Chapter 152: Questions

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Kuon would slowly begin to reveal himself to those he trusts.

Kyoko chewed on her thumb nervously as she watched her father and Kuu having a serious discussion with another pair of police officers that arrived shortly after Reino was escorted away to question witnesses. She was worried someone would report her father and he would be carted off to prison because of that stupid Beagle.

A tinge of guilt stabbed her heart as she recalled the pained expression Reino shot over his shoulder at her. Her grudges were not so remorseful and continued to cheer as he was taken away. Despite the assurances she received from her loved ones, she couldn't stop feeling like this was all her fault. She couldn't find relief in the fact that the few people the police had bothered questioning gave conflicting stories; an open bar and revelry would have that effect.

He was drunk and tripped.

It looked like a fight to me.

I only saw him on the ground. It looked like he was sick.

Probably dropped some LSD. *cackles* Oh God, can I say that? I'm not going to jail am I? I've only had like one cocktail and I Uber everywhere. I swear, officer.

One thing each person questioned had in common was that they named Kuu Hizuri as a person of interest. It was inevitable since nobody could forget the popular actor's face. And that's how her two fathers ended up being interrogated by the police. Tadashi insisted that he should be the one to explain the situation, but Kuu wasn't about to let the man have all the glory. She kept waiting for herself to be called into question, but it never happened.

"Don't bite your nails, honey," Julie scolded, pulling Kyoko's hand away from her mouth.

"Sorry," Kyoko mumbled and glanced at the damage she had done to her nails.

"Here, this will help take the edge off some." Julie offered her the glass of champagne she had been sipping from with less than half of the sparkly drink remaining in the flute. She supposed it was for the best that she didn't have a full glass.

She polished off the glass in one gulp and giggled as the bubbles tickled her throat.

"Ms. Julie, please don't give her any alcohol. Her father is right there. I don't want him to get the wrong impression," Ren warned.

"It was only a little sip to calm her nerves," she replied defensively. "You two still owe us an explanation. It's obvious to me that she's uncomfortable around that man and you can barely control your rage." She folded her arms and stared at them expectantly.

Ren tensed beside her. His anger was still a sore subject for him, but Kyoko thought that tonight it was warranted. He did warn Beagle to stay away from her last time and yet he didn't. She wasn't sure what would have happened if her father had not been there. She tended to freeze under Reino's strange power and that's what scared her. She had ventured off all alone thinking she was safe among peers, but as soon as she spotted him she was overcome with dread.

Kyoko wanted to shrink under Julie's glare. The small glimmer of hope she held that they had forgotten about that part of the night was dashed away. They were a persistent bunch so Kyoko knew she would have no choice but to tell them. As passionate and protective as their parents were of them, there was no telling what they would do to Beagle.

"We'll explain in a more private setting," Ren answered to placate her.

Julie sighed in resignation. "Fine, I'll wait, but you aren't off the hook."

The supermodel moved closer to Kyoko and began to rub her back. Kyoko tensed at the gesture then relaxed at how soothing it was to be comforted by a mother. It was the same feeling she got when Kuon often did it. Was this something he learned from his mother?

"Maybe, I should go over there and explain the matter," Kyoko suggested, taking a step toward her father and Kuu. She couldn't stomach the thought of either of them getting arrested for her sake. She felt terrible watching it happen to Reino and she hated the guy.

"Explain what matter?" Fuji asked, nudging himself between Kyoko and Ren while holding a martini.

"Mr. Fuji?!" Kyoko's eyes widened with shock. She cursed herself internally for not doing her work properly. With all the commotion tonight, she had forgotten her role here at fashion week.

"I'm sorry for not…" She began dropping into a low bow.

"It's fine, it's fine," Fuji cut her off, his voice a little more excited than usual as he waved his free hand to and fro. Kyoko straightened from her bow. Fuji's glazed eyes and flushed face was a clear indication that the designer was a little tipsy. Good for him. He deserved to unwind now that all his hard work had paid off and the big part of fashion week was over.

"But I didn't do…" She tried again, but Fuji shushed her.

"Kyoko-chan," Fuji addressed her in a business-like tone. "You went above and beyond for the brand tonight. Do you know how many requests and compliments I've received for the dress you're wearing right now and how many more for the one on the runway?"

Kyoko shook her head. While she was chatting with the Hizuris and Tina, she did receive a few inquiries on the dress by guests and reporters. The power couple standing next to her probably had more to do with it than her, but she couldn't admit that to Fuji. It was still considered a success if people were interested in the clothes no matter how it came about.

"Tons," he declared dramatically. "Now tell me why your father and Hizuri are talking to policemen. Did they really get into a fight?"

"A fight!" Kyoko gasped. Where on Earth did he get that idea?

"Well you know how rumors go, by the time I got wind of it on the other side of the hall, it became Kuu Hizuri got into a fight with another Japanese man. Police were called to intervene.."

"What? That's not true! At least not entirely," She exclaimed. If somebody reported the story like that to the tabloids, her fathers' reputation would suffer.

"Which part? I see Hizuri and Morimoto, a Japanese man. Honestly, it can't be fashion week unless police are called. Designers and models are such drama queens."

"There was no fight, just a misunderstanding between Beagle and my father. Mr. Hizuri was an innocent bystander just trying to help," Kyoko defended.

"Don't worry. This isn't Kuu's first rodeo with the police. He's used to handling these types of situations," Julie commented. Ren shifted uncomfortably beside her. Kyoko had an idea that he might be thinking of his past as a delinquent again.

"Lord knows how many times he's played a police officer in his career. He could probably be sworn in as an honorary member," Julie continued, trying to put Kyoko at ease.

It did help her worry less. Kyoko had watched him act out his detective role flawlessly when she accompanied him to his set the other day. She didn't like to think this way but she hoped that since Kuu was such a prominent figure in LA the cops would let him go.

"That's reassuring," Fuji admitted then said, "Wait! Did I hear you right, a beagle? Dogs aren't allowed in the venue. It wouldn't surprise me that some entitled diva brought their dog along."

"No, that's what she calls the lead singer of the Japanese band Vie Ghoul," Ren cut in.

Fuji burst out laughing, understanding the reference, and play on the band's name. "That's great. I won't be able to listen to their songs on the radio the same way again."

A small smile played upon Kyoko's lips as Fuji laughed. Every time she thought he would get it under control he broke into another fit of giggles.

"What's so funny?" Jay, Fuji's assistant asked while approaching them with a fashionable Japanese woman and American man in tow. Judging by the badges around their necks and the camera in the man's hand, Kyoko concluded that they were part of the press.

"I'll tell you later," Fuji replied quietly and turned his attention to the newcomers. Kyoko was grateful for that decision. She didn't want them to report anything negative about Tadashi or Kuu.

"This is Shinju Mori. She's with Tokyo Fashion News and her partner here is Damien Green. These faces need no introduction," Jay announced, gesturing to the models. Kyoko and Ren bowed with Kyoko bending just a little lower while Julie exchanged handshakes. It turned out that Ren was acquainted with the duo since he's been in the Japanese modeling world for so long. It did, however, feel good to be included with Ren and Julie as a real model.

"Shinju, I was wondering where you were!" Fuji exclaimed. The designer and the female reporter exchanged air kisses with one another in a familiar greeting.

"I wouldn't miss it. Fashion week is my bread and butter," Shinju joked.

"What did you think of the show?" Fuji burst with excitement. "I only want you to report good things!"

The reporter laughed. "How about I show you? I've posted some preliminary photos and a video to my social media account. The reactions speak for themselves."

Fuji snatched her phone out of her hand and swiped through her account. "Come and see," he said, gesturing to Kyoko and Julie. Kyoko gaped at the numerous hearts that kept popping up. Overall, there were hundreds of likes and shares attached to the main album. The video which featured Kyoko's debut on the catwalk with Ren beside her was in the thousands.

"I also tagged it to your joint account," Shinju said addressing Kyoko and Ren. "I follow your page."

"You do?" Kyoko gawked at the pretty reporter. Ren chuckled beside her. She kept forgetting there was an array of people in various occupations and stages in life that followed celebrities on social media. They were fans too not just teenagers. Some of her costars like Koga and Kijima along with the girls at Box-R followed the joint page as well. She still needed to learn how to navigate the site so she could follow some of them back. There's a lot she could learn from them. She almost drifted off to La-La land wondering if Kanae had a page. Her best friend never mentioned one and she never thought to ask. She wanted to message Kanae, as well as Chiori, right now to find out.

"I'm a huge fan and as a fashion reporter, it's a must to keep up with the latest celebrity styles. Your everyday style is effortlessly chic that many young Japanese women and some bold old ones try to imitate whatever outfit you're spotted in."

"They do!" Kyoko gasped. That meant her efforts were paying off. She knew the public was watching her closely now and took more care in her appearance before walking out the door. She wanted to make a good impression for herself and as a representative of LME.

"You're cute!" Shinju giggled. "I enjoyed watching you on the runway. You were the epitome of everything spring. It wasn't just your dress. Don't get me wrong, it was gorgeous on you. Fuji-san did a phenomenal job on the design. But it was more the freshness and delight you had while walking up there. You were jittery but excited by this opportunity. I felt it and I was happy to experience it."

"Wow, thank you," Kyoko smiled genuinely and bowed again.

Shinju pulled out a small recording device and showed it to Kyoko and Ren. "I hope you both don't mind that I record our conversation. I want to make sure my quotes are accurate."

Kyoko and Ren agreed while Julie and the designers were still engrossed in reading some of the comments filtering through her page.

They started with Damien taking photos of her and Ren alone then a few more that included Shinju.

"Oh, I can't wait to brag about this when I get home. Okay, so, I'll start with you, Ms. Kyoko. How was your first experience being a runway model? At LA fashion week no less."

"I mean what can I say. Go big or go home." Kyoko laughed at the English slang she used. "The truth is, I was petrified. I'm so short compared to these models and Mr. Fuji put me in a pair of geta sandals that had to be over 20 centimeters tall and all I could think about was not falling. Once I got over the falling on my face part, thanks to Ren, everything just fell into place. I found my rhythm and had a lot of fun. My feet, however…" Kyoko looked down and showed off her fuzzy slippers. "Did not."

"Oh my gosh, Damien, make sure you get a full shot of her outfit. The fans would love to see that. Is it okay if we include it?"

Kyoko felt her cheeks heating but gave her the thumbs up.

Her next question was directed at Ren. "Mr. Tsuruga, I've been covering fashion weeks in various parts of the world for the last three years and this is the first year I've seen you in LA. Was there a reason for your decision to participate?"

Ren tugged on his tie while a slight blush dusted his high angular cheekbones that many women would pay a fortune to have. "Oh gosh," he started cutely. He looked so young and adorable that Kyoko just wanted to squeeze her boyfriend. "I don't have any deep reason except that I followed my girlfriend," the blush on his cheeks deepened as he made that confession. "I had to beg Mr. Fuji to include me in the show and I feel bad because I took the spot of another talented model with my selfishness."

"Are you serious?" Shinju inquired trying to keep from laughing. "I can't picture you begging," the reporter muttered to herself.

Ren chuckled. "I did, right Kyoko." She nodded with an amused smile. It was so like him to have the confidence to admit something like that. "I feel terrible, but I'm not sorry about it. I would have missed her amazing performance." He wrapped his arm over her shoulder and kissed the top of her head.

Shinju squealed. "This is incredible. I'm witnessing how supportive and adorable you two are together."

The reporter asked a few more questions between her and Ren until Julie and the designers rejoined them. She had a few questions for Julie as well. The Japanese had a vested interest in Kuu Hizuri's successful wife. Kyoko explained how her relationship with the Hizuris had blossomed from a simple job she took as a LoveMe member when Shinju posed the question. They took a group photo that had Ren standing on the opposite end away from Julie just in case.

After Shiju and Damien left to mingle with other designers and models, Fuji decided it was time to go. "You two are free to call it a night. I'll see you both tomorrow afternoon."

"Julie, it was an honor to meet you." Fuji held out his hand to shake hers, but the model ended up pulling him into a hug.

"Likewise, Hiroshi. Thank you for taking good care of these kids. It was marvelous to watch them conquer that catwalk."

"I have to admit, it was one of my most brilliant ideas to date."

"I agree. It was rather genius! Have a good night and safe travels to you both."

Kyoko and Ren bid Fuji and Jay good night. The distraction left them looking toward the exit where they last saw Kuu and Tadashi talking with the policemen. They were gone.

"I'll call Kuu," Julie suggested, pulling her phone out of her clutch. She set it on speakerphone as it rang.

"Hey, honey."

"Kuu, please don't tell me I have to call the lawyer."

"What? Why?"

"Aren't you at the police station?"

"No, I'm at the bar. Tadashi and I are having a drink...look left."

Their heads turned in the direction of the nearest bar. They spotted the men leaning against the bar and holding their tumblers up in salute. Julie hung up the call and put her phone away as Kuu and Tadashi approached them.

"You looked busy so we decided to get a drink," Kuu explained.

"I didn't have a chance to greet you properly, princess," Tadashi said, pulling Kyoko into a tight embrace. "I'm sorry for causing so much trouble."

Kyoko hugged her father enjoying the safety she felt in his arms. She was happy to see him again. "Is everything okay with the police? Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

"Yes, between the two of us everything is fine. Nothing for you to worry about, Princess. As for your other question, I was here for business and wanted to surprise you before I returned to New York."

She pulled back from him. "When are you going back?"

"Later tonight," he informed her.

"Tonight! Is that practical? Won't you be tired?"

Tadashi chuckled. "I'm used to traveling like this. I have a few more hours left before I have to board my plane." He smiled at her sadly. Kyoko perked up for his sake even though her heart was sad that they didn't have much time to spend together.

"If it's okay with everyone, maybe we can all go out to eat." Kuu looked pointedly at Ren. He was allowing his son to decline if he didn't feel comfortable. Ren didn't hesitate and agreed.

…

It was decided that they would try the new place at the Ritz, where Tadashi was staying to maximize his time since it was close by and they still held his bags. He walked behind Kyoko and Tadashi while they caught up with their lives. They still exchanged mail twice a day, but there was always something more to tell in person. He got the idea to take a picture of them as they walked down the hall. As he watched them longer, he changed the setting to record a video. Kyoko would get a kick out of it when she saw the similarities in their excited expressions, their laughter, and the animated way they moved their hands to describe something. They were talking about food again which made him groan.

He put his phone away and focused on his dilemma. He hung back to practice how he would tell Tadashi his secret and introduce him to his parents. He seemed to get along with his father, so that had to count for something. His parents got hung up with a reporter as they were leaving but promised to be along shortly. Until then, it was easy to pretend that they were back in Japan and he was just Ren to Tadashi.

He stopped short when Kyoko and Tadashi turned back to him.

"What is it?" He asked, rejoining them.

"Why are you being such a slowpoke?" Kyoko teased. She laced her hand in his and started walking again. This time Ren kept up and even engaged in the conversation. He removed his jacket to place over Kyoko's shoulders when she visually shivered beside him. She admitted to being cold but there was something else in her expression that he couldn't quite place. He didn't think it was that chilly tonight.

They found the car easily in the parking lot and made their way to the hotel. Traffic was light, so it took even less time than anticipated to reach the hotel. Tadashi was chatting with the concierge when the Hizuris entered the lobby. Dad must be starving if he got here this fast. The concierge called ahead to the restaurant on the twenty-fourth floor to alert them of their impending arrival. The place was busy, but there was no wait for them as the hostess led them to a private area toward the back. That was the great thing about being with Kuu and Julie Hizuri, no wait. Other guests recognized his parents, but they respectfully left them alone.

The restaurant featured Asian fusion design in its decor and food. Their large table was cocooned artistically in strips of wood that extended high above their heads giving the illusion that they were birds sitting in a nest. His father ordered for the table with his stomach as usual. He practically rattled off everything on the menu: sashimi, sushi, steam buns, braised short ribs, gyoza, spring rolls, every desert, and more, much more.

He left the parents alone and joined Kyoko at the full-length glass windows wrapping his arms around her from behind. The LA skyline was beautiful at night with its millions of lights illuminating the dark.

"It reminds me of Tokyo," Kyoko whispered.

"Are you homesick?" He asked tightening his arms around her. He was almost afraid of her answer and he didn't know why. It wasn't like he wanted to move back here, but if they started accepting roles here, they would be spending a lot of time here sometimes even apart.

"Yes and no." She didn't need to elaborate. He understood.

"Are you feeling okay?" He asked turning her around to fave him. He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "A lot happened tonight. Could you tell me why you went with the Beagle?" He asked trying to keep the hurt out of his voice but failed.

Kyoko heard it. "Kuon," she said softly and wrapped her arms around his waist. "It's not what you think or maybe it is. I had to save him for all your sakes. The man is physically weak he wouldn't have stood a chance against your mom let alone the rest of you men."

He found himself laughing at the idea of his mother taking down the vocalist. She was feisty. He could easily see her doing it.

"What did he want to talk about?" He asked stroking the back of her hair while absentmindedly gazing out the window.

"He wanted to warn me about something I already knew...your past."

Kuon tensed.

"I don't think he has any intention of telling anyone; otherwise, he would have done so a long time ago. I'm not even sure why he even told me."

"I know why."

"You do? Tell me."

"It's because he likes you."

Kyoko frowned at his answer. "That's not true. It's Mio he likes. He told me."

Oh, his beautiful smart girlfriend; she could be so clueless sometimes. "Baby, you are Mio."

"Oh, right. I didn't mean to…"

He cut her off kissing her soundly on the mouth. "It's okay. You're a beautiful woman that will have thousands, no millions of admirers. He won't be the last to fall in love with you either. It's part of the job. I'm content knowing that your only love is me as you are mine."

"I'll always love only you Kuon."

He kissed her again then gripped her hand. "I think we should get back to our parents before I get carried away here and book us a room."

She gasped and smacked him on the arm. She told him to go ahead of her. Kyoko needed a moment for the heat on her face to die down before rejoining them.

The chatter was easy going. Kyoko was at the center of the conversation bringing everyone together as always. Kuon added some clarification to any story that Kyoko shared during their time in LA. It got quiet when the food was delivered.

"Now I understand," Tadashi chuckled with a look of nostalgia on his face.

"Understand?" Julie asked curiously.

"The first time I ate Kyoko's cooking she loaded the table with food. I couldn't make her hard work go to waste so I ate it all. I don't think I ate anything the next day. I was so full from the night before."

Everyone erupted with laughter including Kuon. He remembered that night clearly. Kyoko thought all fathers ate like his own. She was so adorably wrong.

"I'm so sorry father!" Kyoko wailed.

"It's fine, sweetie. Your cooking is delicious. I'd do it all over again."

"I agree. Her cooking is exceptional," Kuu said after swallowing a mouthful of food. "She could be a five-star chef." Tadashi readily agreed as they exchanged the type of food Kyoko made for each of them and their favorites.

Tadashi glanced at his watch and put his fork down. He stared back and forth between him and Kyoko. This was it. This was the moment he would have to face his future father in law with the truth.

"I think we've waited long enough. Isn't there something you need to confess?" Tadashi asked seriously.

Kyoko paused in bringing a forkful of decadent chocolate cake to her mouth.

He looked at his parents. Their expressions were full of worry. It's now or never Kuon. Rip it off like a bandaid.

"I never meant to keep it a secret from you but my real name is Kuon Hizuri. These are my actual parents," he confessed quietly after looking around to see if any outsiders were listening.

"Oh, it's still Japanese," Tadashi responded with surprise, not entirely how Kuon pictured his reaction would be to the truth.

"That's it?" Kuon asked, a little flustered. He was expecting more of a confrontation. How could that possibly be it? He had lied to him this whole time about his identity.

"I kind of figured it out in the first five minutes of meeting them tonight. I knew Tsuruga Ren wasn't your real name when I had you investigated."

"Wait? What? You had him investigated?" Kuu demanded setting his fork down in preparation to defend his son.

"It's fine," he waved off his father. That time in Lory's office seemed like such a long ago that he had forgotten about it. No wonder Tadashi wasn't surprised by his confession.

Kuon sagged against the cushion of his chair and took a sip of his water. He had agonized over nothing.

"As happy as I am that you trust me enough to be included in your secret, that's not what I was referring to. I'm talking about the Beagle."

Kyoko squeaked beside Kuon and dropped her fork entirely. It clattered onto her plate noisily.

Tadashi's eyes hardened as he stared at them. He meant business. He wasn't even sparing his daughter this time. "I want the whole truth."

AN: Hehehe sorry for the delay everyone. I was expecting to post this last night but I fell asleep and finally found the time to post it today. I appreciate all your patience. I was hoping to close off this night with this chapter but my writer soul had other plans. 4k plus words later and I got through one scene and left you hanging. I hope you guys enjoyed it.

Thank you for always reading and I appreciate your reviews on the last chapter.

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^