(Wait & See ~Risk~)
Kaoru's confidence and responses were leaving Will without arguments. It seemed the businessman was incapable of yielding under the model's pressure.
Will slammed his hand hard against the hood of his car. He raised his voice and decided to move to more aggressive provocations.
— …You're going to say it's a coincidence she's at your house and you canceled on me! Looks like the good guy showed his claws and is going after someone else's woman! The world really turns.
— Will… Megumi wouldn't do that… But as far as I know, loyalty isn't something you can demand.
Even with the aggression, Kaoru remained unshakable. Will was impressed and decided to shift his approach, lowering his voice and showing his provocative smile.
— Come on, Kaoru, you know it doesn't matter what she does. She debuted as the best and is already one of the "favorites." You get it, right? I need the spotlight. Her fame will help me. I'd even share her with you, but if you're seen together, I'll be overshadowed.
Those words caused deep disgust in Kaoru, but he only furrowed his brows further, turned around, and began walking away.
— I need to get inside, or people won't go home.
— …Alright, but think about what I said.
— Don't worry.
Will got into his car and drove back home. Kaoru returned to the studio with his head lowered. Before opening the door, he took a deep breath. As he stepped inside, he was surprised by loud conversation mixed with laughter. He looked ahead and saw Crystal, Ethan, and Megumi drinking and having fun.
When he approached his wine cellar, he saw a few empty bottles on top. He got closer to be sure of what he was seeing and grew irritated when it was confirmed.
— Hey, that champagne is extremely expensive! YOU DRANK THREE BOTTLES?
— You're rich, buy more — Crystal replied, her speech slurred.
Kaoru's blood was boiling. He stared seriously at the three, who immediately began to sweat nervously. He didn't complain. He crouched down and reached deeper into the cellar. Then he stood up holding two full bottles and faced them again.
— There are two more, drink them while I make a few calls.
— Who even are you? — Crystal asked.
— IF I CLENCH MY FIST YOU COMPLAIN. IF I OPEN IT, YOU COMPLAIN TOO?
The three kept chatting and laughing uncontrollably. Anything was enough to make them burst into laughter. Meanwhile, Vacchiano stayed in his office making call after call. For hours, laughter filled one side, while on the other, Kaoru solved problems.
After finishing all the necessary calls, Kaoru left the office. He returned to the main room, where papers, fabrics, and other pieces were scattered everywhere. Apparently, they had all had fun with Vacchiano's clothes while the alcohol flowed.
— What a mess… Have they all left? — Vacchiano asked.
— Yes! They're gone! — Megumi replied.
— Let's go, it's late and you're very cheerful.
— Let's! Oh, Kaoru! Yesterday I messaged Hitomi!
Hearing that, Kaoru stopped walking, curious about what she had to share. What he didn't expect was for her to suddenly start crying, clearly affected by the alcohol.
— I called her to vent… But she told me she thought Will had changed… — she sobbed between words. — But that if you said he was a jerk… I should believe it because you don't lie…
The model covered her face with her hands, tears streaming uncontrollably.
Damn, she's crying… If someone sees this…, Kaoru felt cornered.
— I… I… I'm going to break up with him… I'll send a message… or go in person…
Feeling sorry, Kaoru placed his hand on the model's head and gently stroked it, avoiding eye contact.
— Take it slow, you're not in the best state for that. Wait a few days and do it properly.
— O-okay…
Kaoru's caring gesture was so unexpected for Megumi that for a moment her tears stopped.
— Let's go. You need to rest.
— Okay, sir… I mean, Kaoru…
— …
The two went to the car. It was already late at night and the day had been difficult. He drove at a moderate speed along the seaside. The moon reflected on the ocean, and its beauty helped calm the model's heart and the businessman's nerves.
— Ah, Megumi. It's better you know so you won't be caught off guard…
— Hm?
— There are rumors that the two of us are having an affair.
Megumi's eyes widened and she grew anxious, but didn't say a word. She just listened as Kaoru continued.
— Even though that's the most pleasant rumor about me lately… I'll make sure to rent a hotel for you next time… And I promise I'll be more pleasant too.
After that conversation, the two didn't exchange another word. They drove to the Vacchiano mansion. Each went to their own room. Megumi went through her routine and lay down.
What a crazy few days… Tomorrow I'll go home… process all of this…
As she closed her eyes, more tears slipped down.
June 25th, Friday
The night passed quickly, Megumi and Kaoru woke up early, and he took her to the bus station.
— See you next time, Megumi!
The model, who was already heading inside the station, stopped and turned her face back toward Kaoru, smiling.
— See you!
Each went their own way. For Megumi, there was still some waiting time, as her bus was delayed. With nothing to do, she took the opportunity to watch the news playing on one of the televisions.
URGENT: FAMOUS MODEL ARRESTED FOR…
Will? Megumi was caught off guard seeing that name on the news. There were multiple accusations.
In his car, Kaoru answered his phone, which was ringing nonstop.
— Hitomi, what do you want?
— Did you see the news? Will was arrested!
— Already? That was fast.
— WHAT DO YOU MEAN ALREADY!? DID YOU HAVE A HAND IN THIS?
— He wanted the spotlight. I just used my contacts and found out a few things, nothing more.
— And Megumi… is she safe?
— Now she is.
Hitomi's heart calmed with Kaoru's confirmation about Megumi. That day, more than any other, the fashion world had been turned upside down.
June 26th, Saturday, M School
The weekend arrived, but this wouldn't be one for rest, it would be for celebration! The Festa Junina was a highly anticipated event in the city. Schools made sure not to schedule theirs on the same date as others so as not to disrupt attendance.
At M School, the courtyard and courts were prepared to welcome students, parents, friends, and family. The stalls were lined up side by side, and there were themed rooms. Many people wore their plaid outfits.
— Finally! The big day of the Festa Junina! A day to perform and embarrass ourselves. — Aino said, arms open with her flared dress.
— The school looks so beautiful! — exclaimed Aino, arriving in her junina-lolita outfit.
— It really does! — Hikaru agreed, even wearing a straw hat.
Akiko's vibrant dress caught Aino's attention, so excited she went over to comment.
— You nailed the look, girl! It suits you!
— Thank you! You look so cute!
— Thanks, girl!
— More people are coming! — Hikaru said, pointing.
Approaching the group were Minami and Miyu, who had gotten ready together with borrowed dresses, both graceful.
— Hii! You're here already! You look great! — Minami greeted.
— Hi, everyone. — Miyu said shyly.
Before anyone could respond, Minami's attention was caught by someone in the distance. She brought her hands to her blushing face, enchanted.
— Wow, Seki looks so handsome!
A bit farther from the group were Naoko and Seki, elegantly dressed in their festival outfits. Being third-years, they had more responsibilities at the event, since part of the stall earnings would go toward their graduation party.
— You didn't tell me which stall you're in charge of — Seki asked.
— Ahh… I didn't want to embarrass myself beforehand… I'll be in charge of the kissing booth.
— WHAT!? KISSING BOOTH?
— Yeah, they said only I could keep that room from turning into something else…
— SOMETHING ELSE?
— Yeah, people go there to confess, so what's supposed to be quick takes longer…
— OH, THAT!
— What did you think?
— NOTHING…
Seki was blushing, trying to hold back a goofy smile.
Damn… I thought something else… But if I go there when it's just her…, his mind started building scenarios, one more questionable than the other. I'm not pure today…
Seki's strange expression caught Naoko's attention, and she began to worry.
— Are you okay, Seki?
— Nothing… just youth hitting me all at once.
— Hm?
It was still afternoon, and most people at the school were children and their parents. It was time for the younger students' performances, where each class danced in circles.
— HANA! — Matsui called from afar, running with her arms raised.
— MATSUI! — Hana replied, running toward her friend.
The two hugged and greeted each other, each complimenting the other's outfit. Guang and Sayuri approached, as did Nami and Hitomi.
— Hitomi! Nami! Long time! — Sayuri greeted.
— Yeah, we finally got time off to see the girls perform! — Nami said.
— They're so excited — Hitomi commented, looking at the two with affection.
The children went to perform, and children's performances were always full of charm, and they were the ones who enjoyed it the most. After the dances, parents usually went to the stalls to buy snacks, play fishing games, chat with acquaintances, and head home.
The afternoon slowly gave way to night, and the crowd began to change. Teenagers and young adults were now the majority. The lights were turned on, and the festival atmosphere became more evident. The smell of hot dogs and quentão stole attention from the other stalls.
Not everyone was there willingly. Off to the side of the festival, leaning against the second-year sweets stall, was a grumpy Adonis. His hair was tied back, and he was somewhat dressed for the occasion. He stood there, one hand in his pocket, sometimes watching the crowd, sometimes closing his eyes to zone out while muttering to himself.
— Do people here only do things for rewards? I had to dress up just to not lose points for the class…
Amid the unintelligible chatter of people in the courtyard, one name stood out and caught his attention.
— Miyu, where are you going? — someone said.
He immediately tried to locate where the voice had come from. He quickly spotted her in the distance, walking among the stalls.
So cute…, he thought.
It was the first time he had seen her dressed for the occasion. Without thinking twice, he headed toward her.