Chapter 12: Doki Doki

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Kanae would always look out for her bestie!

While walking through the parking garage of LME, Yashiro tried to discreetly get Ren's attention without alerting Kyoko. Kyoko watched from the corner of her eye as he whispered to Ren. She couldn't hear what was exchanged but Ren nodded to him grimly in understanding. Kyoko was curious to know what they were discussing but figured Ren would tell her in time.

Once in the building, Yashiro excused himself to go to his office while Ren and Kyoko headed up to meet with the President. Aside from greeting passersby, they walked in relative silence. Both were unaware of the gossip surrounding them.

Ren was deep in thought wondering if this new revelation would do too much damage to the little progress he had made with Kyoko. His day had been going great so far, he only hoped Kyoko would still understand when he had a chance to talk to her about it.

Kyoko was oblivious to her companion's inner turmoil and was lost in her thoughts. Am I expected to act differently around him now? Wait! Are we even dating? I haven't told him about my feelings yet! He told me he wasn't expecting an answer right away, so maybe we aren't dating! Maybe we're still the same… but how can that possibly when I know his feelings! Ahhhh! I don't know! I don't want to jump to conclusions anymore. I should wait! Yes, that's what I'll do. I'll just wait and see! I'll try to act like myself for now! But how?! The man I love reciprocates my feelings! It's crazy! Everything has changed! There's no way of going back to our senpai/kohai relationship anymore...

As they rounded the corner on the President's floor, a lone figure standing in the hall startled them out of their thoughts. Kyoko's eyes lit up with glee, "Mooooookoooo –san" she exclaimed and accelerated her pace towards her best friend launching for a hug attack.

Kanae easily sidestepped her friend's attack and stalked straight up to Ren. The angry ice queen, shoved a magazine into his chest, "Mo! You Asshole! Explain this now! If I'm not satisfied with your answer you can just forget about her."

Ren was not expecting this confrontation so soon but was not fazed by her anger since Yashiro warned him. She had every right to be mad. The pictures contained in this tabloid were evidence of his illicit affair with that actress. He looked down at the article and winced making Kyoko curious. Ren didn't try to hide what was in the magazine, she deserved to know. The headline and content splashed sordid details supposedly about himself; True Colors, Playboy, Love triangle, Which one is he dating?

There were three pictures in total attached to the article. The first one was of Kana kissing Ren inside the club the other night. The night club's name wasn't explicitly mentioned but anyone that frequented the establishment would recognize the interior. Their reputation would take a hit from this article. The place prided itself on its security and privacy to prevent these issues from occurring, which was a big draw to their VIP clientele.

Looking at the picture, it was clear from his body language that Ren was caught off guard by the woman. The next picture showed Ren with his gentleman smile plastered on his face as he held the door open to her cab. Even offended, he maintained his composure and played the nice guy. Those closest to him would know that was Tsuruga Ren's angry face.

The third picture on the page was larger than the rest. It was an image of them having lunch together at the LME cafe, only yesterday. He looked completely smitten, fully engaged in their conversation while she was her adorable self animatedly talking to him. He knew exactly who was responsible for this picture. He would ask the culprit himself for a copy of the original and hold on to this magazine for his secret collection. It was their first tabloid together after all.

Kanae looked between the pair, if Kyoko was upset by the pictures she barely showed it but Ren seemed uneasy. She stared at Kyoko again, her friend didn't give any hint to being hurt by this information. She already knows! Kanae already concluded that the actress kissed him and not the other way around judging by his posture and the surprised look in his eyes. She wanted to hear him deny it from his lips.

"Kotonami-san, I assure you that this kiss was not initiated by me. I am deeply in love and devoted to only Kyoko," Ren admitted easily with a radiant smile. Kyoko's brain short-circuited as her face filled with hot blood. She forgot how to breathe.

Kanae was taken aback by his confession, she had not expected such a straightforward answer. She looked over at her friend who was now turning blue from lack of oxygen, "Mo! Breathe before you faint. I'm not giving you mouth to mouth, though it seems like this man would gladly volunteer." Kyoko gasped for air.

"It seems like you told her everything properly," Kanae said narrowing her eyes at the actor. Ren nodded in reply.

"Hmmph, I'm still keeping my katana sharp. Don't screw it up!" she threatened him with a glint in her eye. Ren gulped. Kanae whirled on her heel and walked away without saying another word. She ignored Kyoko's pleas to come back and waved over her shoulder.

Ren watched Kyoko take another glance at the picture. Even though she accepted his explanation, it had to still bother her to see it with her own eyes. I would be going insane if her kiss with Sho was publicized to all of Japan.

"Kyoko, I'm very sorr-," he started. Why? Why did this have to happen right now? Did Kusunoki-san plan this? That club was supposed to be free of paparazzi!

"You don't have to apologize again. I already understand," she said with a weak smile. Kyoko couldn't help comparing herself to the actress, she was gorgeous! She looked like the kind of woman that would compliment Ren. Why is he in love with me? I'm so plain and boring compared to this woman.

Without another word, she started walking towards the President's office. Ren glanced around ensuring the hall was empty. He took a few quick steps after her receding figure and wrapped his arms around her from behind. She let out a surprised yelp and felt her heartbeat, Doki Doki. All her insecurities evaporated as he whispered into her ear.

"I love you. You're the one I want. Please forgive me. I won't let it happen again…."

Her face turned red and her body trembled as his lips and breath brushed against her ear. She was glad he couldn't see her face, she was melting.

A cough from behind broke his spell making them jump apart. Ruto, the President's assistant, stood behind them dressed in a long-tailed tuxedo and top hat. Where the heck did he come from, they wondered. Just then some employees of LME turned the corner towards the other hall. Had he done that for their sake? Ruto walked forward and opened the President's door.

The President's office was transformed into an Opera house. The lights went out! Ren instinctively reached out his hand to grasp Kyoko's. A spotlight blasted the darkness and shone down upon them. Ren and Kyoko instinctively raised their free hands to shield their eyes from the offending light. The light slinked away from them, crossed the room and landed on the heavy red velvet curtains at the front. They spread open to reveal a small stage where a lone figure stood in a dramatic pose. They could only guess that it was the President since their eyes were having trouble adjusting after that light exposure. He wore a tuxedo with a cape and had a white porcelain mask covering half of his face. It was easy to guess today's theme, The Phantom of the Opera.

"Ren, Mogami-kun, good morning! Come my children have a seat," he said, flaring his cape to point to the red upholstered chairs in front of the stage.

The main lights came back on making Kyoko snatch her hand out of Ren's. She flushed red but quickly took her seat.

Ren sighed and followed after her. What does he have planned now?

"First, about last night," he inquired, looking at Ren. He noticed the faint bruise on the boy's face but said nothing. Ren just nodded in answer.

Kyoko squirmed uncomfortably in her seat. Last night? Who is this man? How does he know something happened last night? She instinctively prayed that the President didn't interrogate her right there in front of Ren.

Despite Kyoko's quick action, Lory saw how close they were when they walked in. He determined they would need to figure things out for themselves and let it be. Ren and Kyoko were relieved that Lory didn't dwell on the topic.

"Okay, next order of business," he held up the magazine opened to Ren's scandal page. Usually, Lory preferred to treat his children's issues independently but since this involved both of them he thought it would be fine.

Ren groaned, "Boss, I was accosted by Kana-san! She took my lips without my permission!"

"Oi Oi, don't squeal like a high school girl who had her first kiss stolen. It's unbecoming of Japan's most desirable man," Lory said shrewdly. This boy's act as Tsuruga Ren had everyone fooled. He had never been in a romantic relationship since he came to Japan and before that, he had never fully invested himself, emotionally, in any of his relationships as a teen.

Kyoko giggled. Ren looked at her in shock then pouted while folding his arms over his chest. Lory cocked his eyebrow noting how well Kyoko was taking this information. It ruined his fun. He was hoping to witness first-hand the various emotions between these two love birds. Ren must have told her in advance.

"Kusunoki-kun already made her statement. She claims that she saw her opportunity and took it. What were her words...oh yes…you were just so adorable, like a lost puppy, but nothing further was going on with you two. You just have to make your statement along the same lines… I'm curious Ren, why did you look like a lost puppy to her? You're usually so good at masking your feelings from the world."

Ren glared at him. "You know why Boss," he said glancing in Kyoko's direction. It was his fault for showing him that picture of Kyoko with Fuwa. He almost lost his nerve to confess to her because of it.

"Well nonetheless, the problem is the picture of you two." They both looked at the picture of them having lunch. Ren shrugged seeing nothing wrong with it. Did these two not notice their faces? Anyone could see the love in their eyes?

Lory smirked, interesting. When the reporter had come to him yesterday asking for permission to use the pictures of Ren and Kana, Lory saw an opportunity. He told the reporter yes on the condition that he ran another picture along with them. The reporter was ecstatic, he couldn't believe his good fortune and thanked Lory for this golden opportunity. Lory wasn't trying to promote one or the other he simply thought this would push the two closer together but it seemed unnecessary by the progress they had made overnight.

"Are you two dating?" Lory asked bluntly. "The public will be speculating about it after today."

Kyoko's face went red with shock by his straightforward question. She was still trying to process Ren's confession in front of Kanae now she had to deal with her boss' need for all things love.

Ren spoke up, "I think it's too soon to say that we are when we haven't had a proper date. I only just confessed. I want to woo her properly and hopefully, she can feel the same about me in return."

Ren addressed Kyoko and said, "I don't want to pressure you into anything. Is that okay? I won't deny my feelings for you but I'm quite good at giving vague answers when it comes to my private life." Kyoko smiled and nodded in agreement. It would be fine like this.

Lory said, "Okay, we'll just leave that one open-ended and just have the public speculate as they please. This, however, means that everyone will be watching the two of you from now on. Keeping things private will be difficult." The couple nodded in understanding.

Lory presented them with another picture. Kyoko gasped in horror and looked at Ren. Her grudges swirled as the Demon Lord surfaced from the depths within him.

Ren had seen this picture but it still managed to make his blood boil. Easy Kuon! You'll only make her feel horrible again. He thought about her tears in the kitchen last night. How could she think he wouldn't love her anymore? As if something like that could ever stop me. He finally reined himself in and relaxed his body.

"Please explain this Mogami-kun? I shut down the article for this one. Can you tell me what exactly your relationship with Fuwa-kun is? This was the night of your mother's broadcast was it not?" asked the President.

Kyoko nodded numbly to his last question. Damn you Shotaro! You're always wrecking my life! Why can't he just leave me alone?

"I think they followed Fuwa-kun to your residence but now they'll be watching you as well. Can you explain? I know he was your reason to join showbiz but what exactly is going on with you two?" His meeting with Kyoko's mother did not yield any details. She only divulged what was necessary for receiving permission to have her daughter continue at his agency under his guidance.

Kyoko knew this moment would arrive sooner or later. She took a deep breath and released it. Here goes nothing.

"My mother left me in the care of Fuwa Sho's family when I was six years old. You can say we were childhood friends. I naively thought he was the love of my life up until last year before joining LME. I didn't want to be abandoned again so I tried not to be a burden to those around me. I did everything to please him and his family without complaint or regard for my personal feelings. When he asked me to follow him to Tokyo, I didn't hesitate to say yes. I was stupid and thought, how lucky for me to be chosen among all the girls at school. I worked several jobs here in Tokyo to pay for our living expenses while he focused on his music. Once he became a star, he had no more use for me and threw me away like trash. You already know that he was my sole reason for entering showbiz. I wanted to become someone greater than him so he would regret ever leaving me."

Kyoko glanced at Ren who sat eerily quiet next to her. "Thanks to Ren's harsh treatment, I was able to discover my love for acting. I was finally able to do something just for me. If Ren wasn't such a bully, I would probably still be wasting my time and energy on petty revenge."

Lory tried to stifle his laughter. Ren cringed at the imaginary stabs of sharp knives piercing his body as she recalled how harsh he was when they first met. He shrank in his seat and covered his face with his palm. Shit! I was such an asshole to her!

Kyoko looked at Ren shocked by his slumped posture. "Ren, I.."

Ren waved her off, sat up and gave her a small smile, "Don't worry about me, I deserved that. Keep talking, I want to listen." He already knew most of the details regarding Fuwa and her past but he could listen to her voice all day without getting bored.

Lory finally understood her aversion to love. He knew based on her outburst at the LME auditions that it had something to do with the musician but he had none of the details. He almost apologized for putting her in the LoveMe section but was reassured that it was indeed helping her to love herself.

Kyoko continued talking as if a dam had burst within her. Once she started she couldn't stop and the words just flowed. "I want to move on with my life but somehow he keeps coming back. He always finds my phone number and I heard from my landlord that he came looking for me the other day.

Ren's smile of earlier was wiped off his face. What? That punk is still sniffing around her! His body went rigid with anger.

Feeling the tension rolling off Kuon, Lory looked him dead in the eye, "Leave Fuwa-kun alone."

"But Boss! You can't be..."

The President cut him off. "Ruto," he said without any inflection in his voice. Lory's assistant was by his side in an instant. With just a nod from the President, Ruto disappeared to do his bidding.

Kyoko was startled and amazed by the interaction. She concluded that the man had to be from a clan of ninjas. The fact that he understood Lory's intentions without speaking was a feat in itself.

"Mogami-kun, I will handle things with Fuwa-kun. Please inform me if he tries to contact you again."

"Well, that would be difficult since we're on the same project. He has been hired to write the theme song for The Sacred Lotus in the Mire and assist on the soundtrack."

"Are you serious?" Ren could not hide his agitation regarding the news. He didn't want Fuwa anywhere near her especially when he wasn't around.

Lory tried to hide his Cheshire cat smile from Ren. He enjoyed seeing this boy rattled.

"Mogami-kun, try to keep things with Fuwa-kun professional. Yukihito-san and Ruto will do the rest."

Kyoko nodded in understanding.

"Now that the dirty business is over, I have some good news," the President said brightly. "You two have been nominated for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress awards for your roles in Dark Moon. Dark Moon itself was nominated for Best Drama Series." Party poppers exploded around them as the President made this announcement. "The Award Ceremony will be held next month."

Kyoko was surprised that she was considered, "Sir, are you sure they have the right name?"

"I assure you Mogami-kun there is no mistake. Don't belittle your act as Mio, you performed her brilliantly. Though I prefer you play a love role….baby steps," Lory assured her.

"Congratulations Kyoko, you deserve this recognition for your hard work. My Katsuki would have been mediocre without your Mio," praised Ren.

Kyoko blushed from the high praise she received from her Senpai, though, she still found it unbelievable for a newbie like her to receive such an honor. "Thank you! Congratulations to you too Ren I know you will win." As for me, it just feels wonderful to be nominated.

"Kyoko, I know it's early but will you do me the honor of escorting you to the ceremony?" Ren asked hopefully, using the Cain puppy face as leverage that she could never refuse.

Not fair Kuon!

Lory piped up acting as Ren's wingman to clinch the deal, "That's a wonderful idea, Ren since it will be her first time, going with a veteran like you would be beneficial."

Kyoko looked between both men staring at her expectantly, she was uneasy to show up to such an extravagant event with him but it was difficult for her to decline after the President even endorsed it. She agreed, albeit, a little reluctantly.

Yes! Ren thought triumphantly, giving himself a mental pat on the back.

Kyoko hoped she wouldn't embarrass him since those types of events were usually broadcast on live television. It would be disastrous if she did something so stupid like trip over her own feet.

Lory dismissed them since that was all he had for the day and told Ren that Jelly was waiting for him in the private salon. Ren nodded his thanks.

He walked Kyoko to the door and asked, "Are you busy tonight?"

"Well, I promised to help out at the Darumaya tonight."

Ren nodded, failing at hiding his disappointment. He wouldn't be free for the rest of the week since his work had stacked up due to Tragic Marker.

They stood there awkwardly waiting for the other to say something more reluctant to part each other's company but they both had a schedule to keep. Ren wanted to kiss her goodbye but he could feel Lory's love-filled gaze burning bright with anticipation.

"I'll call you later," he said, caressing her cheek and brushing the pad of his thumb over her lips. His fingers would have to do.

Her whole body tensed from his touch while a blush crept upon her cheeks. She bowed, said her goodbyes then bolted from the room.

Lory could not hide his disappointment after she left, "Bah! You're so boring Ren!" Ren chuckled and went to the other room to see Jelly.

In the safety of the elevator, Kyoko's heartrate was finally slowed down. I can't believe I wished for his hand to be his lips! In front of the President too! I'm so shameless!

Her phone buzzed startling her out of her thoughts. Ren had texted her, Have a good day, I love you!

Kyoko couldn't help the blush that stained her cheeks and the smile that threatened to split her face in two.

She hesitated when texting him back, she hit delete several times before she finally settled on, Thanks, you too! She almost responded with the same words I love you but her fear wouldn't let her. She quickly changed his name in her contacts in case someone ever spied her phone, nobody should be suspicious with the name 'Corn.' The media was now interested in her thanks to her involvement with two popular men. Her quiet world of obscurity was coming to an end.

…

Yashiro stood in the lobby of LME and watched as his female charge walked towards him beaming with radiance. In the twenty steps it took to reach him, she managed to cause two separate collisions, one woman to smack the man she was with upside the head, and several men to strain their necks. He chuckled as she walked towards him oblivious to the chaos behind her. He almost felt sorry for Ren. Despite that mark on Ren's face, Yashiro hoped things were progressing with them because Kyoko was now being noticed thanks to that article.

Koga eyed the woman's ass walking in front of him appreciatively. She fills out those jeans well and those legs, long and lean. Perfect to wrap securely around me. I should get her number after I confirm her face is cute. His gaze trailed from her legs and edged its way up until his eyes settled on familiar cropped auburn hair. Son of a bitch! His troubled eyes darted to the companion in the gray suit beside her for confirmation, Yashiro-san?

"Damn!" he muttered regretfully under his breath. It was Kyoko. Who knew she was packing all of that?

"Kyoko-chan?" Koga called out from behind to get her attention. She turned around and smiled bowing politely. Koga's step faltered, did she get more beautiful overnight? Hmm… I think I'll have a little fun with her.

"Did you have a good time last night?" he asked her with a knowing smile. He speculated that they had a date last night.

Her face instantly heated up. What? Why do so many people know about last night?

Koga let out a hearty laugh. Her reaction was indeed suspicious, she was just too easy to read. He stood in front of her and inspected her from head to toe. Hmmm, I wonder if they did IT! It would be the most likely explanation for her current aura unless she was just blossoming into a young maiden in love. Could it be the latter? He looked at his costar observing her innocence and uneasiness, definitely the latter.

"Hiromune-san, please don't jump to any conclusions. I don't know what you're talking about," Kyoko said flustered.

"You're going to deny that you had a date last night with a certain tall and handsome actor?" Koga teased in a sing-song voice. She makes this too easy and judging by her easy going demeanor that tabloid article didn't effect her. I'll layoff that landmine.

"Hiromune-san...shhh...don't speak so loudly. I don't want idle gossip to spread ruining innocent people's reputations," she scolded as she looked around to see if anyone else had heard him.

Yashiro snickered beside her. He was burning with curiosity but knew not to pressure his charges with questions on their evening together. His inner fangirl was appeased by watching her get flustered over Ren. This was new, she often hid behind her professionalism whenever it came to the man. He liked Koga, the man was very intuitive.

"Darn, so nothing happened. What is he some kind of saint?" Koga mocked. Can the guy even call himself a man? Judging from Ren's actions yesterday, Koga could only assume that he was serious about her.

Kyoko walked away in a huff to escape the insufferable man.

He leaned against the wall out of sight but within hearing distance of his sensitive ears. If anyone glanced in his direction they would see a good looking young man dressed in designer clothes oozing charisma. They couldn't see under his hat how his brow twitched in agitation as he eavesdropped on Kyoko and Koga's Sho was a pro at ranting inside his head while out in public.

Are they talking about that bastard? More importantly, what the fuck is she wearing? Did she think those trendy clothes looked good on her? She could barely fill out that top with her flat chest. And those jeans? Were they made out of some magic thread? How can a pair of pants make her bony ass look perky? Ugh…whatever? Why am I even looking? She looks stupid! She should just stick to that ugly pink jumpsuit, it suits her more! Look at her flirting with her costar! Two-faced whore, you're only Kyoko! First, that platform shoes wearing bastard and now this guy. What kind of love potion is she using?

Koga saw the sullen teen in his periphery as they walked by. Fuwa Sho, huh, what are you up to? He had noticed the guy up ahead as they approached the entrance and watched him stare down Kyoko possessively. Kyoko and her manager didn't notice the singer as she stormed off. Koga didn't like the glint he caught in the guy's eyes so he hurried to catch up to Kyoko. Without looking back, he made a note to keep an eye on him.

AN: Thank you for always reading. I appreciate your reviews!

I know they're OOC but this is the way I hope they develop as the manga progresses. Plus, I heart lots of RenKyo fluffiness.

Ashenvale: I think a part of me slipped into that "yummy" bit...lol.

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^