Chapter Text
A new day, a new resolve. Today, Maya's determination was clear: she would finally talk to Claudine. For far too long, she had been circling around the reasons for her sudden departure, filled with fear of what Claudine might think of her. But after much reflection, she decided she had to face it, even if it meant risking whatever bond they still shared.
That last thought brought a deep, aching sadness to her heart.
As always, Maya set out for her usual morning jog. And, like every other day since the French woman’s arrival, she found herself passing by Claudine’s inn, harboring a quiet hope that she might be waiting there to join her.
And today, she was.
“Good morning, Saijo-san”. Maya felt her lips curve into an unintentional smile, one that had become increasingly frequent whenever she saw Claudine.
“Bonjour” Claudine responded, her own small smile appearing as she began a few quick stretches.
“No dancing lessons with Isurugi-san today?”
“She just wanted a few tips, I’d hardly call them lessons”. Claudine replied, finishing her stretches and moving to Maya’s side. “So, no. I’m free to join you today. Shall we start?”
Maya nodded in response, and they began their usual route. They don't usually talk much during their jogs, preferring to savor the peace of the morning. But today, Maya’s mind was elsewhere. She kept debating whether this was the right moment to finally speak her heart.
“Sai…” Maya started, but before she could continue, Claudine interrupted her, she too had been waiting to speak.
“I’ve been talking with Nana about the dinner plan”
“Oh… right!”
“I was wondering if you’re free tomorrow at 7 p.m.?”
Maya pretended to consider it, mentally reviewing her empty schedule. She knew she ought to use the time to practice the script her manager had sent her, but somehow, doing something else always seemed to take precedence.
“I believe I am”
“Great. I’ll confirm our attendance with Nana”. Claudine said with excitement.
The rest of their run passed quietly, the comfortable silence returning between them. After about an hour, they began the way back, though Maya couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed when they skipped Nana’s bakery. Instead, Claudine led them to Tsuyuzaki’s general store.
“Since we’re cooking at their house, we should at least bring the ingredients”. Claudine explained, her voice light as she carefully examined the selection of tomatoes on display.
“Have you already planned the menu?” Maya asked, watching as Claudine meticulously inspected each tomato. She took the opportunity to admire the adorable furrow of Claudine’s brow, making Maya smile.
“Yes, but it’s a surprise”. Claudine replied, finally selecting a few tomatoes and handing them to Maya. “You can try to guess”. Then, she began giving Maya instructions for what to pick out next.
Maya decided not to press further, letting the mystery remain alive until tomorrow.
After another twenty minutes, they returned to Maya’s house. Claudine unpacked the ingredients, placing eggs, slices of bread, oranges, tomatoes and scallions on the kitchen counter while storing the rest neatly in the fridge.
Once everything was organized, Claudine finally announced “We’re starting with something simple…scrambled eggs”. She picked up the eggs, carefully cracking them one by one and letting their contents slide into a bowl.
“Saijo-san, you really don’t have to make me breakfast”. Maya said softly. Though the thought of tasting Claudine’s cooking again filled her with quiet joy, the idea of being a burden weighed on her.
“Nonsense”. Claudine replied firmly, already whisking the eggs into a smooth mixture. “I’m simply teaching you how to make a basic breakfast. Tomorrow, you’ll do it all by yourself”.
“Comme tu veux, Chef Saijo” Maya teased playfully, a hint of amusement in her tone.
“J'aime comment ça sonne”. Claudine shot back with a smirk. “Could you slice a quarter of a scallion into thin pieces, please?”
“Of course, Saijo-san”. Maya replied, setting to work. After slicing the scallions, she decided to dice the tomatoes as well. “You should cook the eggs over low heat,” Claudine explained as she added the ingredients to a pan. “It keeps them creamy and soft”.
A few minutes later, along with some squeezed oranges, the breakfast was ready. Claudine looked at their creation with pride before serving everything at the dining table. They both sat down next to each other, quietly enjoying their meal.
Maya took the first bite, and an explosion of flavor danced on her tongue, sending a blush of pure enjoyment across her cheeks. She couldn’t quite pinpoint what made the scrambled eggs so divine, but every bite felt like a revelation. Her delight was evident in the way her face lit up.
“They’re just eggs, Tendo Maya! No need to make that face”. Claudine muttered, her own cheeks tinged pink as she tried to mask her embarrassment.
“Pardon me, Saijo-san, but this is truly exquisite. I can’t help myself”. Maya replied with an unapologetic smile, savoring another bite. Her unabashed enthusiasm only deepened Claudine’s flustered expression.
Finally, Claudine began her own breakfast, and even she had to admit the result was quite good, better than she’d expected for something so simple. Still, it hardly warranted the blissful expressions Maya was giving her.
“You’re just a glutton”. Claudine teased, though her voice carried a hint of fondness.
They finished eating, the atmosphere shifting into a comfortable silence as they lingered at the table. Maya’s earlier look of unrestrained joy gradually gave way to something more nervous.
“Saijo-san…” Maya started hesitantly, but before she could say another word, the door burst open, making both women jump in surprise.
They turned toward the door to see a heavily breathing Hikari standing there, her small frame tense with urgency. Her glassy eyes and worried expression betrayed her attempt to maintain composure.
Maya’s heart sank as she took in the scene. Instinctively, she stood, slamming her hands on the table. The nervousness from moments ago was replaced by a sharp sense of concern.
“Karen is in trouble”. Maya said firmly, her tone leaving no room for doubt.
Claudine turned to her, startled.“How can you tell?” she asked, though the frantic nodding from Hikari as she ran towards Maya was answer enough.
Maya crouched down to Hikari’s level, placing a gentle hand on the young girl’s head. “You did well, Hikari. Can you show us where Karen is?”
Hikari nodded again. She turned and ran toward the entrance. Maya followed her with determined eyes, then glanced at Claudine with a silent, pleading look, asking for her support.
Without hesitation, Claudine nodded. Together, they hurried after Hikari, who was waiting for them at the door. Once outside, the young girl pointed in a single direction.
It was all Maya needed. As though Hikari’s gesture were the most detailed instructions she’d ever received, she swiftly lifted the girl onto her shoulders. Without wasting another second, she took off running.
Claudine, momentarily stunned by the seamless interaction between the two, quickly regained her composure. Matching Maya’s pace, she ran beside her.
They arrived at a park not far from Maya’s house, where Karen was thankfully unharmed, but engaged in a heated argument with a group of boys who seemed at least two years older than her.
Karen, standing alone, wore an unusually angry expression. Her tense body language suggested she was ready to face anything…or anyone.
“The park is for everyone! We’re not leaving!” Karen declared defensively.
“We always play here at this time! It’s our turn!” retorted one of the boys, who appeared to be the group’s leader.
“We can share!” Karen exclaimed, exasperated, as if she’d already said it multiple times.
“No! You girls play silly games and would just get in the way”. Another boy chimed in, equally frustrated. It was clear the argument had been going in circles for a while.
Then the leader added.“Besides, we don’t want to get lice”. He stuck his tongue out at Karen, provoking an indignant reaction.
Karen’s mouth opened and closed in disbelief. “We don’t have li…lice!” she shouted, stepping closer to the boy in defiance.
“Yes, you do!” he shot back, stepping closer to her as well.
By this point, Maya decided it was time to intervene. She set Hikari down, but her reaction wasn’t quick enough to stop what happened next.
Tired of the boy’s attitude, Karen threw a punch. Fortunately, before it could land, Claudine rushed in, grabbed Karen by the waist, and spun her around, diffusing the situation.
For a moment, Karen felt as if she were flying. Then, realizing what had happened, she looked up to see Claudine letting out a sigh of relief.
“Violence is a big non-non”. Claudine said firmly as she set Karen back on the ground.
Maya also exhaled in relief, grateful for Claudine’s quick reaction. Holding Hikari’s hand, she approached them.
“But… but… they started it!” Karen protested, pouting and crossing her arms. Though it was an adorable pout, her stubbornness was evident.
“Still not a valid excuse”. Claudine replied strictly. She then turned to the group of boys, who had gone silent, trying to process her sudden appearance. Some looked surprised, while others blushed. “And you!” She pointed at the leader. “That was a very rude thing to say to a girl”.
The boy flinched and looked down at the ground, any trace of his earlier defiance gone. “We just want to play”. he muttered.
“The park is big enough for everyone”. Maya interjected calmly. “Surely, you can all play without any problems. Unless… you’re arguing over a specific spot?”
“We want the swings!” shouted a boy from the back of the group.
“But there are only four swings, and if they want to play too, there won’t be enough for everyone!” another boy added.
“I see”. Maya said, finally understanding the issue.
“Were you using the swings?” Claudine asked Karen, who had calmed down by now.
“No, we were playing on the slides”. Karen admitted, and Hikari nodded in agreement.
“Then there’s no need to fight. The girls can keep playing on the slides, and you boys can have the swings”. Maya concluded.
Reluctantly, both sides agreed. Claudine, however, insisted they shake hands as a sign of peace. Maya noticed Karen and the boys’ leader crossing their fingers behind their backs, silently laughing to herself. Clearly, these kids weren’t ones to let go of grudges easily.
Once the issue was resolved, the children returned to their respective playgrounds. Maya and Claudine found a bench under a tree and sat down, keeping an eye on the kids in case another argument arose.
“You seem to get caught up in those kids' antics quite often, don’t you?”. Claudine remarked, breaking the comfortable silence as they watched the children play around them.
“It seems I do”. Maya replied fondly, her gaze lingering on the girls at the top of the slide. “I was honestly surprised Hikari came to me for help. Tsuyuzaki-san is usually their go-to person.”
“Well, you are an adult, after all. Mahiru’s still just a kid”. Claudine said with a casual shrug. “I think you’ve earned their trust. They feel comfortable enough with you to ask for help.”
“That makes me happy”. Maya said softly, her voice tinged with a warmth she couldn’t quite explain. “Though I’m not sure I fully understand why”.
“You don’t have to analyze everything, especially your feelings”. Claudine replied, her tone gentle. She glanced briefly at Maya as she added “What matters is that you’re fond of those kids, and they’re fond of you”.
“It’s not just me, you know. You've been here for a far shorter time, and yet Karen has already grown quite fond of you. She’s come here three times now just to show you a bug she found”. Maya said, a teasing smile playing on her lips.
That earned a chuckle from Claudine. “What is she, a cat?”
“I’ve always thought of her more like a puppy”. Maya joked and both of them laughed at the thought. “Also, let’s not forget…they specifically asked you to teach them dance lessons”.
Claudine shook her head with a small smile. “My point is…I think it’s adorable”. A faint blush crept onto her cheeks as she spoke.
“The girls?” Maya asked, tilting her head in curiosity.
“No, no. I mean you…your whole dynamic with them”. Claudine clarified, her gaze softening. “When you’re with them, it’s like I get to see a new side of you. A cute, carefree side”.
For a moment, Maya’s heart skipped a beat at Claudine’s words. Something so simple had struck a chord deep within her, making her reconsider the impact the island had on her. She’d been more relaxed, more at peace. For the first time in her life, she wasn’t consumed by the expectations of her parents.
But instead of diving into the spiral of reflection those words stirred, Maya chose to playfully deflect. “But I’ve always been cute”. She teased, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.
“That wasn’t the point, you vexing woman!” Claudine snapped, her blush deepening as Maya’s laughter rang out.
“What a surprise seeing you two here”. A familiar voice interrupted their conversation. Before Maya and Claudine could even turn to see who it was, Karen and Hikari slid down the slide and sprinted toward the speaker.
It was Mahiru, carrying a large backpack, accompanied by Futaba, who held a medium-sized cooler, and Mahiru’s little brother and sister, each lugging a small cooler between them, sharing the weight with one hand each.
As usual, Mahiru bent down to receive the enthusiastic, never-ending hugs that Karen and Hikari greeted her with.
“Tsuyuzaki-san, Isurugi-san, it’s good to see you”. Maya said warmly as she and Claudine walked over to the group. “What brings you here?”
“Tendo-san…” Futaba began loudly before quickly bowing in apology. “I’m sorry for missing class the other day”. She said sincerely.
“There’s no need to worry yourself over that, Isurugi-san”. Maya assured her gently.
Futaba straightened up, her expression now relieved. She then explained. “We were looking for Karen and Hikari”. Glancing at Mahiru, she added, “Mahiru guessed they’d be here”.
“She was right!” Karen said cheerfully. Mahiru responded with a soft laugh, patting Karen’s head affectionately.
“You seem to be carrying a lot”. Claudine observed.
“Oh! Yes”. Futaba replied, gesturing to the cooler Mahiru’s siblings were holding. “I ran into Hikari’s dad early this morning, and he gave me some bait, telling me to go have fun. It’s been a long time since we all went fishing, so I asked Mahiru if she was free, and we got everything ready.”
“I made some extra lunches just in case”. Mahiru said with a kind smile, pointing to her backpack. “So, if you’d like, you’re more than welcome to join us. We’d be honored”.
“Fishing? I love fishing!” Claudine exclaimed, clapping her hands in excitement. “If it’s not a problem, I’ll join you.”
Maya blinked in surprise at Claudine, taken aback by her unexpected enthusiasm. She didn’t know the blonde had an interest in fishing or any experience with it.
Before she could think further, she felt a gentle tug on her pants. Looking down, she met Hikari’s pleading eyes.
“Maya-chan, are you coming too?” Karen asked with anticipation, joining Hikari at her side.
Maya hesitated for a moment. She had never gone fishing before, but seeing the excitement on everyone’s faces, she smiled. If it would make them happy, she could give it a try.
“Yes, I’ll go”. She said with determination.
Hikari’s face lit up with a bright smile, while Karen squealed in delight, bouncing happily around them.
Now with everyone onboard, they made their way to a part of the island that Maya wasn’t familiar with. It was an area filled with docks, some more weathered than others, but all looking sturdy enough. A few locals were scattered about, sitting quietly and patiently as they fished. They greeted the group warmly as they passed by.
Their destination was a dock near a large wall accessible by a set of stairs. At the edge of the wall was a fence, likely there to keep anyone from falling. The area seemed to be used primarily for enjoying the view of the ocean.
“You finally arrived! What took you so long?” Kaoruko’s bratty voice called out, immediately drawing everyone’s attention to the top of the wall.
“Kaoruko? What are you doing here?” Futaba asked, more surprised than annoyed.
“Last time I checked, this is a free country”. Kaoruko shot back defensively, crossing her arms. But the hurt look on Futaba’s face made her falter, regret quickly washing over her expression. “I…I just heard you’d be coming…”
Futaba gave a quick glance at Mahiru, who immediately averted her eyes.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Kaoruko’s voice softened, and now it was her turn to look hurt.
“You hate fishing”. Futaba replied, a trace of exasperation in her tone. “You always complain about it. And you haven’t talked to me in three days. I just thought…you wouldn’t want to.”
Kaoruko opened her mouth as if to respond, but no words came out. For a moment, an unusual sadness shadowed her face.
Maya let out a quiet sigh before stepping closer to Futaba and resting a gentle hand on her shoulder. “What matters is that we’re all together now. Let’s try to enjoy ourselves, shall we?” she said, her warm tone acting as a bridge between them.
Kaoruko silently nodded, gratitude flickering in her eyes before she climbed down the wall and approached the group. “I brought chairs and fishing rods, but…not enough for everyone, now that I think about it”. She said, her voice tinged with an uncharacteristic apologetic note.
“I can share a rod with my siblings”. Mahiru offered with a reassuring smile. She turned to the kids, who eagerly nodded in agreement. “That way, Tendo-san, Saijo-san, and Futaba-chan can each have their own”.
Maya nodded in approval. “I’ve never fished before, but I’m sure the girls can teach me. We can share a rod too”. She added, her voice filled with lighthearted enthusiasm.
Hikari stepped forward, puffing out her chest proudly before giving herself a small, confident tap.
“Hikari-chan is really good at fishing! She’s really, really, really, really patient”. Karen said in excitedly, beaming at her.
“Then I’m in excellent hands”. Maya said warmly, patting Hikari’s head.
“Looks like everything’s settled”. Futaba said, giving Kaoruko one last look. After a moment’s hesitation, she added “Ah…you’re lucky Mahiru and I brought extras of everything”. She scratched the back of her head with a slight huff.
It was a simple gesture, and though Maya doubted it resolved whatever tension lingered between the two teens, it seemed to be enough for now.
They split the bait into two, and the group divided as well. Mahiru and her siblings stayed at the lower dock with Maya and Hikari, while Claudine and Futaba went up the wall. Kaoruko hesitated for a moment, debating whether to join them, but in the end, she chose to sit next to Maya. Meanwhile, Karen seemed to enjoy running around more than fishing, constantly darting up and down between the two groups.
Hikari expertly took a piece of bait, hooked it onto Maya’s fishing rod, and handed it to her. Maya accepted it carefully, glancing up at Hikari, who demonstrated how to cast the line. With a small nod, Maya mimicked her movements, successfully sending the line into the water. Now, all that was left was to wait patiently.
Mahiru and her siblings followed suit, setting up their rods with ease, while Kaoruko simply stared at them with a bored expression.
“Soo…you two still haven’t talked?” Maya attempted to spark a conversation while they waited for a bite.
“I’m working on it”. Kaoruko sighed, crossing her arms and looking away, her brows furrowed. “That’s why I’m here”.
“In that case, shouldn’t you be sitting next to Isurugi-san?”. Maya tilted her head in confusion. Hikari, ever observant, mirrored her gesture.
“She didn’t exactly give me the warmest welcome”. A flicker of sadness crossed Kaoruko’s face.
“But she was expecting you to come, even if it didn’t seem like it”. Mahiru suddenly interjected.
Kaoruko, now intrigued, tilted her head just like Maya and Hikari had moments before. “What do you mean?”
“She was the one who insisted on bringing extra supplies—just in case any unexpected and ‘uninvited’ guests showed up”
“I’d say that description fits you perfectly, Hanayagi-san” Maya added with a small smile.
“Hush, hush, it was just a precaution!” Kaoruko huffed, quickly denying it.
“If you say so”
“If that’s what you believe”
Mahiru and Maya responded at the same time, exchanging knowing looks before letting the subject drop.
They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes before Kaoruko finally broke it.
“Ugh… fishing is really boring. We should keep talking”. Kaoruko huffed, clearly frustrated. Then, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, she turned to Maya. “Actually, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you for a while, Maya-san”.
Maya met her gaze, immediately sensing the teasing intent behind her words.
“Aren’t you two a little too formal with each other?”
Maya took a moment to process the question. Even though Kaoruko hadn’t specified who she meant, there was only one person she could possibly be referring to.
“In what way?” Maya asked, tilting her head slightly.
“You call her ‘Saijo-san’, and she calls you by your full name” Kaoruko elaborated. “If you’re girlfriends, shouldn’t you be using pet names? Or at least be on a first-name basis?”
A loud cough startled Maya, and she turned to find Mahiru blushing furiously. Her younger siblings looked at her in confusion, while Hikari gave her a slightly concerned glance.
“I didn’t know you two were really a couple…” Mahiru mumbled, clearly flustered.
Maya smiled at her reaction. Despite Mahiru’s maturity and the responsibilities she carried, she was still just a young girl—one who, it seemed, had a budding interest in romance.
“You should know by now not to believe everything Hanayagi-san says” Maya replied smoothly. Mahiru immediately looked down, embarrassed.
“Hey!” Kaoruko exclaimed, offended. But she didn’t argue further.
“As for your question… I simply believe it’s the proper way to address her”. Maya glanced down at her feet, gripping the fishing rod a little tighter. “We were coworkers, after all, and Saijo-san deserves the utmost respect”.
Kaoruko scoffed, glancing over at the wall where Claudine and Futaba were. “I don’t see her as someone who needs that much reverence” she muttered. “Is she really that famous?”
“She’s incredible” Maya answered without hesitation, a dreamy, almost reverent sigh escaping her lips. She lifted her head, gazing out at the gentle waves of the ocean. “She started her career at a very young age, acting in both theater and television before shifting entirely to the stage. Her talent is recognized by all our peers, and she’s the second-highest-paid actress of our generation” . Maya’s smile deepened. “The moment she steps onto the stage, everyone is mesmerized. She’s so passionate, so brilliant, that it’s impossible not to give her your full attention”.
She didn’t realize how lost she had become in her words, nor did she notice the exchanged glances between Mahiru and Kaoruko. Both girls seemed stunned, their expressions knowing as they let Maya continue speaking. The younger children, too, listened in quiet fascination.
“Maya-san… you know, you sound really in lov—”
“Maya-chan, can I borrow your extra hooks?”
Karen’s sudden interruption snapped Maya out of her daze. The girl had appeared out of nowhere, completely unfazed by the conversation she had just barged into.
“Sure” Maya managed to reply, her voice slightly dazed.
Hikari shot Karen a questioning look but silently handed over the spare hooks. Karen simply gave her a thumbs-up before dashing away, heading back up the wall.
Maya blinked, her mind still lingering on Claudine.
Perhaps Kaoruko’s teasing wasn’t entirely unfounded.
Meanwhile, up on the wall, the other group had been quietly enjoying their fishing session—with far more success than the larger group below. Claudine had already caught two fish, while Futaba had managed to reel in one.
“They're biting today. This is getting exciting”. Claudine said with a satisfied grin.
Futaba nodded, sharing her enthusiasm. “I think the current is pulling them more to this side than the lower dock”.
“Makes sense.” Claudine agreed.
“If we’re lucky, we might even catch a Hisan-Iwo”. Futaba’s voice overflowed with excitement. “I’ve been trying for ages, but no luck so far”. She let out a sigh. “Kaoruko always says it’s because it smells my excitement”.
At the mention of the other girl, Futaba’s mood shifted. Her expression softened as she stole a quick glance down at Kaoruko.
“You can go fish with her if you want…” Claudine muttered, seemingly disinterested as she focused on her rod.
“No… it’s fine. I always reach out first.” Futaba returned her gaze to the ocean. “I think this time, it should be her turn”.
Claudine hummed in response, reeling in her line slightly. “Not that I care, but I’m sure she’s sorry” she said matter-of-factly. “She wouldn’t be here if she wasn’t trying to apologize. You said she doesn’t even like fishing”.
Futaba remained silent, eyes fixed on the water.
“Do you still care for her?”
“Of course. She’s my best friend”. Futaba answered without hesitation.
“Then she probably feels the same way. And because she values your friendship, because she values you, she will apologize. Sometimes, you just have to be patient”.
Futaba chuckled. “You might be right, but I don’t know why… I feel like you’re speaking from experience”. She gave Claudine a careful look. “Like you’re waiting for something similar”.
Claudine paused, her grip tightening on the rod. “I’m not looking for an apology” she murmured. “She doesn’t have to apologize. I know her. And whatever her reason was… it must have been a good one.” A flicker of melancholy crossed her face. “I just want answers”.
Futaba studied her for a moment before speaking again. “When I first met Tendo-san, though she hid it well, I couldn’t help but notice that she seemed… a little lost. Like she was just going with the flow, letting things happen to her since she arrived”. She reeled in another fish, placing it in the bucket before adding fresh bait and casting her line again. “But after a few days, I think she found something—a small goal to keep her going. Kaoruko and I always wondered why she was learning French, but after your arrival, we understood”. Futaba smirked slightly. “She was looking for a way to talk to you”.
Claudine blinked in surprise. “She learned French here? Do you have an academy or classes?”
“No, nothing like that”. Futaba shook her head. “She just bought a few books from our tiny bookstore and started studying by herself.”
For a moment, Claudine didn’t move. Then, an expression of pure, unfiltered joy bloomed on her face. A dazzling, radiant smile—one so breathtaking that Futaba momentarily forgot how to breathe.
“God… I love that idiot”.
The words slipped from Claudine’s lips so naturally, so mindlessly, that for once, she didn’t even try to hold them back.
Futaba’s face immediately flushed, a rare sight for her. She hadn’t expected to witness something so personal—an unguarded, intimate truth spoken aloud without hesitation.
Claudine exhaled, her gaze drifting back to the sea. “I don’t think she realizes how incredible she is” she said softly. “Everyone calls her a prodigy, but talent alone isn’t enough. Even the most gifted person has to work, to push themselves beyond their limits. I can’t even imagine how much she’s sacrificed to become the greatest actress of our generation, to stand at the top of every stage”. She let out a quiet, almost reverent sigh. “And now, to learn perfect French from a book she bought on a remote island?” She chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief.
She turned to Futaba then, her expression a mix of warmth and vulnerability. “I’m sorry” she said, a little sheepishly. “I’m talking more than I should”.
Futaba, still reeling from the confession, could only stare at her for a moment.
This fishing trip had turned out to be far more interesting—and far more revealing—than she had expected.
“Clau-chan, Clau-chan! I made you something!”. Karen’s excited voice echoed around them, instantly shifting the mood. Claudine’s expression softened as she looked at the beaming child rushing toward her.
“I made you the ul… ultimate hook!”
Karen held up her creation—a chaotic tangle of hooks mashed together into something that barely resembled a fishing hook at all. Claudine wasn’t sure if it would work, but she didn’t have the heart to reject the girl’s effort.
“Thank you, Karen.” With a fond smile, she reeled in her line and swapped out her hook for Karen’s ‘ultimate’ one before casting it back into the water.
Karen sat down at Claudine’s left side, waiting patiently for a bite.
“This is really surprising”. Futaba remarked as she moved closer, settling at Claudine’s right side while keeping a respectful distance so as not to interfere. “You don’t usually like waiting”.
“This is a special occasion.” Karen puffed out her chest proudly. “I’m sure my ul… ul… ultimate hook will help Clau-chan catch the big fish you’ve been searching for”.
“I’m sure it will”. Claudine patted Karen’s head affectionately. “By the way, Karen-chan, how are things going down there?”
“They’re just talking”. Karen kept her gaze fixed on the water. “I don’t think they’ve caught anything yet”.
“That means we’re winning”. Claudine said with amusement.
“Are we competing against them?” Futaba asked, entertained by the thought.
“Not really” Claudine chuckled, but before she could say more, her fishing rod suddenly jerked hard in her hands. Something powerful was pulling at the line.
“Clau-chan!” Karen jumped up, instinctively grabbing onto Claudine’s leg as if trying to help her pull it in.
Futaba, realizing the struggle, quickly stood as well, grasping the rod to add her strength.
“It’s… too… strong…!” Karen gritted her teeth.
“What’s going on?”. Kaoruko suddenly appeared, only to be met with the sight of the three of them desperately trying to reel in whatever was on the other end of the line.
“Help?” Futaba looked at her with pleading puppy eyes.
Kaoruko turned on her heel and immediately called for backup. In an instant, everyone from below abandoned their rods and rushed up to help.
“Pull! Pull!” Claudine commanded, coordinating their combined effort.
With one final tug, they heaved the massive fish out of the water. It soared into the air for a brief, breathtaking moment—long enough for everyone to marvel at its sheer size—before Karen’s ‘ultimate hook’ finally gave out and fell apart.
In an instant, the fish slipped free and splashed back into the water.
Silence.
Everyone stood there, frozen in shock, still processing what had just happened.
Then, laughter erupted—bright and carefree.
Karen and Claudine were the first to break into giggles, the sound snapping the group out of their trance.
“Told you it would help” Karen said between laughs.
Still amused, Claudine ruffled the girl’s hair. “Yes, dummy, but it disappeared in a splash”
“It was funny!”
As the two continued laughing, Maya watched the scene with a strange, aching warmth in her chest. A good ache. The kind that made her heart feel too full, too light, like it might just float away.
She turned her gaze toward the ocean for a brief moment, silently grateful to be here, to witness this.
Nearby, Futaba nudged Kaoruko. “I told you it was real.”
Kaoruko huffed. “I think it’s time for lunch”
Mahiru smiled, the joyful mood contagious. “Good idea. Let’s eat”
“Yeah, we caught a few, so I’d say we did pretty well for a starter”. Futaba agreed, already gathering the rods and buckets.
Everyone helped out, and soon they settled down at the dock, forming a circle as Mahiru distributed bento boxes.
“I’m sorry, Tendo-san”. Mahiru said apologetically as she handed Maya hers. “I made them all the same”
Maya opened the box, finding a beautifully arranged meal—along with a simple salad of lettuce, grated carrot, and cherry tomatoes.
“Don’t worry, Tsuyuzaki-san”. Maya reassured her with a warm smile.
“Oh, right, you’re picky about tomatoes”. Claudine reached over with her chopsticks, plucking one of the cherry tomatoes and popping it into her mouth before Maya could react.
A gentle tug at Maya’s sleeve made her glance down. Hikari, her brows slightly furrowed, was staring at Claudine with a quiet pout.
“Why is she looking at me like that?” Claudine blinked, confused.
Karen, still chewing her food, answered with her mouth full. “Hikari-chan is the official tomato eater for Maya-chan.”
“Don’t talk with your mouth full”. Mahiru scolded, and Karen nodded apologetically.
“Oh! My bad”. Claudine chuckled. “I guess I just got used to it”
Maya smiled. It was true—Claudine had a habit of taking tomatoes from her plate when she wasn’t looking, a quiet way of looking after her without making a fuss.
“Like the girlfriend you are”. Kaoruko muttered under her breath.
“I’m not her girlfriend”. Claudine shot back, sending her an annoyed glare before turning to Hikari. “I promise I won’t take any more. You can have the rest”.
Satisfied, Hikari nodded. Maya chuckled and lowered her bento slightly so Hikari could pick out the remaining tomatoes.
The rest of lunch passed peacefully, filled with lighthearted chatter and warm laughter. Once they had finished eating, everyone helped clean up before returning to fish a little longer.
This time, Maya managed to catch a small fish, and Hikari, beaming with pride, eagerly helped her unhook it. Beyond that, nothing particularly remarkable happened—but there was a quiet comfort in simply being together.
As the sky started to get dark, Mahiru suggested they head back. Kaoruko offered to return the fishing rods while the others tidied up. Finally, as the first stars began to appear, they set off together.
Mahiru led the way with the younger kids, keeping an eye on them as they played along the path. Maya and Claudine walked silently in the middle, while Futaba and Kaoruko trailed behind.
After a moment of quiet, Futaba broke the silence. “You know… today I learned that Tendo-san is kind of a big deal.”
Kaoruko raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised that Futaba was talking to her. “Funny. I learned the same thing about her girlfriend”. She smirked.
Futaba let out a short laugh. “I think we should be grateful. For whatever reason, we got to meet them… and somehow, they decided to teach us—to show us things we wouldn’t have noticed otherwise”.
Kaoruko hummed. “Sure. We can also return the favor, like…” She lowered her voice mischievously. “…helping them get together and end this ridiculous pining. It’s getting annoying.”
Futaba laughed, bumping Kaoruko’s shoulder playfully to make her drop the subject.
But then, Kaoruko’s voice wavered. “…Futaba, I’m really sorry”.
Futaba’s steps slowed. She could hear the strain in Kaoruko’s voice, see the way she was struggling to get the words out.
“I said that because I didn’t want you to feel pressured—like our dance had to be perfect”. Kaoruko swallowed, forcing herself to continue. “It was my idea. I just wanted to have fun with you… not stress you out”.
“It’s okay”. Futaba’s voice was gentle. Kaoruko looked at her, surprised.“I’ve known you for years. I know how to interpret ‘Kaoruko language’”. Futaba smiled. “That doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt”.
Kaoruko hesitated, then lowered her head. “I really am sorry.”
Futaba exhaled, then softly replied, “I forgive you”.
Maya, who had begun listening to their conversation after Kaoruko’s first apology, couldn't see the younger girl’s expression when she was forgiven. But in her mind, she could imagine it—a mixture of relief and gratitude.
She let out a small breath, reassured that things would be okay between her two students.
Then, almost instinctively, her gaze shifted to Claudine. There was still a conversation left unfinished between them—one that, for countless reasons, always seemed to be interrupted before she could begin. She considered postponing it until tomorrow, when they would be alone again.
But before she could decide, her foot landed on a patch of loose earth. The ground slipped beneath her, and without thinking, she reached out—grabbing onto Claudine. With no time to react, both of them tumbled down the hill.
Realizing she had already caused enough trouble by dragging Claudine into her fall, Maya instinctively wrapped her arms around her, shielding her body as they hit the ground.
By the time they landed, both of them were covered in dirt. Claudine was the first to recover, immediately reaching out to help Maya up, her expression shifting from shock to frustration.
“You vexing woman! That was dangerous, you could have hurt yourself!” she scolded, inspecting Maya for any sign of injury.
“Better me than you”. Maya muttered with an apologetic smile.
“No!” Claudine snapped, clearly annoyed by the response. But then, after taking a deep breath, her voice softened. “Don’t do something like that again. Promise me?”
Maya hesitated for a moment before finally conceding. “Promise”.
They both took a step back, glancing up at the hill they had fallen from. It wasn’t too high, but climbing back up wouldn’t be easy. At the top, they could see the others peering down at them.
“We’re fine!” Claudine called out, waving her arms to reassure them.
“Stay put! We’ll find a way to get you back up!” Futaba shouted before disappearing from sight, the others following her lead.
“Well, it looks like we have no choice but to sit and wait,” Claudine sighed, dusting herself off. Maya did the same.
“Thankfully, Tsuyuzaki-san is up there. She’s reliable.”
“Oui and Futaba too”. Claudine agreed. “If it were just Kaoruko… I’d rather not think about it”.
Maya chuckled, and Claudine joined her, the momentary tension melting away in quiet laughter.
“Come on”. Claudine said, switching on the flashlight from her phone. “Let’s find a place to sit while we wait”.
She led them a little farther from the slope to a small clearing, where they both settled down on the grass.
“Look at the sky,” Claudine murmured, tilting her head back. “In the city, we never get to appreciate how clear it is, you can count every star up there”.
Maya followed her gaze, her heart calming as she took in the vast expanse of stars above them. And so, with no rush to be anywhere else, they simply sat there—beneath the endless starry sky, side by side.
“I couldn’t bear their disappointment again”. Maya finally whispered, her voice breaking the comfortable silence they had carefully built. Her words hung in the air, pulling Claudine’s attention away from the serenity of the moment. Maya kept her gaze fixed on the stars, unable to meet Claudine’s eyes.
Even without looking, she could sense Claudine’s confusion, mixed with a quiet respect that came from the silence she maintained, patiently waiting for Maya to continue.
“My parents… Everything I’ve become has been for them”. Maya admitted, her voice trembling as her vulnerability bled through. “I’ve done everything they ever asked of me—sacrificed so much—just to win their approval. But no matter what I did, it was never enough. My acting, my dancing, my choices… They always said it could’ve been better, that it lacked something, that it should’ve been different.”
Her hands began to tremble as a flood of memories and harsh words flashed through her mind, each one a sharp reminder of how deeply their disapproval had cut her.
“I… I just couldn’t do it anymore…” Maya’s voice faltered, her words dissolving into silence. The weight of everything she’d carried felt too heavy to articulate.
Then, gently, she felt the warmth of another hand on hers. Startled but comforted, Maya turned to look. Claudine’s hand rested over her own, steady and reassuring. With a tentative bravery, Maya lifted her eyes to Claudine’s face, meeting a gaze filled with compassion and sending her encouraging strength.
There, in Claudine’s unwavering expression, she found no trace of judgment—only encouragement. It was as if Claudine’s touch and gaze alone were telling her, It’s okay. You can keep going. I’m here.
“I thought Starlight would be different”. Maya confessed, her voice soft yet steady as she finally held Claudine’s gaze. She placed her other hand gently over Claudine’s, as if anchoring herself in her presence. “I’ve never felt a connection like the one I have with you. You challenge me, Claudine. You make me better. On stage, you bring out the best in me, and… I believe you do the same off it, too. It’s something I’ve never experienced with any other partner”.
Maya hesitated, her hand slipping away from Claudine’s as she shifted her gaze back to the stars. A shadow of sadness crossed her face. “I truly believed that my performance with you—our performance—was everything my parents had always wanted from me. I thought it was my peak, the moment they would finally be proud. But it wasn’t. Even after the opening night, their judgment weighed heavy on me. They still found something to criticize.”
Her voice cracked, and a frown appeared on her face. Tears began to spill, trailing quickly down her cheeks and falling to the ground below.
“Oh, Maya”. Claudine whispered, her tone laced with tenderness as she reached out to gently cup Maya’s cheek. With her thumb, she wiped away the tearstains, her touch soft and soothing. “I didn’t know you carried so much pressure on your shoulders”.
That touch—so delicate, so filled with care—sent a wave of calm through Maya. She closed her eyes for a moment, leaning into Claudine’s hand, letting herself melt into the comfort it brought. Claudine’s thumb moved in slow, reassuring circles, wordlessly offering her strength.
“After that, I ran away”. Maya admitted, her voice trembling. “I started questioning everything about myself. Acting, dancing… everything I’ve ever done. Was it because I loved it, or was it because they told me to love it?”
Her tears slowed, though her eyes still glistened. “I’m sorry, Claudine… I’m such a coward.”
“No, Maya, you…”
“Yes, I am”. Maya interrupted, her voice laced with both frustration and guilt. “I left you… I left everyone without a word. One day, I just disappeared, thinking I could take all the blame and deal with it alone. I thought I could live with being the problem, but I never considered the chaos I would cause for everyone else—especially you”. She closed her eyes, the weight of her regret bearing down on her. “I don’t even know why Amemiya-san still puts up with me after all the trouble I’ve caused over what was, essentially, a tantrum. And now that you know everything… I can’t imagine what you must think of me.”
“Maya, listen to me”. Claudine said firmly, her tone both commanding and gentle as she placed her other hand on Maya’s free cheek. She tilted Maya’s face toward her, softly yet decisively, until their eyes met again. “You are the strongest and most incredible person I’ve ever known. If you’re scared that I might judge you, don’t be. We all have our fears, our struggles. But I wouldn’t have flown all this way if I didn’t believe you were worth it”.
Maya’s eyes widened, her breath catching as Claudine’s words sank in.
“I’ve seen the real you, Maya”. Claudine continued, her voice steady and filled with conviction. “You don’t have to live up to anyone’s expectations but your own. Look at what you’ve accomplished—look at how you’ve become one of the greatest actresses of our generation. I don’t know what exactly your parents are looking for, but pardon my language—they can screw themselves. I don’t care what they think.”
Claudine paused, her gaze softening as something profound and undeniable glimmered in her eyes. It was pride. Pure, unfiltered pride. The kind Maya had always longed to see in her parents’ faces.
“You are enough, Maya”. Claudine said, her voice quiet but firm, each word resonating deeply. “More than enough. And if my opinion means anything to you, know this—I wouldn’t change a single thing about you. I already admire you, just as you are.”
Tears returned to Maya’s eyes, but this time they carried warmth and joy. For so long, she had yearned to hear something close to what Claudine had just said. Years of seeking approval, of longing for words that could mend her battered heart, had finally ended—and they came from the person who mattered most to her now. She couldn’t stop the tears, but they didn’t stop the smile that slowly formed on her lips. The realization filled her chest with gratitude. Despite her fears, Claudine had proven, yet again, to be the kind, loving, and understanding person Maya had always believed her to be.
Claudine noticed the faint smile gracing Maya’s lips and couldn’t help but smile back. For a moment, they simply gazed at each other in silence, the world around them fading into the background. Slowly, Maya’s tears subsided, her breathing steadied, and the calm between them deepened.
Then, without a word, Claudine reached out and gently pulled Maya into her arms.
“Thank you for trusting me”. She whispered softly into Maya’s ear, her voice barely audible but filled with sincerity.
For a moment, Maya froze, overwhelmed by the unexpected closeness and the rare intimacy of the gesture. But then, something within her eased. Slowly, she wrapped her arms around Claudine, returning the embrace with equal warmth.
“Thank you for listening to me”. Maya murmured, her voice steady despite the emotions swirling within her.
Just as the moment seemed suspended in perfect harmony, a distant shout shattered their calmness.
“They’re here!”
Startled, they both pulled away abruptly, instinctively putting a small distance between them. An unconscious blush crept up their cheeks, as though they had been caught doing something forbidden.
The sound of hurried footsteps and overlapping voices grew louder. Lights from different directions converged, illuminating the area. Maya quickly recognized the voice of Mahiru among the group approaching them.
They had been found.