Chapter Text
I knew I was in trouble when the president called me up to his office that evening. I knew I was a dead man when I arrived and found Kyoko seated across from him, her hands folded primly in her lap as she avoided my gaze.
Neither of us had cleared the air since she’d left this morning. She called me a bastard and I couldn’t recover quick enough before she made her escape. I was left with nothing but Yashiro berating my cold demeanor and the worst sense of regret in the entire world. I had tried, I really had, to prove myself the bigger man. I’ve been quick to anger in regard to her relations with Sho Fuwa more than I was proud of. This morning, I managed to portray an emotionally detached man. As if seeing her with Fuwa didn’t twist the knife in my gut. I could still talk to her and not be in love with her (I was wrong but I thought it might just take more time).
Now the President would allow her to deliver the final blow.
And I couldn’t help feeling like I deserved it. My mother taught me that it was always inappropriate to make girls cry. At that moment, Kyoko had looked like she had when I discovered her that night with her mother’s interview: ready to explode into tears.
I couldn’t figure out why she looked like that. Either she was upset she was so see-through with her intentions or my attempt at ‘emotionally detached’ ended up a lot meaner than I intended.
“Good Evening, President Takarada,” I greeted carefully from the entryway. There was no telling when he was going to drop whatever bomb he had planned. I preferred keeping close to the available exits for the time being. I turned to Kyoko, attempting my gentlest smile. “Mogami-san.”
She didn’t look at me, much less react to my greeting. Lory hesitated before turning to me with an uneasy smile. “Kyoko-chan was petitioning for her own manager. Apparently...it’s become quite...complicated...for you two to share Yashiro-san.” He eyed me carefully. “I offered her Ruto for the time being until either Sawara-san or I can vet the potentials.”
It felt like a test. I had no intentions of failing. “Don’t be silly. I’m the one causing problems.” My eyes flickered over to her and she remained unmoving. Dammit . I’d hoped that would at least garner some sort of reaction. “Yashiro-san can remain with her. I will have Ruto-san accompany me.”
The President rolled his eyes. Not a good sign. He beckoned me to the couch with two fingers and a miserable expression on his face. Really not a good sign . Normally he took joy in making my life miserable. Where was his smile? “I already gave her that option; however, it’s come to my attention that that is no longer a viable plan."
“No?” It was an option the other night. What changed since then? But I couldn’t find it in myself to voice the thoughts. Instead, my eyes were glued to the printout sitting on the table between the couches. I blinked. Because there was no way this was happening.
Japan’s #1 Bachelor Finally Settling Down?
Actress Yoshida Kana Spills All!
Below the deadly headline was my worst nightmare: a paparazzi shot of two nights ago at the bar as Kana-san pulled me down for her kiss. I assured Yashiro that we shouldn’t have to worry about it...but obviously, Yashiro was right to question her motives. This would certainly keep her name relevant after a hiatus from acting. No doubt if I read the blasphemous article, my faux “vacations” while I was Cain Heel would be attributed as time spent with her.
I’ve been a fool.
“Welcome to the tabloids, Ren.” President Lory clucked his tongue. “It seems like you’re going to need Yashiro-san more than ever.”
“This isn’t what it looks like,” I said quickly. My full attention should have been on the President. He was, in fact, the person who had to deal with this mess. He was the one I needed to be apologizing to.
However, I couldn’t look away from Kyoko. She continued to ignore my presence. Panic rose in my gut. The tables from this morning have flipped, haven't they? “I was out with Kijima-san the other night and Kana-san joined us. When I went to pay the bill, she kissed me out of nowhere. I didn’t--we didn’t--” I let out a shaky breath. “We’re not together. The headline is a lie.”
She turned to me slowly, smiling sweetly. My heart dropped to my gut. Her eyes are ice-cold. Tilting her head, she murmured the words I've regretted since I spoke them:
“No one asked.”
So, this is what it felt like. At that moment, I understood the expression on Kyoko’s face this morning. I’ve been a fool but also an asshole. Wonderful .
I wouldn’t put it against her if she never spoke to me ever again.
Kyoko excused herself, bowing politely at the president and ignoring me completely. Lory blanched as the door slammed shut behind her. He let out a low whistle. “She's pissed.” He tapped his chin thoughtfully. “I'm guessing this originates beyond this situation?” Lory motioned to the printout between us.
“An astute observation,” I said dryly. This day actually managed to go from bad to worse. Not only did I have no way of disputing the claims without revealing Tragic Marker ’s secrets but now I had direct confirmation of my deepest fear:
I’d ruined any chances I ever had with Kyoko.
Even if she didn’t love Sho Fuwa, there would be no way she could ever love a cold, cruel man like me. Especially not with how I treated her this morning. God, I should have listened to Yashiro and avoided leaving early. This morning could have been avoided. Then perhaps I could have circumvented this Kana mess without Kyoko twisting the knife one last time.
I deserved this.