Afternoon slowly unfolded into a warm golden glow that poured through the high windows of Storylight Library. Dust motes drifted lazily in the sunbeams, and for hours, Yumio and Liam had carved out their own quiet world at their little table—surrounded by towers of books they had already devoured.

  They didn’t speak much at first. Just soft page-turning, occasional hums of acknowledgment, or quiet exchanges whenever one of them found a surprising passage. But eventually, the natural ease between them stirred conversation back to life.

  Yumio tilted her head, studying the spine of one of the books on their table.

  “Have you read Crime and Punishment?” she asked.

  Liam didn’t even look up from his book, just nodded. “Yeah. And Notes from the Underground too.” He then lifted his eyes toward her, observing her thoughtful expression. “You look like the type to enjoy any genre.”

  She gave a small, shy smile. “I’ve read almost every book I could get my hands on. Since I’ve been… well, locked inside my house for most of my life.”

  Liam’s eyebrows furrowed slightly. “Really?” His voice softened. “Must’ve been tough.”

  “It is,” Yumio replied quietly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Books were my escape.”

  Liam watched her for a moment longer, as if wanting to ask more but choosing not to push.

  Before either of them could speak again, Yumio’s phone beeped sharply, breaking the warm bubble around them.

  She picked it up and saw a message from Akari.

  Akari: We’re outside the library.

  Liam noticed her expression shift and slowly closed the book he was reading. He stood up, smoothing out his shirt as if preparing to step back into the real world.

  Yumio blinked at him. “Leaving already?”

  He nodded lightly, flashing her a small, enigmatic smile. “I still have things to do.” He slung his bag over his shoulder. “Hope to see you again.”

  He gave a short wave—casual but thoughtful.

  Yumio lifted her hand, waving back a little slower than she intended. “See you.”

  When he disappeared behind the shelves, she let out a soft breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. The table felt strangely empty without him there.

  She typed back to Akari:

  Yumio: I’ll be right there.

  Gathering her things, she reached for the pile of books they had been reading—only to find the table completely clear.

  “Huh?” she murmured.

  A small smile spread across her lips.

  Liam must’ve returned the books.

  With her heart feeling a little too warm, she packed her bag and headed toward the exit.

  Outside, the late afternoon breeze carried soft laughter and the distant sound of traffic. The girls were seated at the café just beside the library’s entrance, drinks and shopping bags scattered on their table.

  Willow spotted her first.

  “Mio!” she called, waving excitedly.

  Yumio smiled and walked over, taking a seat beside them. “So? How was shopping?”

  Miyana leaned back dramatically in her chair. “I’m tired.”

  Hailey burst out laughing. “That’s because Naomi, Yuina, Sevan, and Juliana dragged her from store to store like a human shopping cart.”

  Yumio let out a laugh. “That… does sound exhausting.”

  “It was,” Miyana groaned. “I told them I needed a break, but nooo, apparently I ‘walk too slow.’”

  Yumio glanced at the four girls sitting at another table, bursting with new bags and endless energy. “They really never get tired, do they?”

  “Not when shopping,” Shayne replied with a shake of her head.

  Yumio giggled.

  Chasey leaned her chin on her palm. “How about you? How was the library? Did you enjoy your alone time?”

  “It was cozy,” Yumio said, eyes brightening. “Really cozy. I think this might be my favorite place now.”

  “Told you!” Willow said, pumping her fist triumphantly. “Storylight never fails!”

  Yumio nodded, still smiling. “I read so many books that the stack literally reached my height.”

  Yaiza blinked. “Wow. You must really like reading.”

  “Reading is one of my favorite hobbies,” Yumio admitted, a soft glow in her eyes.

  Evelyn stretched her arms above her head. “Okay, okay. I’m officially exhausted. How about we all head home now?”

  “That sounds like a plan,” Ariana agreed, looking relieved.

  The group gathered their bags and belongings, chatting and teasing each other as they walked toward the waiting van.

  But they were unaware of the pair of eyes watching from a distance—leaning casually against a lamppost across the street.

  Liam.

  He saw Yumio laughing with the others, the afternoon sun lighting her features in a warm glow. It made something in his chest tightened—not painfully, but strangely, almost pleasantly.

  He smirked to himself, hands slipping into his pockets.

  “Princess,” he murmured under his breath, “you’re full of surprises…”

  A sleek black luxury car glided up the long driveway of the Valencia family mansion, its polished surface reflecting the golden glow of the late afternoon sun. The mansion itself was a grand spectacle—Spanish colonial architecture mingling with modern touches, sprawling gardens, fountains, and towering gates that spoke of old money and deep influence. The Valencia family, a Spanish-Filipino dynasty, owned one of the largest conglomerates in the country, Valencia Co., whose wealth and power rivaled even Yonaka Enterprises.

  The Kishimotos and the Valencias had been rivals for decades. Whispers of a feud, buried in old grievances and family pride, haunted the air whenever the two names crossed paths. And today, Liam Valencia, the youngest scion of the Valencia family, was about to return home, carrying more than just the day’s experiences with him.

  The car door opened, and a tall, sharp-featured man stepped out, his posture radiating calm confidence. Liam adjusted the collar of his crisp shirt before handing the keys to the head butler, Daren, whose expression remained perfectly unreadable.

  “Master Liam,” Daren said with formal courtesy, bowing slightly, “your father has requested a family dinner tonight. He mentioned it is urgent and that there’s something important to discuss with you.”

  Liam let out a soft sigh, not of frustration, but of slight weariness. “Call me when dinner is ready. I’ll be in my room,” he said, his tone casual yet commanding.

  “Understood, Master Liam,” Daren replied, bowing again before disappearing down the corridor.

  The mansion interior was just as impressive as its exterior. Marble floors gleamed, ornate chandeliers cast golden reflections on the walls, and the faint scent of roses lingered in the air. Liam was greeted immediately by the voices of two young girls rushing toward him.

  “Liam!” they cried in unison, wrapping him in their tiny arms.

  He smiled faintly, amusement and affection mixed in his gaze. “Brielle… Briallen,” he said softly, ruffling Brielle’s hair as the girls giggled.

  Brielle and Briallen, the youngest and only daughters of the Valencia household, were notorious for their indulgent, spoiled behavior—but Liam had a soft spot for them nonetheless.

  “How was your day?” he asked, lowering himself to their level. “Did you have fun?”

  Brielle bounced slightly in excitement. “We went ice skating! And I didn’t fall once!”

  Briallen chimed in, her eyes sparkling. “And we bought so many clothes and plushies! I even got a unicorn plushie!”

  Liam raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Don’t you already have more than enough?”

  Brielle pouted, crossing her arms. “Yeah, but we’re planning to donate the old ones at our school’s charity event. So, it’s for a good cause!”

  Before Liam could respond, a warm, familiar voice entered the room.

  “Girls, cookies are ready!”

  It was Phoebe Valencia, the matriarch of the household—a graceful, loving Filipina woman whose warmth often softened the stern edges of the household’s patriarch. She approached Liam and placed a hand on his shoulder, smiling.

  “Liam, dear, you’re back. How was your day?”

  Liam offered a brief but genuine hug. “It was… alright. I spent most of it buried in books at the library.”

  Phoebe nodded approvingly. “Books are always a good choice. And girls,” she said, turning to her daughters, “you’ve only had a few snacks so far. You still need to eat dinner later.”

  Briallen immediately grabbed Liam’s arm, her puppy-dog eyes fixed on him. “Liam, play with us! Please!”

  He chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in his tired voice. “I’d love to, Bria… but I’m a little tired.”

  Phoebe laughed, placing a hand on Briallen’s shoulder. “Now, Bria, let your brother rest. I’m sure he’s had a long day, and he needs his energy for dinner later.”

  Liam gave a small, grateful look at his mother and made his way upstairs.

  “Liam, dear, can you check on your brother for me?” Phoebe called after him.

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  “Of course, Mom,” Liam replied.

  He approached his older brother Nathan’s room and knocked gently. “It’s Liam,” he said.

  The door creaked open, revealing Nathan, sprawled across a slightly messy bed, hair tousled and glasses slipping down his nose. His desk was cluttered with papers and textbooks.

  “Bro,” Liam said, taking in the scene. “You look… a little worse for wear.”

  Nathan let out a tired sigh. “Can’t help it. Too much work. Dad wants me to assist at the company, and I have school assignments piling up.”

  “You ever rest?” Liam asked, concern threading his tone. “Mom will start worrying if she sees you like this.”

  “I rested for… three hours,” Nathan replied, a faint smirk on his lips.

  “Three hours isn’t enough! You need proper rest!” Liam countered.

  Nathan leaned back, shrugging. “Tell that to Dad.”

  Liam’s gaze softened. “Are you really okay with this? Working for him, I mean. You don’t really want this path, do you?”

  Nathan looked at his younger brother, eyes serious. “It’s not what I want, no. But someone has to take over Valencia Co. when Dad retires.”

  “You don’t have to be the only one,” Liam said gently. “I could… take over if you don’t want to.”

  Nathan shook his head firmly. “No. You follow your dreams, Liam. I don’t want you to end up like me—trapped in a life you didn’t choose. You’re special. You have your own path to walk.”

  Liam felt a warmth in his chest at those words. “Thanks, Nathan.”

  Nathan smiled faintly. “Anytime.”

  Liam glanced at the clock. “Alright, I’ll head to my room now. Don’t forget the family dinner later—Dad will be expecting us.”

  Nathan stretched, yawning. “Yup. See you then.”

  Liam shut the door behind him and entered his room. The soft carpet muffled his steps as he crossed to the window. A delicate snow globe sat on the windowsill, etched with faint scratches of time. He picked it up and twisted the tiny knob.

  A gentle lullaby filled the room, notes floating like whispers in the quiet evening.

  At the bottom of the globe, etched in slightly messy handwriting, were the words:

  “To Lee, our lullaby forever.”

  Liam smiled softly, his fingers brushing over the delicate engraving. Closing his eyes, he let the lullaby wrap around him, pulling him toward a rare moment of peace, the melodies weaving a gentle escape from the weight of expectations and family duties.

  For a brief moment, he allowed himself to simply… be.

  A soft knock echoed through the room, pulling Liam from the haze of his thoughts. He blinked a few times, rubbing his eyes, and realized the sun had already set. The warm amber glow of the city lights outside the window cast long shadows across the room. In his hands, the snow globe he had left on the windowsill earlier seemed almost to shimmer in the dim light.

  “Master Liam, dinner is ready,” Daren’s calm voice came from the doorway.

  Liam sighed and placed the snow globe back carefully in its place. “Alright. Thank you, Daren.”

  He changed into a crisp, dark button-up shirt and a pair of slacks, straightening the collar before checking his reflection in the mirror. His expression was neutral, but his mind was still half-occupied with thoughts of the day—books, libraries, and a certain girl who had inexplicably captured his attention.

  Descending the grand staircase, Liam felt the quiet weight of the mansion’s evening calm. The dining room was already illuminated by soft chandeliers, casting a warm glow over the long, polished table. He entered to find the rest of his family seated, all waiting for him.

  “Sorry for being late. I… fell asleep,” Liam said, giving a small, polite smile as he took his seat.

  Lucero, the stern but loving patriarch, nodded without a word and gestured to the chair beside Nathan. Liam slid in, noting the neat stack of papers and documents Nathan had been studying.

  The servants brought in the dishes, filling the table with rich aromas—roasted chicken, fresh vegetables, and a fragrant rice dish that reminded Liam faintly of family dinners from his childhood. He picked up his utensils and began to eat quietly.

  “So, Liam,” Lucero began, his tone calm but firm, “how have your studies been going so far?”

  “They’re going well, Dad,” Liam replied, keeping his voice even. “I’m confident I’ll be able to graduate with strong grades.”

  Lucero nodded approvingly, his gaze shifting to Nathan. “And you, Nathan?”

  “I’ve been busy with my thesis,” Nathan said, leaning back slightly in his chair. “Plus the work you’ve given me at the company. I’ll make sure everything is in order—thesis, finals… everything.”

  Lucero’s expression softened slightly. A long silence followed, filled only by the quiet clinking of utensils and the subtle hum of the chandelier above.

  Breaking the moment, Briallen’s voice chimed in brightly. “By the way, Dad, my piano teacher says I’ve been improving! She even suggested having a recital with Brie.”

  Brielle nodded enthusiastically. “And my violin teacher said the same! A recital together would be fun!”

  Lucero allowed himself a small smile. “That’s wonderful. We’ll arrange a recital this summer. Does that work for you two?”

  Both girls nodded, their eyes sparkling with excitement as they returned to their meal, chatting softly about pieces they wanted to perform. Liam watched them for a moment, the warmth of family surrounding him in a way that never failed to contrast with the cold, calculating world outside the mansion walls.

  As the last bites of dinner were taken, Lucero’s gaze shifted back to Liam. “When are you planning on joining your brother and me in the company?”

  Liam paused, choosing his words carefully. “I’m still considering it, Dad. I need time to decide.”

  “The company is expanding,” Lucero said, his voice steady. “If you choose to join, I want you to help Nathan and me. Your insight will be invaluable.”

  Liam nodded silently, appreciating his father’s trust even as he felt the weight of expectation settle on his shoulders.

  “And your college plans?” Lucero pressed. “Your choice of school and course will be essential—not just for your education, but for our company as well.”

  “I have many options, and I am still deciding,” Liam replied calmly. “Please excuse me; I need to think about it.”

  With a polite nod, he stood and excused himself, leaving the dining room behind. The house was quieter now, the only sounds coming from the soft ticking of a clock in the hallway. He closed his bedroom door behind him and let out a deep sigh, sliding into the chair at his desk. His laptop was open, the cursor blinking expectantly.

  He began scrolling through potential colleges, reading course descriptions and admissions requirements. But before long, his mind drifted. One face, one smile, kept intruding—Yumio.

  He typed her name into the search bar, hesitated, then erased it. Without her full name, there was no way to find her. And even if he could, she was… mysterious. Enigmatic in a way that made him simultaneously curious and cautious.

  You are so mysterious, Mio, he thought, leaning back in his chair. But being with you… it feels safe. Comfortable. Like an escape from everything else…

  A small chuckle escaped him at the thought. He picked up the copy of Antony and Cleopatra she had given him at the library and flipped it open, tracing the edge of the cover with his finger.

  I hope to see more of you… he whispered to himself, his voice barely audible over the hum of the room.

  The lull of her memory lingered, a warm, persistent ache in his chest, mingling with the distant sound of the city beyond the window. Liam set the book down gently and stared out at the darkening skyline, lost in thought, wondering when he might see her again.

  “Mio-nee? It’s Natsumi,” a soft voice called from the doorway.

  “Come in,” Yumio replied, putting down the brush she was using.

  The door opened slowly, and Natsumi stepped in, her sleeping gown swaying slightly with her movement. She looked exhausted, her hair falling loosely over her shoulders. Yumio’s eyes softened at the sight of her sister.

  “How was your day, Sumi?” Yumio asked, picking up her brush again and gently continuing to smooth out Natsumi’s hair.

  Natsumi let out a long sigh as she plopped down onto the beanbag, curling slightly into it. “It’s… tiring,” she admitted. “Three photoshoots today, and another one scheduled for tomorrow.” She ran a hand through her hair in frustration.

  Yumio chuckled softly, brushing a strand behind Natsumi’s ear. “No wonder you look exhausted. Why don’t you take a proper rest? I’m sure Lisa could cancel a few photoshoots so you can relax for a while.”

  “I know,” Natsumi said with a small smile, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “She already canceled a few appointments, so at least I have a free weekend now.”

  “That’s good news,” Yumio said warmly. She glanced at her sister, noticing the tension still lingering in her shoulders. “You’ve earned it, Sumi. You’ve been working really hard lately.”

  Natsumi smiled faintly, but there was a distracted look in her eyes that made Yumio pause.

  “How… how are you feeling, really?” Yumio asked, gently.

  Natsumi let out another sigh and looked down at her hands. “I don’t… I don’t know what I want anymore.” Her voice was quiet, almost vulnerable, as she admitted it.

  “What do you mean?” Yumio asked, moving to sit on the floor beside her sister.

  “I don’t know if I should continue modeling,” Natsumi said, voice trembling slightly. “I love it, I really do, but… it’s tiring. It’s more than just tired—I’m drained sometimes, Mio-nee. I don’t know if it’s worth it anymore.”

  Yumio nodded thoughtfully, running her fingers lightly through Natsumi’s hair. “I understand… I think you need to really think about it. Your contract ends when you finish high school, right? That still gives you a year to decide what you want. You don’t have to rush.”

  Natsumi leaned back, looking at her sister with wide, grateful eyes. “And if I don’t want to continue?”

  “Then that’s fine too,” Yumio said gently, giving her a reassuring pat on the back. “If you do want to continue, you can talk to Mom and Dad. They’ll support you, no matter what. That’s just how they are. Whatever you decide, it’ll be okay.”

  Natsumi’s eyes glistened slightly, and she threw herself into Yumio’s arms, hugging her tightly. “Thanks, Mio-nee. I knew I could talk to you about this.”

  Yumio hugged her back, smiling softly. “You’re welcome. Anytime, Sumi.”

  A knock at the door interrupted their moment.

  “Mio-nee, Sumi, dinner’s ready!” Natsu’s cheerful voice echoed through the room.

  “We’ll be right there!” Yumio called back, standing and dusting off her skirt. She looked at Natsumi, giving her a small smile. “Feeling a little better?”

  Natsumi nodded and stood, brushing herself off. Together, they followed Yumio out of the bedroom, stepping into the hall where Natsu was waiting.

  “How did you know I was in there?” Natsumi asked, raising an eyebrow at her twin.

  “I saw you leave your room, and when I asked the maids where you went, they told me you went to Mio-nee,” Natsu explained with a smirk.

  Yumio laughed lightly. “Let’s go before the twins steal all the food,” she said, leading the way downstairs.

  The younger twins, Miyuki and Fuyu, were notorious for snatching food before dinner even began, especially roasted chicken—the Kishimoto family’s favorite dish, which happened to be tonight’s dinner. Yumio’s warning earned a chuckle from Natsu, who followed close behind.

  As they descended the staircase, they were greeted by Touya, Akari, Yukio, Yurio, and Seito, who were already gathered near the dining room entrance.

  “Where are the twins?” Yumio asked, noticing the empty seats at the table.

  “Probably in the music room,” Seito replied, shrugging. “I heard they’ve been holed up there since this morning.”

  “We better hurry before they come down and start eating everything,” Natsu said, a playful urgency in his tone as he walked faster toward the dining room.

  They all chuckled, quickly taking their seats in anticipation. Within a few minutes, Takeshi and Emi entered the room, signaling the start of the family dinner.

  Takeshi’s gaze swept over the table and landed on the empty seats of the youngest twins. “Where are Miyuki and Fuyu?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

  “They’re in the music room, Dad,” Akari replied calmly.

  “Why? Is something going on?” Takeshi asked, looking curious.

  “They’ve been practicing ever since their music teacher came over,” Emi explained, smiling. “They’ve been completely focused and haven’t realized the time.”

  Takeshi called out to Neris, the head maid. “Neris, call Miyuki and Fuyu. Tell them dinner is ready.”

  “Yes, Master,” Neris replied promptly and hurried off.

  A few minutes later, the twins entered the room, slightly out of breath but smiling.

  “Sorry for holding you up, Dad,” Miyuki said as she slid into her seat. “We were so caught up playing, we didn’t notice it was already dinnertime.”

  Fuyu sat down and looked around, scanning the table. “Is Ria-nee not joining us?” he asked, searching for Ariana.

  “She’s taking care of grandpa,” Yurio said with a small smile.

  Fuyu nodded thoughtfully, and soon, everyone began to eat together, the room filled with the comforting clatter of dishes, the murmur of conversation, and the soft laughter of siblings enjoying a peaceful evening meal.

  As the last clatter of cutlery faded and the chatter of the dinner table dwindled, Yumio quietly excused herself from the dining room. The house was calm now, the soft hum of the evening settling over the rooms like a gentle blanket. She walked up the stairs slowly, savoring the rare moment of peace.

  Once inside her room, she carefully placed her bag on the table and tiptoed by her bookshelf. One by one, she lifted the books she had bought earlier, tracing her fingers along their spines before sliding them neatly into her collection. The familiar act of organizing her books brought her a sense of comfort, a small order in the chaos of the day.

  After ensuring each book had a proper place, Yumio sank onto her bed, pulling the covers around her. Her eyes wandered across her room until they landed on a small framed photo standing on her nightstand. Gently, she picked it up and held it close.

  The photograph was of a boy, his small features bright with innocence, his eyes wide with curiosity—the boy she had once loved when she was just four years old. His name had been Lee. The memory of him was sweet, simple, and yet inexplicably lingering in her heart, even after all these years and all that had happened since. It wasn’t the complicated, passionate love she had read about in novels; it was innocent, pure, the kind of affection a child holds in secret, like a treasure kept safely in the heart.

  Yumio’s fingers brushed the frame as a soft sigh escaped her lips. “I hope to see you soon, Lee…” she whispered, her voice barely audible, carried more by hope than expectation.

  She pressed the photo gently to her chest and closed her eyes, letting memories of laughter, small adventures, and shared smiles flood her mind. The warmth of those early memories mingled with the quiet longing that had never quite left her. She wondered where he was now, what his life had become, and whether he ever thought of her, even for a moment.

  For a few peaceful minutes, she let herself imagine meeting him again—the same innocent joy, the same laughter, only grown with time. A small smile tugged at her lips. “Maybe… one day,” she whispered to the quiet room.

  Placing the photo back on her nightstand, Yumio leaned back against her pillows and let the stillness wrap around her. Books lay neatly around her, a quiet sanctuary, while memories and dreams mingled in the soft glow of the evening light seeping through her curtains. Tonight, for the first time in a long while, she felt a spark of hope flicker quietly in her chest.