Chapter 122: Final Exam!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Maria and Kyoko would have a girl's night.

In the Big Apple

Tadashi logged in to his laptop to round out his exciting morning. He felt a little like a stalker checking in on his daughter's social media daily. It made him feel a little less lonely and allowed him to check up on her without bothering her with his endless questions. The Sacred Lotus wrap party was the most recent event that focused on her. She wasn't a main character but she received the same coverage as her leading costars. Of course, the media couldn't help rehashing the Morizumi case since the incident took place on the set and the results of the trial left the women serving their time.

Despite the negative coverage, it had the public anticipating the movie premiere. As an eye witness to the production of the movie, Tadashi knew the audience would be in for a treat.

He switched his browser over to the fansites.

KyoFan1: OMG! OMG! Did you guys watch the latest episode of 'Heart Beats'!

KyokoMyGoddess: Hell yes! My Goddess killed it! It's going to be a hit!

RenKyo#1Fangirl: She commanded that stage and Bridge Rock did an amazing job as well!

EmeraldEyedFairy: I couldn't take my eyes off of her. She was mesmerizing….and her voice, it was like a spell was cast over me.

RenFan1: Can we not forget that Ren-sama made a brief appearance at the end. The note from last week's episode combined with him showing up was epic!

RenKyoFan1: He wasn't just at the end. Watch it again! During the performance whenever the camera zooms in the crowd. You see him if you look closely behind the wavings arms you can make him out sometimes. You can tell she notices him when she stops strumming.

RenFan1: I recorded it. I'm going to watch it again! BRB!

KyoFan2: That ending when he called out to her while she was celebrating with her bandmates. The way she turned and looked at him. I felt that!

VoodooPrincess1224: It was too short! I want to see more of Onee-sama acting with Ren-sama!

LA_anonymous: VoodooPrincess1224 I second that. The chemistry between the pair is evident on and off-screen. It's rare to see that kind of connection between actors so young. They are so beautiful to watch. I'm hungry for more!

RenKyo#1Fangirl: I'm sure we'll be seeing more of them together soon. Directors won't be able to deny that chemistry.

DramaLoveMonXoXo: It's a beautiful thing when true love blooms.

MoriT: I'm very fortunate to be able to see her put on another amazing performance. The world is truly a wonderful place. I thank God every day for giving me another chance.

Tadashi hit submit and watched his post join the many fans that were chatting excitedly about Kyoko's performance with Bridge Rock in the singing drama. The negative comments seemed to spur on a debate of whether Kyoko was lip-synching. Tadashi thought it was harmless banter and didn't need to alert Spectre, though he was sure the hacker was monitoring things anyway. He was glad that there were more believers than non-believers. The believers were doing a great job of defending his daughter using actual logic.

He pulled out his phone and sent his usual morning message raving about her performance. He woke up early every morning but today he skipped his usual run around Central Park so he could watch the episode air in Japan's real-time.

He smiled when his message was immediately returned. It was good to know that she was happy and embarrassed but also grateful for everyone's hard work in helping her succeed, including his. He loved that she was humble about her personal achievements. It left him room to brag to Mya and his other coworkers. It was kind of them not to judge him for returning and suddenly having a daughter. He probably owed Mya for that one too. Maybe a spa weekend wouldn't be enough to thank his dear friend.

He exchanged a few more messages with Kyoko before letting her go to bed. Tadashi stretched and went off to the kitchen to do as his daughter instructed. He pulled out fresh ingredients from the refrigerator and began the task of cooking himself a nutritious breakfast.

As he sat and ate his breakfast he mulled over his schedule for the day. Since his return, his days were busy from morning to night which he preferred. It made the time pass quickly. Unfortunately, finalizing and transitioning contracts took a great deal of schmoozing. Face to face dealings were exhausting. It left him counting down the days until he could see her again. He would get his chance sooner than expected if the timing worked in his favor.

It was late afternoon when they entered LME and headed straight for the LoveMe room. They were occasionally stopped by coworkers wanting to wish Kyoko well. Once in the LoveMe home base, they sat at the table sifting through the slim folder of future contracts. The manager pursed her lips when she noticed Kyoko's brief look of disappointment.

"I know you're expecting more and I promise we'll get there," Linh said, trying to raise her charge's spirits.

"Ah, please excuse me," Kyoko scrambled to bow from her seat. "I'm sorry for being ungrateful. A newbie like me shouldn't be so conceited and hope for more."

"No, you deserve your shot. I promise you will get it." Linh told her with an assuring smile. It was becoming difficult not to give away the President's plans. She picked up one of the bound documents to use as an easy distraction.

"I think you would be thrilled with this one since you like fairy tales."

She handed Kyoko the leaflet that accompanied the contract. Kyoko's eyes became shiny with happiness. She had a faraway look which gave Linh the impression that she was off in another land. Linh couldn't help laughing at the cute innocent girl.

Kyoko straightened in her seat with a slight blush to her cheeks.

"Is this real? Did they really create makeup inspired by fairytales?"

"It's very real and they want you to be their cover girl. For now, it's a six-month contract. There will be a CM, magazine ads, posters, the ad will also be displayed on the jumbotron at Shibuya crossing, and also promotional appearances. There's a condition that I want to amend. They want you to wear their makeup exclusively which is something you can't do in your line of work. I think they would be amiable to having you wear some of their products during your personal time."

"Can you do that?"

"I'm going to try. You're a rising star and they're a small start-up company. Since you're still new in the industry they could afford to hire you now. It would be unwise for them not to accept our terms. With you as their spokesmodel, their products would fly off the shelves."

Kyoko nodded shyly and ducked her head, flipping through the pages again. She admired the beautifully designed brushes and cutely packaged makeup pallets. There wasn't much by way of selection but her charge had perked up nonetheless.

"What do you think? Is this something you would like to do?"

Kyoko nodded her head vigorously and said yes. Her spirit was revived.

Linh pulled out the other contract, "And this one? Do you mind doing this ad for a soy granola bar?"

"Yes, I'll do that one too. I would like to gain as much experience as I can."

"Okay, I'll get right on it. You still have a Sacred Lotus promotion before you leave. And don't forget the open contracts Yashiro-san scheduled upon your return from Los Angeles. I have it all here in your schedule. Then add these two new jobs...I have a feeling you'll be quite busy once you return.."

"Thank you, Linh-san. I appreciate your help."

"No need to thank me. It's a pleasure. I'm enjoying this job." Linh glanced at her watch for the time. "It's almost time for our meeting. Shall we head up?"

Kyoko helped Linh gather the documents scattered on the table. Before exiting the room, she rushed to her locker. Just as she suspected, sitting inside was a family of cranes waiting for her to take them home.

Linh smiled holding the door open for her. She had an idea what the young man had in mind giving her all these notes. She found it endearing and very romantic. It was rarely seen in youth today. This young lady landed a good one.

...

Kyoko and Linh bowed to Ruto when he opened the door. He was dressed normally in a regular suit today which relieved Kyoko. She heard voices. One belonged to the President while the other sounded familiar yet she couldn't quite place it.

Ruto escorted them through the large office. It was to Kyoko, for lack of a better word, boring without his eccentric decor.

"Here she is. Morimoto-kun, Le-san, how are you both? Please have a seat," Lory gestured to the two vacant seats with his gavel. He was dressed in judicial robes and a curly powdered wig.

Why do I feel like I'm on trial?

"You remember the Director, don't you?" The other guest in the office stood and turned to face the ladies.

"Director Shingai!" Kyoko exclaimed and dropped into a formal bow. Kyoko felt the tingling sensation of butterflies fluttering about in her gut. Why was he here?

"It's good to see you again, Kyoko-san...and you must be Kyoko-san's manager. Takarada-san said you were a fan of my work. I'm Shingai Seiji and you are!"

Kyoko hid her smile when Shingai cocked his head in a teasing fashion. Linh seemed to be struggling and only managed a small squeak in response. Kyoko caught herself before she rolled her eyes. Were all men natural-born playboys?

"Director Shingai, this is my manager Le Linh," Kyoko said helping out her awestruck manager.

"Well, Le-san. Nice to make your acquaintance."

Kyoko elbowed her manager, startling her out of her fangirl state.

"It's good to meet you, Director! Please call me Linh." She recovered quickly with a slight blush. "I'm a big fan of your work."

"Very well, Linh-san. Please let's have you both take a seat to explain my presence," he said excitedly, taking his seat only after the women were settled.

They all looked at Lory expectantly. The President put his gavel down and leaned in his seat with his hands intertwined before him. Kyoko gulped deeply when he pinned her with his gaze.

"It has been over a year since you entered LME, Mormimoto-kun. Your time is up!" He said with an ominous tone.

Kyoko squirmed in her seat.

"I had a feeling about you that I just couldn't shake. I lost sleep over letting you go after your failed audition. It was a gamble when I created the LoveMe section on your behalf."

Kyoko's eyes widened. For me!

"Yes, on your behalf. I couldn't deny your potential. You inspired me to create that section. You've exceeded my expectations and it's high time I let you graduate to make room for new aspiring talents that need 'rehabilitation.'"

Kyoko trembled with emotion. She was grateful to this man that gave her a chance and helped her change her life around. She had no idea what path her life would have taken if she had not persevered in the beginning.

"Sir, are you saying I'm no longer part of the LoveMe section?"

"Not quite yet," he said leaning back. "There obviously has to be a final examination before every graduation ceremony."

"Examination? What kind of examination?" Kyoko asked, her earlier emotions were replaced with nerves causing her voice to rise. She was never good at taking tests in the past. This was a very important one.

"Why...the acting kind, of course. That's where Seiji comes in. He will be directing your debut film."

Kyoko went as still as a statue as the cogs in her brain came to a complete standstill. She couldn't believe it. The president and director were both talking simultaneously but she was barely following. She felt like she was underwater; their voices muffled in her ears. She would be playing the female lead, a daughter, a sister, and... eventually a girlfriend.

She blinked and stared at Seiji as her shocked brain started churning again. Did she hear him right? A teen romance! She tried not to squirm under Lory's intense gaze. She had the feeling she was already being tested.

"I'm excited to have this opportunity to work with you first on this level. I'm glad Takarada-san chose me for your debut. I've been following your work closely and have been waiting for the right opportunity to work with you. Teen drama is not necessarily my forte but I'm hoping to take on this challenge with you. What do you say? Will you join me on this adventure?"

Kyoko stood and bowed deeply. "Yes, thank you, Director! I'm looking forward to working with you! I will be in your care!"

She bowed to the President who looked at her fondly. He had the expression of a proud father. Kyoko sat back down and tuned in to the rest of the meeting.

Linh's flighty fangirl was gone. She flew into managerial mode as she glanced over the contents of the contract and asked Seiji questions. She looked up at Lory expectantly. The president reached across his desk and handed her a pen as she made changes on the fly with Kyoko's preferences in mind. When she was done she had increased Kyoko's salary and removed several items from the list that made Kyoko look like a diva. She didn't need a special blend of tea stocked daily in her dressing room among other things. The flowers decorating her dressing room was a nice touch but she knew Ren would have that covered.

When the administrative part of the meeting was concluded Seiji addressed Kyoko.

"The cast is not set In stone. It's the last hurdle of this project. My first priority was securing you as the lead actress. I have extended an offer to another actor but he is in high demand. I'm not sure if he would accept the role. I hope Takarada-san can provide me with a positive answer from him soon. As for the rest of the cast, I will be holding auditions next week for the minor roles. I will need your help with the auditions for the rest of the main cast. Those auditions won't happen until you return from overseas," Seiji explained.

It took all of Kyoko's concentration to keep from bouncing in her seat with nervous energy. She would be just like Koga during the Sacred Lotus auditions; sitting there at the head table judging the performances of her future castmates. It was scary.

"Shingai-san, are you okay with someone like me helping you choose. I've never done it before."

"I value your opinion and from what I have seen you are a good judge of character." He reached down into his bag and pulled out a thick folder. He handed it to her and said, "This is the latest draft of the script. I figure a little light reading could help with the long plane ride."

Kyoko curled her fingers around the packet and hugged it to her chest. She was eager to rip it open and read her character's profile but she had another engagement after this. The script would have to wait until she had more free time.

The President's door burst open halting any further talk on the subject. Speaking of Kyoko's other engagement she was right on time.

"Onee-sama!" Maria squealed excitedly as she leaped into Kyoko's open arms. "Onee-sama, Maria-chan is excited for today."

"I'm excited too, Maria-chan. You're okay with waiting for me until I finish?"

"Mmhmm!" The little girl nodded maturely.

Kyoko ruffled her curls with a laugh.

"Maria, a little more decorum my darling."

"I'm sorry for interrupting, grandfather. I'm just too excited to spend time with Onee-sama."

She curtsied to Seiji in apology. The director smiled down at the little girl. "No worries, Maria-chan. You're right on time. We have concluded our business here."

…

Maria was seated in the front row between Kanae and Chiori laughing as she always did at the chicken's antics. She watched the show many times from the comfort of her home with her grandfather so she knew what to expect.

Her mouth opened into a surprised "O" when Boh left the set and returned with the guest star...another Boh. The audience giggled as both chickens duplicated each other's movements. They stepped all over each other as the comedic duo both attempted to play out the single part of the show's mascot. There was no discerning which one was the real Kyoko to Maria. They had the same costume, same build, and acted very similarly. She couldn't choose just one of them to focus on because she didn't want to be wrong in her choice.

The brothers went through a game of guessing which mascot was their true partner with the help of the audience. They used the audience's suggestions to test the chickens. Even in costume, both were formidable. Maria was stunned at the stunts each one of them could perform in the heavy costume. The results were inconclusive.

The Ishibashi brothers promised they had just the thing that would surely help solve the mascot mystery. Hikaru gestured to a large cylindrical covered contraption in the corner of the stage and asked Boh to bring it to the center. He didn't specify which Boh so both Bohs comically fought over who would be the one to bring it over. Boh pushed Boh out of the way and tried to rush to the corner.

Maria and the other LoveME girls were in hysterics as the Boh that was pushed reached out a wing and tripped the other Boh. Try as he might, the Boh that ended up there first could not move the thing. He pushed and pushed with his whole feathery body but only managed to end up exhausted on the floor barely moving it a centimeter. The other Boh flexed his wings in a double bicep pose that had the ladies in the audience whistling. With his chest puffed out, he strutted to the corner and inspected the device. He mimed the motion of rolling up his sleeves and put his shoulder into it. It didn't budge. Maria laughed. He put on quite a show only to fail as well.

He squawked down at the other chicken and helped him up. Together they tried to push. Seeing their struggle, Shinichi came over to help. He bent down on his knees. Maria couldn't see what he did from her view but he got up triumphantly.

"There, that should do it," he said, dusting off his hands. "Now try it Boh...and Boh."

The Bohs put all their strength into pushing the cylinder that it easily rolled away from them. With their wings flapping they both ran after it. Both Bohs looked worse for wear when they finally got the thing in place. Their comb hung limply on top of their head and both had lost feathers strewn about the stage.

Yuusei yanked the cover off revealing what was beneath. Maria could only think of it as a large empty fish tank similar to the one her grandfather kept in their home.

"Now, Boh-ohs please step inside," Hikaru said as Shinichi held open the door. There was enough space to fit both chickens.

"Let's count down from three," he said, addressing the audience. "3-2-1…" They all counted and Yuusei pressed the big red button.

The cylinder filled with smoke and bright sparkly lights for a few minutes. The Ishibashi brothers kept the audience entertained while they waited until a resounding ding echoed through the studio. Maria couldn't help thinking it reminded her of something roasting in an oven.

"It's done!"

The brothers crowded around the glass. The smoke rushed out of the room. Maria laughed shrilly as Boh exited dressed for a red carpet event. A red wig, makeup, and shimmering white gown covered the chicken. He stepped out and struck a pose. The audience went wild with applause as Boh walked the stage like Miss Japan at a beauty pageant flapping his wing the whole way.

"Well, that wasn't supposed to happen?" Yuusei said, scratching his beanie covered head. He wandered inside the glass and then stepped out. "What happened to our Boh?"

"Boh, can you please try again?" Hikaru pleaded. The chicken begrudgingly entered the cylinder again. The same process occurred after the button was pressed only this time the ding came much quicker. Kyoko emerged out of the smoke, dressed in a short feathery white shift dress and orange knee-high socks with black platform heels.

The crowd's cheers were thunderous as she waved.

"Mo, what a dramatic entrance," Kanae muttered. Maria looked at Kanae curiously and found her smiling. "And to think, I volunteered her for this job. She's something else."

Hikaru revealed that tonight's special guest had been Kyoko all along. He explained that the other Boh would be her double.

"You couldn't tell, right audience?" Hikaru asked, addressing the crowd. "The other Boh will help us whenever Kyoko-san has a schedule conflict with work."

"I enjoy this job and would like to work on it for as long as I can."

"And we enjoy working with you," Hikaru answered for the brothers.

Awwwweeeee! The audience exclaimed.

"We hear that you're going to America for fashion week. Is this true?"

"Yes, I will be leaving soon. I'm very excited to see America. I haven't been there before. I'm also excited to be working with Fuji-san, the R'Mandy designer, backstage."

Maria gripped the armrests of her seat as she thought of Kyoko flying to America. Anxiety squeezed her heart. She closed her eyes and said a silent prayer. This time she was prepared to protect her big sister from any disaster. She had been praying to the Gods for the past few days for safe travel. Breathing a little easier, she focused on the show.

"So you won't be walking the runway?"

"Oh no! I'm much too short for that!"

The audience giggled at her honest response.

"Well you're taller than Hikaru here," Yuusei joked, making Hikaru pout cutely. The audience "awed" over that.

"It's the shoes," Kyoko admitted, showing off her heels. She really was taller than him sans heels but they didn't need to know the truth.

They talked more about her work with Fuji. Kyoko explained the helpful tips she learned about fashion design. She even surprised them and said that she helped sew one of the gowns. They moved on to talk about her time spent as Momiji and even showed the movie trailer on the big screen. Kyoko praised the hard work of her costars, crew, and leadership that led to the successful completion of the film.

"I hope you all will watch and enjoy the movie when it's released."

They followed up the talk of work with her cameo in the singing drama. She shared the inspiration for the song Kei created and how she prepared for the role.

"Now, the biggest controversy over social media after last night's episode is...are you really the one singing?"

"I can prove it!" Kyoko challenged.

"What do you think, audience? Do you want to hear her sing?"

"Yesssss!" They roared excitedly.

Maria had to have been really loud in her response because Kyoko winked at her and waved to her friends before taking her place in front of the microphone. She watched in anticipation as Kyoko strapped the acoustic guitar over her shoulder and took a few strums. The whole studio hushed and waited with bated breath.

Maria looked at Kanae first and then Chiori as each girl took her hand in theirs and held on to it. It was the first time Maria really looked at the other LoveMe girls. She squeezed their hands in assurance and stared at Kyoko under the lone spotlight. She was sure her big sister would be wonderful.

Kyoko closed her eyes then took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She began strumming her guitar with her eyes still closed. Maria counted twenty of her heartbeats past before Kyoko's lips parted and she sang the first lyrics. Maria felt the hair on her arms raise as goosebumps prickled her flesh. She had watched Kyoko's performance from last night several times already. Hearing Kyoko sing in person was incomparable.

Kyoko sang the first two verses alone until the stage lit up and the Ishibashi brothers joined her. They kept the tempo slower than their original performance with Hikaru harmonizing with her at certain parts of the song. The audience was left stunned by the performance.

This was only a live taping, but there was so much anticipation for this episode of Yappa Kimagure Rock because of the fan response in the audience. The ratings of the variety show were through the roof when it finally aired. A certain rockstar dropped his chestnut pudding all over his lap, stunned by the performance. Unbeknownst to his fans, he was an avid watcher of the show even before he found out she was the chicken.

…

Maria and the LoveMe girls celebrated the evening with ice cream. She felt like she was among sisters. Even Kanae who had disliked her when they first met treated her like family. Afterward, Maria found herself gawking inside of Kyoko and Ren's apartment. She knew the couple lived together but she had never been. She could see traces of both Kyoko and Ren in the decor. It was warm and homey just like she expected. Kyoko gave her the grand tour and showed Maria the guest room where she would be sleeping.

When they were both washed up and in pajamas, they got busy in the kitchen to make one of the desserts Kyoko wanted to serve at the party. Maria had a lot of fun since she had never cooked before. Kyoko promised to give her lessons when she came back. She gave Kyoko's recipe two thumbs up for presentation and taste. She marked it down under the food list.

It was early but they moved on to addressing the huge stack of invitations Maria brought with her. Maria beamed under Kyoko's praise. She complimented the design and color choice of the invitations Maria chose. After an hour of writing, they finally finished with their list. There were still a lot of invitations leftover should they want to invite more people as the party neared. For starters, they would send out save the date cards now and follow it up with the invitation a month prior to the party.

"Onee-sama, what time does Ren-sama come home?" Maria asked nibbling on her lip worriedly. It was nearing eleven when she glanced at the clock.

"Oh, you don't know. Ren will be going to Los Angeles too? He's been putting long hours in to keep on schedule with his current drama."

"What? He's leaving Maria too?!" Maria cried out in anguish.

"No, we aren't leaving you Maria-chan. We'll be coming back. I promise, okay?" Kyoko said, pulling Maria into a tight hug. All Maria could do was nod as Kyoko stroked her back.

...

He entered the apartment a little after midnight hoping to keep things quiet as he carried in two large suitcases for their trip. He figured since they were going to be gone for quite some time they would need to pack more. There was a glow coming from the living room and murmured voices. Were they still awake? He crept toward the sound after removing his shoes and emptying his pockets. He didn't get far before he stopped dead in his tracks.

They looked like sleeping angels snoring softly under the changing lights of the television screen. They had pulled the comforter and pillows off their bed to camp out on the floor. He looked at the screen and smiled, The Nightmare Before Christmas. He remembered it was the theme of their upcoming party. He reached across Kyoko for the remote and shut it off.

"Hi," she whispered sleepily.

"Hi, baby," he whispered back. "Do you two want to sleep here for the night?"

"No, we can't. I don't want Maria-chan waking up sore."

"Okay, I'll move her to the guest room." He moved over to the little girl and scooped her in his arms. She was so light as he carried her to the room with Kyoko following close behind.

Kyoko pulled the bedding back for him to place her on the bed. They both tucked the little girl under the covers.

"Onee-sama, Ren-sama, please don't leave Maria too." The little girl whimpered in her sleep.

"Ssshhh," Kyoko cooed and stroked her hair until she settled back down.

"We're not going anywhere," he promised, kissing the little girl on the top of her head. He smiled at Kyoko and took her hand to exit the room. He left the door ajar in case Maria needed them.

"Care to share what has you in a good mood, Ren-chan?" Ten asked as she brushed color onto his strands and folded them in foil.

Ren sat up straighter in the stylist's chair. He had been there for hours. First, she removed his extensions, then she trimmed his hair and stripped the dark color from it. Now, she was applying the dye that would give him his natural golden strands.

"I was thinking of the interesting morning I had with Maria and Kyoko." He found himself sharing. Ten was one of the few that knew they were living together.

"She had a girl's night with Kyoko. We caught her this morning trying to cook breakfast for us and it made me wonder…"

Ten giggled knowingly.

Ren feigned a coughing fit covering his mouth with the cape to hide his embarrassment. Having Maria in their home made him think about their future. He was grateful when Ten changed topics to ask him about his vacation plans. They were departing much earlier than Fuji and his team. Ren couldn't tell her the whole truth yet but he shared some of what he planned to do with Kyoko.

…

Kuon plucked a magazine off the rack ignoring the teen girls giggling and glancing in his direction. He pulled a few more and headed to the register with the rest of his items. He thanked the cashier and headed to his gate carrying the bag of magazines and snacks.

Ignoring the nerves that threatened to bubble out of him, he pulled out a magazine and reached for the headphones sitting around his neck. He paused hearing her voice come across the speakers in the terminal. An immediate calm settled over him. It was amazing how she could do that to him. The buzz around him over her song was instantaneous. She was on the radio. He couldn't express how proud he was of her for this accomplishment.

When her song was over he kept his headphones off. He liked the song that came on next. He held the magazine on his lap and tapped his fingers on his leg to the melody.

"Hi, is this seat taken?"

He lifted his head to stare into a pair of the most brilliant brown eyes he had ever seen.

Whoa, amber is the color of your energy….Whoa, shades of gold display naturally…

What perfect timing? His heart skipped a beat at the heavenly smile she bestowed upon him.

His lips split into a lopsided grin. He was sure he was making a goofy face that wasn't attractive at all.

"May I sit?" she asked, tilting her head cutely. Under her brimmed hat, he noticed her short rich brown hair.

Her eyes turned anxious as she looked around. Kuon followed her eyes and noticed the area had filled up and most of the seats were taken. She made to move when she saw a seat open up.

"Sorry, yes," he said, removing his bag from the seat beside him.

"Thank you," she said, plopping down beside him. She pulled her hat low over her face. He picked up his magazine but didn't bother with his headphones. He watched from his periphery as she pulled out an onigiri from her bag and ate it. It was at the tip of his tongue to tell her how innutritious that snack was but he had nothing better to offer her.

"I have a dress just like that," she said between bites nodding toward him. Kuon flipped his hand over to look at the front cover of the weekly fashion magazine he bought because she was in it. His eyes raked over the metallic gold dress. It was a long sleeve with the main part of the skirt stopping mid-thigh. The drama in the dress came from the cinched fabric at her waist that flowed down to her calf. He could imagine how that piece of fabric caressed her silky long legs as she walked or changed poses.

"It looks beautiful on you," he said softly. She hummed and smiled returning to her meal.

It was the same dress she wanted to wear for the Sacred Lotus wrap party. When she told him it was a freebie from her modeling work the need to spoil her overwhelmed him. He selfishly undermined her decision and bought her something new to wear. He made sure to give her options hoping she would choose one of them. He sneakily had them remove the tags so she would not only know the price but she also couldn't return them. It wasn't until the drive home when she brought up Kijima that he realized he was still holding a little grudge about her wearing clothes provided by others. He was fully expecting to show up to the party to find her, defiantly, wearing her own dress. It reminded him that she was different.

The gate attendant came over the speakers announcing the departure of their flight. Kuon sighed and began packing up his stuff. Tomorrow he would be facing the life he left behind. He reached his hand out. She pulled the brim of her hat lower and laced her fingers with his. He squeezed her hand. It might make him a coward but he was glad he wouldn't be facing it alone.

AN: Finally, they are on their way! Thank you, everyone, for sticking with me! I hope this chapter finds you well and brings you joy!

SPOILERS chap 280: Kyaaaa! Did you guys see? He kissed her freaking pinky finger! I almost died seeing a visual of something so adorable I could only put in words. Now if I can only photoshop a daisy ring on her finger in that panel...I just might try to do this...XXD. Sensei is so good to us!

Thanks for reading and for the reviews of the last chapter. I HEART you all!

The song playing in the terminal was "Amber" by 311.

Until next time, Ja ne! ^_^