Shards of War: Eclipsian Secrets

Chapter 20

In Ironhaven, the feelings were mutual between Matsu and his friends...

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As the limo-carrying Matsu disappeared from view, a heavy silence fell over Calie, Marie, and their friends. The weight of Matsu's departure was palpable, and tears began to stream down Calie's face, soon joined by Marie's. The group stood in quiet solidarity, each person grappling with their own emotions.

Yuki, trying to keep her composure and maintain professionalism, approached them. "We need to pull ourselves together. Matsu may be gone for now, but we still have responsibilities and commitments. He'll come back."

Her words, meant to offer a sense of direction, fell flat. Calie, her face flushed with grief, turned sharply towards Yuki. "Shut up, Yuki. You don't get it. You don't know what it's like to have your best friend leave you again. We're not just losing him temporarily; it feels like we're being abandoned all over again. You can't understand the pain we're going through."

Yuki, taken aback by the outburst, took a step back, her eyes wide. She had never seen Calie so raw and unguarded. Before she could respond, their friends stepped in, trying to offer comfort.

Blaze, placing a comforting hand on Calie's shoulder, said gently, "Hey, we're all in this together. We know it hurts, and it's okay to be upset. Matsu will be back, and we'll be here to support each other until he returns."

Wally nodded in agreement. "We're a team, and we'll get through this. Let's lean on each other, just like we always do."

Jackie, gently squeezing Marie's hand, added, "It's okay to be emotional. We're here for you, and we'll face this together."

Despite their initial shock and hurt, Calie and Marie began to calm down, drawing strength from the support of their friends. They took deep breaths, slowly regaining their composure.

Marie glanced at Yuki, her expression softening. "I'm sorry for snapping at you. It's just... it's really hard right now."

Yuki nodded, her own expression reflecting understanding. "I get it. I'm here to help in any way I can."

As they began to regroup, they realized that while Matsu was away, their bond as friends and their shared determination would help them face the challenges ahead. Together, they would support each other through the emotional upheaval and remain hopeful for Matsu's return.

Yuki, still standing with a mixture of sympathy and professionalism, took a deep breath. "I'm sorry if this sounds cold, but we do still have a job to do. We need to stay focused."

Marie, her face still damp from tears, nodded in agreement. "We know, and it's not your fault. We just need a bit of time to process this. Can we please have a day off, or at least push back some things for an hour or two?"

Yuki glanced at her phone and reviewed the schedule. After a moment of scanning, she looked up with a reassuring smile. "Actually, today's schedule isn't too demanding. We have an interview and some rehearsal for the next concert, but other than that, it's pretty light. You can take the time you need until the interview."

Marie and Calie's faces brightened with relief. "Thank you so much, Yuki," Marie said, her voice filled with gratitude. "We really needed this."

Angelo and Orca, sensing the emotional strain on their friends, suggested they head inside. "Let's get you two comfortable. We'll take it easy today," Angelo said gently.

Orca added, "You can sit down and relax. We'll take care of the arrangements for the interview and rehearsal."

Calie and Marie nodded, allowing themselves to be guided inside. They found a cozy spot in the living room, where they could unwind and take a moment to breathe. As they settled in, their friends gathered around, offering comfort and support.