Chapter 118: Family Dinner

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Ren will feel that loving warmth by now.

Kyoko couldn't believe this was breaking news this morning. According to the broadcast, she was cheating yet not cheating on Ren. She groaned as she watched the bane of her existence fill the television screen as they played a clip of Sho's interview last night.

"Fuwa-san, I'm sure all your fans would love to know if your relationship with Kyoko-san was rekindled after working on this project together. There seems to be a lot of chemistry between you two on this album cover."

Oozing charisma, Sho chuckled straightening up in his seat and running his hand through his blonde fringe pushing it out of his eyes.

"This collaboration has definitely brought us closer..." he began with a warm smile akin to someone in love.

What?! Who's close with you Shotaro?! Why would you answer like that, Baka?!

"That was taken from an interview last night with Fuwa-san. This short clip circulated overnight and was shared and re-shared among fans making it go viral. Naturally, everyone jumped to conclusions. In this context, it is implied that there is some romantic development between the old friends; however, with just a few clicks of the mouse our staff was able to find the whole interview and it appears to not be the case. Let's take a look at his full response," the reporter continued.

"The collaboration has definitely brought us closer and you could say rekindled our relationship but as friends. It's no secret anymore that I wronged her in the past. I'm happy we can move past our issues and work together amicably. We are both professionals in this field and take our work seriously. If fans are speculating about our relationship then we did our job well."

"As you can see, Fuwa-san's full response contradicts the rumors the edited video incited. Some still argue that it could all be a misdirection tactic…"

Kyoko shut the television off. She was annoyed that some trolling fan started all this by cropping out the rest of his words and the public ate it up. She couldn't even be angry at Sho since this wasn't his fault.

"Corn, I have no words. What they're saying isn't true. I would never…"

He was smiling, that sparkling ultra-gentleman smile that she loathed. She grimaced. His smile quickly turned apologetic.

"Sorry, I didn't realize I was doing that. This isn't your fault. Unfortunately, this is how the media works."

"When I accepted the job, I wanted to prove to myself that Shotaro and I could get along again. I didn't think it would raise any bad rumors." She said taking his hand in hers and entwining their fingers. "I don't even understand how they could possibly think I would cheat on you. I'd have to be insane to do that."

She moved to sit on his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. His arms instinctively wound its way around her waist. "You're the man of my dreams. My fairy prince. I love you, Kuon."

He looked at her tenderly as her eyes fluttered closed. He tilted his head down and closed his eyes, kissing her softly on the lips.

Keeping cool under extreme pressure was her forte. It was a necessity in her previous position and seemed to be a necessity in this one as she clutched the folders in her hand. She smoothed the wrinkles out of her blazer as she waited, finding any small excuse to keep calm. Her old wardrobe was professional and drab consisting of nothing but dark muted suits. She was excited to eventually add some color to her closet. She needed to go shopping. When the elevator doors opened her face was pleasant as her heels clicked against the tile floor while she walked down the halls of LME.

She learned so much about her new charge from talking with Tadashi. It surprised her that he only recently came into her life after so many years away. He came clean so she wouldn't judge Kyoko for any of the little quirks that could have developed as a result of his absence.

Her opinion of Tadashi rose at his honesty. She didn't even have to ask many questions since he had no problems sharing what he learned about his daughter during the photoshoot yesterday. She had pages upon pages of notes just from Tadashi alone. She concluded that he was a proud and doting father that loved his daughter very much.

Before the job interview, Linh did her due diligence and researched Kyoko. She was up to date on all the rumors circulating around the young starlet by the time she met her; however, she truly didn't know the girl herself. That would have to come with time.

Her meeting with Yashiro was also very informative. He made sure that his charges' schedules coincided as much as possible and asked that she try to maintain the same. She understood that he wanted to maximize their personal time with one another. It was important to keep their relationship thriving. She had yet to see the couple interact with one another, firsthand. From what she gathered during her research, the young man treated her with respect and love.

Linh became confused when Yashiro showed her Kyoko's current schedule.

"Yashiro-san, Kyoko is a very talented young woman. I'm not trying to doubt your skills as a manager but why do you only have her doing commercials for products and small cameos in dramas? Surely by now, she has earned some larger roles. What about after Los Angeles? It's blank except for here. Her schedule seems entirely too free to me. I'm sure you have Tsuruga-san's schedule filled in for the next six months. What is with these double standards?"

Yashiro sighed heavily and rubbed the back of his neck.

"You are aware that Kyoko-san is part of the LoveMe section, correct?"

Linh nodded. She thought the whole section was a sham concocted by the president to get young ladies to work for free.

"I can see by your expression that you aren't fond of our President's pet section."

Linh laughed softly. "Was I that obvious? I feel like Takarada-san is taking advantage of these young ladies' goodwill and getting free labor out of them."

"It would appear that way but..." Yashiro began.

Linh cocked a skeptical eyebrow at him.

"Okay, it is that way; however, it has been very effective for the members of the section. Each had lost that crucial emotion called love in some form or another but I've noticed them regaining it. Kyoko-chan is the founding member. The power to have her debut lies solely on the president. Any leading roles would have to go through him. Between you and me, I think she's ready. The president is working on his end but has kept me out of the loop for some odd reason."

"So the lull in her schedule is due to the President's meddling?"

Yashiro nodded solemnly. Linh accepted it and moved on.

They continued talking about the current work Kyoko had contracted but wouldn't occur until after her return from Los Angeles. For the work in LA, it was decided that she wouldn't attend since Yashiro originally planned on going alone. Linh would use the time Kyoko was away to complete her new hire training courses and attend the one-week managerial course offered at LME.

The final information Yashiro passed on to Linh was a listing of social media sites and online magazines that he recommended she follow. By following these activities as a manager, Linh would be better prepared to react if she knew at the start of each day what tabloids and fans posted. This would be helpful after the morning news. The media was grasping at straws. She felt sympathetic for the couple and thankfully, the situation resolved itself immediately with a little research.

The first thing Linh did this morning after arriving at the office was to visit Sawara-san. The head of the talent section brought her up to speed on his end of Kyoko's career. He received a call from the assistant of the singing drama to discuss releasing a MV of her song. The reason the director left out the rehearsal scenes of the first episode was to generate public intrigue. The buzz these days was, can she really sing? The poll was 68 to 32 in favor of Kyoko actually having the ability to sing.

The ratings of Yappa Kimagure Rock increased since the group's collaboration went viral over a simple picture posted to their respective media sites of Bridge Rock and Kyoko posing on the set as Rika's rock band. Sawara anticipated this swell and planned to ride the wave with Yappa's producer.

"Yashiro-san provided me with all the known information regarding the Yappa Kimagure Rock episode. This MV is new and would have to be worked into her current schedule. Right now her schedule is quite lax because of her upcoming trip…but this schedule is aggressive."

"Yes, sometimes these things happen on a whim. Unfortunately, this is how creativity works. You will get used to it."

Linh was actually used to last-minute schedule changes but to ask her charge to be prepared to perform on such short notice was too much.

"This only gives her one day to prepare and it's not just her but Bridge Rock as well. Will they be okay?"

"If it's them, I think they will do fine...ahh Koji-kun you received my message," Sawara called out to a young man that entered the office.

"Linh-san, this is Toyokawa Kojiro. He's the manager for Bridge Rock. Koji-kun, this is Le Linh. She will be managing Kyoko-chan from now on."

"Ah, welcome aboard Le-san," He greeted with a small bow. "It's good that Kyoko-chan will have a full-time manager. Her father was doing an excellent job but I heard he had a company to run and Yashiro-san has his hands full with Tsuruga-san."

"Thank you, Toyokawa-san. I will do my best to fill their shoes."

"Since I have you both here," Sawara said handing Koji a copy of the schedule for the MV. He filled Koji in on the discussion he just had with Linh.

"Kei-san knows this is coming. He suggested the new recording, which will also double up as filming for the MV. He wants Kyoko-chan to showcase her hard work. The director and Kei needs one full day dedicated to this project. The majority of the video will consist of the drama's episodes," Sawara informed the managers.

He gave them some time to consult their schedules before asking, "Koji-kun, do you think this schedule is doable? I will talk to the producer about pushing off rehearsal for Yappa"

"Yes, Sawara-san, this should not impede the schedule."

Sawara turned to Linh. "It should be no problem for Kyoko-san. Aside from the Yappa Kimagure Rock rehearsal, she has school and lessons. I'll let her instructors know about her absence for tomorrow."

"Excuse me, sir, I apologize for interrupting but I have a meeting to attend and didn't want to leave these lying around for too long. These are the recent offers for Kyoko-san. I've divided them into three piles: one for modeling work and CMs, the second for lead roles for upcoming movies and dramas, and the third for cameo parts," an assistant said interrupting their conversation.

Linh noticed the thickness of each folder.

"Thank you, this is perfect timing now that Le-san is here," Sawara said taking the folders from the woman.

Linh held out her hands to receive the proffered folders. Sawara placed two out of the three in her hands. He placed the folder containing lead offers on his desk instead which made her frown.

"I'm sorry, Le-san. I am under instruction to send all lead work for Kyoko-chan to Takarada-san. I tend to do the first past then send the promising ones up to his office." Sawara said sympathetically noticing her expression.

"How many roles has he accepted so far?"

Sawara was slow in answering, "None."

"None?" She said with a little more attitude than she intended. Sawara winced at her tone.

She shouldn't be this stunned. Yashiro explained to her how the LoveMe debut worked. It felt wrong that Kyoko was missing out on all this potential work.

"Yes, sorry, our President is a bit eccentric. I have worked for him for a long time. His instincts are never wrong. I trust he has her best interests in mind."

"Would you mind if I take this folder to the president in your stead? I have business with him."

"Oh, by all means," he said handing the folder over with an amused smile.

"Thank you," Linh replied with a bow before leaving.

Linh sifted through the folder as she walked gauging its contents. It contained two scripts. Two was a lot, especially if they came daily or weekly. How much work was her charge losing out on because of Lory's conditions?

Since Yashiro couldn't give her a straight answer, she wanted to go to the source for information. She put the sheets back in the folder and pushed the button for the top floor.

She was calm by the time she stepped out of the elevator regaining her cool after thinking of updating her wardrobe. Both Yashiro and Sawara both trusted the president's intuition. She did learn that he created the LoveMe section because he saw potential in her charge. She would give the man the benefit of the doubt.

Ruto appeared at her side as soon as she raised her hand to knock on the door. The president's assistant was dressed in all white with a red handkerchief tied at his neck and a red sash tied at his waist.

"Good morning, Ruto-san, is Takarada-san available. I would like to discuss something with him regarding Kyoko-san."

"Yes, please this way," Ruto said with a bow and opened the office door. It was eerily quiet inside compared to yesterday's Kabuki theatrics. "Please have a seat and I will inform him of your arrival. May I get you some tea or water?"

Linh declined the beverage offer and took a seat. Ruto opened the main office door and disappeared for a few minutes. He returned stating that the Lory was ready to meet with her.

"Linh-san, I wasn't expecting to see you so soon. How may I help you?" Lory stood with a flourish dressed in a matador costume of red a cold. The red cape sat draped over the back of his executive chair. Linh's eyes fell on the virtual reality goggles that sat on the president's desk.

"Interesting choice of a theme today, Takarada-san."

"You've caught me. I've submerged myself into a virtual world where I am at the center of attention as a bull tries to open my entrails with his horns."

"Do you need to wear a costume to enter the world?"

"One always needs a costume to set the mood."

Linh's opinion of her new boss took a nosedive. Is this what he does all day? She shook her head to focus.

"Sir, I've come to ask you about Kyoko-san's work. I was talking with Sawara-san when it was brought to my attention that you have been refusing perfectly good lead roles for my charge. Care to explain?" Linh demanded, folding her arms.

Lory took his seat opposite her and smirked. "I'm sure you're aware of the LoveMe section."

"Yes, the section that gets free labor out of innocent girls. I'm quite aware of its purpose." She said tersely.

Lory bellowed with laughter. Linh kept her face stoic as the president continued to laugh at her caustic remark.

"Thank you for telling me how you really feel, Le-san. It's refreshing."

Linh was embarrassed for speaking so disrespectfully to her boss, "Please excuse my frankness, sir."

Lory waved his hand unperturbed. "It's no problem. I assure you there is more to the LoveMe section than you think."

"Yashiro-san has clued me in on the details. I am wondering why you are keeping Kyoko-san from debuting. I have in my possession two potential lead roles and I was told there were more in the past."

"Not just any lead role would due. It has to be the right one."

"So while you are waiting for this right one. Kyoko-san is losing potential jobs. Work that could help boost her career and achieve her dream. Won't refusing work make her look poorly within the industry. Directors could get the wrong impression about her and begin circulating rumors among themselves potentially closing off future opportunities for her."

"That's a risk I'm willing to take. If she's as talented as I believe, she will rise from this."

"Do you even have a role in mind for her?"

"Of course I do!"

"Do you have a script?"

"A draft one."

"Can I see it?"

"Yes." With a slight twitch of his head, Ruto manifested by her side holding a bound document. "You're free to take this copy. I'm expecting a completed copy by next week. Just in time to give Kyoko-san some light reading material for her trip."

Linh read over the quick synopsis and raised a skeptical brow at him.

"This is the script?"

Lory nodded with enthusiasm.

"This is the director here," She turned the page toward him and pointed. Director/ Scriptwriter: Shingai Seiji.

"That's correct."

"I'm sorry if I don't believe you," Linh said placing the script on the table. "Director Shingai is known for his complex films, are you telling me that he would be directing this story?"

"It's shocking, but I assure you he is the director. He was challenged by a friend to try something out of his comfort zone; hence, its secrecy."

"Okay, so you get the updated script next week. With all the planning required to gather cast, locations, sponsorship, etc...it would be months before Kyoko-san started this project. Are you going to have her refuse all lead role work coming through for her? We have to strike while the iron is hot."

"Did you really just start yesterday?" Lory asked narrowing his eyes at the new manager. She was no pushover.

"I'll take that as a compliment, sir."

"Sponsors are secured and planning is seventy-five percent complete. As soon as Morimoto-kun returns from Los Angeles, casting calls will begin. You will be very busy while she's away."

Linh could come up with no other arguments. She rose from her chair picking up the draft script with her but leaving the two in Sawara's folder behind.

"Thank you for indulging me Takarada-san. I will get back to work."

"You're welcome, Le-san. I have an open-door policy. Please don't hesitate to call on me if you have any further concerns."

"Yes, sir."

Tadashi held the door open for his daughter as they entered the apartment. Their arms were loaded with shopping bags full of food. Kyoko insisted that tonight's family dinner would be a celebration of sorts to send her father off to America with a belly full of delicious Japanese food.

Tadashi was happy that even after a long night if rehearsing, she was willing to spend his remaining night in Tokyo together. Kyoko put on some J-pop music while they prepared their workspace and ingredients. They started on the items that would take the longest to cook. Tadashi began chopping the veggies for the curry while Kyoko prepared the beef. Together they tagged teamed that entree and had everything simmering in a pot in half the time. Kyoko moved on to prepare a simple miso soup with greens and tofu using her homemade dashi, Japanese soup stock. She kept it in abundance since she used it almost daily.

...

Ren, Yashiro, and Kanae entered the apartment to find Kyoko and Tadashi sitting at the counter placing the finishing touches on a platter of sushi rolls.

Yashiro-san being the quickest at capturing memories took several pictures before the father-daughter combo noticed their audience. Yashiro snapped again capturing identical pairs of startled golden eyes.

Kyoko tended to resemble her mother more in terms of looks but Ren thought side by side like this with the same startled expression, they looked very similar tonight.

"Yashiro-san, are you playing paparazzi again?" Kyoko asked with a smile.

"Look this way, chefs," Yashiro instructed. "Say cheese!"

Kyoko and Tadashi held up the impressive platter and smiled for the camera.

"Please send those pictures to me, Yashiro-san," Tadashi said after the manager took several shots of them.

"I got you covered, Tadashi-san."

Ren stepped into the kitchen carrying a box of dessert and kissed Kyoko on the cheek as he walked by and greeted Tadashi.

He looked over the food covering the countertops to find space for the dessert. "You two make a deadly combo," he said sliding over some plates.

Kyko giggled. "I may have gone a tad overboard."

Kanae placed a bottle of sake on the counter with a huff. "Mo! Who else did you invite to this party? There's enough food here to feed twenty people."

"Moookooo-san!" Kyoko squealed hugging her best friend. Kanae's arms were pinned at her sides making it impossible for her to move. Yashiro captured the precious moment with his phone.

"Mo! Yuki, you better delete that."

Yashiro gave his girlfriend a wry smile. "But you look so adorable."

"Yashiro-san, let me see," Kyoko said excitedly suddenly releasing Kanae. Her friend had to grab on to the counter to regain her balance.

"Ooh, Yashiro-san, please send this quickly to me before deleting," Kyoko whispered behind her hand.

"No! Let me see it first." Kanae lunged for the phone but Yashiro had quick reflexes. "Yuki, you are going to sleep on the couch from now on!"

Kyoko stood in the middle of the kitchen squealing. "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh. Are you living together?" She asked excitedly bouncing up and down.

Kanae's face flushed red at her slip. "No, no, we aren't living together."

"I've asked her to move in. She hasn't made up her mind yet even though she's at my place more than she is at hers."

"You're going home alone tonight, mister!"

"Yukihito…catch!" Ren shouted, tossing a spatula in his friend's direction. Yashiro caught it reflexively but looked at Ren confused. "To defend yourself, my friend."

Kanae stalked out of the kitchen carrying the platter of sushi to the main dining room table. Yashiro glared at Ren throwing the spatula back at him and chased after her.

"That was entertaining," Ren chuckled returning the utensil to its rightful place.

"Tadashi-san, would you like a beer with dinner?" Ren asked pulling out bottles of tea and water.

"Sure, I'll take one."

Kanae came back in with Yashiro on her heels. "Need one?" Ren asked Yashiro holding out a beer. Yashiro took the offered beer and opened it.

"Everything okay?" He asked Yashiro once Kanae took more plates of food out.

Yashiro chuckled, "Yeah we're fine. Despite her prickly exterior, she's really quite soft inside."

"You don't have to convince me. She's a great friend to..."

"Best!" Kyoko exclaimed interjecting.

"I stand corrected. Anyone that loves my Kyoko is good people to me," Ren said as he carried out the drinks.

Once seated, Ren held up his glass of water to propose a toast. "To Tadashi-san, thank you for making a positive impact on our lives and being there when we needed you most. Thank you for all your help and for making Kyoko happy. I, we, wish you safe travels."

"Thank you, Ren-kun. I appreciate all of this, my daughter, all of you for accepting me despite my past mistakes. I'm only a phone call away while I'm in New York. If you kids ever need me don't hesitate to call."

Kyoko swiped her tears away and said, "Okay, let's eat. I hope you all like what we prepared."

They kept up a steady stream of conversation while they ate. Kyoko enjoyed watching Moko's expressions change from joy to hostility every time she took a bite of a new item.

No one noticed that Ren and Tadashi quieted down lost in thought as they took in the atmosphere. If someone asked them individually what was on their minds, their answers would have been similar. It's warm. They wouldn't have been referring to the temperature but the feeling of belonging that washed over them.

They were wrapped in a warm blanket of love and acceptance at that dining table. Both men had been alone for so long, Tadashi longer than Ren, that at this moment in time they felt the full weight of this warmth. It was all thanks to one incredible young lady in their lives. They both smiled warmly as she laughed at something Yashiro said. The sound of her unbridled laughter brought them out of their mind space and back to the table.

When they all had their fill, Kyoko packed containers full of leftovers for Yashiro and Kanae to enjoy later. They cleared the table and brought out the dessert. The cake Ren purchased was scribed with, Come Home Soon! He thought they would appreciate the gesture and they did.

Everyone finished their slice of cake including Kanae. She grumbled each time she took a bite amusing everyone.

"Ooh, I have something for you too," Kyoko said rushing to the guest room. She came back carrying a small bundle wrapped in cloth. "It's not much but I hope you will accept it."

"Thank you, I'll treasure whatever you give me." Tadashi unwrapped the silk cloth slowly noticing his initials embroidered on it.

"The wrapping could be used as a handkerchief if you like," she explained.

Tadashi picked up the first item. She made him an acrylic phone strap containing a photo of herself and Tadashi together on one side and on the other side a photo of her and Ren. She even etched the word Family in English on both sides.

Tadashi instantly took out his phone and hooked the charm onto it holding it up triumphantly. Kyoko blushed. "I can't wait to show Mya," he said.

The other gift inside was a handmade omamori.

"It contains a talisman to keep you safe on your travels."

"Thank you, sweetie. I'll keep it on me at all times."

Yashiro and Kanae left after Kyoko forbade them from helping with clean up. She tried to get her father to relax since he helped cook for his own dinner party but he wouldn't. Ren took up residence at the sink and began washing dishes while Tadashi dried. The three of them had the place spotless in no time.

"Well, I should get going. I have an early flight and you both have had such a long day. Thank you for tonight."

"You're welcome, father. I know we've only had one family dinner so far but I hope tonight could count as one."

"This definitely counts as a family dinner. I'll host one as soon as I return. Oh, and before I forget, these are card keys to my apartment upstairs. Renovations should be done before I return but I wanted to give you these since I had you return the old keys."

"Would you like me to check on its progress while you're away."

"You would do that for me?"

"Yes, I can stop in every now and again the check on things."

"That would be helpful. Maybe when I return you can help me decorate it."

"I would like that very much."

"I'll see you soon my dear," Tadashi said his eyes already brimming with tears as he hugged Kyoko one last time.

"Ren-kun, I leave her in your capable hands," he said shaking Ren's hand and pulling him in for a hug which surprised the actor.

Ren patted his back. "You can count on me, sir." Tadashi nodded. "I'll call you when I arrive."

Kyoko nodded as a tear rolled down her cheek.

"I'll be home in no time. I promise." He called back as he stepped into the elevator. "I love you, sweetie."

Kyoko smiled and nodded, "I love you, too."

He took a seat by the row of windows at the back of the lounge. A server greeted him the moment his buttocks hit the seat.

"Good morning, sir. Can I get you something to eat or drink sir?"

"I'll start with coffee black." He glanced at his watch gauging time. He was early. "And the breakfast special, please."

"I'll put that in for you right away, sir."

His phone in his pocket buzzed after the server placed his coffee in front of him. He tapped the button excitedly to accept the call. He smiled as his daughter's disheveled morning state filled his screen.

"Oh good, I thought I missed you father. I overslept."

"I'm still waiting for my flight. I'm about to have some breakfast. You don't have to go to school why are you awake so early?"

"I wanted to call before you left and wish you a safe flight."

"I made a promise to you and I plan on keeping it. Be rest assured that I will return. Go back to sleep sweetie. I'll text you when I land."

"Okay," she said with a loud yawn that pricked tears in her eyes.

"Kyoko, good luck with the recording today. I look forward to buying the drama soundtrack."

"Thanks father," she said with a sleepy smile.

He ended the call just as the server returned with his traditional Japanese breakfast.

AN: Thanks for sticking with me everybody. I finally got her father back to NY. I have a few more scenes floating in my head that I want to get out before I see this couple on an airplane themselves. I hope you enjoyed!

Thank you for continuing to read and for all the lovely reviews of the last chapter. I heart you all!

Until next time, Ja ne! ^_^