#03: Skip Beat! (Ren & Kyōko)
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"I'm really sorry! I'm really, really, so sorry. I..."
"Mogami-san, you don't…"
"I know that you're tired and you must…"
"Mogami-san…"
"Maybe I should come back later…"
"Kyōko!"
That did the trick. Kyōko finally shut up and stared at him in surprise.
Ren heaved a silent sigh. "I'm not angry or anything. You already made me dinner tonight. Now, I know something's bothering you, so you can tell me your troubles."
Before Kyōko could utter a word, he continued, "I have time. I would not have invited you in if I don't." Even if I didn't, I would make time for you, Kyōko…
"…"
Ren remained quiet. As much as he wanted to hug and reassure her that she could confide in him, he stayed still. He didn't want to press her. Their evening, though uneventful, was pleasant. There was no need to ruin the peace. Two hours ago, Kyōko had come to offer him homemade dinner. Knowing this pattern from experience, he knew she wanted to talk to him, most probably, about work. He let her do what was necessary then. As always, the meal was delicious. He had his dinner, and now, it was obvious he should return the favour by listening to her worries and troubles. Regardless of what she thought of him, he would always help her as best as he could.
Kyōko gazed at Ren as her heart fluttered in her chest. She had been feeling like this since she realised what happened to her Mio. She had asked Moko-san about this, but she seemed to be as clueless as she was. Now, the only one who could help her was Ren.
"Mogami-san, you…"
A bit of disappointment settled in her heart. She had been shocked and surprised to hear her first name from his lips. It made her heart skip several beats. Honestly, she wouldn't mind if he wanted to call her by first name. After all, her stage name was also Kyōko. Maybe she could ask him to stop calling her so formally… She shook her head mentally as she scolded herself, Stop this line of thought now, Kyōko! You have far more important—
"Kyōko!"
She snapped her eyes at him. Finding his defeated look, she quickly bowed several times. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Tsuruga-san. I…"
"Mogami-san…" He sighed as the cycle started again.
"It's not my intention to…"
"Kyōko!"
Again, that did the trick. Kyōko resisted the urge to bang her head on the floor. Why couldn't she keep her mouth shut for a minute? She should—
"Kyōko, please tell me what your trouble is." Ren had decided that for now, it was best to call her by her first name if he wanted her attention. From what he observed, her mind kept wandering. Whatever problem she might have must be really big. He had never seen her like this before.
Kyōko sighed dejectedly. "I'm so—"
"No more apologising, Kyōko."
She looked up at him in surprise before nodding. "Okay…"
After taking a deep breath, she began, "I want to ask you something, Tsu—"
"Ren."
Her eyes widened. "Eh?"
He shrugged. "I call you Kyōko, so it's only fair."
She nodded shyly. "Well… like I said before, I want to ask you something…"
"R-Ren…" Her heart beat faster as she saw a gentle smile appear on his lips. He looked so angelic…
"What is it?"
Her cheeks flamed, and she looked away. The way he looked at her was so… she didn't know how to describe it, but it made her turn to mush. No one, not even that Baka Shōtarō could make her feel this way. She quickly shook her head internally before her mind wandered again. "Ha-have you ever fall in love with your co-star's character?"
Ren blinked once and twice. "Eh?"
Kyōko turned redder. She didn't know if she could repeat the question without running away. "Please don't ask me to say that again, Ren…"
She almost whined at the end of her sentence. It was so embarrassing!
Out of everything, Ren was surely didn't expect to hear that kind of question. He had thought that Kyōko hadn't changed her view about love. But then again, she was asking about her character, not about her own feelings. It was foolish to hope, but it wouldn't hurt to try, right?
"Who are you talking about? Natsu? Or Mio?"
Kyōko sighed in relief when Ren didn't ask her again. "Mio."
"And whom she has feelings for?" Ren held his breath.
Her cheeks turned pink before mumbling, "Katsuki."
As soon as he released the breath he was holding, his heart began to race miles a minute. Although it was not what he desperately wanted, it was as close as he could get to make her fall in love with him. His hope meter rose a bit more.
Katsuki and Mio…
To be honest, Ren had thought about them once, but he never explored the possibility of the two characters falling in love with each other. Friendship, yes, but not love. After all, Mizuki was still in the picture. Though, he had to admit that it would be interesting to see how Katsuki ended up with Mio instead of Mizuki. Katsuki might hate Mio's family, but Mio herself was different. She was so much different than her sister Misao.
He cleared his throat. "So…"
Kyōko looked up at Ren hopefully.
"Let me get this right. Your Mio has fallen in love with my Katsuki."
She nodded with a light blush on her cheek.
He hummed. "Well… to answer your question before… honestly, I have not."
Her face fell.
"I do have a question though…"
"Yes?" Anticipation was thick in her voice.
Ren gazed at the young woman before him. Should he take the risk and use this to make his way to her heart? It would be a bit cowardly of him to do this, but he would only offer a question from his theory. Whether it was right or wrong, she would decide it herself. Looking at her golden eyes, he started, "I hope you're not offended or anything from whatever I'm going to say, Kyōko. It's only a theory. It's up to you if you want to believe it or not."
Kyōko nodded understandingly. "Don't worry; I won't take any offense."
Ren hoped for the best as he asked her, "Are you sure that what you feel is Mio's feelings?"
As she gave a confused look, he elaborated, "For one to lose their selves in the character they created is not a rare case, but when that happens, they sometimes can't separate their feelings apart from reality and the imaginary world…"
Somehow, she had the feeling she wouldn't exactly like what he said next.
"What I'm trying to say is… your true self feelings might have influenced your character to feel what you feel now."
She stared at him a moment while. "So… you're saying that I…" fall in love with you?
The words were not spoken, but both heard the words loud and clear.
Kyōko looked away from Ren, trying to let the idea sink in. Her scatter thoughts came to a halt abruptly. The notion of falling in love with Ren was absurd. It was unthinkable. It was impossible! Because of her experience with Shōtarō, she should have known her own feelings without anyone pointing it out. Her brows knitted doubtfully. No. The word love seemed too powerful to describe her feelings for Shōtarō.
Then… could it be true that she mistook her feelings for Mio's feelings? And that her Mio had fallen in love with his Katsuki because she herself had fallen in love with Ren…?
The realisation hit her like a bucket of ice water.
Slowly, she looked up at him. A soft gasp escaped her lips. One of his emotions was displayed openly and strongly in his eyes: hope. Next to it was fear. Why fear? Did he fear that she would reject his reasoning, that she would deny her own feelings for him…?
She shook her head mentally. It was too much for her to accept everything now. "I won't say that you're wrong, but…"
"…"
"I don't think it's possible for me to…" love you.
Again, he heard the words without hearing it. "Why not…?" Why not love me?
"B-because… y-you… I… I…" She was too panicked to say things properly. Tears of frustration even started welling in her eyes.
Manners be damned, Ren thought before pulling the stuttering girl into his arms. When she looked ready to cry, he just couldn't hold himself back anymore. He whispered softly into her ear, "Please don't cry…"
"What I said is only a theory, and I might be wrong to assume such a notion. Even if it's true, and you still can't love me, then I won't hurt you." Closing his own eyes in agony, he confessed, "I love you too much to even think about hurting you, Kyōko."
Kyōko stiffened. She was hearing things. There was absolutely no way that Ren had said he loved her. This must be some kind of cruel dream. It must be. Her mind kept convincing her so even when she felt his lips on hers. Tears rolled down her cheeks freely, but he kept kissing her tears away, kept telling her that he was telling the truth, that he really loved her. Once she opened her teary eyes, she held no doubt over his words. His love for her was clear in his eyes. Ren truly loved her.
She laughed with tears of joy. "If this is a dream, please don't wake me up."
Ren hugged her tightly and smiled. "The feeling is mutual."
Both remained like that for a long time.
Neither knew that tomorrow…
Kanae would spend a minute to threaten Ren if he didn't take care of her best friend.
Yukihito would go hyper like a fan girl when Ren kissed Kyōko on the forehead as they met up.
President Lory would cry in happiness as his first LoveMe member had finally graduated with flying colours.
Everyone in Dark Moon set would be rendered speechless when Ren joined them while holding hands with Kyōko. Also, Director Ogata would consider changing the script between Katsuki and Mio as he saw the quiet but strong love between Ren and Kyōko.
Neither knew that…
Ren would propose to Kyōko on her 19th birthday.
They would get married two years later with his true identity as Kuon Hizuri.
Shōtarō would find the hard way that Kyōko had moved on after she gave birth to twins a year later.
Ren would teach his children that there was nothing wrong in hoping for the impossible even though it was foolish to do so.
Despite their trials in the past and the future, they would live happily ever after.
For now…
All was well in their world as they had each other.
"Mogami-san, you don't…"
"I know that you're tired and you must…"
"Mogami-san…"
"Maybe I should come back later…"
"Kyōko!"
That did the trick. Kyōko finally shut up and stared at him in surprise.
Ren heaved a silent sigh. "I'm not angry or anything. You already made me dinner tonight. Now, I know something's bothering you, so you can tell me your troubles."
Before Kyōko could utter a word, he continued, "I have time. I would not have invited you in if I don't." Even if I didn't, I would make time for you, Kyōko…
"…"
Ren remained quiet. As much as he wanted to hug and reassure her that she could confide in him, he stayed still. He didn't want to press her. Their evening, though uneventful, was pleasant. There was no need to ruin the peace. Two hours ago, Kyōko had come to offer him homemade dinner. Knowing this pattern from experience, he knew she wanted to talk to him, most probably, about work. He let her do what was necessary then. As always, the meal was delicious. He had his dinner, and now, it was obvious he should return the favour by listening to her worries and troubles. Regardless of what she thought of him, he would always help her as best as he could.
Kyōko gazed at Ren as her heart fluttered in her chest. She had been feeling like this since she realised what happened to her Mio. She had asked Moko-san about this, but she seemed to be as clueless as she was. Now, the only one who could help her was Ren.
"Mogami-san, you…"
A bit of disappointment settled in her heart. She had been shocked and surprised to hear her first name from his lips. It made her heart skip several beats. Honestly, she wouldn't mind if he wanted to call her by first name. After all, her stage name was also Kyōko. Maybe she could ask him to stop calling her so formally… She shook her head mentally as she scolded herself, Stop this line of thought now, Kyōko! You have far more important—
"Kyōko!"
She snapped her eyes at him. Finding his defeated look, she quickly bowed several times. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Tsuruga-san. I…"
"Mogami-san…" He sighed as the cycle started again.
"It's not my intention to…"
"Kyōko!"
Again, that did the trick. Kyōko resisted the urge to bang her head on the floor. Why couldn't she keep her mouth shut for a minute? She should—
"Kyōko, please tell me what your trouble is." Ren had decided that for now, it was best to call her by her first name if he wanted her attention. From what he observed, her mind kept wandering. Whatever problem she might have must be really big. He had never seen her like this before.
Kyōko sighed dejectedly. "I'm so—"
"No more apologising, Kyōko."
She looked up at him in surprise before nodding. "Okay…"
After taking a deep breath, she began, "I want to ask you something, Tsu—"
"Ren."
Her eyes widened. "Eh?"
He shrugged. "I call you Kyōko, so it's only fair."
She nodded shyly. "Well… like I said before, I want to ask you something…"
"R-Ren…" Her heart beat faster as she saw a gentle smile appear on his lips. He looked so angelic…
"What is it?"
Her cheeks flamed, and she looked away. The way he looked at her was so… she didn't know how to describe it, but it made her turn to mush. No one, not even that Baka Shōtarō could make her feel this way. She quickly shook her head internally before her mind wandered again. "Ha-have you ever fall in love with your co-star's character?"
Ren blinked once and twice. "Eh?"
Kyōko turned redder. She didn't know if she could repeat the question without running away. "Please don't ask me to say that again, Ren…"
She almost whined at the end of her sentence. It was so embarrassing!
Out of everything, Ren was surely didn't expect to hear that kind of question. He had thought that Kyōko hadn't changed her view about love. But then again, she was asking about her character, not about her own feelings. It was foolish to hope, but it wouldn't hurt to try, right?
"Who are you talking about? Natsu? Or Mio?"
Kyōko sighed in relief when Ren didn't ask her again. "Mio."
"And whom she has feelings for?" Ren held his breath.
Her cheeks turned pink before mumbling, "Katsuki."
As soon as he released the breath he was holding, his heart began to race miles a minute. Although it was not what he desperately wanted, it was as close as he could get to make her fall in love with him. His hope meter rose a bit more.
Katsuki and Mio…
To be honest, Ren had thought about them once, but he never explored the possibility of the two characters falling in love with each other. Friendship, yes, but not love. After all, Mizuki was still in the picture. Though, he had to admit that it would be interesting to see how Katsuki ended up with Mio instead of Mizuki. Katsuki might hate Mio's family, but Mio herself was different. She was so much different than her sister Misao.
He cleared his throat. "So…"
Kyōko looked up at Ren hopefully.
"Let me get this right. Your Mio has fallen in love with my Katsuki."
She nodded with a light blush on her cheek.
He hummed. "Well… to answer your question before… honestly, I have not."
Her face fell.
"I do have a question though…"
"Yes?" Anticipation was thick in her voice.
Ren gazed at the young woman before him. Should he take the risk and use this to make his way to her heart? It would be a bit cowardly of him to do this, but he would only offer a question from his theory. Whether it was right or wrong, she would decide it herself. Looking at her golden eyes, he started, "I hope you're not offended or anything from whatever I'm going to say, Kyōko. It's only a theory. It's up to you if you want to believe it or not."
Kyōko nodded understandingly. "Don't worry; I won't take any offense."
Ren hoped for the best as he asked her, "Are you sure that what you feel is Mio's feelings?"
As she gave a confused look, he elaborated, "For one to lose their selves in the character they created is not a rare case, but when that happens, they sometimes can't separate their feelings apart from reality and the imaginary world…"
Somehow, she had the feeling she wouldn't exactly like what he said next.
"What I'm trying to say is… your true self feelings might have influenced your character to feel what you feel now."
She stared at him a moment while. "So… you're saying that I…" fall in love with you?
The words were not spoken, but both heard the words loud and clear.
Kyōko looked away from Ren, trying to let the idea sink in. Her scatter thoughts came to a halt abruptly. The notion of falling in love with Ren was absurd. It was unthinkable. It was impossible! Because of her experience with Shōtarō, she should have known her own feelings without anyone pointing it out. Her brows knitted doubtfully. No. The word love seemed too powerful to describe her feelings for Shōtarō.
Then… could it be true that she mistook her feelings for Mio's feelings? And that her Mio had fallen in love with his Katsuki because she herself had fallen in love with Ren…?
The realisation hit her like a bucket of ice water.
Slowly, she looked up at him. A soft gasp escaped her lips. One of his emotions was displayed openly and strongly in his eyes: hope. Next to it was fear. Why fear? Did he fear that she would reject his reasoning, that she would deny her own feelings for him…?
She shook her head mentally. It was too much for her to accept everything now. "I won't say that you're wrong, but…"
"…"
"I don't think it's possible for me to…" love you.
Again, he heard the words without hearing it. "Why not…?" Why not love me?
"B-because… y-you… I… I…" She was too panicked to say things properly. Tears of frustration even started welling in her eyes.
Manners be damned, Ren thought before pulling the stuttering girl into his arms. When she looked ready to cry, he just couldn't hold himself back anymore. He whispered softly into her ear, "Please don't cry…"
"What I said is only a theory, and I might be wrong to assume such a notion. Even if it's true, and you still can't love me, then I won't hurt you." Closing his own eyes in agony, he confessed, "I love you too much to even think about hurting you, Kyōko."
Kyōko stiffened. She was hearing things. There was absolutely no way that Ren had said he loved her. This must be some kind of cruel dream. It must be. Her mind kept convincing her so even when she felt his lips on hers. Tears rolled down her cheeks freely, but he kept kissing her tears away, kept telling her that he was telling the truth, that he really loved her. Once she opened her teary eyes, she held no doubt over his words. His love for her was clear in his eyes. Ren truly loved her.
She laughed with tears of joy. "If this is a dream, please don't wake me up."
Ren hugged her tightly and smiled. "The feeling is mutual."
Both remained like that for a long time.
Neither knew that tomorrow…
Kanae would spend a minute to threaten Ren if he didn't take care of her best friend.
Yukihito would go hyper like a fan girl when Ren kissed Kyōko on the forehead as they met up.
President Lory would cry in happiness as his first LoveMe member had finally graduated with flying colours.
Everyone in Dark Moon set would be rendered speechless when Ren joined them while holding hands with Kyōko. Also, Director Ogata would consider changing the script between Katsuki and Mio as he saw the quiet but strong love between Ren and Kyōko.
Neither knew that…
Ren would propose to Kyōko on her 19th birthday.
They would get married two years later with his true identity as Kuon Hizuri.
Shōtarō would find the hard way that Kyōko had moved on after she gave birth to twins a year later.
Ren would teach his children that there was nothing wrong in hoping for the impossible even though it was foolish to do so.
Despite their trials in the past and the future, they would live happily ever after.
For now…
All was well in their world as they had each other.
The End
The next part is what Director Ogata has planned for Katsuki and Mio.
Was feeling weighed down by a very very long exhausting day but this fluffy one-shot really lifted my spirits. It's probably too sweet for the manga which seems to veer towards the angsty side more often than not, but it's wonderful to read. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing this story. I read a not so pleasant fic before yours and was in a foul mood because of it; but your fic has made me happy again. It's such a cute story and it is very IC. I absolutely love your stories. It really was a delight to read. Please keep writing!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed that; I wasn't nessecairaly (can't spell) expecting him to confess, but when he did, I was like "Yes!"
ReplyDeleteAhhh I love it. It was soo good to read this stpry after reading a sad story. It "was a little pick me up" haha Thanks for posting :D
ReplyDeleteThis...was...BEAUTIFUL! :') really great!
ReplyDelete:) cuuuuuttteee fluff
ReplyDeleteI loved this story from the beggining till the end!
ReplyDeleteHow cute! Haha, never thought of a Katsuki/Mio pairing. An intriguing idea, I must say...
ReplyDeleteAwwww so cute! I love it
ReplyDeleteITS SOOOOOOOOOOO BEAUTIFUL! A MILLION THUMPS UP!
ReplyDeletethis is amazing!
thank you for this story!
it is very well done!
i loved every word of it!
I love happy endings! It moved them forward while still being in character. Thanks for sharing! _
ReplyDeleteJust too cute! I love it when Ren is sweet like that... It makes me jealous!
ReplyDelete(You need a fanfic or two with a possessive/super jealous Ren/Kuon! It would be the best EVER please think on it!
beautiful. i honestly wish that it would work that way. they've both gone through so much and they need each other! oh well, i like your take and how you were able to make such a powerful story within one scene. absolutely beautiful. the diction was spot on for the characters and painted the picture in my mind. absolutely beautiful
ReplyDelete-Kate
Aw! That was sooo cute! I absolutely LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteSweet! It is so like Kyoko to think that the character can fall in love by their own. Well, maybe it's not to weird consider the kind of character she had. They really do have their own life!
ReplyDelete