"Oh, Hachi has something to do today, so I'll be going home by myself."
Raiquèn said to me.
I've always seen her getting picked up by her manager. Sometimes, Himeko-the blonde girl-would ride with her in their van.
I didn't want to go home yet. Should I try and have dinner with her?
"What a coincidence..."
Then I felt my phone vibrate in my coat pocket. I quickly held down the power button without taking it out.
"I'll be going home by myself tonight too."
I lied. I knew I'd get a long scolding later-or tomorrow-but I couldn't care less. I wanted to spend time with Raiquèn today.
She was finally within reach, close enough that I could almost grasp her. There was no way I'd let this chance slip away.
We ended up going to one of my favorite restaurants here in Milan.
As we ate, I found myself stealing glances at her. She had this little habit-whenever she ate something she loved, she'd gently sway her head from side to side, like a child savoring a small joy.
How oddly adorable.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Yeira."
Raiquèn smiled brightly as we stepped out of the restaurant.
It was night, yet somehow her smile carried the warmth of the morning sun. The way her eyes caught the faint city lights-they glimmered like fragments of dawn. Her laughter lingered in the air, soft and fleeting, like the tail end of a melody you wish would never end.
When she smiled, it was as if the world slowed down for a second-her lips curved in that unguarded, effortless way that made it hard to look away. Everything about her felt untainted, luminous, painfully human.
It feels like I see her through a gentle film of light-too bright, too delicate.
Unreachable, yet she stands right before me.
The way her eyes shone, the faint pink in her lips that curved into that carefree smile-it all felt too beautiful to be meant for everyone.
Yet, I knew it was.
Still, I wanted it to be mine.
What a selfish thought.
"Yes, see you."
I said simply, waving my hand as she waved playfully back before heading into her cab.
When the car left, my legs suddenly felt weak. I crouched down, burying my face into my knees.
"So cute... she's just... so cute."
I mumbled to myself, my cheeks and neck warm despite the night air's chill.
How strange. The wind was cold, yet I felt as if something inside me had caught fire.
"She's so gorgeous..."
I stood up, exhaling at the ridiculous scene I'd just made. But I couldn't help it.
Being around Raiquèn felt like breathing for the first time in a long while-
like I didn't have to pretend, didn't have to wear a mask.
She made me feel seen, in ways that words could never quite explain.
Just like before, when we first met.
Though I doubt she remembers it.
I let out a quiet giggle and called for a cab, the ghost of her smile still dancing faintly in my mind.
Then the rehearsal continued. Today, we started practicing on the actual stage provided for the play.
It was fun since I'd get to spend more time with Raiquèn. Though I love how effortlessly she acts, I hate how distant she feels whenever she does it because of her method.
When I came back to the stage after talking with the director, Himeko cheerfully called out to me.
Then my eyes fell on Raiquèn, leaning forward with her head slumped on the table.
I forced myself to stop smiling at how adorable she looked.
"What's up with her?"
I asked, still staring at Raiquèn's figure, who didn't seem to realize that I was already back on stage.
Then the rehearsal continued.
In these acts, this is where the relationship between Mitsura and Gwen takes a sudden turn.
Mitsura became Gwen's model. Though if only I could really paint, I would paint Raiquèn on this canvas provided-but sadly, I don't have that talent.
It's really annoying for me-to see Raiquèn's eyes becoming distant and immersed in acting.
Does she love acting that much? Exchanging her own mental health for it?
I don't understand it. It really makes me annoyed despite how much I'm interested in her existence and presence.
I wanted to ask-why? What's the reason behind it? Another person? A crush? A lover?
No, no, a lover is way too out of the question since she's just a minor. But a crush might not be out of place.
If so, then who is it? Who's inspiring her to push herself this far?
Whoever it is, I'm a bit jealous of them. They've got Raiquèn's attention.
I leaned forward to her, just as written in the script. She was startled by my sudden movement, though I couldn't quite tell if it was acting or a genuine reaction.
I wanted to push Raiquèn's patience more-to crack her composure.
I wanted to see the real her, not the mask she wears while acting.
I placed one knee between her legs and leaned forward.
But then she spoke her lines and continued acting just as written in the script.
And I didn't like it. Does my presence not affect her at all? That's... making me sad.
I let my hand tuck the fallen strands of her hair behind her ear, though my hand grazed her warm cheek.
Her eyes faltered-it seemed like it was working anyway.
Then, I used my other hand to hold her chin so she wouldn't have the chance to look away.
Look at me, Raiquèn. And only me.
She spoke while keeping eye contact with me, but the faintest tremble of her lips didn't escape my eyes.
Is she nervous? Ah, I see-because this part has a kissing scene.
Let's play with her a little more.
"With a kiss."
Raiquèn blinked. "A kiss?"
Then she spoke again, but before she could finish her sentence, I leaned down and pressed my lips against her skin.
Though I wanted to claim her lips, it would be wrong to do so since we never talked about this part anyway.
So, I was left with the choice of kissing the corner of her mouth.
Then I felt her warmth and smelled her scent.
I felt like I was going to lose my whole composure just by being this close, just by breathing her in.
I wanted to stay like this a bit longer-to be this close to Raiquèn. What an honor it is.
But there's no way I could stay like this forever. When the director's voice echoed throughout the stage, I quickly straightened and leaned back.
Before I could turn away, I caught a glimpse of her shocked face, but I didn't bother looking longer, knowing what I just did was also embarrassing for me.
I left the stage and headed to where Éryan was.
"Good work, Yae," he said, handing me a bottle of water.
I grabbed it without looking at him or saying anything.
I could feel my heart racing, and I was afraid someone might hear it.
"Huh? What's with you? Are you hot?"
Éryan suddenly asked, leaning forward slightly with his hand on his chin as if examining a mystery.
"Yes, can't you see? I'm sweating."
I quickly made an excuse, opening the bottle to drink and stop him from talking.
"Wow, what a rare sight. You rarely sweat, you know."
He said it, confused, but still left me alone to talk to the director.
I'm thankful that he's dense enough not to understand. But knowing Éryan, he probably thought what I did earlier meant nothing to me-since I'm used to kissing scenes from my previous works.
But that one felt different. Probably, maybe because it was Raiquèn.
I pressed the tip of the bottle to my lips, still feeling the warmth of her skin lingering.
...
"Oh, Yeira-san, good work!"
Himeko greeted me with a wide smile when we passed each other at the exit of the theater.
"Have you seen Raiquèn?"
I asked, since I needed to talk to her about our acting in the later acts.
"Ah? I think the staff called her for another measurement,"
Himeko answered, then looked past me.
"Anyway, Rai-san is probably in the dressing room! See you tomorrow!"
She waved goodbye to me cheerfully.
What an energetic girl.
Then I walked down the long hallway and entered the dressing room. The staff were there and greeted me with smiles, but I couldn't see Raiquèn anywhere.
"Weird," I mumbled to myself as I left the dressing room.
Ah? Could she be at the old dressing room?
I turned my head to the opposite side of the hallway and started walking toward the old dressing room.
When I reached the door, it was slightly open. I peeked inside before entering.
"Raiquèn..?"
I called out quietly, scanning the whole room. I thought it was empty—until my gaze fell on Raiquèn, sleeping peacefully on the couch.
I walked slowly and quietly until I was standing in front of her.
I smiled at the peaceful sight before me. Even in her slumber, she looked effortlessly beautiful. She looked exhausted, yet it didn't make her beauty any less—rather, it made her look vulnerable and adorable.
"Raiquèn.."
I called out to her softly, and she moved slightly, groaning as if waking her up was a crime.
"Raiquèn.." I said again, and this time, she slowly opened her eyes.
She stretched her arms and yawned.
She looked like a cat… I wonder if I could pet her?
What a ridiculous thought. Seriously.
Then, when our eyes met, she blinked several times as if she had just seen a ghost.
"Yeira…?"
The way she said my name was something else. I liked it—more than I thought I would.
When I told her what was going on, her reaction was quite funny. I wondered what else she would do if I teased her.
"You look like a cat when you just woke up,"
I blurted out, curious to see what kind of expression she'd make.
It was funny because the moment I said it, she froze and let go of the door handle.
Slowly, she turned to look at me—her eyes a bit wide in surprise, her lips parted as if desperately trying to find the right words to say.
Her awkwardness just made her look even more adorable. I wanted to smile and laugh right then, seeing her ridiculously gorgeous face.
Then I watched her stumble over her words, nervously trying to respond to me.
But after a long silence, I heard her chuckle softly. It was a wonderful sight—her laughter was like a melody to my ears.
But then, when we tried to leave, the door was stuck and locked.
I tried reassuring Raiquèn that it wasn't her fault, since her face looked guilty as charged. Though, honestly, I liked the idea of being stuck here with her.
Still, it would be unusual for both of us to disappear for a long time, so I called Éryan for help.
Deep inside, I was hoping he'd take longer than usual.