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In Residency Restaurant – Entrance
The soft glow of golden lights shimmered across the glass doors of the Residency Restaurant. At the entrance, Jenna stood gracefully, waving as her parents settled into their car. The night air carried a hint of calm, though Jenna's heart was still fluttering from everything that had unfolded.
Angela too entered her car. Michael stood beside it, leaning casually against the window, a gentle smile tugging at his lips.
"Thanks, Mom," he said warmly.
Angela's eyes softened as she glanced at her son. "You never told me what you truly wanted… but as a mother, I always find a way to fulfill my son's wish."
Her car slowly rolled away, leaving Michael and Jenna side by side, waving until the tail lights vanished down the street.
Jenna's lips curved into a smile. She grabbed Michael's hand suddenly, her voice half trembling, half teasing.
"I can't believe it… your mother actually accepted our love! And you…" She playfully slapped his chest, her eyes twinkling. " I can't believe it.You told her about us, didn't you?"
Michael blinked, amused. "Actually… I didn't."
Jenna froze, her jaw dropping. "W-what?!"
"I was waiting for the right time," Michael admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "But before I could, Alice told her."
Jenna's eyes widened. "She… impossible…"
Michael raised his brow, studying her expression. "Wait, what are you thinking about my sister?" His tone held a hint of mock seriousness. "She looks cold on the outside, but she really does care for the people around her."
Jenna quickly shook her head. "I didn't mean anything like that. I just… I didn't realize you and Alice had such a strong bond."
Michael's lips softened into a smile. "We've always been like this."
Jenna returned his smile, but a flicker of hesitation lingered in her eyes.
"But… our engagement… isn't it happening too fast?"
Michael blinked, caught off guard. "What are you talking about?"
Jenna hesitated, lowering her gaze. "Because… I still want to succeed in my career. I don't want to lose that."
Michael gently took both her hands, his grip warm and steady. "Jenna, we're not marrying right away. It's just an engagement. We still have so much time before marriage. I believe in you—you'll succeed before then. And even if not…" His voice softened, his smile reassuring. "…I'll wait for you."
Her breath caught. The playful smile faded, but warmth replaced it as her eyes shimmered. Michael's confidence was unwavering, and for a moment, Jenna allowed herself to lean into it. She smiled faintly, squeezing his hands back.
---
In Ameya's Apartment
Inside her cozy apartment, Ameya sat with a face pack covering her cheeks, lazily watching Jenna's brand-new solo song on her monitor. The melody echoed through the room, a reminder of the dream Ameya once held so tightly.
A sudden knock startled her. She groaned. "Oh no… who is it now?"
She leaned toward her monitor's door camera, only to blink in shock—Jenna was standing right outside.
Ameya quickly wiped her hands and rushed to open the door.
"Jenna?!"
Jenna looked equally surprised. "Oh—!"
Ameya laughed, embarrassed. "It's me, don't be scared."
They both entered, the tension melting into warmth as Ameya hugged Jenna tightly.
"Congrats! Your song is so good," Ameya said sincerely.
Jenna smiled. "Thanks." They pulled apart, and Jenna's expression shifted, carrying excitement.
"I have good news."
Ameya tilted her head. "What is it?"
Jenna's smile widened. "Michael's mom accepted our love. And… next Wednesday, we're getting engaged."
Ameya's eyes lit up. "Really? That's amazing!" She hugged Jenna again, though her heart pinched somewhere deep inside.
As they sat down, Ameya asked curiously, "But wait… how did he convince his mother? You told me before she was terrible."
Jenna hesitated, her voice lowering. "Actually… Alice convinced her."
Ameya's smile faltered for a split second. "…Oh. I see. Anyway, congrats, dear."
Jenna brightened again, oblivious to the slight shift. "And one more thing—it's not only our engagement next Wednesday. Rico and Alice's engagement will be held the same day."
Ameya's heart thudded. Her face fell, but she quickly masked it, forcing a smile. "It doesn't matter to me. I've moved on." She looked down, her voice softer but firm. "Don't worry, I'll definitely come to your engagement party."
Jenna's relief was immediate, her eyes sparkling. "I'm so glad! I thought you wouldn't come. Now I'm so happy."
Ameya asked quietly, "Did you tell the SuperNova members yet?"
"Not yet," Jenna said, standing to leave. "I wanted to tell you first. But oh—I need to go now, I have a stage performance this evening. And don't forget—tomorrow at 10 a.m., you're coming with me for engagement shopping."
Ameya nodded with a faint smile. "Alright."
Jenna waved and stepped out. Ameya waved back, forcing her expression to stay light until the door closed.
The moment the latch clicked, her hand fell, and the mask slipped away. Her smile dissolved, replaced by a quiet, aching sadness that filled the empty apartment.
---
---
In Rico's House
The dining table sparkled with silverware and dishes of every kind—steaming soups, roasted meats, colorful vegetables. Clara moved gracefully between the plates, serving her son Rico with care.
"Mom," Rico said, setting down his fork. "Sit with us. If I need anything, I can get it myself."
Rumi, seated opposite, puffed her cheeks in mock annoyance. "Mom, you have another child too, you know! Look at you—you didn't even glance at me once after your precious son came home."
Rico chuckled, leaning forward to place a generous portion of food onto Rumi's plate. "There. Happy?"
Clara laughed softly. "You're always with me, Rumi. Of course I care about you a lot. But now… it's time for me to take care of my son too."
"Ohhh," Rumi teased dramatically, grinning when Clara passed a piece of beef to Rico. He, without hesitation, passed half of it back to Rumi's plate. She beamed. "See? That's my brother."
The warmth of family filled the air as they ate together. Clara looked at Rico with a proud glimmer in her eyes.
"I saw the financial reports of our branch office. They're very good. I didn't expect it—since you always focused on being an idol."
Rico smiled faintly. "Yes, but I studied Business Administration too, Mom. I just needed real-time experience. I got that when I was abroad. So… it's not a big deal."
Clara shook her head. "Even though—"
"Of course," Rico interrupted gently, leaning back with a playful grin. "I am the son of business magnate Clara, right?"
Clara laughed, her smile softening.
Beside them, Rumi leaned closer, whispering into Rico's ear, "I have to go. My idol's live performance is tonight. Help me sneak out."
Rico whispered back, amused, "And who's your idol now?"
Rumi sighed dreamily. "I liked Ameya a lot… but her group disbanded. Still, I love her even now. She's my eternal favorite. But—" She paused, noticing Rico's faint smile fading, "—now Felix is my bias. Don't worry, I stan multiple groups."
She sneaked away from the table, but Clara caught the movement. "What are you two murmuring about?" she asked sharply, raising an eyebrow.
"Nothing," Rico covered smoothly. "She has to submit her client's report, so she's leaving."
Rumi waved. "Then I'm going, Mom!" and disappeared quickly.
Clara smirked knowingly. "I know where she's going. To watch her idol live."
Rico chuckled. "Mom…"
"She's exactly like you," Clara teased, her eyes narrowing. "And I know what she likes too. But I won't stop her. Just like I won't stop you. My children can do whatever they like. I don't want you to sacrifice yourselves for me."
Rico's chest tightened at her words.
Clara leaned closer, her voice gentle but piercing. "So if you don't want this engagement, Rico… tell me. Don't sacrifice yourself for others. That's never a good option. Focus on your likes too. Just don't harm others in the process."
Her words sank into him like waves crashing against rocks. Rico froze, stunned. His mother's words lingered, echoing in his mind long after dinner ended.
---
In Central Mall
Ameya stood near a luxury dress shop, her phone in hand. She spotted Jenna and Michael approaching. She smiled and waved—until she saw the pair behind them.
Rico and Alice.
Alice was clinging tightly to Rico's arm, her hand slipping into his. Ameya's smile faltered instantly, her heart squeezing painfully.
Jenna rushed up, apologetic. "Sorry, Ameya… I didn't know Alice and Rico would come too."
Ameya forced a smile. "It's okay. Their arrival won't affect me."
Alice noticed her and immediately dropped Rico's hand, her eyes flickering briefly. Rico, however, couldn't look away from Ameya. His gaze softened, heavy with emotion, filled with something more than words could express.
Michael greeted cheerfully, "Hi, Ameya!"
"Hi," she replied, but her eyes flickered once more toward Rico. He didn't answer, didn't even greet—he simply stared, his silence louder than words.
Alice leaned closer, her tone low. "You've changed a lot, Ameya."
Ameya only smiled faintly in return.
Jenna pinched Michael's arm discreetly.
"What?" Michael muttered.
"This is your fault," Jenna hissed under her breath. "Why did you bring them with us?"
"How could I say no if they wanted to come?" he whispered back, frustrated.
Jenna sighed, shaking her head. She quickly grabbed Ameya's hand. "Come on. Let's go inside."
---
Inside the Shop
The boutique glittered with rows of gowns and suits. Ameya busied herself helping Jenna select dresses for her engagement. Michael leaned against a corner, absorbed in his phone. Rico lingered nearby, Alice clinging to him while scanning fabrics with the eye of a designer.
"Jenna, look at this," Alice called, pulling out an elegant gown. "This really suits you."
"Really? You think so?" Jenna asked, smiling.
"Yes. Try it," Alice urged, leading her toward the fitting rooms.
Meanwhile, Ameya sifted through racks, pretending to focus. But when she glanced sideways, she froze—Rico was staring at her. Not casually, not fleetingly—his gaze was fixed, intense, as if the world around them didn't exist.
Ameya turned quickly, her heart racing. After a moment, she dared glance back again. He was still staring.
She forced herself to move, walking briskly to Jenna's side. "I'll help you," she said quickly.
Jenna nodded, disappearing into a changing room with Ameya.
Moments later, Ameya's phone rang. She stepped out to take the call.
But before she could speak, a hand shot out, yanking her into the next dressing room. She gasped, her back hitting the wall—until another hand covered her mouth.
Her wide eyes met his.
Rico.
Her breath caught in her throat. Shock. Fear. And something else—something dangerous—rushed through her veins.
---