WebNovels

Chapter 32 - Why is she here?

[Raiquèn's POV]

"Himeko! Himeko!"

I dramatically called out to Himeko, shaking her shoulders back and forth.

"Rai-san…" she said, looking a little dizzy as she held my hands to stop me.

"I also don't know why Yeira-san is here."

"But! Buuuut! Hachi said she wouldn't be able to come since Yeira has a film in Canada!"

"Really? But I just read an article earlier—it said it was cancelled."

"Huh? Wait, what!? Why?"

"Why don't you go and read it?"

Himeko hurriedly pulled out her phone and showed me the article.

Entertainment Article — "YEIRA INÈS LEFEVRE MONTEVAL UPCOMING FILM CANCELLED"

By: Eri Takahashi | The Starline Entertainment Daily

New York, NY — In a surprising turn of events, Mediaset TXP Agency has officially announced the cancellation of Yeira's much-anticipated international film, The Glass Waltz, which was set to begin filming in Canada this month.

According to the agency's brief statement released early this morning, "The production of The Glass Waltz has been postponed indefinitely due to scheduling conflicts and Yeira Kusen's current academic pursuits at The Juilliard School."

However, several unnamed insiders have hinted that the reason may not be as simple as "scheduling conflicts." Reportedly, Yeira had expressed personal hesitations about continuing the project after creative disagreements with the production team.

One source close to the set shared,

"Yeira wasn't comfortable with the new script revisions. She felt the direction of her character didn't align with her principles as an actress."

Fans have been divided online—some applauding her for standing by her artistic integrity, while others question her decision to turn down a major international opportunity.

Still, Mediaset TXP insists that Yeira's choice to focus on her studies at Juilliard "reflects her dedication to her craft and long-term growth as an artist."

Despite the cancellation, Yeira Inès Lefevre Monteval remains one of the most sought-after young actresses in the industry, with several projects rumored to be in early discussion.

"WHAAAT!? She really cancelled it just to attend Juilliard?!"

"Rai-san, please lower your voice," Himeko whispered, gesturing for me to quiet down when I noticed a few people at the cafeteria glancing our way.

"Sorry… but—why would she do that?"

Himeko sighed, sipping her moomoo milk.

"I don't know, but I heard Mediaset TXP is in turmoil because of what happened."

Of course they are. Millions must've been poured into that film's preparation, and Yeira just… cancelled it? Casually? Just to spend two years here at Juilliard?

But why? The director of that movie wasn't someone people could easily cross.

I scrolled further down on Himeko's phone until I reached the end of the article.

"What the hell… I don't understand."

I slumped my face onto the table, turning to look at Himeko, who was calmly eating beside me.

"Why are you even so curious about it? It's Yeira-san's life—she can do whatever she wants," she said with a shrug.

Himeko was right. Maybe I was overreacting. But still… even if it's Yeira we're talking about, there's no way she'd walk away from something that huge without facing consequences.

"Actually, it's a good thing she did. Lucky for her, she has the guts to pull that off," Himeko said, letting out a carefree laugh.

"Mhm… I just can't stop thinking about how much money was wasted…"

"Sure, sure," she replied, waving it off nonchalantly.

After Himeko finished eating, we talked about random things—nothing in particular, just the usual chatter that filled the air easily.

But after a while, she suddenly froze mid-sentence, her gaze locked onto something—or rather, someone—a few tables away.

"What are you looking at?" I asked, following her line of sight when she didn't respond.

"Hm?" Himeko blinked and turned to me, then back again.

"It's just… that person."

"What person?"

I scanned the area she was looking at, but there were too many people scattered around the cafeteria.

"Look—those two eating near the stairs."

My eyes followed her direction and landed on two figures. One had violet hair cut into a fringe and wore a blue varsity jacket, speaking animatedly to the person beside them.

The other had medium skin and long wolfcut jet-black hair with deep red streaks at the roots and ends—fashionable and striking. She looked a little bored, though maybe that was just her natural expression.

"What about them?" I asked, turning back to Himeko.

"Oh, they're just both attractive," she said casually, as if it were nothing more than an observation.

I narrowed my eyes at her.

"What?" she asked, raising a brow, pretending innocence.

"Himeko, are you gay?"

Her lips parted in surprise before she burst out laughing.

"Am I… what?" she laughed again, leaning back in her chair.

"Homosexual?" I asked, curious.

When she finally calmed down, she exhaled and shook her head.

"I don't think so? I'm not really attracted to girls."

Then she tilted her head at me.

"What about you, Rai-san?"

"Oh… I think I'd go both ways," I said simply.

"What? Really? How'd you know? Do you already have any past crushes or lovers?" she asked, leaning in with interest.

Ah, right. That was before… in my past life. I forgot. I had some silly happy crushes back then.

"No, but I think I'd be fine dating anyone."

"Ah, so you're pansexual?"

"What's that?"

"Hm… people who'd date anyone regardless of their gender or identity."

That might be me then, I thought. I don't really care who my future lover would be—as long as they treat me right, that's already enough. It's a bare minimum, sure, but I don't think much about it.

"Yeah… I guess so," I said quietly.

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