Disclaimer : I don't own Skip Beat!

Attn : Sorry, my beta told me it's best to tell you this especially new readers that the English terms and grammar I use are mostly British English.

Prologue

"Happy White Day, Mogami-san!" Ren said whilst handing her a gift box with a smile.

Kyouko blinked. She didn't know what to say. She was just about to sneak away before he noticed that she was gone. She would go to school and he would go to his job. She almost let out a frustrated groan that he managed to catch her before she left. She thought she could do better.

She didn't think she could face him. Ever since the box that buried deep inside her heart was opened and released the dreadful feeling she recognised as love, she knew that facing the man she had that feeling for was hard.

She had been subtly avoiding him these days, whenever they were not playing the Heel sibling's role. She would excuse herself politely, saying that she had something urgent to do and left right away. He wasn't easy to be lied to so she had to be smart and very careful or he would catch her red-handed. He was quick and sharp in detecting her mood and picking up situation.

"Mogami-san?" Ren frowned.

She encouraged herself to stay strong. She lifted her head and stared up at him. "Thank you, Tsuruga-san, but you actually don't have to." She took the gift box Ren held out to her.

"No, it's okay. Ah, and I hope you like it."

She nodded with a small smile.

"Kyouko-chan, ah… thankfully you're still here." Yashiro came running towards them.

"Good morning, Yashiro-san," Kyouko greeted him.

"Good morning. Ah, today is White Day. I would like to return the favour," Yashiro handed out a beautiful paper gift bag to her.

"Eh?" Kyouko looked surprised.

"Why are you so surprised? Ah, I see, you would only accept gift from Ren and not me?" Yashiro teased her.

She was stunned for a second but recovered quickly. "Ah, no, no. I'm sorry and thank you."

Yashiro shoved the gift at her. "No need to thank me. It might not be as delicious as your handmade chocolate, but I hope at least I got it okay. It's white chocolate truffles with assorted nuts."

"Eh? It's handmade?"

"Yes. Is it bad?" Yashiro smiled.

Kyouko shook her head and blushed prettily, it was the first time she received a handmade chocolate from a guy. "No, it's nice of you to make me chocolate." She beamed at Yashiro, and then shoved all their gifts into her rather big bag. "And, thanks again, Tsuruga-san, Yashiro-san. Sorry but I have to go now. I wish you two a nice day." She bowed, swivelled and dashed away from their sights.

"Have a nice day!" Yashiro waved though Kyouko was already gone. "What?" he asked when he noticed Ren's gaze on him.

"You made it?" His expression was flat but his tone sounded sharp.

"The chocolate? Yes. It's not that difficult though I don't…"

Before Yashiro could finish his words, Ren swivelled and walked to the other direction. Yashiro sighed. It's not like it's wrong to give someone handmade chocolate. I was only returning the favour. Is he jealous of me? He grinned wickedly. Yes, that must be the case. "Hey Ren, wait for me!"

Later the night, the same day…

"You're back!" Cain cocked his head towards Setsu when she had just entered their hotel room.

"I am." She smiled. "Miss me?"

He chuckled. "Of course. In fact, I've bought that lock with chain you told me to buy so I can lock you to me."

She laughed. "Hmm, I'd like to see it, niisan."

"Then come!" He held out his hand though he was still lying on the couch.

She shot him a cold smile and proceeded walking towards him. Facing him as Setsu was way easier for her than when she was herself, she thought.

When she was already near, he sat up and pulled her to him. Masking her amazement, she only smiled when she realised she was sitting on his lap. He hugged her from behind and savoured her scent. She inwardly shivered with him being so close to her like this.

"So, where is it?" she asked, feeling uncomfortable.

He chuckled. "You're so impatient."

He reached for the paper bag on the table near the couch. He opened the bag and pulled out a chain with a butterfly neck choker.

Her eyes widened upon seeing the choker. "Oh, it's beautiful. It's more like a choker than a lock though."

"So, shall I lock you with this?" Without waiting for her consent, his hand reached for the choker she was wearing and unbound it. He replaced it with the one in his hand. "Turn around, I want to see it!"

Her heart started to waver. Though it was easier for her to act as Setsu, it was hard for her to see him as Cain. She chanted the words 'It's Cain niisan' in her head repeatedly, afraid that she would lose it. She almost lost it when she felt his fingers on her neck when he put on that choker. She shifted in his lap and faced him. She smiled and said, "So, how's it? Look great on me? Maybe you have a mirror so I can see it?"

He smiled tenderly and her heart skipped a beat. "You know that you look good in everything."

"Hmm, if you say so. Thanks then." She fiddled with the choker and frowned, "Um, why does it feel like a lock?"

"Told you that I bought a lock, didn't I?" He chuckled and leant forward towards her face.

She sensed danger when his face was getting closer to her. "Niisan, what're you doing?"

He stopped. His eyes stared right into hers. He didn't answer and proceeded with his intention. When their noses touched, she trembled inwardly. No! What's he… She shoved him away right before his lips could touch hers.

"So, you're still angry at me?" He pouted.

"I'm not angry."

"And when I thought buying you this pretty thing will make you forgive me," he sighed.

She stood up and squeaked in surprise when she felt something stopped her from moving forward. She swivelled and saw Cain holding the chain that connected to the choker on her neck. "Niisan, let me go! I need my bath. I accept the gift but let me go now!"

"But you're clearly still angry at me."

"I'm not, why would I?"

"Then why are you scowling at me?"

"You pulled that thing and it made me choked, of course I'm angry at you for that."

"Really?"

"Why won't you believe me?" She sighed. "Actually, what do you want me to say or do? I swear that sometimes you're so childish."

"I want you to stop being angry at me. I promise that I won't ever treat other girl gently like before again even if I only thought of them as scared animals. She doesn't bug me anymore anyway, ever since I threw salt at her. As shameless as a person could be, she would take the hint. You didn't have to do that stunt to make me jealous as well, you know? I know I was wrong so please stop punishing me?"

"What stunt?" She glared at him.

"Didn't you do exactly the same thing to that cheese brain?" He scowled.

She blinked. She didn't know what he was saying. She tried to think of any of her encounter with Murasame.

Something clicked in her mind. She remembered seeing Murasame sat on the floor beside the vending machine one day, looking like a lost puppy. As annoyed as she was with the guy, when he looked vulnerable like that, it was kind of cute. When he looked up at her and seemed to want to growl but then couldn't because he looked beat and tired, she remembered she chuckled and put a bottle of cold green tea on the top of his head, kind of patted his cheek then left.

He saw that? She asked herself incredulously. But he didn't say anything. How would I know?

"I didn't know that you saw it. Did you tail me?" She directed her gaze to his face. She felt like getting back at him. Tilting her head nonchalantly, she said, "Ah, and to quote your own words, niisan, even though I look cold like this, at least to a tired animal, I'll treat him good. I love animal. Besides, he behaved, unlike your pet hamster."

Cain's lips pursed tight into a thin line. He wasn't happy. "You're indeed angry."

"I'm not. I'm not that childish anyway." She swivelled and about to walk away when she felt him pulled her back and made her face him. She scowled at him.

He bit her nose playfully. He wasn't trying to hurt her, just wanted to play with her. He knew that she would definitely get back at him for doing that.

"Hey, it hurts," she growled and pushed him hard.

He fell on the couch. She came onto him and with all her might she bit his shoulder.

Cain sighed and almost laughed at how right his prediction was. "You're still lousy though I've taught you how to do it right." He then smirked and before she could protest, he flipped her over. He leant towards her exposed collarbone and nipped her there.

"Ah…" she shouted out when she felt his mouth along with the nipping sting on her skin. "You stupid! Stupid! Stupid!" She hit him with her fists.

He pulled away, satisfied that he managed to mark her where he wanted to. He stared down at her with tender look. "Well, I just want people to know that you're mine and I'm yours. I don't want people to get between us. So, forgive me already, please?"

She closed her eyes. It was dark inside her mind. She couldn't think. His words terrified her and made her hope for something she didn't dare to hope for. Then she remembered that they were in the middle of the roles. It's Cain niisan's words to Setsu. It's not like Tsuruga-san was saying it to me. Yes, it's Cain niisan, not Tsuruga-san. She opened her eyes again and gave him a cold smile. "Then if you break your promise, I won't be this forgiving next time, niisan."

He smiled. "So, does this mean you forgive me?"

"Didn't I say so? Now can you let me go? I need to take a bath. I'm sweaty!"

He bent down and kissed her forehead. "Okay."

However, the people in the Tragic Marker casts saw them with even more disgusts on their faces. The mark he put on her collarbone was in blatant display after all. They were kind of convinced that the siblings were really incestuous. They practically avoided them unless it was time for the shoot. Even Murasame shut up with only a glare from Cain when he was about to say something.

Konoe also noticed the mark. He didn't dare to ask. There wasn't that many news about Kyouko out there. He just convinced himself that perhaps Kyouko did have a boyfriend somewhere who'd put the mark on her there. He also heard about another bite mark on Cain's shoulder from the makeup artist and he felt headache was really coming his way. But he still didn't dare to think that something had happened between Ren and Kyouko.

This situation was the best for them since they wouldn't want people to get close to them. They didn't wish to get exposed before the film finished shooting.

6 weeks later…

"Jewellery CM?" Kyouko asked when Lory handed her the files.

They were inside the trailer van where Jelly transformed Kyouko and Ren into Setsu and Cain. Lory came from time to time and this time he brought Kyouko her newest and promising offer. There wasn't that many but ever since Box-R started airing, she started to get some modelling offer for some notable teenage fashion lines, and one came from the company that specifically sold school uniform. She hadn't decided since she didn't aim for being a model though she said she would consider it after Sawara talked her into it. Meanwhile CM offers required her to audition first which she couldn't attend due to her drama filming. This time the CM offer came without any audition needed to be taken.

"Yes, it seems that the necklace you wore when you played Kitagawa Natsu pricked an interest of the company that sells that tear shape pink diamond."

"Eh? But shachou, that diamond came out from the rose Tsuruga-san gave me for my birthday. It's the tears of Princess Rosa. How could there be a company that sells it?" Kyouko frowned.

Lory was gobsmacked for several seconds. Ren must have hidden the diamond inside the rose and she believed the tale? What is it with that young man? Can't he even make his intention clear from the start? He stared at Kyouko's frowning face and sighed inwardly. Guess not huh? That poor guy! He made a coughing sound and continued, "I don't know. Maybe the company makes the same type of diamond. So, do you want to accept it?"

"Yes."

"Okay then I will inform Sawara-kun to get back to them on your behalf," Lory nodded. "And one more thing, Mogami-kun."

"Yes?"

"You will attend the Spring Television Drama Academy Award right? Also, that Nikkan Sport Drama Award. Ten will be in charge of your dresses, if you don't mind."

"Eh, ah? No, not at all. I thank you for the attention, shachou."

"Why thank me? You've done great in Dark Moon, Mogami-kun. You are nominated for both awards for the Best Supporting Actress as Hongou Mio, and also the Best Newcomer, you know? I'm proud of you and I wish you all the luck."

Kyouko's mouth dropped open. "Is it my imagination or you just said that I am nominated for the awards?"

"You didn't imagine it. It's true." Lory chuckled.

"Congratulations on the nominations, Mogami-san."

Kyouko jolted up in surprise upon hearing Ren's deep voice from behind her. Her expression changed. Lory noticed her strange movement and facial expression, and started to wonder.

Kyouko swivelled and immediately bowed to him. "Thank you, Tsuruga-san."

Ren scratched his head and then he noticed Lory's questioning look. He ignored it and instead took a deep breath and asked, "How about going to the awards ceremonies with me, Mogami-san?"

Lory raised his brows, almost smirked at that question. So he doesn't want to be outdone by some other guy this time eh?

Kyouko froze halfway though she managed to recollect herself and straightened to her good posture. She stared down at her clasped hands, took a deep breath and answered, "Ah, it's not that I don't appreciate your invitation, Tsuruga-san, but I don't want to trouble you."

"You won't. After all, I'm your senpai, right? And we're from the same agency anyway," Ren immediately countered. He felt like hitting himself for saying the 'senpai' word, but he didn't want her to get alarmed and then stayed away from him. Even if only as a senpai, he was okay as long as he would get to see her and thus would have more chances with her.

Kyouko bit her lower lip and turned to look at Lory. Lory shrugged and gave her an okay. Kyouko almost sighed since she kind of hoped Lory would say something against it. Ren was so famous. Didn't any of them think that it would fish out some rumours if she and Ren were to appear together? She mused. But since Lory okay-ed it she couldn't just reject it. She didn't want to humiliate him. "If it's not a trouble then I'd like to accept it. Thank you, Tsuruga-san." She bowed again.

10 days later…

Ren held out his hand to Kyouko when they got out from the limo Lory provided for them for the award ceremony. She took his hand with a nervous smile and stepped out from the car.

There were many stunned faces upon seeing Tsuruga Ren showed up with a beautiful girl clad in an elegant long golden gown. They never saw him appear in a public function with a girl. It was usually with only his manager.

They also didn't recognise the girl. She had long black hair and golden eyes. She looked like a model that appeared in some fashion magazine.

The journalists started to ask questions with people buzzing voices in the background, making it all harder for them to hear.

"Tsuruga-san, may we know who this beautiful lady is?"

"It's Kyouko. You don't recognise her?" Ren asked back.

It wasn't a surprise if people didn't recognise her. She looked so different after all. He had seen so many of her faces and yet he was still surprised upon seeing her when she first emerged with that gown after Jelly made her over.

"Kyouko? Kyouko as in Hongou Mio in Dark Moon?"

"You've got it right!" Ren smiled.

He stared down at Kyouko and she smiled back to him. She was trying her best to act casual. Inwardly, she kept reminding herself to never let out her real feelings towards the man who was now arm in arm with her. He should never find out!

Before they could ask further, Yashiro stepped in beside them. With only a glance, they were all frozen. The cameramen took the chance to quickly snap some pictures of the couple before they were gone.

Not only the people outside, the celebrities inside the hall were stunned upon seeing Ren arm in arm with an unknown lady.

Kyouko felt like being assessed and wanted to run away from there. She had already predicted that it would be bad for them to appear together.

"Tsuruga-san and…" Ogata hesitated. "Partner, good evening!"

They heard Director Ogata greeted them. "Good evening, Director," they both greeted him with smiles.

Ogata blinked. He felt that he somewhat recognised Kyouko's voice. "Excuse me if I'm wrong, but is it Kyouko-chan?"

Kyouko smiled. "Yes, it's me, Director Ogata."

"EH?" Ogata looked really surprised. "But… but…" he didn't even know what to say to express his amusement.

"Director Ogata, Tsuruga-san, good evening!" Momose and Oohara came and greeted them. They also stared at Kyouko curiously, wanting to know who the mysterious lady was.

"Good evening, Momose-san, Oohara-san," Kyouko greeted them.

Both ladies were stunned. They recognised Kyouko's voice as well and simultaneously asked, "Kyouko-chan?"

Kyouko giggled. "Yes, it's me."

"You look really different," Momose commented and Kyouko only smiled.

"Hey, guys!" This time Kijima came and greeted them all. "Good evening!" He turned his head and saw Kyouko. "Ah, Kyouko-chan right?" He heard Momose and Oohara asked the girl so he knew that it was her. Darn, this girl is really beautiful and… He glanced at Kyouko's and Ren's linked arms. He frowned.

Upon seeing Kijima, Ren unconsciously put his unoccupied hand on top of Kyouko's hand in his arm and she jerked in surprise. She snapped up her head and noticed his dazzling smile. She shuddered inwardly.

Why? Kyouko mused. What made Demon Lord appear?

Ogata, Momose, Oohara and Kijima saw that gesture of him and all with different thoughts running inside their minds. Before any of them could say anything, Ren with his dazzling smile excused himself and Kyouko politely. Kyouko could only follow since he practically whisked her away.

She felt utterly relieved when they were now Setsu and Cain again. They had just entered their hotel room late at night after coming back from the awards ceremony.

Both of them won the categories they were nominated for. Ren won the Best Actor and she won the Best Supporting Actress along the Best Newcomer.

Being close with Ren for the whole evening made her uncomfortable. Even now when they were Cain and Setsu again, the feeling just wouldn't go away.

3 weeks more and it will be finished. She told herself.

3 weeks later…

"Thank you for your hard work Mr Cain Heel," Konoe said right after they finished the last scene.

Cain nodded.

"Hey, since it's the last day, I'd like to say thanks for your hard work," Murasame said and offered his hand.

Cain only looked at his offered hand. He nodded again.

Murasame scowled. Rude bastard, he thought.

The other casts also came forward and said thanks to him. Manaka was so scared of him that she only choked out a thank you and then went to hide behind Murasame. Once again, he only nodded.

Setsu came forward and on his behalf she thanked them. Cain then took her hand and pulled her away with him. Whilst walking away, he wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed her on her forehead. She giggled and pulled him down whilst kissing his cheek.

The whole casts, crews and including Konoe were all dumbfounded upon seeing that blatant display of affection.

"They're… really disgusting," some of them commented.

"They're siblings and they actually screwed each other."

"Yeah, I was only assuming before and wasn't really sure but after seeing it right before my eyes… Ew…"

Konoe cringed. Tsuruga-kun, Kyouko-san, is it true? I don't want to know. Even if it is, they're not siblings so it's not a sin. It's totally okay, but… Kyouko-san is still underage, Tsuruga-kun. I can't believe this! He almost sighed.

Meanwhile…

"Double role?" Lory leant back against his chair.

He stared at the proposal papers, and the reference novel and manga Sawara put on his desk.

"Yes, I know that this is surprising and very rare, that's why I…" Sawara hesitated.

"No, it's fine. I understand." Lory twirled his moustache. "This is a rare chance. Once in a lifetime. It might not come twice."

"Maybe due to her recent awards?"

"That must be the case. They insisted to have her play the antagonist, but the director… Hoho… this is interesting." Lory laughed upon seeing the minute of meeting file attached.

It basically stated that the drama producers insisted to have Kyouko play as the antagonist and the director insisted to have her play as the protagonist instead. None of them gave in. Hence, after long discussion and the director's long argumentation about why he wanted Kyouko as his protagonist, they decided to have her play both protagonist and antagonist. The money offered for her for the entire filming was also very tempting. After all, she was an award winning actress for two categories.

"Okay, I shall inform Mogami-kun myself and these guys requested for a meeting as well. I'll just get back to them after I talked to Mogami-kun. No matter how tempting it is, we've got problems here."

"Speaking of which…yes. No parental consent so no debut till she is 18 years old and she needs a manager. I don't think I can handle all her offers anymore. It's piling up ever since Box-R was aired, and now after that award. It's already plenty after Dark Moon actually but this blows it out of proportion. I guess it probably rivals Tsuruga-san's offers." Sawara didn't think he was too exaggerating since it was true. If no one believed him, they could come to his desk and saw those piles of documents for themselves.

"I do think she needs a manager but it's not easy to find one who's suitable." Lory smirked. He actually had already found a manager for Kyouko and he was about to introduce the manager tomorrow. Thinking about this, it's the right time huh? "As for parental consent, well… I'd just summon our legal team to think of the best solution no matter what the circumstances are. We need to resolve her guardian issue. But first of all, for this offer, it's up to Mogami-kun whether she would accept this or not."

The closer they got to the van, the heavier their steps felt. At least for Ren. He didn't want to part with her. He convinced himself that because they were from the same agency, so they still could meet from time to time. He was afraid that there wouldn't be any chance with her after this role finished.

He stole a glance at the blonde girl beside him. He almost sighed in frustration. He had fun. They wandered around the shopping district right after they were out from the studio. They even took a train and went to Tokyo Tower. They also had dinner near that famous landscape.

They had taken so many photos of them with his mobile phone. She didn't know but he used his private mobile phone when he did that. After all, Cain's and his mobile phones were of the same type and that he had to return Cain's mobile phone to the agency.

He hoped she had fun too. He wanted to ask but he knew that she would answer as Setsu, not Kyouko. She would give out Setsu-like answer and said that she enjoyed the whole trip.

Meanwhile for Kyouko, she was really relieved that it was finally finished. She could be free. She didn't have to see him and felt despair with this one sided love. She was done with it and hoped that she could go into a corner and licked her wound. He was too good to be true. He was every girl's dream and he could have any woman he wanted. Upon thinking of that, her chest felt tight and she wanted to cry.

On the other hand, she didn't want to part with him as well because by only seeing him it gave her happiness as well. She was sure that they wouldn't meet that often outside of job. The probability of running into him was small. She didn't know what to feel about that. It was so complicated that she wanted to have her memory wiped clean. That way, she wouldn't have to think of her complicated feelings towards the guy.

But one thing they knew for sure. They had to part way tonight. There was no going back.

A/N : Hi! I come back with a fic. The fic situation is post 199. Also, if you're wondering about Cain's salt throwing stunt, you can read it in my one shot 'Salt'. Well, I hope you enjoy this new fic! It's only a prologue and I can't tell you more! Thanks for reading.

Thanks to Shiroyuki76 for proofreading this chapter and the suggestion on what manga to use for the filming.

Note on terms :

White Day – Celebrated right at a month after Valentine's Day on March 14. In Japan, since Valentine's Day is observed by girls and women presenting chocolate gifts to boys or men (either as an expression of love, courtesy, or social obligation), the reverse happens on White Day. Men/boys who received a honmei (love) chocolate or a giri (obligatory) chocolate are expected to return the favour to the women/girls by giving gifts on White Day.

Japan TV Drama Academy Awards. It is hold 4 times a year. For Spring, it's usually sometimes around end of April till end of May.