The evening sky was painted in hues of orange and pink as the sun dipped below the horizon. Izumi walked home, his heart still racing from the day's excitement at the anime festival. He couldn't help but smile as he replayed the events in his mind – Marina's laughter, her enthusiasm, and the way her eyes sparkled when she talked about her favorite anime.
His phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out, his eyes widening when he saw the message.
[Unknown Number]: This is Marina. Don't get the wrong idea. I just thought it would be easier to contact you for club activities.
Izumi's heart skipped a beat. He stared at the screen, then quickly typed back.
[Izumi]: Sure, I get it. Club activities… .
A few seconds later, another message arrived.
Marina: Also…um thanks for today. It was fun.
Izumi's face lit up. He didn't expect her to admit that. Before he could respond, his little sister's voice broke his thoughts.
"Onii-chan! Dinner's ready!"
He quickly shoved his phone into his pocket. "Coming!"
His family sat around the small dinner table, the smell of miso soup and grilled fish filling the room. His mother served the dishes while his father read the evening newspaper. His little sister, Hana, who was about to enter middle school next year, looked at him curiously.
"You're smiling weirdly," she teased. "Did something good happen?"
Izumi almost choked on his rice. "W-What are you talking about? I'm just hungry!"
Hana squinted her eyes. "Hmm… suspicious."
After dinner, Izumi retreated to his room, lying on his bed as he stared at his phone. Should he text her again? Would that be weird? Just as he was debating, his phone buzzed.
Marina: Are you free to talk?
He sat up immediately.
[Izumi]: Yeah. Sure. Call me?
His phone rang a moment later. Izumi answered, trying to sound casual. "Yo."
"Yo?" Marina's voice echoed from the other end. "Is that how you greet people?"
Izumi laughed. "Well, what do you expect? You didn't even say hi."
Marina was silent for a moment, then… "Hi."
He could hear the slight embarrassment in her voice, and it made his heart skip again.
They talked about the festival, the upcoming cosplay event, and their favorite anime. Izumi found himself laughing more than usual, completely at ease.
Meanwhile, at Marina's mansion, she sat on her king-sized bed, legs crossed as she leaned against a pile of plush pillows. Her room was extravagant – gold-trimmed furniture, a chandelier hanging from the ceiling, and a walk-in closet filled with designer clothes. Yet, despite all the luxury, she looked genuinely happy, a rare smile on her face as she listened to Izumi's stories.
Outside her room, Ashford stood behind the slightly open door, his arms crossed as he watched his daughter laughing. His expression was calm, but his eyes were sharp.
"So, that's the boy…" he muttered to himself.
Back at Izumi's house, he was still chatting with Marina when his door creaked open.
"Onii-chan? Who are you talking to?" Hana's curious face popped in.
Izumi's eyes widened. "No one! Just… Yuki!"
Marina's voice came through the phone. "Did you just call me Yuki?"
Hana's eyes sparkled. "Wait, is that a girl?! Onii-chan has a girlfriend!"
Izumi's face turned bright red. "NO! She's just… a friend! Go to bed!"
Hana grinned mischievously. "I'm telling Mom!" She ran off, giggling.
Izumi sighed, slumping back on his bed. "Sorry about that…"
Marina laughed softly. "Your sister's funny."
Izumi smiled. "Yeah, she's a handful."
They continued talking late into the night, the conversation flowing naturally. For the first time, Izumi felt like he was getting to know the real Marina – beyond the snow princess facade.
As they finally said goodnight, Izumi stared at his phone, a goofy grin on his face.
Meanwhile, Marina put her phone down, still smiling. But as she turned off the lights, she noticed the shadow standing outside her door.
"Father?"
Ashford stepped inside, his expression unreadable. "So, you made a friend."
Marina's face turned serious with a little blush. "He's just… a clubmate."
Ashford's eyes softened. "I see." He turned to leave but paused. "Marina… be careful."
Marina looked puzzled. "Of what?"
He didn't answer, closing the door behind him.
Marina lay back on her bed, her mind swirling with thoughts. Why did he father look so concerned?
As the night grew deeper, both Izumi and Marina drifted off to sleep, each wondering what tomorrow would bring.
"It's been a long time since I saw her smiling like this" Ashford muttered himself with a soft smile while wenting to go to his bedroom.