Evolving to reach each other

by mimagfan

Through time you evolve&grow. Kyoko knows she can't be with Ren but want to stay part of his life. She tries to stay away to compose herself, in vain. From there things start to spin & spin.But somehow fate seems to have a hand at it. No matter what when it's true love, you are pull to the other.Take place after chapter 273. Drama and comfort too.

92. Chapter 92

CHAPTER 92

I do not own skip beat! Yoshiki Nakamura does.

Storm Aftermath – Final part –

—End of ski trip and more –

As one could have predicted, things somewhat escalated after this event. The press heard of the incident, and in the same instance discovered Tsuruga Ren was on vacation and the location of it. Fortunately or unfortunately, the avalanche prevented a sea of raging enamoured fans to storm in the ski station, but it didn't permit to avoid some journalists to crawl their way up until there.

As for our group of friends, after the event, even if there were still a little more than two days left for the holidays, no one was really in the mood anymore. To go outside or skiing. Which was fortunate because even if some of them had wanted to, the full slopes of the station had been closed since the avalanches and no one could approach the ski lifts since then.

Kyoko had had to cancel the meeting with Sho and his girlfriend after a doctor Ren's friends had called checked on both of them, had ordered to stay put inside and let their bodies recuperate. She had felt like she was grounded to her room, despite not feeling sick at all. If only a little tired but it was nothing like the damn virus of a month ago on set. It hadn't bothered Sho in the least, though, as he had apparently been about to text her to cancel himself after his girlfriend had freaked out and asked to go back to Tokyo as soon as possible. He told he suspected his girl just didn't want to meet her because she was jealous, explaining she was normally not easily spooked. Nonetheless, they were leaving. He had also heard about her getting caught in the storm and had actually asked news about her state way before talking about their appointment. And once more, she had been surprised how much he had changed.

With the press ready to pounce and hounding in the heart of the station, just a few hundreds of metres away – thankfully they had ignored which cabin they had been residing precisely – , the whole group spent the last two days in the cabin in a rather quiet but enjoyable atmosphere. Mei definitively left, barely an hour after the end of the discussion of that day, prompted by Airi-san that helped her to order a lift to drive down the mountain pass – thankfully they had been very fast in unclogging the snow from it – , and book a train ticket.

The departure of Mei-san had released some of the tension the group had still been feeling, but what had really relaxed everyone is when the rest of Ren's friends had understood Kyoko was okay with the news and hadn't been blaming anyone. In fact, she had been apparently too chill about it because his friends had kept asking her if she was really okay, if she was really not angry, and looking even suspicious she wasn't sharing her true feelings about the events for a little while.

Eventually, though, they accepted her replies as the truth and the smiles and laughs made their full come back inside the cabin as they played cards, discussed about everything and nothing. Ren never left her out of his sight, and she was ashamed to say she had liked it way too much. Even when it had been only to tease and pester her. She just couldn't help to love how much he made attention to her. He was turning her spoiled. She could only hope her facade would hold. It needed to. At least for a few more weeks.

In the middle of living room, surrounded by messed of card games spread on a rich wooden low-foot table, an image ready to be added as a memento in an album can be observed. About ten people lay there, on couches, by the chimney, on the ground, all worn out and enjoying a good old nap. On the side, against the tiny sofa of the room a man and a woman are asleep, heads leaning on each other in their peaceful slumber. The bags under the numerous eyes are the only mirrors of any stressful affair that could have occurred but the big relaxed smiles are every indication of the clouds being behind them.

And just like that, as in a dream, their holiday in the mountains closes its curtains, letting them fall forwards, as everyone will set foot to their own path again.

§§§

Meanwhile on a certain forum, just after the storm.

°A lotus is hunting and we hope his ship sails:

(26,987 members are part of this forum)

#New statistics of today on this forum#

-786 new members joined today –

4:21: Renfan2:

Everyone. Hello people. How is everyone coping? I just went on main babble stubborn zone when I saw some of my old comrades hadn't had the news and were still worried about Ren-san being okay. Apparently, it was too soon to get some reassuring clear news in papers on his state, so they came back on the main channel and I greeted them. As one could expect it, it's already everywhere online but just to be sure, is there anyone not aware of what happened or aware but not having update on the safety of our god?

7:23: SexyRenfan:

I guess no one coming at you with teary eyes and screams should be a good sign everyone is aware Ren-san is okay and only resting with his friends after the storm.

7:23: Renfan6:

That's a good guess, yes.

7:24: Renfan2:

I checked main stubborn zone again, and contacted the regular lurkers and offline people, everyone had seemed to be in-the-know and reassured already. Thankfully. I don't ever want to feel this again. I nearly died. And I can't, I have children.

7:24: CrazyForTheGoldenShip:

That's so great to hear. No fan deserves to feel this. I thought I would have an attack. The incertitude was such an horrible feeling. Lord…

Anyway, does anyone have other news, more positive ones hopefully?

7:25: Renfan9:

We are still waiting for our plotting admin to resurface and tell us if she got anything.

7:25: CrazyForTheGoldenShip:

Damn. I mean it's great and all we got news about him. But I'd still like to have more updates on her.

7:25: Renfan9:

I know. I think most people on this shipper forum are still worried.

7:26: Ren4ever:

That sucks. And here I was hoping someone would have more news by now.

7:26: Renfan2:

Things would be far worse if something permanent had happened, girls. Believe me. There would already be consequences we would have heard of. Just stay patient and keep calm while we wait for our Queen admin to come back. She went fishing for news.

7:26: CrazyForTheGoldenShip:

You think she will have found something?

7:26: Renfan2:

She wouldn't come back otherwise. She is pretty busy in real life. Unfortunately for her, her squealing time usually need to be scheduled.

7:27: Renfan277:

You promise?

7:27:RenHeart:

Asking her to promise on behalf of another being is unfair but I can't help myself so I will second Rf277. Promise?

7:27:DamnRen:

I must agree. I'm just so worried about her I'm becoming irrational.

7:27:RenSweetheart:

Yes, I'm worried too. That storm was terrible. I can only pray the lady of our king's heart is unharmed.

7:28: Renfan2:

Sigh. I know Firstnewfan pretty well. She wouldn't share information she isn't sure of. When talking about actual proves, not shipping theories. As said, she is pretty busy, so yes, I'm positive that when she comes back she will have some news to feed us.

One hundred people left a puppy hopeful smiley on this message.

…

7:31: Renfan8:

I was looking for you Renfan2. You barely talked to us then disappeared but your statute said you were still online.

7:31: Renfan4:

That's right. We searched on every topic of discussion of the main forum until finally finding you on this side forum. We didn't talk in a while and those are anxious times so no way are we letting you escape so quick! (grinning smiley)

7:31: Renfan2:

Oh. Hello you two. So, you found me. Sorry girls, I'm mostly here nowadays.

7:31: Renfan8:

Nowadays?!

Are you online that often?

7:32: Renfan4:

I was about to ask the same thing. You used to not be here very often.

7:32: Renfan2:

Ahh~~… That's true. I hadn't realized but I'm much more present than in the past. The incentive is huge, what can I say.

7:33: Renfan4:

I'm the confusion. What incentive?

7:33: Renfan2:

…!

7:33: Renfan8:

What's this place, anyway? Can you explain what's the purpose of this side forum? Why not just talk on main one?

I'm sorry, I haven't been here in three years so I'm a little lost.

7:33: Renfan4:

I think it was even longer for me.

But I agree with Renfan8, I don't get it at all. Also, what's the meaning of the forum's name?

7:34: Renfan2:

… /facepalm smiley/

7:34: SexyRenfan:

You led two ignorant lambs to the butchery/Dying of laughs smiley/

Two hundred people left laughing smileys to this comment.

7:34: Ren4ever:

Oh dear lord.

7:34: RenHeart:

Here we go again. /laughing smiley/

7:35: AdminRenForever:

*Lurking in the shadows and observing the drama and imminent doom about to unfold*

7:35: DamnRen:

This is hilarious. Muahaha. And stop sulking Admin-san.

7:35: Renfan2 replied to SexyRenfan:

I know. I thought they must have known, in my defence!

7:36: Renfan8:

I think we are missing out big time on a crucial information here. And it looks dreading.

7:36: Renfan4:

Oh yes. And they are going to share ASAP what they know. /Suspicious smiley/

20 people are typing…

7:39

7:44: Renfan8:

This is scary…

7:47: Renfan4:

Are we sure we really wanna know?

Ten people are typing…

Four people are typing…

7:48:Renfan8:

/Sweating smiley/

I will need a relaxer to soften the blow at this pace…

7:48: CrazyForGoldenShip:

So… Who is going to drop the bomb to them?

Because there are many things to say. And we don't wanna do a disservice to the cause.

7:50: FirstnewfanofR&K, /Admin is online/:

I have news, guys! Wake up! Everyone.

7:50: Renfan2:

Newfan! You're there! Thanks God. Tell us!

7:50: SexyRenfan:

/laughing smiley/You are just delighted to not have to be the one to tell the new oldies what this forum is about. Buahaha.

7:50: Renfan2:

Maybe…

I'm just not sure if Renfan8 and Renfan4 are ready to handle the blow. And I just don't find the words…

7:51: FirstnewfanofR&K:

Ohhhhh… I see something happened. Muahaha. You are too sweet Renfan2. But you don't have to worry so much. Just launch a picture. They will either recoil or be converted. Actually, I have the perfect weapon to try on them.

Two people have left scared big eyes smileys under this comment.

Three hundred people have left laughing smileys.

#1000 members just connected and are now online and watching.

7:51: Renfan8:

Weapon?

7:51: Renfan4:

Why do I feel we went right into a booty trap on our volition?

7:52: AdminRenForever:

Because you have good survival instincts. But this is no use. No one will escape this path. NO ONE.

7:53: FirstnewfanofR&K:

Launching. Explanations after. I bring us food. First, pictures that will reassure us. Then, the fluff. Everything is fluff food at this point anyway. There are five pictures. I will cut it in half. To let us digest first part.

Two pictures are charging.

Two pictures were uploaded.

Six hundred people are typing.

7:53: Renfan9:

I just deceased. What the hell is that?!

7:53:SexyRenfan:

OMG, he looks so fierce here. But thank God she looks fine.

7:54: Renfan2:

You call this fine?! She is all blue and white. Fortunately, she is wrapped in several layers.

7:54: RenHeart:

Fortunately, she has her own personal heater… /smirk/

539 people left smirk smileys.

268 people left laughing smileys.

754 people sent OMG, the site decided to reduce to one to avoid overload.

336 people posted DEAD as a comment, the site decided to reduce to one comment to avoid overload.

The bot inquired if threats were being sent to anyone and if the people needed to be banished for death threats or not.

Bot: It was confirmed it wasn't the case. No one will be banished but precision must be added to avoid confusion.

7:58: CrazyForTheGoldenShip:

Buahahaha/dead of laughs smileys x 3/The bot is overwhelmed, it can't understand things anymore.

302 laughing smileys were added to this comment.

8:00: FirstnewfanofR&K:

You are all recovering well? I can send second part. I want to move to explanations quickly because we have newcomers on the sidelines.

8:00:

1690 YES messages were posted, the site decided to reduce it to one to avoid overload.

8:00: FirstnewfanofR&K:

/laughing smiley/Launching second missile, then.

8:01: Renfan4:

W-wait, explain to us. What is that?!

Three pictures were posted.

2334 smileys were sent, please wait and refrain from posting. Forum is rebooting.

8:05: AdminRenForever:

*wiping nosebleed* I swear… Life is unfair.

8:05: SexyRenfan:

*Fanning herself* Fuck this. IT needs to happen right now.

8:05: RenHeart:

Holy molly… This is torture.

8:05: Renfan389:

This is criminal.

8:06: Renfan2:

*Swooning* I need context. Please explain.

8:06: CrazyForTheGoldenShip:

*Incoherent squeal* Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

TELLLL USSSSS

8:06: Renfan8:

Wh-what?! What is this? What the hell is this?! Why is it so cute? How? What? Nani? I stayed away a few years but when did this happen? What happened? Are they – ? Aren't they – ? But no, that I would have known. Why? How? How can I not know? Who is this man?! What's that face?! Since when is he this intense?! Since when is he this cute?! What?! Lord… Wait… *Having a meltdown.

608 smirking smileys were added to this comment.

8:07: FirstNewfanofR&K:

This, is what this new forum is about. The first two pictures are of Ren-san bringing back Kyoko-san at dawn in the cabin they rented with his group of friends after she got lost in a storm and he apparently searched for her all night. And as you can see, he is looking pretty pissed and concerned on this picture just before they step back and return inside to warm up.

FirstNewfanofR&K is typing.

1230 people reacted with surprised smileys to this comment. 601 people reacted with hearteye smiley.

8:08:Renfan4:

I don't understand a thing. Can't you just explain things to me?

8:08:Renfan2:

Go on the pictures and links channel. Both you and Renfan8. It will reply to all your questions. There is an interview of Kyoko-san, as well as some articles posted earlier than kinda provoked the interview. Then, there are countless pictures, and the one that made Newfan created this forum.

8:08: Ren4ever:

We are hyperventilating at the moment. It would be too hard to tell you clearly. I can barely get out anything that isn't screams.

386 people thumbed up this comment.

8:12: FirstNewfanofR&K:

The other three pictures are, as you can see, of a battle in the snow. A person took those pictures and posted them on LINE but it was a foreigner skier in visits there that caught this moment, apparently. And while he is a fan, he isn't on the main forums and Japanese servers much so it took a little longer before I caught sight of it. That person also confirmed it happened before the storm. A few days prior, based on him.

He said he was coming back from the ONSEN there when he saw a group of friends fooling around in the snow, and he noticed them because it was a mix between Japanese and foreigners or halfu. And that they looked all too pretty.

Then he picked out Kyoko-san as he is familiar with her acting in the States and already a fan of hers. And they looked like they were having so much fun he couldn't help to take a few pictures. Even if he admitted, he knew he shouldn't have as they were in their private time. (That foreigner was far more respectful than most fans of here I know. Most wouldn't have had those scruples. Or I think many Americans too, and it surprised me).

That gave me the occasion to discuss with him and I learned he was from the UK, and also asked if I could share the pictures he just posted. If I'm here, you all guessed I got his okay.

Anyway, smirk, there you have it. Can you believe the face he is actually making? Did you see that blush? Or that coy smile?!

*Building a shrine in their honour to pray IT happens.*

898 people reacted with a heart smiley and nosebleed smiley.

8:15: SexyRenfan:

He looks like such a kid, playing in the snow like this! SO CUTE! How does she do it?!

(Will buy a tiny shrine and add a lucky cat near it)

8:15: Renfan2:

Ashamed to admit she already built a shrine**, and praying right this moment.

How much longer, guys?! I can't. I'm dying. #melting.

8:15: Renfan317:

TOO CUTEEEE. #melting. #goldenship.

8:16: CrazyForTheGoldenShip:

In reanimation room. Heart faint from too much swooning.

8:16: RenHeart:

Clutter announced in reanimation room. Please clear the way.

8:17: Renfan798:

Convert her fan against heat in fan against heart strokes**. I need this ship to sail! #Kiss?

8:17: FirstNewfanofR&K:

Buaahahaha… Rf798, the reanimation is going to fail if you take that road. /Dead of laughs smiley/.

8:17: RenHeart:

Please, do not. My eyes will take fire.

8:18: AdminRenForever:

…

#caving.

AdminRenForever changed her name to AdminRen&KyokoForever.

FirstNewfanofR&K posted a laughing maniacally gif.

8:18: FirstNewfanofR&K:

I knew you'd come around.

8:19: AdminRen&KyokoForever:

Shup up.

51 laughing smileys were added to this comment.

8:22: Ren33, Renfan408, Renfan72, Renfan832, Renfan10 and 659 people just joined this forum, please welcome them.

—New statute of the forum -

27,760 members

8:25: SexyRenfan:

So many fresh meat. Buahahaha. Last pictures must have taken their toll on them.

8:25: Ren33:

#melting.

Too many people posted the same word, the site decided to shorten to one time to avoid overload.

8:25: Renfan72:

#Caving&melting.

Too many people posted the same word, the site decided to…

8:26: FirstNewfanofR&K:

Welcome, welcome to the new recruits. We are all so happy to see you here to join us. Please feel free to swoon with us./laughing smiley/

102 new users left a sigh smiley on this comment.

…

1266 new messages were posted in the last 30 minutes.

8:56: Renfan4:

How many new messages now? You are all on rampage. Also, Renfan2, you threw us in the pit of sweetness without a warning!

8:56:Renfan8:

… back. Don't know how I'm alive.

8:56: Renfan2:

Sorry. But it was faster than any explanations and more neutral so you could pick your side.

How are you coping?

8:57: Renfan8:

#Caving. It's the first time I'm so excited in years. How are they so cute? Why have not ever heard of her?! Since when?

Melting melting melting.

Lighting up a candle for them right this second*

8:57: FirstNewFanofR&K:

Welcome, welcome.

8:57: Renfan4:

#CAVING. It's still bullying. My hardened heart nearly died from this. Look at that damn face. What did she do to him to make him act like that? I barely can recognize this Ren Tsuruga. Though, I must admit I would do anything to see more of this, and it's for the best. Just look at those pictures. I've never seen him looking so joyful. It's TO DIE for.

8:58: Renfan2:

And he risked his life to save her. Can you believe the man?! That was so risky but he did it anyway.

8:59: Renfan8:

My mind is still having a hard time catching to the new world we are in. Though, I'm loving every kawaï stuff it is filled with.

8:59: Renfan4:

#StillSwooning.

Seriously, what sort of magic did she do to make him look like a dazzled lost puppy? Wrapped him in cotton candy?

267 people left a laughing smiley to this.

9:00: SexyRenfan:

… I wonder.

9:00: Renfan2:

Maybe …/laughing smiley/

9:00: FirstNewfanofR&K:

She was just herself, I bet.

4076 people left a thumb up to this comment.

…

§§§

After the end of the trip, everyone returned to their routine and before Kyoko knew it, weeks had passed, and the time when she would fly back to the States for work was now just around the corner. She really hadn't realized it but looking back only a little more than four weeks separated their trip from her returning to America. And she had spent those few weeks finishing to film the movie at Hakone with Ren and the rest of the acting cast.

Not that much of her scenes had remained, she had had only the fight scene with Ren's character and her dying scene. And both went without any bump, and then she was done. She would have wished to spend more time with the cast, until the end of shooting maybe, but it would continue for at least three more weeks. She was still there for a little more than one but needed the time to pack and some short jobs, and then she would be flying back.

In all honestly, though, she knew why she hadn't seen time passing. As the most spinning thing of these last weeks had been Ren. To not change. They had obviously met a couple of times, as long as their works permitted it, but since the end of the trip, he had been acting – … weird. She didn't really know if he was just pampering her because of the storm or what he discovered but he had been checking on her even more. Every day. And not just to chat. Even if there was nothing special. As if he had to make sure she was alright and reachable all the time.

She had been afraid it had touched to what he had felt when he had lost his friend all those years ago, and that the storm kind of revived that. But she hadn't wanted to approach him with it. It would just have felt wrong. Especially because any person would have been a little marked if they had been afraid to lose one of their friends during a storm. Proof was, her other friends and even Ren's ones had been checking on her a little more too.

But it was still odd. And she was getting really confused.

Though she was also happy. Because nothing had changed for the wrong. She had been so terrified. At that moment, when he told her about what Mei-san said. When he realized it was the truth. She had been so frozen, petrified in the idea he could be disgusted with her, or just pity her. Old outdated concepts pushed by the last remains of her trauma, she knew. But still, the guilt, the shame, the feeling of dirtiness. She had felt all this. For one second, she had felt all those feelings again, like back during those dark days. Aghast with the possibility of being judged and rejected by him, by the one that mattered the most.

But his reaction was beyond her imagination. Rather than any of this, he had just looked angry and sad. Very sad. For her.

She could barely believe it at the time. That he would look so enraged and so sad, for her.

Just thinking about it, about the expression on his face, and she could feel the emotion swell inside of her, and tears come at her eyes. God did she wish to kiss him at that moment. She had wanted to pour all her gratitude and affection and kiss him senseless. She had wanted to never let go.

Since then, she had been weak. She had been unable to stay away, ever. Or to push back if he was teasing her. Very weak, indeed.

Her doorbell rang as she placed another item in her suitcase. Speaking about the sweet devil itself. He had said he wanted to talk to her about something when he would be done with the day. She guessed he had just finished.

She stood back and went to open, a smile breaking her lips already. Her front door was barely breached that she was squeezed in a bear hug, his soft masculine scent washing over her and dizzying her.

He really shouldn't do this. How could she keep some boundaries if he did this? How could she not get addicted? Being in his arms was so soothing, yet it was like putting her fingers into an electricity socket. Her whole body, nerves and senses were overcharged with excitement and buzzing energy.

She returned the hug.

Life was unfair. She had seen him only three days ago. Why did it feel like she was only breathing now?

"I missed you." Ren said before letting go. "You all good?"

She grinned at his endless concern, and let him enter inside. "I'm alright."

She proposed him something to drink, and they sat down.

"Packing?"He asked her then, having noticed her suitcase on the side, she guessed.

She nodded.

"Isn't it a bit early?"He asked. "You are leaving in what? Ten days?"

She shook her head.

"Six. But I just started."

"Ah." He seemed to ponder something, then. "Maybe it won't work then."

She lifted a brow.

He smiled sheepishly.

"You see, I wanted to ask you if you were available in four days, on Friday evening."He told her with an irresistible hopeful look that such a masculine man should not sport without being given criminal records. She wanted to caress his face and pet his hair now.

She huffed out internally at her thoughts.

"I've nothing planned Friday evening but isn't it the day of your preview showing on that day?" Before filming that movie in Scotland last Autumn, she knew he had taken the part in a dramatic movie in New Zealand, some time in spring. It had been an international collaboration again, with Japan and France this time, and she had been surprised to learn this at the time. A new tendency had apparently made day where Japan tried to expand their horizons and make more international productions. Ren had told her as much, and that things had started to change for a couple of years now. Maybe two after she left, perspectives had begun to expand. She found this amazing, and the blend of culture could bring so many possibilities and richness to the table.

Not that there hadn't been any collaboration before. Far from it. But it was more sparse. Prompted by specific famous directors only.

In any case, Ren had told her the Avant-Premiere would happen that day because the director wanted a chance to present it at The Cannes Film Festival at the end of August.

"It is, though." He replied with a grin, and from where she sat, crossed legs and holding a glass of water, she pretended to stay unaffected.

They stared at each other in silence. The only difference being her confusion on her own face, when it dawned on her.

"You can't be serious."

"I don't see why not." He replied smoothly, too sweetly. Like he was trying to enthral her into acceptance. He couldn't mean it, right? She was sure he knew the mixed signals it would send.

"Come on. We both know why it would be an asylum idea to make me come with you to that party."She tried. She was already wondering how she had not had hordes of fans banging her door with pitchforks with how much time she monopolized their Lord, and for how much time she got to spend with him. By this point, she pretty much expected it. In spite of her words during that interview, all fans must have become suspicious of her. They had nothing to fear from her, really. But knowing that didn't mean the fans saw it that way. And just the amount of time she got with him would be enough for some of them to make her the Number One Undesirable.

"I don't actually."He countered softly. "Everyone knows we are friends. I don't see why we would need to be so cautious."

Why did he have to use the 'We' pronoun? The magical chirping of this tiny word appealed to her in improper proportions. Singing to her heart like a poetic melody promising amazing adventures and enchanted tales of fantasy and wonder.

She wanted to smoke that word and imbibe her whole body in it, and roll around with it.

"And plus, you would do me a favour by accepting."Ren added with a tilt in his voice before she could spread out more protest. "It's kinda mandatory to come with a date. But honestly, I had my mind way too preoccupied to even remember."

"Do you want your fans to throttle me?"She asked, desperate for an escape. "They are already suspicious of me." She couldn't go with him. This was a huge party. Even if the whole world knew they were only friends, if she came as his date to such an event, they would question it all over again. People wouldn't care what she said in the past. They would only look at Ren Tsuruga coming with company to a party. When most of the other times, he would have come alone. Well, okay, maybe there had been a few parties for him in the past when he had to go with someone. In the same mandatory feature. But she didn't remember any. It would be like declaring there was more to it than what was meeting the eye. He couldn't ignore that, right?

"So, Kyoko, would you do me the honour of being my date for Friday evening?"He asked with a small ceremonial bow, and then shot her down in the web of an entrancing pleading gaze. The soft intensity of his expression making her mistake it for longing for a second. The forlorn lonely expression captured her as surely as a net would have and made -in the dim lighting of this early evening – his scrap of a smile appear sad and lost on his face. It was like he was imploring her to say yes, to give him a chance. Besieging her poor heart with this desolate praying look. She had the sudden unhappy thought he would be truly beaten down if she were to say no. Inconsolable, even. Then, she remembered herself and threw out the absurdity of that thinking. Did he have any idea what going with him to that party could do to her? How would she crush hope this time? How would she repress the glamorous feeling of having been the one chosen with the scale of something like this? What excuses could she shield her with? To avoid thinking he was proffering to the world that she was his.

Yet, he wouldn't bulge. The feeling of loneliness he emitted amplifying, even. And his stare continued to press her. Please stop making that face. And she had thought the Puppy Face was bad. It could go back dress itself.

Helpless and trapped, she could not help the stutter as she mumble her last excuse, crumbling to capitulation as she placed her glass on the tiny table between them.

" … I-I don't even have a proper getup to go. I didn't have any big event of this kind planned so I didn't bring any."She added, thinking he might wonder how she could not have at least one with her. "And I knew I could potentially buy and order one here if the need were to rise."

His face lit up like a glowing lamppost in a darkened gloomy night, blinding her with his joy.

"I know of a few addresses."Ren said brightly with a damn shit-eating winning grin.

"An outfit for this sort of gathering will never be ready in three days, Ren." And that wasn't even taking into consideration most stores would be busy finishing for other people attending, with how close it was.

His light dimmed a little, and she couldn't help her next words, despite knowing she was having the first true opportunity to escape it.

"But"-he looked up-, "Is one of your addresses happens to be selling plain fabric in their services?"She inquired.

He looked puzzled but replied after some thought.

"I think some do, yes, though I'm not an expert, why?"

She sighed.

"Because I might be able to pull something off if I get my hands on some rolls of material."She let out, half-regretting saying it.

An angelic but subtle smile returned this time, the depth of it mostly in his eyes, and she felt like she was going through overdose as she felt her own smile blooming on her face at his boyish behaviour. His lingering stare returned once more but what had seemed like forlornness before had morphed into fervent joy. No smile adorned his face but it did not need it to express his happiness. Lost in his expressions, she only snapped out of it when she felt her fingers being wrapped by strong fingers. Firm and earnest. Like he wouldn't let go until he got her. He was confusing her. Why did he care so much? Couldn't he have someone else to go with? Why did it matter? He was acting weird. And she couldn't bring herself to being bothered by it.

"Is that a yes?"He asked and her curiosity was pushed away by the blazing of his stare until she was left breathless, in the clutch of his eyes. She eventually plopped her head forwards to escape it, and groaned.

"Yes. Though it's still a bad idea."

The grip around her fingers shifted to a featherlike hold, barely the caress of a grasp. Then, he rubbed the top of her hand with his thumb. Taut softness against her skin.

When she looked up to see his face, the utter contentment she was met with finished to wear her out, and she rubbed at her face with her other hand.

"Ugh… I can't believe you convinced me into doing this." She said in a new grumble.

He laughed happily at her grumpy attitude, and she saw tiny dimples appear at the corner of his eyes when he closed it, so much he was smiling. Damn it all. Damn him. Damn his smile. Damn her.

"Why are you so damn happy?"She hissed at him. "Don't blame me if it doesn't turn out well later, and your fans are unhappy."

"I'm just content I've got you as my date. It promises to make the evening way more enjoyable." He said with another of those dreadful grins. "And I'm sure it will turn out great."

She wouldn't be so sure.

"Can I have my hand back?"She demanded, feeling irked somehow now.

"Sure."He said with glee.

She shot him a constipated annoyed face, resisting to the wish to bite him but he only grinned more at her expression.

She rose to her feet and walked away to the kitchen in a sighed huff.

She wanted to make him eat that smile of his. That made her think.

"Did you eat already?"She asked and there was a short pause before he replied.

"Nope."

"You need to."

A chuckle replied her.

"I know, I know. I was kinda hoping we could eat together."

"I'll prep something."

He was behind her then, hovering an inch away from her back. So close she could feel his warmth as he looked over her shoulder to see what she was cooking.

"How can I help?"

Silence.

"Rude. I progressed."

She sent him an apologetic smile. She knew.

" … maybe the table?"

"Alright."

§§§

All over Japan and in some other part of the world, articles were flowing.

Ren Tsuruga risked his life!

The Most Famous Storm of the Island

She got lost, He went looking for Her.

Danger in Hokkaido.

A Sour Turn To An Holiday, Fortunate Happy Ending.

A Storm that could have made us lost our Most Famous Bachelor.

Most famous actor in a storm!

Ren Tsuruga putting his life at risk for a girl.

A Storm That Made All Japan Shudders.

-An Act Of Bravery-

Written by Seito-san, lotus mirrored-in-water seal assigned. – Shinban Newspapers –

They were everywhere. In every gossip magazines, and even proper journals.

§§§

End of chapter.

PS: Hello the sweet people. So, i guess you can see it for yourself but yes, we finished the ski trip. At last. I hope it wasn't too long for you all and that you will enjoy this conclusion.

I hope you are all good and happy and having a great time in your lives whenever you are.

As always, i'm plotting but i won't tell you anything. Just know the story is progressing well.

Kisses to you all and enjoy. No promise when will be new chapter, sorry.

Hugs and Love, Mimagfan.

AUTHOR OUT.