Chapter 91: Part of the Class

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Kyoko would finally be accepted by her classmates.

Kyoko narrowly missed smacking Kuon's hand as he stole one of the bunny cookies she had yet to ice with frosting. He chuckled and stuffed the little cookie into his mouth.

"Too slow, baby!" He tease her with a mouthful and kissed her temple.

It was annoying that he was still too fast for her. She needed to hurry and improve her reflexes. They had not been to the gym since she started school, but continued to wake up early to get in some exercises at home. Kyoko focused on training the muscles in her legs, knowing that they were her strongest asset. The extra training was helpful when executing Momiji's stunts. She saw a vast improvement in the heights of her jumps and an increase in speed while running. Her stamina and agility had improved drastically as well. The stunt coordinator was always revising Momiji's choreography based on Kyoko's skills. He told her that she inspired him to push for more, and not just from her, but the entire cast.

"Heyyy, wait until I finish icing them. I made extra for you and Yashiro-san, so no more before you give yourself a stomach ache."

She had made two large batches of cookies using cat and bunny cutters, perfecting the recipe months ago so she could give them as a treat to Kanae and Chiori. It was low in calories and still managed to taste delicious. She recalled her best friend's frown when she saw the cute little creatures. Mo! What are you five? Can't you make cookies that aren't so embarrassing? Kanae ended up hating herself after eating the whole bag.

"Mmm, these are good, very light. It has a good texture and flavor...but can you maybe not put the icing on mine though?"

Kyoko reached up and pinched and patted Kuon's cheek as an affectionate aunt would do to their cute little nephew. "Of course, sweetie!"

"Why, you, don't patronize me," he growled, tickling her sides.

"Stop it! You're going to get icing all over us," Kyoko squealed, trying to fend off his fingers with her arms. Kuon's eyes smoldered to a dark green as he eyed the frosting in her hands and then her. His lips twitched into a predatory smile.

"Noooo! I have to finish this quickly so it can chill. Then I have to get ready for school and you, work." She shouted, backing away and returning to her cookies. It was the wrong move on her part as she watched him from her periphery.

Kuon held his hands up innocently and slid behind her wrapping his arms around her waist. His lips lightly caressed her ear as he rubbed his need against her firm behind. He slid a palm up slowly from her hip to squeeze her sports bra-covered breast. "Let's say, I help you. Would you have time then?"

Kyoko trembled as he licked and nibbled on her earlobe. She could feel herself swaying towards the idea until her eyes fell on the beautiful cookies she had decorated thus far. Her mind cleared as she remembered who she was making these cookies for. There was no way she could serve her schoolmates the type of decorated cookies that were bound to be massacred under the Emperor's tyranny.

Her knee-jerk reaction was to get out of his embrace before she was too far gone. She bucked her hips back, a little more forceful than she intended, and without thinking to make space so she could squirm away from him. Her action managed to hit him right in the dick with her tailbone. Kuon groaned and doubled over in pain. He fell to the floor cupping himself between the legs.

"Oh my goodness!" Kyoko exclaimed, covering her mouth with her hands and forgetting to speak in English. She was trying so hard not to laugh until she saw him writhing on the floor in agony. The panic began to set in.

"I'm so soorrrrry! Should I call someone?! A doctor?! An ambulance?!" She begged, kneeling beside him.

Kuon continued to moan on the floor ignoring her questions, eyes tearing up from the throbbing pain. He had never been hit like this with a hard-on. Was it supposed to be painful if it wasn't his balls? This was so mortifying for him.

"I'm going to get my phone!" Kyoko flew out of the kitchen.

"Nooo! Kyoko don't call anyone!" Kuon managed to gasp when she returned with her phone.

"Are you sure? What if it's broken? I'll call Yashiro-san. He'll know what to do?!" She could see the headlines already. His fans would come after her with pitchforks. She'll be known as the actress that broke Japan's top actor's penis. She would probably be extradited from the country for committing such a crime.

"No, whatever you do, DO NOT call Yashiro!" He cried ignoring the pain so she could understand the severity of his words. Calling Yashiro would be the last thing on earth he would want to do in this situation. His friend and manager would sustain himself for the rest of his life on this one humiliating moment alone. Kuon was sure he would never let him live this down.

"Oh, oh, I know." She thumbed quickly through her contacts without having to search long since it was a frequent number she used. Her phone rang a few times before the other end picked up.

"Kyoko-chan? Is everything ok? Why do you look so frantic?" Kuu's loud voice filled the kitchen space. She had called him over video chat and didn't care that she was scantily clad in her workout gear.

"Otou-san, I think I broke it," Kyoko wailed near tears. "He won't let me call an ambulance! He's in so much pain! I don't know what to do! Please, tell me what to do!"

"Kyoko-chan? Where's Kuon? Is that him moaning? Please change the camera view on the phone so I can see him."

Kyoko turned the phone towards Kuon who was now curled up in a fetal position.

"Son, it's Dad! Tell me what's wrong so I can help!"

Kuon groaned. He wanted the earth to swallow him whole right now. How could he tell his Dad his problem? I was making unwanted advances towards your daughter and her tight ass clocked me in the dick.

"If you don't tell me, I'm going to call emergency services. You're scaring Kyoko-chan right now and me. Tell me what's wrong!" Kuu demanded.

Kuon groaned again in response and reached for the phone, placing it on the floor so he could face his father. The pain had subsided a little, but his dick was still semi-hard. Shouldn't the pain have withered it down to its limp state by now?

"Hey Dad," Kuon managed, offering the man a weak smile.

"Kuon, tell me what happened so I can try to help," the older man looked back at his son with eyes full of concern. His son needed him and he couldn't be there.

"It's a bit embarrassing," Kuon told him a blush blooming on his cheeks.

Kuu's eyes widened at the sight of his son's expression. It had been so long since he made such a face in front of him and wished Julie was here to see how cute their boy looked right now. Kuu covertly took a screenshot. He would show it to her later.

"You can tell me anything. I'm your father. I won't judge you. I'll always be on your side Kuon. You know that."

Kuon sighed in resignation. He did need another man's opinion on the matter and he knew his father would never betray his confidence. He glanced at Kyoko kneeling about a meter away from him with her eyes shut and hands clasped in prayer.

"The thing is...err...um...have you ever got hit downthereduringanerection?" Kuon asked mumbling his last words.

"Come again? Hit? What? I didn't quite catch that last part!" Kuu responded quickly.

Kuon licked his lips nervously. Kyoko was now staring at him, her worried eyes encouraging him to ask. She felt so guilty.

"Are you someplace private?"

"Of course! I'm alone in my dressing room," Kuu assured him and stood up to lock his door. He couldn't risk any of the crew barging in on him while talking to his kids.

Kuon took a deep breath and tried again to put it more delicately, "I clumsily bumped my penis against something while…while it was...you know." Kuon was angling his head hoping his Dad would understand the situation without him saying more.

It took Kuu a second, but he finally understood his son's predicament. He had never experienced such a problem himself so he wasn't sure the level of pain Kuon was in. Kuu tried to think logically here since he admit to his son that he clearly didn't know. His boy was relying on him to have the answer.

"Is the pain unbearable?" Kuu asked. If he was still in excruciating pain he may have seriously hurt himself.

Kuon thought about it for a moment. It had reduced to a dull ache now that his penis was flaccid again. Talking

"It's not as painful," Kuon replied.

"I'd put some ice on it for now, but if you use the restroom and you see blood in your stream I would suggest seeing a doctor."

Kyoko squeaked! Blood in the urine? That would mean a serious problem. Kuon scooted towards her and held her hand. It couldn't be that serious. He would make a doctor's appointment if only to ease her worries.

"I recommend you see a doctor anyway. Just to make sure everything is A-O-K down there. I want grandkids after all."

"Dad!"

"What? Your mother and I had you around the same age."

"Look at how well that turned out," Kuon muttered sarcastically without thinking. He grimaced seeing the sad look cross his father's face. Shit! I'm such an asshole!

"I'm sorry, Dad. That was insensitive of me. I'm grateful to you and mom. Please know that I love you both and I'm proud to be your son. I definitely want kids with Kyoko in the future," he admitted, smiling at Kyoko and brushing the back of her hand with his lips. She beamed back at him. The prospect of having kids someday wasn't so terrifying to her anymore, if it was with him.

"Otou-san, you and Julie-san will make excellent grandparents," Kyoko added, trying to bring peace and love back to the conversation.

Kuu smiled appeased that they were talking about a future with them in it. "I'm glad!" Kuu exclaimed happily. There was an abrupt knocking sound from Kuu's end as the couple saw him turn his head. "I'll be out in a minute," he called to the person at the door. Kuu said his goodbyes to his kids and hung up the line reminding his son to follow up with him later.

Kyoko was already up and putting together some ice in a dishrag. She handed the makeshift ice pack to Kuon while he rested on the couch. It was still early with a good hour before Yashiro arrived. She let him rest and resumed frosting her cookies quickly.

Ren stared in surprise when Ruto, as usual, seemed to appear out of thin air beside his chair, holding a sealed envelope out to him. Ren tentatively reached for the envelope, cocking a brow at the man in front of him, confused.

Lory was dressed in a yellow silk robe with intricate embroidery of dragons and traditional patterns. The costume of the day reminded Ren of a Chinese Emperor of the Qing Dynasty.

The president nodded towards the thin manila envelope in Ren's hands encouraging him to open it. Hesitantly, he broke the seal with the letter opener Ruto provided to him before the assistant once again disappeared into the ether.

He pulled out the thin document and glanced at it. "Why do you already have this information?"

Lory smirked, "Isn't that what you just asked me for?"

"Well, yes, but why do you have it on hand is my question?"

"Oh, my dear boy. Must I spell it out to you? You're so predictable. I knew the moment you decided to participate in L.A. fashion week what your intentions would be while there, so I made preparations. Are you sure you're ready for this?" Lory asked, his eyes narrowing shrewdly.

"No, but I've decided it's about time for me to face her…face them," Ren stated with a firm resolution.

"I'm proud of you…Kuon," Lory said with misty eyes. They had waited for a very long time for this boy to find the courage to face his past. At this rate, Julie was bound to forgive him after this seeing how well her precious son has healed.

Ren nodded but remained silent. He clutched the papers in his hand, praying she would be willing to see him so he could selfishly apologize and find some closure. The information Lory provided had her current home and work location. It seemed she was no longer a model. Now, she was the one behind the camera. It didn't surprise him that she was a photographer. Whenever he hung out with them, she always had a camera with her. She took photos of anything that caught her eye, be it scenery, them, or random people on the street. She seemed to have a passion for it back then.

"I have to ask, is this really how you want to return?" Lory asked, interrupting his thoughts.

Ren pursed his lips, unwilling to mask his annoyance. This question was getting old. Since his reveal as Cain Heel, several Hollywood producers and agencies have approached Lory to sign Ren under contract. None of the offers were for lead roles, but anyone with a brain knew this would be a great start to get his foot in the door in America. So far, Ren had refused every one of them.

"We had this conversation already. There's no shortage of work for me here. I don't have to jump at the very first offer. I've just accepted that lead role here too," Ren replied in a tone that told Lory he was finished discussing the subject.

"Is that the only reason? Is Mogami-kun aware of your decisions?" Lory asked.

Ren winced, "I plan on telling her."

"Really?" Lory asked sarcastically.

"There has been a lot going on right now. It's not a good time." There was no way he would leave her side right now even if it meant only for a few weeks. He had no intention of relocating back to the US any time soon. It didn't mean he was giving up on his dream to become a famous actor in the States. He planned to achieve that with Kyoko by his side. For now, he was going to continue to grow in Japan until the right opportunity presented itself. Plus, I plan on inserting myself into whatever you have planned with Kyoko's debut. Hopefully, she could understand his feelings when he told her.

Lory hummed in response. He could understand his apprehension. Perhaps when the dust had settled around them he would rethink his decisions. When no more was said on the subject, he decided to broach the topic he had initially called Ren for. Lory was reluctant about sharing this new information.

"What does your schedule look like after this meeting?" asked Lory with a grave expression.

Ren squirmed in his chair. What could have the President acting so serious all of a sudden? "Yashiro-san will be here soon for our appointment at R'Mandy. What is it, Boss?"

Lory pondered for a few moments. "Will Mogami-kun be with you?"

"Yes, but she will be arriving separately with Tadashi-san. Why does it matter?"

"I wouldn't have asked you here if I didn't think you could handle it. If you prove me wrong, I hope your omamori can help bring you back. I received some new information that you may find shocking." Lory opened his desk drawer and pulled out another sealed envelope that held the documents he received just that morning. Ren stared at the ominous-looking envelope. What could it possibly contain?

There was a knock at the door just as he closed his fingers around the flat parcel. Lory nodded for Ruto to admit the person. Yashiro strolled into the office and greeted the President. It was time for them to leave. Ren stuffed both envelopes into his messenger bag. He didn't need Lory to tell him to keep the contents private. He would have to wait until tonight to see what was in the other manila envelope and try to remain focused on work.

Kyoko was distracted the whole time at school except during lunch, happy that she had bonded with the kids in her new class. They found her cookies delicious after she told them of their low-calorie origin, trusting her easily. The girls, Gina and Hanami, were best friends that were scouted while out and about in Harajuku when they were in middle school. They typically appeared in popular fashion magazines for brands geared to teen girls. Both girls dreamed of one day walking the runway during Tokyo Fashion Week. Although both were beautiful in their own way, Hanami was unfortunately too short for the runway; however, her height didn't deter her from dreaming, which Kyoko admired.

She was delighted to befriend them. They gave her a lot of tips on makeup, clothing, and modeling. At one point, they stood up giving Kyoko some lessons in posing. The dark-haired boy with frosted tips, Gen, short for Genkei, joined in their discussion. He was also a model for the same agency as the girls. He had milky white skin, rosy lips, and naturally long lashes. He reminded Kyoko of a doll, so pretty. Gen was the only one out of her new friends that asked about Ren. The girls joked that Gen had a boy crush on Ren and even shortened his name to be just like him. Gen defended himself by simply admitting that he admired the man. His confidence was admirable. Of course, he proceeded to beg Kyoko to get him a signed headshot of her boyfriend.

Kyoko was a little disappointed that the shaggy-haired boy, Maru, was absent today. It was kind of him yesterday to share his books. She would have to give him his share of the cookies another day. They had told her that Maru was a gifted DJ, songwriter, and record producer. She wondered if he had any dealings with Ruriko or Sho in his line of work. The rest of her missing classmates consisted of one other girl that started as a social media idol and was now branching into singing and boys that made up another popular idol group whom Kyoko never heard about. Her classmates decided she was hopeless. They weren't trying to be malicious since her grudges could not sense any animosity coming from them. For the first time in her school career, she was for once, enjoying the company of her peers.

…

Aside from lunch, Kyoko had quietly fretted about Ren's health and his ability to reproduce. His fans would string her up if they knew how she hurt their precious celebrity and quite possibly deprived them of admiring his future offspring. She wasn't at all satisfied with the text updates he had sent to appease her.

The moment Kyoko met up with Ren at R'Mandy, she pulled him off to a corner so they could talk privately. "So, how was it? Is everything okay down there? Did you make a doctor's appointment?" Kyoko asked, whispering anxiously.

Yashiro looked at his charges suspiciously. He still had no idea what was bothering Ren these past few days and now here they were having a hushed conversation with Kyoko gesturing wildly and Ren laughing. During his work before this, Ren did not ask to be left alone, nor did he hang on his phone. Instead, Yashiro often found his friend, script in hand, absentmindedly staring into space. Yashiro could only conclude that whatever was initially bothering him was replaced with something new brought on by the President. When Yashiro inquired about his mood, Ren brushed it off giving the manager a vague answer. He could only wish, that someday, Ren would come to confide in him more. Watching the pair hug and kiss in the hall was enough to reassure him that his favorite couple was doing just fine. He hoped whatever Ren was hiding, he would at least talk it over with Kyoko.

In the hall of R'Mandy, Ren chuckled and assured her he was fine. So far, his urine was coming out clean and the pain was non-existent. He had made an early appointment for the next day. His usual doctor, a close friend of Lory's, was willing to see him before actual office hours. Ren knew the man had an obligation to report his visit to the President but he didn't mind.

Kyoko's golden eyes lit with happiness at the news. She leaned in to embrace her boyfriend, relieved that he was taking this problem seriously. Ren lifted her chin so he could place a light kiss on her lips. Kyoko blushed and looked around to make sure no one was paying attention to them. Everyone in the area was enraptured by the couple. They hurried to look like they were busy doing something else instead of watching their love story play out. They parted ways when one of the design assistants gave them their instructions with the promise that Fuji will flutter about momentarily.

...

Ren's head shot up at the shrill howl of agony coming from down the hall in the direction of where he parted with Kyoko not more than ten minutes ago. Absentmindedly, he hastily thrust his arms into the shirt he was trying on and secured a few buttons before leaving the tailor and assistant trailing after him. He found a small crowd standing outside of Kyoko's room.

"Is Kyoko okay?" He asked no one in particular. His heart was ready to beat out of his chest with anxiety. The sound of loud sobbing increased while he pushed past the people. His eyes landed on Yashiro and Tadashi already inside the room. He didn't see his girlfriend but saw a crumpled Fuji weeping on the floor. One of his assistants handed the designer some tissues to blow his nose.

Ren turned confused eyes to the two men and whispered, "What's going on? Where's Kyoko?" He asked, looking frantically around the room.

"She's behind the screen, changing," Tadashi told him and nodded towards the screen in the front corner of the room.

Ren was relieved that she was fine but wondered what could have happened to the man on the floor.

"And him?" He asked staring at Fuji whimpering on the floor.

"We're not exactly sure," Yashiro answered.

Ren approached the designer, worried that he might be overstepping his boundaries a bit, but if he could somehow help, he would.

"Fuji-san?" Ren asked reaching out a hand to place on the designer's shoulder. As he did so, the sound of seams ripping filled the room.

Fuji instantly stopped crying at the horrifying sound and watched Ren fingering a tear on the shoulder of his sleeve.

"I'm so sorry, Fuji-san. I should have been more careful," Ren apologized quickly as Fuji's crying eyes turned to fury.

"What have you two been doing? It has been less than two weeks! How could things have changed so drastically?! All of you get out of here and close the door," he yelled and ordered his design assistants to stay. Everyone scrambled to do his bidding. They, including Ren, were used to their usually sweet Boss becoming a dictator or a weeping mess whenever a fashion show drew near. They weren't affected by his behavior since, during the actual event, he was always steadfast and reliable. He often pulled off miracles during a crisis, resulting in a successful show.

"Kyoko-chan, get your perky ass out from behind there this instant," Fuji exclaimed.

"Fuji, you're scaring the poor girl," the female assistant warned.

Ren heard his girlfriend squeak and peer out from behind the screen.

"Come on out, sweetie! I promise I won't bite hard. See, look Ren-kun is here. Isn't his presence comforting?" Fuji asked, trying to coax the girl out into the open.

"It's okay, Kyoko. You'll get used to Fuji-san's mood swings with every fashion show," Ren assured her with a smile.

Fuji whirled and glared at Ren. "Take off your shirt, lover boy!"

Ren's eyes opened in shock. He pulled his shirt closer a little embarrassed by the order.

"I don't have time for you to get all virginal on me. Take it off!" Fuji barked, making the man react. Ren rolled his eyes to Kyoko and mouthed Drama Queen in her direction. "Take your pants off too!"

"Ehhhh?!" Ren gaped at the designer.

"Don't act all shy. We've all seen what you're packing in this room!" Fuji smirked when neither Ren nor Kyoko disputed his claim.

He wasn't lying. Ren was accustomed to quick change-outs at a fashion show in front of everybody. There was no room for shyness in fashion, but he hoped to hell he wouldn't make Kyoko undress as well. He would have to start reciting his mantra to keep his little head down. Ren kicked off his shoes and undid his jeans, placing both neatly on a chair.

Fuji turned to his assistants and told them to begin measuring him. Kyoko now understood what was going on and creeped out from behind the screen. She listened intently as the man known as Jay measured quickly and rattled off numbers while the female assistant, Chiaki, wrote them down. This would be good information to perfect her dolls.

Fuji circled her like a vulture. The loose black silk spaghetti strap top accentuated her creamy skin and toned arms. The pink sequin mini skirt he had planned to pair it with was stretched so far and rode so high that she looked like a 200 yen hooker working the streets of Kabukicho. It was a disaster.

He tsked at the monstrosity that was his design on the poor girl. Why wasn't anything fitting on her ass? Had he mixed up her measurements with another model? The first skirt Fuji had her try on ended with him crying in hysterics when the seams unraveled at the zipper. This was the scene Ren had walked in on. Chiaki assured Kyoko that it wasn't her fault. He was just under a lot of stress. Any little setback would set him off.

Fuji stopped behind her and stared. Kyoko felt like a specimen under a microscope as he stood there analyzing her form from behind. She didn't know why the bottoms weren't fitting her. Her only guess was that all the stunts and workouts she had been doing of late had rounded out her booty. She didn't notice the difference because she had been wearing a lot of flowy skirts and dresses. Even her LoveMe uniform was a poor indicator since the jumpsuit was always baggy on her. She hoped that her workout routine was the culprit. She would have to put herself on a strict diet if she was indeed getting fat.

Fuji was pulled from his thoughts when his assistants said they were done with Ren. He looked Ren over and tsked again. He could see it. The young man had put on a little more weight. In a good way. It was a running joke throughout the industry how this man, with the physique of a God, had the appetite of a tiny bird. Fuji could see how the love of a good woman was changing his model. He was ecstatic. The possibilities were endless with this couple. He had already started sketching designs for the Heel siblings. Fuji was also looking forward to the mini shoots he had planned in L.A. but first, he needed to salvage his current collection.

AN: Hi hi! Thanks for sticking with me! So I had to ask my husband if such a scenario as above with a man's erection was plausible. His response, "Of course! That shit hurts!" He wouldn't let me reenact it so I could gather scientific data on the level of pain a man would experience in such a situation...LOL. I told him we have enough kids so what was the problem. He still refused T_T! So I may have exaggerated all the pain Kuon felt for the sake of this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it nonetheless.

As always, thank you for reading and leaving reviews. And big thanks to the reviewers that called out my typo on Principal. I would have continued in ignorant bliss...XD. I appreciate all your feedback.

To my serial Guest reader...thank you for taking the time and leaving your thoughts. I appreciate your honesty. I probably didn't do Kyoko's outfit justice. I tried to describe a Prada skirt I had as a screenshot, but of course, I don't know the name *sigh.*

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^