Chapter 31 : eclipse hits the screens

June started with eclipse's ad finally aired on national TV.A sleek black screen. The word ECLIPSE appeared in silver letters. Then: Ren, flawless, poised, the embodiment of elegance. Tachibana’s flirtatious smirk. Aki radiant face, caught the light just right.The public reaction was instantaneous.Social media exploded:“Ren looks so good 😍 Eclipse is going to break the internet!”“Tachibana… wow… she’s always so charming 😏 #EclipsePerfume”“Aki is so adorable ❤️”“Wait… did Ren really meet Toma Nijima ?? Rumors are flying…”“I need this perfume. Eclipse looks like pure elegance.”In the marketing office, Ayase, and the crew monitored the responses.Ayase pointing at the screen “Look at that… almost 10,000 likes in five minutes.”“People are obsessed already… but… some are bringing up Toma, how do they even find out?.” Mikito asked nervously Takeshi stepped forward, calm but alert.“That’s expected. Ignore it. Focus on the campaign numbers. The public will care about the product if we keep the focus there.”Meanwhile, Ren sat quietly in the VIP lounge, watching clips of people reacting online. He read the praise. The admiration. And the whispers about Toma.He clenched his jaw, then exhaled slowly. Professionalism first. “How did they even find out?,” he muttered under his breath.Tachibana appeared beside him, smirking.“Relax, superstar. People are going to notice you first, and the rumors second. Trust me.”Ren gave a small, tight smile.“Thanks… I just need to make sure that the focus stays where it belongs.”The public reaction continued to grow: memes, fan art, and heated speculation.Aki peeked nervously at the live feed.“Is… is this normal?”Tachibana laughed softly.“Welcome to the world of fame, kid. Enjoy the chaos.”Ren’s eyes stayed on the screen, steady and unwavering, even as the storm of attention raged. He refused to lose himself.~The cameras stopped clicking, and the assistant announced:Assistant: “We’ll take a short break, everyone. Drinks and refreshments outside.”Ren leaned back, trying to relax. His expression stayed calm, professional.But he noticed the TV journalist nervously checking her phone, frowning. “…Oh… um, this is awkward.”Ren raised an eyebrow.“Someone… a rival reporter, I guess, just sent me some messages. About you. And Toma Sakurai now Nijima. About you meeting him despite his accident… and some… ‘relationships’ rumors with an employee of Namilab.”Ren’s jaw tightened. His fingers flexed slightly.“…I see.”“why are they doing that ?” Aki was nervous.“To annoy. That’s the answer. Always.”Tachibana smirked, leaning closer.“You’re way too calm. It’s scary. Or… maybe intimidating?”Ren’s eyes didn’t leave the journalist.“I refuse to let anyone drag me off course. Not now. Not ever.”The messages kept coming, buzzing into the TV journalist’s inbox, each one more invasive than the last.Finally, Takeshi appeared, brisk and protective.“Ren. Step away from this. Don’t engage. Those people live off creating drama. They won’t stop.”Ren’s expression softened for just a moment.“I know. But… Toma doesn’t need this. Not him, not me.”Takeshi’s hand was firm on Ren’s shoulder.“Then you let me handle it. Focus on the launch. Keep your professionalism. That’s all that matters right now.”Ren nodded slowly, taking a deep breath.The world could wait. The campaign would come first.But deep down, he felt the tension coil like a spring. The rumors wouldn’t disappear overnight… and Toma’s shadow lingered in every headline he could imagine.~The perfume launch chaos had finally settled.Ren found himself walking alongside Ayase, away from cameras, assistants, and flashing lights. The city streets were quiet in the evening, the sky painted with pale oranges and purples.“You really handled everything today professionally,” Ayase said softly, glancing at him.Ren shrugged lightly, his usual calm demeanor in place.“It’s my job. But… it’s easier with someone competent at my side.”Ayase raised an eyebrow, sensing a tension.“Competent? Takeshi ?”Ren’s lips quirked, just barely, but his eyes stayed focused.“Yes. He makes things look effortless, even when they’re chaotic.”Ayase felt her chest warm. She looked down at her hands.“I am sorry...”They walked in silence for a few steps, listening to the distant hum of the city.Then Ren stopped near a small park. The soft glow of the streetlights reflected in his eyes.“I should be the one apologizing, I almost kissed you and—”Ayase shook her head.“ we were caught in the moment it's ok.”Ren looked at her for longer than usual. There was something in his gaze—soft, honest, and careful.Ayase’s cheeks tinged pink. She looked down quickly.“I… I should probably go,” she said, but her voice was softer than before.Ren stepped closer, just enough that the warmth of his presence brushed against hers.“Don’t go yet,” he murmured.Her heart skipped a beat.“Ren...” she said, her own voice betraying her nervousness.For a moment, neither of them spoke. Just the quiet of the park, the lights, the city breathing around them.Ren’s hand brushed slightly against hers—not enough to touch fully, but enough to make Ayase’s stomach flutter.She looked up, and their eyes met. Both of them paused, blinking.And then… the faintest pink appeared on both their cheeks.“Uh… I really need to go,” Ayase whispered, trying to sound composed but failing completely.Ren gave a small, almost shy smile.“Aright”They started walking, side by side, hearts beating a little faster than usual, and a warmth lingering that neither of them was ready to name yet.
End of chapter 31