Friendship

Days after the gala, Kaguya Minamoto's office didn't look like the command center of a tech corporation. It looked more like a refuge. Mio was curled up in a fetal position on one of the sofas. Her mind was overwhelmed. The encounter with Ren on the balcony, Seraphine's lies about her parents, her fear of the future... it had all built up until it crushed her. “ I'm a mess... ” she murmured into the cushion. “ I'm no good at this. ”

Far from being upset at seeing her star collapse, Kaguya felt concerned for her. She left the reports on the table and sat down on the edge of the sofa next to her. In her hand she held a piece of strawberry cake. “ Open up, dear. ” Kaguya said softly. Mio obeyed mechanically. Kaguya fed her a piece, comforting her with a maternal gesture that no one in the company would have thought possible of Kaguya. “ Everything will be fine, Mio. Sugar helps you think. ”

Mio swallowed, but tears returned to her eyes. “ She was right, Miss Kaguya. Seraphine... she's a professional. I'm just a bunny girl playing dress-up. I'm not worth it. We should cancel the duel. ”

When Kaguya heard those words, something changed. The tenderness in her eyes vanished, replaced by an intense fire.

She put the plate down on the table to speak to him. This time she did not do so gently, but with fierce determination. “ Mio, listen to me carefully. ” Kaguya took her chin, forcing her to look at her. “ That's not true. If that woman, one of the best models in Europe, no, in the world, took the trouble to attack you personally, to investigate your past and try to break you mentally... it's not because you're weak. Kaguya smiled, a sharp smile. ”It's because she's afraid of you. "

Mio blinked, confused. “ Fear?”, " She sees you as a real threat. ” Kaguya continued. “ If she attacked you like that, it's because she knows you can take her crown away. And if she thinks that, then it means you're someone powerful, Mio. Much more than you think. ”

Mio, who heard all this, felt something ignite in her chest. Little by little, the sadness and depression dissipated, replaced by a spark of confidence. Although Seraphine's words about her parents still hurt, she decided that the best way to honor them was not by giving up, but by proving Seraphine wrong.

Just then, the main elevator doors opened. Mio stood up, drying her eyes. Several women stepped out of the elevator. They were the same stylists and makeup artists who had given her a makeover when she arrived at the corporation. But something had changed. Although they maintained their professional elegance, their demeanor was different. More relaxed. More human.

“Miss Mio!” exclaimed the head stylist. “We brought several sketches!”

Mio had made such an impression on them over the past few weeks with her humility, clumsiness, and kindness that she had inspired the team. They were no longer there just for the paycheck. They were determined to help Mio win the contest Seraphine had challenged her to. “ We're not going to let that stuck-up blonde beat you. ” said one of the assistants, raising her fist.

Mio, impressed and moved to see them there for her, couldn't contain herself. She got up from the sofa and ran towards them. “ Girls! ” Mio hugged them all in a messy group hug. She felt happy. They were no longer strangers who judged her; they were coworkers. They were friends.

Kaguya stayed behind, watching the scene with a satisfied smile. She approached Tanaka, who was watching from the corner. Both stared at the scene of Mio laughing among the group. Tanaka adjusted her glasses and muttered, “ That girl... wherever she goes, she always makes people appreciate her. Her kindness is very influential. Sometimes she reminds me of someone. ”

Kaguya said nothing. The silence was heavy. She knew perfectly well who he was referring to. It reminded her of Tomoki, her son, before she tried to break him. “ Yes. ” Kaguya replied simply, in a melancholy tone. “ He has it. ”

Kaguya shook her head, clearing her mind as she approached Mio and the group. “ All right, team. We have work to do. Let's head to the workshop. ” All the girls, excited, headed back to the elevator. Kaguya went with them, laughing with the girls about something a stylist had said.

Tanaka lingered behind for a second, looking at her boss. She made a comment to herself: “ I've never seen the President so happy. She seems like a different person. ” She looked at Mio, who was entering the elevator. “ Thank you, Mio. Because now, Ms. Kaguya is a better person. ”

“Tanaka?” Kaguya called from the elevator, holding the door open with her hand. “Are you coming?” Kaguya and the girls looked at Tanaka with smiles, inviting her into their circle. Tanaka, surprised, felt a warmth in her chest. Normally, she always went alone, in another car or taking the stairs. With a slight smile, she nodded. “ Yes, President. I'll come. ”

Tanaka got into the elevator with them. The doors closed, carrying a team that was no longer just a company, but a small family ready for the big gala that was approaching.