Chapter 21 – Mother and Daughter

Aiko Hoshizora stared at the script in her hands.

Drama Title: Mother

The word felt heavier than it should have.

“You’re perfect for this role,” the director said confidently. “A single mother who loses everything and fights to protect her child. We start casting the daughter next.”

Aiko smiled automatically. “I’ll do my best.”

Inside, something twisted.

Mother.

She had played lovers, rivals, victims. Never this.

When she signed the contract, her hand trembled slightly.

That same afternoon, Rin dragged Mai through the mall.

“Hold my hand,” Rin said. “Crowds eat small children.”

Mai frowned. “I’m not food.”

Rin laughed. “Good answer.”

They stopped in front of a toy store. Mai pressed her face against the glass.

Behind them, a voice spoke.

“Excuse me.”

Rin turned.

A woman in a neat blazer held a tablet, eyes fixed on Mai with interest.

“She’s very expressive,” the woman said. “Is she your daughter?”

Rin reacted instantly. “Niece.”

Mai nodded seriously. “Yes.”

The woman smiled. “We’re casting for a drama. Would you be interested in an audition?”

Rin froze.

“…A drama?”

“Yes. The role is small. The child of the main character.”

Rin looked down at Mai.

Mai tilted her head. “Can I?”

Rin swallowed.

Yuji would worry.

Aiko would—

No. She didn’t know.

Rin smiled. “Sure. Why not?”

At the agency office, Rin filled out forms quickly.

“Her name?” the staff asked.

Rin hesitated for half a second.

“M… Miko,” she said. “Miko Sato.”

Mai blinked but said nothing.

Rin leaned down. “Stage name,” she whispered. “Secret mission.”

Mai grinned. “Okay.”

They signed the contract.

Rin’s hands shook when she put the pen down.

Aiko received the casting confirmation that night.

Child actress selected. First reading tomorrow.

She exhaled slowly.

She didn’t know why her heart felt restless.

The first script reading was quiet.

Aiko sat at the table, calm and professional. The director spoke about themes. Loss. Protection. Love.

Then the door opened.

A small girl stepped in, holding a woman’s hand.

Aiko’s breath caught.

She didn’t know why.

The girl bowed politely. “Hello.”

Aiko forced a smile. “Hello.”

Something about her eyes felt familiar.

Warm.

Painful.

The director clapped his hands. “This is Miko. She’ll be playing your daughter.”

Aiko nodded.

Mai looked up at her.

Their eyes met.

Neither recognized the other.

But something in the room shifted.

Mai tilted her head. “You’re very pretty.”

Aiko’s chest tightened.

“…Thank you,” she replied softly.

Rin watched from the back, heart pounding.

Don’t look too closely.

Don’t ask questions.

The reading began.

Aiko read her lines.

Mai read hers.

They laughed at the same parts.

Paused at the same silences.

The director’s eyes lit up.

“This works,” he said quietly.

Aiko smiled politely.

Inside, something ancient stirred.

She didn’t know she was looking at her own child.

Mai didn’t know the woman in front of her was her mother.

But fate had finally stopped circling.

It had stepped forward.

And neither of them realized their lives had just collided again.