Title:  Skip Beat! Vol 13

Author:  Yoshiki Nakamura

Publisher:  Viz

ISBN:  9781421517537

May Contain Spoilers

Ren’s in the hot seat, and he has to convince the president of LME that he can act “love,” or he’s going to be canned.  His screen test isn’t going to be easy, because he’s managed to piss off Itsumi, his leading lady, by declaring that he can make her act anyway he wants.  Will Itsumi try to ruin his acting trial, or will Ren be able to make her play along?

Ren needs to think about other people’s feelings before he makes bold declarations!  Insulting Itsumi was not a good way to get his screen test started.  The popular actress is seething at Ren’s casual view of her acting abilities, and she’s determined that she’s not going to justdo what he wants.  She’s not a puppet!  What follows is a hard fought acting duel, as Ren seeks to show that he’s the man for the role, and Itsumi tries to prove that Ren can’t manipulate her. 

During all of the tense action, Kyoko observes the test, and she finally catches a clue.  After 13 volumes, an unwelcome flicker of realization hits, and the effect is like a lightning strike.  As she watches the interaction between Ren and Itsumi, it slowly dawns on her that, just maybe, he likes her?  This stunning revelation was based on just one heavenly smile from Ren, and its effect on Kyoko is devastating.  That’s the smile he gives to her, so it can’t mean what she thinks.  Or does it?  Oh, no!  She’s vowed to never fall in love again.  Not ever!  This volume featured some fun interaction between Ren and Kyoko, as they both struggle to act normally in front of each other.  Keeping in mind that normal for Kyoko isn’t the usual definition of the word.

Grade:  B+

Rated for Teen