A/N: I thought the story was finished, but then I started thinking about what Kyoko's reaction would be and I had to write just a little bit extra.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-"

"Kyoko-chan, really, it's okay…"

"-OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Kanae and Chiori huddled together, watching wide-eyed as a torrent of tears poured out of Kyoko like a waterfall. Yashiro was trying to comfort her to no avail. Ren stood just inside the door to the archives, looking a little shamefaced. As well he should, Kanae thought grumpily. How could you just spring something like that on Kyoko?

"It's… all… m-m-my… f-fault," she hiccuped, then burst into tears again, leaving puddles on the floor as she dropped into a dogeza.

Ren dropped to one knee beside her, touching her shoulder. "Mogami-san, really, I'm fine," he said in a gentle voice. "I have no one to blame but myself. I didn't obey the President's directions."

Sniffling, Kyoko peeped up through watery eyes. "B-b-but you're w-wearing…" she inhaled a shuddering breath, "the Cursed Uniform! T-the p-press! Y-your image! Y-y-your c-c-career!" Fresh tears leaked out over her cheeks. Yashiro passed Ren a handkerchief who used it to dab at Kyoko's water-stained face.

"It's only temporary," he said with a chuckle. "No need to get so worked up about it."

Kyoko hiccuped again, her lower lip trembling. "R-really? How… how long did the President say that you had to wear… it?"

Ren glanced at Yashiro who shook his head. "I'm not sure, to be honest," he said, still smiling. "But I know it's not permanent and it'll only happen when I have time. The President isn't making me leave any of my current projects. See? It's not so bad." He chucked Kyoko gently under the chin, his expression so affectionate that Kanae had to look away or be caught in the radius effect of that heavenly smile.

"Now," he said, standing and helping Kyoko to her feet. She seemed a little wobbly, though whether it was weakness from crying so much or the effect of that dazzling smile, Kanae couldn't tell. "Let's get started, shall we?"

-end-