Chapter 13

Ren was nervous. Tonight, he wanted to tell his girlfriend who he really was. He had to do it before she found out through the media. If she saw him with green eyes she would be angry. However, he was afraid of being rejected. He tried to focus on his work, photos for a clothing line, to not think about it. But to tell the truth he wasn't 100% in the photoshoot, and it annoyed the photographer. Yashiro-san had noticed Ren's nervousness, he waited for the lunch break to ask him what was wrong. It must be related to Kyoko, he thought, I hope they didn't fight.

After finishing his work, Ren went to his manager. The latter handed him a bottle of water and asked:

- Is something wrong with Kyoko-chan? Your mind is elsewhere this morning!

- No, everything's fine. I will see her at my place tonight. But I'll tell her the truth... Ren admitted.

- That's what's stressing you out. She'll understand, I'm sure. Yashiro-san reassured him.

- I also have to confess to him that I'm Corn. Ren lowered his head.

- Corn? Yashiro-san said.

- I met Kyoko-chan in Kyoto about ten years ago. She thought I was a fairy, and I played along to please her. She was cute with her pigtails…. When I was with her, she smiled… you know she had a very difficult childhood. She misunderstood when I told her my name, since then, for her, I am Corn. Ren explained.

- You've known Kyoko-chan for 10 years... Yashiro-san couldn't believe it.

- I didn't recognize her right away when she arrived at the agency. She had dyed her hair and there are tons of girls named Kyoko. It was when I saw her blue stone, the one I had given her, that I understood who she was. Ren clarified.

- I can't believe it! It's fate that pushes you towards each other, it's so romantic! Yashiro-san sighed.

- She might be disappointed, I'm far from being a fairy, Ren murmured.

- Everything's going to be okay. Yashiro-san whispered to him. She loves you.

Ren went back to taking his photos, a little reassured, but very impatient for the day to end.

Kyoko got off the elevator a little stressed, it was the first time she went to his place since they started dating. She didn't know how to behave. She rang the bell and waited. He opened the door for her with a big smile.

- Good evening, Kyoko-chan

- Good evening, Ren-san. Do you want us to go shopping to prepare the meal?

- No. I wish you would come into my house so I could close the door and kiss you.

All red, Kyoko entered the apartment.

- You're so cute! He told her, placing a chaste kiss on her mouth. Come in.

She kicked off her shoes and followed Ren into the living room. He had set a nice table with candles. Kyoko hoped he hadn't cooked dinner and, as if reading her mind, Ren said.

- I ordered Thai food, do you like it?

- Yes. A lot.

- Come on, I'll make you a cocktail. Do you want some alcohol in it?

- Yes, but not too much, I'm not used to it.

Cocktails in hand they sat on the couch in the living room. Ren put his arm around the girl. She blushed again. Ren found her adorable. He kissed her hair and whispered a soft "I love you". With the help of alcohol Kyoko relaxed a little, she wasn't used to being pampered. It felt strange, but it was rather pleasant.

They ate their curry while talking about Maria-chan who had quickly recovered from her disappointment. She and Kyoko talked a lot, and the child had accepted their union. After the meal, Ren made two cups of coffee, and they returned to the sofa.

- Kyoko, I need to talk to you, Ren looked serious.

This was it! He was going to tell her that he regretted it and that he didn't want her anymore. He must have expected more from his girlfriend than what she had to offer him. She mentally prepared herself, to try to react with dignity.

- You know that Ren Tsuruga is a stage name, right? He continued.

- Yes… she didn't expect that.

- My real name is Kuon, Kuon Hizuri. He stared at her for any sign of rejection.

She was speechless, she had imagined all the possible names, but she was so far from the truth. Kuon… it suited him.

- I am the son of actor Kuu Hizuri and fashion designer and former model, Julie Hizuri. I am American. I fled my country and my parents because I am a murderer.

Kyoko, who was already having trouble assimilating the first information, stumbled on the last one.

- A murderer?

- Yes, because of me my best friend Rick died. That was because he ran after me that he was hit by a car.

- That doesn't make you a murderer.

- Because of my origins I was the prey of mockery and bullying from other children. In middle school I met Rick, he taught me how to defend myself. I fought in the street, I was a mean and cynical brat. I am really ashamed of what I was. When Rick died, I no longer had the will to live. It was the president who gave me a second chance by making me reborn as Ren Tsuruga. But that's not all, Kyoko.

He took off his contacts. His emerald green eyes were pleading her.

- I'm Corn.

She stood up and walked to the front door. She put on her shoes and said:

- I need time to think.

- Kyoko... he begged her.

She left the apartment and took the stairs so she wouldn't have to wait for the elevator. In the street she started running, tears were streaming down her face, he had lied to her, worse he had made fun of her. She felt betrayed. She stopped in front of the subway station and caught her breath, he wasn't following her. She wiped her tears and rushed into the station. She was cold, she had forgotten her jacket at Ren's. When she arrived at Daruma-ya she was freezing and decided to take a bath despite the late hour. Once in her bath she thought back to her discussion with Ren. He was Corn... So that was the curse? Not being able to love? She had cured him after all... Looked like there was still a little magic in this world!

She blamed herself for running away, he must have suffered a lot in his childhood, she understood that it was hard to admit all that. Thinking back, he had told her that when they had only been dating for a month, that's a sign that he was serious, right?

Kuon Hizuri… too many connections brought them back together. He was her childhood friend, her senpai, her boyfriend… their bonds were so strong. Was it destiny?

She got out of the bath and without taking the time to get dressed grabbed her cell phone.

"I'm sorry I ran away. I reacted badly. I'm sorry. I love you. Kyoko."

She sent the text, put on her pajamas, took corn in her hand and fell asleep dreaming of her fairy prince.