Chapter 90: Is It Hot in Here or Is it Just Him?

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, our boy would show off his dance skills... XD

Kyoko felt like an incredible weight had been lifted from her shoulders once the principal explained his reasons for calling the meeting. She couldn't believe her ears either. He wanted her to skip a grade and move straight to her third year. He had been presented with proof of her academic prowess along with several recommendations from teachers for her advancement. The principal thought it would be a disservice to her if she continued in an unchallenging environment. Kyoko would remain a part of the special program dedicated to helping young celebrities fulfill their education requirements. As long as she continued to apply herself academically, the principal was sure she would have no problems in the new classes. Kyoko didn't think twice about accepting the principal's offer. If this would allow her to finish high school a year earlier, she would accept it. Now that she had found something she was passionate about, she couldn't wait to dedicate herself full time to acting.

After saying goodbye to her father, Kyoko excitedly headed to her new class; however, her mood plummeted upon entering the room. There were a measly four students present today, two girls and two boys. Somehow, she felt tricked by the principal. Did he use me to increase attendance for this grade? Is he looking down on me because I'm not as busy as some of the other celebrities here? She had half a mind to march down to his office and explain that her Super Manager purposely scheduled her work around school, knowing how much she enjoyed it! Kyoko sighed away the image of her standing over the man's desk and shaking him by the tie. She handed her work schedule for the week over to her new homeroom teacher and introduced herself with a formal bow.

The students present perked up at her arrival. To her chagrin, Kyoko did not recognize a single one of them. The teacher directed her to sit next to the boy with shaggy light brown hair to share a book until she received her copy. Kyoko introduced herself and thanked him. She needed to pay attention to the lectures to maintain her grades. At lunchtime, the girls offered to dine with her. This was the first time in all her school life that classmates had ever offered to eat with her. It was unfortunate that Kyoko had to decline. She apologized since she had to leave for work. As she walked out of class, she decided to bring something sweet tomorrow as a peace offering, hoping they would invite her again. Kyoko didn't want them to think she had shunned them on her very first day.

Sho peered out of the tinted window of his car feeling annoyed that he was kept waiting. Several minutes later, the busty brunette bounced her way towards his car. Being a guy, he admired her figure in the tight uniform.

Sho's irritation skyrocketed as she knocked on his window. He rolled it down about two inches, just enough to hold a conversation.

"Sho-chan!" The bubbly airhead squealed. Even with the window providing a shield, her voice still grated on him.

"Pochi! Are you trying to alert everyone of my presence?" He growled through the tiny opening.

"I'm sorry Sh-." Mimori stopped herself from blurting out his name again. "Mimori is just so excited you're here to see her."

"It's fine as long as you know. Do you have work? I did promise I would treat you to that dessert shop you've been wanting. So, if you're free, let's go."

"I am, I am, I am!" Mimori screamed with delight. She was so thrilled she could die. It was like they were going on a date. She ran over to the other side of the car to get in, ignoring her manager's anxious calls out to her.

"Was someone calling you?" Sho asked, scanning the outside. He jumped with fright when her manager threw herself at the window and knocked profusely on the glass.

"Pochi…" Sho glared at her. Mimori looked down in shame. She did have something scheduled, but it wasn't for another hour. Surely, they would have time to eat dessert.

"Mimori just wanted to have cake with you?" she pouted stubbornly.

He rolled down his window to her manager and turned to Mimori. "What time is your work?"

Mimori told him the time and location. Sho nodded and asked her manager to follow them to the shop. From there, she could take Mimori to work.

"Sho-chan, are you not going to order anything?"

"Just seeing your happy face is enough for me," Sho replied smoothly. It would ruin his image if he was seen eating such dainty cakes. He had his hat, mask, and sunglasses on hoping no one would recognize him.

"Kyaa! I can't believe Sho-chan is like that to Mimori!" the girl squealed happily, taking quicker bites of her strawberry dessert.

"Neh, Sho-chan, did you know Mogami-san is no longer in my class? They bumped her up a grade so she's a third-year now. I think they just want her out of the school faster because of all the paparazzi lately," Mimori prattled on as she ate.

"Tch!" Sho clucked his tongue in response, acting like he wasn't too interested. He was still stuck as a second-year since they both missed out on their first year of high school. It annoyed him that she would be graduating earlier.

Mimori had been testing Sho. She wanted to know if he was still interested in Kyoko. She was quite pleased with his lack of reaction and glad Sho wasn't asking her any questions about that girl anymore.

Sho was in no mood to endure Mimori's jealousy and whining regarding Kyoko, so he avoided the topic. He had received word that Kyoko accepted the job offer. It wouldn't be long before he could see with his own eyes that she was doing fine.

"Ren?" Yashiro called knocking on the trailer door before opening it. "They said ten minutes until you're needed on the set."

Ren pulled the earbuds out of his ears and wrapped them around his phone. If he visualized it in his mind, it would appear he had everything down for later. He could always improvise. It was convenient that on his last day of shooting this drama, he received the notification that his package was delivered to their building. He wasn't clear on the details of how her day went, but he hoped his surprise would cheer her up if she needed it. He shrugged his arms into the sleeves of the protective firefighter jacket, preparing to leave the trailer.

"Is everything alright, Ren?" Yashiro asked, staring at his friend with concern. His charge had been focused on something for quite some time. He was pretty sure it wasn't any of the projects Ren was currently working on. Ren had asked Yashiro to give him some privacy so he could read over the script. It wasn't uncommon for Ren to ask that of him; however, Yashiro found it odd that he had been listening to music in the process. Lately, Ren had been glued to his phone during breaks at work so he wondered if he was worried about something.

"I assure you, everything is fine, Yashiro-san," Ren replied and smiled politely. That was Yashiro's cue to drop his inquiry. It was good that Ren was a pro at regulating his sweat from the neck up. If his firefighter tee wasn't a dark navy, it would have given away the sweat he had worked up back there.

Ren walked up to the director when they arrived at the set, leaving Yashiro no more room to question him. Yashiro wondered if everything was going well between him and Kyoko. He didn't want to even entertain the idea that their relationship was in jeopardy. It was just yesterday that they were so lovey-dovey. He couldn't fathom anything could be wrong with them. Yashiro decided to observe them tomorrow when they were together at the R'Mandy studio.

…

Hours had passed since the last aftershock caused the most recent collapse. The sun had set long ago making the search difficult. Makeshift light stands were erected and helmet lamps were turned on. The men worked frantically trying to remove the rubble in the area he was spotted last. This was always the risk all of them took when they donned the uniform and answered the call. Another EMT led the hysterical children away earlier while the men tried to rescue their comrade.

'I got something,' one of them cried out signaling to the others. The other men moved to his section and began tossing debris out of the way. A hand was finally exposed. One of the rescuers gripped the wrist of the lifeless-looking hand covered in soot and smeared with blood. His pulse was faint but it was there.

'He's still alive! Work faster!' the guy screamed trying to recover their partner. This was a man he worked with side by side for the past few years. There was no way he would give up on him. They had to use crowbars and other tools for leverage to remove the heavier blocks until he was finally clear of the rubble. He was unconscious and although shallow, still breathing.

The medical team that was on standby watching them work moved in quickly with a spine board. Due to his bulk, it took several men to secure him to the board and carry him out. They groaned under his weight and struggled to carry him over all the debris. They rushed over as fast as they could while crouching in the open area. They kept their heads low when the medical helicopter that would evacuate their friend attempted to get closer and land.

"CUT!" The director called out. "Very good everyone. I felt the urgency this round and no one acted like they were the Incredible Hulk when picking off the rocks. I fear if Tsuruga-kun had to be buried again the prop crew would go on strike. Ten-minute break while I review the tape. We will have to CG the helicopter and the background into the final shot."

The men holding Ren on the stretcher let out loud sighs of relief and placed the actor gently on the ground then collapsed around him.

"Ah shit, Tsuruga-san, you're so damn heavy. My arms feel like jelly now," one of the actors cried dramatically. Ren apologized while the crew worked to unstrap him. He sat up when he was finally free.

"No, no, it's nothing for you to apologize. We all had a few NGs in this scene dragging it out longer than it needed to," the actor explained, laying down on his back and stretching his arms over his head. "So that's how much 190cm of solid muscle weighs. Sheesh, must be nice! I like to think I'm fit for my 35 years but I fear my age may be showing." His comment made them all chuckle. Japanese rarely looked their age. The man could easily pass as someone in his mid-twenties.

The Director made his way to the group still lounging on the ground, making no attempt to move as assistants catered to them. "Everything checked out this go around. That's the end for you, Tsuruga-san. I thank you for taking part in this series. Initially, we were supposed to kill you off but the idea was vehemently rejected by the fans," he admitted with a chuckle. "Though your screen time is over, your character will live on, off-screen. That should somewhat appease them."

Ren bowed to the director, cast, and crew. He walked to the trailer to take a quick shower and change his clothes. As he cleaned up, his body began humming with nervous energy about going home. To ease his anxiety, Ren tried to remember what he learned from his research. I must have confidence. He had everyone fooled into believing that he was a confident person and had his shit together. He only ever showed his true self in front of Kyoko. She knew the insecure man that lurked beneath the surface of his carefully crafted mask and she still stayed by his side. For her, he would prevail tonight.

When he got home, he found Kyoko sitting cross-legged on the couch with her guitar on her lap, wearing one of his shirts and he prayed nothing underneath it.

She put the guitar down and hopped up to greet him, throwing her arms around his neck. "I missed you, Corn," she said, clinging to him. He wrapped his arms around her tiny little waist, keeping his hands in safe territory while lifting her for a kiss.

"I missed you too," he murmured against her lips and set her back on her feet before his hands could wander.

"How was your day? Did you eat? I can make you something light," she asked, heading to the kitchen. He admired the way his t-shirt rode high on her thighs, innocently teasing him as she walked away.

"It was good, no big hiccups and yes, I ate properly. You don't have to make me anything."

Kyoko stared at him shrewdly, wondering if he was telling the truth. He held up three fingers to her. "Scout's honor," he said with a lopsided grin.

"Well, do you want me to make you some tea so you can relax?"

Kuon shook his head. "I can get me something. You can go back to what you were doing," he said, crossing the living room to the kitchen before she could get there. "I'm going to have a drink." Confidence Kuon. "Would you like something?"

Kyoko shook her head pointing at the cup resting on the coffee table in front of her.

"A package came for you today. Adachi-san brought it up when I got home," she called after him. Kyoko had fought the urge to peek in the box ever since the concierge dropped it off.

Kuon emerged from the kitchen with a glass of his favorite cognac and sat next to her taking slow sips of the liquor. She pointed to the box sitting in the corner of the room, just out of view to make it less tempting for her. The urge was ridiculous since she had no business snooping into his mail.

Kuon ignored the package, gauging her mood instead. He placed his glass down, reached for her bare legs, and settled them over his thighs. Absentmindedly, he took her foot in his hands and began to knead the underside. Kyoko moaned and settled back against the cushions while he rubbed her feet. It was something he did often ever since the night of the Awards Ceremony. His father would be proud of the attentiveness he showed his woman. "You had your meeting today with the school Principal. How did that go? Your mail said you would tell me tonight."

She hummed as he continued the massage. "I was asked to skip a grade and join the third-year class. He wanted to make sure it was something that I wanted to do."

Kuon paused his movements on her feet and gazed at her lying with her eyes closed. "What did you decide?" He asked when she finally opened her eyes.

"I agreed. I feel good about my decision. I'm happy that I'm able to finish high school and get my diploma earlier. This way, I can concentrate solely on acting once I'm finished. I think the Principal used me to increase attendance in that class though. There were five students there today, including me," she pondered with a giggle.

Kuon saw the elation in her eyes and knew she had no doubts in her mind regarding her decision. It would quail the small majority of jealous fans that had a problem with him dating a high school student if she graduated earlier. Even though that lot was small, he still didn't like fans degrading her because of him. He was sure Kyoko spared him from most of the sordid details of her high school life.

"If that's what you've decided, then congratulations! I'm happy you're happy," he smiled, leaning over and giving her another kiss.

Kyoko's fingers curled around the fabric of his shirt, pulling him closer to her and parting her lips to deepen their embrace. Kyoko felt heady, getting drunk off him and the lingering sweetness of his drink as their tongues mingled together in a passionate kiss.

Kuon broke the kiss and pulled away from her before things went too far. He needed to stop or they wouldn't be able to get to his surprise. "Wait a minute. I have something," he stated and stood abruptly. He looked around the room at what he needed to do first, his eyes landing on her guitar. "Do you have anything more to do like homework or practice for work?"

Kyoko shook her head "no" trying to contain her smile. She had never seen him so jittery since the night he confessed. "Do you mind if I move your guitar?" Kyoko nodded her head. Kuon quickly put the guitar on top of the dining table. He looked at the coffee table in the middle of the room. "Are you done with your drink?" he asked, picking up her mug and his glass and then emptying the remaining contents into his mouth. Gah! It burned slightly on the way down.

Kyoko sat on the couch watching her boyfriend flutter about as he cleared the living room of all obstacles. He even went so far as to move the coffee table against the wall.

"What are you doing, Corn?" Kyoko cocked her head curiously when he picked up a dining room chair and brought it to the center of the large room. His next move was to pick up his phone and turned on the surround sound system. Kyoko could only guess that they were going to have an impromptu dance session, but the chair confused her.

When he was satisfied with the room, he guided her to the chair and pecked her lips. "Okay, give me five, no, ten minutes tops. I'll be right back."

She watched him grab the package on his way to the bedroom and left her sitting on the wooden seat, wondering what could possibly be in the box.

Kuon shut the bedroom door behind him and locked it for good measure. He tore into the package quickly and surveyed the contents he laid on the bed. Everything seemed to be there. Gulping, his fingers moved toward the red, stretchy material that came first. Fuck this! He thought, throwing it back in the box. Wearing that thing required a stiffer drink. He pulled off his clothes and went to the bathroom. He had already taken a shower so all he did was wash his face, slick back his hair with water, and spritz his chest with cologne. For good measure, he pulled open the waistband of his boxers and sprayed down there too.

He removed his contacts after washing his hands and went back into the room to get dressed. When he was done, he studied his reflection in the full-length mirror. Everything seemed to fit right. He had covertly asked the wardrobe designer several questions so he could purchase the most accurate size online. His custom order had taken some time shipping from overseas, but it was finally here.

Confidence Kuon! It's showtime!

He opened the door and peeked out. She was still sitting where he left her, browsing on her phone. Kuon slipped out quietly, dimming the lights with the switch on the wall, and pressed play on his phone. Kyoko glanced up at the ceiling startled by the lighting change and music filling the room. Her eyes landed on Kuon as he strutted out with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Kyoko's mouth opened wide in a large "O" and her eyes bugged out of their sockets with surprise. She was speechless as he came out dressed as her latest wet dream. Kuon stood in front of her in full gear; helmet, jacket, pants, suspenders, and bare feet. His open jacket showed off the tight muscles of his chest and stomach. The natural way he hooked his thumbs into the waistband of his pants and swayed his hips to the music had her drooling immediately.

Her heart rate increased rapidly when her boyfriend dressed as a firefighter began to move like he was the lead singer of some popular K-pop band. Kyoko had no clue which band, the moves just looked vaguely familiar. Getting into his performance, she clapped her hands in delight when he crossed his legs and expertly spun around. He pulled off his helmet and tossed it on her lap making her squeal. Kuon turned from left to right rolling his arms and sensually rocking his hips all the while, making her face heat with embarrassment. It was becoming difficult to contain her excited giggles.

"Whooo!" She whooped with enthusiasm and cat-called, "take it off baby," when Kuon grabbed the edges of his jacket and flung it open. He sang along with the chorus as he continued his undulations, slowly working the jacket off.

"When I found you, I found me, Nothin' around, far as I could see, You were the current that carried me, When I found you, I found me, Lines in the sands only you can read, My S.O.S., yeah, you rescued me..."

He tossed the garment in her direction and chuckled when it landed on her head. Kyoko immediately yanked the garment off, not wanting to miss a single part of the private show her boyfriend was giving her. She couldn't believe he did this for her, recalling the time when she had voiced her erotic wish to see him in his uniform. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine a striptease to go along with it. Kyoko wiped her mouth with the back of her hand to slop up some of the drool slipping out. She unabashedly watched her boyfriend slowly drop to his knees and worm his body towards the floor.

He turned back over to face her, holding his body up in a bridge position, and pumped his hips. He exaggerated his movements as he opened and closed his legs. Kyoko squeezed her thighs trying to quench the growing ache developing between her legs. She watched him essentially dry hump the air, the floor, and wished it was her. He was so fucking hot!

His muscles strained as he pushed himself up. She could see droplets of sweat running down his back but nothing on his face. He threw his head over his shoulder mouthing the words to the song as he continued to pump his chest and buck his hips. The smoldering dark eyes of the emperor locked with hers making her whole body shudder with desire. He smirked. He knew exactly how he was affecting her. Kuon shimmied his way towards her and nudged her knees apart with his leg. A gasp escaped her lips. The heat of his body already threatening to burn her. As if she needed more teasing, he lowered himself onto her thigh, the material of his pants grazing against her as he rolled his hips.

Kyoko was in a frenzy. She could feel as well as see that he was rock hard. Kyoko reached out, desperate to touch him, but he playfully smacked her hand away. He wagged his finger back and forth signaling that touching was off-limits. Pouting over this rule, Kyoko sat on her hands to keep from reaching out to him again. Kuon spread his legs to straddle her, using the back of the chair as leverage. He leaned back and gyrated his crotch inches from her body. He was so close that she could smell his delicious scent mixed with his cologne. His pheromones made her feel heady, causing a fresh wave of juices to flood her nether region. Suddenly, a brilliant idea popped into her mind. Waiting for the perfect moment, Kyoko closed the gap at the right second. With the flat of her tongue, she licked at the bare skin of his lower abdomen.

Kuon let out a torturous groan. Fuck! He felt defeated. His fingers tangled into her hair and crushed his mouth to hers. Their tongues mated in a tantalizing dance of their own. Kyoko released her hands and dug her nails into his back. Kuon pulled away from her, his chest heaving to catch his breath.

Kyoko flashed him a satisfied smile. She loved that she had the power to shake him just as he did her.

Kuon did his best to calm his nerves. He worried that if he continued like this he would take things too far. All his blood was now pumping to his groin, making it difficult for him to think straight. He concentrated on the song to get his bearings. It wasn't an ideal song to perform a striptease, but he liked it. He applied the choreography he learned from the LME training classes he took early in his career and a whole lot of K-pop dance routines. It worked well depending on how fast or slow he executed the moves. If he removed a little clothing and exaggerated his hips, he had a well-thought-out dance routine. Regaining his composure, he began to move again, getting back into a slow rhythm despite the fast tempo.

Kyoko squirmed in her chair resigning herself to watching her boyfriend's show until the end. At the next chorus, he ripped off the tear-away pants. She screamed and covered her red face. Why is he so good at this? She watched through parted fingers unable to take her eyes off his well-endowed cock and his toned ass whenever he turned around. The tight black boxer briefs he wore left nothing to the imagination.

"My eyes are up here missy," he teased, bucking his hips in her direction. He made it impossible for her to avert her gaze. Unable to take it anymore, Kyoko stood up defiantly and stalked up to him. Kuon didn't try to stop her this time. Instead, he improvised by hooking her leg over his hip and grinding against her. Before the song ended, he cupped her ass and lifted her, wrapping her legs around his waist, and locking her ankles together.

"I'm glad you're here! I fear I might catch fire at any moment, Mr. Fireman," she said, delivering the cheesy line with a cute pout. She wasn't lying. Her body was overheating with lust. It would be so embarrassing for the coroner to declare that her cause of death was internal combustion.

"Well then, it's a good thing I brought my hose with me," he responded smoothly. That was the last straw. Kyoko threw her head back and laughed. Kuon took the opportunity to smother her neck with kisses while carrying her to their bedroom. It was time he did his job properly and put out her fire.

AN: Ahahaha…this was pure CRACK I tell yah, but I couldn't stop myself. I couldn't forget Kyoko's wish back in chap 40 regarding Ren in uniform and then I took it to the extreme. My inspirations were of course Magic Mike (Joe Manganiello *drool*), Chris Brown's Take You Down.

The takeaway from here is that I'm having Kyoko graduate from high school early. The rest is almost 3K words of pure selfishness on my part. I'll try to get my act together in the next chapter. XD

Thank you for continuing to read. I hope this brought you some joy in the wake of the latest spoilers. I appreciate your reviews on the last chapter.

The song Ren performed used was "Rescue Me" by Marshmello.

I fixed my typo from principle to Principal. Thank you my dear readers for alerting me to this...I was debating being lazy about correcting it, but it kept bothering me so I did. LOL

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^