Chapter 6: Rumor Has It

Previously on Blind Love...

"Very funny," sarcasm oozed out of his voice.

"You're very welcome, my beloved friend!" I exclaimed while grinning from ear-to-ear.

"Hey, when does the shooting start?"

I frowned at that question. "You mean for Blind Love? Two days from now. Those scripts are really dramatic and cheesy in my opinion."

Talon laughed. "You wanna practice?"

"Like right now?"

"Yes. Right now," he rolled his brown eyes.

"Okay. From the top then!"

Talon smirked and walked into me as the script said. "I'm terrible sorry, miss. Here let me pick those books up."

In the actual thing, it would be braille books since I am blind. I pretended I couldn't and only looked at one spot the entire time. "Thank you."

He softly handed me back the imaginary books. "Excuse me for not minding my own business, but are you blind?"

I nodded stiffly while tightly clutching imaginary books to my chest. "How did you know?" I quietly asked.

"The books were braille."

I gently laughed. "I guess that's a big hint, huh?"

"Yes. What is your name?"

My eyes narrowed. "Why do you want to know? To make fun of my blindness next time?"

Talon frowned. "No, not at all. So, I can use your name the next time we chat. I'm Kyo Miura."

In the script, this is the part where Talon uses his alias to conceal his identity as the son of a businessman in charge of one of the richest companies in Asia. I smile and held out my hand. "Miyuki Haruzima."

We shook hands and that was the end of scene one in episode one. I used my arms as scissors and said, "Cut!"

"I think we are ready for the drama. But, episode thirteen worries me."

Whoa. This arrogant guy read it all the way to there? I'm still on episode eight. "What happens?"

Talon sighed. "Someone accidentally bumps into me and I fall on top of you. We kiss without knowing it."

My eyes widened and I proclaimed, "I guess thirteen really is an unlucky number."

He smirked and continued, "We have to kiss for at least a minute."

I was disgusted by that idea. "Can I ask a stuntman to do that for me?"

"Are you suggesting I would rather kiss a man instead of you?"

I cheerfully answered, "Of course!"

Talon shook his head in disbelief. Suddenly, my phone started to play Gangnam Style. "Seriously?" He incredulously questioned at the ringtone.

I ignored him and answered, "Hello? Saki Kiryuu speaking."

"H-hi S-Saki."

"Nico, loosen up a bit. What's up?"

"You know how the shooting is on Friday? W-well t-they moved it to t-t-today in o-one h-hour-r."

I smirked. Good thing we practced. "Roger that, Mr. Moon. See ya there!"

"I can drive us there." He pointed to the shiny Mustang.

I nodded and we both got in. "Man, why'd they change the schedule of the shootings?" I rested my head on the leather cushion while crossing my arms defiantly.

"Showbiz," he simply replied while he slammed the brakes at the shooting location. We both fashionably got out and saw th cameramen setting up.

"Welcome! I am Director Fushigi."

A classy guy with long purple hair tied back into a loose ponytail. Aha, he looks like Hayate from Pretear! Awesome. I grinned. "Saki Kiryuu at your service!"

"Talon Huang."

The director smirked. "This is both your first time acting in a romance drama, correct?"

I nodded while Talon blankly replied, "Yes, sir."

"I look forward working with you both. Scene one will first be recorded. Hopefully, you guys read over your scripts," a sly smile replaced his smirk.

Luckily, we did. I got in my dressing room and changed into the school uniform required for the scene. Ugh, the pleated miniskirt was so short. Reluctantly, I walked outside with a determined expression. I was gonna nail this!

Talon was also changed and was impatiently tapping his foot. He was wearing black expensive jeans and a white dress shirt with the tie loose and the first few buttons undone. I hate to admit this, but he actually looks attractive.

"You guys ready. Action!" Director Fushigi stated.

We acted exactly like in the park except there was real Braille books now. I clutched them tightly for effect and repeated what I said earlier. I made all my expressions very realistic and tried to think that I was actually blind.

The scene ended as Director Fushigi said, "Cut! That was beautiful. The chemistry between you two are so deep and heartfelt. Are you guys in a relationship?"

I blushed beet red at that curious question and Talon answered, "No. Just aquantinces."

He frowned and said with disappointment. "What a shame. The public would have loved it, if you guys were dating. The two of you actually don't look that bad together. Anyways, on with scene two of episode one! Action!"

"We meet again, Miyuki Haruzima." Talon casually strolled over to me and smiled.

"Hello, Kyo." I grinned playfully.

"So, how's life?"

I shyly twirled a strand of my hair. "Rather general question, but great. You?"

"Complicated." He sighed.

I turned to his direction while still looking in one spot. "Why?"

He ran a hand through his hair. "Personal issues."

Perfectly, I arched an eyebrow. "Let me guess, family problems?"

Talon look surprised and asked, "How did you know?"

"A little birdie told me earlier." I rolled my eyes.

We both laughed heartily and he said, "Oh really?"

"Yes really!" I nodded several times enthusiastically.

Talon chuckled before saying, "My family is richer than most. My parents often argue with each other and I heard that my mom is thinking of divorcing..."

I smiled sadly. "It's okay. At least, you weren't born blind like me."

"It's my problem, not yours. Stop worrying about me. I'll figure something out eventually." His eyes were downcast in uncertainty.

I patted his shoulder reassuringly. "You're gonna survive, Kyo. Don't stress about it."

"Thanks," he suddenly put his arms around me. Wait, this wasn't in the script!

Instinctively, my eyes widened in surprise and continued with my line, "No problemo. Every problem has a solution, right? Like those Rubik's cubes. Just paint all six sides different colors and tada, you solved it."

He laughed and I could feel him hug me tighter. "It's nice to know that someone in this world actually cares."

My cheeks heated up and I felt like we weren't acting. "I'm the only one who cares about you, Kyo?"

"Yes. Everyone else just likes me because of my wealth."

"I like you because of your personality. I can't judge people by appearance since I lack the sense of sight."

"Another reason why I like you, Miyuki." Talon grinned ear-to-ear. "At least you are a real friend who actually cares."

"Why thank you." I mockingly bowed with an identical grin.

"Seriously, I would be really sad if we stopped meeting..." His light brown eyes hid under his reddish brown bangs.

Aw, never seen this shy version of him before! "I promise I'll never do that." I solemnly declared.

He held out his pinky finger. "Pinky promise?"

I giggled. "A bit elementary style, huh? Okay." Our pinkies interlocked and we both warmly exchanged genuine smiles.

"A promise is a promise." I stated.

Talon checked his wristwatch and observed his eyes widen in fear with an amused expression. "Oh man, I'm gonna be late for the job interview," he cursed under his breath, "catch you later, Miyuki! Same place, same time tomorrow!"

I watched him sprint for his life towards the train station. A heartfelt smile came out of the hiding and I was actually happy.

The director yelled, "Cut!" Talon came back and I walked towards Director Fushigi.

"Talon, nice job with the added hug, but next time please inform me of any changes of the script. Miyuki, your facial expressions were so believable and fun to watch! Keep up the good work on the next shooting!"

Then, in a shiny black Hummer limo, the director left after saying farewell and wishing us good luck.

"Well, that wasn't that bad." I admitted sheepishly.

Talon smirked. "The job as an actor isn't that complicated. The showbiz and the fans are for sure. With all those rumors nowadays, it's difficult to trust anyone with your secrets."

"The same goes for being a singer," a chuckle escaped my mouth.

"Shall we return, milady?" The actor extended his arm.

I grinned idiotically while accepting his welcoming arm. "We shall."

It didn't take long before we returned to my (or should I say our) apartment arm-in-arm. We were both laughing our heads off and discussing 'private matters'.

"What do you mean you don't like Coldplay? Viva la Vida is so awesome!"

"They sound like a bunch of old guys to me."

"Well, those 'old guys' are one of my favorite bands, so excuse me!"

He arched an eyebrow while pressing the up button in the empty elevator. "How about One Direction? Don't you like them?"

I made a face. "I'm not a Directioner or a hater. I mean, their songs are okay I guess, but I'm not crazy about their looks. Curly hair isn't really my thing."

"Oh, so do you prefer hot Asian guys like me then?"

A laugh erupted like a volcano from my system. "In your dreams, Huang!"

He chuckled and the elevator doors opened. Once we stepped into my room, I instantly turned on the TV. "Why do you always watch TV?"

"Rumors, popularity, and celebrities." I muttered while I concentrated on Entertainment Tonight.

A blonde girl with pink streaks was reporting, "The movie Hansel and Gretel has just been released! A horrific twist to your average fairy tale and guaranteed to be thrilling until the end. Starring Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton, the movie is currently no. 1 in the box office with over $19 million dollars in total! What a success! Johnny, what do you think?"

The brown haired man named Johnny replied, "A movie I would definitely watch! Anyways, moving on, Avi has been spotted with a boy! Is he the one? Our number one female artist is seen in this image with Twilight werewolf, Taylor Lautner! Will this couple work out? Tell us your opinion via Facebook or Twitter #taylorandavi. Britney?"

Britney informed, "Our favorite Filipino couple is still going strong! Some even predict that Xian Lim might actually propose to Kim Chiu! How astounding and romantic."

"Honestly, I think they are meant to be! Ever since they acted in that romance/comedy/drama TV show, things have really blossomed between them!" Johnny exclaimed.

An awkward silence surfaced between us. Blind Love is a drama/comedy/romance TV show... Luckily, Britney started chatting animatedly about some European couple and changed the topic. Before long, a shocking image of us laughing arm-in-arm came in view. Oh man, we forgot to put on our disguises. Why didn't I realize his earlier?!

I started to punch the couch while Britney gossiped, "Looks like things are getting hotter between the popular heart throb Talon Huang from Asia and Canada's well-known female artist, Saki Kiryuu are spotted in front of a five star apartment in Toronto. Could this couple also end up as Kim and Xian? Only time will tell. What's your say, Johnny?"

I was avoiding Talon's stare and reluctantly listened more. "I think it is possible. I haven't seen the show Blind Love they star in yet. Speaking of that show, Blind Show premieres this Friday on FoxTV! Remember to watch this comedy/romance drama at 8:00 PM next Wednesday right after Revenge!"

Britney sighed and smiled. "Those two would actually look good together, you know. Saki is beautiful with her raven locks with purple streaks and crystal blue eyes and sweet! Her song 'I Love You' secretly explains her past relationship with Kai Couture, Serena's Couture's sister."

Johnny had a thoughtful look. "I kind of predicted Kai and Saki to break up sooner or later. Kai just was too perfect. When they split up, I felt terrible for Saki. I mean to find out he cheated with Hilary Utada on her world tour right after spending days away from him. Tragic, really."

I tried to stop the water flowing out of my eyes, but a warm tear managed to slip through my shield. Before I knew it, I was crying soundlessly. Pathetic, I'm still not over him until now. Sobs racked my frail body.

"Saki, are you alright?" Talon looked at me with concern evident in his eyes.

I didn't reply but I think he knew I wasn't. He moved and sat right beside me. Talon hugged me. This time, there was actually some real meaning underneath the affection. "I don't know who this guy is, but he's really affecting your life. Don't let him to this to you. Saki, this isn't you."

"But," the reporter, Johnny argued, "I think Kai was just dating her to gain popularity in the first place. That's my opinion. I have a good feeling that Talon is the right one for precious Saki. He may look gorgeous and a player, but I think Talon's actually a funny and caring guy deep down. Maybe even a romantic."

Britney raised an eyebrow. "Well, this is my prediction. At first, Saki and Talon will be close friends during the start of the drama. But, when that fated kiss scene happens, the fireworks will explode and they will both snap out of denial and actually start dating!"

I blushed and Talon's brown eyes refused to meet mine and remained glued to the TV. What if Britney's right? By that time, will I be able to overcome the fear of losing another loved one like Kai? So many unanswered questions are flying around in my mind...

She squealed. "They would look so cute walking hand-in-hand down the red carpet!"

"How about the aisle?" Johnny laughed.

"That too. I, too, have a great premonition that this couple will work out. Let's be honest, every relationship has its ups and downs. Misunderstandings and be a complication but I am certain these two will work it out. And that's all for Entertainment Tonight! See you guys tomorrow on Thursday!"