A Star Given Time to Heal
The morning light filtered gently through the tall windows of the Runcandel mansion.
Yukiko Fujimine sat on the sofa, hands wrapped around a warm cup of tea.
For the first time in years, her shoulders were not tense.
She wasn't bracing for tomorrow.
She wasn't calculating survival.
She was simply… breathing.
Keith stood across from her, calm and composed, his sapphire-blue eyes observing her carefully—not as a businessman, not as a producer, but as someone who understood wounds that could not be seen.
"Yukiko-san," Keith said gently,
"I want you to rest first."
Yukiko blinked. "Rest…?"
"Yes," Keith continued.
"No contracts. No cameras. No expectations."
She looked startled. "But… Runcandel Entertainment—"
Keith raised a hand, stopping her.
"You've already survived more than enough," he said.
"Right now, your health comes first. When you are ready, then we'll talk about acting."
Yukiko stared at him, lips trembling.
"I can do it," she said quickly.
"I really can. I won't disappoint you."
Before she could continue, Keith stepped closer and lightly flicked her forehead.
"Ow—!" Yukiko yelped, eyes wide.
Keith smiled faintly and then patted her head, his touch warm and reassuring.
"Don't rush," he said softly.
"Just let me spoil you once."
For a moment, Yukiko froze.
Then her eyes filled with tears.
She stood abruptly and hugged him—tight, desperate, like someone afraid the ground might vanish again.
"I thought… I was forgotten," she cried.
"I thought no one would ever come for me."
Keith didn't pull away.
He simply let her cry.
Eri Kisaki, who had been standing nearby, felt her chest tighten at the sight. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Yukiko too.
"You weren't forgotten," Eri said firmly.
"You were just waiting to be found."
Yukiko laughed weakly through her tears.
"You always were strong, Eri…"
"And you were always stubborn," Eri replied with a small smile.
The three stood there for a moment—pain, healing, and quiet promise intertwined.
A New Seed in Yukiko's Heart
Later that evening, Yukiko sat alone in her guest room.
Clean sheets.
Soft lighting.
Silence—not the lonely kind, but the peaceful kind.
Her mind replayed the scene again and again.
Keith's calm voice.
The gentle flick on her forehead.
The way he didn't demand anything from her.
For the first time, someone hadn't seen her as:
• A failed wife
• A discarded actress
• A burden
He had seen her as someone worth protecting.
Yukiko placed a hand over her chest.
Why does my heart feel so warm…?
Her cheeks flushed slightly.
She smiled to herself, embarrassed but honest.
I think… I'm starting to like him.
Not as a savior.
Not as a producer.
But as Keith.
And somewhere deep within her—
A star, long dimmed, quietly began to glow again.