Shards of War: Eclipsian Secrets

Chapter 26

Meanwhile, Calie and Marie were being driven to the Optimist for another busy day of idol activities. As the car rolled along the familiar streets, Calie gazed out the window, her usually bright and cheerful expression replaced with a subtle frown. She let out a small sigh, which didn't go unnoticed by Marie, who was sitting beside her.

Marie, always attuned to her younger cousin's moods, turned her head slightly and raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong, Calie? You're usually so bubbly and excited on days like this."

Calie shifted in her seat, resting her chin in her hand as she continued to look out the window. "It's nothing, really," she began, her voice lacking its usual pep. "It's just... I'm feeling kinda bored."

Marie's eyes narrowed slightly in concern. Calie, bored? That was rare. "Bored? How? We've got a full day ahead—interviews, practice, photoshoots, and meet-and-greets. That's usually right up your alley."

Calie sighed again, this time more heavily. "I know, I know. It's just that... it's all starting to feel like a repeat, you know? Every day's the same—interviews, practice, photoshoots, meet-and-greets. There's nothing new or exciting. Nothing's been interesting for a while."

Marie leaned back in her seat, considering her cousin's words. She understood how the routine could become monotonous, especially for someone as lively and energetic as Calie. The grind of idol life, while glamorous on the surface, could become tedious when it was just the same thing day in and day out.

"Well, that's understandable," Marie replied thoughtfully. "It's easy to get caught up in the routine. But maybe we just need to shake things up a bit. Do something different for a change."

Calie turned to look at her, her eyes slightly brightening with interest. "Like what?"

Marie smirked, her mind already turning over ideas. "Maybe we could plan something fun for after our schedule today. A little adventure or a surprise visit somewhere. Or even just something small and different to break up the monotony. What do you think?"

Calie's expression brightened a bit more at the suggestion. "Yeah, that could be fun! I haven't done anything spontaneous in a while. What do you have in mind?"

Marie shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "Let's get through today and see where it takes us. Maybe inspiration will strike as we go along."

Calie nodded, feeling a bit of her usual enthusiasm returning. "Alright, that sounds good. And, you know, maybe we could call Matsu later. See what he's up to. I miss him."

Marie smiled, the affection for their partner evident in her eyes. "I miss him too. We'll definitely give him a call. He's probably dealing with all sorts of things right now, but I'm sure he'd love to hear from us."

Calie's mood lifted even more at the thought. "Yeah, he always makes things more interesting. I feel better already just thinking about it."

Marie reached out and gave Calie's hand a reassuring squeeze. "That's the spirit. We'll get through today, and then we'll figure out something fun to do. Maybe even surprise Matsu with a little visit if we can manage it."

Calie grinned, her bubbly nature returning full force. "That would be awesome! I bet he'd be thrilled."

Marie chuckled softly. "I'm sure he would be. But let's keep that as our little secret for now."

As the car pulled up to the building, the two of them exchanged a knowing look. Whatever the day had in store, they were ready to face it together, and maybe—just maybe—they'd find a way to break out of the routine and make things interesting again.

Calie and Marie made their way to Yuki's office, curious about what the day had in store for them. As they walked down the familiar hallway, Calie's earlier boredom had all but vanished, replaced by a sense of anticipation after their conversation in the car. When they finally arrived at Yuki's office, they found her waiting with a knowing smile on her face.