The sun cast a warm glow as the setting shifted to the early afternoon. Honey and Carlo were busy assisting Stephen with his video production, capturing the essence of his creative vision. Meanwhile, another part of the narrative unfolded, focusing on Evie.
Ever since Evie had unveiled her collection of exquisite ceramic pots and bowls, Ms. Marie had recognized her talent and promptly hired her as a part-time designer. Word spread quickly throughout the office, and Evie became popular among the members, captivating the curiosity of even Nathan. Max, too, warmly welcomed her presence.
Now, Evie found herself accompanying Ms. Marie on a visit to deliver the latest creations to a client named Rika. They arrived at Rika's doorstep, and Evie, holding a large white box, felt a nervous flutter in her chest. As they rang the doorbell, Rika opened the door and greeted them with a welcoming smile. "Please come in," she said. Marie returned the smile and stepped inside, followed by Evie, who entered Rika's apartment for the very first time.
The apartment exuded a sense of serene elegance. Evie took a moment to absorb the surroundings, her gaze sweeping across the tastefully decorated space. The walls adorned with artwork, the soft lighting casting a warm ambiance—it all felt like a sanctuary of creativity.
Marie turned her attention to Evie, gesturing towards Rika. "Let me introduce you two," she said. "This is Rika Ford, the designer." Rika extended a hand with a warm smile. "Nice to meet you," she said. Evie nervously returned the smile. "Nice to meet you too," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of apprehension.
Placing the box carefully on the table, Evie opened it, revealing the stunning ceramic bowls she had crafted. Rika's eyes lit up as she observed and handled each piece. A smile graced her lips, a testament to her approval. "I originally couldn't find anything that fit the concept," Rika shared. "But you've really helped me."
Just as the atmosphere brimmed with satisfaction, Marie's phone abruptly rang, distracting her attention. She reached for the device on the table. "I'm going out for a bit," she announced before excusing herself, leaving Evie and Rika alone in the room.
Evie found herself unable to tear her gaze away from Rika. As she organized the bowls, she couldn't help but wonder what made Max fall so deeply for her. She fought back the welling of tears, determined to maintain her composure. Seeking a distraction, she let her eyes wander, taking in the details of Rika's home. And there, on a wall, she spotted a photograph—a picture of Rika, Henry, and Arthur, the very same image she had noticed in the laboratory.
Evie's heart skipped a beat as Rika's laptop suddenly rang, startling them both. Curiosity getting the better of her, Evie glanced at the screen and discovered a countdown alarm ticking away, displaying only three hours remaining. Checking her wristwatch, she realized it was already 5 PM.
Caught off guard, Evie stammered nervously, "It's nothing." But Rika, perceptive as ever, noticed her actions and sighed deeply. "Is it that?" Rika asked, gesturing toward her laptop. "It's not a big deal."
A flicker of concern crossed Rika's face as she recalled a memory from her past, prompting her to open up to Evie. "In the past, when I lost motivation to work, someone said, 'No matter what, work through three years first.'" Evie listened intently, captivated by Rika's words.
"There was a time when I didn't work," Rika continued, her gaze fixed on the picture of herself, her late husband, and their cherished memories. "I felt so much more relaxed because of that." A wistful smile danced upon her lips, evoking a bittersweet longing.
Just as the conversation deepened and emotions intertwined, Marie returned to the room after finishing her phone call. She observed the two engaged in a heartfelt exchange, sensing the significance of the moment. Marie's presence silently acknowledged their connection, leaving the air charged with unspoken possibilities.
As Marie and Evie returned to Ford Designs that evening, a sense of accomplishment lingered from their successful visit. Marie greeted the office with a warm announcement, "We're back."
Resuming her position at her desk, Marie was interrupted by Nathan, who called out, "Marie, can you check the website?" Marie let out a weary sigh and replied, "Alright, I'll take a look." She glanced at Evie and added, "Ms. Madison, can you wait for a bit?" Evie nodded in understanding as Marie turned her attention to her computer.
Meanwhile, Max beckoned Evie over from his own workstation, holding up a magazine. "Evie, come here," he called out. Curiosity piqued, Evie approached Max, who showed her an article featuring Edward's growing popularity in New York. Evie's face lit up with a smile. "It's Edward!" she exclaimed.
Sharing in her excitement, Max chuckled and said, "I'm glad to know that he's still alive." Evie continued to flip through the pages, remarking, "Yeah, he hasn't contacted us since he went to New York." Max suggested, "Show that to Honey and Professor Arthur too. They're probably worried about him as well."
However, amidst the camaraderie, a sudden alarm caught Evie's attention, emanating from Max's computer. It echoed the same countdown sound she had heard earlier at Rika's place. Glancing at the screen, she noticed that the countdown had reached its final hour before resetting. A wave of sadness washed over her as she recalled Rika's words about working through three years, no matter what.
Checking her wristwatch, which displayed 7 PM, Evie found herself in a familiar situation. She turned to Max, her voice tinged with curiosity, and asked, "Max." He responded, "What is it?" Sensing Evie's inquiry, she continued, "What's that countdown ticker for?" Max's gaze shifted to the timer, and with a touch of gravity in his voice, he replied, "Oh... that. It's the day the Earth disappears. There's one hour left. Live your life with no regrets." He pointed his pen at the monitor, emphasizing his point.
Evie felt a mix of emotions welling up within her. She couldn't help but feel incredulous at the similarity between Max's and Rika's actions. Her voice quivered with a hint of frustration as she exclaimed, "Are you an idiot?" The gravity of the situation weighed heavily upon her, leaving her grappling with the profoundness of the passing time and the urgency to seize every precious moment.
As Evie stepped out into the night, her mind was consumed by Max's words, the impending disappearance of the Earth, and the weight of regret that loomed over her. Every step she took was imbued with a newfound determination, a resolve to live life to the fullest and express her true feelings.
With her heart pounding in her chest, Evie halted in her tracks, a surge of anticipation coursing through her veins. Checking her wristwatch, the seconds ticked away relentlessly, bringing her closer to the fateful hour. It was 7:59 PM, and as the seconds dwindled, she closed her eyes, summoning every ounce of courage and conviction within her.
Then, with a burst of energy and determination, Evie sprinted back towards the building, propelled by an overwhelming desire to seize the moment and share her genuine feelings. The night air whipped through her hair as she raced against time, her footsteps echoing through the empty streets.
Breathless and filled with a mix of anxiety and hope, Evie reentered the building. The interior was shrouded in darkness, a stillness that mirrored the weight of the moment. Max's computer glowed softly, a beacon in the dimly lit room. Evie approached it cautiously, her heart pounding in her chest.
However, her attempt to gather her thoughts and express her emotions was interrupted as Max's voice called out from behind, breaking the silence. Startled, Evie turned to face him, her eyes filled with a mix of vulnerability and determination. She managed to utter, "I just forgot something," masking her true intentions.
Max nodded in understanding, his expression unreadable, and walked back to his desk. As Evie mustered the courage to speak, the countdown ticker abruptly blared its alarm, drowning out all other sound. Time seemed to freeze in that moment, the world reduced to the relentless ringing of the alarm.
Max's gaze met Evie's, his eyes searching for the words she had intended to share. However, a subtle shift occurred, and he slowly averted his gaze, retreating to his chair. Opening a can of beer, he took a long, contemplative sip, the silence between them growing heavy with unspoken emotions.
Overwhelmed by a flood of emotions, Evie's tears spilled forth, her heartache and longing pouring out with each teardrop. In a rush of despair and sadness, she fled from the building, her footsteps echoing through the empty corridors. As she burst out the door into the streets, tears streaking down her face, she caught the attention of Nathan, who stood nearby.
Nathan's gaze followed Evie's tear-stained path, his eyes filled with concern and curiosity. He witnessed her running through the streets, her pain palpable, and wondered what had transpired between her and Max, silently hoping that somehow, amidst the tumultuous emotions and the fading moments, a glimmer of hope and resolution would find its way into their lives.
As Honey entered the room, Evie hastily wiped away her tears, trying to compose herself. She greeted Honey with a forced smile, saying, "Good evening." Honey returned the greeting, her eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and concern.
As Honey ventured further into the room, her gaze fell upon the daruma figurine that Evie had received from Stephen, with its right eye shaded in. Intrigued, Honey picked it up, examining it closely. With a gentle smile, she asked, "Did you draw this in?" Evie nodded in confirmation, her eyes fixed on the daruma.
Evie opened up about her connection to such talismans, confessing, "I've always had something like that. I needed to forget the past." A glimmer of realization flickered in her eyes, and a faint smile played on her lips. "But now, I think it's time that I should truly let go," she said, her voice filled with determination.
However, her moment of resolve quickly gave way to a profound sadness that washed over her. The pain of unrequited feelings for Max, the uncertainty of whether she could truly move on, weighed heavily on her heart. Tears streamed down her face as she continued, "But I'm not sure if I can forget or not."
Honey remained silent, understanding the depth of Evie's emotions. Evie returned to molding the clay, seeking solace in the tactile sensation between her fingers. Meanwhile, Honey carefully placed the daruma back on the table, her eyes drawn to the magazine that Max had given Evie earlier.
As Honey skimmed through the pages, her eyes widened in astonishment. The article showcased Edward's remarkable achievements, garnering praise and awards from various sources. An electric surge of inspiration coursed through Honey's veins. Fueled by Edward's words urging her to create a masterpiece that would move him, she swiftly retreated to her painting room.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Honey picked up her paintbrush, the bristles gliding across the canvas with fervor and precision. Each stroke revealed her artistic vision, capturing the essence of her inspiration. The room filled with the intoxicating aroma of paint, and the scene before her came to life, a testament to her unwavering determination to create something that would touch Edward's soul.
☘
As the night settled over the boys' dormitory, Carlo found himself sorting his belongings in the dimly lit room. After numerous hours spent capturing videos for Stephen, he was now engrossed in the task at hand. Suddenly, the door swung open, and Max entered. Carlo noticed his arrival and greeted him, saying, "Welcome back."
Max, curious about Stephen's whereabouts, asked, "Where's Stephen?" Carlo replied, "He's in my room." Intrigued, Max made his way to Carlo's room and found Stephen inside, sipping a glass of wine with a spread of snacks on the table. Max greeted him and said, "Can I join you?" Stephen smiled and reached for a bottle of alcohol, asking, "Oh, you wanna have a drink?" Max happily accepted, replying, "I'm coming in."
Seating himself on the floor around the table, Max watched as Stephen fetched a glass from the kitchen sink. Stephen handed the glass to Max, who expressed his gratitude with a simple "Thank you." Stephen then placed the bottle on the table, and the two friends raised their glasses in a cheerful toast. They clinked their glasses together before taking a sip.
Amidst the relaxed atmosphere, Max seized the moment to ask a question that had been on his mind. Breaking the silence, he blurted out, "How did you get your wife to marry you?" Stephen was momentarily taken aback, a hint of surprise crossing his face. Max chuckled and reassured him, saying, "No, I was just wondering if it was difficult." Stephen joined in the laughter, responding, "Yes, it was very difficult."
This exchange set the stage for a heartfelt conversation between them. Stephen began to share his tale, his voice filled with a mix of nostalgia and determination. "When I met Selene, her husband had already passed away," he revealed. Max's eyes widened, realization dawning upon him at the weight of Stephen's words.
Stephen continued, his tone carrying a tinge of regret. "I ran with all my might to catch up," he confessed, "but no matter how long I ran, I could never see his back." A click of his tongue expressed his frustration. "I thought of giving up many times," Stephen admitted. "But you know, there's no point in comparing yourself to someone else. No one will be able to replace that person."
Max listened attentively, captivated by Stephen's story and the wisdom it held. He absorbed Stephen's words diligently, recognizing the significance they held in his own life. Stephen chuckled lightly and added, "Even if I try to act cool or if it's embarrassing, I am who I am." He laughed and took a sip of his drink, followed by a contented sigh.
Max's mind raced, connecting the dots between Stephen's story and his own experiences, realizing the importance of being true to oneself, especially in his relationship with Rika.
"For Selene, her number one is her late husband. It's not me. Even for Carlo. His father who passed away will always be his number one," Stephen's voice echoed, unaware of the profound impact his words would have. A bittersweet laugh escaped his lips, filling the room with a mix of longing and resignation. The sound danced in the air, blissfully unaware of the shattered emotions it would leave in its wake.
As Stephen's words reverberated throughout the room, Carlo's heart sank. Unbeknownst to both Stephen and Max, Carlo had been silently lurking outside his room, listening intently to their conversation. The weight of Stephen's words hit him like a tidal wave, leaving him stunned and breathless.
Carlo stood frozen outside the door, his heart pounding in his chest. The truth revealed itself to him in that moment, piercing through the layers of his own self-deception. A surge of emotions threatened to consume him as he stumbled back, his mind racing to process the magnitude of what he had just heard.
Seeking refuge in the familiar embrace of the drawing room, Carlo collapsed onto the floor. The weight of realization bore down on him, threatening to crush his spirit. With a trembling voice, he whispered to himself, his words laced with pain and regret, "I thought my dream had disappeared because of Stephen. However, that was only an excuse. I didn't have a dream, and I avoided it by blaming Stephen."
His emotions unleashed, tears streamed down Carlo's face, tracing the contours of his anguish. He desperately tried to control his emotions, taking deep breaths in a futile attempt to stifle the rising tide of sorrow. But the floodgates had been opened, and his tears flowed freely, carrying with them the weight of unspoken truths and missed opportunities.
Carlo's gaze fell upon the large daruma, a symbol of his deepest desires and aspirations. In that moment, it became a mirror reflecting his own shortcomings, his own failures to confront the truth. The daruma, once a beacon of hope, now served as a painful reminder of his own avoidance and negligence.
His voice quivering with overwhelming sorrow, Carlo continued to wrestle with his emotions, his words punctuated by sobs, "Stephen was the one who granted my wish. My wish that I would someday give my mom a house. He was the one who was thinking of my mother the most. But, but I... continued to avoid him. I didn't even try to confront him."
The weight of his unspoken words crashed upon him, shattering his fragile composure. Grief and regret consumed him, causing his cries to reverberate through the room. The air was thick with the raw intensity of his emotions as he surrendered to the pain he had carried for far too long.
Carlo's tears fell like rain, a torrent of pent-up emotions released at last. He cradled his head in his hands, his body convulsing with each sob. In that moment of profound vulnerability, he confronted the truth that had been hiding in the shadows, and the magnitude of his own self-deception became painfully clear.
It was an emotional storm, a tempest of shattered dreams, unspoken words, and missed connections. The room bore witness to Carlo's anguish, the walls absorbing his heartache and grief. In his tears, he found solace and release, cleansing his soul of the burdens he had carried for so long.
And amidst the echoes of his cries, a newfound determination took root within Carlo. With his heart laid bare and his emotions laid bare, he vowed to confront Stephen and to mend the fractures in their relationship. From this moment of brokenness, he would gather the strength to seek reconciliation and find a way to heal the wounds that had festered in silence for far too long.
☘
The next day, at the front of the boys' dormitory, Carlo stood alongside Stephen as they loaded his cherished belongings into the truck. Stephen's observation about Carlo's reluctance to part with his possessions lingered in the air, leaving Carlo unsure of how to respond. He watched intently as Stephen closed the trailer, his mind filled with a mix of emotions.
As Stephen settled into the driver's seat, fastening his seatbelt, he turned to Carlo and said, "You should come home once in a while." Carlo nodded nervously, his heart warmed by the genuine concern in Stephen's voice. The gravity of their friendship and the need for connection weighed heavily on his mind.
The engine roared to life, and Stephen's playful smirk danced across his face. "By the time you come home, I'll make you a younger brother or sister with Selene," he teased, his words filled with a mix of mischief and affection. Carlo's eyes widened in surprise, his mind struggling to process the implications of Stephen's statement. Before he could gather his thoughts and respond, Stephen bid him farewell with a simple, "Bye, Carlo," and a warm smile.
Carlo stood there, rooted to the spot, watching as Stephen's truck pulled away. The sound of the honking horn echoed in the distance, a bittersweet reminder of the bond they shared. A deep sigh escaped Carlo's lips, his mind filled with a mixture of disbelief and longing. He couldn't help but murmur to himself, "I'm... not good with this person at all."
Lost in a whirlwind of emotions, Carlo returns to his room. Determined to forge a new path, he reached for a new, big, and red daruma. Holding a black marker in his hand, he made a resolute decision. "This time," he whispered, his voice filled with determination, "I've decided not to fill the eyes with something for my mother, but something for myself. From this point forward, I wish to someday find a dream that I can chase after with all my might."
Taking a deep breath, Carlo steadied his hand and shaded both eyes of the daruma. The act symbolized his renewed commitment, a pledge to himself that he would pursue his own desires and aspirations. With each stroke of the marker, he embraced the belief that he was capable of shaping his own destiny.
A sense of hope flickered within Carlo's heart as he gazed at the newly shaded daruma. It represented a fresh beginning, a blank canvas upon which he could paint his dreams. With a newfound determination, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery, ready to explore the vast landscape of possibilities that lay before him.
Carlo's path was no longer overshadowed by the weight of regrets and insecurities. With his wishes now firmly etched within the daruma's eyes, he vowed to strive toward his dreams, embracing the challenges and uncertainties that awaited him. A spark of excitement ignited within his soul as he realized that this time, he was ready to embrace life's twists and turns, ready to create a future filled with purpose and fulfillment.
Stephen parked his truck in front of a bustling supermarket, hunger gnawing at his stomach. He grabbed a sandwich and settled into the driver's seat, intending to enjoy a quick breakfast. As he took a bite, he absentmindedly reached for his video camera, a familiar companion on his journeys.
Curiosity piqued, Stephen began scrolling through the videos, reliving the memories captured within. Laughter filled the cab of the truck as he chuckled at his own antics, the playful moments he had documented along the way. But then, something unexpected happened.
With a press of the next button, a video of Carlo suddenly began playing. Stephen's expression shifted, his playful demeanor giving way to a seriousness that settled upon his features. He watched intently as Carlo appeared on the screen, seated in front of the camera, in the familiar drawing room they had spent countless hours in.
Carlo's eyes betrayed a nervousness, a hint of vulnerability, but a determination shone through. In a soft voice, he greeted his mother, expressing his hope that she was doing well. The sincerity in his words tugged at Stephen's heart, reminding him of the deep connection Carlo shared with his family.
Then, Carlo's gaze shifted, directed towards Stephen through the lens of the camera. A mix of surprise and anticipation filled Stephen's eyes as he listened attentively to Carlo's message. "Stephen," Carlo began, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. "Please take care of my mom."
Stephen's breath caught in his throat, his heart swelling with a profound sense of gratitude. It was a moment he had never imagined, a momentous step in their evolving relationship. He watched in awe as Carlo gathered his courage, continuing with an unwavering resolve. "I will practice so I'll be able to call him 'Dad,'" he confessed, the weight of his words hanging in the air.
The camera fell silent, and Carlo hastily stopped the video, the vulnerability he had shown leaving a lingering impact. Tears welled up in Stephen's eyes, his hands trembling. For the first time in years, tears of joy streamed down his face, a testament to the depth of his emotions. In that heartfelt message, he saw the gradual acceptance, the blossoming bond between them.
In the quiet confines of his truck, surrounded by the hum of the engine and the flurry of shoppers, Stephen was overcome by the warmth that filled his heart. It was a moment of immense significance, a turning point that held the promise of a brighter future.
A soft smile curved Stephen's lips as he wiped away his tears. He felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility and love for Carlo, a commitment to honor his trust and protect the family they had become. In that moment, Stephen knew that he would be there for Carlo, supporting him through every step of his journey, as a friend, a mentor, and perhaps even as the father figure Carlo longed for.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Stephen set aside the video camera, his heart brimming with hope and determination. The bond they shared had grown deeper, their connection solidified through their shared experiences and the vulnerable moments they had exchanged.
As he drove away from the supermarket, Stephen carried with him the weight of Carlo's message, a reminder of the love and acceptance that had blossomed between them. It was a heartwarming chapter in their story, one that held the promise of a future filled with love, understanding, and the joy of a newfound family.
At the laboratory, Honey suddenly decided to arrange a special gathering with Evie, Max, and Carlo. She skillfully prepared a grand hot pot feast, filled with an assortment of succulent meats, fresh vegetables, and silky tofu. Placing the steaming pot in the center of the table, Honey's eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked at her friends.
Evie couldn't help but express her surprise, her voice filled with amusement as she exclaimed, "Hot pot is so typical of you, Honey!" The group took their seats around the table, their anticipation growing as the mouthwatering aromas filled the air. Honey beamed at her friends, her smile radiating with joy and satisfaction. She leaned back and said, "Your dad's daruma actually works," her gaze fixed on Carlo. Carlo's heart skipped a beat, and he nervously smiled back at her, acknowledging the unspoken connection between them.
Max, ever observant, noticed something and chimed in, "But because there's not enough for everyone..." The room fell into a momentary silence as they all knew what was to come next. With a shared understanding, they rose from their seats, readying themselves for the impending challenge. In unison, they declared, "Hot pot Rock-Paper-Scissors!"
The game ensued, hands flying in the familiar patterns of rock, paper, and scissors. Honey, Evie, and Max all revealed rock, while Carlo, in a twist of fate, presented his hand in the form of scissors. Carlo let out a groan of playful defeat, his shoulders slumping in mock disappointment. Meanwhile, the triumphant trio cheered and exchanged high fives, reveling in their synchronized victory.
Carlo stood at the center of the room, a mischievous grin on his face as he prepared to lead a game of Red Light Green Light. Evie, Max, and Honey lined up at the starting point, their eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Carlo turned his back to his friends and faced a sculpture at the far end of the room. "Are you ready?" he called out, excitement lacing his voice.
His friends nodded eagerly, their faces filled with determination. Carlo's voice rang out with authority as he declared, "Red light, green light!"
The room came alive as his friends sprang into action, their movements synchronized with Carlo's commands. With each "green light," they stealthily advanced towards the table where a scrumptious hot pot awaited them.
Carlo swiftly pivoted, catching a glimpse of his friends frozen in their tracks as he called out, "Red light!"
Evie, wearing a mischievous smile, playfully froze mid-step, her eyes fixed on the tantalizing spread. Max stood still, a comedic look of determination etched on his face, while Honey froze with a focused intensity, her hand almost reaching for the hot pot.
Turning back toward the sculpture, Carlo's heart skipped a beat. The sight that met his eyes sent a jolt of nervous excitement through his body. There, standing amidst the frozen players, was Edward—a man clad in an imported coat, his oversized luggage by his side. The game had unexpectedly ensnared him as if he were a part of it.
Carlo's eyes widened in surprise. "Edward?!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief.
Edward's eyes widened in response, his face a mix of surprise and amusement. "I didn't move," he replied, his voice calm and collected.
Carlo shook his head, a playful grin forming on his face. "That's not it!" he exclaimed, realizing the unexpected twist in the game.
Evie, Max, and Honey turned around, their frozen expressions melting into smiles of recognition as they saw Edward. "It's not fair to eat hot pot without telling me," Edward said, a hint of playfulness in his voice.
Carlo's smile grew wider as he saw the joy on his friends' faces. They had missed Edward's presence, and his unexpected arrival added an extra layer of excitement to the gathering.
As Edward and Honey's eyes locked, Carlo's smile wavered, replaced by a momentary pang of uncertainty. He couldn't help but notice the way Edward's gaze wandered towards Honey, sparking a complex tangle of emotions within him. Yet, beneath the surface, Carlo's heart remained steadfast, grounded in trust and the connection he shared with everyone.