Disclaimer: Do not own – check out chapter 1!

"Random Subject Prompts"

Chapter 024: Ren Jinguji

Sequel to: "Nickname" (Chapter 11)

Anime: Uta no Prince-sama

Prompt: (none)

Chapter Warning(s): possible spoilers ahead

Author's Note: Takes place towards the end of season 3 and during season 4 of Uta no Prince-sama, specifically episode 06: "Lovely Eyes." Check it out! (:

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"So, are you nervous?"

Ren smirked, crystal blue eyes trailing to the side to rest on his companion. Currently, they were in the back of a nondescript car with blacked-out windows to allow them privacy from fanatic photographers and nosy pedestrians. The driver was taking them to the concert hall that Ren and STARISH would be performing, along with QUARTET NIGHT, to decide which group would be performing for the Triple S competition.

"I have no reason to be nervous," he answered, winking charmingly, "not when I have you by my side, Koneko."

Kagome rolled her beautiful amethyst orbs, scoffing under her breath. "I meant about you seeing Nanami-san, and you know it."

Ren felt the tiniest of twinges in his heart at the mention of STARISH's composer, but easily swept it away. It had been over a year since Haruka had confessed to having a boyfriend, therefore, could not return any of the obvious romantic feelings Ren and the other members had felt for her. Still, a piece of his heart would probably always belong to the gentle, kind young woman he'd met in school.

However, Ren had come a long way since then.

And he had Kagome to thank for that.

He placed a hand over one of her smaller ones, giving the appendage an affectionate squeeze. "I'm fine. As long as Milady is happy, I'm happy." A playful smile suddenly appeared. "Were you worried, Koneko? Jealous, perhaps?"

Kagome's expression dropped into a dry, blank stare. "Not even in your dreams, pal." She jerked her hand away as if to add emphasis. "Besides, what's there to be worried or jealous about? We're not dating – despite the rumors you try to start." She couldn't count how many times Ren had tried to pose them into compromising situations to get tabloids spreading the word that they were 'dating,' especially after their movie had gained popularity. Fans absolutely loved them together, and would 'ship' them whenever possible.

Of course, it didn't help that they had developed a sort-of friendship. Though Kagome still called him a klepto for stealing her phone, they actually had a lot in common and could hold a decent conversation about many subjects. The fact that they had great on-screen chemistry helped too.

And if they happened to kiss every now and then…

Ren put on a wounded expression, his hand coming up to rest over his heart. "Just rumors? I like to think that I'm getting closer and closer to winning your heart."

"You would think that, wouldn't you?"

"Yes," he decisively nodded. "You are, after all, accompanying me to the most important concert of my career. Everyone will see us together – and they're going to assume we're dating."

She shook her head in exasperation. "Whatever helps you sleep at night, you delusional kleptomaniac," she replied. While it was true that she was going there to be a supportive 'friend,' she had also been ordered to attend the concert by her agency's CEO. Ren didn't know about the latter, but she hadn't seen any reason to tell him. It wouldn't be the first time her boss had abruptly ordered her to attend some random event, anyway.

The blue-eyed charmer smirked. He couldn't help what came out of his mouth as he said, "I could tell you what would really help me sleep at—"

"Don't you dare finish that sentence, you pervert!"

Ren let out a loud, genuine laugh.

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Backstage – With Kagome

Kagome would admit, watching QUARTET NIGHT and STARISH perform had been thrilling and exciting. Both groups had great energy, wonderful voices, and extreme talent. The competition was definitely fierce and would be a close vote.

She couldn't help but feel, however, that something big was about to happen…

And when HEAVENS suddenly appeared, she got her answer.

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Onstage – With Ren

It was a little annoying that HEAVENS interrupted the Triple S competition, but Ren was glad to see they were still together and – even more interesting – were debuting as a seven-member group. While their sound was good before, the extra voices and people added more depth and visual impact. If he hadn't known better, Ren would've thought it was like seeing another version of STARISH.

A more arrogant and displeasing STARISH, that is.

"… and the composer who will be writing all three songs for the decisive concert will be none other than Ms. Haruka Nanami!"

Shining Saotome's dramatic voice finished, effectively catching Ren's attention.

Ren stiffened the slightest bit, though he shouldn't be surprised. Haruka was talented and was everyone's favorite composer. Just because she had a boyfriend didn't mean they wanted to stop working with her. Her songs were the reason STARISH was realizing their dream.

"Hold on." Raging Otori grinned, arms crossing over his barrel chest. His ever-present cigar bobbed up and down as he talked. "How about we make this even more interesting?"

"Even more interesting?" Natsuki Shinomiya curiously questioned, head cocking to the side.

Syo Kurusu muttered, "What is he planning?"

Appearing to know what his father was talking about, Eichi Otori grinned widely in an almost sinister way. The remaining members of HEAVENS all had versions of the same expression, too, which put STARISH and QUARTET NIGHT on edge.

Shining Saotome, intrigued, asked his old rival, "Oh? What did you have in mind?"

Raging Otori chuckled arrogantly. "Raging Entertainment will also put forth the talents of their very own composer!"

The audience gasped in surprise, and Ren felt his own eyes widen incredulously. Was the older man serious? Was he really suggesting pitting Haruka against another music composer?

Getting more and more excited as things continued to escalate, Shining Saotome spoke before anyone else could get over their shock.

He spread his arms out as if in welcoming. "Who is this composer you wish to compete with Ms. Nanami?"

"Kagome Higurashi."

The name hit Ren like a typhoon, and he almost staggered back from the shocking revelation.

What? His mind scrambled, processing and reprocessing the news. His sense of disbelief made him dizzy. Kagome works for Raging Entertainment?

The young woman he was fast falling in love with worked for his (and STARISH's) biggest rival?

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Kagome pasted on a professional smile right before lights flashed onto her spot backstage and a couple of cameramen came into view to broadcast her face to the audience and on live television. Inwardly, she was not amused. In fact, her roiling emotions could be described as seething.

So, this had been Raging Otori's plan? This was why he'd told her to attend the Triple S competition?

A sharp gleam as lethal as a knife entered her amethyst orbs, but she cleverly disguised it before the camera lens could catch her ire.

Fine. I'll play your little game.

She gave a small wave and flirty wink to the cameras, knowing the fans were going crazy over her sudden appearance. Everyone would be expecting her onstage, so she didn't disappoint them. She was careful to keep her attention directly on her boss, stopping when she was shoulder-to-shoulder with HEAVENS. But she wondered what Ren's reaction was. It was oh-so tempting to just turn her head the slightest bit and catch his expression. Was he shocked? Outraged?

A microphone was discreetly handed to her. "So, this is your little surprise, Otori-san," she commented, smiling a little bit wider. A little bit predatorily. "I must say, you have certainly shocked me and quite a few others." The latter earned a few chuckles and laughs from the announcers and audience. "But I accept your challenge." Her eyes finally moved away from Raging Entertainment's CEO and focused on Haruka Nanami. "I'm looking forward to working with you."

Raging Otori grinned. "Good. Good."

"And now," Shining Saotome announced, grinning just as widely, "STARISH and HEAVENS will be paired up – one from each group – to sing a duet to help them prepare for the decisive concert. These will be the pairings!"

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Backstage – With Ren

Ren leaned against the wall in the dressing room that STARISH was assigned, arms crossed over his chest, as he contemplated the revelations that had been revealed in a span of less than an hour. His mind scrambled to process everything, his emotions effectively scattered in every direction.

"What are we going to do?" Otoya Ittoki asked in a mournful tone. "I don't want to sing with HEAVENS, and I don't want to sing any song unless it's written by Haruka-chan."

Masato Hijirikawa closed his eyes, composed and unruffled as always. "Although HEAVENS is our biggest rival, it wouldn't be professional if we didn't work with them simply for those reasons."

"But what about the other… condition?" Natsuki softly questioned. Honestly, he was curious about Raging Entertainment's composer. When he first laid eyes on her, Kagome Higurashi had appeared elegant, poised, and very, very cute. As a lover of all cute things – people included – it had taken everything not to pounce on her in front of a live audience.

But the look in her eyes… Something inside Natsuki, something deep within him, had told him to be cautious.

Ren opened his mouth to answer, instinctively coming to Kagome's defense, but Tokiya Ichinose beat him to it. It was so surprising that the normally stoic male would speak up that it caught everyone's undivided attention.

"I've worked with Higurashi-san before." His expression was thoughtful, though he wouldn't look up at his other group members. "When I was HAYATO. If rumors are true, she doesn't compose music anymore. She mostly acts." Unexpectedly, his blue eyes sharpened and he finally looked up at each individual in the room. "But I've heard stories."

Syo swallowed thickly, nervous sweat beading on his forehead. "What sort of stories?"

"They couldn't be as bad as you're making them sound," Cecil Aijima added, laughing uncomfortably. "Right?"

Tokiya was silent for a few seconds. "This is just speculation, but… The last time Raging-san decided to… 'volunteer' Higurashi-san into composing music, she…" He frowned, falling silent as worry entered his gaze.

"What?" Ren asked, wanting – needing – to know what happened next. His brows were furrowed in concern, and his hands fisted tightly though no one could see it. "What did she do?"

"She… completely obliterated the opposition."

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Backstage – With Kagome

"I hate playing games," Kagome bitterly muttered. She was currently sitting in HEAVENS'S dressing room, comfortably resting her head on Eiji Otori's shoulder. She'd known the Otori brothers since she'd joined the agency but she liked Eiji's shy and polite personality rather than Eichi's displeasing one.

Eiji chuckled kindly. "We know, but it's nice that you're coming out of retirement. At least for now, anyway."

"Yeah, Kago-chan," Nagi Mikado cheered, grinning cutely and striking an equally cute pose in front of her. "Why you don't want to compose music anymore is beyond me. You're clearly talented – even more so than Haruka Nanami."

"It wasn't that long ago you were practically singing her praises," Yamato Hyuga teased, referring to Haruka. With a wild grin, he punched a fist into the opposite hand. "But I'm getting fired up. I'm ready to blow those wannabe pretty boys out of the competition."

Shion Amakusa said, in his mysterious and quiet way, "We will, with Higurashi-san composing our music."

Kira Sumeragi nodded in agreement. "Yes. She is a genius. It would be impossible for her to lose against Nanami-san."

Nagi laughed out loud, his excitement getting the best of him. "See? Kago-chan even got Kira to talk. I haven't heard him say so much in a long time."

The raven haired beauty scowled at them, though there wasn't real heat in the look. "You guys are terrible. I've told Otori-san many times that I want to focus on acting now, not music. This isn't the first time he's done this to me, too. Don't encourage him."

Eichi stood in front of Kagome, grinning, and leaned down to gently caress her cheek. He ignored the way her scowl deepened, his grin only growing wider. "But we all know you work best when… backed into a corner, shall we say? If only to get the job done faster."

Kagome scoffed but didn't refute his words.

"I don't know. I think this will be fun," Van Kiryuin commented, smiling boyishly.

"You think everything is fun," she replied, pouting prettily.

Van let out a boisterous laugh. "That I do. That I do, Gome-chan." His expression softened as he looked at her. "Just think of this as a new adventure. Doesn't that make it seem more exciting?"

She looked thoughtful. "A new adventure, huh?" Inwardly, however, she had to wonder what Ren thought about all of this.

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Later that Night – Kagome's Condo

Knock, knock, knock!

Kagome sighed, putting her book down. She had known he would make an appearance sooner or later, which was the only reason she hadn't gone to bed yet despite her (mental) exhaustion. She was surprised he hadn't arrived sooner, actually.

She opened the front door, giving the person on the other side a bland stare. "I would ask why you're here at this time of night, but we both know the answer to that."

Ren frowned, gently forcing his way past her and into the homey but elegant condo. He had been there before but under admittedly better circumstances. And much more pleasurable ones, too.

Standing in the spacious living room, hands on his hips, he turned back to the raven haired beauty. His lips pressed tightly together.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Innocently, she cocked her head to the side. "Tell you what?"

Ren lightly scowled. "Don't play dumb, Koneko. You know exactly what I'm talking about."

Kagome casually leaned a hip against the black leather couch. "You mean that I work for Raging Entertainment?" She shrugged. "I don't see how that's any of your business. Besides, you seemed to be the only one who didn't know. Does who I work for honestly matter?"

"Of course it does."

"Why?" she instantly fired back, annoyance starting to spark within her eyes.

Why? Was she really asking him that? Ren narrowed his eyes, his own annoyance peaked. "Because Raging Entertainment is STARISH's biggest rival," he answered, like that would explain everything.

"HEAVENS is your biggest rival," she corrected. "And so is QUARTET NIGHT – and you work for the same company! I have nothing to do with that."

Okay, she may have a point, Ren silently agreed, but… But it was the principle of the matter!

Ren shook his head. "You became a part of this when you were assigned as the second composer for the decisive concert."

Kagome straightened from her relaxed stance, becoming defensive and hostile. "And what? You think I chose that? I don't know if you've heard the rumors about me, Jinguji, but let me enlighten you." She took a prowling step forward, almost causing the orange haired idol to take one back. "I. Don't. Want. To. Compose. Music. Anymore."

He flinched with each word she spoke, like fine needles were jabbing into his person with how forceful she was being. He released a sigh in the next second, though, knowing he had nothing left to say. She was right, after all – she had nothing to do with the intense rivalry he and the others had with HEAVENS and QUARTET NIGHT and it hadn't been her fault when Raging Otori announced her as the second composer.

Ren had just been… so caught off guard when everything was revealed. He hadn't known how to deal with his mixed emotions, how to handle finding out the young woman he was falling in love with worked for a rival company. Now he (and the other members of the group) had to sing duets with HEAVENS. It had all built up, and he'd lashed out at the one person he shouldn't have.

Guilt burned in his chest. Ren softened his expression, taking a few steps forward in order to grab one of her hands. "I'm sorry, Koneko. I said some harsh things when I knew I should not have. You're not the one I'm frustrated with," he said, sincerely apologetic. "I'm sorry," he repeated.

Something within Kagome seemed to relax at his words. "I… suppose I understand how you feel." A small, almost mocking smile appeared. "Besides, my competition is your precious Haruka Nanami. Of course you'd feel a bit protective over the first girl you fell in love with, right?"

He frowned. Logically, her words made sense. A part of him will always cherish the softer feelings the composer instilled in him, perhaps even for the rest of his life. But… But Kagome was important to him, too.

Maybe even more important than Haruka had ever been.

Ren wanted to say it, wanted to confess to Kagome how he truly felt about her. However, all that came out of his mouth was, "I should get going. We both have early days tomorrow."

"Yeah…" The raven haired beauty nodded. But what he didn't see was the gleam of disappointment in her eyes. Or the resignation that she would never be enough.

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A Few Weeks Later

Kagome sighed, clutching music sheets and her other writing supplies to her chest as she made her way to the meeting room where the others were waiting. Working with STARISH and HEAVENS on their duets had been fun, she admitted, but she definitely missed acting. Because of that, she managed to sneak her way onto a short TV drama. The catch?

Ren and Van were both cast as rivals in the same production. Not only were they each other's opposition in the courtroom drama, they were also romantic adversaries vying for her (character's) affection. And currently she was making her way to their first meeting for writing their duet. Things could not get more awkward, she thought.

The raven haired beauty was stopped in front of the door to said meeting room when her eyes caught sight of Van casually walking from the opposite direction. His hands were in his pants pockets, and his usual friendly grin was in place once he spotted her.

"Ah, Gome-chan," the older brunette warmly greeted. "Are you ready for our first music-composing-date?"

Kagome chuckled. She always did enjoy his free-spirited personality. Sometimes the things he said were so outrageous one never knew what would pop out of his mouth next. It certainly made things interesting and kept one on their toes.

"Van-kun," she greeted back. "I'm about as ready as can be." Her success rate had been a perfect one-hundred-percent so far, but that could always change. Composing music was the life Haruka Nanami had chosen. The only reason Kagome's songs 'won,' she figured, was due to her extensive experience versus true, natural talent.

Van grinned. "You'll do great, like always. I've been listening to the music the others have been performing – they're amazing! I can't wait to finally work one-on-one with you."

Before she could respond, Ren's voice cut into their conversation from directly behind the raven haired beauty. It didn't startle her but she did stiffen upon hearing his voice. They hadn't had time to talk since Ren had showed up at her condo that night. To say things had been left at an awkward moment would be an understatement.

"One-on-one with my Koneko? I don't think so." Ren's crystal blue eyes were sharp as he took in the other male, and his expression said he was less than pleased with the current situation. He suddenly smirked. "If anything, she's going to be working one-on-one with me. Again."

Van released a pleased laugh. "You've had your time with her. Now it's mine and the rest of HEAVENS'. Besides," he smirked, "shouldn't you and STARISH be focusing on your own composer? You don't have to worry about us trying to steal little Haru-chan away anymore."

"He's right," Kagome cut in before the conversation could become even more explosive. She sent a vague, impersonal smile over her shoulder to Ren, who stood beside a silent Haruka Nanami. "Raging Entertainment has a composer now. Let's just get started with our meeting, ne? I have a feeling this song will take… a bit more time than the last ones."

Ren appeared as though he wanted to argue but, like a true gentleman, he acquiesced with a small nod. "Whatever my Koneko wants to do."

"Good. Now, let's begin."

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A Couple Days Later

It was frustrating. It was really frustrating, Ren mentally corrected, as he silently watched Van continue to flirt with Kagome. What did she think she was doing, anyway? Didn't she realize she was giving the other guy false hope? Mixed signals? Hadn't Ren made his feelings for her perfectly clear? It wasn't that he wanted to start 'rumors' about them dating; he wanted it to be fact.

But of course the stubborn woman wouldn't understand that, right? No. No, she didn't. In fact, she most likely thought Ren was still hung up on Haruka. He would have to spell everything out for the raven haired beauty, but that was fine with Ren. He was done being patient. He was done being subtle. He was done being a self-sacrificing gentleman.

He was done having his feelings misunderstood.

Something inside the normally levelheaded idol snapped when Van grabbed both of Kagome's hands to hold within his larger ones. The intent gaze and love-struck expression that appeared on the older brunette's face definitely spelled bad news for Ren.

"Gome-chan," Van started, "you understand me – totally understand me, like no one else has ever before. If our meeting wasn't destined, I don't know what is."

A dash of pink colored her cheeks. "Um, that's very sweet of you to say, Van-kun…"

Was she seriously buying that? Ren thought, incredulous. Kagome was way too smart to believe that load of—

"When filming and the duet are over," Van continued, catching Ren's attention once more, "let's go on a real date – just the two of us! Okay?" He grinned charmingly.

"I-I'll think about it, okay?"

Oh, hell no. Hell. No.

Before Ren could interrupt their conversation, Van was called away to shoot some scenes, leaving Kagome alone. The orange haired idol took this opportunity to slide in beside her, catching her attention.

"Ren…" she greeted, an uncertain gleam entering her amethyst orbs. Inwardly, she wondered how much he'd heard of her conversation with the other male.

"Koneko," he returned. He braced an arm over her head, effectively trapping her against the wall from one side. "Do you have a moment to talk?"

"Talk about what?"

His eyes narrowed in a serious manner. It was an expression Kagome had never seen before. And with his hair tied back and wearing a suit, Ren Jinguji made quite the picture of male perfection. Of course, she would never say that out loud. His ego was already massive enough, in her opinion.

However, the atmosphere was broken when an assistant called out, "Jinguji, we're ready for you on set!"

When Ren didn't move, not even to blink, Kagome quietly said, "They're calling for you. You better go."

"Fine. But we are going to talk, Koneko. Wait for me."

Kagome watched as Ren walked away to shoot his scenes in the courtroom drama. If all went according to schedule, today would be the last day of filming. Though a short series, she'd enjoyed her time on set. Being able to act while composing had been the perfect balance for her. And being able to work with Ren again was an extra bonus.

"You… like Jinguji-san, don't you?" Haruka Nanami's voice suddenly asked.

The raven haired beauty looked at the music composer. Her facial expression shifted into something neutral as she gazed at her 'rival.'

"Would you be upset if I said that I did?"

Haruka looked startled at the other young woman's response. "Um…"

Kagome sighed. "Look, no offense. I don't like being backed into a corner, like the way Otori-san did when he assigned me as the second composer for the decisive concert." Her eyes sharpened like a lethal blade. "However, that doesn't mean I'll simply roll over and not do my job because I'm unhappy with the situation. I'm a professional. And as a professional, I can guess that you hate that I've been making music for 'your guys,' right?"

The other girl's eyes widened. "M-My guys…? No. No, that's not—"

"You've been composing music for them for a long time. Only you. It's pretty natural that you'd feel a bit possessive." Her tone gentled but still held the impact of a sledgehammer. "So, again, I must ask: If I did admit to having romantic feelings for one of them, would you be upset?" She leaned closer, almost close enough to invade Haruka's personal space. "Would you be upset if STARISH decided they wanted to work with another composer, not just you?"

Frightened at the prospect, Haruka took a shaky step away from the other young woman. How had she known? How had Kagome read her so easily? How could she just look at Haruka and know her deepest, darkest secret?

Kagome hummed thoughtfully. "By the look on your face, I already have my answer. But I wouldn't worry. Otori-san is the only one who can order me to compose again. When this little competition of his is over, I'll stop interfering." Her eyes, however, couldn't help trailing back the way Ren had left. "Musically, anyway. I have a feeling that klepto is going to do something crazy."

Without another word being exchanged, the raven haired beauty nodded in farewell to the silent Haruka, turned, and walked away gracefully. Maybe it was out of pettiness or even jealousy that made her say those harsh things to Haruka, but Kagome couldn't take it back. The girl would have to learn that she couldn't remain sheltered for the rest of her life, especially not with a career in show business. STARISH (and QUARTET NIGHT) could protect her all they wanted but that wouldn't help her in the end.

Besides, she thought with a slight pout, she already has a boyfriend. She doesn't need to keep Ren in her little reverse harem.

Okay… maybe she was more than a little jealous.

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End of Day – Sunset

After being praised for doing an amazing job on the show, Ren wandered around outside the set in search of Kagome. He'd asked her to wait for him, but Van's disappearance was also concerning. Were the two together? It made Ren's stomach twist uncomfortably just thinking about the two being alone.

He knew he wasn't like Van. He wasn't as open and expressive when it came to his feelings, but it was mostly out of respect for Kagome. It wouldn't be good if he forced his romantic advances on her. He wanted things to happen naturally. Unlike with Haruka in the past, Ren didn't have to hold back when it came to Kagome. He was free to date her, and no one could stop him (save Kagome herself, of course).

But first, he had to find said young woman if he was ever going to confess his feelings.

After several minutes of coming up empty, the orange haired idol found his way towards the rooftop. The setting would be perfect, the sun was making its descent, and it was a classic spot for love confessions. He should've thought of it sooner.

Ren paused when he caught the sound of voices, stopping in his tracks as he listened to see what was going on. Eavesdropping wasn't his normal method of gaining information – in fact, he found the practice quite rude – but he made an exception for today. He could clearly hear that it was Van and Kagome talking, and it definitely was not a conversation he wanted to miss.

Van's voice was passionate and sincere as he said, "I'm in love with you, Gome-chan. I fell in love with you when I first heard your music."

"V-Van-kun…"

"Please say you'll go out with me?"

Ren's hands clenched at his sides, trepidation making sweat form on his forehead. He shouldn't be listening to this. It was private and only meant for the two people involved. Yet his feet wouldn't move, and he couldn't force his body to otherwise react. He had to know what Kagome's response would be.

"I'm sorry." Her voice was sweet and soft, sincere in her regret for rejecting him. "I'm sorry, Van-kun. I can't accept your feelings."

Crystal blue eyes widened in surprise. His heart, however, thumped rapidly in his chest. Could this mean…? Did he still have a chance with Kagome? He wasn't too late?

Van released a sigh of resignation. "I kind of figured this would happen, but I still gave it a shot." There was an obvious grin in his voice as he continued speaking. "It's okay, Gome-chan. I'm happy just knowing I was able to confess my feelings to you."

"I feel honored you even feel that way towards me."

The older brunette chuckled. "It's really not that surprising. You're very lovable. Don't be shocked when more guys start confessing their undying love for you."

"Oh geez…" she muttered, a blush staining her cheeks at the thought. "Don't even joke about that, Van-kun."

In response, he let out his famous boisterous laugh. Then, when he calmed down, he said, "I wouldn't worry too much about it, Gome-chan. I have a feeling a certain someone will make sure you're taken care of."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

Van didn't need to answer. He turned and walked away, making sure to cross paths with Ren, silently letting the orange haired male know that he'd known about his hiding spot and eavesdropping for a while. The older brunette winked.

"Don't make me a liar," was all he said, referring to the part where Kagome would be taken care of by 'a certain someone.'

Ren smirked. "I don't plan on it." Knowing there was no point in hiding anymore, he stepped into view. When his eyes landed on the raven haired beauty, his expression softened with the sheer love he felt for her. "Koneko…"

Kagome seemed surprised to see him suddenly there. "Ren…"

"Let's have that talk now."

"Alright. What did you want to talk about?" The only sign she allowed to show her nervousness was the way she clenched the fabric of her skirt in one hand.

He couldn't control his next actions even if he'd wanted to.

Ren stepped close enough to cup one of Kagome's cheeks tenderly before lowering his head to kiss her soundly on the lips. The way she melted against him, hands coming up to grip his suit jacket, was all the encouragement he needed to deepen the kiss and hold her that much closer to his body.

When they pulled a part to breathe, he smiled at the way she released a disappointed mew but he had some things he wanted to say, things that desperately needed to be said.

"I love you."

Amethyst eyes widened at the abrupt confession.

"I think I've loved you since the moment I laid eyes on you, Kagome Higurashi." An amused smirk twitched his lips upward. "Or maybe it was the first time I stole your cell phone to see if you were currently dating anyone."

The latter earned a laugh from her, eyes shining with happiness as she gazed at him. "Really? You mean it?"

Ren nodded in all seriousness. "Of course. I had to check for any competition. It was the only way I could figure out how best to win your heart."

Kagome pouted, lightly punching him in the arm. It got a chuckle from the orange haired idol. "You know that's not what I meant, you jerk," she scolded, though there wasn't real heat in the words.

"I know, I know," he teased. "I really do love you, Koneko. I don't care if you work for Raging Entertainment. I just want to call you mine."

A thoughtful look entered her eyes. "Maybe calling you a klepto had been more accurate than anticipated," she said, almost sounding like she was talking to herself.

Ren raised a brow. "Oh? And why is that?" he questioned, curious.

"Because you stole my heart, silly."

Thank you to everyone to reviewed, followed, and added this list of prompts to their favorites list! You're awesome ;)

So, what sequel would you guys like to see next? I have to admit that these are getting addicting. Leave a comment below!

~Celestial Law