Mia held the apple in her hand. Ren did not take it. He just looked at the floor.
"I can't," he whispered. "I can't just forget what I said to you."
Mia put the apple on the counter. "I already forgot."
Ren looked up. "How? How can you forgive so easily?"
Mia smiled a little. "Because holding anger is heavy. And I am already carrying enough."
Ren did not know what to say. He just nodded and went back to his room.
---
The next morning, the house was quiet. The members were still asleep. But Mia was already in the kitchen, making breakfast.
The smell of fresh bread and eggs filled the house. Happy, the cat, sat near her feet, waiting for his share.
One by one, the members woke up. Sora came first. "Wow, what is that smell? Heaven?"
Mia laughed. "Just simple food. Sit."
Soon, Yuma, Riku, and Asahi also came. They sat on the floor around the small table. There was not much space, but no one cared.
Ren came last. He stood at the door, watching everyone eat and talk. Mia saw him and pointed to an empty spot.
"Your plate is there," she said. No extra words. No anger.
Ren sat down. He took the first bite, and his eyes closed. "This is... really good."
Yuma laughed. "Told you, dude. She is world famous for a reason."
Everyone laughed. Even Ren smiled a little.
---
After breakfast, the members set up their small practice area in the living room. Mia watched them from the kitchen. They practiced so hard, even without a proper stage. Their sweat dripped, but no one complained.
In that moment, Mia understood their world. It was not just about fame. It was about love — love for what they did.
Later, Mia sat with Happy in her lap. Ren came and sat a little far from her.
"Mia," he said softly. "About that girl... Lili. I remember her face now. She was at the company once."
Mia's eyes widened. "What?"
"She came for some internship interview. I saw her briefly. She seemed... angry even then."
Mia felt a chill. Lili had planned this for a long time. It was not just jealousy. It was hate.
"We should tell the company," Mia said. "Not for revenge. But to stop her from hurting anyone else."
Ren nodded. "I'll talk to Sora."
---
That evening, the company released a small statement. It did not name Lili, but it said they were investigating the concert incident. The fans felt some relief.
Mia looked at the sunset from her window. Ren stood beside her.
"Thank you," he said quietly.
"For what?" Mia asked.
"For not giving up on me. Even when I was... terrible."
Mia looked at him. "You were not terrible. You were human."
They stood in silence, watching the sky change colors.
For the first time, Ren felt that maybe — just maybe — he had found a safe place.
Not just a house. A home.