Chapter 37 : opportunities and comfort

Ayase walked into the event hall, still slightly in disbelief.The Eclipse launch had been a whirlwind. Social media praise, news articles, celebrity endorsements — everything was falling perfectly into place.Yui spotted her from across the room. Her face lit up, and she hurried over, practically enveloping Ayase in a tight hug.“You did it! Look at the response! This campaign… it’s perfect, thanks to you!”Ayase laughed, blushing. “I… I just did my best.”“No,” Yui said firmly, holding her at arm’s length and looking into her eyes. “You put your heart into this. Everyone noticed.”The warmth of the praise lingered, and Ayase felt a rare, full glow of satisfaction.Later, as the crowd thinned, Mr Suda approached with a grin.“There’s another company,” he said, sliding her a business card. “They want you for an ad campaign. And they’re willing to pay very well.”Ayase blinked. “Really?”“Yes. You’re in high demand. Everyone loves your work.”She looked down at the card, already imagining the new possibilities. More projects meant more money, more independence… more chances to make her mark.From the corner of her eye, she noticed a man in a sharp suit hovering nearby, glancing at her with a warm, admiring smile. Something in the way he observed her made her heart flutter.She tucked the feeling away for later. For now, there was work, and excitement, and opportunity.Afterward, she found Kana sitting alone in a quiet corner of the hall, scrolling on her phone with a gloomy expression.Ayase sat beside her, placing a hand gently on her friend’s shoulder.“Talk to me,” Ayase said softly.Kana sighed. “I… I just can’t stop thinking about Kota. And the things he did… I don’t know if I’ll ever trust someone like that again.”Ayase nodded, her voice gentle but firm. “You’re allowed to feel hurt. But you don’t have to carry it alone. You’ve got friends who care about you — me included. And one day, you’ll realize it wasn’t about you… it was about him.”Kana sniffled, wiping a tear. “Thanks, Ayase… I just… I needed someone to say that.”“You’re stronger than you think,” Ayase whispered. “And you deserve better. Way better.”Kana smiled faintly, feeling lighter already.As Ayase walked back toward the event hall, glancing at her phone, she thought about the future.More projects, more opportunities, more money for her family.She starts picturing Haru in college, probably in another country with Mio if their relationship keeps growing stronger, and Souta with his friend Kenta laughing together.
Mom...Dad I hope you are proud...~It was October.Ayase's birthday was coming.The autumn sunlight spilled across her desk.Papers were scattered. Sketches and notes lay half-finished. She rubbed her temples, tired but satisfied — the new project was finally coming together.Her phone buzzed.Caller ID: Ren 💖She smiled before answering.“Hey,” she said.“Hey,” Ren replied, voice bright despite the faint background noise of a busy set. “I’m calling from L.A. The crew keeps messing up my lines, and I needed someone to listen to me vent.”Ayase laughed softly. “Wish I could. But I’m stuck here with my own chaos.”There was a pause, warm and familiar.“I miss you,” he admitted quietly.Ayase’s chest fluttered. “I miss you too. But you sound happy.”“I am,” Ren said. “It’s exhausting, sure… but good. And… I keep thinking about your birthday gifts.”She blushed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I don't want anything too... you know...I”Ren chuckled. “I know. I’m still working on it.”She leaned back in her chair, eyes closing for a moment. “Promise me… we’ll keep doing this. Even with all the miles between us.”“I promise,” he said, with that calm certainty she knew so well.The line went quiet, but Ayase could still hear the faint bustle of a studio in the background.She smiled, picking up her pen again. The project in front of her suddenly felt lighter, full of possibilities.Because no matter where Ren was, no matter the distance, their promises weren’t bound by miles.

End of chapter 37