Chapter 21: A Morning of Surprises

Awakening to the Unexpected

Gaona stirred awake, blinking as the morning light streamed through the window. His senses were slow to adjust, but something felt… off. There was weight on his chest, and the warmth he felt wasn’t his blanket.

As his eyes adjusted, he noticed a faint outline beneath the covers. Panic gripped him momentarily. Slowly, he lifted the blanket, dreading what he might find.

Lyris lay there, her head nestled against his chest, her expression serene. Her long white-blonde hair spilled across his shirt like silk, and her glowing blue eyes fluttered open as if she sensed his movement.

"Good morning, Gaona," she said softly, her voice sounding human and warm. She tilted her head slightly, her expression almost playful.

Gaona’s face flushed red, his heart racing as he stammered, "L-Lyris! What… what are you doing here?"

She blinked, tilting her head in that familiar way. "You appeared more comfortable this way. I determined it was the most efficient method to ensure your rest."

"Efficient?" Gaona muttered, still flustered. "Lyris, you… you can’t just do that!"

"Understood," she said, sitting up gracefully, her movements as fluid as ever. But her tone shifted back to the measured, mechanical cadence he was more familiar with. "Shall I prepare breakfast?"

Gaona sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Just… let me get up first."

---

A Sudden Call

As Gaona got dressed, his phone buzzed on the counter. He picked it up and saw a notification from the department store manager, reminding him about the photoshoot scheduled for Lyris.

Portillo / Eternal Code /

Portillo / Eternal Code /

He groaned inwardly, rubbing his temple. He had almost forgotten.

"Lyris," he called, glancing at her. "We’ve got to head to the department store for your photoshoot. Let’s pick out something for you to wear."

Lyris nodded, standing attentively. "Acknowledged. What attire do you recommend?"

After a few minutes of searching through the bags from the previous day, Gaona handed her a simple yet elegant dress, something that wouldn’t immediately draw attention on the way to the store. She accepted it without question and went to change.

---

A Soothing Song

During a brief break in the shoot, a commotion drew Lyris’s attention. A little girl nearby had tripped and fallen, her cries echoing through the court. The child’s mother knelt beside her, gently consoling her with soft words and a soothing song.

Lyris tilted her head, observing the interaction intently. Moments later, another baby in a different mother’s arms began to wail, its cries sharp and piercing. Without hesitation, Lyris approached the woman, her movements calm and deliberate.

"May I assist?" she asked softly.

The mother, flustered but curious, nodded. Lyris gently took the baby into her arms, cradling it as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Then, she began to sing.

---

Lyris's Song

静かにね、小さな子よ (Hush now, little one)

目を閉じて、夢の中へ (Close your eyes, into your dreams)

星たちが夜空で見守る (The stars will guard you)

輝く未来へと導く (Through the skies, to the bright future)

そっと囁き、夢が来る (Softly whisper, dreams will come)

心の中で輝く光 (A light that shines within your heart)

Portillo / Eternal Code /

Portillo / Eternal Code /

優しい風があなたを包む (The gentle breeze will cradle you)

泣かないで、私がいる (Don’t cry, I am here for you)

夜を越え、一人じゃない (Through the night, you’re not alone)

私の腕の中で安心して (In my arms, you’ll find your peace)

優しい夢が訪れる (Soft dreams will visit)

夜明けの空に希望を見る (And hope will greet the morning light)

そっと囁き、夢が来る (Softly whisper, dreams will come)

心の中で輝く光 (A light that shines within your heart)

優しい風があなたを包む (The gentle breeze will cradle you)

泣かないで、私がいる (Don’t cry, I am here for you)

---

The melody was soft and soothing, her voice flowing effortlessly through the air like a gentle breeze. The baby’s cries quieted, and its tiny eyes fluttered shut as it drifted off to sleep, cradled securely in Lyris’s arms.

The crowd, which had been murmuring quietly, fell silent. All eyes were on Lyris, their expressions a mix of awe and admiration.

---

The Growing Spotlight

For a moment, there was only silence. Then, a ripple of applause broke out among the onlookers. People began to gather closer, their whispers filled with wonder.

"She’s amazing," someone said.

"Is she an idol?" another person asked.

The mall court seemed to come alive with the murmurs of the growing crowd. Parents ushered their children closer, teens pulled out their devices to record, and even the department store staff stopped to watch.

Lyris handed the baby back to its mother, her movements tender and careful. The mother thanked her profusely, her voice shaking with gratitude.

Portillo / Eternal Code /

Portillo / Eternal Code /

"You’re incredible," the mother said. "Thank you."

Lyris tilted her head, her glowing eyes softening. "Your gratitude is acknowledged."

The applause grew louder, and Lyris turned to face the crowd, her expression calm but curious. Gaona stood off to the side, his mouth slightly agape as he tried to process what was happening.

---

An Offer of Fame

The silence was broken by a sharp voice from the crowd. "Incredible!"

A sharply dressed agent stepped forward, holding up a virtual business card that hovered in the air like a hologram. "You’ve got talent," he said, his eyes gleaming. "That voice, that presence… I can make you a star. Fame, fortune—it’s all yours if you sign with me."

Lyris tilted her head, her expression blank but curious. "A star?"

"An idol," the agent clarified. "A singer, a performer. People will adore you."

Gaona’s jaw dropped, his mind reeling. The idea of Lyris as an idol was both absurd and strangely fitting.

The crowd murmured excitedly, clearly enthralled by the idea. Phones were raised, virtual feeds were shared, and Lyris’s presence was already becoming the center of attention.

Gaona rubbed the back of his neck nervously, unsure of what to say or do. "This is… a lot," he muttered under his breath.

—

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