She took another deep breath, fixing her posture and steadying her steps. Her heart wasn't sure whether to race or pause.
Then, without another word, she turned and walked out of the room, heels clacking, perfume lingering like a question in the air.
Rini watched her go, her smirk slowly fading. She didn't say anything more, but she whispered just loud enough for herself to hear…
"Good luck... sis."
Akiko stepped off the final stair, the soft clack of her heels echoing faintly in the grand hallway. Her eyes found him instantly.
Wil stood by the center table, back straight, hands in the pockets of his dark jeans, a half-empty glass of juice beside him. The moment he looked up and saw her, a smile appeared on his face.
Not a casual smile. It's like a quiet, a little stunned, like he forgot what he was about to say.
Akiko felt her breath catch, too. He looked... incredible.
