Disclaimer: I do not own Skip Beat! But I did write this original story! But before you begin, this is a sequel to Learning to Kiss, and is titled Before the Sakura falls.

Kanae went looking for Kyoko, it wasn't something she would normally be doing since god knows how Kyoko would act upon knowing she was being sought out. One could almost imagine Kyoko charging at her with arms open wide in expectation of a hug. Just the idea of that made Kanae shudder in repulsion. It wasn't that she didn't like Kyoko's blatant attention but there was a limit to how much public display of affection, she could take in, and the maximum dosage was often exceeded by her overly affectionate friend.

In fact, Kanae would expect Kyoko to exceed her normal impulsive amount of fondness, especially after what she had learned about today's shot. According to the film crew, Kyoko had exceeded director Morizumi expectations in performing a remarkable love scene between Momiji and Shizuma. So much so, that the talk on the set had still not lessened and even Koga Hiromune, the actor playing Shizuma, has declared Kyoko to be one of the best kissers he had ever encountered. With such high praise, Kanae's curiosity was piqued and hence, the reason she was currently seeking her fellow Love Me member.

Walking through the studio halls, Kanae was surprised that Yashiro was currently on the set. Watching the proficient manager talk to Hiromune, Kanae wondered if Tsuruga Ren was nearby. If so, was he with Kyoko? That would explain how Kyoko learned to kiss. A coy smile crossed Kanae's face. It must have been truly a very interesting lesson, particularly for Tsuruga-san to give his kouhai.

Heading towards Yashiro, Kanae tried not to rush, as she was currently dressed in the tight fitting kimono that her character Chidori would be wearing in the next scene. Taking small steps, the clicking of her geta sandals on the cemented floor alerted the two males that she was coming.

Two sets of eyes locked on her instantly and Kanae felt a slight discomfort from the admiring look coming from her male co-star. Ignoring him completely, Kanae turned towards Yashiro and asked, "Yashiro-san, have you seen Kyoko?"

"Um… actually, no. Are you looking for her?" He replied with curiosity lighting up his eyes.

"Yes, I wanted to congratulate her on her wonderful acting this morning. I heard from many people that her performance today was particularly wonderful."

A coughing sound was heard from Hiromune, who interrupted exuberantly, "Yes! That was so true. I was very amazed by her today. I was just telling Yashiro-san that her acting skills have left an impact on me and I am determined to grow in my acting skills, in-order to become someone as versatile as she is. In fact, when you consider how just yesterday, she was like a frozen statue, one can only imagine her potential in developing her character's profile. Makes me jealous of how she figured that out."

"So then I take it, she didn't come to you for any tutoring?" Yashiro asked his expression took on a serious note as he carefully studied the actor's face.

"No, none at all, which is why I am baffled by her ability to act in such a manner. It was as if she had tapped into a hidden talent."

Kanae noticed how Yashiro's expression changed instantly to relief after hearing Hiromune's words. Was Yashiro wondering where Kyoko learnt to kiss? Kanae smirked, it was obvious as to who taught Kyoko, so for him not know would only imply that he was blinded of the way Tsuruga-san feels about Kyoko. Which in itself was just too impossible for her to accept. Thus, what was the reason behind Yashiro's question?

"Yashiro-san, perhaps after I find Kyoko, I will ask her on your behalf?" Kanae suggested, eager to be on her way.

"Well, I too happen to be on my way in search of her. Would you like me to accompany you in finding her?"

Hesitating a few seconds, Kanae asked, "Are you sure? I wouldn't want to bother you."

"No, not at all. I would be happy to do so," Yashiro responded, while bowing politely to Hiromune and directing his hand for her to lead the way.

"Thank you." Kanae smiled, as she walked ahead in the direction of the next set. Not so subtly leaving her co-star standing alone.

Catching up with her in two long strides, Yashiro kept his glance ahead of him, as he asked carefully, "So you heard about Kyoko's performance this morning?"

"Yes, it was on everyone's lips how well she had done," Kanae replied absently.

"Since you are looking for her, I take it you are surprised at how well she did?" Yashiro continued.

Shaking her head Kanae replied thoughtfully, "No, I can't say that I am surprised by how well she did."

Yashiro asked keenly, "Did you hear about how she had struggled only the day before? If so, how is it that you are not surprised by her sudden improvement within so short a time frame?"

It struck Kanae immediately that Yashiro was prodding her for information about Kyoko. Keeping a straight face, she replied smoothly, "Kyoko has grown a lot since she first acquired this role. Could this be what you are getting at?"

Nodding encouragingly, he agreed, "Yes, she has grown by leaps and bounds, but something about today's performance was different, or could it be you are not aware of it yet?"

As if a red flag were lifted up to a bull, Kanae charged ahead, "She is my best friend, so I am certainly aware of this matter."

Stopping in his tracts, Yashiro crossed his arms and stared down at Kanae before he asked, "Kotonami-san, I am aware that you are Kyoko's best friend and as her best friend you may owe her your loyalty but surely you are aware that as Ren's manager and friend, I too am loyal to him and must always answer first to him."

"Yashiro-san I can appreciate your candidness but if you are implying something about Kyoko's recent skill," Kanae, paused for emphasis before continuing, "then there are some things of a delicate matter that even you must be aware of?"

"Yes, that is exactly what I am implying, but I can assure you that being aware of this delicate matter is not the same, as knowing where or with whom this skill was developed from." Yashiro stated with a raised eyebrow at her.

"Surely, this is obvious, she must have learnt it from him, wouldn't you think? After-all, he has a particular regard for her, which is quite obvious, wouldn't you say?" Kanae, expression was beginning to reflect her annoyance by Yashiro's tenacity.

Alarmed on behalf of Ren that Kotonami-san was aware of Ren's feelings towards Kyoko, Yashiro's eyebrows shot upwards as he answered, "Though I am not admitting to observing any specific regard he may or may not have towards her. It isn't obvious at all about this matter!"

Eyes narrowing in acutely at Yashiro, Kanae responded, "I know that you know what is going on."

To which Yashiro leaned in close to reply, "Even if you know that I know what is going on, I also know that you know what is going on but for some reason you are trying to keep me from finding out."

"I know that you know that I know that you know what is going on, so why are you pretending you don't?" Kanae demanded.

As the both of them were being deliberately evasive, they were now at a complete stand still. Frustrated with each other, they both stood their grounds trying to stare each other down in quiet challenge. And neither were willing to disclose their best friend's possible secretes.

Kuon waited until it was dark before he came back to find Kyoko, he was hoping to spot her sitting on the same bench top as when he saw her yesterday. And as if God had answered his wish, she was in fact, sitting there, almost in the same poise as when he had left her in yesterday.

With a teasing smile on his lips, he asked softly, "Have you been waiting here long?"

In the glow of the bright full moon, huge brown eyes glistening with tears lifted to his face, searching it silently pleading him for comfort, and Kuon responded instinctively. Sitting down automatically beside her, he lifted her onto his lap, cradling her in his arms like a distraught child. "Why are you upset?" he asked against the soft, short curls that brushed his chin.

He had been expecting her to be jubilant and bursting with a detailed description of her performance today. In fact, according to Yashiro, she had excelled in today's work. Although, Yashiro had been hesitant to mention the details of her performance and had for some reason seemed disturbed and had hastily wanted to get off the phone with him. None of which had caused him to question his motive until now. What on earth happened?

Kyoko shut her eyes tightly, drawing a deep breath before shaking her head, unknowingly rubbing her cheek against his chest. She felt him slightly stiffen but she was comforted by the slow hands that had begun to stroke her back. Snuggling against him, she said, "Today, I finally understood something and because of that I've become the greatest idiot."

Waiting patiently, he nudged her gently with his cheek, "What happened that could have made you think you are an idiot, because it looks like you are filled with guilt and that you have a lot more to tell…"

Kyoko's face turned a deathly shade of blue as she suddenly leapt off his lap. "Oh no!" she cried out in further agony. Her heart sank because she finally realized that he was real and not just a figure of her imagination, and that she had been sitting comfortably in his lap. Where had her common sense gone and why was she going from one blunder to another? Couldn't she even tell reality from fantasy anymore?

Probably not. But perhaps if he didn't always look so much like Tsuruga-san, I wouldn't be so attracted to him.

Taking a broad step back, so that she could prevent herself from doing anything else foolish, she asked wearily, "Kuon, why are you here? And why are you still using Tsuruga-san's voice and face?"

Deciding it was time to tell her the truth, Kuon inhaled deeply before he began, "I can't be anyone but him now because I have only ever been him."

Kyoko's eyes, widened then she nodded in understanding, "So since you have been appearing as him so frequently, you are now permanently stuck in his form, I see."

Kuon's gaze strayed admiringly at Kyoko. Her ability to wrap herself in her fantasy of all things fairy was amazing to him. Shaking his head and thinking of a different way to explain, he cleared his throat and began again, "No, you see, I am Tsuruga Ren."

"Yes, yes, I can see it completely!" Kyoko stated emphatically, her eyes rounded to full capacity in her face as she stared at him in wonder, there was no doubt, Kuon was identical to Tsuruga-san in everything, except for the hair and eyes.

Closing his eyes in hopelessness, Kuon decided it would be easier if he appeared to her as Tsuruga Ren and explained Kuon to her, instead of trying to do it vice versa, as he was not making any progress with her in his current form. Just looking at the stars suddenly appearing in her eyes, he was certain that she was already visualizing a blonde and green eyed Tsuruga Ren.

It suddenly dawned on Kyoko that it was because of their similarities that probably caused her to fall in love with him, and that there was nothing she could do to prevent it. Sighing deeply, she wished she had been thinking about Mouko-san when they had initially met on the beach in Guam.

Kuon's gaze shifted back to Kyoko, he could tell she was feeling despondent about something. Her silky, wind-tossed hair fell softly over her forehead; her fair complexion was rosy, and her long dark eye lashes were lowered over eyes that were filled with disappointment.

Stepping up to her, he abruptly stopped short when a thought suddenly occurred to him. In blank shock, Kuon stared at her bent head and asked, "Is this because I look like Tsuruga Ren?"

Mistaking his implication, Kyoko declared anxiously, "No, no, no. I have a spotless integrity, there is not a single thing I should feel guilty about! Even should you look like him, I am not affected by that at all, not even by one tiny bit. No, I am not impacted by that, why should I have any cause to be?"

Kuon's eyebrows drew together tightly at her ridiculous denial. "So, it is about me looking like him!"

"No, I'm perfectly fine with who you look like, like I said, it has not effect on me at all," she added adamantly.

Leaning forward until his forehead almost brushed hers, he persisted, "Say that again, but this time please look me in the eyes."

Kyoko's pulse quickened, Kuon looked very much like he was about to kiss her. His green eyes were darkened, searching and knowing, almost as if he were able to read her thoughts. As if he already knew how much she loved him. Like the powerful fairy prince that he was, she was helplessly drawn in by him and mesmerized by his closeness, she couldn't help herself. Reaching up, she touched her trembling fingertips to his lips, unconsciously beseeching him to kiss her.

Kuon was surprised by the look on her face but before she could change her mind, he quickly answered her request. Kissing her swiftly at first because he was afraid she would change her mind, then with slow tenderness when he was certain she wouldn't.

The kiss melted Kyoko as she clung tightly to Kuon. Willingly, she surrendered herself to the powerful sensation that was captivating her. His strong arms held her pressed against his large form. His tongue caressed hers intimately, drawing hers and welcoming her when she responded. His mouth left hers to run soft kisses down the side of her neck, only to return a while later, to cover her mouth completely. Finally, lifting his lips from hers, he watched as she slowly opened her eyes.

Some of the color drained from Kyoko's delicate high cheekbones as she realized again the blunder she had just caused. She tried to pull away, but his arms tightened and his hand cradled her face against his chest. As if he understood her feelings, he soothingly stroked her hair, and the unexpected tenderness of the gesture reminded Kyoko of Tsuruga-san.

"We shouldn't be doing this," Kyoko cried, tearing away from him again and this time, relief set in when he let her go.

"Why? Is it because you love someone else? How can you still believe that when you kiss me back the way you do?" Kuon asked. But he already knew his answer. She couldn't have and wouldn't have responded to him the way she did both times when they had kiss with such passion, if she didn't at least feel something for him. And he wasn't about to let her deny it, now that he knew about it.

"Kuon, I've become an idiot thanks to you!" she exclaimed, while taking a large step back.

"Then let me be an idiot for you as well, Kyoko I love you!" he added somberly as he lifted two palms towards her. Beckoning her to return to his embrace. He wasn't about to chase after her. This was a decision only she could make. He would not force her.

Kyoko couldn't accept it. She couldn't allow herself to respond to Kuon's words. It was as if she were hearing it from Tsuruga-san's lips. But they were just made up lines for an act. She remembered the feeling that had torn her up, not so long ago when she was embraced by Tsuruga-san, while he was Cain, how she was visibly shaken when he had whispered those very same words. I love you.

Those words had such a profound effect on her at that time because she was unable to recall Setsu into play. She had been burning with jealousy that Cain had stroked Manaka's head at that time. That distraction over the reason for her jealousy caused her to forget to be Setsu at that moment and while in her natural mindset, Cain had abruptly hugged her. Surprising her further still, was his whispered words that impacted her outright and had caused the president to notice her ill concealed reaction.

But she was in control of herself now and she wasn't going to feel the joy that could be inspired by those words. She wasn't going to make the same mistake twice. There were too many reasons for her to stand firm. Even if Kuon said those words to her, she couldn't believe that he could fully understand the implications. After all, he is a fairy and she being human, cannot allow him to live in the human world. He would only live up to ten years before he would die, and the cost of having his love, she now fully understood, was something too dear to her.

Kyoko also recognized the feeling she had for Kuon, it was something she had felt before, something she had only ever revealed to Shou, letting him have full excess to her heart had only ever been done once- and it had failed miserably. It was not something she was sure she could allow to happen again. Seeing Kuon holding out his open palm to her was like looking at a premonition of the hand that could rip out her heart.

"Come back to me, don't run from this," he urged her again but stood motionless, afraid to move least he scare her away.

Staring at his open palm, Kyoko shook her head. She couldn't allow herself to be exposed, she wasn't ready for him to see the real source of emotion behind her kiss.

A/N: Hi everyone! I have started a new sequel to Learning to Kiss and the title is called Before the Sakura falls. Please go to that new story and follow it from there, as I will now end this story with this chapter. Thank you all for your support.

For those of you who are interested I found my inspiration for Kyoko's reaction from SB ch199 and Ren's words were from SB ch 200 and 209.