Skip・Beat!, Vol. 15

スキップ・ビート! [Skip Beat!] #15

by Yoshiki Nakamura

Sho decides to take the high road rather than confront Vie Ghoul about their theft of his song. But VG frontman Reino doesn't take kindly to being ignored and devises a devious plan to get Sho's attention--he's going after Kyoko! Normally, Kyoko's not the type of girl that needs rescuing. But for some reason, Reino's presence petrifies her. Will Reino's evil scheme work better than anyone imagined?

Genres: Manga, Romance, Shojo, Graphic Novels, Humor, Comics, Young Adult

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 19, 2007

About the author

Yoshiki Nakamura (仲村佳樹) is a Japanese mangaka. She was born June 17. Nakamura made her manga debut with "Yume de Auyori Suteki" in the manga magazine Hana to Yume in 1993.

Reviews

[Lemoona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing volume in the sense that we get to learn so much more about Kyoko’s character than expected through the events. Unfortunately, Kyoko was more or less sexually harassed by Reino, who does it out of spite for Sho. In fact, if Sho didn’t show up in time, Kyoko would have been raped. It’s devastating to consider what could have happened, and clearly the author didn’t want to get to that stage in order to express that while Kyoko tries to appear strong most of the time, she is still vulnerable. And that’s to be expected in such a scary situation. Especially when she was shaking while talking to Ren over the phone… I felt as stressed as Ren was on the other side of that call. That vulnerability also forces Kyoko to rely on Sho during Ren’s absence, which was inevitable, but she fears sharing that fact with Ren. Especially since he arrives at the set early because she was acting strange over the phone call with him and he was racked with worry. Still, the point, I think, is that Kyoko was just violated, but she’s still worrying about the feelings of others over herself (in this case Ren and Yashiro who rush over to see what’s going on and who she believes to have inconvenienced in the process).

She even worries about Sho to some extent, and in her own twisted way. She thinks Sho is her prey, and her prey alone. So we also see some traces of possessiveness over Sho in Kyoko’s character. She’s like a puzzle. She hates Sho but she is possessive of him (as in SHE needs to be the one to destroy him in show biz). To me it more so came off as her hating Sho being hurt by other people, and we are truly able to uncover the undeniable truth that Kyoko still cares about Sho in some way. It’s enough that he’s the first one that came to mind when she needed help the most. I don’t know whether or not that was because Ren was absent, and even if it was, she still could have thought of him. It could also be that Kyoko hides a lot of her true self from Ren, but Sho has seen it all, so naturally, it wouldn’t be strange for Sho to help in the current situation. I’m not saying I agree, but that’s just how I think Kyoko feels. She also never wants to inconvenience Ren, and how could she? It’s tough, but Sho is not someone who Kyoko can forget she ever used to rely on. She grew up with him, after all. She spent much more time with him than she ever did with Ren (even if she also knew Ren briefly as a kid, it’s different).

This volume was more about Sho, though, than anyone else. He sees his feelings reflected through Reino’s (NOT THE SEXUAL HARRASMENT). I mean Reino’s declarations that Kyoko is a special woman and he will make her his blah blah. Sho, we see, is even more possessive of Kyoko than she may be of him. I will repeat this again. Rather than being in love with Kyoko, his history with her has given her a place in his heart whether he likes it or not, and he can’t help his possessive emotions. Likewise, just like Kyoko doesn’t want him to be, he also doesn’t want her to be hurt by anyone else. What I’m trying to say is that this volume demonstrates their care for one another. Sho went above and beyond to protect Kyoko, and I would say that Kyoko also spent a lot of worry and stress over Sho’s situation. They are still so very much connected, but they’re more thorny than anything. Their relationship is not smooth, but sometimes flowers with thorns are more beautiful, no? I personally don’t think their friendship has altogether dissipated. In fact, it is growing in unexpected ways. It remains to be seen whether I’m truly right in my predictions, but altogether, their dynamic is amazing and so very well written it’s CRAZY. Yoshiki Nakamira writes her characters which such depth and care you can’t help but love each and every one of them.

Ren’s lack of impact in this volume was unfortunate. I still LOVED this volume, don’t get me wrong. I get why Ren couldn’t be present. Otherwise, could we have learned all of these things about Kyoko and Sho’s feelings toward one another? Still, Ren is FURIOUS. Not at Kyoko of course, but because he feels like he doesn’t have as strong of a presence in Kyoko’s heart as Sho does. At his absence. And at the fact that Kyoko was stalked and he wasn’t there to do anything about it. Yes, Kyoko doesn’t love Sho, but Reino is not wrong in his assumption that her grudge for Sho allows him a frequent residence in her thoughts and in her life. Can Ren say the same about his relationship with her? Ren doesn’t even know that he means anything to Kyoko (but we all know the truth). Ren is also feeling vulnerable and insecure. It’s cute and sad, and unfortunate that he has a foe/presence like Sho to tolerate in Kyoko’s life for god knows how long. I really want to see what happens when Ren gets more details on the situation in the next volume. Still, Ren isn’t a character I can confidently analyze. If Kyoko is a puzzle, then Ren is a riddle I have yet to decipher. He’s a maze I can’t find my way through. And, he’s a human with too many sides to him I can’t keep track of them. He’s much more complicated than any puzzles, riddles or mazes I’ve ever seen in my life. I just have to say, Nakamura, you’ve really done it with this one.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I said I wanted a third option, I did not mean super-creepy Reino. You can take him back, Nakamura-san.

[Amy Thorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did promise to heap an indecent amount of praise on Skip Beat next time I posted anything, so here it is. As this is volume 15, expect a certain amount of spoiler.

The genius in this volume is how well Nakamura handles Kyoko's "damsel in distress" plotline. Sho is on the scene; Ren is not. Sho's feelings for Kyoko are also pretty clear--but not in a way that's out of character with his a-hole self. He is genuinely concerned for her safety; he's actually upset that Ren isn't there (he seems to instinctively know that Ren's presence would've given Kyoko some protection). Still, it's all about him when it comes down to it. That's the only way Sho knows how to think. The entire episode, which really goes through volume 16, advances the plot nicely, tightens up tension in the love triangle (at least between two of the sides) considerably and develops the characters authentically.

Now, if I feel like it, maybe I'll write up the romantic giddy-skip that is volume 16 in a little while.

[Anna 'Bookbuyer' · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I didn't have a bit more backstory on Reino he would really terrify me. I feel bad for Kyoko in this volume because she IS scared of him and he is basically forcing his feelings on her. I like that Sho is trying to be protective in his own arrogant and unknowing way. It's kind of cute.

I felt proud of Kyoko when she felt so deeply for her character that she didn't want to report Reino. It's a long jump from only getting into acting to show up Sho.

Poor Ren though. Stuck on shoot and unable to get away to help Kyoko. He'll be the last to know about Reino too although he will be the biggest help. lol. :D

Edit:

I kind of just got the cover picture. In this book Sho is Kyoko's knight in shining armor.

Poor Shouko. I feel bad for her having to look after Sho. She is a really nice lady.

I don't get the Vie Ghoul's deal. Why do they like the ghost stuff so much. Weird. :/

Sho's switch on scene. lol. :P

Dude. Next time believe a girl when she says she is being stalked! -.-

Reino is super creepy. I don't like him. :(

[Samantha wickedshizuku Tolleson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume starts off with Chapter 85: Unexpected Love Story-Symphony B pt.3.

This is where Kyoko gets stuck in the open air bath with Shotaro's manager. Hmmm. I wonder if there is some sort of reconisence is going on for Sho? The series seems to be dragging a little. I hope that it picks up, and returns to the comedy of the first few volumes.

I'll write more when my editing mode hits.
Happy Readings!
Fly my Pretties! Fly!

[Mariam · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was rapey and uncomfortable and completely unnecessary. Can Reino go back to the hell he crawled out of , please? I don't like this arc at all.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 / 5

Compared to the other volumes in this manga... this one was DARK. Eep ._.

The whole thing with Creeper-dude (apparently his name is Reino, but until they can prove otherwise I will not be referring to him as anything but Creeper-dude (or "Creeper" for short), because he is creepy as hell ._.) was weird and terrifying and CREEPY and just... the stalking? WHYYYYYY. She clearly doesn't want you and I don't care how much you want to destroy Shou - using Kyouko as a means to an end is NOT OKAY DAMMIT. And the sexual harassment is even LESS okay! Following her into the forest... holding her hostage... touching her inappropriately... NO. BAD. *SMACK*

On a much more positive side though, I really loved Shou coming to Kyouko's defence. It's definitely one of the more selfless things I've seen Shou do (I mean... it was still because he sees Kyouko as "his" really, but at least he's improving!) And while in "real life" I would not condone violence... KICK HIS ASS SHOU.

The whole thing with Kyouko not wanting to tell the police about her stalker (AND HARASSER) gave me mixed feelings. I mean... I understand why she wouldn't want to, but it just kinda gave him this huge power over her with the way it was portrayed and I'm just not okay with that :/

I DID love how worried Ren was about her in this volume - to the extent that he cut his other job as short as he could, and even sent his manager on ahead to help keep her safe. THAT was adorable - even if it did end up with some awkwardness at the end... 8'D

[Tib · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Vie Ghoul guy needs a swift kick to the nuts and put on a registry immediately. What a gross predator

[Marguerite · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars.

I'm not a fan of Sho as a character, but over the last volumes, he has grown (a little), and we can all agree that we were happy when he turned up to protect Kyoko from the Vie Ghoul stalker guy. What is that guy's problem???

Re-Read 1:

Sho has grown a lot... one tends to forget that about him (tbh, I still see him predominantly as a major jerk), but he does show in this arc that he can think about someone else besides himself. Well, better start volume 16!

[Lid]

*En mangas sólo puntúo el primer volumen como nota general del manga*
¡La CARA del manager y Kyoko cuando Ren pregunta si le oculta algo más!

Y después de ese final tal que dos gallos mirándose no puedo evitar ir a por el siguiente, no puedo esperar por los pensamientos de Ren, me da pena pero... ¡SO INTERESTING!

[B.B. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Worst part (and this is also one of THE WORST scenes in all the books) - When Reino is a creepy creep creeper and follows Kyoko into the forest. I just can't get over it. It's so horrible. I hate him so much.

Best part - When Sho saves her. It should have been Ren, but Sho's good for the job too, I guess.

[B · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sho is abuuuuusive and it is not romantic at all that he had to step in when Kyoko is being sexually assaulted. If the only way you can make your "love interest" look good is to have someone LITERALLY THREATEN TO RAPE YOUR PROTAGONIST then maybe your love interest is TRASH and you could actually skip this trashfire of an arc. It slows down all actual plot and makes Kyoko a prop in her own story.

[Starbubbles · Rating 5 out of 5]

2021: So there was more than one of book summary reviews? Awesome.

Ren is back! Yay! Sho was less than a turd, so there was that.

2009: as vie ghoul closes in on kyoko, sho tries to step in and protect what is "his." but can he keep her out of harms way, and can ren get there in time?

[Katt Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought I would say these words - but Sho Fuwa...is COOL? Er...well...if anything he's somewhat...likable. And that's disturbing. Very disturbing. I mean how dare her become likable after all this? AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread June 27th, 2025

Fucking men here... So many evil and egoistical bastards.

[Luana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lo sapevo io che Kyoko sarebbe finita nel bel mezzo della querelle tra Sho Fuwa e i Beagle...sempre quando Ren non è nei paraggi...
Il bietolone biondo è un pirla patentato, ma qui si rende utile. A modo suo, ovviamente. Visto che i V.G. sono intenzionati a prendersi tutto quello che gli appartiene - non solo a livello professionale -, Sho capisce subito che il cantante ha messo nel mirino anche la povera Kyoko, che finirà per trovarsi uno stalker nel bel mezzo delle riprese. Reino (il vocalist dei Beagle) è un personaggio decisamente malsano e con molti problemi, che si prende un po' troppe libertà. Qui vediamo Kyoko provare veramente paura: dopotutto, non si è mai trovata in una situazione simile e l'atteggiamento di Reino la intimorisce; nessuno si è mai permesso di toccarla o di rivolgerle delle attenzioni morbose. Sho, compreso il pericolo, fa di tutto per non lasciarla da sola...il punto è che, quando ha bisogno di rassicurazioni e di serenità, a chi si rivolge Kyoko? A Ren, il quale, anche se lontano per impegni di lavoro, capisce subito che c'è qualcosa che non va e si attiva subito per proteggerla.

Quelle che Kyoko subisce in questo volume sono delle molestie, non c'è modo di chiamarle diversamente. Un uomo che si prende la libertà di toccarla senza il suo consenso. Reino l'ha puntata per via del legame che ha percepito tra lei e Sho: per lui, l'umiliazione del bietolone biondo è solo puro divertimento, niente di personale, e un mezzo per raggiungere rapidamente il successo. Tutto il contrario di Kyoko, il cui astio nei confronti di Sho ha radici profonde, è una questione decisamente peersonale. E non può tollerare che il primo imbeccile che passa per la strada si metta in mezzo con le sue baggianate. La questione rischia di prendere una piega ancora più inquietante, con Reino pronto a tormentare ulteriormente Kyoko, minacciandola di andare a raccontare tutto ai tabloid finendo così per rovinarle la reputazione. Fortunatamente, come detto in precedenza, Sho si rende utile gonfiando di botte il pirla, lasciandosi andare nel mentre ad alcune dichiarazioni interessanti. Lui considera ancora Kyoko come qualcosa di "suo". Il gran problema di Fuwa è che, come molti, tende a dare per scontate alcune cose, comprendendo il loro valore solo una volta che le ha perse. E' un personaggio egoista e superficiale, ma dubito che il suo obiettivo originario fosse quello di ferire l'amica in quel modo. Probabilmente non è nemmeno del tutto consapevole dei danni che ha fatto. Però non può tollerare che qualcuno le faccia del male, che qualcuno le giri intorno con cattive intenzioni. Oddio, pure con delle buone intenzioni (dubito che vedrà di buon occhio l'avvicinamento tra Kyoko e Ren). Il ragionamento di Reino - ovvero quello di diventare il vero oggetto dell'odio di Kyoko, soppiantando così Sho nel suo cuore e nei suoi pensieri - è davvero malato, ma ha un fondo di verità: sentimenti negativi come l'odio finiscono per consumare molto velocemente l'animo di una persona. E poi vogliamo parlare di tutto il discorsetto "sono io l'unico uomo giusto per lei"? Menomale che Ren non era presente, altrimenti questo finiva direttamente dentro la cassa da morto...

Il volume si chiude con un bel faccia a faccia Ren/Sho, proprio mentre Kyoko sta cercando di spiegare quanto accaduto all'attore, compreso il coinvolgimento dell'ex amico. Ovviamente, il tempismo di Shotaro è sempre fantastico. Spero che prima della fine Ren gli molli un bel pugno sul grugno....

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today's post is on Skip Beat!, vol. 15 by Yoshilo Nakamura. It is 210 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has Sho dressed has a white knight. As it is the fifteenth volume in this long running series you need to have read the first fourteen. There is no foul language, no sex, and mild violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of Kyoko and some parts others characters to add to the overall narrative. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- She decides to take the high road rather than confront Vei Ghoul about their theft of his song. But VG front-man Reino doesn't take kindly to being ignored and devises a devious plan a get Sho's attention- he's going to after Kyoko! Normally, Kyoko's not the type of girl that needs recuing. But for some reason, Reino's presence petrifies her. Will Reino's evil scheme work better than anyone imagined?!

Review- So this Reino dude is really creepy, he's a totally stalking Kyoko, and I do not blame her for being scared of him. This volume is about Sho and Kyoko dealing with him and then at the end we add in Ren, who is on edge because he knows something is going on with Kyoko but she doesn't want to make trouble for Ren. Well I do not like Reino, on the other hand I feel a little bad for him because he has no idea about Ren and what Ren is willing to do for Kyoko. I like in general this new story arc and I am looking forward to seeing more Kyoko.

I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my money.

[♡Kayla♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sho Fuwa... was kind of the HERO?!? And I kind of liked him??? What has the world come to?

If you had told me that I would feel this way back during volume 1, I would have cackled in your face. It just goes to show that anyone can be redeemed, even if only a minuscule amount, if the writer is good enough at their craft.

The Beagle (Vie Ghoul) guys are actual garbage, especially their leader, Reino. Who tries to force themselves on a girl, then threatens to ruin her reputation and career by spinning the tabloids in his favor, in the name of "actually liking her"?? That man needs jail and therapy, ASAP! He makes Sho look like a sweet little angel in comparison, which is kinda crazy.

All of that is to say... I absolutely loved this volume. The drama was extra spicy and fun!

[L. J. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I literally do not care that Sho saved Kyo; he is still not redeemed. One good thing doesn’t delete all of the bad things. I am not for this arc at all. Did they really have to put in an attempted sexual assault scene to make Sho look good? They couldn’t do it any other way? Of course not; he slapped Kyo last volume, so only this would make him look good again. Not in my book, though.

And I swear to Christ, Kyo, just tell someone how you’re actually feeling…

I hated everything about that scene, especially the fact that she only fought back because he talked poorly of Sho; glad she fought back, eventually, but don’t like the reason for why she finally did.

[chlo *ੈ✩‧₊˚ · Rating 5 out of 5]

tw for sexual assault which made me feel so disgusting on the inside and brought up emotions that I usually do not feel. THE ENDING THOUGH OH MY GOD, the faces the DRAMA, RENS MANAGER. miscommunication is not a trope that I indulge myself in typically because it gets annoying after a while,, BUT REN AND KYOKOS MISCOMMUNICATION may make me want to punch a wall but it makes my heart beat unhealthily fast AT THE SAME TIME. unpopular opinion I kinda like sho sorry dudes. this is deffo my fav volume so far

[sheymar · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUCH A DRAMA FILLED VOLUME! That disgusting beagle freak weirdo has mental issues for sure and needs to leave Kyoko alone. Actually Sho got that handled for us! The only good thing he’s done till now was beat up that molester I’m so serious. I’m wondering what would’ve happened if Ren was there… he’s so precious and had my heart melting with how he could tell something bad was happening from hundreds of miles away🥹 The way Mr. Yashiro just knew was so funny I love that man. Anyways the next volume boutta have some tea!

[FER · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another volume where I have a very different impression on things compared to reading this years ago. "Beagle" is targeting Kyoko because they want to beat Sho in the industry. But then Beagle's lead now just wants Kyoko cus she "matches his freak" or something. I don't even care anymore because he about to molest her. But then Kyoko would rather keep the harassment secret to proctect her character's image than protect her own. A big fuckin weird ass mess. But Sho being jealous and Ren's appearance because he worries about her. Yea, Beagle is a fuckin creep.

[Gimelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I know why the previous volume cover is Kyouko as Red Little Riding Hood! Forest setting with the Wolf Reino and suddenly Sho as a prince charming? (This volume’s cover).
Now, while Kyouko was backhugged and can’t move. Who did she thought of? Surprisingly, or maybe not, it is Sho! Which I thought was interesting, since maybe Kyouko somewhat sees Sho as a savior figure, even a tiny bit.
She tried to tell Ren about Reino but then she backed out of saying it. Kudos to Ren for trying to go to Karuizawa earlier tho.
Now the next volume will be a confrontation scene!

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, che volume! Da questo momento parte ufficialmente il triangolo amoroso. Sho non mi piace, ma è indubbio che è maturato e stavolta si è fatto valere proteggendo Kyoko con tutto se stesso. Lei potrà ancora avere delle mire di vendetta verso l'amico d'infanzia, ma vogliamo veramente parlare della sua reazione all'arrivo di Ren? Per me basta e avanza per sapere chi si trova nel suo cuore, anche se lei non ne è ancora consapevole (e chissà tra quanto lo diventerà). Le ultime tavole, uuuuuhh!!!

[Adrii Cr · Rating 5 out of 5]

En este punto no sé si Fuwa realmente quiere a Kyoko como algo más o solo es por qué es su amiga de la infancia, sin embargo, debo de decir que siempre llega en los momentos más inoportunos en cuanto a Kyoko y Ren se trata.
Por cierto, Reino es un completó maníaco ¿En verdad pretendía aprovecharse de Kyoko?

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am so disappointed with this issue, I think the seriousness and dread of the issue could've been done without being do rapey and creepy and honestly truly disgusting and honestly unnecessary?? Ugh. I'm reading the next volume because I have it but I'm starting to get turned off.

[SilverMoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Che batticuore! e che figo Sho,anche se non avrei mai immaginato di poterlo trovare tale...Kyoko invece mi ha fatto quasi innervosire,anche se solo un po',e anche se si è trattato solo di un'emozione passeggera.

[Dasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ 1, 2 de 10 suspenso, lo odio
⭐⭐ 3, 4 de 10 justito, meh
⭐⭐⭐ 5, 6 de 10 bien, no está mal
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 7, 8 de 10 notable, me gusta bastante
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 9, 10 de 10 me obsesiona, me encanta.

Mis puntuaciones son para toda la saga, en general. No por tomos.

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Reino stalking Kioko is really exaggerated. But you have to make the story interesting, and it fits. Does Sho love Kioko? Will he regret the way he treated her in the past? Or is he only standing as a champion because he considers her his property?

[GuisBell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahora se cree heroe Shoutaro, que desfachatez. Espero que Ren lo ponga en su lugar.