Title: THE FOURTH LOVE ME MEMBER

Disclaimer: I don't own SKIP BEAT! or Hana No Namae

Setting: After the filming for BJ's movie

Summary: The LoveMe Division welcomes a new member. But why is Kyoko so eager to help her new teammate to graduate? Will they both survive in the end, and possibly find love?

Chapter 4: Kyoko's Resolution

It was Ren's second day in LoveMe when the call came. Contrary to what others may have thought, wearing the pink uniform wasn't really that bad. Of course, he got the more than occasional dumbfounded stares (no one dared to snicker or point or laugh - he is, after all, still THE Tsuruga Ren and was accorded with great respect, in pink or not in pink) and the weird LoveMe tasks (they had to babysit a group of 20 gradeschoolers who visited LME for their field trip and clean a whole stairwell where two drunk action stars had an altercation and vomited on almost every other corner). He was somewhat relieved that his 'punishment' was even at times, quite enjoyable. And the best part of it was he doesn't need to invent silly reasons to spend time with his kohai.

"Nooooo!" the golden eyed young woman squeaked. She almost dropped the armload of files she was carrying.

The tall actor chuckled; "No matter how much you deny it, Mogami-san, you are my senpai in LoveMe. You were the original member, right? And I'm the newest member. So that makes you my senpai" he reasoned out smoothly.

His companion can only shake her head, but no more words came out of her mouth as the realization of the fact that he just pointed out dawned upon her.

"Outside of LoveMe, I am your senpai. But inside LoveMe, you are my senpai. So that sort of evens out our status, don't you think. So, perhaps you don't need to call me so formally anymore. I think Ren would be just fine". He was treading upon a thin line. But one can only exploit too many chances.

He looked beside him and she was still shaking her head, with a frightened look upon her face. He sighed. Maybe what he asked was too much. He did expect she would be more partial to the idea of being more familiar with him, especially after their time as the Heel siblings. But then she still hasn't changed. He wondered if she will ever see him the way he wanted her to see him. Maybe he would have to wear the pink coverall forever and she still wouldn't see him.

"Just think about it, Kyoko, OK?" he said, with a smile that could melt a million hearts, but with the looks of her was probably pushing her to the brink of a nervous breakdown.

"O- OK" she can only muster in reply.

He tried to chat with her about some other trivial stuff, so as to erase whatever discomfort his initial suggestion has brought between them. They were in the middle of discussing the pros and cons of wearing their pink uniform when the intercom sounded off.

"Calling LoveMe Division members, Kyoko-chan and uhm- er- Tsuruga-san, please report to the LoveMe office right away"

They looked at each other and hurried to their destination.

It took them another 15 minutes to get back to the LoveMe office. It is, after all, imperative to finish the task before proceeding to the next one. Ren realized that most of the odd jobs around LME given to him were requests coming from people who just wanted to be served by the Tsuruga Ren. It took them a whole ten minutes just to get their LoveMe notebooks stamped (with 100points each, of course). The only good thing about the whole LoveMe affair was that Kyoko always got the score that Ren got whenever they do their tasks together, which meant she always got a perfect grade, though his LoveMe senpai doesn't think of this in the most positive terms. According to her she wanted to get points because of her own efforts and not just because of her association with him. She grumbled all the way to the LoveMe office, about flirty women who kept throwing themselves at him, giving them odd tasks without any real reason but to see the famous actor and molest him. He wished she was grumbling out of jealousy and not because of wasted time and effort. It was another five minutes until they finally reached the very haggard Yashiro outside the LoveMe office.

"Great, you finally came. A call came from the president, you're both asked to report to him for a new LoveMe task" the manager said, out of breath. He looked flushed from running to and fro looking for them, but there's a sort of excited, almost manic quality to his demeanor that disconcerted Ren.

"Then we'll be off. You could have just sent me a text message, Yashiro-san" Ren said

"Well, it's LoveMe business; there are certain protocols we have to follow. But before you go, you have to learn the LoveMe chant" Yashiro said, smiling wickedly.

"The what?" Kyoko asked; a bit alarmed.

"The LoveMe chant" Yashiro repeated. "The President asked me to come up with it. It's very easy, let's go inside and let me show you. From now on you have to do it whenever you report for an assignment"

They trudged to the topmost floor 10 minutes later to be immediately introduced to the couple inside the president's office. And they had no choice but to say their chant. It was more like a cheer, really, with all the hand and feet movements.

"We are your lovable LoveMe helpers. We are glad to be of service for you today!"

"Pffft.. "

The couple looked at the LME president and then back at them (they were still holding their positions).

"At ease" Lory snorted, finally able to take control. "That was one splendid introduction"

Ren took a mental note to fire his manager once he is through with this silliness.

Kyoko just looked sullen, beyond the point of embarrassment. Ren wanted to comfort her, apologize for causing her such misery, but they were currently in a job, in front of the president's guests and it's unprofessional to talk about other matters at the moment.

"Now, Mizushima Kei-san and Chouko-san, I want you to meet the two lead actors who will bring your wonderful love story to life – Tsuruga Ren and Mogami Kyoko"

And that was when the temperature dropped. He was pretty sure his companion was incensed after hearing the words "love" and "wonderful" in one sentence, and he was pretty sure, he was incensed after hearing the name "Mizushima".

Kyoko could not believe her own capability for cruelty. When she heard the President's introduction, what registered inside her already flustered mind were only the words "wonderful" and "love", and well, just like an automatic response, her grudges awakened. But as the young woman, who's probably not much older than herself, stood up and bowed before them, her grudges suddenly dissipated without further resistance. And they vanished altogether when the visitor smiled.

"I'm so glad to meet you finally, Kyoko-chan" she said.

And immediately, her face was surrounded by lilies and daisies and other nice flowers and butterflies fluttering by - all inside Kyoko's imagination, of course. "An ojou-sama, a real ojou-sama" she murmured.

"AHA! This is wonderful, just marvelous" the President bellowed, ushering the two young ladies to sit.

"I'm so glad you seem to get along so well. I don't think it will be too hard to open up to each other. Mogami-kun, Mizushima Chouko-san will be your coach for your new drama role. So, make sure to maintain this kind of rapport"

"Me? Coach, I couldn't possibly.." the young woman shook her head.

"Hush, my dear lady. She will be playing your character, she will be playing you. And only you can tell her exactly what it was like being you" Lory admonished.

Kyoko, slowly recovering from her fantasies, finally spoke up "Uhm- , I'm still a bit confused about this new role, this new drama you are talking about"

"Well, all you need to know is that you, Mogami-kun, will play the lead role in a new drama based on the true-to-life love story of Chouko-san and Kei-san"

"A- a- love- story?" her grudge alarm pinged, though a bit faintly.

"Uh-huh" the President nodded his head like an eager schoolboy. "And your partner will be Ren-kun. Isn't that right?" Lory asked, facing the young actor who had taken a seat beside Kei with a raised eyebrow.

The actor remained silent, angst written all over his face.

Oh NO! No, no, not me. I'm so very ill-suited to be Tsuruga-san's love interest. He must be thinking how horrible it would be. Kyoko thought (of course, incorrectly drawing a conclusion based on her senpai's reaction).

"But- but- , I don't think I'm suited to be Tsuruga-san's pa- partner in a love drama, it's not—suitable for me at all" she voiced out, feeling a little sad despite herself.

Ren immediately tried to school his expression as the President threw him a withering look, but before anyone could react further, it was the pretty lady who raised her voice.

"I disagree, Kyoko-chan. I think you're most suited for the part. We're almost of the same age and build and Tsuruga-san, though as not old as my husband, already looks a bit like him. I saw the difference in your heights and I immediately thought about Kei and me. And you two definitely have this- uhm- this chemistry" she said as she held the Kyoko's hand.

Kyoko almost shook her head violently, but she was too distracted. Chouko-san is just too cute.. a cute ojou-sama!

Seeing this, Lory chuckled. "I don't think Kyoko-chan needs further encouragement" he looked meaningfully at Ren.

"So, you will do it, then? Will you?" Chouko asked.

Reluctantly, Kyoko nodded. How could I not? It would be too cruel to say no to her, to such a respectable and nice lady.

Chouko-smiled brilliantly at her, and then she was lost into her fairyland daydreaming once more.

Kei had never seen Chouko so ecstatic over something. He's a pretty boring man, never liked people, and Chouko, though she has many friends, always chose to be by his side and keep him company rather that go out and socialize and pursue her own interests.

He has asked her, pleaded, to do what she wants and assured her that he will not be bothered. But she just kept on telling him "I am happiest when I am with Kei-san". He feels just a tinge of jealousy, over the young actress Mogami Kyoko, for receiving the smiles that were usually meant for him. But a part of him is also thrilled to see his young spouse so happy. She never had much of a childhood. Her teenage years were spent caring for him, being his housekeeper and basically being more like the adult between the two of them. But now, she had found something to entertain her, something different to enliven her dreary life with him, and he is determined to keep her this way.

"You don't seem too happy with this arrangement" he asked the actor beside him, startling himself for even initiating the conversation.

The young man remained silent, cold, almost distant. But then, he finally replied with equal nonchalance.

"Did the President ask you personally to do this?"

"Yes. You're president is quite- something. I was not originally keen on the idea, but then my wife heard about it and she was so happy I just couldn't say no"

He can feel the actor's gaze on him.

"And I am determined to keep her happy, Tsuruga Ren" he said, finally returning the actor's stare.

"I'm not happy being your 'mentor' and sharing my thoughts with you, especially about me and Chou. But this bit of sacrifice will be tolerable for me if it meant keeping that smile upon her face" he stated, without letting go of the other man's stare.

It was the actor who looked away.

"I don't know about this drama stuff. But I do know words, and poetry, and art. And I can see from here, this young actress who came with you, she has the same qualities as my Chou, my talisman"

Ren looked back at the author. Did he just say - ? What did he call her?

Then he looked at the president who sat fondly gazing at the two young women actively chatting their hearts out.

Does he know? Why did he use that word?

And finally, Lory looked at him with a challenge in his eyes.

Ren looked back defiantly.

The older man smirked. Then he pointed at Ren's chest where the LoveMe logo is emblazoned.

And that's when it finally hit him.

He has no escape. He cannot decline the project. If he did, then he'll get no points. He'll never graduate. He'll remain in LoveMe forever: endless days of pink suits and molestation from desperate LME office workers. And when Kyoko finally graduates.. then what? He'll be left alone to wear the cursed pink jumpsuit.

This is his challenge, his punishment. He has to play the role of Mizushima Kei and bare his heart out in front of Kyoko.

Lory wanted to laugh at his number one actor's reaction. The young man looked extremely troubled, showing his many faces. What are you going to do now, Kuon? Will you be able to still hide yourself from your true feelings?

He sipped his tea. Sometimes, it does feel good to be the President of LME.

They finally finished their conversations over tea. Chouko was delighted to find that Kyoko-chan was more than she had ever expected. Unlike most young stars, the actress was extremely humble and self- effacing. She's so much unlike her scary characters. Inside the young woman, Chouko can see a fierce determination, a courageous soul, and a heart that has an overwhelming capacity for affection.

The actress had looked surreptitiously at Tsuruga Ren for the past hour. Gauging by her reaction, she seemed to be trying to find out about his mood. At certain times when their eyes met, a faint blush crept at Kyoko's cheeks and she smiled differently at the handsome actor. Just as she thought, the two of them are perfect. During the course of their banter, she had looked at Kei, he seemed almost happy, even though he generally dislikes people, especially strangers. But he even smiled back at her and nodded. It meant he approves of both the young actors. Chouko wished that the two men would get along. After all, they both have this sort-of animalistic appeal. Kei, even though he had chosen her to be his wife, had never failed to make her knees feel week because of his stare and his smile. Kyoko, she surmised, is much too refined to show any such kind of weakness, but she can tell that Tsuruga-san is already very near in succeeding to elicit the same response.

Lory Takarada excused himself to attend another meeting, and they finally said their goodbyes. They left the office with both actors and she deliberately made herself fall behind to speak privately with Tsuruga Ren.

"I'm glad you accepted this role, Tsuruga-san" she said, catching the man's attention.

"I can tell that you are struggling with your own feelings about a certain golden-eyed young woman" she said knowingly.

The actor gave her tremulous gaze.

"I think there is nothing wrong with it. You'll find out soon enough how to come to terms with your feelings for her. It took Kei more than 3 years to admit it to himself. By then, I was already an adult, free to choose whatever I want and I chose to be with him. He didn't have any say on the matter. He thought he didn't deserve me. I thought I didn't deserve him. We were quite silly, weren't we?"

They kept walking.

"But in the end it was not about whether or not we deserve each other"

She remained silent for a moment.

"We chose to be together. And that's all that matters"

As they exited the building, Chouko bowed like the respectable Japanese woman that she is.

"So if you're worried about her youth or that she's too good to deserve just you - then make her choose you. If you're pretty sure you can love her without reservation, I think that's what you should do" she said in lieu of a farewell.

"It was nice meeting you, Tsuruga Ren-san".

She gracefully turned away into the arms of her waiting husband.

"What did you tell him, Chou?" Kei asked.

"Nothing consequential"

Kei raised his eyebrows.

"Nothing you should be jealous about, Kei-sama" she said, embracing his arm.

He groaned like a child at the verge of throwing a tantrum.

She giggled. "I think they'll do great with our characters. Don't you think so? I can't wait to see their happy ending"

"You mean, our happy ending" Kei tried to correct.

"No, no, stubborn man. Theirs. We've already had our happy ending" she said, playfully scolding him.

The author settled into his seat with a smile. She always says the right things to make him feel better; better than himself, better than the world.

"Our ending is more like a beginning though" she added, the last word hanging in the air.

"Uhm- Kei" she said softly.

"Yes, Chou?"

"You're going to be a father" Chouko answered with a small voice.

He suddenly sat up straighter and took her face with both his hands.

"Are you angry?" she asked, tears almost spilling from her eyes.

"No, stubborn woman! Why would I be? This must be the happiest beginning there ever is" he murmured as he pulled her closer into a passionate kiss. In some way, he was glad he accepted the limo ride home offered by the eccentric LME president.

Kyoko looked at her senpai. She figured he wasn't angry. He's not currently emitting the Demon Lord aura, but it was clear something's bothering him. She wanted to know, of course, but she didn't dare pry. That would be quite presumptuous for a lowly kohai such as her. But then she remembered his words, his effort at being closer to her, even asking her to call him 'Ren'. She shook her head. Again, she's assuming things that haven't been validated and were more likely false.

"Are you OK, Kyoko?" he asked. Her name sounded nice when he said it.

"Uhm.. I just want to apologize to Tsuruga-san. I wasn't thinking clearly, I just accepted the President's offer" she answered without looking at him. "I know I'm not suited to be your partner in the drama, but then, I've always wanted to act with you" she added. That's right, she thought. I accepted because I want to take up the challenge of acting with THE Tsuruga Ren, and not because of anything really. Maybe she was a bit taken by the pretty Chouko-san, but in the end, her desire to be recognized by her senpai was real reason why she said 'yes'. But as for why she wanted to be recognized by him, well, that she hasn't figured out. At times, when she feels she's losing her grip on things, all she had to do was think of him and what he would say in such an occasion, and instantly, she would feel motivated. Maybe she wanted to show him that his efforts were not wasted, that his mentoring did result into something worth noting. But then, she also wanted to be with him, stay by him, talk to him. Something pinched the inside of her chest. She looked at him, he was still brooding. He looked as if he was struggling to say something he can't put into words.

Then finally, he said "If you're thinking about why I didn't want to be part of the drama, it's not because I don't want to act beside you. In fact, I would be glad to finally share the lead with such a talent as you".

Kyoko blushed. She almost stammered her disagreement, but he still wasn't finished.

"My reason is much more—deeper than that". Then he said no more.

He looked tired. Clearly, something about the story of the drama affected him. And she recounted the facts: The story was about an author who adopts his half-cousin's orphaned daughter who was traumatized by her parents' tragic death. It took a long time before she came out of her misery and despite her new guardian's coldness, she slowly came to understand and eventually love him. They battled their own demons, both of them. He was battling his past – a mother he refused to love until her death, a father who is also his grandfather, a family who never accepted him. She was struggling to pick up the pieces of her broken life and make him notice her love for him. In the end they realize they cannot battle their demons alone, but that they can only survive by facing life together.

Perhaps the love story was too heavy for Tsuruga-san, she thought. But then his Katsuki was also a very serious and tragic character. Yet he portrayed that character brilliantly. So why?

And then she thought about Mizushima-san. She wasn't able to speak with him directly. He never said much. It was Chouko-san who seemed quite excited with the project.

I think you're most suited for the part. We're almost of the same age and build and Tsuruga-san, though as not old as my husband, already looks a bit like him. I saw the difference in your heights and I immediately thought about Kei and me.

She remembered Chouko-san's words. They also said something about him being 11 or was that 12 years older than she is. She imagined them together. She tried to calculate the difference. When Chouko-san was her age, 17, her husband would have been 29. That is one big difference, for overly traditional people. And then she remembered that night after Bridge Rock, when she met her senpai as Bo for the second time and he told the chicken about his affection for a younger girl, a high school girl. Was that the reason why he didn't want to accept? He couldn't play an older man who is hopelessly in love with a younger girl because it would remind him of his own hopeless affection?

She looked up at him again, at his beautiful face, and her heart ached.

She knew what it was like not to be loved back, to be brushed aside. Wasn't that the reason why she swore off love forever and ended up in LoveMe? She can feel his pain in some familiar way. Yet his situation is also quite different. He had never confessed to that nameless girl, had never expressed his affection even though she would definitely accept him. She admires his fortitude, his willingness to suffer not being with the one he loves in order to protect her.

Kyoko wished she can be loved like that.

WHAT? No, no, no… she said to herself, horrified. She hasn't noticed the look he was currently giving her as he watched her ever changing expressions.

Her line of thought is going towards the wrong path. She should be thinking about how to help her senpai. Of course, she will have to do this covertly, because he doesn't know that she knows about his unrequited love. Perhaps this task is being given to him to make him understand that he should fight for his love and that the age difference between him and that girl shouldn't matter! And once he recognizes his feelings and chooses to confess, then he can finally be free from the pink curse.

Just like a prince under an evil witch's curse who needs to find love to break the spell, she wondered. What is her role then? The Prince's sidecick? The speaking teapot? The magical rodent?

AHA! I know! I am the Fairy Godmother! (or maybe Tinkerbelle).

With this final thought, she finally makes up her mind: it is now her mission to help Tsuruga-san graduate from LoveMe.

End of Chapter

:) reviews.. please?