CHAPTER 104

I do not own Skip Beat! Yoshiki Nakamura does.

~~Magical Summer Trip~~

~Part~9~

University trap booth, aka Kayla again.

"You didn't mean just right now, right?"Kyoko asked, waving at their clear need to still move up and go. He shook his head.

"I meant later. When we will have the occasion."

"I – … I-I don't know if I would be the best instructor, Ren. I-"

"I'm sure you would be. Please, will you show me?" He asked again, praying she would accept. He truly wanted no one but her to teach him. She was the one giving him the desire to try it out to begin with. And he would be able to spend more time with her. It could only be her. He bent slightly, as much as his stand in front of the bike made it doable, and as if he was bowing to her.

"Would you do me the honour of showing and teaching me how to conduct a bike?"He insisted softly, his eyes not leaving hers. "It would be so much more fun if it's you teaching me. I would follow your instructions to a T. Please." His plea rang around in the spread-out area, the rising wind of the shore carrying his words in further echoes in the air. He noticed the moment she understood it wasn't a half-baked demand or any kind of whim, but a genuine wish of his.

Her shoulders sank and mutely, she gave him a curt nod.

§§§

Long fingers fold over hers. Their warmth tingled on her hands.

His stare trapped her, pouring his urgency in her heart as he asked, nearly beg her to teach him how to bike. Here, on this lonely dyke. His lean imposing stature planted in front of her, he was hunching over by mere inches, as if he wanted to get closer to her, yet keep some distance. A barrier between them. It brought joyous trepidations inside of her but next instant she saddened. As if she could decipher this separation was the obstacle that would never be overcome.

Yet again, the way he was bringing those broad shoulders tight, curled up in front of him, as if to make himself less threatening, more accessible, tinier – not that it was possible to begin with – , reachable for her hands to catch him.

But those longing pleading eyes and that stance, with legs spread apart and bent a tenth at the knees, it did make him look different. Sexier. Cuter. Damn him for being able to angle those narrow hips of his so spot-on.

The way he spoke of this, like he was addressing a crucial matter.

As if he would be heartbroken and deceased if she was not the one teaching him.

Eyes in his, she wanted to flee. Far, far away.

She wanted to jump. Right in the heart of his arms. Rubbed raw by his gaze. This closeness was getting to her.

She did not think it would be good for her to teach him. It was just too long, too much.

Yet, how could she refuse? The genuineness of his demand snuffed that bud like a candle in the wind.

She tried to gain time by asking if he meant right away but it didn't work. The sweet veil of his intonations, earnest and pleading in that tenor tone – seeming to be whispering crushing painful secrets in this instant – burned her defences to ashes.

She shrank in defeat and voice blocked, agreed.

The smooth warmth of his skin caressed her hands in gratitude for a brief prolonged second before he retrieved his fingers from above hers.

"Thank you." She heard coming from before her but didn't look up again. She was unable to. She just couldn't endure more of those eyes.

Hurt, yet bemused at herself for feelings she knew she shouldn't let get the better of her, she shook her head. As if out of a trance, she gave him back his helmet, ready to depart.

Once both settled, both helmets on and ready, he placed back his arms tightly around her, and she felt her emotions bundle up in her chest and deep in her throat, coiling painfully. The soothing heat of his chest enveloped her shoulder blades and lower back once more, and her fingers trembled. A hiccup pushed its way through her lips, dissimulating in its apparition the sob cloaked behind. Her eyes stung and she fought the shakes threatening to own her whole body.

"You okay?"His voice asked in the earphone of her helmet.

She swallowed back her emotion and brought back to life her bike.

"Yeah."She replied.

§§§

They arrived at the campus one hour later, Kyoko informing Ren on the way that their plans to go to the jazz club were postponed for now, as the activity on-site would probably take a while. And even putting it asides, it was already certain that at least Kayla would be off game for the whole night, or even later. She hadn't been too disappointed of learning that, but Ren did sound a little bummed he wouldn't hear her play sax. She preferred him to stay as far away from associating her with music, but she did tell him she could show him another time. Curse her.

She parked in the wide campus lot with a breath of relief. She was reaching her limits with the physical contacts if she wanted to keep a semblance of composure. They were surrounded by thinly cut grass sections here and there, and a little path, bicycle size, was leading into what appeared to be an included park, with many trees spaced every ten metres along.

She shut down her bike and removed her helmet, turning to her passenger.

"Do you mind if I go speak to Kayla, Jane and her partner alone first? I don't want to put Jane into a crossfire or force her hand."She explained. Removing his own helmet, Ren seemed hesitant at first but after a reassuring smile from her, he agreed.

"I'll go check the sections and booths you mentioned earlier in the meanwhile, then."He said with a smile.

"Thank you. I'll call you if the associate changed minds."

He nodded as he dismounted the bike but stopped to ask.

"If you don't call, am I at least allowed to come check on you or should I just plainly stay away?"He asked and she laughed at his way of putting it.

"There is no reason for you to stay away," she said but added in after-thought, "but it might be pretty boring if there is nothing to do besides watching. You might have more fun strolling around on the campus the whole while."She teased. He was prompt to deny that with a shake of the head.

"I can't get bored being with you." Came the sugar sweet answer and she braced herself against this new assault.

"I'm sure you could."She countered with decisiveness, upping her unaffected pretence as she took the helmet he was still carrying.

She was still smiling when they parted ways, and she indicated him which way to the lecture rooms and main buildings while she went the other way, in search of the booth Kayla told her was way down, near the other campus entrance. Her duffel bag on one shoulder with the helmets in them, she walked left on the cycle trail, regretting her pants now that she wasn't on her bike and in the wind anymore. Even fake leather was still pretty hot in summer when you were walking, and she was seriously considering fishing out the jeans she had still in her bag.

She watched her surroundings as her steps led her further into the park, seeing students at leisure on the lawns, enjoying the sun with friends or revising. She could hear the regular tap of her small heels on the cemented path and birds chirping around, and she wondered. She had been on this campus a couple of times through the years. She had had some of her acting lessons here, during the six-month trial nearly six years ago. And acted in a couple of plays at first or had wild acting exercises given by teachers here. She had also met with Kayla more than a couple of times here. As her friend was a photographer graduate from this university. And it had made her wonder if she would have been in this sort of campus- in Japan, most probably – , if she hadn't discovered she loved acting. Not that she regretted her choice, quite the contrary, she was very grateful for the path she had taken. And lord, university costs were a whole new can of worms she felt thankful she would never have an issue with. But sometimes she felt curious. How things came to be.

She would never have guessed the turns her life would have taken. Her teen or even younger self, that is. It would have been beyond anything she could have ever imagined.

It was like watching a road you could have taken, once upon a time, as if foreign to you now. And just to notice how good you were with the path you chose. It felt like that to her, at least. She would never be looking back with resentment. Her present might be bittersweet but it was also so precious to her.

She emerged from the first half of the park moments later and started to notice stands, on the other side. Near a little pond, food booths were set up. Confections and ingenious objects rested on another stand made by artists. More food stands followed, as well as sports ones. People passed her left and right and small crowds poodle in front of some as she progressed further.

Music reached her ears from different directions as her feet grounded in the little pebbles making the lane floor now. She saw speakers flowing music at several spots but crossed by a musical booth too. Yet, the loudest and most interesting she was soon to discover was the small stage installed a little further left with a couple of bands performing or waiting to perform.

Laughers and unintelligible words mingled around as the crowd got squished by the space and got bigger, and Kyoko begun to actively look for the bright green booth- as described by Kayla – , supposedly coupled with a small beige platform.

Finally, near the utter end of the path on that side, she saw an emerald green peeking between other colourful stands.

She closed in, circling a side one but still couldn't see the face side of the booth, imposing as it was. As she neared it, she noticed a crowd had gathered, and guessed it was a good omen for Jane's stand. Her eyes landed on Kayla, close-by, with her wild tresses dangling and cute and stylish yellow outfit. She looked around once more and disentangling herself from the crowd, that's when she saw it. Rooted on the spot, that was the moment Kayla caught her, and she turned her gaze to her. Pleading with her whole soul she had hallucinations, feeling feeble and dizzy. Because shining bright in golden letter was written Dating fortune spinning wheel.

The shy out-of-character smile her friend gave her was enough of a response.

"You are joking?!"

Her friend raised her hands in defence.

"Wait, wait, wait. Before you burn me to crisp, listen please."

Kyoko walked around her to stare in horror at the mini beige stage where several people were sat on high stools with odd buckets looming over their heads, and several spinning wheels placed or hung around. Two buckets and two wheels for each person sitting.

She spun, her hair twirling around her body in her anger, to look back at her friend.

Her friend grimaced and she could easily suppose she must have looked scary on this instant.

"It isn't as bad as it looks. Let me explain. Please."She insisted and proposed to guide her inside the stand where Jane was.

"Did you manage to find enough people?"Kyoko asked as her friend pushed the canvas leaf of the green tent aside to let her enter. The inside was buzzing with life and Kyoko noticed a fair number of people waiting, or busy talking.

Kayla shook her head, and led them to a wood low bench a little on the side, taking two glasses of water on their way and gulping down hers.

"We found a fair share but a technical issue Jane hadn't thought about rose, which made the number go up again."

She frowned at her friend and reiterated her demand.

"Explain."

Her friend nodded grimly, surely knowing she really needed to start spilling the beans.

"I'm sorry for not telling you what it was about. I was afraid you would refuse if you knew – "

"With reasons."Kyoko cut, still feeling pissed at her friend for not telling her.

"Why make this sort of booth if the money is truly for children?"She asked, not getting it. There were many ways to promote help to children.

"Because it sells more."Her friend said and Kyoko could hear Kayla's frustration seeping out. "One ticket is 15 dollars." She told her. "For one spin of the big wheel. If you wanna have a second turn, it's seven more. If you didn't get anything out of the two spins, you get one free trial at the little one. If you got something from the first one but want to try the little wheel, you pay full price again. If you didn't get anything from the first try on the little wheel, it's five more."

"And people would pay such a sum for a mere chance?"She asked her friend. It seemed like such a waste of good money. And it was so expensive, she had a hard time believing people would bite into this.

Her friend nodded with a small smile.

"Of course, it works. You didn't see the crowd outside?"

She was right. She had seen.

"They all here for this booth?"

She nodded.

"Prices are higher than this kind of booth would usually have as we can play the card it is for children."Kayla said, waving at the bright blue and green letters of the foundation poster hanging to the side.

"And it is for them."A feminine voice added and she turned to see a face that was vaguely familiar. The dark long straight brown hair, the strict focused figure, yet with warm compassionate eyes that shined with determination. Jane.

Kyoko sighed, rubbing her face and cooling her anger before greeting Jane with a light bow of the head.

"What do the wheels give? What are the rules? Why did the number of people needed to be raised?"She asked, dreading it already but made aware once more of what was important.

She saw Jane shot a glare at Kayla.

"You enrolled another person without warning them?"

Kayla shrugged, crossing her arms.

"We are in need of help."

Jane turned back to her with an apologetic smile.

"I'm sorry she didn't tell you in advance, feel free to decline at any time." She told her.

She waved at the place in front of the other two women.

"But she is right. You do still need help?"

Jane smiled.

"She is right but she is also wrong," – she said, leading them to a board sheet showing people at certain time frames – "I just got the approbation of Michael on a couple more people."

But before Kyoko could let out a breath of relief, the young serious woman continued.

"But they will only be there in a couple of hours, so in the meanwhile, we are still working with too little people. And for each person less, it's that much money for the children that we miss gathering."

"The reason the number of people needed got up is because we neglected one important factor." Jane explained. "Since the prices, if won, involved directly the people taking part to the booth, we can't just pile up on the same people."

Jane smiled at her when she saw her confusion.

"We had forgotten to set a limit by people."

"Meaning when that person has reached those limits, they are out of the game."Kayla intervened.

That made sense.

"So, since it's a date spinning wheel and we are sitting there like we are up to be bought, we are not here just to comment, right?"

They both nodded.

"We are the price."

They grimaced slightly but nodded.

She waited for them to explain more but since they stayed silent, she repeated her earlier question.

"What can you win from the wheels?"

"The big wheel has four prices." Jane said. "A drink. An afternoon. A diner. A day. So, if the player gets a price, they get either to have a drink with the participant in front of them, to have a dinner or to spend some time with them."

That was not so bad. And she got all-the-more why they needed to set a limit. One person could only do so much with a couple of people.

"So, they buy a ticket to spin the big wheel and choose one of the people on stage they wanna chance it."

"And so, if they don't get anything, they can pay to have another run?"

"Yes."Jane confirmed.

"Does the same person can have several tries, buy more than one ticket?"She asked.

"No."Her friend replied. "They can buy several tickets, only if it's for several people. But each person can only have two tries at each wheel. And only at once. If they don't attempt it when it's their turn, they cannot try the booth again later."

That made it more practicable to let as many people try it out, she guessed.

"When is a person out of the game?" she asked, trying to grasp a fair idea of the rules.

"When one day, two afternoons, two dinners, and three drinks have been won with them, at most."Jane told her.

It was a reasonable limit, though she thought it was already a lot. She supposed she should be happy there was a limit, at all.

"What about the other wheel?" She inquired and she saw her friend grimace as Jane started to explain.

"The second wheel has four prices and can only be played if you attempted at least once the big one, you cannot go right to the second wheel if you buy a ticket."

Jane rose each of her four fingers as she started enumerating the prices.

"A kiss on the cheek, a hug, a peck on the lips, a fifteen second kiss."

Kyoko let out a groan, not really surprised, but she had started to hope there would not be this sort of thing.

She heard Kayla whisper a little apology in her direction but her anger had dusted away and she smiled in her direction. Her friend might have not told her but she also understood. She wouldn't have listened otherwise, imagining the worse and Kayla hadn't lied, it wasn't as bad as she had feared.

"This part was a little tricky as we wanted to avoid drama and choose only celibates."Jane finished.

"What are the limits for this wheel?"Kyoko asked.

"If five kisses on the cheek, three hugs, two pecks, and two fifteen second ones have been given, you are out."

She couldn't help her grimace this time, that felt like a damn lot. And she truly didn't want to be a price nor to give bland touches like that. It was very far from her comfort zone. Yet, even though it had been clumsy, she knew Kayla wouldn't have asked her if they hadn't seriously needed help and if it hadn't been serious.

"I'm not sure you picked right with this, Kayla."She said, turning to her friend. "You know it's really not my kind of stuff. But I will help."

"Kayla told me to warn her as soon as possible if I managed to fill the blanks."Jane said.

"If I had thought it was possible, I wouldn't have asked you this sort of thing."Kayla mumbled. "But the booth is open from three to 10 p.m. and the people Jane found won't be there before seven pm."

"And we have been struggling in the first hour it has been opened."Jane added. "So, unless you changed minds, I cannot refuse your help."

Kyoko smiled.

"It is okay. I will participate."

Jane deeply thanked her before raising her index with a smile.

"I do have one good new. We put on a safety net. An idea of the few students Michael agreed to a couple of days ago."She said. "So, you will be able to bow down from a price a player has won with you if you are too uncomfortable with a person. Twice for each wheel. The downside is that if you refuse a price, either the small bucket or big bucket of water will be tipped down on you."

That made Kyoko looked down on her outfit. She had her jeans in her bag and was still planning to change but she had no shirt. And it was certainly a little more problematic, for a couple of reasons.

"Do any of you two happen to have a spare shirt?"She asked sheepishly, rubbing her neck as she pointed as she pulled at the cloth she had on. "My tee is a little too thin if it risks being sprayed with water."

Jane smiled in understanding.

"I can't promise you anything on the thickness but I have something that is a little darker than your t-shirt. But I cannot promise it would stay that way if drenched."

"It would still be better than what I'm wearing."

She nodded and went to fetch it.

"I would have taken a spare if I had known."Kayla told her softly, looking awkward and all, which made Kyoko grin.

"You can stop squirming. I'm not angry anymore."

Her friend squeezed her side in a grateful hug, and she patted her back.

"Thank you. I'm sorry. Thank you, thank you."

She snorted.

"Hai-Hai."

"Did you ask about Ren's proposition to help too?"She asked after a little while, hoping for a whole another type of answer now that she knew what it was all about.

Her friend nodded.

"I did. I even blasted about how gorgeous he was. But it was a fail. Even the students Jane managed to recruit last minutes only passed because Jane met them and talked with them in the past. And if we had more time, Michael would still have asked to meet them before agreeing."Kayla said and Kyoko had to wonder if that person was so wary of everyone and where he was. Not that she didn't understand his reasons but it seemed a little extreme considering the already complicate situation.

On a personal level, though, she was glad. She thought it was all the better Ren couldn't participate. If the reactions of women were just as half crazed as in Japan, she couldn't imagine how it would turn out if he was a participant of the booth game. And, truly, the idea of others putting their paws on him – even if it was not serious and with a greater objective – turned her acid and made fury rage inside her.

He will not participate to this.

No way. He was not a piece of meat. And even if she had accepted for the children's sake and to help, the idea of him doing the same was intolerable. To have women and men fawn over him, knowing they could buy some time or touches if they were lucky…

She tightened her fist around the edge of the bench she was sitting on and her glass of water bottom clang against the surface as she made it land bluntly to her side.

It was one thing to know he would find a partner he would love someday, and end up with someone else. But this…

Never.

She tried to collect herself. Ren wasn't hers to claim and she knew she had no place having a say in what he did. She was unsuccessful. The idea revolted her, and she was already imagining strangling any girl dreaming of putting hands on him.

She groaned internally.

Way to go, girl…

She was turning into a possessive maniac. No one was deserving of him. Even less her. No one was deserving his time, his kindness, his touches, his smile, or his heart. The only one that might be, would be the person he would come to love. And even then, she could see herself wanting to assess the girl. Run a background check, identify every corner, every secret of hers, just to be sure that woman would have pure intention and would make her man happy. So, unknown nobodies trying to get a piece? Hell no. She'd rather got to a thousand dates than let him go to one.

She grated her teeth to swallow the bitter poison of sorrow and jealousy behind her facade but failed gathering back in time the growl that passed her lips.

"Good."She said as lightly as she could muster. "I'll send him a message to let him know it isn't possible."

She heard a chuckle from her left and arching a brow, she noticed the mirth on her friend's face.

"Couldn't contain your satisfaction knowing that, huh?"She teased and for once Kyoko decided to be honest.

"Absolutely."

That made her friend laugh harder but she gracefully didn't comment more on it.

Kyoko typed a message to Ren, concise words to say it wasn't possible after all, but that he could come by in a couple of hours. She pretexted they would be busy so he wouldn't insist checking on her earlier, and hoped he wouldn't look further into it.

God, I feel so pissed off.

Her possessiveness and jealousy had really topped over to new heights, this time. She was shocked by how much she felt like marking him off-limits. She rubbed her face again and a cracked laugh erupted from her, unexpected and full of self-derision. She mocked her arrogance and boldness at trying to keep him for herself, to shield him from any eyes.

I'm a mess. She thought, pulling at her hair repeatedly as she tried to bring her thoughts into control again.

Jane came back soon after that, presenting her a midnight blue shirt, and Kyoko went to change into it and her jeans.

She breathed in once changed, her thoughts barely returning to the event she was about to participate into. She pulled at the t-shirt as she got out. It was not remotely tight but it was short, uncovering a thin line of skin between the washed hip jeans and the shirt. She wouldn't have minded any other days but considering the eyes that would be on her, she was both regretting the shirt cut and her lack of bra with her.

Jane led her between stretched out green fabric banners, serving as separations to make mini rooms in the booth, and they reached the hard wood that began the stage ground. A tan layer of cloth was spread on the wood planks and as she placed her shoes on it, it hushed her steps. Her legs moved, padding as she tried to be as discreet and invisible as possible but felt the crowd's eyes narrow on her, as she followed Jane outside. The crowd was cheering, screaming. They zigzagged between the other participants – a mix of men and women she noted happily – , set each a couple of metres away from each other, right under a tiny and bigger bucket of water, hung by ropes. Every partaker had two wheels by their side. There were six spots. Two by sides of the rectangular stage, minus the one attending the foundation booth. Three of the tall stools were occupied and Jane led her to a vacant one. Kyoko noticed the presence of two security guys managing the people allowed to go up by the paired stairs on each side of the platform, and she moved her hair away nervously. She was used to cameras locked on her while she would be acting, but this amount of people- and looking at her excitedly – , was more intimidating.

Jane set her on the left of a dark blond bulky man, looking as cool as a cucumber on the surface, though she picked his hands twitching and the little bumpy heel of his right foot he tried to hide behind one of the legs of his stool. She sat on her own seat with a small node towards him.

"This is Aigi," Jane whispered to her ear, "he will remain a participant for the next hour. Kayla will join soon. But even if more participants are on stage, only three at a time will meet a player. Jin and Alex, the two men here – designed Jane as she pointed to the men in the centre of the stage with each a mike in hand – are keeping up the show and will be counting what will have been won with you and the others. Feel free to ask them if you have a question."

Done talking apparently, the professional woman turned around without much of a sign. Came out just as Jane was slipping back in the booth was Kayla that sat on another empty stool near another woman. Amongst the participants, there were two men and three women right now.

Kyoko crossed her legs, sitting properly, and never more glad she wasn't easily recognizable despite her actress status. If she had been looking any closer to one of her past roles, she might have been spotted. As it was, she just looked like another girl. Truly, being not that interesting as her own self had its perks, she had to admit. And it was truly better that way, she thought. She hadn't checked how bad or good campus wrecking dating events could go for one's reputation. Granted, it would surely give her more spotlight. But she wasn't sure it would give her the right kind. States culture tended to see this as juicy gossip famous people tend to be part of. She wasn't very fond of some of the riskier, or even shockingly daring choices some colleagues folks of the show-business world took-or just went along with – ; too much intimacy plastered on paper and a cruel lack of discretion and properness her Japanese roots were unable to always disregard. Yet, the layback/slack given to people about what they could do without being blacklisted in the US was also relaxing. In contrario, the properness required in Japan brought forward uptight expectations to their celebrities that shouldn't be expected from a human being. No cracks in their perfect appearance. No rude words. No shortcomings. No improper thinking. No scandal. No out-of-the-box personal situation. No relationships. Flawless. Or what was considered flawless. And so on. All that had been regular things asked out of any being wanting to be part of the sparkle world a few years short before she joined Japan LME all those years ago.

Japan has already started to somewhat relax on the uptight flawless aspect and the no relationships one when she had joined LME (minus for the idols). And it had eased even more during the last five years she had been absent, she had seen it. However, sometimes it was still threading close to some old-ways trends and some former generations of directors, CEOs & co would ask unrealistic perfection of their artists. So, she had appreciated the contrast during the last five years spent in the States and was appreciating it even more after the couple of months of remembrance she had experienced back in Japan.

But even then, she had to care for her 'two-side reputation nonetheless. And what she could have done as a nearly newbie actress just after stepping on US grounds and what she could do now, was different. No matter the country, her roles at least, were known. And if everything went well for her, her recognition as an actress would keep rising. In consequence of what, her ability to stay incognito was truly becoming her trump card. And while the risk was not up to full void, even if one person were to connect the dots it wouldn't light up a fire. That much she was certain. There was no backing down now, though.

She eased the tension in her muscles and looked around her, spotting a small barrier on the ground, separating the stage from the crowd by a couple of metres.

Smart.

Then, she watched the other participants again. There were her and Kayla, of course. Then, a young woman with straight dark hair and a white t-shirt she could only spot the back of. The man Jane had just introduced to her as Aigi on her right. And a handsome dark-skinned man that appeared to be a student too and looked for all that was worth, quite excited and happy to be here. At least, he didn't seem jittery like most of them, her included.

Lord, did she feel awkward. She has dated very curtly a couple of times for experience's sake and her growth as an actress in the past but she had never been comfortable. Honestly. She didn't even know what she was supposed to do. Just pose as a trophy. It sure felt a little like that. Even if it was for the right cause. She did not like merching men or women as selling pieces. She didn't like being a selling piece either. And what a price! She doubted she'd make a good price even if she hadn't minded and hadn't been conscious of the objectifying of people and flesh as a selling factor.

Even in real-life situations, she knew she sucked at picking cues a man had been flirting with her. She usually only spotted most obvious ones. And even then, half the times, Kyoko was still wondering if it had been a joke or mocking her.

Breathe. She told herself.

The worst part was that she had researched flirting for some of her roles, and she could act it if needed. But it hadn't helped her in real life. Because in a role, an interaction, there was a postulate. She knew in advance the man or woman was flirting or rejecting. But in real life, how could she imagine it was the first option and not just politeness, kindness or even mockery, dictated by the context or something else? How could she presume a man would go out of his way to compliment her or ask her out genuinely in the sea of possibilities that exist? Even less understandable in showbiz, where nearly everyone shined above and beyond. She knew she was part of that world too. But she knew her strengths and weaknesses. Her acting, her drive and stubbornness, and her ability to transform into another person were her fortes. Not her looks.

And since she was emotionally unavailable, besides her friends like Kyle, Jake and Kayla, she had not tried too much to deepen bonds. Especially not with colleagues. So, while it was fully because of her and intentional, the end result could only be this, the other actors and models she worked with didn't know her all too well. Superficial level put aside. She only had been closer with a couple of them.

She inspired oxygen.

Which meant it all circled back to everything being politeness or kindness, that was her conclusion. Or a context she hadn't understood.

She exhaled air. Then, did her best to inhale back some, trying to ignore the countless stares of people. They looked friendly enough but it was just too friendly for her.

In any case, she wasn't a good partner potential. She didn't even want to be one. She was already in her own turmoil of emotion concerning one man, she really didn't need this. It was truly a terrible idea. And she had a hard time imagining someone picking her out of looks only in front of Kayla or all those beautiful participants on stage. Such a terrible make her a participant. Her hands shook.

Shit. She was panicking. Truly panicking. She closed her eyes in front of the crowd and took another deep breath.

It would help tremendously the children. It wasn't an engagement. It would be a couple of dates with strangers, then she would politely tell them it couldn't go anyway. Maybe they would even give up way before that.

Another breath.

Come on Kyoko.

She couldn't quit. For the children.

One more breath.

"You okay there?"Came the quiet voice from the right. Aigi.

She opened her eyes. But right away, she turned her face towards him to not look at the crowd, and nodded at him.

"Yes. Not that comfortable but okay."She continued as her panic receded.

He frowned at her for a second before light came on his face and he grimaced.

"You are part of the rescue plan, aren't you?"

She nodded grimly.

"Not the kind to do this, huh?"

"Indeed."She said curtly.

"All my compassion goes to you."He said with a wave of hair as he shook his head in sympathy.

"Thanks. And you?"She enquired, wondering if he was part of the slaughter too.

"I'm actually here on purpose."He replied with an easy grin but laughed next instant when he saw her aghast face at the mere prospect.

"I know. Madness, right?" he said and she nodded all too naturally before being able to hide her reaction, making him laugh more.

"It's a great way to put yourself out there as available, you see."He told with a grin and she felt confused. She wasn't active on one but she knew there were countless dating apps if a person was looking for someone. And campuses usually made meetings easier, no? Again, though, she was the worst judge here.

Her puzzlement must have been visible because he developed again.

"I'm looking for a male companion. The only ones able to make turn my wheel will be men." He told her softly and she gave him a small comprehensive smile, hoping she looked as acceptant as possible. He might be very open about it but she knew how one wrong move, one wrong look, could be interpreted as rejection or judgement – especially on such a sensitive subject – , and she truly didn't want to make someone feel that way. Still, now she got why it could make things trickier. Unfairly so. And she understood why he felt so nervous despite having signed up on purpose.

"Don't apps exist for men looking for men or for the LGBTQ+ community, though?"She asked. She couldn't have ignored about it since Kyle had spoken of them more than a couple of times. "It would bring more intimacy, no?"

She saw him visibly relax and she guessed her talking openly about the subject made him sure she was okay with it. Not that he should have to worry about this in the first place. But she knew how unforgivably judging some people could be to things they didn't understand. And how cruel and scary it could be for people on the other end of those unfair judgements. She had seen Kyle struggled with past acquaintances for being who he was too. It had been oh-so-very painful to see him having to say goodbye to people he considered as friends because they couldn't accept him as whole.

Kyoko sighed internally, wishing the world was a place of unconditional acceptance. But if she couldn't choose for people to welcome difference, she could make her own choices and choose her own path. And she wanted to try. She desired to try to understand and accept as much as she would be able to. The alternative, that is – rejection, and based on something she just wasn't knowledge enough about or hadn't experienced – , was baseless and unfathomable. It didn't mean she would always be able to understand, even if she attempted to learn before judging first. Something you weren't privy of, by intimate experience or closely seen, was always harder to truly understand. Kyoko could only imagine she would sometimes fail and make numerous mistakes. As any human being taken by their own little world and centred on it. But she could do her best.

But after her own experience… And after seeing the blades of disgust and rejection descend and land to carve barbarous scars in Kyle a couple of years ago, she had sworn to actively try.

She pulled out of her sad thoughts as the man made an agreeing move of the head and replied her in a bitter tone.

"Yes. I know of them and tried a couple. But one was fruitless and the other brought me several bad experiences."

"I'm sorry."She said, unable to find proper words or to even imagine what he could have lived, her that wasn't even looking for someone.

He shook his head and his lips tilted when he looked back again.

"It's okay. So,"-he cleared his throat – "I thought this could be an opportunity to carry the word around without putting pressure on anyone."He said. "If one is paying for this and stepping on stage, they can only be already interested."

She nodded at him, not wanting to crush his obvious hopes. Plus, the exposure it meant if another man chose to come on stage to pick him truly made it more sure that the gamer was more interested than just in a fling. She told him as much and he perked up even more.

"That was pretty much my reasoning."

"Don't take my word for it, though. I'm the one dreaming to be elsewhere."She warned him with a responding grin.

He snorted.

"I won't."

A loud bell echoed suddenly, and gamers were brought on stage.

"I guess it means we are on."He said.

"It does."

Her deadly tone made her comrade laugh and she crossed her arms, wondering if she could look as unapproachable as possible without making it a disservice for the foundation.

They watched a cute girl come up from the left and a young man from the right as they were respectively led to the bubbly dark-skinned man and to Kayla. Then, the two showrunners Jane had pointed at earlier- Jin and Alex – , commented and speculated on where the wheels would stop, and if one or the other would win a date today. Kyoko decided commentators fit way better as a role for the two men as she watched them babble loudly around for the crowd. The girl won a dinner with the man but the young man didn't get anything despite buying for the two wheels.

"So," spoke Aigi as they kept an eye out to see if someone came to them, "You are single, I take it?"

Kyoko looked at him funny, wondering why he was asking but replied nonetheless.

"I am."

"Emotionally available?"He asked again and she arched a brow in question.

He raised his hands in defence.

"I already said which ways went my preferences."He added with a reassuring smile. "But I have friends, and the bro code insists I look out for their interests. So, if you want me to introduce you to – "

She snorted, pointing at their surroundings.

"You think I will be interested any time soon in meeting someone after this?"

He grimaced.

"Touché."

"I apologize if I offended you."He returned after a few seconds of silence, looking contrite and she smiled, shaking her head.

"You didn't."

"My friends just wouldn't have forgiven me if they had known I hadn't even tried to get your number for them." He said, moving his shoulders around as if he wanted to ease the tension from them, and Kyoko guessed the discussion might have been helping him to think of something else than the predicament they were in. It was helping and distracting her too, she had to admit.

She frowned at his explanation, though, and bluntly asked.

"Why?"

He returned her earlier expression with his own, his ashes blond tresses tilting to the side and casting shadows on his face with the sun to his right.

"What do you mean why?"

"Why would your friends be upset?"She clarified. "Ah." She got it. It had looked exaggerate with the context so it could only be that. "Manner of speech, right?"

He looked even more confused but responded.

"No. I mean, kinda but not only. I-"

But he was cut out as a man came in front of him and Aigi greeted him politely as Alex cheered to the man to turn the wheel. The man then tried the tiny wheel but luck wasn't in it and he left shortly after. Not without slipping a paper to Aigi first, though.

"It's just as well."Her comrade told her in a soft whisper just as she was about to sympathize for the lack of luck, and she questioned him silently.

"Not my taste."

Then he waved his hand around.

"Nevermind that. About earlier – ," He started. "Do you think you would mind telling me?" He asked and before she could reply he scrambled words out.

"Like that, I could tell them honestly I tried."He said and it took Kyoko a second before she got he was still referring about the availability part.

"How would they know, though?"She said, more than a little reluctant to reply to a nearly perfect stranger about her personal life.

He pressed his knee and smiled in sympathizing grimace, as if he saluted her effort to avoid his question.

"They are actually in the crowd and already waved at me."

She looked around but couldn't spot them obviously. They were unknown to her. She pivoted back to Aigi, attempting something else.

"Can't you just not tell them?"She asked. "I don't have any obligation to reply to this, you know."

He shook his head then nodded in defeat.

"It's perfectly your right if that's your answer. But I don't like to lie to them, I suck at it, and they will be relentless."

She groaned. He wasn't wrong in the fact lying wasn't the answer, even if she vastly prefer a small lie than people busting into her private life and secrets. But she also understood pestering friends. Like Kayla. Or Kayla.

She sighed but eventually caved at the pitiful face the man was making, feeling like it should most likely be harmless.

"They are many beautiful women around here so I don't really get why it is so important but – "

"I might not be the best judge but I can still recognize an especially pretty girl."

She held back a throttle, staring at him with a sceptical smile.

"I think, on the contrary, your opinion might be way too polluted – or neutral even – to count."

He bent his neck.

"Touché again. But – "

She shook her head, cutting in by the move.

"But I will reply."

He looked at her expectantly but she saw his gaze diverted to the side and her eyes were attracted to a few young men waving wildly in Aigi direction. They were grinning and looked quite exuberant, and when they noticed she was looking towards them, one of them winked at her.

"I think I spotted your friends."She said and he mouthed an apology as one of the commentators passed by them and a man went towards the white tee brown hair girl that was on the opposite side of them. Aigi looked in that direction dreamily.

"Every man should be bi." He said and Kyoko suddenly understood, he was drooling over the man that was tempting his chance with the white tee girl.

She laughed. That would surely help many people, though it would greatly enlarge the numbers of competitors for one man in particular, so, she was not sure she would like that.

"Anyway," she resumed, starting to appreciate the man antics before she replied as quietly as possible, "no, I'm not emotionally available."

He rotated his head back to her in a whisk of second and took an instant to register her reply before nodding softly.

"Thank you for accepting to tell me something I had no place knowing or asking in the first place."

She smiled politely and diverted her gaze, in a hurry to move subjects.

The opportunity was gifted to her when a young man walked in front of her, introducing himself. She returned the greeting and under the comments of Jin, the man pushed the big wheel. The arrow spun around and she held her breath as it moved. The student seemed like a sweet boy but she just wasn't interested. The needle fell on a blank place and she contained the relief that was threatening to leap out. The man asked to attempt the smaller wheel and when it stopped, it fell on the small hug case.

Ever-so-awkwardly and under the instruction of Jin, telling her to say if any time she was uncomfortable (as if any of this was comfortable) and to give the go, she hugged him briefly before letting go.

The time passed by then, as gamers came in on stage. Mostly to four of the participants. Kayla and the bubbly guy were the first out, as people had kept coming to them. Kyoko envied them but could also understand, both had seemed so approachable and friendly. And they were both gorgeous. Anyone would have gone to them. In comparison, she was barely containing herself to play the irritable grizzly. At that moment, her friend and Jane eventually came to her to ask if she could try relax some and not cross her arms as it made her look too unapproachable. She had kinda known it could have been the reason – it has been low-key on purpose after all – , and nodded, fully conceding defeat. She would play fair now. No more scowling. She leaned back on the edge of her stool uncrossed legs and arms, stretched them a little, and despite her unease, smiled a little.

She had been unjust. She had taken the decision to still take part in this, after all, so she had to be responsible. There was no point accepting to help, even for the children, if it was for her to be so unwilling to participate. It would bring no good. She would change approaches.

Her lips stretched in a slightly more natural expression and she forced her shoulders to relax. Soon, someone came in front of her and she tried to be as charming as possible.

"Hi."She greeted in a soft tone the young man and he replied to her words in a rush of air that barely let words be heard. But she somehow got that his name was Jun.

Jin prompted him to make swirl the wheel then, and the teen determinately did so. It twirled and twirled until it stopped. On afternoon case. The boy stared in disbelief for a whole two seconds before hesitantly looking into her direction.

Kyoko bent slightly.

"I'll be in your care," She said and added when he didn't reply. "If that's okay with you."

He nodded furiously, reminding her of her own younger awkward self. At least, the boy seemed harmless enough. She grinned sweetly at him.

"See you soon, then."

"'Kay."He replied, blushing to the roots before walking away.

"What's gotten into you?"Aigi asked after the kid had left.

"I figured the fastest way to be out was to win all the cases needed and that sulking would actually keep me on this stage longer than necessary."

"And that's why you just slaughtered this poor innocent boy?"He questioned and she pivoted to him.

"What do you mean? Did I fail that much at being charming and nice?"She asked, wondering if she hadn't been able to chill enough and had frightened the boy.

"You didn't. That's the issue."The man stretched and she frowned at him.

"The boy is mostly bewitched at this point."He stated, as if it had been as obvious an impaired in sight person could have understood it.

She snorted as she shook her head.

He countered by his own shake and insisted.

"You raised his hopes to the roof."

"The kid is barely fourteen, I just wanted to be nice. He looked scared."She said, wondering if he had imagined she would be defiant and mean to a preteen.

The man face-palmed.

"More like seventeen to eighteen," Aigi said, "He might be young but not that young. Meaning he might have real hopes to interest you, now."

She rubbed her face but a new player came in front of her, interrupting. The man was mannered enough as he introduced himself, and as Alex gave him the go to make turn the wheel. He didn't win anything on the big wheel but got a kiss on the cheek on the small one. She pecked his cheek awkwardly, and he left, wishing her luck. She guessed she wasn't as good as disguising her tiredness over this as she had hoped for.

A couple of men came for Aigi then, and while he didn't look all too happy with the first two, she saw the last player had caught his interest and he was very bummed when the man didn't win any afternoon or dinner left on his own wheel. But the composed man pushed his glasses up and decided to attempt the small wheel, even going as far as asking to Aigi if he was okay with it before doing it. Which pleased the latter to no end. And she was pretty sure they were both overjoyed when the needle stopped on a peck on the lips.

She turned her head away as Jin gave the go, and she did good, because it certainly didn't remain as a touch of lips. When she turned back towards her comrade, he had a such a grin. His rather present cheekbones seemed about to pop like ripped cherries. The man responsible of such a joy was rearranging his hair, looking nonplussed. Yet, a paper was clutched in Aigi's hand as the man left.

"Good catch?"She enquired and he shot her another shit-eating grin.

"The best."He said merrily and she chuckled, happy that someone would return happier from this event. Besides the children.

After that, she was too busy to wonder about anything as people kept coming to her. Men mostly. But also a couple of women. She tried to be as honest as she could while staying polite. She even went as far as telling most people that seemed a little too excited that she wasn't really looking for someone. As, on the off chance Aigi had been right and she had raised the kid hopes earlier, Kyoko didn't want to play with anyone feelings and reproduce it if she had been careless.

Three cheek kisses, another hug, one dinner and a drink were won from her by gamers as time went by, and while she still didn't like it much, she didn't feel as awkward as before. People had been quite respectful and never pushy so far and Kyoko had been able to let go of most of her anxiety towards the game. So long as she didn't think too much about what mostly remained to be won on her wheels.

A man closed in then, reaching her stool and getting just a little too close to her, his cologne waffled over her and she held back her nausea. Either he had splashed too much of it and or it had soured, because it was a little too rancid to be normal. She looked up, seeing a grinning man staring at her. Dread filled her nearly instantly at the predator eyes he portrayed, and they greeted politely while she tried to reason herself and stay calm. Her relief was enormous when he didn't get anything from the big wheel but it only seemed to make him merrier, and her awkwardness skyrocketed. The man decided to go for the small one and anxiously, she waited as she saw the needle move. She didn't want to have anything to do with this individual. When the arrow stopped on her first fifteen secs kiss, the man grinned sadistically. He was nearly grabbing her when she shook her head, signing at Alex she wouldn't have it. He nodded with understanding.

"Ah. It seems we have our first participant refusing a price on this side."Alex said, making a show, as the only other refusal had happened on the other area of the stage, where had been Kayla, and the following girls afterwards.

The commentator forced the man to stand back, and the man cursed but didn't fight it. He didn't leave though and waited patiently, eyeing above her and reminding Kyoko that refusal of a price won, meant she got the water bucket.

She nodded her acceptance again. She could hear the crowd cheers, asking for the water to be dropped.

"You all know what it means, she will receive a punishment." Alex shouted out for the crowd. "So, I will now push on one button and the cord holding up the bucket will get a little loose, making it pivots until the water falls. Are you all ready?"

The crowd shouted their agreement.

"Are you ready, participant Kyoko?"He asked her, confirming.

"I'm ready."She said steadily.

A couple of second ticked by before she felt the sudden impact of cold humid water as it landed on her with a big splash, drenching her face and hair, and most of her shirt. She gasped at the sudden cold and shivered a little. Yet, the weather was still warm and the freshness was a welcoming cool so it didn't take long for her to feel grateful for it. For the most part. She crossed one arm in front of her chest when she was reminded why it could be an issue, and rubbed water out from her face, pushing back her damped hair as elegantly and unaffected as she could appear after that. She attempted a smile then, and her second arm joined her first one. The man that had been waiting for it- very visibly – , and he seemed flustered by anger and disappointed. He left after that. And she let out air she had held, surprised when she heard the same from Aigi and Alex, now that the show was done. She turned towards them and Alex approached her.

"Next time, if a man like that comes, you don't even have to accept the bucket."He said low and only to her ears, and she thanked him, grateful that was something taken into account.

"You did well," Aigi said in between players, "that man was a full creep. I would not have wanted him touching me either." He added with a visible shudder.

More time went by but no one won anything with her anymore, and she felt even more thankful for the soaked shirt, as the sun remained implacably hot, and it was keeping her refreshed by a lot, though the cloth would dry fast in this weather. Her hair might remain humid a little longer. She was hoping for it, at least.

A small break was finally given half an hour later to hydrate themselves, and she was not the only one to be very appreciative of it.

When they came back and the stand resumed its activities, another man was quick to stop in front of her. She thought she recognized one of the faces that had waved at Aigi earlier. Was he one of his friends? He looked barely younger than him, she thought, granted than she had learned Aigi was 25 during their chatting. So maybe her age?

A quick glance towards Aigi confirmed her guess on his identity, and the new gamer smiled at her, looking cheerful.

"Hi, I'm Kyoko."She said.

"Hi, I'm Train, Aigi's friend. Glad to meet you, Kyoko."He said, full of pep.

"Nice to meet you."She responded politely and with a smile, before regretting it when she saw how much perkier he got.

"Don't get cocky."Warned Aigi with a roll of the eye. "I asked. She isn't available emotionally."

But his friend didn't even deflect from an inch, and just grinned.

"Maybe I will be able to make her change her mind," He said, winking at her. "I feel like I'm in luck today."

She shook her head, indulging him as a player by not answering this.

Alex came by, giving the go and the young man pulled at the big wheel, bringing it a spin.

"How old are you?"He questioned amicably, and she had to admit his chill behaviour was relaxing.

"23."

"Really? That's awesome."He said with some relief. "I'm 22, only one year younger."

"Is it that surprising?"Kyoko asked.

"Not really. But I thought you would be older."He explained, tilting his bust forward as he put his hands in his pockets. "So, I'm glad the difference isn't that grand."

The wheel stopped on a drink at that instant, and he cheered.

"You know it doesn't engage me to anything, right? And what your friend told you was the truth."

He nodded.

"I know. But who tempts nothing gets nothing. It will not prevent me to try."He said before adding – to Alex attention too this time – , and still full of gusto, "I think I will tempt the small one."

She groaned but it wasn't like she had a choice right now.

Alex gave him the paper accounting for what he had won and gave him the go to twirl the second wheel. Aigi's friend had been right, though, he had luck today – or jinx depending on how you saw it – , as the second wheel stopped on peck on the lips.

Train waved his fist wildly in the air, so sudden it made Kyoko jumped a little and she shot a glance at Aigi, who gave her a rueful smile and mouthed an apology.

Still, he seemed harmless enough – especially in comparison – and when Alex gave the go and the man bent forward excitedly, she steeled her nerves and determination, and pecked his lips for a second. He opened back his eyes to look at her when she pulled back quickly, looking giddy.

Aigi's friend left with a 'see you soon' and a skip in his step as he climbed down the stairs of the stage, and she released her hold on her lungs again. She was so sick of this game. One thing was sure, it was not and would never be something for her. It just cheapened affection marks in her opinion. If it hadn't been because she gave her word and for the children, never would she have done that. She would never condemn the people doing it. Proof was, with Aigi, it was and had been ultimately a good thing. But she just couldn't if she was not already interested. Even acting those kinds of scenes was easier. Because she was someone else when she was acting.

It was soon after the departure of Train, ten minutes maybe, that she heard and felt it. Some of the other participants were still on break and only a small sample of the crowd had remained. In the abrupt accentuated quietness, there was no way to miss it. Not that there weren't any loudness anymore but the contrast to before was such, it sounded nearly as if the world as turned mute.

An unmistakeable feline elegant gait, foot slow and steady, with pressure on the step but lightness in the move. And what she felt? Anger. The familiar furore of someone.

She shuddered as she heard Aigi hiccup.

She knew who it was.

END OF CHAPTER.

PS: Hello everyone. How are you all? I hope you are all great and happy. Sorry, I know it has been a while. Health hell strike again. March had been a hard month for me and even this month was pretty hectic. It doesn't mean I forget this story, however. As you can see, the worst that can happen is updates spreading out a little more.

I hope you will all love this chapter. It is at least a longer one. I hope it will compensate for the lack of more updates a little.

Sorry there isn't much Ren in this one. And congratulations on the people more or less figuring out what kind of booth would happen. Even if it is a little more complex and not fully a kissing booth, it is still close enough. So congrats to the ones guessing that.

Kisses to all of you. Wishing you well and hoping i will be able to update soon.

Mimagfan,

AUTHOR OUT.