One for Three

Chapter 41

The next two weeks flew by. I was finally rid of that stupid cast, and life with Seiya was slowly settling into a routine. Nevertheless, he always made an effort to bring a smile to my face with small gestures. During the past week, he had been on a little tour again, so Minako had frequently spent the evenings with me.

I hadn't seen Mamoru since the farewell party. I wanted to create some distance between us so that my feelings could calm down. However, I knew from Motoki that he was doing a bit better and had returned to work since last week.

It had been over three weeks since I last had contact with Diamond. Since the Philippines, there hadn't been a single sign of life from him, and Haruka always said the same thing: If I wanted to know how he was doing, I should call him. I had dialed his number several times, but I couldn't bring myself to make the call. It was probably better to leave it at that.

I wondered if I would really see him at the gala tonight. Just the thought of it made me feel strange again. "Sweetheart? Are you almost ready? The gala is about to start!" Seiya suddenly shouted through the closed bathroom door.

"No, I'm almost done. Can you come in for a moment and help me with the dress?"

He didn't need to be told twice, and soon he was standing behind me in his black suit with a white shirt and a red tie that matched my dress. As he pulled up the zipper, I felt his warm lips slowly trailing along my neck, eliciting a giggle from me.

"Seiya, that tickles. Besides, you said we need to go."

He pouted playfully, then took my hand and twirled me around before embracing me. "Alright, but remember where we left off. We'll continue that later."

However, the moment was abruptly interrupted by the sound of the doorbell.

"That must be Taiki," Seiya said, rushing to the intercom.

"Why Taiki?"

"He's driving us. He had a meeting in that area anyway and offered to take us there. We'll take a taxi back so we'll have more flexibility," he shouted as he opened the door to his brother.

A short while later, we joined the long line forming outside the entrance of the gala. I noticed Hotaru standing a bit further back, waving excitedly at me when she spotted me. However, her wide grin wasn't directed at me, and I knew that. She was thrilled to finally meet Seiya in person. And it seemed like Seiya had been following my gaze.

"Do you know that girl over there?" he asked, amused.

"Yes, that's Hotaru. My intern... I've told you about her before... the big Three Lights fan."

His grin widened. "Oh yeah, I remember."

"Watch out, diva alert," I whispered into his ear, laughing, and he lightly tickled my side.

"Seiya, not here," I warned him.

Seiya was a pro through and through. As soon as he noticed a camera pointing at us, he pulled me closer to him and put on his brightest smile. I would probably never get used to it, but with him by my side, I felt strong and secure.

As we entered the Winter Gala, we were greeted by a breathtaking atmosphere. The venue was transformed into a dreamy winter wonderland. Sparkling lights resembling ice crystals adorned the walls and ceilings. The floor was covered in a glossy, white shimmering surface reminiscent of freshly fallen snow.

The hall was exquisitely decorated. The tables with their elegant white tablecloths were adorned with crystal vases filled with red and white roses and evergreen branches. Candles flickered gently, casting a warm glow.