Disclaimer: I don't own Skip Beat! or any of its characters.

Takes place a time after chapter 202

Kyoko hopped off the plane as it finally landed in Japan and she felt the sudden urge to dance with the thought of being back home. Her work in America was amazing, but there was nothing like being on familiar land.

"Mogami-kun, how was your trip?" Lory asked as he stepped out of a limousine to great her upon the landing.

"It was spectacular! I loved shooting over there!" she squealed like a little girl winning a toy and did a tiny dance in place.

Lory had to smile at the happiness his young star was showing as she glowed with her stories spilling out. He led her to his limousine and held the door open for her as she continued to share her tales.

"...Liberty was so huge! The pictures do nothing to give it any sort of justice! That was only the first week trip! New York was amazing! I can't even begin to tell you the joys of Las Vegas!.." she blurted out and began spilling off new tales of enjoyment and wonder. He could only hope her glow continued when he spilled his guts on her next act. She let out a rush of air as her tails were done.

"I take it the commercial went well then?" He was working to move her to the topic of her work.

"I think it went perfectly! A few of the places had a bit strict limits on where and what we were allowed to get images from, but all and all I thin it was complete success!" Kyoko said and smiled.

"When do you think you'll be ready to take on your next act?" he asked sounding as casual as possible.

Kyoko raised her eyebrows and turned to face Lory. She could read a disaster in the works just by the lack of his cunning smile. Whenever he was trying to hide something the corner's of his lips twitched as if not smiling was hurting him.

"What are you planning, President?" she asked slightly nervous. Deep down she knew there was some plan always building in his head and it was about time she found out what he was thinking.

"I have a new movie for you to take a star in, if you're willing to take the huge step," he said and let his smile break free. "This movie calls for you to take a leading role alongside another actor. If you are willing to make the big step, then you will be staring alongside Ren Tsuruga."

"I'll act with Tsuruga-san?" Kyoko stuttered as she spoke and nerves filled her face.

"Honey, many months ago you confessed complicated feelings when it came to Ren, and I have remained silent while you backed yourself away from him. Your locking up even forced Ren to take steps away from him out of fear of hurting you." Lory rubbed the bridge of his nose with his two fingers. "I have remained silent for long enough and you cannot be angry with me when I waited so long for you two to get your act together!"

Kyoko flinched and slunk back in her seat. She remembered confessing her feelings to the President and was blessed each day he kept his word to remain silent on the matter. But as time passed by her fear grew and she couldn't think about taking the first step in approaching Ren and confessing the growing love she held for him. As time continued to pass her fear was built up with images of the failures she carried on her back alongside Fuwa. Kyoko shook her head quickly to get the man's face out of her mind.

"...President, I thought you would step in at the very start. When you stuck by your words I allowed myself to fall back to the shy girl too afraid to act. I have been hurt in the past by a man I once loved and I couldn't take it again." Kyoko raised her eyes too look at him and fought to prevent the tears from falling. "I love Ren so much and I can't bare to risk losing him!"

Lory pulled her into his arms instantly to hold her as the tears fell. It was the second time he saw her cry over a man out of pure fear of taking the steps. "Shhh, it's okay. Don't I always have a plan in my head." He listened to her chuckled and felt her head bob. "I want you to remember the love you hold for Ren and I want you to take on this role in the new movie. I think this movie is going to force out everything that needs to come out between you. Just let things come as they feel ready. There's no need to rush and there's no need to hold back. I want you to read through the script and take a hold of the character. Tomorrow will be the first day of shooting and your first meeting with Ren."

Kyoko held the scrip in her hand and continued to wave as the limousine drove away. It was time for her to study the character known as Saitou Izumi.

...

Ren sat quietly in the makeup artist's chair as she dabbed the fake blood to his face. He was still in shock to really be where he was. He was getting ready to star in an action, romance movie with Kyoko. Before her departure to America he had seen her backing away from her feelings and he felt he held no right to pull her back. It took all the work to lock away his emotions towards the girl while she was gone. But getting the call last night from Lory crashed all of his hard work in a quick flash.

"And you're done!" the artist said and Ren almost flinched at the great work done. It appeared as if a sword really hacked off a good portion of his skin.

"Great work," he commented and the lady smiled. She shooed him out and he saw Kyoko talking to the director just off the set. She wore a black pleated mini skirt with dark leggings. The tennis shoes on her feet were just as black with white laces matching the tight, white tank top she wore. Her hair was styled in long, black waves. It was all topped off with red hot lipstick and makeup to make her eyes pop at anyone looking. Of all the outfits he would see her in first, it had to be that one. He rubbed his face as he stepped forward.

"R-Ren!" Kyoko said and did her best to hide her stutter and waved happily. He knew she wanted their friendship to build closely. If she was going to work with it, so would he.

"Kyoko," he said and was amazed by the happiness in his heart brought on by her smile. How could he have forgotten how much he cared about her? "How was your trip?"

"Beautiful!" she said and felt the urge to dive a bit deeper. "We'll have to go there together some day so I can show you all the amazing places."

Ren felt as if she had learned some secret magic to freeze his world. His mind stopped and all he could see was her. "That would be great."

"I thought so too!" she said appearing happy with his words. "I can't believe I was asked to star in a movie with you!"

He couldn't say how much he dreamed of taking on a romance role with her. Deep down, the hope of new feelings beginning to blossom from the acting would occur. Oh, what he would give to kiss her just once without cameras being involved. He slumped slightly with the thought as the director called out the scene.

"Actors, get to your places! We're going to shoot the scene where Kurokawa Kinji is attacked by young Saitou Izumi since we don't have Michiyo here to play the fiancé's death." The director looked around as the actors took their positions. "Action!"