Chapter 20

She yawned a third time. She was jetlagged and had woken up at 3am totally hungry. She had been back in Tokyo for 2 days now.

Today she was going back to work, she was filming for BoxR this morning and for the lotus this afternoon. Tonight she would be sleeping at Kanae's. The two friends had a lot to say to each other.

Her landlords had been pleased with the gifts she had brought them. A Los Angeles apron for the chef and a perfume from Julie's shop for the okami. She had shown them the pictures, they had been impressed by Ren's parents' home.

- So, he's rich too! The chief had exclaimed.

- Yes, he comes from a wealthy background but his parents are very simple.

She had shown the princess shoes.

- Can you walk with that? Had asked the chief.

Kyoko had put on the shoes and followed Natsu's walk into the deserted restaurant.

- They are very beautiful, had added the okami.

Kyoko was now walking down the street, lost in thought and smiling at angels, when a hand grabbed her shoulder, forcing her to stop.

- Why are you smiling like that, you look stupid?

- Shotaro! She had completely forgotten about his existence. What do you want?

- Where were you last week?

- On vacation. At Ren's family.

- Is it Ren now, no more Tsuruga-san?

- He's my boyfriend.

Shotaro took the blow without showing too much pain. They were dating, she and that scum of Ren Tsuruga. He was dying of jealousy.

- You're nothing to him, he'll dump you as soon as he fucks you.

- You're vulgar. It won't be long then... We'll see! Bye.

And she ran away to the BoxR studios. She was happy, fueling his jealousy and making him furious was a victory in itself but she especially wanted him to understand that she and Ren were serious and that he must leave them alone.

BoxR's girlfriends were happy to see Kyoko again, she offered them all souvenirs from Los Angeles. The shooting went perfectly and the director was delighted. At lunchtime, Kyoko gave her Odette to Chiori. The latter was embarrassed by such an expensive gift. Kyoko, who had not paid anything, was embarrassed too. She dodged other questions by showing some photos to her friend. In front of the one of Ren and her in her Dior dress, Chiori exclaimed:

Wow, classy. You're both beautiful... But my god, those are Louboutins, he bought you Louboutins. Kyoko, you must show them to me.

The afternoon was just as peaceful as the morning, the lotus plot began without her character being too present, which had allowed her to take some time off, she played her scenes without any problem and joined Kanae in the love me section's room.

-Hello Kyoko. How are you? Kanae asked her in english.

- I can still speak Japanese, don't worry! We're going shopping and I'll cook you some soba tonight.

- OK, I'll take my bag, and I am coming. I'm working on the text of a new film. It's the story of a young woman who finds herself pregnant without wanting to and who raises her child alone but with a lot of love. I did some test scenes with a baby, luckily I'm used to it!

- That's great Moko-san. A film, wow!

They did their shopping at the supermarket next to Kanae's house and went up to her room to isolate themselves from prying ears of Kanae siblings.

- So tell me, asked Kanae?

Kyoko blushed. She couldn't see herself giving details to her friend. She started peeling the vegetables to give herself some composure.

- I love him very much, she answered, and making love with him was fantastic.

- It didn't hurt?

- A little at first but he gave me time to get used to it. After that it was really good.

- Taira-san wants to go further too but I'm afraid.

- I wasn't scared but I was a little uncomfortable. He's so handsome and I'm so ordinary... I still have a hard time believing him when he tells me he loves me.

She cut the vegetables into thin strips to make a broth.

- Yes, he loves you, it's obvious. He even introduced you to his parents. How did it go with them?

- Very well, they are lovely people. Ren's mother is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen and his father loves my cooking. They are very rich, they have a big property with a private beach and a beach house to spend the day at the sea. That's where Ren and I... Anyway you get the idea.

- Kyoko, Ren and you made love, there's nothing to be ashamed of!

- I think his parents understood, Kyoko said, blushing even more. But I think they're used to it with their son.

- You mean he's a playboy?

- At one time yes. But according to him he hasn't touched a girl since he's been in Japan.

- He started here at 16, at what age did he start having sex?

- I prefer not to know...

- Ok. So you made love next to the ocean, that's pretty romantic. He's as handsome naked as he is dressed?

- He's gorgeous. I can't believe he chose me.

The broth was simmering on the stove, she seasoned it.

- Good, and he is proportional?

- ...

- I'm talking about his sex.

- That's why I didn't answer! He's perfect, I won't say more. My god, how embarrassing!

- Taira thinks that if there is divine justice on this earth your Ren has a small dick! Kanae laughed.

- Well, there is no divine justice! Poor Murasame-san. So what about you two? Kyoko asked.

- He wants us to have a romantic weekend in Hokkaido. But I don't feel ready yet.

- Personally I think I'm still not ready but I wanted him so much... Do you want him?

- Yes, I think so.

- In that case I'll have to drag you to Doctor Yamada...

- No need, I've been taking the pill for 3 years for my painful periods.

- On my side we put on a condom so I take the pill for nothing.

- You can never be too careful.

- You're right. My advice is: if you want him, go for it. It's a great happiness to unite with the one you love.

- Then I'll follow your advice, Kanae said as she set the table for Kyoko and her.

They ate their soba in silence, then cleared up while talking about their friends.

- Yashiro-san is dating his ex-fiancée, said Kyoko. She is a teacher in a kindergarten class, Ren has to intervene in her class upon his return to introduce the profession of actor.

- We need to find a lover for Chiori-san... I was thinking of Kijima-san.

- he's a playboy... Why not the Ishibashi brothers? Hikaru is adorable.

- That's a good idea. But I think Hikaru had a thing for you?

- Yes, but I have Ren-san.

- Are you planning to tell the media?

- No, I don't want to be the most hated girl in Japan, Kyoko answered in a panic.

They went to bed and Kyoko sent a goodnight message to Ren. Then they wished each other good night and turned off the lamps.

The next morning while they were having breakfast. Kanae presented Kyoko with a flyer on which was written an announcement for the casting of a new movie "best enemies", the synopsis was simple it was the story of two girls who seemed to be totally opposites, but who were in love with the same man. The latter being in a relationship, the two join forces to destroy his couple. In the end they become friends and drop the guy. The poster announced the casting for the two actresses soon.

- Are you coming to do the casting with me?

- I don't have much free time left, I don't know if I can make this film.

- BoxR is ending soon. It should be good.

- Ok. It would be great to make a movie together!

- Mo... We're not taken yet!

They finished their breakfast and got ready for their day. Today Kyoko was going back to school. She had fallen behind with her vacation in the USA and was going to have to work twice as hard to be able to pass the tests at the end of March.

She said goodbye to Kanae, making her swear not to tell anything to anyone, and rode her bike to school. She enjoyed her classes and noticed with relief that she hadn't fallen behind that much. Her English had even improved!

In the evening she returned to Daruma-ya exhausted, but she insisted on helping with the service. Once in her room she called Ren, who answered on the first ring, after complaining about her absence and chatting about his day, he asked her about her evening at Kanae's.

- Did you tell her about us?

- Yes, but she suspected it. That's why she dragged me to the doctor so that I would take the pill.

- Are you taking the pill?

- Yes, and we both have blood tests to do.

- Ok, we'll go together.

- No! If we are seen, it will cause a scandal.

- Okay, we won't go together, said Ren annoyed.

- Don't be angry. We have to be discreet. Please!

- Ok, we'll be discreet. Good night my Heart.

- Have a nice day Ren.

Kyoko hung up, Ren was visibly upset, it was weighing on him to have to hide their relationship. She was afraid that he would get tired of her. All her doubts were resurfacing. She went to bed with a heavy heart, not without a last message to Ren.

"I love you, I'm sorry I'm afraid of your fans' reaction. Have a nice day. Kyoko."