stepfather. Today was the trial for Kimiko's manager and cousin, Kusanagi Yuri.

Kyoko twisted in her seat and smiled at Yashiro, Ren, her father and a plain dressed Lory sitting in the general seating area. Yashiro and Ren would be called upon as witnesses to testify against Yuri. Her mother stated that a verdict could be reached by lunchtime.

Given the nature of the case and the parties involved the judges agreed to close the courtroom off from the public and media. Kyoko was grateful for that decision. She wasn't sure if she would have been able to hold it together under all that scrutiny.

Kyoko nodded to Erika and her butlers sitting on her side of the courtroom. Erika appeared to have a full recovery from her injuries. Aside from them, she didn't recognize anyone else. They had to be important to the case if they were present. There were several foreigners in the crowd. Her eyes lingered on a pair of foreign men sitting toward the back that had the suspicious bearing of cops.

Her eyes shifted to another dubious-looking individual wearing thick eyeglasses and a surgical mask over his face. His get-up was so familiar that she openly stared at him trying to place his appearance. The man caught her staring. Kyoko quickly turned away but curiosity won out. She sneaked another glance. This time he pulled down his mask and lifted his glasses to wink at her. Kyoko's eyes widened with recognition. How did he get in here?

Her eyes shifted quickly to Ren so she wouldn't draw attention to the man. He looked at her with concern. Ren's eyes bore into hers asking her the silent question, what's wrong? He looked over his shoulder but had no clue what or who he was looking for that startled her. Kyoko shook her head and smiled. She faced forward in her chair and looked across at the defendant's table where Yuri sat with her lawyers.

The woman looked worn out and skittish. She jumped whenever her lawyer turned to talk to her. Kyoko didn't feel an ounce of sympathy for her. Her eyes narrowed with hostility. She reminded herself that this was the woman who killed Rick. She ran from the scene and left him to die on the street like roadkill. She deserved whatever punishment befell her today.

That side of the courtroom was filled with whom Kyoko assumed was the Morizumi clan. Kyoko could feel their harsh cold stares directed at her. Even in the wrong, they banded together to support their own.

Her mother mentioned the defendant's lack of supporting witnesses. According to Susumu, the defense's strategy was not to get their client acquitted of the charges but to reduce the time served. They would try to play up her innocence in the whole situation.

The courtroom stood as the judges of men and women filed into the room. There were nine judges in total: six citizens and three professionals. The six citizen judges were Japan's version of a jury in western society. Following the judges came the various court officials including the stenographer that would be recording all conversation in the room. Kyoko watched a man come around and sit behind the defense table. He took out a pad of paper and pencils and began sweeping the pencil over a clean sheet of paper. Kyoko heard a scratching sound coming from behind her. A woman sat behind her similarly to the man. She was...drawing?

The head judge made a statement regarding the purpose of today's trial and turned the floor over to the lawyers to plead their case.

Kyoko watched in awe as her mother stood in her element and delivered her powerful opening statement.

"Ladies and gentlemen, on September XX, 20XX, the defendant Kusanagi Yuri entered the workplace of my client, Morimoto Kyoko, under the guise of a delivery woman bearing a gift of luxurious chocolates she claimed was ordered by none other than my client's beau, Tsuruga Ren. No one questioned her motives. She was a regular delivery woman on the set for a few weeks prior. It was common knowledge to those working on the set of The Sacred Lotus in the Mire that Tsuruga-san is notorious for sending gifts to my client daily." Saena said staring at Ren.

Ren shrunk under her gaze as the attention was brought to him. She made it seem like it was his fault for his overindulgence.

Saena went into the backstory that led to the fire incident that night and Yuri's participation in delivering the tainted chocolates. She mentioned the failed attempt to throw Kyoko over the balcony when Kimiko lost the part of Momiji and her past participation on other victims such as Erika.

"And this is just the tip of the iceberg of what we know today. We have no idea how far back into the past her crimes extend without other victims coming forward but that is irrelevant now. The statement she gave police the night of the fire blames everything on her younger cousin. The question you need to ask yourselves is why a woman of her accomplishments and pedigree upbringing would take direction from someone almost ten years younger than her. Kusanagi-san was the adult in this relationship. In our society, the senior is respected by their juniors. As the senior, Kusanagi-san should have steered her charge in a positive direction...to take up the challenge and come back better than ever at the next opportunity. And yet she didn't. Not just as her manager, but as a family member, a cousin, a loved one, Kusanagi-san condoned and participated in every one of her charge's actions. The evidence I present to you today combined with various witness testimonies shall provide proof that Kusanagi-san had to play the lead role in these events. I hope you make the right decision and that justice would be served so my client and others in the industry may have peace of mind."

Saena bowed to the judges after finishing her statement and took her seat. Kyoko gazed at her mother with admiration. Her focus turned when the head judge asked the defense team to provide their opening statement.

The Morizumi's defense attorney, Kento, stood and smoothed out his designer jacket before addressing the judges.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the prosecution has painted a picture of my client as calculating and cruel...as the mastermind behind these incidences. Though I can't prove Yuri-chan's innocence in these situations, I can vouch that her actions were a direct response made out of love and loyalty for the young woman she considers a sister…"

For the next fifteen minutes, Kento played up the ineptitude of his client. Her soft and caring nature for wanting her cousin to succeed in the industry her family loved was what led her to participate in such crimes. He shifted the blame for her actions to the cut-throat industry of show business. Her repeated failures at pursuing a career herself as an actress and a model then seeing her cousin fail as well led her to make poor choices. Kento pulled out all the big guns. He talked about her battle with depression and bulimia to gain sympathy but also showed her strength at overcoming those obstacles. It was clear that his strategy was not to get her off the hook but to garner sympathy and shift blame. His hope was that the judges would feel remorse for the woman and lower her sentence. Unfortunately, he was throwing Kimiko under the bus in the process. He figured it was a small price to pay given that she had the plea deal locked in place.

Seana and Kento took turns bringing up their witnesses to give their testimonies. Kento focused on people that he vetted on Yuri's list. It was a short list but it was enough to accomplish what he intended. He made sure to keep things positive. Saena did her best at cross-examining those witnesses. She succeeded in making a few of those witnesses break down and cry. One woman actually caved under Saena's scrutiny. She confessed that she always hated Yuri for stealing the boy she liked in high school when they were supposed to be best friends. The woman's vehemence continued into adulthood since Yuri slept with her now ex-husband. The head judge called for order as the witness was removed from the courtroom.

Erika, Yashiro, and Ren eventually took their turns on the stand. After Erika's testimony was given, the balcony video was played for the judges to review. Their faces were grim. Kento did his best to water down the situation by once again turning things on Kimiko and blaming love for clouding the ladies' visions.

Kento tried to pick apart Yashiro's character due to Kimiko's injuries. Saena, on the other hand, stated that Yashiro should be commended for his heroic deed not chastised. She reiterated that it was Kimiko's fault from the start for attacking her client.

Yashiro's past work experience with Yuri and Kimiko on Purple Down was brought up for discussion. He explained the discord that Kimiko caused on the set and Yuri's superb managerial skills to navigate her client out of the sticky situation by blaming costars for their baseless assumptions. Yashiro made it public knowledge, that he was given strict orders by Ren to never accept another job offer involving Kimiko.

Kento tried to turn the Purple Down incident on Ren when he was on the stand. Unfortunately for him, Tsuruga Ren was not one to be trifled with. The man remained calm and collected through the whole interrogation. He even provided specific examples of Yuri's competence as a manager when Saena questioned him.

Ren had the opportunity to recount his version of the night of the fire incident and mentioned Cedric. Cedric wasn't present in the courtroom. It wasn't from lack of trying on Saena's part to wrangle him in. Cedric refused to get involved and Saena left it at that. She had more than enough evidence to nail Yuri without his testimony. In fact, it was at this point that she shared the security footage from the set with the judges. They heard the conversation between Yuri and Kimiko. They saw Kimiko make the decision to throw the lantern out of hurt, anger and desperation. They even noted Yuri's proclamation to take full responsibility.

Things were not looking good for Kento. His last witness was Yuri herself. Her parents thought having Kimiko testify would have helped the case but Jiro was against it. He made it clear that Kimiko was mentally unstable to be in the same room as Kyoko and Ren; therefore, they couldn't rely on her testimony. Kento didn't think Yuri would do any better. She was too frazzled right now.

Using the right questions, he managed to spin a tale of a perfect big sister that acted out of love not malice. It was one that indulged her younger sister in all her desires. Kimiko would only have to hint at something and Yuri wouldn't hesitate to help her achieve it. Yuri's action came from a place of love but it also made her guilty. Kento's questions became more specific. They were attacking in nature pouring all the blame on Kimiko. He wanted the judges to know that every crime committed was initiated by Kimiko. He was able to achieve his bottom line. Yuri only involved herself to minimize the damage of Kimiko's crimes. At the end of the day, Kyoko was never seriously harmed thanks to her.

Saena wanted to laugh out loud at the bullshit Kento and his client were spewing. No one would believe from the evidence provided that Yuri was trying to help Kyoko. Saena stood to cross-examine her. She had listened to the sweet stories they shared as kids and caught on to when things had taken a drastic turn for the worse. It lined up with Kimiko's change in behavior at school following the hit and run accident.

Susumu and his assistants had dug deep into Kimiko's past. The purpose was to establish that it wasn't until she returned from the states that her behavior turned to physically harming others. They found old friends, classmates, and teachers that were willing to testify against Kimiko. One teacher noted the change in the spoiled girl when she returned from a trip abroad. The teacher had called for a parent-teacher conference to discuss an incident that took place in the girl's restroom. What she got was Yuri. Kimiko, with the help of her cousin, threatened the teacher's employment. Needless to say she buried her complaint in fear of losing her job.

Susumu even found witnesses willing to testify and bring to light some of Kimiko's and Yuri's misdeeds that took place in Los Angeles.

"You mentioned a few instances earlier that Morizumi-san became bolder in her actions. That it was becoming cumbersome for you. Why didn't you tell her parents?

"Kimi didn't act bad all the time. I couldn't bother her parents with something so silly that only happened once in a while," Yuri said wringing her hands together.

"Attempting to murder someone is silly to you?" Saena asked raising a brow.

"Ah no, sorry. That's not what I meant. We weren't trying to kill anyone. We just wanted to...I don't know. I wasn't thinking straight."

"You just wanted to hurt my client so severely that she wouldn't be able to work. This would only leave Morizumi-san as a suitable replacement correct?"

"Objection your honor. She's leading the witness."

"Sustained," the judge responded and nodded to Saena.

"I'm sorry, sir!" Saena said curtly. Saena took a moment before asking her next question.

"Kusanagi-san, you have a degree, you studied abroad, the world was in your grasp. Why would you choose to be a glorified nanny for your cousin?"

Yuri laughed weakly before answering. "You're right! I could have chosen a different career but show biz is in my blood. If I couldn't be in the spotlight I wanted to at least be a part of it somehow. I found my calling as my cousin's manager. I wanted to help Kimi succeed where I could not. "

"So it's safe to say you enjoyed the job, yes?"

"Yes, it was fun standing at the sidelines and meeting celebrities. I learned a lot on the job."

"Your cousin had a fairly successful career both in Japan and in the United States. Can you please tell the court who was responsible for finding her work and who negotiated her contracts?

"As Kimi's manager, it was my job to do all that for her. If she expressed any interest in a certain role, I pursued it for her. Kimi's tastes were very specific. I've known her for so long I knew what her expectations were for each contract. Sometimes I would have to rein her in to weigh the pros and cons of a job if a director wasn't willing to compromise. She could be reasonable most of the time and easy to handle."

"It sounds like you had a real knack for managing not only your cousin but her career as well."

"I—" Yuri squirmed. Her mouth opened and closed like a fish. She realized she had said too much. The picture of incompetency Kento tried to paint was immediately dashed away by her big mouth.

"Well you see, it wasn't all easy. Like I said earlier, it has been more difficult to handle her lately. She really wanted the Momiji role at all costs. I knew what we were doing was wrong but I had no choice but to help her. I feared for my life." Yuri gushed trying to cover up her mistake. She smacked her hand over her mouth. She didn't mean to say that.

"Can you please elaborate on your last statement? Why would you fear for your life?"

Yuri turned to Kento for guidance. He was angry but he nodded for her to proceed.

"Please answer the prosecutor's question, Kusanagi-san," the head judge prodded.

Yuri trembled in her seat as tears dripped onto her lap. Saena handed the woman a box of tissues from her table. She gave Yuri a moment to compose herself.

"Has Morizumi-san threatened to take your life if you don't help her with her schemes?"

Yuri shook her head no and then nodded her head yes.

"Can we get a verbal response for the court's record?"

"Yes, she threatened my life but not in the sense you think. She threatened to ruin my life forever which equates to the same thing," she said sniffing and dabbing at her tears.

"How could she possibly do that? You're her loving older sister. You've helped her for so long. Why would she want to ruin your life?"

Yuri let out a long defeated sigh. She glanced at Kento again and gave him an apologetic smile.

Kento shook his head from left to right. He had no clue what she planned to divulge but it couldn't be good.

"Your honor, can we take a short recess? My client is clearly distraught."

"Denied!" The head judge responded without hesitation. "Kusanagi-san, can you please tell the court why your cousin is threatening you? Let me remind you that you are under oath."

She mouthed the words to Kento, "I'm sorry."

There was a hush throughout the courtroom. Everyone waited with bated breath for her answer.

The silence was broken by snickering. Then it changed to a giggle. The sound became louder and developed into a full-blown cackle echoing throughout the room. It was coming from someone on the Morizumi side. The manic laughter continued even while the judge slammed his gavel down repeatedly, calling for order.

Everyone turned in that direction to see who could be laughing at a time like this.

"Bailiff, please remove that person from the room," the judge commanded.

The nearest police officer moved to do his bidding but a woman stood up abruptly.

She screamed across the room. "Because she's a cold-blooded murderer!"

AN: Thank you for continuing to read. Sorry for the abrupt ending. I got tired. Please feel free to call me out on my bullshit. I'm not a lawyer nor do I know Japanese law. I will take advice to make corrections. I hope you enjoyed.

I appreciate all the reviews of last chapter! I heart all of you!

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^