Chapter 209: His Only Hope

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Reino wouldn't get away so easily.

A feeling of foreboding settled upon Reino the moment he stepped out of his apartment, following Miroku into the awaiting car. They had completed their recent album days in advance thanks to Reino cracking the proverbial whip on himself and his bandmates without mercy. The little-known fact that someone was following him around L.A. made the decision to leave as soon as possible easy. Whoever was tailing him was good. If it wasn't for his sixth sense, he would have carried on none the wiser. Reino was never able to catch a glimpse of them, but they were there, lurking in the shadows. The feeling of being watched stopped as soon as he boarded his plane bound for New York. He knew his days were numbered and couldn't afford any more delay, lest he wanted to cease being among the living. Reino was not ready to say goodbye to his physical form as much as he enjoyed and connected with the supernatural realm.

The only reason he stuck around this long was for Miroku. His best friend had always been there for him, encouraging Reino's strangeness while the other kids stayed clear of him. He couldn't ditch Miroku even though he so badly wanted to be selfish.

When they returned to New York a couple of days ago, Reino took to locking himself away in his box, only vacating it when he needed to relieve himself or Miroku came knocking to remind him to eat or shower. Tonight's knock wasn't unexpected. He knew Miroku wouldn't let him go without one last hurrah.

Miroku's wishes were so rare, often agreeing with Reino's whims regardless. It was, after all, his last night with the band. He couldn't deny Miroku's request to celebrate the completion of their album one final time. So he crawled out of the relative safety of his box, put on a flashy outfit befitting of the eccentric lead singer of the band Vie Ghoul and donned his typical hooded coat along with a pair of leather gloves. He wasn't taking any chances of accidentally slipping and making skin contact with another psycho.

Reino had ignored all the glaring warning signs, urging him to return and seek shelter before his departure. Miroku's desperate plea had pulled him into the car while Reino ignored the apparition of a crying street urchin with sunken cheekbones and hollow eyes dressed in tattered clothing reminiscent of The Great Depression era. The city was littered with restless young spirits like him that Reino learned to ignore and given that All Hallow's Eve was approaching more were being sighted.

Reino instantly regretted coming once he was inside the club. The place was uncharacteristically busy for a weeknight or maybe it was just him. He had become so used to his solitude that the crowd, noise, and strobing lights only served to irritate him. Sensing his unease, Miroku led Reino and their bandmates toward the back where the VIP lounge was reserved for the whole night.

Women annoyingly flocked to his friends, intelligently steering clear of him, frightened of the eerie aura he was emitting. He didn't need nor want their attention tonight. They weren't in the club long before the president of their label showed up with an entourage of bodyguards and a young woman in each of his arms. Miroku might have mentioned that it was their boss that suggested they come out because he wanted to surprise them. The boss and the club manager wrangled their group and escorted them into the private lounge reserved for the club's VVIP. He even allowed the band to bring in the women they were entertaining.

Reino was glad he wore his gloves now that their boss had arrived. Thankfully, he had never had the ill pleasure of making skin contact with the man. He didn't need his extra sight to confirm that the guy was of the unsavory sort. Stewart Wright was a snake or maybe he was a charmer. He couldn't decide which just yet. Either way, he didn't care; otherwise, he'd be a hypocrite if he ever judged someone with the way he went through life. All that mattered was the man knew how to conduct business when it counted and made Vie Ghoul quite the success.

The first thing Reino noticed was the smell in the room. A banquet table was set to the side laden with various food and desserts that only made his nervous stomach churn. His friends cheered at the sight and immediately descended on the table ready to sample the free food. Reino bypassed it and sauntered up to the small mirrored bar tucked in the corner and ordered a glass of red wine, hoping the liquor will get him through the night.

"I made you a dish," Miroku said, coming up beside him with a plate of finger food as the bartender set his glass down. Miroku ordered a beer and maneuvered Reino to the dimly lit seating area where his friend knew he would be most comfortable.

As time passed, toasts were made, and their boss became more generous with his praise. He was in an excellent mood. More women entered the room at Stewart's invitation. He had noticed them dancing around the poles on the other side of the large glass and couldn't resist adding them to the party. As soon as the new ladies entered, Reino's skin buzzed, knowing they were different as they assessed the room with precision. By then, he was on his third glass so his senses could have been off. He attributed their demeanor to nerves and being in first-class surroundings. A couple of them even sought refuge in their area, seeming to find relief in the relative quiet and darkness the corner afforded them. Their attempt at small talk failed on Reino, but Miroku, ever the gentleman, entertained their questions. Their whispered question asking if he was a vampire nearly got a rise out of him.

It wasn't until the door opened to more guests that Reino felt the hair on the back of his neck stand on end, a sure sign his luck had run out. His self-preservation instincts kicked in and he automatically reached for a shield, draping the nearest woman on his lap and essentially hiding behind her like the fucking coward he had become. She squealed on his lap and giggled nervously, eventually settling down. If he had not been wearing his gloves he probably would have gotten a movie's worth of visions with how little she was wearing and she was one of the most conservatively dressed of the women in the room.

Stewart angrily cursed at the American man that stuck his head in the door after the manager entered. Reino noticed the man surveyed the room quickly like a special ops soldier counting the number of enemies remaining before charging in. He ducked back out, exchanged a few words with someone outside, and stepped in completely.

After cursing the man some more, Stewart's demeanor went from asshole to kiss ass at the sight of the new arrival.

"Koki-san!" Stewart exclaimed. The way his boss greeted the newcomer made Reino shift uncomfortably. He was Japanese. His name and his appearance confirmed it. Reino pierced the man with his gaze, trying to confirm if he was a threat. Following Koki were a Caucasian woman and another Japanese man that caused Reino's heart to practically stop beating and his blood to run cold at the sight of him. It took every ounce of his nerve to stay seated and not bolt for the only exit in the room.

Fuck me! I'm dead! Reino's mind screamed and a slight tremor rushed through him. It was at this moment he knew he was in deep shit. The fact that no one had followed him around after returning to New York had given him a false sense of security. Reino thought he had time to plan his next move and get out of Dodge as the Americans liked to say. It was stupid of him to believe he was free.

"Are you okay?" The woman on top of him whispered in a tremulous voice, sensing the shift in his mood. Reino could sense her nerves, but a part of her was fighting to stay calm for some reason. He silenced her with his gaze, glaring at her to be quiet when their eyes connected. She clamped her mouth shut and looked away, tensing in his embrace and lifting her drink to her lips. A slight feeling of satisfaction coursed through him, knowing he at least still possessed that effect on people. His essence hadn't been completely eradicated after L.A.

He expected her to throw a fit. Most American women would have been off his lap and screaming at him like a banshee for being an asshole and yet she remained. His eyes shifted to the glass in her shaky hand and watched her barely take a sip. Her sobriety could have been the reason she was keeping quiet, maybe she didn't want to make a scene. On the other hand, Reino was relieved she wasn't plastered and a giggling mess that would draw attention to him. She sat stiffly in his arms like a good girl and eyed the new guests curiously with a hawk-like concentration instead.

When the White Tiger's gaze swept over the room, his eyes lingered on the corner as if sensing his presence. All Reino could do was retreat further behind the woman, praying to all the gods that Kyoko's father wasn't aware that he was in the room. It was wishful thinking. Why else would the man be here tonight in this room if it didn't involve Reino?

Since Tadashi wasn't making a move to confront him, Reino began to think it had to be one hell of a coincidence. He thought he could wait it out until they left, but with each passing moment, the anxiety within Reino multiplied exponentially to the point that he couldn't even hear the business being discussed. It was driving him crazy. At any moment he could implode. His only option was to sneak out while his executioner had his back to him.

He leaned over and whispered, "Don't make any sudden moves." Miroku nodded that he understood and calmly waited for Reino to continue. "I need to get out of here…quietly." His friend's eyes flickered to the single door that would lead to his freedom. The American bodyguard had taken up residence close to the door, making it difficult for Reino to leave without drawing attention to himself. Technically, there was no reason for them to stay there so surely it wouldn't look suspicious for them to leave.

Believing the coast was clear while the men and woman discussed business, Reino saw his opportunity to make a quick getaway and relieved himself of the burden on his lap. He got up normally, fighting his instincts to take flight and race toward the door. Distance was the only thing capable of saving him now.

Reino had to have screwed up badly in a previous life to receive this level of bad luck. Just when he thought he was going to make it out, Stewart's big fucking mouth threw him right under the bus.

The recognition and merciless expression on Tadashi's face gave Reino the impression that their meeting tonight was by pure chance. The moment Tadashi's fingers curled around Reino's wrist, he knew he was well and truly fucked. The sinister smile and threatening words proved it.

"Hey, get your fucking hands off him," Miroku growled as Tadashi steered him toward the table. His friend took a menacing step toward them, but the woman he had used as a shield stood, blocking Miroku's path.

"What the fuck?" Miroku screeched in the woman's face. "Get the fuck out of my way, bitch." His charming manners were long forgotten as he tried to brush past her. In a flash, she had his right arm twisted and pinned behind his back.

"Ow, fuck, you stupid bitch! Let go of me," Miroku grounded out, groaning from the pressure she was placing on his arm. Reino cringed seeing him in pain, knowing full well how much that hurt. They needed to up their physical activity if a woman was capable of incapacitating Miroku like that. He was their drummer. The one with all the muscles. All that stick beating had to amount to something, right?

"Please stop moving before I dislocate your shoulder," the woman warned, confident in her skills. She wasn't even struggling to hold him in place.

"Fuck you, bitch," Miroku spat, crying out as she tightened her hold on him. Chaos ensued as the other guys tried to go to his aid only to be stopped by her friends. His friends were drunk not that stupid. They didn't engage the women physically, but it didn't stop them from incoherently spouting nonsense in Japanese and English.

"Stop!" Stewart roared to be heard over the heated voices. "What is going on here?" He demanded, glaring at the women holding Miroku hostage.

They stopped yelling, but the woman still had a death grip on Miroku. Reino kept expecting the door to fling open with Stewart's guards or the club's bouncers to trickle in, but they never came. The door remained shut despite the racket going on inside. We're those big burly men guarding the doors statues?

"I will charge you little bitches with assault," Stewart threatened, wagging his finger at each of them. The women whirled on him, staring daggers at their new target.

"Release him," the American bodyguard suddenly barked, surprising almost everyone in the room. The woman scoffed and begrudgingly released Miroku, obeying the man's order. Their demeanor changed from club revelers to women obviously on a mission in an instant as they moved to stand at attention by the man. Their earlier behavior started to make sense.

Who the fuck are these people?

Stewart was turning purple with rage at the women once their actual purpose started clicking in his brain. Despite his fear, Reino had to applaud their skill for gaining access to the lounge.

"They're with me," the Koki guy explained calmly. "A necessary precaution, you understand." He waved his hand dismissively for Stewart to get over it.

"I thought we were among friends," Stewart replied.

"Of course…of course," Koki assured his boss with a warm smile that sent a chill down Reino's spine.

"Tadashi, would you like to sit with your friend," Koki gestured to the empty seats at the table. "I take it, this is the man that started it all."

"Indeed," Tadashi answered and roughly sat Reino down next to him.

"Did you know he would be here?" Koki asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Tadashi smiled. "It seems fate is on my side." Reino whimpered internally, their exchange confirming that whatever business they had planned tonight concerned him.

"I'd recommend clearing the room," Tadashi suggested, opening his briefcase and pulling out a thick folder. "Scott," he said, nodding to the American bodyguard.

"We'll be right outside, Boss," Scott replied and led his pack of Jezebels out of the room.

Tadashi's brows rose at Stewart expectantly.

"Everyone, but Vie Ghoul, out," Stewart huffed. Staff and womenThe pair of young women he came in with weren't having it, complaining about missing out on the night of fun he promised.

"Get out," Stewart ordered, leaving the women grumbling on their way out. Now that the room was clear, Tadashi slid the thick folder over to Reino's boss.

Ten minutes into the discussion and all traces of friendship had left the room. Whatever was in that folder had Stewart laughing hysterically.

"This has to be some kind of joke," Stewart stated once his laughter subsided. He closed the file and stared at Tadashi.

"No one is laughing here," Tadashi clarified.

His words seemed to piss Reino's boss off even more. Reino watched in fascination as Stewart went through what had to be the five stages of grief.

The man was livid, shouting obscenities while accusing Tadashi and Koki of slander. He wanted his lawyer and when Kyoko's father gave him a valid reason why it was a terrible idea for him to get a legal team involved, Stewart paused in his tirade and slumped in his chair, defeated. Reino's boss had grown quiet and soon sniffling filled the room. His sobs became louder, despair and desperation getting stronger. Stewart had reached the third stage, negotiating with the businessman, offering Tadashi whatever he wanted to keep from ruining him.

"I was hoping you'd say that," Tadashi smiled, steepling his fingers with his elbows resting on the table. He sat there like the Devil incarnate in a pin-stripe Prada suit, or whatever the hell designer, cuts them so well and laid out his terms.

A pin drop could be heard while Reino and the others sat nervously waiting to hear what Tadashi wanted in exchange for all the dirty information he might have dug up on Stewart. He prayed that Tadashi didn't have a similar folder on him.

"I want to buy the record label and every contract that comes with it, including them." Tadashi gestured, waving to him and his bandmates.

"What?!" Reino jumped up from the table like it was on fire. The hood of his coat slipped back revealing his ghostly white face.

"Stewart! I don't know what you did, but you have to find another way," Reino panicked. There was no telling what Tadashi would do to torture him if he had total control over him. He didn't pay attention to any of the legal aspects of their contract, so he couldn't fathom just how screwed he would be.

Tadashi chuckled at his outburst which only served to unnerve Reino more. He had no idea what he had become. The cool collected clairvoyant singer of a popular band was long gone. In his place was a spineless coward. Should he beg for his life? For his band's life? Did he have it in him to be so selfless?

"I don't understand what's so funny," Stewart stated dejectedly.

"He thinks you're in some position to negotiate. Maybe you should ask him how you got on my radar," Tadashi goaded. Reino froze. He could feel all eyes burning holes into him.

"Reino you stupid son of a bitch. I'll kill you," Stewart lunged at him, trying to wrap his pudgy fingers around Reino's slender throat. If the man got a hold of him Reino was as good as dead. Since there were no bodyguards in the room, it was Miroku and their bandmates that saved him from the clutches of their sleazy boss.

"We don't have all night," Koki commented in a bored tone.

The minute he spoke, Stewart regained his senses and apologized sheepishly to the trio at the table, then took his seat. Reino had forgotten about the man and the woman, his sole focus had been on Tadashi. Koki had spoken earlier, and the woman had been silent since the discussion started. He couldn't understand the kind of power the man held over his boss or soon-to-be ex-boss, but there was just something about Koki that piqued his interest.

Stewart's outburst at least drew the attention away from Reino having to confess his sins to everyone in the room. While he was never remorseful of any of his actions, Reino was now learning the true meaning of the saying fuck around and find out. Out of all his encounters throughout his life, meeting Kyoko was his biggest regret. His interest in her had backfired in his face tremendously. Would the man have mercy on him if he admitted that it was Mio he liked the best, not his plain-faced daughter?

As if reading Reino's thoughts, Tadashi glanced at him, his eyes the color of gold, similar to hers. Unlike Kyoko's, which were usually filled with a range of emotions… mostly hate, Tadashi's eyes were cold and held an endless promise of Reino's slow demise.

Nope, that kind of confession will only add fuel to the fire.

"You can't be serious," Stewart protested, regaining Reino's attention as he flipped through the file. The page he stopped on contained a spreadsheet of numbers that he could only guess had to do with finances.

"That's my final offer," Tadashi countered. "You either accept it or have fun in prison."

"That's not fair. This is my company and I'm just supposed to accept that I get nothing."

The woman snorted, making her first sound since introducing herself. "You get to live a cushy life outside of jail, you son of a bitch. My vote is to castrate you after the vile things you did to those girls. Your money won't be enough to repair the damage you've done."

"Who the hell is she anyway?" Stewart huffed, directing his question to the men she came in with completely ignoring her existence. His boss had some major balls on him to be so offensive in his position.

"She is or was my second in command," Koki responded, which surprised everyone in the room. Reino had assumed she was just an assistant, along to cater to her bosses. He never thought she was such a big shot.

"And just as soon as we wrap up this formality where you sign and we leave, she will be the CEO of K.M.R.," Tadashi informed Stewart.

"Wait, she's going to be our lady boss? What about you?" Miroku questioned. Reino had heard what Tadashi said, but he knew he wasn't off the hook that easily. The man wouldn't go through such trouble unless he had plans to torment him for life.

"Yes, Ms. Kensington will have total control of the label. She will be running the show. As for me, I'm moving to Tokyo to be with my daughter."

"So you're not even going to be here," Miroku exclaimed excitedly, throwing his arm over Reino's shoulder and squeezing. "Isn't that great Reino?"

Kensington, that was her name. Reino peered at her; she was a very attractive older woman from what he could see above the table.

Maybe I could…

His gaze traveled up until it connected with her crystal blue eyes, cold and calculating, much like the men beside her.

Fuck! He doubted she was going to be any better.

"Don't get too excited, boys. I have plans for you yet," she promised and focused on Stewart.

"Damn, she's hot," Miroku whispered for only Reino to hear. His friend could be a big idiot sometimes. Couldn't he see that she would eat him alive? Reino ignored him and focused on his boss…ex-boss…new boss. Things were in limbo right now and he was too scatterbrained to think straight. Where the heck was their manager? Shouldn't he be here or something representing their interests? He really should have remained in his box.

"What will it be," Tadashi nodded toward the documents.

Stewart still hesitated, quiet, unmoving as he gazed at the contents.

"What role do you play in all this?" Stewart asked, directing his question to Koki and stalling the inevitable.

"For too long you have preyed upon the innocent and I want you gone. It is privileged men like you that make the industry look bad. But don't worry, your boys are in good hands. Dana will be sure to take them to the next level just like you wanted."

Reino wanted to snatch the contract away from Stewart and dramatically rip it up. Instead, he watched in silent horror as Stewart heaved a sigh of resignation and flipped through the sheets, signing away Reino's freedom.

This couldn't be happening. Reino had a plan to put all this behind him starting tomorrow. Maybe there was still some hope for him. Bands break up every day, didn't they?

"Fuck this, I quit," Reino declared, pushing Miroku's arm off of him and making a beeline to the exit.

"Not so fast, Reino. If you want to breach the contract, fine, I won't stop you. I do hope you and your ex-bandmates have unlimited funds and a good lawyer," Tadashi warned.

"What do you mean," Reino spun around, his cloak sweeping behind him. "Bands break up all the time," he whined. "Can't you just replace me?"

"True, but no offense to your friends, you are the band. The fans won't be interested in a Vie Ghoul without their mysterious lead singer."

Reino scoffed. Flattery wouldn't work on him.

"By all means, go," Tadashi waved to the door. "You're all free to go," he added to his bandmates. "I'll be in touch. I suggest no one leaves the city. You will only make things worse for yourself if I have to hunt you down."

Reino growled and ripped the door open, trying to put as much distance between himself and the devil, ignoring Miroku's calls to him. He needed to get home and find the contract he had signed with Stewart. There had to be something in there to save his ass.

If he spoke to Kyoko just once more, he could apologize and beg for her forgiveness. She was his only hope now.

Back in the Land of the Rising Sun

A bone-chilling tremor ran down Kyoko's spine in the middle of her history lesson. What was left of her mini force of grudges and her army of angels perked up and swirled together to protect her from an unknown threat. She twisted to and fro, looking over her shoulder for anyone or anything that wanted to do her harm.

Frowning, Gina caught her eye and mouthed, what is it? Kyoko could only shrug her shoulders in response. She had no clue. She couldn't think of anyone in her small class that would have an issue with her being back. Everyone present welcomed her home, and they had fun chatting about Kyoko's time overseas until the teacher entered.

The bell rang for lunch, distracting her from her worries. All focus shifted to her rumbling tummy. Kyoko had to get to the canteen to get some food. She hadn't eaten anything since the breakfast Kuon prepared this morning. Her body suddenly felt tired. It seemed that her lack of sleep was finally catching up to her.

"Where are you going?" Ayuko asked before Kyoko could make it to the door.

"I need to grab some lunch. Would anyone like anything?" Kyoko offered.

"No, you're not. The whole school knows you're back. You won't be able to eat if you go out there. Gen and I will get you something," Ayuko stated. Kyoko sighed and plopped back down.

"If that's the case, then I'm paying." Kyoko shoved a wad of yen into their hands. "Please treat yourselves."

"Don't mind if we do," Gen grinned. "Thanks, Kyoko-san."

"Don't forget this," Gina shoved the trash bin containing her tainted shoes into his chest.

Oomph! Gen grunted and scowled at Gina.

"I should do that," Kyoko offered. Everyone was spoiling her today.

"Don't worry about it," Gen winked.

"Don't do that!" Hanami scolded him, "It's creepy!"

Kyoko giggled at their friendly banter, glad to be included in their small group.

"Gina and I will be right back," Hanami told her and pulled Gina toward the door. As she slid it open, Mako and a group of girls were standing on the other side.

"Can we help you?" Gina asked, folding her arms.

"Oh, we're looking for Kyoko-san. We wanted to deliver her fan letters and gifts. She forgot them this morning." Mako lifted two large bags filled to the brim to prove their intentions.

"I'll take them," Maru offered, startling her. He had been so quiet she forgot he was still in the room with her. "It's heavy, so she wouldn't be able to carry all of it."

Kyoko took offense to Maru's claims that she was physically too weak to carry a few bags of letters, but the look Maru shot her kept her quiet.

"As her fan club president, please bear in mind the burden it would be for her here at school if you continue like this. I'm sure, as her number one fan, you are aware that she takes her studies very seriously. Next time, please go through the proper channels with her agency," Maru explained, relieving him of the bags.

"Ah, yes. I'm very sorry for my thoughtlessness, Kyoko-san," Mako flushed and bowed deeply. The girls behind him also bowed in respect.

"Thank you very much for thinking with me. I accept your kindness with gratitude," Kyoko smiled warmly.

"Okay, great. If you're finished here, Kyoko-san has some makeup work to do," Gina lied, shooing the students away from the door until she could close it behind her.

"Thank you for your help, Maru-san," Kyoko smiled at her classmate. "I could have handled it."

"You're too nice, Kyoko-san. If you don't nip that kind of behavior in the bud; they'll take advantage of you."

"Yes, thank you for your guidance," Kyoko bowed to him.

"It was nothing. You'll figure it out once you've had more experience," Maru stated and sat at his desk, resuming whatever he was doing on his phone.

"Yes, thank you," Kyoko replied, taking her seat to wait for her food. She didn't have any pending schoolwork, so she rummaged for her phone in her bag to check her messages. Kyoko froze at the sound coming from Maru's phone.

"Why are you watching that?" She covered her face in embarrassment at the sound of her voice filling the quiet classroom. Her confidence from singing in front of a group of foreigners was nowhere in sight.

"It's catchy," Maru laughed. "Have you talked to Kei-ani about it yet?"

"Um, no," Kyoko confessed. "I just got back last night, and I haven't kept up with all my emails. D-did he say something to you?" She asked apprehensively. The song had been something she was working on with her LME instructors and she prematurely released it to the world that night.

"I know he's hoping you would want to do a proper recording. While your performance was touching, I think your fans would appreciate an official release," Maru shrugged.

"Is he mad at me for spoiling it?" She came right out and asked the question she wanted to know the answer to most.

"Nah, Kei-ani, doesn't get mad. If anything, he's excited. He wants to get you singing more. Just be gentle when you let him down. I know your priority is acting."

"That's right," Kyoko nodded lost in thought. She was still a newbie at acting and had a lot to learn. There was just no way she was good enough to do both.

The door suddenly slid open with Gen and Ayuko returned carrying a bag of sustenance and drinks.

"We got you green tea, Kyoko-san. You look like you could use the caffeine. I know how terrible jet lag can be," Ayuko chattered while unloading the contents onto Kyoko's desk. Gen and Maru began pushing desks together so they could all sit together.

"We got the forms," Gina waved excitedly as she burst into the room with Hanami behind her.

"Our class will be part of the red team," Hanami added, closing the door.

"Forms? Red team? What am I missing" Kyoko asked, confused by their happy expressions.

"For sports day silly. We all saw how sad you were that we weren't going to be a part of it, so we went to talk to the teacher's lounge and got approval to join."

"Yeah, I texted the guys and they said they would have their manager put it on their schedules."

"You guys," Kyoko sniffled.

"Eh, don't cry. We thought you'd be happy!" Gen freaked out, tossing his handkerchief at her.

"I am happy, but you guys don't have to do this if you don't want to. I'm fine without it."

"We're doing it," Maru remarked and proceeded to dig into the food he was withholding until everyone returned.

She sat with her friends, eating and laughing, while they discussed the events they could participate in and have a good chance at winning. Kyoko learned that her friends were a competitive bunch just like her. Kyoko didn't care whether they won or lost. She felt like a winner already being a part of this group.

A/N: Thank you for sticking with me! I really thought I was going to get ahead this time around, but life keeps getting in the way. Sleep has been winning when I settle to write. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. While I didn't forget where I was going with Reino if you need a little reminder midnitewanderer kindly recalled chapter 165 where Tadashi first got the idea in his head. Poor Reino. But hey, Kyoko's sports day is back on.

Thanks for always reading and for the reviews of the last chapter. I appreciate that you guys are still reading this mayhem. I hope sensei has recovered and we can go back to drooling over our OTP.

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^