Chapter 158: Third Wheel

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Yashiro would accompany them on a "non-date." ;)

Yashiro had yet to close the door of the back passenger seat when he accosted the couple. "What in the world happened last night?"

At the same time, Kyoko twisted around in the front seat and shouted, "Did we get the job?"

No pleasant greetings were exchanged, they each got straight to the point.

Yashiro pushed up his glasses, offended. "Kuon, please explain to our sweet Kyoko-chan how good I am at my job."

"He's the best in the business, baby," Kuon replied with a hint of teasing.

Yashiro rolled his eyes and smiled. America was making his charge quite cheeky.

"Of course, you got the job. I'll tell you all about it over lunch. I want to know what happened last night. What were your fathers doing with the lead singer of Vie Ghoul?"

Kyoko gasped, "How do you know about that?"

"I saw it on the news this morning since somebody failed to tell me about it," Yashiro scold.

"Oh no, that is exactly what I didn't want to happen. It's all my fault," Kyoko sighed.

"No, it's all Beagle's fault for violating our agreement. If your father had not shown up when he did, you could have…" Kuon shuddered in the driver's seat and didn't finish his sentence.

Yashiro gazed at him sympathetically. He could understand his feelings. Reino had caused some serious trouble for her in Karuizawa. He had been so desperate to get to her then, but could only send Yashiro ahead of him while he finished his work.

"Are you okay, Kyoko-chan?" Yashiro asked, concerned.

"Yes, thank you, Yashiro-san."

"That's good. Don't worry about the news. Hizuri-san and Tadashi-san were painted as good samaritans helping out their fellow Japanese man, but I would like to know the full story in case I need to run interference."

"Right," she nodded. They spent the rest of the car ride rehashing the events last night for him. He wasn't shocked that Tadashi saw Reino as a threat based on Kyoko's reaction to the singer. What he did was risky, but necessary. At least it all turned out for the best.

"We're here" Kuon informed them as he retrieved the ticket from the machine that led into the parking garage. He found the nearest open space and parked the car.

"A museum?" Yashiro questioned.

"It's a small one, art mostly in various mediums. I haven't been here since I was a kid but mom told me there was an open-air restaurant here now that's good."

Kuon gazed intently at Kyoko. "It's the best I can do. I'm sorry, I haven't been able to take you around more."

Kyoko laughed and shook her head. "Don't be silly. You've done more than plenty. Maybe we can come back when we aren't working?"

"That sounds good," Kuon agreed.

Yashiro cleared his throat and smirked when several moments ticked by yet the couple continued to gaze at each other warmly, clearly forgetting he was in the back seat. The blush dusting their cheeks was a cute little bonus.

"Right, let's go. We have time to take a look around then eat lunch. R'Mandy isn't far from here," Kuon told them, getting out of the car.

Yashiro brought along his messenger bag containing the final contracts for the MV and left his laptop hidden on the floor of the backseat. He made sure a pair of latex gloves were in his jacket pocket. If he was going to be a third wheel on this date, by God, he was going to be the best at it and take photographs of his OTP. He was a tad disappointed that Kanae couldn't be here with them. They had to plan another double date when they returned to Japan.

…

"This is a good spot. Ren, Kyoko, please stand together right by the middle," Yashiro instructed, stopping them on the wide staircase a few minutes after they walked into the building.

Kyoko had to agree that the colorful geometric shape pattern painted directly on the walls leading up to the second floor made a cool backdrop. She laughed when Ren pulled her closer to him for the picture. It amused her that after all the time spent modeling he still had it in him to take more photographs.

"Would you like to take a picture with it too, Yashiro-san?" Kyoko asked after he was satisfied with what he took.

"Don't worry about me, Kyoko-chan," Yashiro waved her off.

"Okay, let me know if you change your mind." Kyoko took out her phone to take pictures for herself. Some of them may have included a few candid shots of the manager to share with her friend later. She was lucky enough to be sharing this experience with her lover and could only imagine how her friends felt about being oceans apart. They had to be missing each other terribly.

They resumed their ascent on the stairs and came upon a large space with individual rooms showcasing large pieces from the same artists. The first room on the right had what Kyoko could only describe as an island of miscellaneous items. The large piece filled the room with only a path two people wide on each side to allow visitors to walk around it. It was arranged in such a way that Kyoko couldn't quite describe with her lack of knowledge in fine arts. On the one hand, the piece had various states of vegetation, flowers, and foliage growing from it; while on the other hand, there were many miscellaneous items repurposed in such a way that it just worked.

"Is that a jumbo size container of cheese balls?" Ren asked, coming up beside her as she took a picture of that section of the exhibit.

"I was wondering that myself," Kyoko laughed.

"I can't understand art," Ren lamented as Kyoko pursued the baubles hanging from some of the tall greenery and a variety of disposed of items.

"Stand next to him so I can get a picture," Kyoko told Ren holding up her phone.

"Who?" He asked confused, looking around the area.

"Him," she pointed to the bronze sculpture with the body of a partially naked man lying in the 'grass.'

"How do you know it's a him?" He asked eyeing the statue with a head that coiled into the shape of a snail shell.

Kyoko rolled her eyes. "I know a thing or two about abs and those belong to a man." Her fingers lightly grazed over his stomach, making him hiss.

"How about I take a picture of you both," Yashiro suggested, making Kyoko blush from her antics. Thankfully he was behind Ren so he couldn't see how she caressed him. At least she hoped he didn't see.

I need to behave myself.

That's how their tour around the galleries continued. It was an interesting collection of modern art that sometimes Kyoko didn't know where to look. Her eyes darted up, down, side to side trying to soak everything in. Something was interesting to see in every direction even in the galleries that were scarce.

Once again she caught her boyfriend muttering that he didn't understand art as he stood in a ten by twelve-foot room staring at the art inside it. One canvas appeared to be completely blank to her and yet there was a card with the art's title and artist's name hanging next to it. She couldn't understand it either.

"Come on," he said pulling her down the hall with Yashiro shadowing them. "Mom said it was still here."

Kyoko felt the change of atmosphere when they walked into a smaller gallery. She looked at the few people in the room as they quietly gazed at the paintings respectively in front of them with a mesmerizing countenance. They went through each painting contemplating the emotions each one invoked. The one that resonated with Kyoko the most had to be the portrait of a Queen. There was a sort of calm yet strong countenance in the way the regal woman held herself and stared back at her. That had to be her most favorite piece in the entire museum.

The trio chatted their way back down and continued to the restaurant located in the courtyard. Along the way, she came across several odd-looking chairs that spun when pushed. Kyoko laughed hysterically when Ren nearly fell over sitting in one of them. The chair was so low to the ground that he miscalculated his fall. His long legs just looked awkward and uncomfortable in the seat. He pulled Kyoko down onto his lap and began spinning them. True to his third-wheel duties, Yashiro was right there capturing it all on video.

While they dined on gourmet soups, salads, and fancy grilled cheese sandwiches, Yashiro pulled out the contracts he had been toting around in his bag. They went over each aspect thoroughly since the contracts in America were different than what they were used to.

"Before you sign," Yashiro said, withholding the pen. "There's something else I need to tell you about the schedule."

"What do you mean?" Ren piped up before she could.

"Well, I had to get a bit creative with the schedule because of your previous engagements. You'll have to film most of it during the wee hours of the morning. The only exception is scenes 1 and 3 since those are indoor locations. You will be reporting to work early Saturday and Sunday or late depending on how you want to look at it."

" I don't care about me but Kyoko needs to rest," Ren insisted, flipping through the pages for the list of scenes.

"It's the best I could get them to agree on. The shoot tomorrow would only consist of scene 2. It's the longest one on the list. If you do it without any NGs, you could be home before the sun rises."

Ren sighed and asked Kyoko, "What do you think?"

"YOLO," she grinned with a shrug, making him snort with laughter. America was rubbing off on her. If she wasn't careful, soon she would be shrugging at everything.

He reached for the pen in Yashiro's hand, flipped to the last page, and signed his sheets. Kyoko took the pen he offered her next and eagerly signed her set of documents.

LINE BREAK

"They might be for you," Yashiro declared from the back seat as they drove past the entrance of R'Mandy's temporary building to find a space.

"Why would they be here? Is it because of my involvement with mom and dad?" Kyoko panicked.

"It's probably that. You have nothing to worry about. You don't even have to speak to them," Ren told her.

"It could also be…" Yashiro began.

He looked at his manager expectantly after parking the car. Instead of finishing his sentence, Yashiro paused to put on a latex glove then pulled out his phone. They waited patiently for him to show whatever he was looking up.

The manager leaned forward and handed them his phone. He leaned in close to Kyoko she could see. The information was so shocking it left him speechless.

"Bennett-san wrote this?" Kyoko asked, skeptically.

He saw Yashiro's reflection in the rearview mirror nod. He didn't know what to make of Cedric's post. It looked like his childhood nemesis was trying to clear up the misunderstanding the media seemed to have concerning the rumors between him and Kyoko. Social media has become the most popular way to distribute information to the masses. Nearly twenty-thousand people had liked his post since this morning. Cedric's habits since he reentered his life were contrary to everything he knew about him. They left him conflicted.

"I can send you the link so you can peruse it later if you're interested. Right now, Fuji-san is waiting for us," Yashiro informed them. Ren handed the phone back to Yashiro.

"Okay?" Kyoko asked, taking his hand in hers and squeezing it gently. He flashed her a reassuring smile and nodded.

Ren got a grip on his persona and pushed thoughts of Cedric to the back of his mind. One of these days he needed to address his issues with that guy one, but right now he had work to do and no time to be thinking about personal problems.

The few reporters outside the building came alive when they caught them approaching. It turned out that one was a female reporter and crew representing a Japanese news source. The rapid-fire questions asked were some he anticipated based on the recent events.

Ms. Kyoko, what is your relationship with the Hizuris?

Mr. Tsuruga, will you be making the transition from Japan to Hollywood?

Any Hollywood films in the future for either of you?

Ms. Kyoko, I have a source stating that you're very close to the lead singer of Vie Ghoul? Can you confirm your relationship?

"I am not!" Kyoko exclaimed in abject horror, breaking her silence to the question of the Japanese reporter.

"Come on," Ren said dragging her inside before she could say more that they would twist out of context.

"Shouldn't I talk to them and explain."

"No, it's best to leave that alone for now lest they misconstrue your words further," Yashiro clarified. "I'll do a little research on that reporter to see what we're dealing with."

"We meet again," a heavily accented English voice interrupted the trio.

Ren groaned internally but pasted on his professional smile to greet this new intruder.

"Noah?" He responded confused and held out his hand to shake with the Scottish model.

"Tsuruga, good to see you again," Noah replied, taking the proffered hand. He shook Ren's hand while his other hand felt up and squeezed his forearm then worked its way up to his bicep and his shoulder. Ren found himself flexing so the guy could get the full effect of his muscular structure.

Kyoko stepped closer, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Is this how men greet each other here?" The gold flecks in her eyes sparkled brightly with amusement.

Ren and Noah pulled away abruptly, clearing their throats.

"Kyoko, my dear. It's lovely to see you again," Noah recovered quickly, taking Kyoko's hand and lifting its back toward his lips. Ren moved to karate chop the offending appendage before the model's lips could touch his girlfriend's precious skin, but Kyoko seemed to be faster. She moved her hand in an awkward shake.

Noah straightened up and released her hand amused by the movement. His carefree attitude reminded him of Kijima sometimes. He wondered if the two would get along.

"You've been a busy young lady since I met you. No Vlad today?"

"She doesn't need him when I'm around," Ren countered, puffing his chest out. Noah turned his gaze back to Ren.

"I see you've been training harder since last I saw you. Is it for a role?"

"A role? No. It's because, ugh…"

"I'm feeding him," Kyoko interjected seriously. Noah burst out laughing thinking it was a joke. His laughter cut short when no one else laughed.

"You serious? All that muscle gain is from eating regularly. I guess you always did nibble like a bird. Can you feed me too?" His blue-gray eyes pleaded with Kyoko.

"Find your own girlfriend," Ren sneered.

"Well, unfortunately for you, I'll be spending most of my time with 'your girlfriend' today," Noah winked.

"What do you mean?" Ren asked, unable to keep the frown off his face.

"It turns out Fuji is still in need for a physique like mine," Noah bragged.

Ren spun on his heel to find Fuji or Jay so they could explain what this crazy Scot was talking about. He wasn't supposed to be part of this collection so why was he here. They were so intent on the initial conversation that the trio missed what was going on around them. A portion of the back of the room had been transformed into a makeshift set. Weren't we supposed to move locations for the shoot? Sousuke and the assistants were busily snapping photographs of the other models to include in the R'Mandy lookbook. He looked around the area for Fuji and found the designer sitting at a table with none other than Kuon's ex, his ex, Miranda.

What the fuck?

He heard and felt an oomph behind him as Kyoko collided with his back. Fuck! What is she doing here?

"Oh, Fuji-san seems to be busy with a client," Kyoko said thoughtfully. "Is it okay to interrupt?"

Ren looked down at her incredulously. Not a hint of worry or jealousy showed on her face. She graced him with a soft smile instead. God, I'm such a noob! Aside from the bar incident, Ren doesn't know her.

Fuji perked up as he noticed the couple. "Ms. Kyoko, Ren please come meet Miranda Hastings owner of Miranda Boutiques and designs."

"I'll go make some inquiries," Yashiro said, excusing himself to find a quiet place to work.

"Miranda has become your biggest fan, Ms. Kyoko," Fuji beamed by way of introduction.

Kyoko bowed politely in greeting but the taller woman engulfed her in a hug. "Oh, you are even more adorable up close."

…

Kyoko tensed in the woman's embrace and struggled to keep her grudges at bay.

"Thank you and nice to meet you," she managed sweetly.

"I meant to introduce myself to you last night, but my friend ran into a bit of drama," Miranda mimed someone throwing back drinks with her hand. "So I had to leave early."

"Miranda, this is Ren Tsuruga," Fuji added.

"We've met briefly but I didn't properly introduce myself," she shook Ren's hand and that was it. There was no batting of the eyelashes, no running her fingers on his sleeve, or coy smile. Nothing. Kyoko didn't know if she should be relieved or worried. It appeared that she already met Noah so the other model was ignored.

"We were just looking over some design samples that Miranda is interested in carrying in her boutique. She has her heart set on the dress you wore last night during the after-party and several more items that caught her eye. She would be sending an official buyer to Japan."

"That's good news," Kyoko congratulated Fuji.

The conversation ended as applause rang out at the back of the room signaling that the shoot had convened with those set of models. There were a few more left, including Honoka, waiting their turn. Jay and Chiaki noticed them with Fuji and joined them while they took a break.

"Thanks for taking point on that one," Fuji told his assistants. "I'm almost done here."

"After that set, we'll be ready for these three so you guys may want to get ready. Oh, before I forget, Kyoko-chan, Ren-san gifts from your fans found their way to this location. They're over there on the table. You can take a look and then come to the back."

"Thank you, Jay-san." Kyoko bowed, grateful for the excuse. They said their regards to Miranda before leaving and walked to the table he pointed out. If Ren was affected by the encounter he wasn't showing it. She wouldn't bring it up either. It was all in the past.

She chose to concentrate on the now. Sitting on the table was a box of cards, stuffed animals, sweets, and a bouquet of sunflowers sitting in a vase marked for them. There were other gifts too probably for the other models. On the other side of the table was another bouquet of two dozen yellow roses. A model clipped Kyoko's shoulder in passing as she reached for the card on her flowers.

"Sorry," she responded hastily. Kyoko stared after her suspiciously.

"Something wrong," Ren asked clueless beside her. Kyoko shook her head ignoring the model. "More flowers," he grumbled.

"Hi, Kyoko-chan, Ren-san," Honoka said, hobbling over to them on her crutch.

"Good afternoon, Honoka-san," the couple greeted together.

"How is your ankle?" Kyoko inquired glancing down at her injured foot.

"It's better. The swelling went down significantly overnight."

"That's good news," Ren added.

"I think we have the same admirer," Honoka teased, nodding to the yellow roses. Now that Kyoko took a good look, the vases were similar.

"Eh?" Kyoko quickly opened the card.

Great work last night. I'm sorry for any trouble my fans may have caused you. Your friend, Cedric.

"How thoughtful of him," Ren remarked unable to conceal his disdain.

Honoka giggled with Kyoko joining her.

"Ren-san, I like you like this," Honoka complimented and winked to Kyoko.

"He's adorable," Kyoko agreed, making him huff.

"I'll give this to Yukihito," Ren said. He stuffed the vase on the top of the box carefully. Even if he was pouting about it, he still made sure not to damage the flowers. He carried the box toward the front where their manager had set up shop.

"How did you do it, Kyoko-chan?" Honoka asked quietly once Ren was out of earshot.

"Huh?"

"You know, how did you find the courage to confess to Ren-san?"

"Oh," Kyoko yelped. Honoka was asking her something very personal, but she wasn't sure why a beautiful woman like herself would talk to her about such things. Honoka's eyes pleaded.

"I..uh..um," Kyoko leaned in. "I think what made it easy was he confessed first."

"He did!" Honoka gasped. A moment later the awe left her and the model's face crumpled in disappointment.

"Is there someone you like?" Kyoko asked nosily. Honoka held up a card like the one in Kyoko's hand.

I hope these make your day even brighter. Get well soon! Your friend, Cedric.

Kyoko looked at her sympathetically.

"I know! I've been friend-zoned," Honoka groaned. "Not to mention his reputation with women, but he was nice and fun to talk to. It also helped that he was handsome. I guess it's for the best. His life is here and mine is there."

Kyoko felt the familiar pang of heartache in her chest as she thought about Kuon. She shook it off as quickly as it came. If it ever came to that she knew they could work it out.

"Are you okay, Honoka-san?" Ren asked concerned by her expression when he returned.

"I'm just fine," Honoka smiled. "You two should get ready. It looks like Sousuke-san is ready my group. Talk to you later."

…

Fuji had to commend himself for having the most brilliant ideas. After taking photos in the studio, they moved locations to a retro-style mid-century modern house on an acre of land that he rented for the next several hours. They had already finished photographing the ladies and the men with the ladies, now they were working on just the men.

"Ren, loosen up in your shoulders. Look at Noah, he's not so stiff," Fuji goaded. The Scot flashed him a toothy grin while Ren's patient smile twitched.

"Like this, Tsuruga," Noah offered. "Shake out those beefy shoulders," the other model instructed, taking hold of Ren's shoulders and shaking them. "Man you're really solid. I need to eat more."

"I got it," Ren said annoyed, shrugging him off.

There was nothing wrong with Ren's work, Fuji was just having too much fun with him because the actor was showing some rare faces with Noah around. The session with the three of them probably got the actor worked up. The urge to tease the guy was irresistible.

After Ren and the other men were done, Fuji had them switch into beach and resort wear so they could relax. Dance party mix music was turned on and pumping through the outdoor speakers by the pool.

For the most part, Fuji let the models enjoy themselves naturally as a kind of celebratory party after a very hectic week. He had the place stocked with non-alcoholic beverages and platters of food for everyone to enjoy. He should have rethought the amount of food he had catered. All the models were pecking at the dishes except Noah.

"What do you think, Ms. Kyoko, is this enough?" The Scot asked her. Kyoko burst out laughing, which Sousuke conveniently caught on camera.

"You'll need more than that," Ren expressed helpfully. He began piling more food on his plate.

"Are you sure? That roll alone is high in carbs and sugar."

"If you want guns like these," Ren told Noah with a straight face and flexed his bicep. It was so out of character for Ren that Fuji spurt out the seltzer water he was drinking.

Sousuke walked around the area taking both scripted photos and candid shots of everyone including the crew.

Fuji watched the way each outfit or accessory moved on the models making slight changes when necessary. He found a set of jewelry he wanted to add to the summer lookbook and had just the model to wear them. He had Kyoko stretched out in her ruffled navy swimsuit with tiny embroidered lemons on the long white diving board hanging off the pool showcasing the jewelry. The clear blue of the pool water created a serene background.

That's how the final photoshoot for R'Mandy during LA fashion week progressed that day. Fuji would feel inspired and would find the right models to execute his vision. By the end of the day, he felt compelled to make a speech.

Stood on the top step of the deck and used the ring on his hand to clink against his glass to get everyone's attention. Already feeling emotional, he swallowed the lump in his throat as they turned to look at him. He stared into every face in the room before speaking.

"I just wanted to say a few words before we call it a day. I want to thank every one of you for supporting me throughout this journey. For months we have been preparing for this week and it has paid off. This accomplishment is just as much yours as it is mine. I couldn't have done it without all of you. I'll see the majority of you back in Japan, but as for our local help, you will all be missed. I wish you all the best of luck in the future and hopefully, our paths will cross again next year. If you're ever in Tokyo, look me up. With that said, let's have a toast... to the R'mandy team."

The room cheered and chorused the toast. "To Fuji-san," someone shouted. He raised his glass again in salute and took a drink.

They had another hour before they had to clear out for the cleaning crew. He would be attending the last night of fashion week with his assistants and Kyoko and Ren to see the remaining collections. He had a day filled with appointments tomorrow with other interested buyers like Miranda before he returned to Tokyo.

"I don't understand why we're here," Flynn whined beside him as they walked down the block.

"I'm looking for a present for my grandpa," Cedric explained.

"Wow, this street is very busy tonight," Flynn remarked. "Did they open a new club here?"

"That's where we're going."

Cedric could see that the busy crowd ahead was here for the exhibit. He had debated whether or not to come at all after what he learned today, but curiosity got the better of him. It brought him a little peace of mind to see all the attendees. Maybe he could blend in, take a look around, and quietly observe without having to interact with her just yet. He snickered to himself derisively and shook his head.

That's grade-A stalker level, you idiot. Then there's the problem with your face!

"You're overthinking something again, aren't you?" Flynn's voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Hmmm?" Cedric hummed.

"You're doing that creepy laugh."

"What do you mean?" He asked playing dumb.

Flynn rolled his eyes and responded exasperatedly, "Come on. Let's get this over with so we can eat." Cedric picked up his pace to keep up with his friend.

A few moments later, they were nodding to the bouncer-like doormen standing guard at the entrance and went inside. He heard the murmurs as people recognized him immediately. If only he thought to wear some sort of disguise, like a fake mustache.

Cedric stopped dead in his tracks only several feet from the crowded entrance. Everyone in the area faded, his breathing faltered, and his skin grew cold and clammy. He could barely hear anything but his thunderous heart beating in his ears so when Flynn spoke he barely registered the words.

"Ric, what's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Hiya! Thank you for sticking with me! Awe fashion week is finally coming to a close but their time in LA is not over. I hope I did their work justice. I hope you enjoyed it!

Thank you for always reading and for the reviews of the last chapter. I appreciate it.

As for the guest reviewer looking for some clues on Marilia.g, I have none. I DM'd her in SB discord but she has yet to respond. I'm a huge fan of her work so I'm sad with you. Hopefully, all is well with her.

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^