---
In the Photo Studio
The sharp crash echoed across the studio. A blinding flash, then glass scattered like cruel rain. Ameya froze, heart pounding in her chest. Before she could even breathe, Clara had already thrown both arms around her, shielding her from the falling light.
Blood dripped across Clara's hands.
"Ma'am!" Ameya's voice trembled, her eyes wide.
Clara winced slightly but managed a soft smile. "Are you alright?"
Ameya nodded quickly, still in shock. She grabbed Clara's trembling hand. "Your hand… oh no, it's bleeding—"
Clara cut her off with a warm, steady smile. "It's nothing."
The crew rushed over, panic flooding the room. One of Clara's assistants hurried to bring a first-aid box. Ameya refused to let go, her fingers carefully supporting Clara's injured hand as the wound was dressed.
"Thank you…" Ameya whispered, her throat tight. "If you didn't… that light would have…"
Clara slowly stood, her presence commanding yet gentle. She placed a reassuring hand on Ameya's shoulder. "I don't allow anything to happen to my people. Of course, you are one of us now."
Her smile was warm and genuine.
Ameya felt her chest lighten. Slowly, she smiled back.
---
In the Dressing Room
The door burst open. Rico rushed in, his eyes wide with panic. He grabbed Ameya's hands tightly, scanning her from head to toe as though he could see through her.
"Are you hurt anywhere?" His voice broke with urgency.
Ameya blinked at his intensity, then shook her head gently. "No… I'm fine."
One of the crew members nearby added, "She escaped by just a second from that falling light."
Rico's jaw clenched. He cupped Ameya's cheek, his thumb brushing across her skin as though reassuring himself she was really unharmed. "Thank God…"
Ameya caught his hand. Her voice softened. "It's because of your mother. She rescued me."
His breath stilled. "What…?"
"She got hurt while protecting me." Ameya lowered her eyes, sadness creeping into her tone.
Shock flashed in Rico's eyes. Without another word, he turned and bolted out of the room.
He found Clara sitting calmly in a chair, her hand freshly bandaged. His steps quickened. "Mom!" He grabbed her hand carefully, worry flashing in his expression. "Are you okay? Why did you—"
Clara looked at him, a small smile tugging her lips. "Are you finally done being angry with me?"
Rico hesitated. Silence hung heavy before he spoke. "…Why are you here? At this hour you're always in the office. Why today?"
Clara's eyes softened. "Because I wanted to watch you. Shooting for our brand's jewelry… I was enthusiastic."
Rico's lips twitched into a reluctant smile. "Are you really okay?"
"Yes," she nodded firmly.
Still, Rico couldn't stop himself. "Were you… concerned about her?"
Clara blinked. "Her?"
"Ameya." His voice cracked slightly. "You didn't care for your safety at all. Why did you—"
Clara frowned, then exhaled deeply. "Are you my son? Do you not know me this well? How could I watch something happen to anyone right before my eyes? Whether it's Ameya or anyone else, I would have done the same."
Her tone sharpened, her pride clear.
Rico stared, then chuckled softly. "No… you're the best."
The director's call broke the moment. "Rico, we're ready for the next shoot!"
As he turned to leave, Rico paused. His voice was low but sincere. "Thanks, Mom."
Clara froze, her heart skipping. She stared after him, speechless, unsure why that small word from him felt heavier than any wound.
---
In the Park
Michael sat at a café table, his mask pulled up, casual clothes blending him into the crowd. His fingers tapped impatiently on his phone.
A shadow fell across the table. He lifted his gaze.
Jenna removed her mask with a guilty smile.
Michael looked away, annoyed. She sat down beside him anyway.
"Are you mad?" she asked softly.
Silence.
She caught his hand, her voice apologetic. "I'm sorry. The shoot got delayed. That's why I'm late."
Still nothing. His brow arched in silent judgment.
"Don't act like a child," Jenna muttered, pouting as she stood. "Fine, I'll leave."
But before she could take a step, Michael's hand wrapped firmly around hers. His voice finally broke the silence. "No more excuses anymore."
Jenna smiled in relief and nodded. She leaned her head on his shoulder. "There's so much crowd here. Why this place for our date?"
Michael tugged his mask down, smirking playfully. "Because it's not here that I wanted to take you. Come with me."
A little further away, Ruby sat waiting on another bench, mask on.
Nicky finally arrived, scratching his hair. "Sorry, did you wait long?"
Ruby's eyebrow rose. "Mm. On our first date, and you make me wait this much?"
"Sorry…" he grinned awkwardly. "Want to catch a movie after this?"
Ruby nodded slightly, though her irritation lingered. When Nicky leaned close, she thought he was finally being romantic—only to realize he was fixing her mask.
"You're safe now," he said cheerfully.
Ruby forced a smile, hiding her disappointment. Not romantic at all.
When he revealed the superhero movie ticket, Ruby's smile stiffened further. He didn't even ask what I like…
Her annoyance doubled when she caught him staring at another pretty girl walking by.
"Enough," she hissed, standing.
"What? Where are you going?"
"I'll message you," she snapped, walking off.
"Ruby! Wait—" Nicky rushed after her.
---
In the Arcade Game Zone
Michael and Jenna entered, and Jenna gasped in delight.
"You like it?" Michael asked, watching her eyes light up.
She nodded eagerly. "I love it!"
Michael chuckled nervously. "I thought most girls preferred candlelight dinners or amusement parks. But you…"
Jenna smirked. "I'm not like them. I'm different."
Her words made his chest warm.
Then he leaned close and pulled off both their masks. Jenna panicked slightly. "What are you doing?"
"I rented the entire place for you," Michael whispered with a grin.
Her heart skipped. Without thinking, she kissed his cheek. "You're my boyfriend."
He froze, blushing furiously. Jenna laughed and ran deeper into the games.
They played endlessly—shooting games, racing, claw machines—until Michael collapsed into a sofa, exhausted. Jenna tugged his hand. "Come on, let's play more!"
"I'm tired…" he teased. Then suddenly, he pulled her down into his lap. She gasped, trying to get up, but his arms held her firm.
"Our date isn't complete without this," he smirked.
Before she could protest, his lips claimed hers. One hand tangled in her hair, the other at her waist.
Jenna's eyes fluttered shut as she melted into the kiss, her arms wrapping around him. Their kiss deepened, passionate, sealing their night with fire neither of them wanted to end.
---
To be continued…