Backstage, Elysia walked in with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation, glancing around like a curious cat who had slipped into forbidden territory.
"I-I… Eden—"
The moment she saw her up close, she could not help but gasp softly, eyes wide with astonishment.
"It's me."
Eden offered a sincere, gentle smile. "I'm very happy to meet you, my… little fan."
"Mm!"
Elysia nodded hard, cheeks warming.
"I'm not— I mean, I—"
Her words tangled.
She had seen Eden on television years ago. But standing here face to face, close enough to see the shimmer of her eyes and the subtle curve of her lips, was something else entirely.
This was no longer distant admiration. This was real.
Whatever composure she had brought with her had long since abandoned her the moment she looked into Eden's face.
"Don't be nervous, adorable little fan."
Eden stepped closer and gently guided her to sit down.
Elysia barely settled before instinctively trying to stand again, only for Eden to softly press her back down.
"Sit for a while."
Her voice carried a calming warmth.
"I saw how passionately you cheered for me. So… is there anything you want to say?"
"I really love… your songs!"
The confession came bright and unfiltered, her eyes shining.
Truthfully, what she adored was the woman herself. The elegance. The grace. That angelic presence.
But her heart was pounding too hard. She did not dare say more.
"Thank you for loving them."
Eden looked at her with softened eyes.
This girl was sweet, beautiful, and sincere. Impossible not to like.
What a pity that after tonight, she would leave the stage she loved.
For a fleeting moment, the weight in her heart eased.
"Thank you for supporting me all these years."
She reached for a small velvet box and opened it. A gemstone inside caught the light, glowing with quiet brilliance.
"As a return gift, my lovely little fan… you must accept this."
"Th-this is too valuable!"
Elysia waved her hands in shock.
Who gives a gemstone upon first meeting?
And such a large one. Clear, nearly flawless. A treasure at first glance.
"But to me, your support is far more precious."
Eden tilted her head slightly, her expression tender.
"Please accept it. A small token of my heart."
After a moment's hesitation, Elysia took it.
The gemstone was cool against her fingertips. Its crimson glow reflected in her eyes.
"Well… I suppose I can't refuse a beautiful girl's heartfelt gift. And I truly have no reason to."
Eden laughed softly.
"If…"
Her voice grew faint, barely steady.
"If one day I am no longer on stage… would you still remember my footsteps? My songs?"
Her gaze rested on Elysia's bright eyes.
"Would you remember Eden?"
The tone felt like a farewell.
Elysia's heart dropped.
There was sorrow in Eden's eyes, thin as mist over a lake.
This time, she did not search for something clever to say. She simply spoke from the heart.
"I will remember Eden. I will remember this stage. I will remember your songs."
"Even if mountains crumble and time changes everything… this joy will not fade."
Her cheeks flushed, but her voice was unwavering.
Wait. Did I just say that?
Elysia blinked.
When did I get this good at dramatic lines?
Eden did not speak.
But a genuine smile bloomed on her lips.
Relief. Gratitude. A quiet warmth.
The girl's words flowed into her nearly silent heart like spring water.
After Elysia left, Eden remained backstage, pouring herself another drink.
The wine warmed her face as she gazed at the now-empty stage.
"A toast… to a brilliant future."
"May this moment remain forever… may…"
The rest dissolved into the air.
—
Back at the hotel, Elysia felt unsettled.
Something heavy pressed against her chest.
Eden had been hiding something.
"She's not… leaving the stage, is she?"
The realization struck her.
No wonder.
How could someone who loved performing so fiercely simply walk away?
Someone must have forced her hand.
Elysia did not know much about this world's full story.
But she knew one thing clearly.
Eden had once cherished Elysia deeply.
Enough to give everything.
That alone was reason enough.
She would not let Eden endure this quietly.
"Hello, Anti-Entropy headquarters. May I ask who is calling?"
"This is Elysia."
Her tone lacked its usual playful sweetness. It was sharp and steady.
There was a brief pause on the line.
"Captain Elysia! What are your instructions?"
"Investigate someone for me. Eden."
"Understood. Captain Elysia, I've located her file. Reporting now—"
"I know enough."
Her voice turned colder.
"Transfer me to the highest-ranking executive at her company. I'll speak to him personally."
Thinking of the injustice Eden might have suffered made her blood simmer.
How dare they treat someone like that.
"Hello… may I ask who this is?"
A man's voice came through, cautious and overly polite.
"My name is Elysia. You may verify my identity through Anti-Entropy."
She did not waste time.
"Is Eden signed under your company?"
"Y-yes!"
His voice jumped, then quickly lowered into something fawning.
"That foolish woman… did she offend you somehow?"
"…."
Silence.
Elysia's fingers tightened around the phone.
She had not said a single accusation.
And yet he dared to speak of Eden that way.
A chill crept up her spine.
If this was how he spoke behind closed doors…
She exhaled slowly.
He had no idea what he had just invited upon himself.
…
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