Chapter 59: Love and Support

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Shoko would stop spoiling Sho and do her job as a proper manager.

Sho's fingers gracefully strummed over the strings of his guitar playing the melody rattling inside his mind. He immediately paused to write down a couple of notes on the music sheet balancing on his knee. Shoko walked into the studio just as he tucked the pencil behind his ear.

Annoyed by the interruption, he glanced at his manager, "What is it Shoko? You know I prefer to be alone when I'm composing."

Ever since the Vie Ghoul incident, Sho no longer allowed anyone around him when he was writing his songs. It stung Shoko that this rule extended to her as well. Ignoring him, Shoko strolled over to Sho and threw the magazine down on the table in front of him.

His body filled with dread as he looked over the front cover. What the fuck? How lame is her agency that they couldn't stop this? Fuck, is this the end for me?

"It's not what you think Sho, read the article. There's no mention of you specifically. Only those that know your history with her would know who she's talking about."

Setting his guitar aside, Sho reluctantly flipped through the pages and found the article. As he read, his eyes bulged several times at certain parts of the article.

Shit, why did she have to go and spill her guts like this!

Why that girl!

I fucking knew it!

This is total bullshit she would have told me if she met a boy when they were kids.

Shoko watched the range of emotions cross Sho's face as he continued to read: dread, anger, and...realization? She had worried how he would take the news and was glad he wasn't transforming into the deva king anymore when it came to Kyoko. It was hard to deal with him whenever he was in that mood. When he finished reading the article, he threw the magazine on the table and resumed writing his song.

Finding his reaction odd, Shoko stepped up and placed a hand on his forehead and the other on hers. He didn't feel warm, so he wasn't sick.

"Knock it off, Shoko! I'm fine!" He pulled his head away from her hand.

"Your lack of reaction is a bit disconcerting. I thought you'd be quite angry after reading it."

"I'm no longer that irrational guy. What she does is none of my business?" He replied nonchalantly.

"Good, that's what I wanted to hear. She obviously refused to give up your name so that should count for something. Quite honestly, you got lucky. Any other girl would have gone to the press with their story by now. You did a lot of things to her in public, and by public, I mean on set in front of staff and cast members. It won't take them long to figure out who this childhood friend of hers is. They'll start talking. We may need to get in front of this. It helps that she said she's grateful to you, so fans are a little more understanding."

"Tch," Sho clucked his tongue. "She should be grateful! If it wasn't for me, she would still be a maid back in Kyoto. See what I've created right there." Sho arrogantly pointed at the picture of Kyoko on the front cover. "She would still be nothing if it wasn't for me."

Shoko sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose. She had thought he had matured some in the last month, but he was still saying things like this about his childhood friend. He's going to be the death of me.

Before she could scold him, Sho stared at her in resignation. "At least that's what I eagerly want to believe, but I can't keep thinking that way. She may have followed me here, and I may have provided her the reason to join show biz, but it was all her hard work that led to her success. I had nothing to do with any of that." I'm glad she no longer only has stupid dreams of becoming my bride. It irked him that she probably had dreams of becoming that bastard's bride now, but at least she also had other aspirations.

Shoko leaned over and ruffled his hair like she would a little brother. She didn't mistake his growth. It was a shame that it took the loss of Kyoko to invoke this change.

Kyoko smiled up at her father as he gave her hand a little squeeze. She was glad to have him with her but was still very nervous. As they neared the shooting location for the Sacred Lotus, Kyoko's eyes widened as she saw the crowd of fans and reporters loitering around the entrance. Producer Kuresaki and Director Morizumi stood just beyond the barrier, with Koga, Cedric, and several other cast and crew members watching the spectacle.

Her father's driver stopped right in front of the gates, but it was still a good five meters away. She would have to brave the crowd. It had been a while since she had to do this as herself. Normally, they were protected by back entrances and underground parking lots. Yashiro knew all the tricks to avoid paparazzi. Those tricks didn't apply here. Ever since they strengthened security on the set, this was the only way in and out.

"Are you ready?" Tadashi asked giving her a reassuring smile. "I'll protect you. You don't even have to say anything just keep walking until we're in the clear. Just smile and wave."

Since the window tint was dark, the crowd was unsure who was in the car right now. Tadashi's driver came around to open his door and helped security keep the crowd at bay. Tadashi stepped out first and turned to help his daughter. Kyoko made sure to mind her dress as Ren had often reminded her. She didn't need any wardrobe malfunctions being captured right now.

By the time she righted herself, Koga and Cedric had flanked them. Kyoko didn't think this was overly helpful since their presence added fuel to the frenzy.

Questions were being shouted at her from every direction along with the nonstop sound of camera shutters.

Kyoko-san, could you tell us the name of your childhood friend?

Are you sure you aren't still in love with him?

Is it true that you're only using these celebrities to gain fame? Who's next on your list?

Koga-san has she tried to put the moves on you yet?

Is there any romance between you two?

The usually easy-going Koga glared down the reporter. "Back off," he seethed through clenched teeth. The reporter shivered as he glimpsed the deadliness of the wandering samurai Shizuma-sama.

Kyoko managed to smile and wave at the adoring fans that shouted their love and support her way. There were a few obscenities thrown her way, but she refused to acknowledge those fans. It wasn't until they managed to get behind the gates that Kyoko allowed herself to finally relax.

When they were away from the prying eyes of the crowd, Kyoko swooped down into a deep ninety-degree bow to the director, producer, cast, and crew in the area.

"I'm terribly sorry for the trouble I've caused everyone!"

"It's fine, Kyoko-san. This is free publicity for our movie; however, if you tell me you can't perform under these circumstances I will surely regret my decision to cast you," Producer Kuresaki stated in his usual not too thrilled voice.

Kyoko straightened and took in her colleagues' expressions. She was relieved they weren't angry with her.

"Go and get ready! I want to finish up the courtyard scene before lunch," the director instructed, shooing everyone away.

"Yes, sir!" Kyoko exclaimed, her spirits lifted as she walked towards the dressing rooms with her father and costars.

Koga fell in step beside her with Tadashi on her other side. "By the way, you look very beautiful this morning, Kyoko-chan. I like your hair blown out in waves like that. Tsuruga-kun is indeed a lucky man."

Kyoko rolled her eyes at him. "Such playboy words, no wonder you are still single? But thank you for the compliment."

"Sliced again by your verbal katana!" Koga said in a wounded voice. Kyoko and Asahina-san giggled.

"Looking poised is the best way to show you didn't let the article bother you," Koga explained.

"To say I'm not bothered though is rather..." Kyoko said thoughtfully.

"Koga-san is right, as the saying goes, 'the show must go on,' even though internally your thoughts are in turmoil, you must be able to continue and complete the job successfully. At least that's what they say in Hollywood. Do they say something similar here?" Cedric asked as his translator repeated it in Japanese.

"Yes, thank you, Bennett-san. That was one of the first things Ren taught me about show biz. So I guess Fuji-san knew what he was doing this morning when he gave me this dress. I needed the confidence booster today," Kyoko replied in Japanese for the sake of her other costars and left Cedric's assistant to translate.

"Is that a R'Mandy dress, Kyoko-san? It looks very pretty on you." Asahina-san said, complimenting her outfit.

"Fuji-san and his team of magicians made me over this morning. I felt like Cinderella getting ready for the ball."

They chuckled at her dreamy expression and parted ways when they reached the rooms.

While Kyoko was getting her hair and make-up done for Momiji she was able to check her messages. Last night she had messaged Kuu and Kanae about the upcoming article. She didn't want either of them to be hurt by being kept in the dark. She knew if she didn't inform Kanae, her best friend would probably want to sever ties with her. She had completely forgotten to tell Chiori.

The message she had received from Chiori had her smiling: I dedicated three full pages of my notebook to why Fuwa Sho should just go rot in hell. I'll let you read it next time. ;)

Kyoko sent a quick, but thoughtful response thanking her friend and apologizing for not letting her know about it. She, also, confirmed their ice cream social later today.

Kijima had sent her a message too: Keep your head up beautiful, this will all blow over. A large throbbing heart was added to the message.

Why am I surrounded by playboys? She took a moment to thank him for the message.

There were messages from the Okami, Box R girls, and Momose-san. She was near tears as she read all the supportive messages from her friends and coworkers. Maybe she could stop in the Darumaya sometime this week and show her former landlords that she was A-OK.

Knock! Knock!

Tadashi who had been preoccupied with his phone stood to open the door to her dressing room. A delivery woman greeted him and handed over a large bouquet of roses. Kyoko smiled and thanked the woman while her father signed the delivery slip. After the woman left, Tadashi carried the roses over to her. The ladies working on her stopped to watch her with romantic hearts in their eyes as they gossiped about the sender. She took a long look at each beautiful rose then inhaled the sweet scent.

She finally plucked the card from the bouquet and announced for the sake of her beauty team, "They're from, Ren."

Her face bloomed to a similar shade of the flowers as she read his message, You got this baby! I love you! ~Ren

Kimiko anxiously sat on the edge of the couch in the sitting area of her room as she watched the entertainment news channel.

This can't be right. Why are they sympathizing with Kyoko-san? They should be carrying torches, and pitchforks, and screaming off with her head, not talking about what a strong and talented young woman she is! This is bullshit?!

There had to be some sort of mistake. This wasn't supposed to happen.

Knock! Knock!

Kimiko turned toward the sound at her bedroom door.

A maid called from the other side. "Kimiko-sama, your parents are wondering why you haven't come out yet. Is everything okay?"

"I'm fine, please tell them I'm studying and don't want to be disturbed," she called back.

"Yes, miss, can I bring you some breakfast?" the maid asked.

"No, I'm not hungry right now."

Kimiko continued to watch the hosts debate some new information about Kyoko and Ren. The fact that they had known each other as kids and the way she started off on the wrong foot with Ren were the biggest topics.

"Who would have thought that Japan's sweetest couple would have had such a rocky start. Can anyone believe that our beloved Tsuruga-san threw her out of LME? We need to get these two in for an interview as soon as possible. I have so many questions," the hostess gushed.

As they droned on, Kimiko opened her laptop to check the article that they kept referring to in the broadcast. She was holding out hope that this wasn't Koki's story. When she found the article online her hope disintegrated. There it was, confirmed, written by Kagayama Koki.

That damn traitor. Of all the ways he could have spun this story, he goes and writes this trash. I handed her to him on a silver platter and this was the best he could do. The man was losing his edge.

She picked up her cellphone and dialed the magazine number. The call rang a few times before it connected. "Good morning, thank you for calling Boost magazine, how may I direct your call?"

"Good morning, I would like to speak to Kagayama Koki-san, please."

"I'm sorry Miss, Kagayama-san is no longer affiliated with Boost."

"What? Did something happen to him?" Kimiko demanded, confused.

"I apologize, Miss. I'm not at liberty to discuss his circumstances with anyone. Is there anything else I can help you with?"

Kimiko ended the call. Screaming in frustration, she angrily threw her phone. It hit the framed movie poster of Purple Down causing it to fall and shatter on the ground. The sound of quick footsteps approaching her room caught her attention.

"Kimi dear, is everything okay, sweetie?" Her mother cooed from behind the door. "What was that noise?" Her mother asked jiggling the doorknob. "And why is the door locked. Please open the door!"

Kimiko stared between the mess on the floor and the door. She had to think quickly. She picked up a shard of glass and nicked her finger on the edge causing a bead of blood to seep out then rushed to let her mother in.

"Kimi open this door right no-"

Kimiko opened the door quickly catching her mother by surprise

"I'm sorry, Kaa-san. I accidentally lost the grip of my phone and knocked over my framed poster. I was trying to clean it up, but..." Kimiko purposely drew attention to her blood finger.

"Is it bad," she asked with concern inspecting the finger.

"No more than a papercut," Kimiko assured her.

Her mother nodded and walked in surveying the damage with pursed lips. "Is that the only place you were hurt? Do I need to call the doctor again?"

Kimiko's smile twitched but held. Her mother's question implied a little more than Kimiko wanted. She didn't want her mother thinking that she had slipped again. The first and only time she was caught, she managed to weasel her way out of the mess. It helped that she kept up a good girl appearance act that her teachers and classmates often backed her up as being the victim. Kimiko had always been good at twisting the truth to work in her favor. Regardless, her parents often paid off the family so as not to stain the Morizumi name with such a scandal. They thought it best to send Kimiko off to the United States until things blew over. She had remained in the States for longer than her parents anticipated for Cedric. She only returned because her plan to get him to Japan had worked.

"I'm fine, Kaa-san," Kimiko softened her smile. "I'm sorry for the mess. I'll clean it up right away."

"No! I don't want you hurting yourself again. I'll call the maid," her mother said and moved to leave. She turned around and glanced at Kimiko with a frown. "Why are you still in your pajamas? It's quite late. Get yourself cleaned up and come downstairs."

"Yes, Kaa-san," Kimiko replied meekly internally berating herself for being an idiot. Hopefully, she was convincing enough. Now she needed to buy a new phone. She would figure out her next steps later. Ever since they hardened security on the set, her informant and fellow saboteur no longer wanted a part of her scheme. She would leave him alone for now, make him feel safe, but she was far from done with him. It was good to lay low since her uncle and the producer were too suspicious right now.

"They are totally soul mates..." Ren whispered, reading the post.

Yashiro jumped out of his seat at the sound of Ren's voice behind him. He caught the manager perusing the fansite while waiting for him to finish filming.

"Ren you scared the heck out of me. Don't you know that it's rude sneaking up on a person, let alone reading over their shoulder?" Yashiro scolded.

"Yashiro-san, I've been calling you for over a minute now. You were so engrossed in whatever you were reading; I merely got curious."

"Do you really want to know?" Yashiro teased with a sneaky smile. "I'll tell you if you answer something for me first."

"Forget it, if it comes with conditions," he declined, walking toward his dressing room.

"So even if it involves the sites that 'Queen B' frequents? She is currently posting damning things about Kyoko-chan. Are you sure you want to pass this chance up to defend your beloved?"

Ren paused and turned around. "Fine, but ask me in the dressing room while I change. We have to meet Kyoko at LME for lunch."

When they were securely behind the closed door of his dressing trailer Ren turned on Yashiro expectantly.

The manager wasn't expecting Ren to be so compliant. He didn't even have a good enough question prepared for such a monumental occasion. Yashiro racked his brain for a question to ask him. What's your real name? No that one he would never answer. Where are you from originally? No, that's another one he wouldn't answer.

"Yashiro-san, if you don't have a question, your condition is invalid so let m-"

"Are you and Kyoko having sex?!" Yashiro winced at the blatantly personal question he just blurted out in his haste to think of something good.

"Shit," he muttered under his breath. Why in the world did I ask that one of all things? He wanted to kick himself right now. He handed his phone over to Ren defeated at having wasted this great chance. "Don't answer that. I don't even know why I asked such a personal question. What you and Kyoko do in your personal lives is none of my business. I mean you only are in love and living together so it's only natur-."

Yashiro shut his mouth as Ren increased the brilliancy of his smile.

"Aiii, I'm so sorry!" He apologized.

"RenKyo#1Fangirl?" Ren replied dryly with raised brows.

"Ahhhh! I forgot about that aspect of all this," Yashiro shrieked in embarrassment.

"Is this even legal? You're a grown man posing as some teenage girl. Do you have a secret fetish that I don't know about, Yashiro-san?" Ren taunted, making his manager squirm as payback. Did I just stumble upon something I didn't know about him. Could he be a pedoph...

"Ren," Yashiro began interrupting his thoughts. "I know you're thinking the worst of me, but please disregard those terrible thoughts. I, in no way, take advantage of anyone on these sites. Plus, they know I'm male, they all just assume I swing for the same team."

Ren's laughter unabashed laughter filled the trailer making Yashiro cringe.

"You don't have to laugh that hard," the manager pouted. "I understand that I don't exactly hide my enthusiasm when it comes to you and Kyoko-chan. I do this for you by the way. I try to thwart any attacks on you and Kyoko's characters by making minor suggestions. Anyway, would you stop laughing at me and read what they are saying about you two."

Ren's laughter slowed as he turned his attention to the phone.

RenKyo#1Fangirl: Is anyone as excited as me to know that my favorite couple knew each other as kids!

KyoFan1: Ikr! They are totally soulmates. To think they've been apart for ten years only to find each other again. Talk about a small world! Too bad she had to get involved with that douchebag in between.

KyoFan2: I'm so excited to learn that about them. They had to be cute together as kids.

RenKyoFan1: I love her more because she's super relatable. The same thing happened to me. I wonder if her friend was my friend. Jerk faces!

VoodooPrincess1224: I'm in the process of making a voodoo doll so I can stab this so-called friend with needles for hurting my Kyoko-san. I just need a strand of his hair. Any clues who this moron could be?

Ice Raven: I suggest a lynching party once his identity is known. Since he seems to be supposedly famous, we should organize a boycott on whatever he produces.

KyoFan3: The Fuwa Sho fan sites are blowing up that it's him. Some girls claim they went to school with him. If it is him, I ship them. How great did they look in the Prisoner PV together? But what are the odds of Kyoko-san knowing two amazing guys when she was a kid? How lucky!

DiabolicalPen666: KyoFan3, what's your name, birthday, and address? I would like to come by and knock some sense into your head. There's no way in hell that Fuwa-san would ever have a chance with Kyoko-san even if he was her friend. That chauvinistic pig can just go die! His music isn't even that great either!

KyoFan1: I thought you were a fan of Kyoko-san. Why would you support a relationship between her and that dick?! Can't you read? He treated her like crap.

"Yashiro-san, how do I respond on this site? I want to leave a comment." Ren glanced at the manager innocently.

Yashiro smirked. "Barely on for five minutes and you're already caught up in the chat. I warn you, if you start now, you'll become addicted."

"Just tell me, someone has already figured out that it's Fuwa. There are Fuwa fans that went to school with them," Ren explained with an edge to his voice.

"What?! I was hoping it would take them at least a few days to figure it out, not mere hours. Ugh, I'm always underestimating the power of fans. All you have to do is tap here and then type," Yashiro pointed out.

RenKyo#1Fangirl: Ha! Fuwa's an idiot if it is him! His lost. She totally upgraded with Ren-san. He's taller, hotter, more talented, smarter, sweeter, kinder, more generous, more professional, and maturer. He may not be a rock star on stage, but I bet he rocks her world…in bed. For the record, Ren-san is also super lucky to have Kyoko-san in his life.

With a sly smile, Ren hit submit and handed the phone back to Yashiro. He stood proudly and began to change his clothes.

"Ren! I can't believe you posted that! That's real 'mature' of you. You better hope Kyoko-chan doesn't find out about this… ever!"

Kyoko and her father were the first to arrive at LME. The vultures were already circling the front of the building ready to swoop down on their dying prey. It was a good thing LME's employee entrance was gated so she was able to avoid them completely. Since the Sacred Lotus filming went smoothly, they were early. She introduced Tadashi to Sawara-san.

The branch head was taken by surprise, recognizing that the man that had sat outside of LME was none other than her father. He thought it best not to bring up those events. Sawara-san had made the connection and apologized profusely for not understanding her situation with Fuwa. He regretted blindly sending her to the show Yappa Kimagure Rock thinking she was a big fan. He was embarrassed that he got it so wrong. Kyoko told him it was her fault for not explaining things more clearly to everyone. Sawara-san was relieved that she didn't hold a grudge. He shuddered, remembering how scary she was in her early days at LME. She had certainly grown into a fine actress. He handed her a thicker than usual envelope containing her latest offers and informed her to pass it on to Yahiro. Kyoko and her father bowed and took their leave.

Their next stop was the LoveMe room. She had been hoping to see Chiori, but unfortunately, it was empty. I guess we'll see each other at our ice cream social later.

"Father, it's getting close to the meeting time. Are you joining us for lunch?"

"I'm sorry, I have an appointment of my own. Plus, I think it's best if you met your mother without me since you made the plans with each other. We can have dinner tonight. Are you free? I read about this great place the other day. Ask Ren-kun along too, okay?"

Kyoko smiled. "It will be late. I have Yappa Kimagure Rock filming tonight, is that okay? You don't have to stick with me the whole day. I'm sure you have more important work to do with your company."

"Nonsense, you're the most important thing to me. I enjoy watching you work. I'll see you after lunch and we can talk about dinner. It may have to be something quick instead. You've already had a stressful day, so I don't want to keep you out too late."

Kyoko's eyes watered, not trusting her voice, she nodded and bade him goodbye.

Kyoko made her way toward the café in LME. Many people stopped to wish her well, but others weren't quite as pleasant with their gossip. She told her grudges to calm down and kept her head high.

LA Hearts was crowded, but she immediately caught sight of Ren's head sticking up above the other patrons in the far corner. She paused for half a beat when she saw him sitting across her mother and Todoh-san in awkward silence. Unable to let old habits go, she glanced at her watch for the time. She wasn't late. Ren spotted her as she threaded her way through the other diners. He flashed her his heavenly smile, giving her the courage to move forward.

AN: Thank you for sticking with me and continuing to read. I hope you enjoyed it!

Big thanks to those that left me a review. You guys are awesome! I'm glad this fic can rekindle some of your love for SB even though the misunderstandings just keep piling up in the manga. I've said this before, a SB without KuonKyo having a happily ever after TOGETHER would be devastating for me…LOL.

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^