The Shards of War: Balancing Power

Chapter 3

Matsu's eyes brightened as he turned the page to reveal a surprising treasure trove of photos. The page was filled with images of Calie and Marie, and as he explained, they were photos they had sent him while he was away training his aura in Eclipse City. These images captured moments of joy, laughter, and their unwavering support for him during his challenging times.

Calie and Marie's confusion turned into awe and nostalgia as they saw the snapshots of their pre-idol life. They leaned in closer to get a better look and couldn't help but smile at the memories.

Marie chuckled as she pointed to one of the photos. "Remember that day, Calie? We were so tired from practice, but we still wanted to send Matsu some cheer."

Calie nodded with a warm smile. "Yeah, and look at this one—our livestream performance before we even became idols. It's like looking at a different lifetime."

Matsu watched their reactions, and his heart swelled with affection. "You two were my motivation during those tough days in Eclipse City. I couldn't have pushed myself without your support."

Calie and Marie exchanged a loving glance and then looked at Matsu. "We're so glad we could be there for you, Matsu. These photos bring back so many memories."

Matsu flipped through the pages, showcasing more images that captured the essence of their friendship and love. They laughed, reminisced, and shared stories about each of the pictures. It was a reminder of how far they had come together and how strong their bond was.

As they continued to leaf through the album, the room was filled with the warmth of their shared history and the promise of a bright future together.

Matsu turned the page, and there it was, a picture that held a special place in his heart. It was a snapshot taken during the brief visit Calie and Marie had made to Eclipse City while he was training his aura manipulation skills. In the photo, the three of them stood in front of a picturesque view of the city, wearing smiles that radiated a mix of happiness and nostalgia.

As he gazed at the image, Matsu couldn't help but reminisce about that day. "You know," he began, "That visit was the closest we got after everything that happened. I won't deny it was a bit awkward at times, but it was also one of the happiest moments in my life."

Calie and Marie leaned in to get a closer look at the photo, their fingers lightly tracing the image of that moment frozen in time. "Yeah," Calie said with a soft smile, "it felt like a new beginning, even if we were just friends at the time."

Marie nodded in agreement. "We were rebuilding our relationship, finding our footing. But being there with you in Eclipse City, it felt like we were on the right path."

Matsu nodded, a wistful expression on his face. "It was a turning point, a chance to make new memories together. And it showed me that no matter what happened in the past, we could still share beautiful moments in the present."

The room was filled with a sense of reflection and shared understanding. The photo served as a reminder that their journey had been filled with ups and downs, but it had also been a journey of growth, forgiveness, and renewed love.

As they continued to browse the album, Matsu, Calie, and Marie shared stories and laughter, savoring the memories that had brought them to where they were today. It was a testament to the enduring strength of their bond.

Matsu turned the page, and his heart sank as he saw the next picture. It was an image of the three of them sitting in the park, but the atmosphere in the photo was heavy with tension. Calie and Marie averted their eyes, clearly not wanting to relive the painful memory. The others in the room noticed the change in Matsu's expression and the uncomfortable silence that followed.