Chapter 53: Yin and Yang

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, we'd have more personal Yashiro panels.

Yashiro Yukihito groaned as his ringing cell phone sitting on the nightstand disturbed his deep slumber. His blurry eyes fell on the bedside clock. It was still early, but by his standards, he had slept in. He would have slept longer if not for this caller waking him. Before his hand could close over the device, he remembered to put on a rubber glove. By the time he was ready, the ringing had stopped. Damn! He checked the phone to find the President's private line flashing on the display. This can't be good.

He rubbed the sleep from his face and sat up in bed to return Lory's call.

"Good morning, sir. I'm sorry I missed your call," Yashiro apologized.

"No worries, Yuki. I apologize for disturbing you so early on your day off. Did you perhaps have some fun last night?" Lory teased wondering if there was a woman in the straight-laced manager's bed at the moment. He didn't know much about Yashrio's private life, the man was almost as closed off as Ren. Being the manager of a high profile celebrity like Ren was very demanding. The hours were early or late and most of the time very long. He doubted Yashiro had time for a personal life.

"Not particularly, sir. I was able to catch up on work last night." It was true since he counted fangirling over the Tragic Marker special on Fuji TV news as work. He made sure to record the sections that contained the Heel siblings. With a little editing, he could make an engagement or wedding gift out of the footage. Setsu's appearance and dress last night made him blush. He had never met them while they were playing the Heels and was impressed by Kyoko's acting skills. If he had not known it was her initially, he would never have guessed it to be her. He couldn't believe the spokeswoman of Japanese decorum could walk out in public in that garment. When Setsu winked into the camera, Yashiro knew that this version of Kyoko was painfully aware of how many casualties she left in her wake. He snickered just thinking about how Ren probably fretted the whole night. He couldn't wait to tease him when he returned.

Yashiro almost turned to stone when Cain was interviewed. Ren was such a complete ass as Cain; he almost hated the guy. As a Japanese watching the interview, his short and rude answers infuriated him. He assumed it was the same for the other millions watching that interview. Since he never interacted with Cain, he had no idea this was the character that Ren had been portraying all this time on the set of Tragic Marker. Damage control won't be easy. Yashiro had always been in awe of Ren's talent but this brilliancy was on a whole new level. He had no doubt more offers would pour in for his male charge. If they could somehow leak it out that Kyoko was Setsu she would reach new heights as well.

"You're just as boring as Ren, Yuki. I'm so disappointed," Lory replied solemnly. What was wrong with young people today? Youth was a time to embrace life, take risks, throw care to the wind. Why did they have to act too responsibly...too old?

"Eh, it's a bit difficult to find time for personal matters when juggling two stars...not that I'm complaining, sir. I can handle both of them. I'm just saying I enjoy my work and I doubt a woman would understand the demands of it. For now, I'd like to concentrate on my career while Ren and Kyoko-chan are still growing," he quickly told the President hoping that would be the end of the discussion.

"I appreciate your dedication, but there is a saying All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy," Lory told him rehashing an old proverb.

Yashiro knew what he meant. Eventually, if all he did was work, his life would be fruitless and boring. "I understand, sir. I will keep that in mind. Did you need my help with something today, sir?" Yashiro asked trying to steer the conversation away from his non-existent personal life and back to the reason for his call.

"Yes, I know you all have today off, but something has come up, and I need to meet with Mogami-kun later today. We can meet at my office at LME," Lory informed him.

"Should I be concerned, sir? What of Ren?" Yashiro asked in a calm voice, but he was freaking out internally.

"It's fine if you and Ren come along. You should turn on the news Yuki or perhaps sign into one of the forums you like to troll," Lory chuckled.

Yashiro was at a loss for words, but he shouldn't have been so surprised that the President was aware of his internet escapades. The Lovemon had a knack for finding out everything.

"Oh ho, so you're not even going to deny it," Lory mocked.

"If you have that much information, you already know the truth. There is no point denying it," Yashiro admitted with a sigh of defeat. "I'll get in touch with them. Is there anything else you need from me?"

"No, that will be all Yuki, see you then," Lory said then hung up after Yashiro said his goodbye.

Yashiro covered his face after ending the call. His ears burned from embarrassment. The President knew about his after-hours extracurricular activities. He probably even knew his handle as well as everything he had said about his favorite couple. There was no point hiding it now. He hoped he wouldn't tell Ren and Kyoko what he was up to.

Now that he was wide awake, he thought it best he does what the President had suggested. He got ready for the morning and headed out to the kitchen to make himself a breakfast smoothie. When he was finally settled, he turned on the TV to the entertainment channel. Nothing new was said from last night. They were talking about the movie and of course speculating on the Heels. The cast and crew were holding to the NDAs. He put on a pair of latex gloves and decided to check Ren's fan sites first. His eyes bulged when he saw the 150 plus posts that occurred while he was sleeping. What happened?

He scrolled quickly down the usual, Ren is so dreamy fanfare, until a post caught his eye.

RenFan1: OMG! Not to deter from Ren-sama but did anyone see the Tragic Marker interview last night? I think I found another love. Cain Heel-san's brooding dark looks pierced my soul.

RenFan2: Yassss! I think I got pregnant when he glared straight into the camera!

Yashiro choked on his smoothie. He had to move his computer as his coughing fit persisted. He could feel the remnants of the drink enter his nasal cavity and clear his nose. It would serve him right to try to drink while he was reading. It seemed he was mistaken there were many people (women) not annoyed with Cain Heel's interview. He forgot how crass some of Ren's fans were. Japanese were uninhibited when they hid behind a computer. He cleaned himself and his computer once he could finally breathe again. Yashiro gulped down the rest of his smoothie before returning to the site.

RenFan1: I'm glad I wasn't the only one. My heart did somersaults watching him. I love how sweet Ren is but there's a lot to be said about a bad boy.

LotusLover1: I agree! Ren-sama is the epitome of grace and charm. He's Prince Charming incarnate. Cherry blossoms and hearts billow around him whenever I see him. While Cain-san, on the other hand, is the antithesis of Ren-sama. A Prince in his own right...of the underworld that is. He's surrounded by roses dripping with blood and hearts with thorns pricking them.

RenFan2: Hahaha that's about accurate LotusLover1. It's like they're Yin and Yang.

LotusLover1: True there is a bit of darkness in our Ren-sama...we did see it in his role as Katsuki. I fell in love with Ren-sama all over again after watching Dark Moon. He has grown so much as an actor since then.

LotusLover2: Has anyone seen the Tragic Marker movie yet? I think I'm going tonight with my boyfriend. I love horror flicks but my boyfriend is weak against them. I guess I'll let him cling to me. ;)

RenFan1: It has only been out for one night and the critics are already raving about it. I will be going with a bunch of friends tonight too.

Yukihito continued to scroll down the various posts discussing plans to see the movie. He needed to see it himself. He was interested in seeing Ren's performance. This was the first time he was not privy to the filming process since he was unable to accompany Cain Heel as his manager.

As he continued to read, they started talking about Cain's physical appearance and the facts that were revealed about the actor. He was British and of Japanese descent. He mainly acted overseas. Quick research on the internet came up empty-handed of any of his previous work. The topic had turned to the mystery behind Cain Heel. There were many theories on why they couldn't find anything on him. The most simple one was that he was probably using a new stage name and this was perhaps his first big role. The extreme one was that he was a murderer recently released from prison and Director Konoe hired him for authenticity's sake. This was backed up by the many interviews of the Tragic Marker cast that never included Cain. The cast was vehement in describing Cain's ability to be terrifying and dangerous on and off-camera.

Isn't that slander? Judging from Cain's interview it probably didn't count since it seemed to be the truth. Yashiro stopped scrolling as he came across an alarming post.

DramaLoveMonXoXo: Ooohhh. I just came up with a crazy theory after thinking about Ren-san's role as Katsuki. What if the reason Cain is so mysterious is that he is Ren-san and doesn't want anyone to know?

RenFan2: That's impossible! I know Ren-san is an excellent actor but to be a completely different person. That's a bit much.

RenFan1: It's a good theory, but it will be difficult even for Ren-sama to explain this. Click the link and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Yashiro clicked on the link that was attached. It was a photo of Cain and Setsu on the red carpet in a close embrace.

RenFan1: These two are wrapped around each other as only lovers could be. Ren-sama is devoted and only loves one woman. Any which way I look at this, that woman is not Kyoko-san. If this is Ren-sama, are you saying he's a cheater?

DramaLoveMonXoXo: There's no doubt about Ren-san's love for Kyoko-san but I can't help thinking it. Maybe she was hired as an actress to help him with his role. I just can't get past the fact that Cain is as tall as Ren-san, but that's where the similarities end.

RenFan2: Foreigners are all a lot taller than most Japanese. Ren-san seems to be the only exception.

LotusLover5: Not true. Murasame-san and Koga-san are pretty tall. Not as tall as Ren-san but taller than average. Even Kuu-sama is tall but he's half Japanese. The Japanese National basketball team also has many players taller than Ren.

They continued to banter about other tall actors until Yashiro finally reached the end. Yashiro had a theory that this person was the President and stirring the pot. Is this his subtle way of easing the fans into the idea of Cain being Ren? He forgot how obsessed fans could be with their theories. It would cause problems for the couple once Ren was revealed. He had to anticipate that a tabloid would pick up on these fan theories soon. They always did. He closed his computer and sent a text to Ren and Kyoko regarding the meeting with the President. Ren had responded that they would be meeting with Ten this afternoon to change and could meet at LME afterward.

Cain and Setsu made their way down to the breakfast buffet offered by the hotel, oblivious to what was happening outside. Other guests and staff openly gawked at the two and many whipped out their cellphones indiscreetly to take photos of the couple. Everyone was equally ignored by the Heels. Setsu's mind was simple. It was filled with her brother and breakfast.

She was famished this morning. Her growling stomach had woke them from their slumber of entangled naked limbs. Kyoko didn't know what made her blush more: her body draped over Kuon's wantonly or her rumbling belly.

Kuon thought he had died and gone to heaven. He had woken up first to Kyoko's long hair and lush body wrapped possessively around him. He didn't tell her, but his hands may or may not have caressed the length of her back while he waited patiently for her to wake. She finally stirred when her stomach growled. Kuon's thoughts of ravaging her that morning were dashed away as the need to feed his woman came first.

He chuckled when her stomach growled punishing him with her body rubbing against him. Blushing at her precarious position and his hand greedily cupping her ass, she raised her head off his chest and looked up at him. "Good Morning, beautiful," he said with a husky voice. He was rewarded with a smile in return.

"Good morning, why didn't you wake me?" She asked, a small frown marring her angelic face.

"And give this all up," he teased, giving her butt a firm squeeze. Kyoko squealed and tried to squirm out of his grasp, but he held her tight. Her lithe body writhing on top of him managed to reignite his arousal for her. He rolled them over, laying to the side of her with his erection pressing into her hip, and gazed into her amber eyes.

Kyoko held her breath as she stared up at him, her golden orbs burned into the passionate green of her Emperor. He dipped his head down and kissed her softly on the mouth. She responded instantaneously unable to get enough of his kisses. This morning he seemed to be taking his time, making her feel delicate and treasured. Kyoko reached her hand up to the back of his head and threaded her fingers into the soft black tresses. She parted her mouth when his tongue begged entrance. Their tongues danced a slow waltz as he slanted over her mouth. A few moments later he groaned and pulled away from her.

"Why did you stop? Don't you want to...um..you know," she asked confused and embarrassed with having to say that much.

He gave her a quick peck on the lips. "Oh, baby, there's no doubt that I want to continue with...you know, but you're starving. If your stomach rumbles on me in the middle of our lovemaking, it just might deflate me."

Kyoko blushed and as if always on cue, her stomach growled. Kuon laughed. "Come on, baby, let's get cleaned up. It will take you a while to get into Setsu mode. We didn't have time to pick up groceries last night so we can't cook in here unless you prefer I go out myself and get something. It would be faster."

"No, I'll get up. I read that this hotel serves breakfast in the dining hall. We can eat there." Kuon scooped her up and carried her to the bathroom. He had to put her down to start the shower. His lips twitched with amusement as he watched her do a little dance while she waited. "It's hot now. We can go in," he said after testing the water.

"Um... can you please go in first? I... uh...um...still need the toilet."

Kuon chuckled at her cuteness. After everything they have shared, she could still be so shy in his presence. He entered the glass shower and faced his back to her to ensure her privacy. Eventually, she joined him, but it was nearly an hour later that they made it down to breakfast.

In the dining hall, Setsu tried not to drool over the different choices offered. She debated on whether or not she would have a western-style breakfast or a traditional Japanese breakfast.

"Nii-san, what do you want to eat? And don't say you're good with coffee. Coffee and cigarettes do not make a meal," she grumbled as he slid into a booth in the back corner.

"Whatever my cute sister decides would be just fine with me," he smiled wryly.

Setsu's brow furrowed in annoyance as once again she had to be the adult here. She stalked off muttering under her breath about how sometimes she felt like his mother. Kyoko pondered Setsu's food choices. Either one she made would play up to the Hee sibling act, so she stood in line with the thought of getting a bit of everything.

The omelet station was her first stop. She would get this out of the way and then pick up more items at the buffet. A gaggle of girls she noticed in the corner of her eye stood about three meters away discussed her loudly while consulting a newspaper.

It's definitely her!

Are you sure?

Let me see the paper.

So we've already made the news. If the Japanese were smart, the internet should already be blowing up with news on her brother. She watched as two of the girls broke away from the bunch and approached her.

"Um...excuse me, is this you? Are you Heel-san," stammered the prettier girl of the two in Japanese.

Setsu turned her bored expression on the girl. Her intense blue eyes inspected the girl, slowly, from head to toe. Cute boots but what an annoying sheep. The girl gulped nervously. Setsu smirked, ignoring the girl she returned her attention to the line.

The girls scurried away with a squeal.

Oh my gosh, she smiled at you!

You are so lucky, Fumi-chan

Maybe you should have asked her in English, no? She's British.

I'm too embarrassed to talk to her again. Did you guys get pictures of us?

Setsu tuned the girls out when she finally made it to the counter. She ordered a veggie and cheese omelet that was made to order. When she got her eggs, she went back to the table and placed them down. She lifted a perfectly arched brow as she eyed the silverware and drinks already on the table. All he did was shrug to her quiet inquiry. Kyoko almost broke character from that annoying response. Instead, she took the high road and walked away from the table twice. The first time, she returned a minute later with a tray piled with pancakes, ham, potatoes, and sausages. The second time yielded fish, rice, miso, tamagoyaki, and pickled vegetables. She hid her smile as her brother's earlier arrogance slowly dissipated with each new plate she placed in front of him.

"What did those girls want?" Cain asked, nibbling on the food she set before him.

"It appears we've made the tabloid papers, nii-san," she explained.

He nodded in understanding. Cain suddenly lifted his hand, startling her, and flipped off a guy behind her. The photographer that just snapped a picture of them dashed away. He couldn't believe how quickly things escalated after just one night. The Japanese media could not be underestimated, they were insatiable when it came to celebrities. A guest or staff member from earlier must have posted their whereabouts on social media.

"We have a meeting later with Boss this afternoon. I wasn't given any details so let's hurry and get out of here," he told her. Ignoring everyone around them, they continued to eat while talking about the differences in preparation and execution of the western-style food by the Japanese. Setsu listened to her brother with apt rapture. Kyoko knew that Kuon was sharing pieces of his own experiences in America.

After breakfast, they headed back to their room and began the tedious process of packing their belongings. She nearly lost it when Cain began balling up his clothes and stuffing them into the duffle bag. Setsu had to let it go and pray none of his clothes were ruined in the process. As derelict as they looked on him, she knew the clothes were still designer. Then with a little bit of water and some elbow grease, their premiere outfits were salvageable. All evidence of what transpired after they left the theater was removed thanks to her skillful cleaning.

Cain surveyed the street below from the balcony. As a Veteran actor, he was used to the media dogging his heels. He easily identified at least six different reporters and photographers staking out the front of the hotel. Their efforts were futile since they were meeting Ten in the basement parking lot. He doubted any reporters would be waiting for them on the bottom floor of the parking lot. If it was alright with Ten, she could drop them off at LME where they could meet up with Yashiro.

Kyoko changed out of her Setsu outfit in the makeshift dressing room of Ten's work truck while the talented stylist returned Ren's hair to the usual brown. She sat in the vacant chair and occupied herself with her phone while she waited. Her eyes opened wide with shock at the sheer volume of messages she received over the last few days. She happily clicked through her father's messages, then paled when she made it to the one he had sent yesterday morning.

Ren watched her reflection go pale as she read something on her phone. "What is it, Kyoko? Bad news?"

Her gold eyes flicked up to meet his brown in the mirror. The frown between her eyes deepened with worry. "I think my father suspects that we were the Heel siblings in the cafe."

His skin turned pallor. "What did he say exactly?" Ren asked curiously

"I'll read to you that part. I am currently at a café waiting to meet with your mother. We can talk more about it on your return, but the funny thing is there is a foreign couple here that has an uncanny resemblance to you and Ren-kun. I can't quite put my finger on it. It's not their appearance but their manner. Maybe it's the way the young man treats his adoring sister with such tenderness or possibly the way she scolds him about eating properly. Then again, it could have been the murderous glare he directed at me when I first walked to my seat so similar to Ren-kun's the first night we met. I just can't shake the feeling that I've met your doppelgangers. Oh well, talk to you soon."

She glanced at Ren when she had finished reading the text. He was deeply embarrassed at having been called out by her father and couldn't meet her eyes.

"What do you think?" she asked anxiously.

Ren should not have been surprised by Tadashi's perceptiveness. In the short time he had known them, Tadashi had picked up on their habits. He thought he was being vigilant in his Cain act that morning, but it appeared her father had seen right through them. Is my acting getting sloppy?

"I don't think I have to worry about your father. It's Taisho that's going to filet me alive when he finds out," he bemoaned.

"Quit moving, Ren-chan," Ten scolded as she continued her work.

Kyoko giggled at his impending doom reaction. He knew Taisho so well. He would give them both the cold shoulder for a while when all was revealed, but eventually, he would come around.

AN: Thank you for continuing to read. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I was too lazy to make up names for Ren's fangirls so please forgive me...LOL. I will continue the day in the next chapter. I just read this again and changed the fangirl's name so Lory can troll.

Big thanks to all those that reviewed the last chapter. I appreciate all of your feedback. Thank you to the Guest reviewer that suggested Tadashi adopt Kyoko. I never thought of it but I like the idea. I will try to work it into later chapters. As for the main reveal, my imagination is limited and I already set up an interview version with FujiTV for Ren. I can't backtrack now since I gave them dibs. I'm trying to come up with more creative ways to reveal Kyoko instead of with Ren but yeah nada right now. Thank you for the FF suggestion. I'm adding it to the ever-growing list of my need to read when I have some time.

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^