Skip Beat PS2 Ren Path Good Ending (part 2)

A shine of light in the distance catches her eye. Over the horizon, the sun has started its ascent. The glittering reflection spreads steadily across the surface of the water. The face of the red sun finally emerges from the horizon.



"Tsuruga-san, look! The shape of the sun and the reflection. It looks just like a daruma doll!"

"Yes, you're right. It's really great how everything fits so well today."

"Yes, we're really lucky. We managed to see this even though its our first time here."

"It's beautiful."

"Indeed! The pure red color makes it look like a daruma even more."

"Mogami-san's face is also surprisingly red."

"That's due to the morning sunlight shone on me. To prove it, Tsuruga-san's face is red too. Almost as if you're blushing."

"I am blushing."

"Is that so....?"

He says it with such a serious expression, now I'm blushing too!

"Mogami-san, aren't you blushing too?"

"I have already been embarrassed too much already, so many things..."

"Okay, hush now."



My lips became heavy.
I feel my temperature rising, my heart beating faster.
But above that, I feel myself melting away in this gentleness.
Both my heart and my body.
As if I am immersed in light.
All my emotions were out in an instant.
This wasn't just an ordinary dawn.
My whole body feels warm.
It feels like I'm melting into the sunrise.
Yeah, it's probably the sunrise's fault....
Whatever....

Slowly, our lips part. Tsuruga-san's fingers gently caress my face, from my forehead to my cheeks. As if being pampered by his touch, my face leans closer.

Ren: The sun has risen completely.
Kyouko: We managed to see the complete Daruma sunrise. It wasn't something we get to see everyday.
Ren: But what about Corn's stone?
Kyouko: Ah! I was like dreaming, I totally forgot!
Kyouko: But it's fine.... I got to see this with Tsuruga-san, that's good enough for me.
Ren: Thank you. This has been a good sign of things to come. The filming today is bound to be good.
Kyouko: Really?
Ren: It will be fine.

Once more, Tsuruga-san kissee me gently on my forehead. As Tsuruga-san's lips descends on my forehead, without realizing, I press my hands against him.

Ren: Is this supposed to be a cute way of stopping me?
Kyouko: Eh?
Ren: I wanted to kiss you more.

Panicking, I quickly withdraw my hands to my back.

Ren: That was hurtful, you know?
Kyouko: I'm sorry, I'm just not used to this...
Ren: That's okay. You'll get used to it soon.

Get used to...? I feel my face getting red again.

Ren: We've seen the whole sunrise. It's time we head back to the hotel.
Kyouko: Okay.

Tsuruga-san and I walk back to the hotel together. As we walk our hands hold tightly together.

At the set.

Director: Cut! Okay, that's a wrap, Kyouko-chan. It was totally different from before. How did you do it.

That was what the director said to me. Did he just say it was okay? I take a glance back at Tsuruga-san. He nods at me happily. That means, my acting as Shiori is a success?

Director: It's settled, we'll be using this. We managed to capture those fiercely seductive eyes. To think that a single night can change so much.

Hearing the director so happy, I can hardly believe it. "Thank you very much!"

I did it! I am really happy to have done my job well. But more than that, I am really glad to have partnered with Tsuruga-san for this act all the way.

In the end, the slump that I was in is totally gone, and the filming went well. The filming ended without a hitch.

At the office.

Yashiro: The R-Mandy advertisement was just splendid! Everyone is asking about Kyouko-chan's eyes.
Kyouko: Really?



Yashiro: Yes. Such seductive eyes. Known only as the Mysterious Woman, K. Such is the gossip floating around now.
Kyouko: So only the initial K is used...
Yashiro: In this fast moving industry, those guys will be out trying to find out the identity of K. It really makes me proud to have gone to the location filming with you guys.
Kyouko: You're just saying that, Yashiro-san.
Yashiro: I really mean it. Ren would agree with me too, right?
Ren: Yes of course. And, what about my part?
Yashiro: Eh? Of course it's great that Ren passed this one, as usual. But this time, Kyouko-chan was really great!
Kyouko: No! Tsuruga-san was even better than before!
Yashiro: You didn't have to say it with such force... Okay, I get it.

I felt embarrassed by that. Yashiro-san takes a glance at Tsuruga-san before turning around.

Yashiro: I have to submit a report to the President. Ren and Kyouko-chan, please go to the car first. Since you are both going to the TV station, Ren can give you a ride.
Kyouko: Erm, would that be okay?
Ren: It's fine.
Yashiro: Bye now.

Yashiro-san leaves us as soon as he says that.

Ren: How thoughtful of Yashiro-san...
Kyouko: Indeed. It's only just going to another workplace.

We look at each other and smile.

Ren: Well then, let's go.
Kyouko: Okay!



The credits roll.

The End

(A shame this is where the game ends. No wedding bells etc. -_- )

For those interested in listening to the ending theme, go here.
http://www.mediafire.com/?cabmgrm7vklvgp9
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=OU4PS03R
No Youtube videos for the credits, unfortunately.

Skip Beat PS2 Ren Path Good Ending (part 1)

For better or worse, the shoot ends tomorrow. There's a high chance she will be fired. Kyouko realizes this means the following morning will be her last chance to see Daruma cape. She did went there once, but she hasn't gone in the morning. But Tsuruga-san had already told her not to go wandering alone in the dark. And she couldn't possibly disturb him for this. So, she decides to stay in her room.

Just as she closes her eyes, her cellphone rings. The "Unidentified" number, lets her know that it is Ren. She answers the phone. It is indeed Ren.

Kyouko: Tsuruga-san, what's the matter?
Ren: I was thinking, since the shoot ends tomorrow, we should wake up earlier so that we can go to Daruma Cape.
Kyouko: Are we going together?
Ren: If I leave you alone, you will go there by yourself.

It's almost unbelievable how he knows exactly what she was thinking. Just the thought of going together with him...

Kyouko: I can't. It is true that I want to go. But I'm really happy that you asked me for this.
Ren: Like I said, if you really want to go, then you shouldn't refuse.
Kyouko: But to trouble Tsuruga-san in the morning. And for such a personal reason too...
Ren: I said I wanted to see the place too, no?
Kyouko: Really? I guess you did. It's going to be a rare Daruma morning! I know you want to see it too!
Ren: That's right.
Ren: I want to see it too, dawn at Daruma Cape.
Kyouko: Yes. I'm a little scared to go alone, but I'll feel much safer with Tsuruga-san!
Ren: I don't know how much comfort that gives you. But we still must prepare for the cold.
Kyouko: Yes?
Ren: The morning will be cold. Make sure you prepare a thick coat or towel. I will be bringing one, so make sure you do so too.
Kyouko: Oh, I see.
Ren: So I'll see you at 5 am at the lobby.
Kyouko: Okay.
Ren: Goodnight then. I'll see you later.
Kyouko: Goodnight. Um, well...
Ren: What is it?
Kyouko: I still have some of the fireworks...
Ren: Then let's use the remaining ones together.
Kyouko: Really?
Ren: Of course. Goodnight again.
Kyouko: Yes! Goodnight.

As she hangs up, she clutches the phone close to her. When she said goodnight to him, she felt happy, but after it was over, she started feeling sad. This feeling, was it loneliness? The way she wanted to be closer to him, it was almost scary. It just doesn't feel right. She still doesn't understand the true meaning behind her feelings. Maybe she's just thinking too much?

Is she feeling this way because she has been hurt before? Admitting to that felt shameful.

She goes to bed with a fuzzy feeling. She wonders, is Tsuruga-san going to bed too at this very moment? The thought of this makes her face warm. She really must be......

Morning came. Kyouko had hardly slept, because of those fuzzy feelings. In any case, she is already here at the lobby to meet Tsuruga-san, and she brought everything she needed.

Ren came out to greet her, and he asks her if she had slept well. Kyouko looks at his face. He looks happy and well-rested. Doesn't look like he lost any sleep at all. Kyouko greets back and answers she slept well.

Kyouko says she's sorry for having him up this early. "Don't say that," he says. "I was the one who asked you, right? I'm the one asking Mogami-san out on a date."

D-d-d-d-d-date?! Did he just say "date"?

"You don't have to show such a shocked reaction..."

"Oh, I see. You are trying to help me improve my acting this way." What a way to find an excuse....

"So, is it okay to call it that?" Kyouko knows Ren is serious. Just thinking about it makes her blush. Yet, she still has doubts, thinking she will be hurt in the end.

"No, it's a date! It's definitely a date! 100% date!" She declares this with a burning spirit. Ren comments she didn't have to use such force. "S-sorry..." She feels embarrassed for suddenly changing her mind.

"Well then, shall we go on our date?" He invites her again. "Yes!" She finds herself instinctively answering and following again. No way she could refuse him. "This is our date. It's our private time," he adds. This makes her blush again. Ren just smiles at her.

They head outside. Dawn is not here yet. It is darker than she had imagined. The path ahead was only lit by their flashlights, making it difficult to walk. Kyouko comments that it was a good idea to have brought a flashlight. Ren agrees.

Kyouko tells Ren her heart was beating really fast last night. This gets his hopes up a bit. She says its because it felt somewhat like she was going out on an adventure. Ren says it's going to be a great day. Kyouko agrees. The truth is, she had some other reasons why she had felt excited. But she dared not ask herself why. She drifts off again. "Mogami-san?" "Yipe!" Ren comments that since just now, she had been acting kind of nervous. "Don't tell me, you still think that I'm angry?" "No, I'm just a little excited, that's all."

"Excited? Is it because of me?" What a direct question! "Ah, n-no, i-it's not that." Kyouko feels being put into a spot here, and has to change the subject somehow. Kyouko starts to talk about that earlier incident when he was surrounded by friends. He doesn't even seem fazed by it. That sort of thing must have been an everyday situation. Kyouko recalls that time when they were trying to escape from fans on a bike. She goes silent again. There is no denying it this time. What she feels, it is definitely jealousy.

"Mogami-san, are you alright? Your face seems so red." What?! How could he possibly notice such details? "I was just thinking about stuff, that's all!"

Ren: To be thinking about stuff that makes your face red, don't tell me...
Kyouko: NO! That's not it! That's not it at all!
Ren: You're being a little too defensive now.
Kyouko: That's not it. It's just that, at that time, you were particularly kind towards one of your fans.
Ren: Eh?
Kyouko: I know it's embarrassing to feel so. After all, you are a celebrity with so many fans.
Ren: Don't tell me, you're jealous?

KABOOM! It's a home-run. She now feels like a fish in a barrel. "Your expression is showing like I'm bullying you." Kyouko replies, "I'm okay! Instead of saying jealousy, it's more like a child's possessive feelings, that's all. Please don't mind it." "I see," that's all he says, again with an expressionless face. He seems to be indifferent to it. Kyouko wonders if she is the only one feeling this way. Will he never respond to her at all?

Then she wakes up. Why am I thinking about such things? She follows him behind quickly. She knows that Ren isn't angry (anger sensor), but yet she can't tell how he feels. Since he said it was a date, he shouldn't be going so far ahead of her. She tugs Ren's jacket sleeve. "I was moving so fast. I'm sorry. It was a date after all..." "Y..Yes! You should be." Kyouko says, taking this opportunity to chide him.

"Well then, shall we walk hand-in-hand?"

"Eh?"

"Well, the weather is cold. We should walk closer together because of the wind." Ren says, extending his elbow.

Kyouko is hesitant. "Well, the wind isn't blowing, so..." The moment she says this, a strong gust blows by. Silently, after seeing his smile, she held his arm. "How warm..." Kyouko makes some cute remarks about how Ren replaces a warm bath. Ren says it's the same case for him too.

Walking together like this, Kyouko silently admits they must look like lovers. Tsuruga-san, is he this kind to the one he loves? Thinking about this pains her, and she doesn't want to think about it any more. She knows her thoughts get too wild sometimes.

"Mogami-san, what's wrong? Is your face feeling cold?" "N..no, it's not that." Ren holds both of his hands to her cheeks. "Tsu-tsuruga-san?" "Does this help to warm you up?" Ren asks. His touch was comforting. But his face was close. Too close. Really close. As happy as she was, it was beyond her acceptance limit. Looking at his face, she felt her heart may be stolen any time.

Kyouko says she's okay now and suggests they continue. At this rate, they'll never get to Daruma Cape. "Well then, let's continue walking together again." She felt herself instinctively holding Ren's hand again, like it was a natural thing.

They reached the place. Ren had brought her to the peak of the cape.

"It's still very dark," Kyouko commented. "Watch your steps. It's dark, don't stray too far," Ren warns her.

Kyouko's heart kept pounding the whole time she was with him. Dawn is approaching. Ren checked his cellphone for the time. They decided to stay there and wait. Kyouko stares at Ren's face under the dim lamp lights, the scene reminding her of somewhere from a distant dream. She tries to control her thoughts.



Ren puts his hand on Kyouko's shoulder and holds her close.

Ren: This way, you won't feel cold.
Kyouko: I see...
Ren: I'm glad I came here today.
Kyouko: I'm glad I cam too. With Tsuruga-san...
Ren: I'm glad I finally have the courage.
Kyouko: Courage? About Tsuruga-san? I could never refuse a request from Tsuruga-san. You're my senior after all.
Ren: That would be bad for me. It's like I've forced you to come here.
Kyouko: That's not true. I never hated Tsuruga-san asking me out.
Ren: That's good to hear. We wait for the sunrise here.
Kyouko: Eeh?! But nobody knows we're here! And we don't know how much time we have left, so...
Ren: I'll call them and inform them, don't worry.
Kyouko: I see... are we really going to stay here and wait for the sunrise?



Her question causes Ren's face to turn red and look away. "It's no big deal, really. I woke up early and had a can of coffee." Kyouko feels her heart escalating.

"When it's about you, I always find myself acting like a child, losing my composure, behaving badly to get what I want." Ren admits. What Ren said made her really happy. Beyond words. She says she never expected him to say something like that.

Ren finally admits, he was jealous over her. Ehhh?! He's jealous? Kyouko comments that she will really be scared if Ren is indeed jealous. Ren asks "Why is that so?"

"Because there is no man around me to be jealous of."
"Really? It didn't seem so to me..."
"It's true! There is no such person. We are all actors."
"Well that's true... Speaking of which, it was the same feeling Mogami-san had about the fan..."
"Please forget about it. It is not something which actors should be having..."
"I certainly do have those feelings."
"Tsuruga-san too?"
"Is it that strange for me to be feeling jealous?"
"No, it's not that.... I just didn't think Tsuruga-san would have a love interest..."
"So, I see.... I've been fighting a losing battle after all..."

Kyouko starts feeling pain again. A long time ago, Ren had already mentioned that he liked someone. She had almost forgotten about it. She starts to wonder if she is in a bad position to be, so she steps away.

"Mogami-san?"
"I.... I am a little envious.... this person Tsuruga-san is thinking off..."
"Mogami-san...."
As they continued talking, she has already stepped further away. He looked like he wanted to say something, but didn't.

"Cold..." Kyouko feels the cold running through he body.
"Well, looks like this towel came in handy after all."
"Yes, it is."
"Come, sit here. It will be sunrise soon." Ren covers her with the towel.

While Kyouko is seated, she opened the purse containing Corn again.
"Ah, you brought Corn with you," Ren comments. "Yes, I wanted Corn to see the sunrise too," she replies.

"Well this is awkward... it feels like a third party watching over our date...."
"Eh? But I had thought that it would be great for Tsuruga-san to see it too."
"Me?"
"Yes. When the morning light meets will corn, a dazzling aurora will show! I didn't want to see it alone, that's why I really wanted to see it with Tsuruga-san."
"this really makes me happy..."
"I'm happy too!"

Out of the blue, Ren asked her an honest question. "Mogami-san, do you like Corn a lot?"

"Yes I do..... But, it is different from falling in love..." she answers.

At that time, all she could think of was Shoutarou. It's a painful memory that hurts just to even think about it. She tries to seal those memories of Shoutaro away. "Furthermore, I have already decided never to fall in love again.

"Is it because of that guy?"

Kyouko is very clear who Ren is referring to. He didn't seem to like it when she speaks about him.

"I..."
"I'm not blaming you."
"I see..."

Ren certainly does not seem angry at all. But this actually makes her feel darker inside.

Ren says, "In fact I have someone that I feel that I am truly in love with. Yet I cannot say it out." Ren's words shake her up inside even more than the coldness of the air.

"Why is that so?" Kyouko asks. Ren simply stands up, as if he did not hear her. Whatever is causing Tsuruga-san pain, she wants to know. He must have been suffering, yet she had no idea. Still, she wanted to be a part of it. Was it a form of possessiveness? It hurts inside....

"Mogami-san, there's still a lot about me that I have never told you..."

"You can start telling me now."

"I can't.... I don't have the courage to say it out. I could never bear it if Mogami-san hates me because of what I say."

"I won't hate you! No matter what it is.... I could never hate Tsuruga-san." She had almost lost him, there is no way she would let that happen again.

Ren is still a little hesitant, but Kyouko promises not to judge him no matter what it is.

"I...."

"That's right. Please tell me."

"I am a man, who has lost the right to be happy...." His expression and his voice carries the weight of a deep wound.

"I..."

"Please go on." Kyouko is actually more apprehensive, feeling nervous what he has to say. But she has already made up her mind to listen to her story, and she has long decided that he could never be a bad person. Of this, she is certain. She had to hear it.

It is a brief instance, but she noticed that Ren shook. It was not from the cold, it was as though he was afraid of what he wanted to say. Whatever it was that scared him, she wants to protect him from it. Kyouko knows very well it is presumptuous of her to be even thinking so, yet she couldn't help herself.

"Tsuruga-san will become happy! Tsuruga-san is not someone who lost he right to be happy."

"I'm not. If Tsuruga-san hadn't given me courage, I could never have come this far." Despite her efforts at trying to cheer him, she is the one feeling like crying now. Her head hangs low.

"Mogami-san." Ren puts his hand on her back, startling her a little.

"I must look like a fool right now. I thought of wanting to protect Tsuruga-san. I am always getting your support, but when it is my turn to give... But even so, right now I feel I have to protect Tsuruga-san no matter what. But as usual, I can do nothing right... So regretful..."

Ren's gentle touch was really comforting.

Ren: I never wanted, or hoped for someone to love...
Kyouko: Tsuruga-san....
Ren: And yet, I just can't stop the feelings I have for her... Mogami-san, the one I love is you. So you don't have to feel regretful. I have always been saved by you. Even now, you've made me happy, to the point it's almost unbearable.

Is this a confession? To me? Tsuruga-san says that he loves me? Kyouko can feel her whole face turning red, all the way up to her ears, where she can't hide it even if she wanted to.

Happiness. That was the only way to describe how she is feeling now. A surge of happiness that can't be stopped.

I am loved by Tsuruga-san. To the point where it is unbearable. I, can no longer suppress my own feelings too...

"Mogami-san? You didn't hear me? Shall I repeat that one more time?"

"You don't have to. I feel the same way too. I love Tsuruga-san, and I can't stop these feelings that I have."

"Then don't stop them."

"Yes...."

It's okay, right? To feel this way? To let it be? It's all right to love Tsuruga-san. Aaah, what should I do? Even though this cold is hitting me, I feel warm inside, as if I am floating.

Ren puts a hand over Kyouko's shoulders and brings his face closer to hers.

Kyouko yet again fills her self with doubt. He loves a person like me? Suddenly, I really want to believe it. I just couldn't believe it. It's so unbelievable, yet I want to believe it so much...

"Mogami-san..."

Such enchanting lips...
As if floating towards me....
... I want to touch them....
... I want to kiss them....
Te!! WHAT?!?!
W...What am I thinking?!
WHAT IS THIS?!!

Kyouko felt her her heart pounding so fast, it could explode if it pounded any faster.

Skip Beat PS2 Chapter 4 Ren Path (part 9)

The best choice is to say that she felt her chest shattered. She remembers the feeling of despair, and tears start to form in her eyes. She tries to stop herself from crying in front of Ren. Ren gently wipes the tears off her face. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't make you think about such things again." Kyouko assures him, "It's okay, it was just an imagination. But it was scary. To be hated by Tsuruga-san..."

Ren apologises again, admitting that he acted wilfully because he did not think that he is important to her. Kyouko replies that there is no way that Tsuruga-san's presence within her is less than anyone else's. Her heart started beating fast again. "I'm glad to hear that," says Ren. His calm voice has her staring into him even more. "Mogami-san..."

Kyouko blurts out, "I was so worried and worried, that my chest hurts so much, I felt like I was going crazy." "No, that's just a normal feeling." He gently strokes her hair. Kyouko tells Ren, it is strange. She no longer feels any pain, and she feels at ease. But her heart is beating so fast. Ren tells her, it is the same case with him too.

Kyouko is unconvinced. "Liar. Your face is the same as always. You don't show any expression." Ren says his face may be expressionless, but he really means it. Kyouko says that if that's so, he shouldn't always hold back like that, and he should show how he really feels.

Ren hesitates a bit. "Is it really okay?" Kyouko doesn't understand what he meant by that. "Yes?" Ren says he will stop holding back. Before she realizes it, Ren has already made his move.


Ren: I'm sorry for making you scared. I won't hate you. I'll never do that.
Kyouko: ...Really? You wouldn't refuse to see me, or refuse to work with me again?
Ren: I'll never say it, or think it. Mogami-san, you shouldn't think it too.
Kyouko: Is it really okay? I must be conceited, saying such things to you.
Ren: Conceited it is, then. Mogami-san is dense, after all.
Kyouko: I'm dense, huh?
Ren: Yeah.
Kyouko: Tsuruga-san feels so warm.
Ren: Mogami-san, I can feel your heartbeat. It's beating fast.
Kyouko: But Tsuruga-san, your heart is beating as fast too. Let me hear it properly.
Ren: Um.

Being held gently, she can smell his fragrance. Somewhere, their hearts started beating normally again. They have reconciled, and she knows that everything is okay now. It feels great. She's so happy, she could cry.

After a while, she leaves his arms, but is still feeling dazed. Ren offers her another cup of coffee, which she accepts.

Ren says, regardless of the outcome of this job, whether the director approves of her performance or otherwise, she should still view this as a great learning experience. Kyouko agrees with him completely

Ren knows that Kyouko alwasy gets more fired up the more difficult the task is, and she won't give up until the very end. He can see the light shining in her eyes again. He assures her, with eyes like that, she will do just fine. She feels really glad to be encouraged by him.

Kyouko says it's time for her to return. Ren insists on seeing her back to her room. Outside her room, she thanks him again. He is overly concerned for her as usual. Kyouko protests she knows how to take care of herself, she's an adult now. "Is that so?" Ren takes this opportunity to entice her. Her heart beats very fast, but she didn't take the bait, of course.

After Kyouko parted with him, the loneliness starts to creep in again. She feels like wanting to see him. This kind of feeling is dangerous. She couldn't stop thinking about him. She tells herself, this is probably just the lingering feelings of Shiori and REN.

She goes to bed, but even so, her heartbeat continues to be fast. She feels really happy to be forgiven by him. The gentle sound of the waves soothes her to sleep again. It will be the last day of the shoot tomorrow.

End of Chapter 4.

Skip Beat PS2 Chapter 4 Ren Path (part 8)

After what seemed like hours, when Kyouko cried her fill, she decides to get up, and leaves her room.

She feels she has to apologize to him again, properly. Even if he is not going to listen. She gathers her will, then proceeds to Ren's room. Halfway there, she catches sight of Yashiro and Ren talking.

Yashiro: You and Kyouko-chan are really going around in circles.
Ren: Please don't trouble yourself for any of this.
Yashiro: Like I told you, you misunderstood! There is no way that Kyouko-chan could say those things to you out of a whimsical mood!
Ren:.............
Yashiro: First off, when I told Kyouko-chan that you can make any girls fall head-over-heels with a simple kiss, she hated the idea!
Ren: So she hated it...
Yashiro: On the contrary, it's not you that she hates. What she hates is the idea you can end a flash relation as quickly as it started.
Ren: So, Mogami-san is...
Yashiro: That's right. As I said, it isn't what you think it is.
Ren: I have not said anything on what I had been thinking so far.
Yashiro: Again, as I have said...
Ren: Mogami-san?
Yashiro: Ah, Kyouko-chan!

They both notice Kyouko. "Excuse me..." She wonders what to say.

Yashiro: Well, I've said all I needed to.
Kyouko: Eh?
Yashiro: The rest is all up to you now.

After saying this to Kyouko, Yashiro leaves them. Now it's just the 2 of them.

(At this point, I'll like to explain something here. What Yashiro talked about was what Kyouko was thinking previously. Something about "Kaze ni Koi". I don't think my Japanese grammar is that poor, but when I translate it literally, it seems to imply Ren falls in love with the wind. It's illogical no matter how I look at it. If I looked at it in a metaphorical way, it seems to be implying that he easily sets down a flash relation, which is what I chose. The grammar doesn't seem correct for this though. There's another possibility, which is that the true meaning is actually that Kyouko is afraid that once she gets into such a relation in such a way, she is unable to come out. OR, she is afraid that she can't get into such a relation at all. But if that were the case, than Ren would be sad, rather than relieved to hear it. So, I just stuck to that one.)

Kyouko is worried that Ren may not even want to see her face. "I'm sorry. You probably don't even want to see me right now. But I feel that I have to properly apologise one more time no matter what. Ren replies, "Okay then, come in. We shouldn't talk at the corridors." Is he letting me in? She complies immediately.

Inside, Ren offers her a seat. He asks if she wants some coffee, and she accepts. The aroma of the coffee somewhat calms her nervous self. It is a wierd feeling, yesterday, she was here to receive help for her acting, yet right now, it feels like she is on the death row. Ren hands her the cup.

He sits down too. They both stay silent, with nothing to say. This situation was like the meal earlier, but unlike that moment, there is no hostility now. Finally, Ren spoke. "About what Yashiro said earlier. Is it true?" (He is referring to the flash relation part, the Kaze ni koi.) A 3-way option at this point.

If Kyouko stays silent, she becomes so embarrassed that she hides her face. So Ren takes her silence for admitting it. ^_^

If Kyouko admits it, she immediately becomes embarrassed, so she covers her face. "I see..." There seems to be no anger in his voice, so she peeks at his face to confirm it, resulting in her heart jumping.

Anyway, Ren sincerely apologises for being angry with her. The unexpected apology from him made her heart tighten. Is he forgiving me? But why is he apologising?

Kyouko: You're not angry anymore?
Ren: Of course I'm not angry anymore. It was immature of me.
Kyouko: No! It was my fault to begin with!
Ren: Mogami-san, how about you? Are you angry with me?
Kyouko: I could not be angry. I was... afraid. Just afraid.
Ren: I see. It was too much of me...
Kyouko: No, that's not true. Tsuruga-san is not such a flippant person after all. I was feeling uneasy the whole time.
Ren: Unease? Is it about tomorrow's act?
Kyouko: No, it's not that. All this while, I was just thinking about Tsuruga-san. I probably failed as a professional.
Kyouko: This whole time, the importance of tomorrow's shoot could not compare to Tsuruga-san getting angry.
Kyouko: You'll probably dislike me even more now...
Ren: ...Mogami-san, I'm really sorry for making you so frightened.

Ren says he understands how she must be feeling. It's his fault this happened. Kyuko says, "It's my fault. To ask for a kiss simply for the sake of making my acting better... it's just..." Ren answers, that was not the reason why he was angry. Kyouko is confused. It's not about the kiss? Could it be because he thinks that I am special?

Ren asks her. "Mogami-san, do you feel the same way too?" Ren asks this with such seriousness, that when she looks into his eyes, her heart pounds furiously.

Kyouko: Feel the same way? As in, you are different from other people to me?
Ren: Is that not how you felt?

Kyouko knows that is true. He is unlike anyone else.

"Tsuruga-san is unique. There is no one else in this world like you." Ren smiles at her. "I feel the same way about you too. You are special to me. That's why it hurt me when you said those words."

After hearing his words, Kyouko fully understands now. It wasn't that he was angry, it was that he was hurt. "I'm sorry." Ren says Kyouko shouldn't apologise anymore, he's no longer angry.

Ren says they should prepare for tomorrow's shoot. Upon hearing his words, she gets a shock. She had completely forgotten about something else that is important. Judging from her reaction, Ren realizes that she had been too caught up up worrying over him.

Ren says in any case, it is great that she had came over. Kyouko says she still doesn't have the right mood for it. She says she has to really put all her effort into this one. Ren says it's just like her.

Kyouko thinks back and recalls the feelings that she had felt. The pain and suffering she felt when she realizes she could be losing him. And the jealousy she felt when she saw the fans intimate with Ren.

But those feelings aren't enough, so she's right back where she started, having to rely on his help again. She finds herself looking at his face again.

Ren: What is it?
Kyouko: I just wanted to thank you.
Ren: Eh? I didn't really do anything.
Kyouko: No, I have been thinking a lot, and I am starting to really understand how Shiori is feeling now.

Ren asks her, what kind of feelings did she feel. A 3 way option at this point. This is the last of the choices.

Skip Beat PS2 Chapter 4 Ren Path (part 7)

If she chooses to go to the cafeteria, she will phone Mouko-san, who is totally unsympathetic of her plight. (But it turns out she wants Kyouko to hurry back sooner.)

The best choice is for Kyouko to decide that she should go see Tsuruga-san's filming. She knows that just cowering here won't do. She can't do her role if she is hated by him. So she decides to go see it. She walks there with heavy footsteps.

At the site, Ren is busily filming. Yashiro calls out to Kyouko. "Kyouko-chan!" He said it's great. He thought she won't be coming till dinner. Kyouko says it was hard to bear worrying alone. Yashiro agrees, it is not a good thing to worry alone. Kyouko also adds she wants to see him act, she likes seeing him in his role. But she starts to get negative thoughts again. Yashiro says he understands, after all, Ren can be scary when he's angry. But you'll be safe as long as he's working.

Kyouko watches as the director gives Ren stringent requests, which he follows. Yashiro actually tells Kyouko that Ren's state of mind is actually unfavorable. Kyouko almost didn't believe him. Yashiro signals her to look at Ren. The director tells Ren that his expression is too stiff, and perhaps they should take a break. Ren of course, insists that they should continue.

And so they continue the filming, but Kyouko doesn't want to see any more. Yashiro asks where is she going. She says she's going back to her room. The pain won't stop. She decides to return to her room, take a bath, and reset everything.

Regardless of what happened, Kyouko is back in her room. She takes a relaxing bath, and releases all those worries holding her.

(THERE'S NO CG FOR HER BATHING, YOU PERVS!!)

"What will it take for him to forgive me?" When she thinks about how to use her acting skills, all she could think about was Tsuraga-san's angry face. She feels a tightening pain within. The fear that he may never speak with her again grips her, and she feels even colder.

She sinks into the bath. Then bursts out gasping for air of course. :P

She thinks about being hated by Ren. Those fangirls previously, they must have bigger presence then she does. She felt like crying, so she washes her face clean.

After her bath and her "image training", she goes down to the lobby. She wants to head to the cafeteria to get a meal, but she meets Yashiro along the way. He calls out to her. Kyouko asks him about the shoot. Yashiro says that Ren's parts are mostly done, so all that's left is hers. She gets into negative spirit again, thinking she has not done her job well. He tries to encourage her, saying there's still tomorrow.

Yashiro informs her that Ren is changing now, and invites her to join them for dinner. Kyouko turns him down, saying that Ren is probably still mad at her. Yashiro senses something amiss. He asks Kyouko, is Ren angry at her because of something which he had told her? "Like getting a kiss to make you fall in love? Something somewhere along that line?" Yashiro is spot on. Kyouko answers, "No, I'm the one who said it. It's my fault in the end."

"I knew it." Now Yashiro is feeling down too. "I'm sorry. All this is my fault." Kyouko says he's not to blame, it's some stunt she decided to try after listening to what the director said. Yashiro shakes his head, saying it definitely is his fault after all.

"What are you guys talking about?" Ren's sudden appearance shakes her. She turns around to see him coming over. "Ah, Ren. I was just thinking of inviting Kyouko with us for dinner. It's fine, right?" Kyouko whispers to Yashiro saying she should refuse. "I don't mind," answers Ren. Even though that was his answer, he says it in an absolute zero temperament. A 3 way option at this point.

The best option is to say thanks. Yashiro will rub it in Ren's face. "Ren isn't angry any more. It wouldn't be mature of him to continue to be angry." (He's probably the only person who dares to do that.) Yashiro assures Kyouko that she will be safe. Kyouko is very scared, but she goes along.

If she tries to refuse or come up with an excuse, Yashiro will latch on to her hand, making sure she can't escape. Then he drags her along. ^_^

(Note: Up until this point of time, it was just simply referred to as a meal. It wasn't until much later, where this meal was indicated as dinner. Furthermore, the sky is still bright, which made me wonder if it really was supposed to be dinner.)

Anyway, regardless of what happened, they are in the cafeteria sitting together. None of them has said a single word. Yashiro opens his mouth first. "Ren." He shakes Ren's shoulder. "What is it, Yashiro-san?" "I'm sorry! It was me! I gave Kyouko-chan those ideas!" He declares apologetically with both hands on the table. Yashiro confessed it was he who gave Kyouko the idea about the kiss with such an easy-going attitude. Ren just retorts how "easy-going" that was to ask something like that. These words really stabbed Kyouko. Yashiro protests that request might as well have came from his own mouth, Kyouko-chan should have nothing to do with it.

Kyouko can see Yashiro desperately pealing to him for her sake. Yet she is unable to say anything. She couldn't even look up. At this rate, things would only get worse. Suddenly, Ren gets up. He says he's finished, so he will be returning to his room now. Yashiro persuades him to stay. Ren just smiles, saying he ate the minimum amount needed. (Yashiro wasn't talking about the food.) Kyouko feels a stabbing pain, thinking he probably wants to be away from her. She wants to apologise, but she stays stunned, while he turns around to leave. Yashiro calls to him again. Ren just replies he wishes to be alone. He then leaves. Yashiro wanted to chase after him, but he stays behind. He and Kyouko both sighs.

Yashiro says in the end, he wasn't able to follow up on anything at all. Kyouko insists it's not his fault. Her easy-going attitude would offend any professional. Yashiro says that's not the reason. He knows it too well. It's because they're talking about Kyouko-chan here, that's the reason. He says Ren treats this matter with Kyouko very seriously. She is important to him. Kyouko doesn't understand any of that. Yashiro says he can't be the one to tell her.

Kyouko is confused. Is there another reason for Tsuruga-san's anger? Yashiro asks her how does she feel. He asks her to recall back the previous incidents. She thinks for a while, but she does not give any satisfactory answer. "So, what do you think might have happened if he does kiss you?" This stabs her. "Tsuruga-san is not such a flippant person."

Yashiro: Well, that is indeed true...
Kyouko: So the reason has to be the kiss itself.
Yashiro: A kiss is not a small matter to you too, right?

Yashiro continues in vain to convince Kyouko. "It's only because it's Ren, that's why you can ask this, right?" That is indeed true. Yashiro tells her, in any case, he will be back to normal by tomorrow. But Kyouko is not the least convinced, and is still feeling down. She feels her chest tightening.

Kyouko says she will return to her room. Despite Yashiro's protests that she hasn't really eaten anything yet, she still leaves.

Kyouko walks towards her room in her hotel. She looked downwards the whole way, not having the mood to look at anyone. She is fighting back tears.

Back in her room, she thinks to herself. What should see do? He must still be very angry. It was a terrible thing to ask. It's not like they have a special relationship. What if she never sees him again outside of work?

She starts to cry softly. It would have been a lot better if this was one of his usual anger fits. Could he forgive her like what he usually does? She hold her knees and sobs, thinking of what Ren thinks of her now. What if she did like him? Is that why it's so painful to be hated by him?

She continues to cry. She tells herself not to, she needs those eyes for the shoot tomorrow. But the tears won't stop. But even so, the importance of this job could not compare to the graveness of being hated by Tsuruga. What a failure as a professional... That's how he would chide her. But wait, he won't chide her like that again. Just the pure thought of that makes her heart ache. She wishes it will all just go away.

This isn't love. Love shouldn't have to hurt this much, right? Yet, why won't the pain go away? Why does it feel like she's drowning? She never knew such a kind of love exists.

Skip Beat PS2 Chapter 4 Ren Path (part 6)

In her room, Kyouko thinks about the events earlier, and it makes her heart beat faster. She is really glad she sought his help. She wonders about Shiori's feelings for REN, is it anything like her and Tsuruga? She convinces herself it is not. Anyone would have seen Tsuruga as sexy. She tells herself not to get the wrong idea.

Kyouko goes to sleep, feeling tired. She is determined to do her best at the shoot tomorrow.

The next morning, they start the shoot. It is time for Kyouko's part. Ren asks her if she is ready, she confirms. The director gives instructions to get into position.

Kyouko feels far more confident. Today, her role is no longer just a nameless girl. Today, she is Sumeragi Shiori, who came here in search of the model REN. She closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and concentrates. When she opens her eyes, they are both in their roles. The director gives the action order.


The thoughts kept flowing through. "REN, he came here." "There is no place to run anymore." "I'll never let anyone else have him." "I'm prepared for this, so you better be prepared for this too." "Be honest with me." "You now belong to me."

She walks step by step until she's right in front of him, staring at each other. This is the point where the passion flows, this is where everything begins.

The director gives the "cut" order. Kyouko returns back to herself. She did the scene in similar to how she did yesterday. She wonders if she managed to pull it off. All the director did, is to simply gives instructions to the other staff. Kyouko hurries over to him, and ask him if her take was okay. They talked a bit, but he simply implies that she was merely better than yesterday. Apparently, she is still not at the standards he expects. He says he is placing his bets that Kyouko will be able to do it. But he also implies to her the negative effects of prolonging this shoot. Kyouko fully understands the implications. A 3 way option at this point.

The best option is to ask for another chance with spirit. She will say she just can't give up. The director is expecting that of course, and he laughs with amazement. He says he will give her one more chance. It's still evident that she doesn't quite have the right feeling yet.

Ren is coming over. The director comments he has a very worried look on his face. He asks who is she to Ren. She answers she is just his junior from the same workplace. The director is not satisfied with that response of course. He says that Ren has lots of juniors, but this has to be the first time he treated someone like this. Kyouko says he's just worried about her. Unable to convince her, the director simply tells her, he's hoping to see improvements by tomorrow, then he goes off.

Ren comes over and asks Kyouko if she is okay. She says she gets another chance for a retake tomorrow. Ren says that's good to hear. Kyouko is still sad that her act today was all cut. Ren adds that despite, it is amazing for someone like this director to actually give chances. In her negativity, she comments the execution date is merely postponed by one day. Ren says it's not over yet. She agrees, and says she will start from scratch. She says she will not be satisfied to just give up like that. Ren agrees.

Kyouko apologises, and it surprises Ren. She says that even after all that guidance, it still was not enough. Ren tells her it's fine, it's good they made it this far.

Kyouko thinks to herself, and remembers what the director said about feeling passion for Ren. She doesn't believe she can do it. Is she really able to play the part of his lover? She knows they have gotten this significantly far. In only there was something extra to add as a plus to this. She quickly remembers an important detail Yashiro told her. A single kiss from Ren is enough to make anyone fall head over heels for him. What if...

Ren asks Kyouko is she okay. Her eyesight had moved to his lips, and her heart pounded at the thought. She desperately tries to calm down. She thinks to herself, a kiss scene should be normal for couples, and if she has to do something like that with someone, it is a lot better that it is Ren than someone else she doesn't know.

Kyouko asks Ren, will he be able to help her practice again tonight. The pounding in her heart is unstoppable. Ren says of course, he doesn't mind at all. She tries to speak out her request, but she stutters, unable to say it. Ren asks her about it, saying he will help in whatever way he can. Kyouko thinks to herself, Tsuruga-san is an experienced actor who have done scenes like this many times, a kiss is probably no big deal to him. But it is a first for her. She finds it hard to say to the face that's always giving her courage, and always smiling at her. To Kyouko, a kiss is not a simple thing, unlike for Ren.

Kyouko seems hesitant, so he asks again. Finally, she speaks her request. She asks Ren to kiss her! She says, even if it is just for the sake of acting as lovers, and even if it is acted out.

Ren becomes silent, and his gaze becomes sharp, scaring Kyouko. He then asks her in a cold voice, to explain herself what she meant by that. Kyouko realizes that he is offended, so she apologises and begs him to forget what she just said, it was just some babbling on her part. Ren declares that she wouldn't have asked this on her own accord. Somebody must have placed this idea in her head. Kyouko becomes quiet, unable to speak out that it was Yashiro who mentioned it. Ren speaks in a low voice, "I see you have decided to become silent, hmm?"

Kyouko can tell that he is speaking in disdain now. She is unable to say anything in her defense. He asks her, does she really think that acting is such a simple thing, where a kiss can simply put her in the right mood? Kyouko apologises again, saying she understands that acting is a complex thing, and it it was shameful of her to ask such a request. She bows her head, but she can still feel the dark aura from Ren growing.

"To be able to kiss in an act with such a feeling, I am unable to do it." Kyouko can sense Ren controlling his anger, and she is trembling. "...especially if you are that person."

Kyouko could not say anything. She just watches as Ren turns around and walks way. She wants to call out to him, but she can't. She just stands there, feeling that she can cry. She thinks to herself, she was so thoughtless, how could he not be angry? He must hate her for certain now. What if she never speaks to him again? What if she never sees him again after all of this? Her heart grows cold at the thought. She must have lost his trust. She felt she was such a fool. Time cannot be rewinded, and words spoken cannot be unspoken. She probably will not be forgiven. Her heart sinks lower. She returns to the hotel with low spirits.

(One can tell that Ren doesn't want to kiss Kyouko for a reason like that. But she doesn't know that of course.)

Back at the lobby, Yashiro asks Kyouko what happened with Ren. She answers she angered him. "I'm sorry. That guy is totally unpredictable when it's about you. You'll probably step on a land mine without even realizing it." Kyouko agrees. She says she must be an unpleasant seed. Yashiro says that's not it, she is special in a way, that's why it's nothing like that. Kyouko says this has to be one of his angriest times. Yashiro says Ren is a sensible person. He won't hold it against her. She still has misgivings. Yashiro says he will follow up on Ren's side. He says he will have to go to Ren's shoot later. Kyouko says "otsukare-sama" in low spirits. Yashiro is worried about her, so he says he will check back with her later.

Kyouko continues to have worries. What if she is hated by Ren? What if she is not forgiven? How could she act as a lover if the other person looks at her with such hatred? She decides to return to her room with a heavy heart.

Back in her room, Kyouko falls in her bed. "What should I do... I couldn't get any practice at all." She felt she must apologise again. But that's not the only thing. Even if she does complete the shoot, what if she is still unforgiven? She becomes restless. She tells herself, this wouldn't do at all! She has to do something. A 3 way option here.

Skip Beat PS2 Chapter 4 Ren Path (part 5)

Kyouko gets into Shiori spirit, and gets ready to walk towards Ren. She closes her eyes, and fills herself with thoughts of Shiori. She remembers the feelings of jealousy she has earlier today. "Don't touch my REN." She can feel those feelings getting stronger, and she knows she can do it. "I am Shiori!"

The "Action!" sound goes off in her mind, and she opens her eyes. She walks towards Ren slowly, eyes fixed on him. The possessive feelings are very strong. Her entire body desires for REN. And REN looks at her, surprised.


Shiori: REN, come here.
REN: Shiori...
Shiori: Please don't say things like "go back".
REN: I won't. You seem troubled.
Shiori: You being with someone... I cannot allow that.
REN: Including you?
Shiori: Hu, as expected of REN. It would be meaningless if you go down this easy. Hold me tight, just like that.

And so she enters his arms, resting on his chest.

Kyouko returns to her normal self. Realizing what she is doing, she quickly steps back, panicking. "E-e-e-e-excuse me!" Ren asks her if she managed to get a good feel of her role now. She confidently says yes. He thinks so too. "Really?" She feels really delighted by his encouragement. But then he adds, "Yes, but the decision still lies with the director." Truth hurts. Kyouko wants to practice more, but Ren doesn't think it's a good idea. The important thing is to remember the effect.

Kyouko feels really fortunate to have a senior like him. He's always guiding her, he's great, and she respects him the most. Yet "respect" doesn't seem like the right feeling. Admire? Worship? Grateful? She suddenly falls silent again. Ren asks her is she still uncertain. She says she feels bad for dragging him out to this. Ren replies it's returning her the favor of what happened to Dark Moon. She says that she was of very little help that time, but Ren tells her that's not true at all. She says she is really grateful, but stammers, unable to get the right words out, her thoughts disoriented. 3 way option here.

If she says she is so happy, she could cry, she surprises Ren. Then she says she's not going to cry, fighting back tears. It's just a strong feeling of gratitude, right? No, it's not love, she tells herself.

Ren says he understands, and suggests to go back. Kyouko doesn't want to go back yet, wanting to stay with Ren a bit more. She becomes silent. Ren says he's glad, because he thinks it's too early to return too. They've walked most of the places, so he asks her if she wishes to go anywhere.

Kyouko suggested fireworks. Ren is surprised, she actually prepared them. Ren asks her if she was planning on using them with someone, or alone. She says alone.

Ren says okay then, there's no meaning if she do it alone. He smiles at her gently, and she tries to control her heartbeat. She seems to be dazed, so Ren calls her. Kyouko asks Ren to wait, and she will get the fireworks.

Regardless of what happened, Kyouko brings the fireworks to where Ren is waiting. So they light them.


Kyouko is delighted with the sparks. Ren warns her about getting to close to the sea. She answers the reflection of the sparks on the waves look pretty.

Ren's sparks finished first, so Kyouko asks Ren to get a new one, and use hers to ignite it. Kyouko is really having fun. She couldn't have this much fun alone. She knows it's because Ren is here with her. Next her sparks ran out, so she relight her the same way.

Ren comments that Kyouko bought a lot of the fireworks. Kyouko asks if he thinks badly of her playing when she couldn't even do the shoot properly. Ren confirms not at all, he has felt her acting passion firsthand. She feels pain within again. After all, such a scene could not be acted out with a total stranger. She goes into deep thought again, so Ren calls her. Kyouko says she wishes to return. Wondering about her sudden mood change, he asks if he had said anything to upset her. Kyouko, having some doubts, wonder if Ren is doing all this just to patronize her. Ren eases her by saying that is definitely not it, he had fun too. Kyouko felt really at ease by him. It is as if it was a form of magic. She says sorry for saying such strange things, but he says it's okay.

Ren stands close to Kyouko. Both their sparks finishes, so Kyouko tries to use a lighter, but it won't work. He stands even closer. Fortunately, the darkness hides th red of her face. Ren tells her she's using the lighter the wrong way. In her fluster, she burns herself with the burnt end of the stick. Ren insists on looking at her hand, but fortunately, it is only a minor injury.

Surprised at how close Ren is, she steps back. Her heart won't stop pounding. Ren looks saddened by her reaction. Anyway, Kyouko says it is time they return, so they cleared the discarded fireworks. She tries to control her thoughts. Anyway, they cleaned the area, so Ren says it's time they return. A 3 way option at this point.

If Kyouko stands still, Ren will ask her what is wrong. She says there is still something she wants to do. He asks about what. His face comes close to her again. Kyouko says the starry sky look pretty, she wish to see it with him. He says, "Shall we watch them together?" It sounds as if he was the one making the request. Kyouko stutters a bit, accepting. She wonders if she is willful for making such requests.

Ren spots a shooting star. Kyouko desperately tries to catch sight of it, but is not able to. Ren chuckles at her reaction. She asks if he made it up, but he insists it was there. He says another one just appeared. She tries to catch sight of it, but fails again. She comments it's unfair how Tsuruga caught sight of 2 in just a short time.

Ren offers out his hand. He says he will show her the shooting stars. Kyouko is hesitant at first, but she takes his hand, and says to leave it to him. She secretly wonders if he is this caring to others, and wonders how much she means to him.


Kyouko: Ah! Shooting stars! I see them too!
Ren: That's great. You won't be saying "It's not fair!" anymore, right?
Kyouko: I'm sorry for saying something like that!
Ren: So, what did you wish for?
Kyouko: That's right. I was so happy that I found them that I forgot to make a wish...
Ren: Well, let's continue until we find one again.

He continues to lead her by the hand again. He holds on to her the whole time. They didn't find any shooting stars again that night, but Kyouko is still happy when she returns to the hotel.

Anyway, regardless of what happened, Ren sees Kyouko to her room. She says she will do her best tomorrow. Ren says not to think too much in case it affects her sleep. Kyouko comments she had fun, but is tired. So they bid each other good night.

Skip Beat PS2 Chapter 4 Ren Path (part 4)

At evening, Kyouko is back in her room, depressed about her failures. At this rate, she may be fired. Even so, the director still gives her a chance. She lay in bed, thinking of these. She is unable to feel, for real.

Kyouko bites her lips, then she remembers Ren's words. If you get hurt, it will affect the filming. She immediately stops. She tells herself getting angry won't help, and she takes a deep breath. She feels that she is a small glimmer of light that can't be noticed by Tsuruga-san.

She feels that she really has to talk to someone. She has to ask for advice on her acting. But who? 3 way Option.

Like you have to ask who. :P

Kyouko calls Ren. He answers. She stays silent, but he immediately knew it was her. She wonders how he knows, he says he was about to call her himself. There is still much to discuss about her role. So he asks her over to his room, which she complies.

Outside his door, she apologises for disturbing him, but he says it's okay, he was the one who called her over.

Inside, he pours out some coffee. Kyouko comments that Ren's room has a great ocean view. They start to discuss about tomorrow's part. Most likely, she is unable to put all her feelings, and enter the role totally. He pinpointed the problem, to that the role itself doesn't have a complete image. This is not like a drama, where every part of the character have already been put into detail. The situation now is that she has to feel passion for the guy. Of course it's not going to solve the problem totally, but it's best to start with this. So what they have to do, is to "characterize" the roles.

Kyouko's spirits have lightened by this. Ren says it's good, she looked lifeless just a while ago. Kyouko says she's glad she came over to talk with him. Ren gives a calm, almost expressionless face, and Kyouko starts wondering about this "iron mask" of his. He comes back with pen and paper, and says to write all their thoughts down.

So they begin to set the character. Ren mentions about difficulty in becoming the character, if the age difference is great, so they set her age at 20. Next, Kyouko is to choose her name. Ren says Kyouko is really excited about this part. Kyouko says she must take it more seriously, but Ren tells her, there is nothing wrong with enjoying your work. Being passionate about it is a good thing. So she thinks of a rich lady name. Sumeragi Shiori. Ren almost laughs.

So the next thing, they have to think about how her passion would be. So Ren asks, what kind of men would this girl like? The moment Ren mentions this, the first thing that enters her mind.... another 3 way option.

First option, one who is headstrong.
Second option, one who is mature, and always accepting.
Third option, one who is always encouraging, and is never mean.

The first one is actually pointing to Shou. The second is actually pointing to Ren. And the third one, you're gonna get a kick out of this one! Guess who it points to!

.................
.................
.................

It's YASHIRO!!

Anyway, if Kyouko answers the mature person, she would suddenly think of how Ren always kept his anger in check, how he always treat people with respect, and it makes her heart race. But she immediately adds, "I wasn't referring to Tsuruga-san in particular." "It's saddening how you deny it like that." "Sorry! I guess your type will do too!" "Nevermind...." Realizing she probably offended him, she makes up an excuse of how anyone would like him. Ren became silent, but she knows he's not angry. (She has an anger sensor.)

Regardless of what she chose, they go into the next topic, choosing a name for Ren's part. So, Kyouko chose a name. REN. Capitalized. (Real creative. >_< ) Ren comments the name is the same, Kyouko says "REN" is to be in alphabets. So next is his personality. Ren asks if it is okay to be same as his. Kyouko suddenly comments that Tsuruga-san acts like a kid at times. Ren has no memory of that. So it appears that she was the only one who noticed. It sort of makes her happy.

So next, they set the characters' relation. They haven't started going out yet. Their relation was like love at first sight. And Shiori is in love with REN. Then Kyouko says there is still something on her mind. How does REN feel about Shiori? Ren asks Kyouko first, what does Shiori think of REN? Another 3 way option.

If she says someone she has not captured yet, she will talk about how she must get him no matter what, and she has the confidence to make her love him back.

Anyway, thoughts of Shiori are already filling Kyouko's head. Ren says that his role doesn't have a lover or someone he likes yet. Kyouko says Shiori will not let anyone else get in the way. Just pure desire, nothing more than that.


"I want you too."

Ren does this without warning, it almost makes her heart leap out. All sorts of thoughts filled her, but she figures this must be the acting role he has. She stiffens up.

Ren cuts off his act, and asks her what's wrong. She says she's not prepared yet, so he suggests practicing outside. At the sandy beach, she adds. Ren asks Kyouko have they thought of the situation why they were there. Kyouko has thought about it. REN was going there to do a job, but Shiori chased after and followed him there when she found out. She also referred it to like stalking a prey, or a final battle. Ren laughs, saying that is like Mio. Kyouko also agrees that Mio just wouldn't do here. Ren says that something more elegant is more suitable for Shiori.

Kyouko doesn't have any good ideas on that, so Ren suggest working outside. He puts on his coat. He also suggests that she puts on her coat to, so she goes back to her room before they head outside.

(They're wearing the same clothes again. >_< )

Outside, it is already dark, and the moon is shining brightly. Ren says they will do it from the same positions. He says they will also try ad lib, the same thing they did during Katsuki's practice for Dark Moon. Kyouko remembers that incident, they practiced this for his Katsuki. The situation is the same now. Now she is having trouble, and they will have ad lib for practice. Ren's Katsuki was amazing. She must do her best too.

Skip Beat PS2 Chapter 4 Ren Path (part 3)

If Kyouko decides to confide in Ren, she suddenly goes into deep thought again, and Ren had to pat her shoulder to get a response. She asks, how would Ren react in such a love scene. The moment she said that, she became embarassed, and she asks him to forget what she said. Ren says, he treats acting very seriously, especially towards Kyouko. Kyouko feels very helpless for being unable to react to Ren's acting. She is about to cry. Ren talks to her again, she says some dust got in her eyes.


He says she isn't defeated yet. Kyouko says she still didn't go far as an actress. He also tells her not to cry. He tells her honestly that he fully understands those feelings of resentment and self-reproach, of not being able to do well, even after you have taken it so seriously. Kyouko is surprised that Ren has such moments too. He seems so perfect. Then she remembers that there is one such moment, that time he was unable to act as Katsuki. And he had also mentioned this before, he was fired many times in the past.

Ren says, of course he doesn't face this problem now. But when he first started acting, he would get into all sorts of barriers. Anyone would face difficulty at the start. If they try to rush it, it would only get worse. It is only natural for her to feel this way. Ren also talks about his difficulty at that time as Katsuki. "But Tsuruga-san, you overcame it." "That's why you can do it too."

She is really thankful for his words, and his support. She feels her courage returning. She starts to think she might have looked like a fool just now. Will Tsuruga-san be this kind to me even if I am not his acting partner? Anyway, she gathers her spirits. She plans to return to the hotel, wash her face, then return with renewed spirit. She plans to do much better later.

At the set, the director ask if she is better now. She confirms, and sincerely asks to try again. The director comments the light in her eyes has returned. So Ren and Kyouko start again from the same position as they were. Kyouko gets herself in the right mind. She is not Kyouko Mogami now. She is some other girl. A girl from Tsuruga Ren's dreams. She must have him. On hearing the director's orders, Kyouko walks, with the wind blowing in her hair.

There is not a woman who could possibly not be fascinated by this man. But the moment she thinks of that, she starts to hurt. A man who charms all. She is just one person. A person in a large crowd. This phrase, she hates it. She starts to feel strange again, her own feelings coming in. She loses her spirit, and she becomes unable to act. The director has no choice but to restart.

After several takes, it still wasn't good. The director states this just wouldn't do. The other staff are saying they shouldn't continue like this. Kyouko stands up, and says she can still go on. The director and the staff have a little discussion, then he asks to speak to her alone. As she walks, she sees Ren's worried face, and her chest hurts again. She starts to worry about getting fired on the first day of the job.

The director tells her this will not do, and normally, he would just fire her. This line shocks her. But he hasn't given up on her yet, that's why he will give her one more day. Kyouko could sense some warmth in his voice. She thanks him profusely for giving her another chance. He warns her not to get too happy yet, she only gets one more chance. She still isn't too confident. He once again says, what he wants are the passions of love. But it is a complicated feeling that can even relate to hate itself. It has to be something that transcends to that man only. (I have absolutely no clue what he is talking about. *_* ) He points to her eyes. "Those are the eyes I want." She agrees to do it immediately. The director said her eyes are full of spirit, that's why he has confidence in her. Then he remarks she doesn't seem to have any reaction to love at all. He's hoping that one night can change it. He says not to disappoint him. With that, he tells everyone, the shoot is finished for today. They continue tomorrow. The staff starts packing.

(Quite frankly, I don't see a point in doing all this, if all they want are her eyes. What's with the wig and costume? Why not get some explosives, hire stunt-doubles, and film from the top of a volcano while you're at it?)

Kyouko is still at a loss what to do. Eyes in love. She doesn't believe she can do that. The sound of her own heartbeat rings in her head. Ren comes over to check her. His voice seems far away. He asks her is she alright. She is sorry to have caused this many delays, but he says it's okay. They should remove their make-up and costumes now, so they head to the staff. Yashiro comes over and gives her some mineral water. He seems worried too. She tries to take it, but drops it. Yashiro quickly picks it up. He asks Kyouko is she really okay. She didn't have the strength to give a firm answer.

Kyouko notices some shouts. It seems that some of Tsuruga's fans have gathered around him, all shouting "Kyaa!". Yashiro comments that Ren has been discovered by the tourists. Ren is doing a lot of signing with a smile. Kyouko comments, he really is famous and popular. Yashiro says of course, he's Tsuruga Ren. The screaming of the fans is ceaseless. Kyouko watches Ren. It seems he is always this kind to everybody. Her chest feels strange, and she wonders if she is truly feeling envious of these girls. Is it because she hasn't pulled out of her role?

One of the fans hugs Ren's neck and takes a photo. On seeing that, Kyouko flares up. What is that fan doing to Tsuruga-san?! Yashiro points out her face becoming scary again. He asks her, "Don't tell me, you're jealous of these girls?" 3 way Options again.

The best option is to deny it calmly. Although her normal reaction is probably to deny it strongly. Anyway, if she denies it calmly, Yashiro asks her, maybe she hasn't completely pulled out of her role yet. Kyouko replies that she doesn't know. A lot of things had been going through her head. Yashiro says, either way, it's not a bad thing. This feeling she has can be put to good use in her act. Kyouko says it indeed is a feeling, that she doesn't want to let anyone else have him. She doesn't know this feeling herself. Everytime she sees him get close to someone else, it hurts. She wants to know, who does she mean to Tsuruga. That feeling, it probably is jealousy.

Anyway, regardless of what she did, she goes to the staff and gets changed.

Skip Beat PS2 Chapter 4 Ren Path (part 2)

Kyouko can choose to react calmly or coldly towards Yashiro's comment. But where's the fun in that? ;) Best option, overreact to it.


"IT WASN'T A DATE!"

She scares the hell out of Yashiro. He says she doesn't have to deny it this strongly. She insists it wasn't a date. He says he understands and pleads with her to calm down. She says she can't be calm, as this would cause trouble for Ren too. Ren says he doesn't particularly mind. She calms down, and says if it's no problem with him, it's no problem with her too.

Soon, the staff are all gathered at the lobby, getting ready for the shoot soon. Kyouko and Ren already have their costumes on. (Finally they change their clothes. :P ) Kyouko still has some doubt, and she is not confident at all. Yashiro and Ren both encourage Kyouko. They managed to motivate her. She gets in the right spirit, and becomes ready to do this. After all, Ren is the co-star.

The set is prepared at the beach. Kyouko is wearing a long red dress. It was something which Mio would wear, so she wonders if she should be like Mio. She goes into deep thought, concentrating on how Mio would act if she was in love with Tsuraga.

The director gave instructions to Kyouko that she is to keep her eyes on him as she walk towards him. Then the director says, "Start!" Kyouko opens her eyes, and fills herself with thoughts. "I want him no matter what." "He belongs to me." "He cannot escape. I won't let him." "I won't let anyone else have him." She walks towards him, eyes fixed on him.

The director yells "CUT!" of course. "Kyouko-chan. You look at him as if you're about to kill him!" :P He points out that she was acting as Mio. He talks to her in private. He says he did choose her because of her powerful eyes as Mio, and he wants that powerful stare which Mio has, but the situation is different. What he wants is someone who is madly in love, deeply passionate for Ren, that kind of feeling. That's why Mio cannot do.

He tells her in detail, she should look at him with seductive eyes, yet full of desire, possessing pride and dominance. (Did you guys get any of that? Cos' I sure didn't. @_@ ) He tells her it's okay, anyone who's been in love before should know about that feeling. He pats her shoulder and say they'll try again.

She isn't supposed to be in love again. How could she feel it? Ren seems worried about her. She is stumped, she couldn't get a good idea of how a girl loves a man.

The director shouts "Start!", but shouts "Cut!" almost immediately. The director just shook his head. The next few takes were unsuccessful as well. By take 7, she can no longer go on. She just couldn't do it. She couldn't even bring herself to look at Ren. With little choice, the director says for everyone to take a break. They will continue again at 2 o'clock.

Kyouko just couldn't do it. She couldn't feel any love at all in her act. She just couldn't feel a deep passion for that man.

Ren and Yashiro come over to her. They are worried about her. Kyouko feels terrible for causing this much problems, but Ren and Yashiro tells her it is okay. Ren adds that furthermore, if she places too much pressure on herself, it will only make her unable to act properly. Yashiro suggests getting lunch together for a change of mood. Kyouko is thankful, but she declines. She says needs to be alone for a while, so she'll return to her room. She turns away from them and returns to the hotel.

Kyouko returns to her room, tired. It feels as though she is running away. Yet she is unable to change the fact that she cannot play the part well. She wonders what she should do. She thinks about the clam-shells, Corn, and the legend of the crying sands. She decides to go there again. So she sets off, holding Corn in her hand.

Kyouko came to the exact same place they came together in the morning. She thinks about the legend of the princess, but doubts the princess would offer blessing to an acted love. She tells herself not to feel down. She looks at Daruma Cape. There should be enough time for her to go there. So that's where she heads.

Back at the hotel, Ren is outside Kyouko's room. He knocks on the door, but there is no response. Yashiro also goes up, and sees Ren there.


Yashiro makes full use of this oppotunity to tease Ren of course. XD Yashiro insists that Ren is especially worried about Kyouko. Ren says as a co-star, of course. Yashiro says as usual, Ren isn't going to admit his special concern. Ren just replies he can believe what he wants to believe.

Anyway, Kyouko isn't in her room. Yashiro is wondering if she ran away, but remembers she did the same thing in her Mio act previously, so she should be fine. To find out how she is, Yashiro gives Kyouko a call.

That is when he finds out something. There is a ringing sound coming from the inside of the room. Kyouko did not take her cellphone with her. >_< They decide to search for her. Yashiro is to search inside the hotel, Ren is to search outside. Yashiro asks Ren to call him if he finds Kyouko. Yashiro also adds that Ren should have a talk with her. So Ren sets off, having an idea where to look.

Kyouko arrives at the Daruma cape. She is glad she came here. She thinks about her job, and starts to worry about being fired. She just couldn't get the right feeling. Furthermore, she is afraid of something she cannot explain herself. Is an acted love anything like true love? She starts to hurt inside. "What am I to do? I..."

"Found you."

Kyouko cries out in shock. That voice behind her almost made her heart jump out. Ren apologises for startling her. It's good that he managed to find her. He says he had searched the clam shores and the crying sands spot before here.

Kyouko: Eh...? Tsuruga-san, you were searching for me...?
Ren: You weren't in your room. I was a little worried.

He adds that he isn't worried that she will run away, but he just wants to make sure she is alright. Kyouko is happy to hear that, but it doesn't change the fact that she can't do anything about her predicament.

Ren says they should talk. He will listen to anything she has to say. Kyouko doesn't know how to begin. A 3 way option at this point.

There is not much difference. Anyway, Ren smiles at her, and says that she can always depend on him. He says she should tell him everything. She slumps. She says her confidence has shattered. He tries to cheer her up, and says she should not look so gloomy, or it will be like Mio. That didn't lift her spirits of course. So he says they should try to think of something together.

Kyouko thinks to herself. Ren is really kind. But is he so kind to me because I am his co-star? She thinks carefully about her position. She wonders if she should confide in him. 3 way options at this point.

Skip Beat PS2 Chapter 4 Ren Path (part 1)

Ren Path
Chapter 4

Kyouko wakes up early, refreshed, woken by the sound of the gentle splashing waves, just before her alarm clock went off. She decides to go for a morning walk, hoping to hear the crying sands. Despite Tsuruga's warning, she felt it should be okay.

She goes down to the lobby. "Mogami-san?"


Imagine her surprise. (And fear.) She says good morning immediately. Ren greets back. Then he asks her where is she headed.

Kyouko: Uhm.... yeah, I was thinking of getting breakfast, so I'm going to the cafeteria!
Ren: The cafeteria doesn't open until 30 minutes later.
Kyouko: Oh! I see.
Ren: Yashiro has already explained this yesterday.
Kyouko: Ooo.. Ha...

Ren sighs. He knows what she's up to. He says she could have called him if she wanted a walk by the shore. She says she couldn't have troubled him this early in the morning, especially since most people are still asleep. She hopes that he wasn't angry. He says it's fine, since she probably was in a difficult position to ask.

Kyouko asks Ren why is he here so early. Now it's his turn to be fidgety. ;) He answers a morning walk help improves health and lifestyle. Kyouko is impressed by that answer. (She actually believes it?)

Apparently, Ren knew exactly what Kyouko was planning, so he lay in ambush here. ^_^

Anyway, Ren knows that she wishes to see the crying sands, so he says to go there. Kyouko says she heard from people at the lobby talking about crying sands near the Daruma Cape. Ren comments it is close to where they were yesterday.

Kyouko almost loses it again, thinking about how if Shou hadn't butt in, they probably would have visited there yesterday. She quickly recovers herself, reminding herself not to go off the deep end again. So Ren and Kyouko heads there.

They reached the spot. Kyouko steps in the sand. She is amazed that it really does give off a "Kyu" sound. Even Ren is impressed. Ren notices something oddly familiar about Kyouko's footsteps. Kyouko gulps, wondering if he is thinking of Bo. 3 options at this point.

To choose to say it is like Bo, will be like digging her own grave.

Best choice is to probably pretend to not hear him. She talks about bringing back some sand to change the subject. Ren talks about foreigners referring this to musical sand or singing sand. Kyouko starts imagining sandman dancing and making music, and she hums some tunes.

Ren talks about this sort of thing being something she likes. He chuckles at her.

Kyouko: Sorry... I'm being weird.
Ren: Nope. You're just being you.

Kyouko felt irritated, at the same time embarrassed by that comment.

Anyway, regardless of what she said, they see some markings in the sand. They are scribblings of a heart and some initials. It must have been left by a couple on a date last night. Ren remarks it must have been tough considering the wind last night. Kyouko asks is Ren thinking that those people must be a stupid couple. He says that's not what he was thinking.

Kyouko: So, you wouldn't do anything like that?
Ren: Well, that really depends on the person involved. And about you.
Kyouko: M-me?!
Ren: I was talking about what you're drawing.

Kyouko is actually drawing something in the sand, but she didn't fully noticed it herself until he pointed out. She draws a face of Corn, but it doesn't look at all like him. "Does Corn have such a round face?"

Ren wrote out "Corn" in English, and Kyouko wrote out in Katakana. Kyouko's and Ren's faces came really close. Suddenly, he warns her of danger, then he pulls her away. The tide has come in, and it washes away the writings and all, erasing everything. Ren says she doesn't have to look this sad. He adds that it's a good thing they aren't drenched this time.

Ren comments she really likes Corn. Kyouko confirms, but explains it is different from love, it was like she really misses him. She says her heart races every time she thinks of him, and it always gives her such a warm feeling. Ren says he is envious. How wonderful it must be to carry such memories. (For a moment there, she thought Ren had meant that he was envious of Corn.)

Ren says it's about time they head back. He says they will go to Daruma Cape next time. Kyouko agrees, determined to be there next time.

They head to the Cafeteria, where Yashiro is waiting to greet them. He says they were both gone, so he figures they must be together. Kyouko apologises for not informing him. Yashiro says it's okay, since she will be safe as long as Ren is with her.

Ren tells Yashiro that he is grinning too much. Yashiro says it's normal. He asks where Ren and Kyouko went. Ren says it's just a normal walk. Kyouko says they went to the crying sands spot near Daruma Cape. Yashiro was surprised it existed, and says it's good that they found it.

Anyway, Yashiro talks about the legend of the crying sands. (Kyouko's eyes sparkles at that.) Yashiro says it is a tragic love story. (His glasses shine.) He talks about a war in the area that happened long ago. The son of a shogun, fell in love with the princess of the enemy shogun. The boat they were on capsized, and they drowned. And the crying of the princess reached the sands.

Kyouko immediately worries about being cursed. Yashiro tells her that no one has been cursed so far. He tells her what legend this place is famous for. The couples that have a date by the shore will be together forever. Kyouko comments the princess is kind.

Yashiro cheekily states, "In other words, the 2 of you who went out on a date this morning, your future is set in stone!" 3 options on what response to give.

Skip Beat PS2 Chapter 3 Ren Path (part 5)

In her room, Kyouko yawns, tired out. She decides to sleep early, so she dives into bed. The pain in her finger tells her that her right-hand is injured. It was probably that fall earlier. She looks for medication, but realizes she has forgotten to bring any. She has to take care of the injury before it gets worse. 3 Options at this point.

The logical choice is actually to call Yashiro. She would have figured that Ren wouldn't normally care too much about such things, and Yashiro is usually the one who handles things like this, and would have thought against troubling Ren.

If Kyouko calls Yashiro, he says it's absolutely okay. He says he has that medication. Kyouko says she will get it from him, but he insists on coming over to her. After a while, he arrives. He offers to help her dress the injury, since she can't use both hands.


He asks he about the injury, but she doesn't know exactly how she got it. Anyway, he finishes and she thanks him.

However, the best choice is to call Tsuruga-san of course. She calls him, with some apprehension. She asks Ren if he has medication, but he doesn't have any, as expected. It seems that she has to buy some from the Convenience store herself. Ren says he'll be coming along too, and he'll drive her there. She complies.

Ren drove a borrowed car to the store. They have just finished their purchases from the store. She says she's fine now. They talk about her injury. It was likely to be the fall from just now. He apologises for that, but she insists that she is still thankful for what he did. He bought some mineral water he wanted, which is not available in the hotel.

Anyway, Ren says she should not hesitate if she needs help. Kyouko says she had wanted to call Yashiro, but Ren came to mind first. Ren is delighted to hear that.

Ren asks Kyouko if she wants to stop by the viewing platform near the lighthouse. The moment she hears that, she immediately wants to go. Ren already knows her answer before she says it.

They reach the place. The view is great. But the wind is strong. The force of the wind pushes her towards Ren. Ren asks her if she is cold. Her heart beats faster again now that they are this close. She says only a little. So he finds the perfect excuse he needs. ^_^


He keeps her warm this way. She asks him if he is cold, he answers he is being kept warm too. :) She becomes unable to think straight. Ren says the scenery is beautiful. Kyouko agrees, stuttering. She wonders if is Ren treating her like a child, he says that's not it, but says nothing more. She keeps pondering about her situation, what it could possible mean.

Ren says the wind is getting stronger, so they should return. She agrees. He gets some coffee from a vending machine to warm them up. (Coffee? Wouldn't that make it difficult to sleep later?) So they return back.

Regardless of what she chose, after that, she goes to bed, thinking about her role of acting the girl who really likes Tsuruga. She felt confident, considering her partner is Tsuruga, she will be able to return his acting.

The sound of the waves soothes her, and she soon falls into a deep sleep.

End of Chapter 3.

Skip Beat PS2 Chapter 3 Ren Path (part 4)

Anyway, regardless of what she did. Ren continues walking, as if called by the wind. Kyouko dons her heels and follows. Night was to fall soon. They continue silently, and Kyouko feels for certain that he must still be angry from Shou's phone-call. Kyouko finally calls to him from behind. Another 3 way option at this point.

The best option is for her to say she wishes to continue to walk together. She says it too soft, it couldn't reach him. She holds on to the clam-shells, hoping for more courage. Then she finally shouts out to Ren, "Tsuruga-san! Is it okay if we walk together?!"

Ren turns back and goes to her. "I'm sorry, I was walking too fast. There were just some things on my mind. It was careless of me to leave you alone. I failed in my duty as a guard."

Kyouko says it's not his fault, it's that guy who always stirs up some things. He asks is she still feeling unhappy. She says there is no point getting angry over this.

Anyway, Ren smiles, extends out his hand, and asks to walk together.

Kyouko: Eh?
Ren: I'm not going to leave you behind and go off on my own again.
Kyouko: Ah...
Ren: Am I causing trouble?
Kyouko: No, not at all.


Kyouko continues to walk with Ren holding her hand.

Kyouko looks back at their footprints. They are now of the same pace. Kyouko comments she hopes to be as with him on her job one day. The situation was like her job. She says when she chases after him, she can't even be seen. And she says that at least now, she is closer to where he is. He looks at her, and she feels her heart racing again. He lets go of her hand and shows her something.

Anyway, regardless of what happened, Ren tells her about the Daruma Cape. It was somewhere at the edge of the sea, within sight. He tells her why is it called the Daruma Cape, from what he heard from Yashiro.

Kyouko is amazed. It was the same name as Darumaya. She remarks that she has a fate with Darumas. She tells Ren her story of how the Boss of Darumaya encouraged her to move onward, and how the spirit of the Daruma always getting back up gives her courage. She then talks about how she finally made it in LME and Love Me. She also talks about how Ren was very scary at that time.

Ren: Was I really that scary?
Kyouko: Yes, I thought for sure you must hate me.
Ren: I see. That's why you were always running away from me.
Kyouko: .....Sorry.
Ren: But it's different now.
Kyouko: ...Yes, I know you don't hate me any more.
Ren: That's good to hear.
Kyouko: I... don't hate you either.

She feels embarrassed the moment she said that.

Anyway, he gives her the god smile again. :D



She almost forgets to breathe.

Kyouko stirs herself back. Her thinking had stopped again. Ren calls her, and she says it's nothing, and they should continue walking. She walks forward, thinking to herself that she has to stop looking at him. Ren calls out urgently to Kyouko to stop.

Kyouko is caught by the water, and she slips. She can feel herself falling down. "Kyaa!"


Ren breaks her fall. She desperately apologizes, and he asks he if she is hurt. He remarks this is a failed rescue attempt, since they are now both wet. She says that's not true. Anyway, she seems no less worried about him, than he about her.

She sneezes, and Ren says they should hurry up and return, before they catch a cold. He says not blame herself what happened, it was just an accident.

They walk towards the hotel. Ren tells her, if she wishes to go to the Daruma Cape, she should not be going in the morning alone. She gulps, that was exactly what she was thinking. He warns how little people there are in the morning, and how dangerous it can be. She says she understand, she's not that stupid. Ren looks at her with suspicious eyes. :P She asks would it be okay for him to accompany her if she wishes to go. He replies he would be happy to oblige.

She also talks about finding the crying sands. He says to her not to do anything dangerous again. Anyway, night falls by the time they returned to the hotel.

Skip Beat PS2 Chapter 3 Ren Path (part 3)

They went outside. It was sunset. Kyouko removed her heels to walk barefoot in the sand. Ren says to be careful.

Kyouko finds something in the sand. She gives Ren one of the clam-shells she finds. She wonders if he will refuse, but he accepts it. He asks is it okay if he takes it. Kyouko says she also has another of the same one.



It seems the clam-shells were a match. Ren comments that the clams were originally as one. Ren thanks her for finding something like that. He says for Kyouko to keep them. Kyouko is worried if Ren didn't want them after all, but he says that's not it. He says it will be such a pity to split them up.

Kyouko says she will find more shells. Ren thanks her, but says not to go all the way out. He says she'll probably treat it like a duty again. She couldn't deny it. He asks Kyouko if he can see the shells again in future, she says of course. He replies that will be all he needs.

Ren also tells her the clam-shells are lucky charms of love. He comments it will be helpful for the shoot. She says she's really happy.

They stared at each other for a while. Then Ren tells her there is some sand on her face. He says to her to close her eyes. She does so. She could hear the waves splash, and she could feel the gentle touch on her face.

Then, the phone rang. ">_<" Sigh..........

Ren says the ring was not from his phone. It was Kyouko's. She took out her phone and answered it. It was a familiar irritating voice. It was Shou. ">_<" Typical...

She wonders how he got her number, but figured must have been that time he took the phone. Ren asks her what is wrong. She says its nothing. She faces away from him to deal with the phone call. 3 options at this point.

The worst option would be to listen to what he has to say. Believe me, nothing good can come out of that one. >_<

A better option, she can choose to hang up on him immediately. But Ren will still get suspicious about the call. He shows that fake gentleman shiny smile, and asks her what was that all about. She panics, desperately explains to him. And he finally accepts it.

If Kyouko chooses to argue with Shou, she tells him not to call for no reason. Shou asks why is she picking a fight all of a sudden. She says a fight has long been decided between them. He asks why she feels that way. She says it's because of their past history. She says, "Do you want me to bury the phone in the sand?" "You're the one who will have a problem if you do that, no?"

He talks about her going "Shou-chan, Shou-chan" in the past. "STOP TALKING ABOUT THAT!! I'LL KILL YOU!!" She gets angry enough to want to fling the phone in the water, but calms herself. Ren calls her. She says she will be done soon.

Shou: Hey, is that Tsuruga Ren over there?
Kyouko: Of course he is. We're working together on a job.
Shou: Huh? Why did you refuse my job, but grab Tsuruga Ren's job instead!?
Kyouko: It was fate.
Shou: What do you mean fate? This is something you asked for, right?
Kyouko: It was just an example, it's not like I take orders from you!

Ren takes the phone from Kyouko, and speaks to Shou himself. (Fake gentleman mode, of course.) Kyouko can still hear Shou's angry voice.

Ren: Sorry to have to disappoint you on the jobs. But this is the way things work in the Entertainment world.
Shou: You must have said something bad to Kyouko!
Ren: I did no such thing. This is the world of the Pros. This world will not be moved by personal feelings.

Kyouko thinks to herself, Ren is definitely angry. There is not a person whom Shoutaro cannot piss off.

Shou demands to speak to Kyouko. Ren asks Kyouko if she wants to. (He did so with a very shiny smile that hides a dark aura of course. :p ) Kyouko says that it wouldn't be necessary, it will just lead to another unwanted fight. "I, see," he says.

Ren: Mogami-san is unable to come to the phone right now. We have come here for work. I will appreciate it if you do not do anything that will give her problems.
Shou: What are you talking about?! Since when have I done something like that?!
Ren: You're doing it right now. I am hanging up now.
Shou: Hey! Wait--

Ren returns the phone with a smile. Kyouko apologizes, but Ren says the phone call was not her fault.

Ren sighs. He says he sometimes wonder if she actually likes to fight with him. She says that's not true. She can't suppress those feelings of resentment. He remarks that unsuppressable feelings were like love. But he says not to talk about him any more and to continue their walk.