Simple Question

#01: Skip Beat! (Ren & Kyōko)
...xXx...

"Ren-sama, do you love Onee-sama?"
If President Lory had asked him that question, Ren could understand because everyone, excluding Kyōko, seemed to know his feelings for her. How did this happen to him anyways? Oh, he was trying to find a quiet place to study his newest script. Perhaps in no longer than five minutes, Maria had come running to him. As usual, he would hug the young girl whom he treated as his own little sister in greeting. It was then Maria suddenly asked him if he had a minute to talk. Though he found it strange, he still said yes. So, here he was. Maria's first question had to be that question. He internally gulped. "Maria-chan?"
"Ren-sama, do you love Onee-sama?" she repeated with a face that told him she was much older than her actual age.
A small smile appeared on his lips. "I don't understand. Why do you ask such question? Of course, I love Mogami-san. Everyone loves her."
Maria shook her little head with a frown, clearly displeased with his answer. "I'm not asking about love as a friend. I'm asking love like Papa to Mama."
Ren was utterly speechless. It seemed to him that lying to Maria would be futile. Before he could think of a way to evade the question, Maria gripped his hands.
"Ren-sama, I know you love Onee-sama. I just need to hear it myself."
Ren was too shocked to comment, but Maria continued as if she hadn't said anything, "I love Onee-sama, and I love Ren-sama, too. If anyone could be with Ren-sama, it has to be Onee-sama. She isn't like any other girls who will only like your looks, fame and money. And then, I always see Ren-sama looking at Onee-sama just like the way Papa looked at Mama when she was still alive. What I want to know is why you never told Onee-sama that you love her?"
A rueful smile made its way to his lips. The young girl before him was much more perceptive than he thought. How he wish Kyōko would have the same mind as Maria at this moment. For a smart, young woman like Kyōko, she was pretty dense when it came to love. Well, considering her past, he could hardly blame her. The girl in question never saw him as more than a mentor and senpai. They had known each other for two years, but their relationship was still the same. He held Maria's little hands in his as he asked, "Maria-chan, do you know why Kyōko is in the LoveMe section?"
"Ojii-sama said it's because Onee-sama has to learn how to love again?"
He nodded. "Kyōko had been hurt in the past, and since then, she has sworn never to love again. I haven't told Kyōko about my feelings because she only views me as her senpai. Even if I told her, she would not believe me and think I'm only teasing her. Kyōko never thinks herself worthy to be loved, and… to be honest, I don't think I deserve her."
Maria tilted her head in confusion. "Why? I think Ren-sama is the only one who deserves Onee-sama."
Ren shook his head sadly. "I don't deserve to be happy."
Before Maria could protest, Ren pressed a finger to her lips. "Being with her for a little while is enough for me. Though, I must admit that I can't stand it when she always thinks of that rock star. Even if it's because she hates him, she has never stopped thinking about him. That boy wants her to always remember him even if it's with hatred. But, I will never do that. I will never hurt her because I really do love her. Still, she's too good for me. That is why I don't deserve her."
This was the first time Maria saw her Ren-sama look so sad that she couldn't hold back her tears.
Ren wiped away the little girl's tears. Even though it felt strange to confess his feelings for Kyōko to Maria, he felt the tightness in his chest lessen. He knew Maria definitely wouldn't tell a soul about his confession. Trying to cheer her up, he grinned. "This is our little secret, okay?"
She nodded her head before hugging him tightly. "Thank you for telling me this, Ren-sama."
Ren patted her little back. "Thank you for listening, too, Maria-chan."
He then hauled her up. "I think it's time for me to meet Yashiro-san. Where do you want to go, Maria-chan?"
Both left the place while chatting with one another.
Kanae exhaled the breath she was holding. She had always known that Tsuruga was in love with her dense best friend, but to hear him say it out loud was still a shock. Honestly, she felt sorry for him. What he said to Maria was a complete true. He seemed to know Kyōko's way of thinking. Now, her problem was… she looked at her frozen friend. Ah, yes, Kyōko also heard Tsuruga's confession.
Let see… she and Kyōko had wanted a quiet place to take a break. Although they could use the LoveMe room, they couldn't escape from everyone, so they found this place before Tsuruga came. Of course, he didn't notice them since they were hiding near the vending machine in the corner. And then, there was a big plant that blocked their hiding place, so no one would know they were there despite their flashy uniform, or so she thought.
They had wanted to leave when they realised it was Tsuruga who came, but Kyōko wanted otherwise when they saw how serious Tsuruga was. Having been his temporary manager before, Kyōko knew Tsuruga had little time for breaks with his tight schedule. Thus, they waited and soon, President Takarada's granddaughter graced Ren with her presence. By that time, both had wanted to leave, but as soon as they heard Maria's question, they both froze. She then watched Kyōko's reaction turn from horror to shock and back to horror again, but in the end, it settled to shock.
"Kyōko," Kanae called quietly while shaking her shoulder lightly.
Kyōko looked up with tears in her eyes. "KANAEEE!"
Kanae didn't say anything as Kyōko launched herself at her. She had no clue why Kyōko would cry from hearing such confession. But then, she already got used to Kyōko's strangeness. Did Kyōko feel the same by the way? Did Kyōko realise that what Tsuruga said about Fuwa was true? So many questions, but no answers were provided. She sighed mentally while trying to calm the crying girl.

...xXx...

One month. She had been waiting to see Ren for one month, but they never crossed paths after that faithful day. She had a feeling that Ren knew she had been there, hearing his every word, but she couldn't be sure. At a time like this, she was hoping Cain Heel was still needed. For the whole day, she evaluated her feelings for Ren and found she felt the same. Since Ren already made his unintentional confession, it didn't take long for her to realise her own feelings. Her role as the love interest of BJ last year might have helped, too. When she looked back to those days when she was still Setsuka Heel, she finally realised how much she loved Ren. During her mission, she was happy that she could take care of him. Out of all roles she had taken, Setsuka was her favourite because the main cast consisted of just the two of them and no one else. It was special.
All this time, she thought he was bullying her when he was only teasing her. She flushed in embarrassment as she remembered that Maria, who was much younger than her, could see his love for her, and how she herself could be so oblivious to not have seen it. His divine, honest smile that always sent her grudges withering in pain was the obvious sign that he loved her. Also, she just realised that Ren had been talking about her when he spoke to Bo. This was the reason she had been waiting to see him. She wanted to apologise for keeping her job as Bo a secret from him and also to tell him that he was wrong about Shotaro. She hadn't thought about that arrogant prick at all for the past year. If she could be honest with herself, Ren was the one she often thought and worried about. After all, he couldn't properly take care of himself.
Despite everything, she was still confused about his statement though. Why would he think he didn't deserve to be happy? Did it have something to do with his past? She did a little research about Ren and found he had a clean record until present. No one knew about his past, and she understood why. Ren Tsuruga was only his stage name, so of course, no one would know. The more she thought about it, the more she was convinced that that was the reason. Now, she really needed to talk to him. Maybe she could cook for him as a disguise? Without thinking, she dialed Yashiro-san's number.
"Ah, good afternoon, Yashiro-san!" she greeted happily.
"Good afternoon, Kyōko-chan! It's been a while. How may I help you?"
"Yeah, it's been a while. And yes, I need your help. Do you know what time Re—I mean Tsuruga-san will be done for the day?"
If she could see Yashiro's wicked look as he noticed her little slip, she would have run away by now.
"Please wait a moment, Kyōko-chan… Ah, Ren will be done at 9 today."
"Thank you, Yashiro-san!"
"You're welcome."
"Oh, one more thing." She blushed.
"Yes?"
"Can you please not tell Tsuruga-san about this call?"
"Eh?"
"Well, I haven't seen Tsuruga-san in a month, so I'd like to make a surprise for him. My latest role was a success, too. I'd like to thank him for helping me."
Kyōko would never see how Yashiro's expression fell dejectedly after hearing her confession. The spectacled man was actually hoping something did happen between them within the month. For some reason, Ren had refused his effort to make them meet accidentally. Since then, Ren had somehow changed from bad to worse. Well, the tall actor still kept up his gentleman façade, but he knew better. Under President Takarada's request, he had gone to check Ren's apartment periodically and wasn't surprised to find that Ren had been drinking after he got home for the past weeks. The man was obviously depressed for an unknown reason. He hoped after meeting Kyōko, Ren would get better.
"Don't worry, Kyōko-chan. I won't tell him anything. Is there anything else?"
"Thank you, Yashiro-san. That is all."
"All right… If you want to make him a surprise, I might be able to help."
"Eh?"
"Where are you now?"
"Oh, I'm in the LoveMe room."
"Okay. Please wait for a moment there. I'm coming."
Kyōko had never had the chance to reply as Yashiro-san hung up. In no longer than five minutes, Yashiro-san found her and gave Ren's keys to his apartment. She had refused it outright, but he insisted. The sad look in Yashiro-san was what made her change her mind. "Did something happen, Yashiro-san?"
Yashiro shook his head. "Lately, Ren has been a little down. I hope you can cheer him up, Kyōko-chan."
Kyōko blinked before smiling brightly. "I'll do my best, Yashiro-san."
After that Yashiro-san left her as he had to meet up with Ren.

...xXx...

Kyōko slowly unlocked the door with the keys Yashiro-san had left in her hands. She had been trying to visit him as a guest, but Ren did not answer the door. Soon, she found herself staring at Ren in shock. Quickly, she put away the things she bought and rushed over to his unconscious state. She finally understood Yashiro-san's word about a 'little' down when she saw the empty bottle of vodka on the table. Ren must have been drinking after his work was done. Yashiro-san had called her an hour ago that Ren was let off earlier, for there was an accident in the set, so the shooting was postponed. She would have come immediately, but she was caught up in LoveMe tasks.
"Ren," she called while gently patting his cheek. He stirred but did not wake up. Knowing her dinner plan had failed, she might as well get him back to his bedroom.
"Ren, wake up," she tried a bit louder. This time, Ren opened his bleary eyes. She squeaked in surprise when he suddenly pulled her into his arms.
"Kyōko… Kyōko…" he murmured while nuzzling his nose in her neck, and she shuddered in response.
Everything happened so fast that she didn't even know how she ended up with Ren in his bed. Any rational thought was flying out of the window when he kissed her. It was mind blowing, and the way he chanted her name over and over again brought tears in her eyes. He sounded so desperate and wished to cling onto her like she was his lifeline. By now, she had no doubt that Ren truly loved her. Both were already missing their shirts when Ren suddenly collapsed with his head on her bare stomach.
"I love you… Kyōko…" he murmured before falling back into his sleep.
She smiled before moving him slowly so that he could lie down properly. Leaning down to his lips, she whispered, "I love you, too, Ren."
After giving him a peck, she got up. She sighed when she found her torn blouse. Honestly, she didn't know why she didn't stop Ren from tearing her favourite blouse. Surely, he would pay for that. Since she didn't want to walk around the house in only her undergarments, she opened Ren's closet and randomly chose a white, long sleeve, button up shirt. Though it was too big for her, she felt safe and happy as it had his scent. Quietly, she exited his room and went back to the kitchen. She had to store the ingredients in the fridge.

...xXx...

The first thing he noticed when he opened his eyes was his painful headache. Luckily for him, today's schedule didn't start until noon. He might as well sleep in, but a whiff of pancakes forced him to get up. While holding his pounding head, he finally noticed a glass of suspicious liquid sitting on his bedside table. It reminded him of the one Kyōko made for him when he was sick. He took the glass without drinking it and made his way to his kitchen. What he found in his kitchen was Kyōko, who was wearing only his shirt, humming softly while making breakfast. He closed his eyes tightly as everything must just be a dream, but when he opened his eyes, she was still there.
She spun around and shrieked in shock. "Ren! Don't sneak up on me like that!"
Alright, I'm obviously in heaven, Ren thought with a small smile.
However, his smile didn't stay long as she pointed at the glass he brought along. "You should drink that even though it doesn't taste good. It will help your hangover."
Kyōko turned around again as she continued what she was doing. But this time, she wasn't humming as she was too aware of his presence.
Ren was obviously confused by this point. Was this just a very realistic dream? "Mo—"
"Kyōko. I already called you Ren, so you must call me Kyōko."
His pounding head reminded him of his current state. After bracing himself for the lethal taste, Ren chugged down the juice she made in one gulp. She seemed to know what he was doing as she offered a glass of cool water afterwards. When he put down the glass, he saw something that made his blood drain from his face. He had no doubt that he was the one who put those kiss marks on her lower neck. Last night, he vaguely remembered that he was kissing and undressing Kyōko, but he thought it was… a dream…
"I'm sorry," he blurted out.
Kyōko put away the pan in washing bin as she replied, "What for?"
Ren clenched his fists tightly as he shut his eyes. He couldn't believe that he did that to her. Didn't he say that he wouldn't hurt her? That day when Maria-chan had come to him, he never knew Kyōko was there until he left. He had thought she must have hated him for his feelings, so he never tried to see her again. Wait, what was she doing here? He didn't remember inviting her in last night. As he felt her hand on his cheek, he snapped his eyes open.
"I'm sorry for being slow…"
He looked at her in confusion.
She looked away while blushing. "I heard you."
His heart skipped a beat.
The redness on her cheeks intensified. "And I… I love you, too."
He felt something was wrong with his ears as he stared at her in shock. "W-what?"
Kyōko turned to him again with loving eyes. "I love you, Ren."
Nothing else was mattered to him as he pulled her close and claimed her lips. Last night was truly not a dream as she had the same taste. As they broke apart for air, he hugged her tightly, but not tight enough to suffocate her. He would have to thank Maria for asking him that question later. Who would have thought that that single question would give him the chance to be happy with her?
While having their breakfast together, she shared her story of how she came into his apartment. He could imagine Yashiro-san's squeal of happiness if this event reached his ears. Still, he didn't care. All he cared about was that the young woman before him was his. Although he hadn't told her about his alter ego, he knew she would accept him. After all, she did say that like everybody else, he deserved to be happy, regardless of his past. For now, all was right in the world with the woman he loved by his side.

The End

Thanks for reading.

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