Chapter 14: Canary in the Morning

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Skip Beat, for if I did, RenKyo would have shared a mutual kiss by now.

Kyoko woke up excited for tonight she was going out with Ren, Yashiro and her friends. It would be her first time partaking in an outing like this. It had been days since she last saw Ren. He was on location for his photoshoot. He drove himself separately while Yashiro stayed by her side. They talked and messaged daily but it wasn't the same as communicating in person.

Every day he was away he sent her little trinkets: flowers, sweets, stuffed toys. She laughed every time she received something on set. It threw Yashiro and Koga into a tizzy when she told them it was from her friend. These two men assumed the roles of older brothers. She was lectured, in detail, daily of the lecherous ways of men. Koga never held back either. Kyoko learned some unexpected things about the male psyche. She didn't want to give any man the wrong impression.

Kyoko recalled the night after Sho left. She trudged up the stairs and found Ren leaning against the wall. He had heard everything and yet he smiled. It wasn't his cold gentleman smile. It was the Godly smile that blew all her minions to smithereens.

"Good thing you're not in love with a guy that wears platforms," he said cheekily. He opened his arms to her.

Kyoko threw herself into his embrace, relieved that he wasn't angry.

"I'm sorry, Ren," she mumbled, sniffling into his chest. "I didn't mean any of it. I just agreed so he would leave me alone."

"I know," he chuckled and released her. He tipped her face up to his then brushed the tears falling away.

"I just have to keep improving as an actor so you can never leave me, right? Seems easy enough," he said with a shrug. She smiled understanding his play on her words.

Sho stopped coming to the set. With Ren's help, she reported the incident to Lory. She didn't want to trouble anyone but he was rude to Taisho. That pissed her off.

Lory called the Akatoki President to formally request he put his singer on a leash. Ruto collected all the evidence he could gather regarding her encounters with Sho. They would be prepared with CCTV footage and testimonies if they needed to make a case. He told the Akatoki President that if Sho stepped out of line again, they would file a restraining order.

Sho completed the theme song. Kyoko had to admit that despite his shortcomings he was still talented. The song caught the true essence of the drama.

Her mind shifted to the following morning at the R'Mandy design studio. There, Ren introduced her to Fuji, the mastermind behind the brand. He was of average height with parted black hair cut into a bob that stopped at his chin. He was casually dressed in a grey and white striped long sleeve knit shirt with the sleeves scrunched up to his elbows, a pair of dark denim jeans and gold-colored high top sneakers. He seemed normal. Ren told her that he was in his mid-thirties but warned her never to ask his age. It was a sensitive subject for the man.

"Oh my God! You're real!" Fuji leaned in and kissed the air on both sides of Kyoko's cheeks. She tensed up at the gesture and stood awkwardly unsure how to react.

"She's real!" He laughed turning to Ren excitedly. Ren directed his gentleman's smile toward the designer.

"Fuji-san, you're scaring her," Ren warned.

"Sorry, sorry. I'm just so excited. I hope you say yes to the dress. I whipped up a few designs based on Ren's portrayal of you."

Ren was grateful that the designer did not elaborate on the extent at which he had gushed about her beauty, intelligence, and her love for all things fairy tale like a lovesick puppy.

"You! Go to work! Kyoko-chan is fine here. Right, Kyoko-chan? I want to show you my designs. We'll surprise Ren on the night of. Won't that be fun?" He asked her enthusiastically.

Ren flashed Kyoko a worried look.

"I'll be fine. Please go to work. Besides Yashiro-San is here," she said giving him a reassuring smile.

"Okay, I'll be close if you need me." Ren shot Fuji another warning look before leaving. Fuji rolled his eyes.

"I've never seen him like this before so, so possessive!" Fuji told her. "It's refreshing! Come let me show you what I have."

He led Kyoko over to the sitting area and placed a leather portfolio on the low table in front of her. Fuji sat on the floor at the table and opened the book.

"As I said, I made up some sketches with you in mind. I only have a few inked the others are rough. We can change anything you don't like." Kyoko leaned in while Fuji opened the book. He quickly discarded the first two sketches.

"Ooh," Kyoko's eyes widened at the detail in the next sketch down to the lace trim. The figure on the paper was long and lean, everything Kyoko wasn't. Fuji included jewelry, makeup, and hair design on the sketch.

"This one was inspired by your appearance at the Dark Moon party. You looked older that night. I couldn't believe it when Ren told me you were still in high school. Your uniform confirmed it though. I think this one is a definite no for you right now. Maybe five years from now it would be a top contender. No point aging you. Enjoy your youth!" he said tossing the sketch in the discard pile.

Kyoko was a tad disappointed. The black dress was long and elegant. It was something a woman worthy of Ren's attention would wear. To Kyoko, Fuji subtly told her that she wasn't good enough yet.

"Ren told me you love fairy tales and princesses. I think I have just the one." He flipped another page and found the sketch.

Kyoko winced. She hoped she didn't come off like a little girl to the designer.

"This is the one. What do you think? Would you let me design this dress for you?"

Kyoko's eyes sparkled with awe. "Is it okay for me to wear this?" She asked reaching a shaky hand out and tracing the detail of the sketch. It was gorgeous.

Fuji chuckled. "Of course!" He stood up and gestured his palms wide into the air. "I can already see you on the red carpet. All eyes would be on you. Your hair and your makeup. I have big plans. Please say yes! Let me be your fairy godmother, Kyoko-chan!"

Kyoko's gold eyes glittered brighter at the fairy tale reference. "Yes!" She said getting wrapped up in the designer's enthusiasm. "Thank you for this opportunity, Fuji-san." She stood and bowed deeply.

"She said yes!" He whooped with a fist pump.

...

Fuji was delighted with Kyoko. She was fresh and polite. It was something he rarely saw in his field. Many young models, male or female, were divas. He thought she was gorgeous and when he said so Kyoko instantly denied it. He turned to Ren for an explanation when he returned dressed in the outfit he tweaked for the upcoming shoot. Ren shook his head and mouthed "long story" to the designer.

"Kyoko-chan, are you implying that I have terrible taste? F-Y-I, I make a good living off noticing beautiful things. When I say you're beautiful, you should take it as law," Fuji-san scolded.

"See?" He said pulling her to stand in front of a full-length mirror.

Kyoko was unsure of how to respond just nodded staring at her reflection in the mirror. She had not meant to insult his profession.

"Do you see how cute you are?" He implored.

Kyoko thought she looked cute in her school uniform but there was such a thing called "uniform magic." It was Shoujo creed that a uniform amplifies a girl's cuteness no matter how homely she was. She figured, if he saw her in her streetwear he would think otherwise.

Fuji noted that she had perfect posture and long toned legs. With time, she would fill out into a great beauty. She might even grow taller. When Ren mentioned her yesterday, Fuji made it a point to do a little more research. He was curious about the young woman who snagged Ren's heart. In all the years he worked with Ren, he never saw him with a woman. They had an office pool that Ren was in a secret relationship with his manager. Fuji lost that bet. Looking Kyoko over, he was surprised that this sweet girl played the villainess Natsu. She was a chameleon. He needed to convince her that she was beautiful on her own.

While Ren continued to work, Kyoko busied herself by looking through the racks. Fuji and his assistant convinced her to try on outfits while she waited.

Kyoko was enthralled and appalled at the idea. This was designer clothing, meaning very expensive; however, it didn't take much for her to cave. This was a rare opportunity to wear such luxurious clothes. Kyoko found herself coerced into a mini photoshoot. She channeled Natsu and Setsu in some of her poses depending on the outfit. For the most part, she was herself. The next time Ren came out, Fuji pulled him to join Kyoko. Ren whispered to Fuji before he enthusiastically went to her side.

When the impromptu session was over, Fuji called the pair to view the photos. Kyoko couldn't believe that the girl on the screen was her.

"Photoshop?" She whispered as Fuji scrolled through the images. Fuji laughed.

"No, dear girl! This is one hundred percent all you," Fuji assured her.

What kind of sorcery was in that camera? The make-up artist only used gloss on her lips. She couldn't use makeup as an excuse. She was shocked that the photos came out so well.

"Do you believe me now? Don't ever doubt me again. Have more confidence in yourself," Fuji commented. Kyoko nodded hesitantly.

...

Fuji's mind churned with an idea. He hit the motherlode as they clicked through the pictures. Ren and Kyoko's chemistry was amazing and it translated into the raws. He pulled Yashiro to the side as the couple continued to look at the pictures.

"You're good," Fuji said wagging his finger at Yashiro. Fuji managed to negotiate a deal with their manager to have Kyoko model in his next campaign.

"I have to be," Yashiro said nodding to his charges. "Please send the contract to LME, for our review."

During the shoot, Ren received a call from Matsushima stating that the club owner offered a complimentary VIP table to him and his friends. The club owner wanted to make good on Ren's breach of privacy. Ren asked Kyoko if she wanted to go stating that she could bring her friends along. He told her to let him know what time worked for everyone and he would book it with the club.

She quickly texted her friends, excited at the prospect of having a fun night at an exclusive club. The girls responded instantly. She relayed the best time to Ren.

Kyoko's phone buzzed bringing her back to the present. Butterflies filled her stomach as she read the incoming text.

Good morning, beautiful! I'm up for my shoot. Looking forward to seeing you tonight.

She responded: Good morning, Corn. Good luck with work. You need your energy so please eat properly. I'll see you tonight."

The rest of the day went by in a blur. She couldn't wait to have fun with Ren and her friends. She made it through the filming of The Sacred Lotus without any hiccups.

Yashiro dropped Kyoko at Chiori's house. Chiori's mother led her to her daughter's room. Kanae and Chiori greeted her when she walked into the room.

Kanae held her hand up, "Mo! If you value our friendship don't you dare mess me up with your hug attack! We just saw each other a day ago shopping."

Chiori laughed at Kyoko's pitiful expression. "Kyoko-san, you can use my shower."

"Thank you but I took one on set. I was sweaty from filming."

At precisely 8:00 pm, the Limo arrived in front of Chiori's house. Ren and Yashiro stepped out of the car as the girls filed out the front door. Ren wore jeans, a t-shirt, and a black blazer. Yashiro surprised the girls. He paired jeans with a buttoned-down long sleeve shirt rolled up to his elbows. His hair was brushed back and he ditched his glasses. Kanae released a small gasp that gained the attention of the other girls. Her cheeks reddened.

Chiori told her mother to stop taking pictures. This wasn't America and they weren't going to prom. Yashiro and Ren greeted and complimented the ladies from the curb after being instructed to stay put. They planned to put on a LoveMe runway show for the sake of showing off Kyoko.

Chiori strutted her stuff first. She wore a long-sleeve metallic body con dress with a low back that hugged her curves and matching strappy heels. Yashiro and Ren clapped appreciatively. They were surprised Chiori was let out of the house in that dress. They had to keep an eye on the pretty girl so no unruly men messed with her.

Next came Kanae. She wore a black halter jumpsuit with a deep "v" neckline. It was fitted on the top and tight on her hips then flared into wide legs. She looked beautiful and sophisticated. When she turned, Yashiro gasped. The back was open revealing her porcelain skin. Ren snickered and told Yashiro to close his mouth.

It was finally Kyoko's turn. Kanae elbowed Chiori in the ribs as they both stared at Ren. They swore he had the face of a groom that had his first glimpse of his bride in her wedding dress. Kyoko not to be outdone by her friends assumed her model walk. The same walk that Ren taught her.

Emboldened by the look of the Emperor, she took a calming breath and walked. Her dress was gold, almost strapless with small cap sleeves that served more aesthetic purposes than function. It was fitted on the bodice then flared out with the skirt stopping at mid-thigh. It was shorter than she was used to but her friends convinced her that it showed off her long legs. They clinched it by stating that it was something a modern "Belle" would wear. She stopped and struck a pose right in front of Ren, her four-inch stilettos made her eye level with his mouth.

"My lady," Ren said with a flourishing bow. He reached for her hand wearing the charm bracelet and kissed the back. Kyoko blushed and giggled.

Kanae rolled her eyes. "Let's go, I'm hungry. We shouldn't be eating so late. It'll make us fat."

When they reached the club, chaos erupted when Ren stepped out. The car was swarmed by Paparazzi. Security from the club stepped up to keep them at bay. The number of reporters present was alarming and unexpected. He was thankful for security.

He ignored the questions shouted at him and reached into the car. He helped Kyoko out whispering to mind her dress. Photographers were notorious when it came to catching wardrobe malfunctions.

Yashiro helped Kanae out from the other side. Ren leaned back in to help Chiori out while Kyoko waited uncomfortably for the others to come around. Ren held out both arms for the ladies to take. He glanced back and saw Yashiro escorting Kanae. He smirked at his manager. He was going to tease him later.

Once inside, the ladies released Ren's arms as he went to check-in with the hostess. The hostess openly flirted with him which he responded to with his professional smile. He knew not to piss off those in the food industry. One never knew what they would do for revenge. She escorted them to their table and handed out menus.

It was a gathering place for the rich and famous as they passed other notable people to reach their table. The decor was posh and the ambiance luxurious. Kyoko felt intimidated by the atmosphere but the confidence exuded by Kanae gave her the strength to ignore the gossiping guests. After being seated, the owner made his way to their table. He told them everything was complimentary tonight. The table was reserved for them here and another near the dance floor for the whole night.

The girls looked over the menu. Naturally, there were no prices listed. Ren told them not to hold back and order whatever they wanted. The waiter came around and took their drink order. The men ordered hard liquor while the girls settled for virgin cocktails; they were underage after all. The girls ordered moderately not wanting to take advantage of the owner's kindness. When it came to Ren, he ordered more prepared to let the ladies experience the rare delicacies that came with a price tag. Kyoko wanted to scold him but she enjoyed trying the new flavors. When they finished eating the girls excused themselves to the restroom to freshen up.

In the restroom, Chiori with Kyoko's help started in on Kanae about Yashiro. Kanae would not be baited by her friends. She refused to admit how her heart thumped every time he turned those bedroom brown eyes in her direction. Was he always that handsome? She thought about how she wrapped her arm around his and felt the firm muscles of his bicep. It took all her strength to keep from squeezing. She had no clue he was hiding all that underneath his suit. The girls returned to the table to find people talking with Ren and Yashiro. Kyoko recognized Kijima in the bunch but she didn't recognize the other man or woman.

Yashiro and Ren both stood as the girls returned. Introductions went around. Kijima showed great interest in Chiori noticing how the other ladies seemed to be spoken for. Ren and Yashiro exchanged looks. Kijima was the worst kind of unruly man.

The woman made a snide comment to Ren and Yashiro about liking them young these days. Ren plastered his gentleman smile on his face and calmly retorted that a "mature" woman such as herself should have little interest in boys like them. Chiori snickered at the burn and the woman walked off in a huff.

Ren turned to Kyoko asking her if she wanted to dance. They walked hand in hand to the other room where the spacious dance floor and stage was located. This room had to be soundproof. She didn't hear any music while dining. It was dark and crowded. The only lighting here was the colored strobe lights pulsing around her. Ren's face blinked in and out with the timing of the lights. He pulled her into his arms and began moving.

Kyoko was confident in her ability to match his. She preemptively took lessons at the LME training school in case she needed to act out a dance scene. Yashiro, Kanae, Chiori, and Kijima joined them. Kyoko was having a great time with her friends and forgot about being self-conscious. After the third song ended, dim lights came on and the DJ announced the start of the karaoke competition. Only English songs were allowed. Competitors flocked to the stage to sign up.

They were shown to their high table and ordered more drinks. Ren and Yashiro stuck with water. They needed to keep their wits about them. The girls were receiving plenty of unwanted attention. Several drinks had come by their table purchased by men in the club. All were refused. The group chatted giving their opinion on the competitors. Some were good, others were terrible but everyone enjoyed the friendly competition.

They were waiting for the final singer when the DJ announced, "Kyoko-san, Mio-sama of Dark Moon, Natsu-chan of Box-R, you're up beautiful!"

Kyoko gulped, did he just call... my names? Everyone at the table turned to her shocked. She looked like a deer in headlights. A spotlight found her and shined down on the table.

Kanae spied the woman from earlier with the DJ pointing in their direction. She wore a smug expression. She whispered to Kyoko. Kyoko turned to see the woman staring at her. What the heck did I ever do to her? Is she trying to embarrass me in front of Ren? Even with age some women never change.

"Come on Kyoko-san! Everyone, let's give her some encouragement," hollered the DJ. The crowd cheered and clapped for her.

Ren whispered into her ear. Her face turned scarlet. Kyoko channeled Setsu as she made her way up to the stage. She heard Ren catcall from behind her, "Yeah baby!" He clapped and whistled obnoxiously. She looked over her shoulder and glared.

Ren chuckled, "Well, she can't be too nervous now." Their friends stared at him in disbelief. They looked at him as if his body was hijacked by aliens. Ren shrugged.

Kyoko made her way towards the stage. She could feel everyone's eyes on her. Ren was not helping at all. Earlier he whispered, "My lil sis sings like a canary in the morning." He was referring to her morning showers as Setsu when she thought he was sleeping. She wasn't about to let that woman have her way. She was no longer a pushover.

Kyoko flipped through the list to find a suitable song and nodded to the DJ. Ren and her friends made their way closer to the stage to give her support.

Kanae gave her a thumbs up. She knew Kyoko had a great voice. They didn't just talk whenever they met up at the Karaoke box. She wasn't confident in Kyoko's English.

Kyoko bowed to the audience and stammered out an apology in advance. "I'm sorry, please go easy on me. My singing is not very good."

The audience laughed and cheered at her cuteness.

Nervously, she looked out to the audience. It was easy for her to find Ren. He towered over the crowd. He nodded to her encouragingly. She inhaled a shaky breath and released it as the song started.

As the guitar intro began Kyoko closed her eyes and started swaying her hips to the music. She lifted the mic to her mouth and opened her eyes, all she saw was Ren.

"I want to hold the hand inside you, I want to take a breath that's true…"

There was no one else in the room but Ren as she sang. Her voice was sultry. Her pitch was perfect. She sang in English without a hint of an accent. The audience was stunned to silence as they watched this young woman dressed as a modern-day princess sing this song full of hope and despair.

"Fade into you, strange you never knew…"

Ren's heart swelled as her beautiful voice carried across the room. Whenever she opened her eyes, she gazed directly at him. The song touched a nerve as he listened to her words. He was so entranced that he didn't realize the song had come to an end until the people around him erupted in cheers!

Ren pushed his way to the front of the stage never losing eye contact with her. He didn't care who was watching. He was tired of hiding his feelings for this woman. He hoped she didn't openly reject him. He reached his arms out to her. She didn't hesitate and leaned down to him. He embraced her in a bone-crushing hug. He had a strong urge to kiss her but feeling her arms encircle his neck was enough. He inhaled deeply into her hair. He hid his face in her neck until he could get a handle on his emotions blinking his eyes to clear it of moisture. She was amazing. He felt so undeserving.

Yashiro cleared his throat to get their attention. As much as he loved the public display of affection, there was a large crowd watching them. He was glad the club strengthened their security. They clamped down on video and photography but he couldn't stop word of mouth. The only photography allowed was from the PR department to promote the club.

Ren never left her side as people congratulated her on her win. Several record producers in the crowd gave her their business cards. She humbly bowed at the praise. She searched the crowd looking for the woman who falsely included her name on the list. She was gone.

Who would have thought that the music she listened to as Setsu would help her? The song had struck her at the time. She could feel her love growing for Ren but thought he would never return her feelings. She was afraid she would revert to the stupid love-filled girl she was with Sho. She didn't want Ren to become her everything and lose her sense of self in the process. She realized now that Ren was different. This was different.

They had dessert, drank, and danced a little more. The club's PR director asked permission to use a few photos of them on the club's website. Yashiro looked them over and gave the okay. As a parting gift, the owner gave Ren a vintage bottle of Dom Perignon.

As they were walking out a foreigner with wavy dirty blond hair approached Kyoko.

"Hi, excuse me. I couldn't help but pick up on your name when the DJ announced you. My name is Ric Bennett."

Kyoko felt Ren stiffen beside her. She glanced at him and found his gentleman smile plastered on his face at full bore. Did Ren know him? No, Kuon perhaps?

"I believe we're to costar in The Sacred Lotus of the Mire. I look forward to working with you."

Kyoko winced when Ren directed his smile toward her and walked away. What did I do?

Kyoko bowed quickly unable to be rude. "It is nice to meet you Bennett-san. Please excuse me. I was on my way out. I will see you on set tomorrow," she said walking after Ren.

Kyoko felt cold as she watched Ren walk ahead of her out of the club. The cameras flashed anew as he stepped out. He stopped suddenly realizing she wasn't beside him. He smiled apologetically and held his hand out for her.

Kyoko's anxiousness disappeared as she stepped up to him and placed her hand in his. He tucked her hand in his elbow as they joined their friends in the limo. On the drive home, they popped open the champagne. Everyone was in a celebratory mood. Yashiro fretted about the girls drinking. He didn't want to leave Chiori's mother with a bad impression of him and Ren.

"It's fine Yashiro-san. My mother has been in this business for a long time. The point is we are on our way home and we aren't hammered," Chiori assured him.

They dropped Yashiro off first and then headed to Chiori's house where the girls would have a sleepover.

Kanae and Chiori got out first taking the rest of the champagne with them. They had sensed the mood between the lovebirds and decided to give them some space to say goodbye.

When they were alone, Kyoko turned to Ren. "Corn, did you know that man when you lived in America?"

Ren nodded.

"Cedric was the one that made my life a living hell there," he admitted without looking at her. He didn't say anything more. He was lost in thought, staring out the window.

Kyoko didn't push him to speak. She reached for his hand at the side of his lap. He looked down at their hands as she entwined her fingers with his then up to her face.

He turned and reached his free hand to caress her cheek. "You were so beautiful up there singing. I used to wake up to your voice singing in the shower. Is the reason you can sing so well because of him?"

She nodded. Her eyes grew thoughtful with her memories.

She felt special when Sho confided with her first about his dream to become a singer. She didn't hesitate to study musical theory in middle school. She taught herself how to read notes and even dabbled with a guitar all to be helpful to Sho-chan. In her spare time, she would go to the Karaoke box alone and sing to her heart's content. It all ended when Sho caught her singing at home and told her she had a terrible voice. She realized now that he was being a jerk like usual.

Ren's thumb brushed her lips as he leaned in closing the gap between them to mere centimeters. Kyoko could see the vulnerability in his eyes. "Tonight, that song, were you singing for him?"

She shook her head slightly in denial. "I only see you." She leaned in and touched her lips lightly to his as she closed her eyes.

Ren's eyes widened. He closed them quickly and lost himself in the sweetness of her kiss. He didn't move until she grew bolder. Kyoko applied more pressure against his lips. Ren buried his fingers into the back of her hair and positioned her head for optimal kissing. Kyoko melted into him as he kissed her back. After a few moments of gentle kissing, Kyoko lost her patience. She buried her hand into the back of his head to gain more leverage. Ren's other hand snaked around her waist pulling her closer.

Kyoko gasped at his touch. He saw his chance to deepen the kiss. He slid his tongue into her mouth. Kyoko moaned against his lips but followed his lead. She entangled her tongue with his. Without breaking the kiss, Ren pulled her on to his lap. Kyoko straddled his hips and continued to kiss him back.

His hands ran up her thighs and under her skirt. He felt the hard muscles on her legs as his hands traveled up to cup her sculpted ass. His body felt like it was lit on fire as his fingers grazed the lace of her underwear.

Kyoko's overwhelming feelings had her in a daze. She didn't have time to think about her precarious position or what they were doing. His mouth moved to shower her neck with kisses. He growled against her neck when she bucked her hips against the noticeable bulge between her legs. Kyoko tested his reaction again and rolled her hips one more time. This time Ren's fingers dug into her and ground her hips against his hardness.

The roar of a work truck outside passing jolted him back to his senses. Ren froze and laid his forehead against hers.

"I'm sorry," he said, trying to catch his breath. He gave her ass one final squeeze and with great reluctance moved her off him. They both gasped for air.

Ren watched her face grow redder with each breath. She looked thoroughly ravaged. Her hair was mussed up and her lips were red and swollen. Kissing her reminded him of fireworks on the fourth of July. It was dangerous and chaotic but beautiful and vibrant. She felt right in his arms. He closed his eyes in a vain attempt to shut her out and regain control.

"Corn, I?" Kyoko began but his lustful gaze stopped her when he opened his eyes. She gulped as she stared directly into the eyes of the Emperor.

"Please go inside, Kyoko. It's late," he said quietly. It was taking all his willpower not to reach out for her again.

Kyoko nodded. He inhaled sharply when she leaned into him. She pecked his lips and smiled knowingly. She bounded up the porch, turned and waved. She entered the house and leaned against the door with a dreamy smile on her face. She touched her lips. His lips were just as soft as she remembered.

Kanae and Chiori laughed hysterically at her disheveled state. They exchanged high fives.

AN: I seriously heard the song, "Then He Kissed Me" by the Crystals in my head writing that last part. Give it a listen and you'll see. It could be their theme song.

I have this theory that Kyoko can sing and read music. She was a smart girl and devoted her life to "Sho-Chan" so it's only natural that she would research and learn about his interests. I'm not sure if her singing will go anywhere in this story, I just wanted to throw it out there...lol.

Thank you all for continuing to read. Thanks to those that reviewed, I appreciate it.

The song Kyoko sang to Ren was "Fade Into You, by Mazzy Star." It was my inspiration for this chapter. I have a music video in my head starring RK for every song I hear…so obsessed. Patiently awaiting the spoilers for the next manga chapter. FF sure has tide me over.

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^