I think Kyoko's behavior from the previous chapter deserves some explanation. I was tired and bored, so I left that part a little short. Kyoko repeatedly confirms Ren's feelings, even going so far as to question his mental health; because she simply cannot believe he loves her. She agrees to a relationship with him, because she cares a lot about him (she won't admit its love). However, she is afraid to completely immerse herself in the emotion that caused her so much pain before; hence she says she will 'try' to love him back, attempt to overcome her fear of rejection.

Chapter 10: Epilogue

Ren stood at the side of the Bridge Rock set, hiding in the shadows while he watched his beloved Kyoko prancing around in the chicken suit, adorably funny antics making the audience double up in laughter. The chicken had no lines, but it was easy to understand what 'he' was trying to say from his unpredictable actions. Ren was once again impressed by her acting skills and determination. Though it was only a mascot role in a costume, she poured her heart and soul into it. That's so Kyoko.

Really, he should have known it was her. The inability to lie, the excessive bowing and apologizing; there were so many minute hints that indicated that the chicken….no, rooster (as she often reminded him) was actually his beloved. He simply hadn't paid attention to them.

No wonder he felt so comfortable baring his innermost secrets to the feathery mascot. He was by nature reserved, so spilling his heart to a complete stranger was a very unusual thing for him….

Ren was interrupted from his meditations by a cleared throat and awkward cough. "Can I help you sir?" The voice was polite, but Ren felt a surge of displeasure when he recognized the speaker as the 'Hiraku-san' who frequented asked the oblivious Kyoko out. Ren turned to face him, lifting his cap a little so that the Bridge Rock leader could see his face. "I'm fine, thank you for asking." Mentally smirking as Hiraku's eyes grew wider, he continued, "I was merely waiting for Kyoko (stressing the use of first name), I'm sorry for any trouble I may have caused."

Treating the shorter man to his brightest, most sparkly gentlemanly smile, he continued "Ah, you must be Hiraku-san. Kyoko has told me a lot about you. I am very relieved that you are looking out for her in my absence. I am truly grateful that she had such wonderful friends."

The emphasis in his voice was unmistakable. His tone said that Hiraku had better stick to being just friends, or there would be severe consequences….

"Ah, you're here already! As expected of the never-late king..." Kyoko chuckled as she caught sight of the tall man, rushing towards him only to stumble due to her ungainly chicken suit. Hurriedly changing into her usual outfit, she paused in front of a mirror, making herself presentable before joining her 'boyfriend'. She was still adjusting to the concept of being loved, believing herself to be plain and boring, despite Ren repeatedly assuring her otherwise. She was becoming more accepting of his displays of affection, even getting bold enough to initiate contact herself (not often though, she still had strict ideas of Japanese modesty).

"It's nice to see you, Kyoko." he said warmly. "How was your day? Congratulations on your new role, I have heard a lot about it. It is a highly anticipated drama after all…"

"I'm really looking forward to it" she responded eagerly, head bobbing up and down in agreement. "I think I have understood the character, I just have to put in some finishing touches to her personality…." she trailed off, lost in thought.

"I'm sure you will do splendidly" Ren encouraged. "After all, you are a very talented-"

"Oh, I forgot my bag!" Kyoko squeaked and scrambled off in search of the missing item, oblivious to the slightly deflated actor she left behind in mid-sentence. Oh well, he mused, shrugging good-humoredly. Some things never change.

Giving the stunned Hiraku a small nod, Ren departed after her with a murmur "Please don't forget, Hiraku-san…I'll be watching you."

Hiraku suppressed a shudder as the tall, handsome actor passed him to follow his precious girl. Who knew that the kind and gentle Tsuruga Ren could be so…menacing?

-x-x-

Ren had reserved the most luxurious dining room in the super-posh restaurant for their date. Eyes wandering around her surroundings, Kyoko could not help but admire the rich carpeting and tasteful artifacts hanging from the walls. She felt a small stab of guilt as she wondered exactly how much this dinner was costing Ren, but soon ignored her regret with the argument that he could afford it; he was Japan's best paid actor after all. Still, she was against wasteful spending… but Ren never listened to her protests; rather he was affronted when she objected to him spending exorbitant amounts on her. His pampering was both irritating and sweet at the same time, reminiscent of their time as the Heel Siblings. She could never get used to it, even though they had been dating for over a year now.

Ren has notified her that the dinner was a rather formal occasion, so she had been appropriately dressed in a flowery gown that complimented her figure. She was glad she chose this outfit, yet she felt underdressed in comparison to the opulent décor. Ren looked dashing as usual, even more handsome due to his decision to revert to his original hair color for the evening. That little fact spoke volumes about the importance of this little dinner.

Her gaze wandered to his golden locks. She loved his original hair color; even though Ren's darker dyed hair suited his professional attitude, as well as highlighting his Japanese heritage. Stifling a giggle, she mused. He really does look like a Prince.

Dinner passed pleasantly in idle chit-chat, both actors taking comfort in each other's company, unwinding after their hectic schedules. When the main course was over and the plates cleared, Ren fidgeted nervously. She was rather perceptive to his moods due to the time she spent with him, and she could confidently conclude from his mannerisms that something was bothering him. He was shifty and preoccupied, and it worried her, because he was not prone to bouts of nervousness. She did not enquire the reason for his disquiet, well aware that he would tell her at the appropriate time.

Dessert provided a welcome distraction, and Kyoko savored every bite of the delectable dish while Ren played around with his food. When she scraped the last bite off her spoon, he squared his shoulders as he always did when steeling himself for something difficult.

"Kyoko, there is something I need to tell you..."

She raised her head, meeting his reflective gaze with curious eyes. The seriousness of his tone indicated the importance of the conversation, and she sat up, alert and inquisitive as she wondered what had brought this about.

He opened his mouth, but quickly snapped it shut as he reconsidered his words, trying to frame his question in the best possible way, as if he had not spent hours practicing his little speech. Now slightly worried, Kyoko reached across the table and took his hand in hers. He gave her a grateful smile, and suddenly got up, kneeling in front of her. With a flourish, he took a small velvet box from his pocket, opening it to show her the most beautiful ring she had ever seen.

"Kyoko, my love, will you marry me?"

Kyoko's eyes grew wider than saucers. Over the past year, she had hesitantly accepted her feelings for him, but she was still afraid. It had taken her a long time to even say 'I love you'. She often froze when he became too close or touchy-feely. Nevertheless, she was very happy with him, and very grateful that he cared.

Now he was asking her to make a giant leap of faith. The ring glinted in the light, breathtaking in its elegant beauty. Amazing how such a small thing could cause so much chaos in the heart. She tore her eyes from the sparkling jewel and instead focused on his face. Anxiety, worry, even fear; all were clearly written in his apparently stoic expression.

Could she do this? Could she pour her heart and soul into another person, willingly throw aside the locks that protected her once-shattered heart? Lower her defenses, and revel in the attention he showered on her? She thought back to the past year; the joys, sorrows, troubles and accomplishments she had shared with Ren. The times they spent together were cherished memories forever etched into her heart. And she knew, with absolute certainty, that he would be there for her, forever. Until death do us part, she thought wryly.

Eyes shining with tears, she broke into a wide smile, and replied, "Yes, I do."

The End

A big hug for the anonymous guest review who gave me the idea for the first part of this little epilogue…thanks a lot!

This is a short chapter, but I think you need to cut me some slack after the twice-as-long-as-usual last chapter….thanks for your patience.

I'm not good at the sweet stuff, so I'm nervous about the reaction to the really lame proposal scene. Please be kind! I didn't describe the ring in great detail; I left it to your imagination. Some stories have wonderful descriptions of diamonds and corn stones, but I'm not really into jewelry, so I didn't bother wasting words on it.

I've branched out and am currently reading fanfictions in my other favorite manga, like Bleach, Naruto and Kuroshitsuji. This made me realize just how much potential Skip Beat! has for fanfiction topics….most other manga have set plotlines and characters, and you cannot write anything without introducing a huge host of OCs…

Whimper is finally done, thanks everyone for reading and reviewing! Please look out for my next fanfic 'As Usual'…. first chapter is almost ready!