believe it or not i'm a total newbie when it comes to tumblr... as a certified nerd that's really embarrassing, but we all start somewhere (O_O)
my name's celestima, and i use she/her pronouns!! i'm a minor and aspiring novelist (so says 50000 other people on the internet). i'm not gonna sit here and hype up my own work but it wouldn't be too out of the ordinary if i posted a lot of it right :')
i adore a whole lot of anime, manga, and video games!! i even love comic books and sitcoms... jack of all trades honestly. i could talk about almost anything and everything for hours when it comes to media i like!!
talk to me about anything relating to my interests because that's probably gonna be such a massive chunk of what i upload + well... whatever new yume i'm fixated on next (๏ฟฃโฝ๏ฟฃ)
celestima's reaching for the stars!!! [and she's also hoping to let her writing juice drain] (ใฯใ)
Ugh, since I HAVE to... (jk thank you SO MUCH for askin OMGGSHHSH I LOVE YOU SO MUCH MWAH๐ฅน๐ฅน) I'm just gonna be incoherently yappin about the last chapter bc I'm scatterbrained as HELL, okay? Okay.
So. Rin Itoshi, contrary to my last post about him, I do NOT, in fact hate him now. I'm SUUUUUPER pissed at him rn but that's still my baby, yk?
I've seen ppl say stuff like "If you're mad at Rin for missing then you obviously didnโt understand the manga" and even stuff like "Oh you shouldn't be mad at him he's only 16!" Which like??? I get it, but I also don't.
For me personally, I'm not mad about him missing specifically, I'm more annoyed about him only deciding to lock in as SOON as he saw Isagi linking up with Karasu.
I get that flow isn't just something you turn on and off but like, if he was gonna enter flow it should've been at the beginning of the match, considering the fact that he was in flow when they were up against Nigeria's cow fodder team (it hurts me more to say that then y'all will EVER know) and they were actually getting CURB STOMPED by the France team so wouldn't you wanna be super focused then???
Plus, we saw in the Nigeria game that while he was in flow it felt more intentional, why couldn't he do that with France? What the hell was his training for if he didn't even use it against the one team he DEFINITELY should've used it against????
But noooooo๐ฅบ๐ฅบ๐ฅบ Isagi is talking to another man๐ฅบ๐ฅบ๐ฅบ๐ฅบ I have to lock in now๐ฅบ๐ฅบ๐ฅบ๐ฅบ๐ฅบ AND THEN HE FUCKING MISSED. BADLY.
And about the age thing, that one's just kinda stupid to me. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the oldest person in Blue lock is either Yukimiya or Barou and they're currently 19 (post NEL), that's a 2-3 year age difference. The youngest person is Niko, who is LITERALLY the same age as Rin post NEL. The age range for blue lock is 15-19 so I don't get how that argument really works here...
I think they're trying to say that we shouldn't be too harsh on him because he's only 16?? But even then, it's not like he's playing against adults; this is the u-20 world cup. THE UNDER 20 WORLD CUP. It's not like we're judging his performance with the world 5 and then calling him washed for getting megged by one of the best players, we're judging him as a u-20 player who is also blue locks number one, so age is basically irrelevant here.
I've also seen ppl say that Rin and possibly Isagi, but Rin specifically has to/is going to be benched next game, otherwise it's bad writing. I like watching football, my entire family is very football centered, but I'm not as knowledgeable about the rules and what goes on behind the scenes as my father and brother. So again, correct me if I'm wrong, but I simply do not belive that Rin is going to be benched next game and I don't think that's a case of bad writing from Kaneshiro.
Despite his lackluster performance this match, Rin Itoshi is still Blue Lock's number one and we are in the U-20 WORLD CUP. Blue Lock cannot afford to be down a star player because of behavioural issues, plus the fact that Rin was literally using Egoโs philosophy.
Then again,,, it was a behavioural issue on the field that cost them the game, plus Karasu's method got them pretty far without Rin... yeah nvm he might be cooked LMAO
But again, I'd still understand why if Rin doesn't get benched. It's honestly just depends on if Kaneshiro decides to take the more narratively interesting route or just give Rin and Isagi a smack on the wrist then push then back onto the field lolol
Realistically, if Rin got benched I think it would go one of two ways:
Rin gets benched and has time to seethe (maybe he talks to someone on the bench??) before getting subbed in later on in the game
Rin gets benched the entire time Blue Lock is playing against England, Blue Lock wins, and Rin see's how good Blue Lock is without him then absolutely tears up the field in the next match without relying on Isagi
I think one is more likely, but two would be very interesting to see as well!
Okay I've yapped yer ear off enough, thank u fer lettin me yap about these idiots luv u mootie cutie๐
I just came home from a book-fair. I've managed to conjure up the concept of Zantetsu and Hugo being frequent goers together because they both pretend like they're any good at reading ส ๏ผโโฟโ๏ผส
I donโt like summer. The weatherโs too hot, itโs humid, and I canโt sit on the rooftop at school anymore. I end up staying home from school more often than not โ I hate the idea of being separated from my AC. Today was another one of those days, really. I couldnโt be bothered to drag myself out of bed and put on my uniformโฆ I didnโt really know how to tie my tie anymore, and it seemed like such a hassle to relearn all over again. Reo took on the habit of doing it for me every time we met, butโฆ heโs still at Blue Lock. Probably working to be the best striker all on his own.
I let out a small sigh and stared at the ceiling, pricking myself with Choki to wake myself up. I winced and reached for my phone, completing all the daily logins for the games I play. This was the same routine that I was used to from all the way back then, but somehow, it still felt different. I liked being forgettable โ a small, small part of the big universe. I didnโt care for anything because there was nothing to care for. It was always better that way. I didnโt need to be hurt.
I didnโt care for football, so I wasnโt all that hurt when I got locked off. I was glad that I could go back to my convenience, unbothered by rules and matches and everything that made my life so difficult. I didnโt like working, trainingโฆ and it wasnโt like the people at Blue Lock were the friendliest. Everyone was so passionate โ so angry. It was draining.
They were better off without me. Really, they were. I was only dragging everyone down, and it wasnโt as if I contributed anything to Manshine after that one play I did. I thought Iโd beaten Isagi, but I didnโt. Then I fell off. Case closed. I was never meant for football in the first place โ I shouldโve never gone in the first place. Reo was the one who convinced me to do it, and Reo was the one who held my hand while we ran in. It was all Reo. He was the brains, the starโฆ He had everything that I didnโt have so that he could make up for me and all my mistakes. I was the worst.
I groggily stared in the mirror and gazed at my toothbrush โ only then realizing Iโd gone weeks without brushing my teeth. I reached for it and lazily made the motions, my spit mixed with the foam dripping down my face. It wasโฆ disgusting, but I just wiped all that off with my shirt. Now I need a new shirt.
I looked through my mess of a closet and picked out a plain and purple short-sleeve polo top. Reoโd insisted we get โmatching undershirtsโ for our schoolโs summer uniform, because we didnโt really need to button up our jackets anymore around this time of year. Heโd looked so happy buying them.
I went to the kitchen and looked around for something to eat โ quickly spotting leftover egg sandwiches from my trip to the convenience store yesterday. I paired it with a can of instant coffee and sat down at the empty table. In hindsight, I guess I could admit the scene was a little depressing. But I was used to this โ the loneliness. Football came and football went, same with Reo. Zantetsuโฆ Chigiriโฆ Isagi โ whatever.
I finished my breakfast and went back to my bedroom, plopping into my gaming chair and logging online. I spotted Hiori in my friends list, and he was last online a month or two ago on our โ well โ their last day off before the World Cup. Everyone else were just small groups of online friends thatโd ask me to join from time to time, but even they were all offline too. Probably busy at school. Maybe I shouldโve just gone, todayโฆ
I ended up playing games for hours. I lost track of the time โ and before long โ the moon came up. It was a half-moon tonight, and for some reason, it lured me outside of my apartment. I put on my sneakers and left the building, looking up at the starry skies. Reo would always say that we werenโt the typical sun and moon โ that we were these very stars and the moon. I donโt know why, but he always loved the night. Maybe it was because no one expected anything of him.
I got on my bike and aimlessly rode around, thinking about nothing other than the fact I was hungry. I hadnโt eaten anything since the morning, and there werenโt really any convenience stores nearby to grab bento dinners from. I knew about a few food stalls if I rode a little further into the city โ Iโd gone to the area with Reo a while before we were invited to Blue Lock. We shared these candied fruits, and mine ended up getting stuck in his hairโฆ I want those fruits for dinner tonight.
When I arrived, the streets were packed with people. The atmosphere was different, probably due to all the couples that came by at this hour. I parked my bicycle and walked around, looking for the tanghulu vendor. I counted the amount of yen in my pocket, and I had exactly enough for the candied apple that I liked last time.
I eventually found my way and paid for everything. The candied apple was wrapped with the same care as last time, but it felt a little lighter in my hands. Apples werenโt ripe this time of year โ which Iโd learned while playing a bunch of cozy games and farming for hours. I unwrapped the candied apple and stuck my teeth into the bright red sphere, hurting my tooth while trying to get past the thick layer of caramel and sugar.
Itโs definitely as sweet as I remembered it. Reoโs was also really good โ I liked the grape. But I didnโt have enough yen to get that one. I continued walking around as I ate, looking at all the couples and families that came by to share a fun summer night. I never understood the appeal of all these events, but I always went to them with Reo. He loved the flashy parts of life โ the things thatโd make him feel like he was on top of the world with me. Weโd watch fireworks and share takoyaki, and heโd insist on feeding me while making this grand show about how weโd forever be the best in the world. Now he had to be the best all on his own. He had to discover his own footing, and see that the world keeps moving even without me in it.
I found myself standing on the top of a relatively empty hill. It wasnโt that far away from my bicycle, so I sat down and looked up towards the sky. The stars encompassed the half-moon from this angle, as if they were all hugging it tightly. I held up my half eaten candied apple, and ironically enough, now it looked as if the moon was whole. The appleโs color was a lot more dimmed without blaring lights to make it redder โ so it just looked a weird shade of reddish blue. Not quite purple. Not quite Reo. I finished off the sweet and tossed the stick aside. I continued to stare up at the sky without a care in the world.
โฆI think thereโs something wrong. My vision was clouded, and my lips were quivering. Iโd assumed I was getting a fever, so I put my hand to my forehead the way Reo did to me. It wasnโt warm โ but my cheeks were. I felt something continuously trickling down my face, but only when the water hit the grass did I realize those were my own tears. I donโt know why I was crying โ but when I asked myself that โ I started sobbing even harder. I barely ever cried, I couldnโt even remember the last time I did. Now I was drawing the eyes of little boys and girls who were playing tag and rolling down the grass.
The more I wiped my eyes, the more tears spilled. Reo was always the one whoโd carry handkerchiefs for situations like these, so all I had were my (now wet and snot-covered) arms. Remembering Reo made me cry even more, and I realized that he was probably the reason why I was acting like this. I missed him โ more than anything. I miss Reo, and I miss playing football with him. They took me away from Reo โ from our dream. That wasnโt fair. I want to see him again โ to play football with him again. I want him to wash my hair and scold me for playing gamesโฆ I want him to sit at the other end of the dinner table in my apartment just one more time. I want Reo back.
I gripped the grass with my fingers and sniffled, digging my feet into the soil. I liked my life when Reo was in it โ Iโd finally found a reason to get out of bed and brush my hair and my teeth. Iโd managed to start eating healthier and take care of myself. All of that was because Reo was around to encourage me to do it, and now he was gone. Now Iโm just the Seishiro whoโll die a lonely life and be forgotten in a few years. I hate this Seishiro โ that old Seishiro. I donโt want to be him anymore.
But life wasnโt fair. All I could do was cry and beg for Reo to come back, to pick me up on his back and tell me that we were bigger than the world.
Chapter summary: Extremely friendly banter between Shidou, Charles, and Reo while they walk to cafรฉ (based on episode 6 of Dandadan).
The sound of shoes scuffing against the pavement resounds through the air as Reo is dragged across the pavement. He had long since given up on trying to escape so he just let his body get hauled around like a sack of flour.
Every building stood tall with colourful and flashy signs that flagged down customers from a mile away. It was obvious that this place was some sort of entertainment district, judging by the theatres, food trucks, banners, and the overall atmosphere of the area.
Fortunately for Reo, there weren't many people out in this district at this time of day to watch him get pulled around like a car that had just been towed. Entertainment districts are usually quiet during the day, in stark contrast to nighttime, when they are bustling with tourists, cosplayers, and partygoers alike.
Stillโthat doesn't change the fact that he absolutely does not want to be here. If it wasn't obvious enough from the fact that he's been murmuring, "I don't want to be here I hate both of you." Repeatedly under his breath like a curse imbued chant ever since they left the train.
"You know, you're making this way harder than it needs to be, Reo-chan. We probably would've been there by now if you just picked up your feet." Shidou said while poking at his face.
"Oh, we'll forgive me for not skipping on down with you two after you literally abducted me."
"We didn't "abduct" you, we just... forcefully invited you out with us!"
Charles corrected.
"Uninvite me."
"But what kind of senior would that make me?" Shidou says while pinching Reo's cheeks. "Cmon drinks are on me so stop being so pissy, kay?"
Reo pulls his head away from Shidou's coos. "Oh, because you of all people care about seniority. Plus, what makes you think I need your money?"
Shidou paused and hummed for a brief moment as if he were in deep thought.
"Good point...Charles will pay!" Shidou declared, seemingly without asking Charles if he would actually pay considering how Charles face contoured with confusion after his statement.
"What makes you think I need his money?? Actuallyโwhat makes you think he has money at all???"
"Hey, Loki gives me a weekly allowance! I get 20 bucks for every test I get an A on. I'll be richer than you soon!" Charles replied with full confidence.
Reo rolls his eyes just at the thought, almost laughing at how absurd even suggesting that was, until his smile dropped as he was pulled through the door of a very pink cafe.
It was blinding, honestly. The doors, the walls, the tables, the chairs, the ceilingsโall a pretty shade of pastel pink. There were stuffed animals everywhere, of every animal you could think of, most notably the two cat plushies that worked as this cafรฉ's mascots. They were at the front desk, almost like they were greeting everyone who stepped inside.
The place looked bright as ever, overwhelmingly so, yet Reo looked around and noticed that all the tables were vacant. The store was completely empty, not even the employees were in here, and it was almost eerie. Was this a newly abandoned cafรฉ? A slaughterhouse dyed in pink?? Was he in danger??? He didn't exactly feel safe with the human versions of Si and Am pressed against his sides.
"The real show starts upstairs" Charles mischievously said while pulling him towards the elevator, not making Reo any more confident that he was going to come out of here unscathed.
"Cmon now," Reo felt a dark aura looming over him "Ya gotta go upstairs, that's where all the tea is!" Shidou said, pushing Reo into the elevator with him and Charles walked in after.
"I don't want any of your damn tea!
"Don't worry, you'll get thirsty."
"Like hell I will!"
Reo shouted as the elevator doors closed before sending them upstairs.
---
With a ding from the elevator, the doors slid open and the two boys walked out with their unwilling participant.
The upstairs part of the cafรฉ was much bigger than downstairsโmuch livelier too, to Reo's relief. Knowing that he wasn't in a hazing house made him feel just a little bit better about his situation.
Reo looked around at his surroundings; the walls were a much deeper shade of pink, and there were even more stuffed animals strategically placed near the entrance, as if to welcome them to the upper floor. It seemed like the cafรฉ was relatively busyโMost of the tables were occupied except for the two in the corner near the window, maids were walking back and forth trying to tend to each table, soft music and chatter filled the omurice-smelling air andโ
Reo does a double-take.
Maids..?
"Welcome home, master!" A sudden high-pitched voice seemed to come out of nowhere. She had short brown hair worn in pigtails that dropped to her neck and bangs that framed the roundness of her eyes. And of course, she was wearing a maid dress (go figure) the frills swaying gently across her knees with each micro-movement.
She was a beautiful girl, there was no denying that. As a matter of fact, the entire cafรฉ was filled to the brim with pretty women. This should've been any man's wonderland yet Reo couldn't help but look absolutely disappointed as he craned his neck to look at the two giggling dent-heads behind him.
"A maid cafรฉ? Really? I knew you guys were pervs but this is just cheap."
"What? Not a fan?" Shidou asked sarcastically while batting his blonde eyelashes.
"He probably would've preferred a host cafรฉ!" Charles suggested.
"I would've preferred not being dragged out here with you ass wipes to begin with."
"And I would've preferred if you weren't screaming your pretty little head off on our way here, but can't all get what we want." Shidou spat back condescendingly, taking a step towards Reo.
"You littleโ" Reo turned fully to face Shidou before the maid spoke up.
"Oh! It seems like one of our lovely maids is here to escort you to your seats!" She said probably hoping to prevent a potential fight.
With these words, footsteps followed; heading their direction, dragging their feet slowly and sloppily as if it was their first time walking. Reo turns his head once more to get a look at the maid who was trudging towards them only to be shocked by the absolute unit his eyes fell on.
To say she was tall would be a gross understatement. Reo always prided himself on his height; standing at a good six foot one centimetres, it was safe to say he was above the average height for a man in Japan but even then he still found himself looking up at the maid before them. She was broad too; broader than most girls he's seenโbroader than most men too now that he thought about it. The black button-up stretching over her chest seems to agree with him looking like it's one big stretch away from popping a button.
His eyes then landed on her hair and its striking colour. She had short, fluffy, pale white hair tied with black ribbons in pigtails, much like the lady at the door except the white haired girl's was much messier looking like she had just rolled out of bed. Her face sent the same message, eyelids hung low over her grey eyes, as if she was about to doze off right where she stood.
Even with all this, Reo couldn't help but feel a strange attraction to the girl. It was familiar, like he had known her all his life. From the way she looked to how she moved he couldn't help but feel a sense of fondness mixed with dรฉjร vu when he looked at the girl. She reminded him of someone,,, it was just on the tip of his tongue!
She kinda looks likeโ
"Nagi-chi you're supposed to greet our customers at the door!" She scolded through a smile while fixing her posture
"Sorry boss." He replied lazily, not nearly as sounding sorry as he was trying to sound, if he was trying at all.
...
Nagi?
Nagi???
Nagi's gaze shifted over to the three boys, finally noticing their presence but it took Nagi a couple of seconds for Nagi to process what exactly was going on.
"Shidou and Charles, they're here." Nagi thought to himself.
Their sudden appearance didn't really surprise him all that much. Considering how much they liked being all up in other people's businesses, it was only a matter of time until they found out somehow.
Although, he did feel a twinge of concern about how quickly they were able to find out where he worked given that he had only been working here for two weeks, he hadn't told anyone besides Isagi and Chigiri, and that it was a full hour away from their school. He should probably be more worried, but the concern left his mind just as quickly as it came.
Then his eyes locked on Reo and he felt his brain come to a screeching halt his eyes, which were once almost shut were now shot up as high as his face would allow.
Nagi only had one question that was ringing throughout his mind and he could tell by Reo's bewildered expression that he had the exact same question.
"What the hell is he doing here?!"
BL!mlist
Author's note: Sorry this one's shorter, I wrote it while I was in school lolol
Took me ages to get back into my groove but I've finally written another longform Maiarudo piece!! โ ๅฝก
โชโโโ๏ผฏ๏ผโงโโฆ๏ผ๏ผฏโโโโโช
Maia gloomily clung onto Dahlia with a small frown on her face, her eyes lowered and tear-stained. Sheโd been on a losing streak when it came to basic trash-beast cleaning, more often than not making mistakes that cost people a few extra moments on the battlefield. Sheโd be spaced out from a fight or simply on some dangerous form of autopilot โ and as a Cleaner โ this wasnโt something to take lightly. While she knew it was probably for the best, Maia wasnโt allowed to come along on the mission that the rest of Team Child was sent on. She was now alone in her HQ bedroom, trying to come up with some sort of reason as to why she was in such a funk. Some sort of believable excuse thatโd mean sheโd be allowed to go back out โ there was nothing more that she hated than being alone.
She kicked her feet against the edges of the bed and continued to wallow in her self-pity, eyeing the slightly open bedroom door that she was about to shut. Maia set Dahlia aside and quickly got up, unwilling to let anyone see her in such a sorry state. When she got to the door, she noticed a familiar blood-red eye peeking through the small gap. Maia stumbled aback and accidentally slammed the door in a fit of worry โ her eyes wide and her breathing unsteady. People didnโt frequently see her upset, and she tried to keep it that way. Especially with Rudo.
Unfortunately for Maia, Rudo noticed the weird way she was acting and took the initiative to knock on the door to her room. He still wasnโt all that great with comfort, but he figured that Maia deserved the treatment she made sure to give everyone. His knocks were strong, but spread far apart โ almost as if he too was panicked by the idea of simply saying the wrong thing. Maia stayed silent for a little while, but it wasnโt long before she eventually caved and ended up opening the door for him herself. She tried her best to hide the fact sheโd cried, but even Rudo could see through the little lie. Maia sat back down at the edge of her bed and continued to cuddle Dahlia, tapping her foot against the stained floors that she couldnโt manage to clean up. Rudo put his hand on the back of his neck and sat down next to her, letting his elbows rest on his knees. He looked over to Maia and then to the ground โ repeating this process a few times until he could find the words to say.
โ...You were the one who said that itโs never nice to be alone when youโre sad,โ commented Rudo. Maia pitifully laughed and shook her head, sighing. โWellโ different rules apply to me,โ replied the girl. It was clear that she didnโt mean what she said, but Rudo chose to play along with what she was saying either way. โThat doesnโt seem fair at all. You canโt get special treatment just because youโre you,โ argued Rudo. Maia held Dahlia even tighter and stumbled with her words, unable to reply back with anything that made any form of sense. She looked directly at Rudo for the first time ever since they started talking, and something about his sincerity made her cave. โI donโt know whatโs wrong with me. Iโm almost never like this,โ muttered Maia. Rudo thought for a few moments and looked back at Maia, narrowing his eyes when he spotted the caked-up grime on Maiaโs glasses. โDoesnโt mean youโve a reason to hide it away from everyone. You talk big about helping others and being everyoneโs friend, but you and I both know thatโs gotta apply to โyerself first,โ remarked Rudo. Maia definitely deemed the lecture a little uncalled for โ but coming from Rudo โ it was comforting. โI guess youโve got a point. Canโt help others before helping yourselfโฆโ agreed Maia. The two went silent for a few moments afterwards, but it was a silence that felt pleasant above all else.
It took a while before the two finally got back to talking again, but the question Rudo asked couldnโt have been more simple (in theory). โSoโฆ talk. Whatโs wrong?โ inquired the boy, raising a brow towards Maia. She loosened her grip on Dahlia and peeked at the cracked picture-frame by her bed. It was a picture of her and her dad from when they were little, and it was always around this time that it brought her to tears just by looking at it. โIโm all about moving forward, but I just wish he couldโve been here to take those steps with me. The day he diedโs coming up soon โ and even if itโs my birthday โ Iโm always sad when it comes around,โ monologued Maia. The death anniversary of her father and her birthday tragically coincided, so there was always a seat that no one could fill whenever she looked around at all the people celebrating with her. Rudo blankly stared at Maia for a few more moments and sighed, finally understanding whatโs been hurting her so much lately. โItโs not like I donโt get that. Regto wouldโve been an awesome Cleaner, hahโฆโ joked Rudo. Maia let out a small chuckle and looked over at the Cleanerโs armband she folded away โ getting up to grab it and show Rudo.
โItโฆ probably does look it because of all the rips, but this was my dadโs very own armband back when he was a Cleaner himself,โ began Maia โ handing it to Rudo before continuing, โwhen heโd come back from missions, heโd always tell me the โepicโ stories about the way he took down trash-beasts. He sounded like a totally different man on the battlefieldโฆ I just wish I couldโve seen it for myself,โ finished the girl. Rudo listened while he inspected the band, tracing the logo with his gloved index. Maia sat next to him and leaned her head forward, a melancholy smile on her face. โPretty cool, right?โ asked Maia, looking at him from a closer angle. Rudoโs face flushed a pale red before nodding his head, quietly giving it back to her.
Maia set it on her lap and looked down at it, sighing. โHeโd always tell me I couldnโt do a bunch of things until I turned 16. Now that itโs coming up, I realize I broke so many of the rules without him keeping me in check,โ snickered Maia. Rudo โ curious as ever โ tilted his head in curiosity. โHuh? Like what?โ asked Rudo, earning a cheeky grin out of Maia. โTalking to boys, becoming a Cleaner, going out aloneโฆโ listed Maia, smiling as she recalled all the protective rules her father put in place for her. Rudo awkwardly looked to the side when she mentioned the first one, scratching the back of his head. Maia caught on and giggled, shaking her hands. โIโm sure he wouldโve liked you! Probably! Maybe!โ teased Maia. Rudo looked back at the now smiling Maia and calmed himself down, a little relieved that she was starting to feel better.
โI didnโt know you were such a rule-breakerโฆโ mumbled Rudo โ leaving Maia unsure as to whether he was being serious or not. Either way, she laughed and shrugged. โGuess thereโs a lot youโve yet to see! But Iโll have to take you to meet my dad when my birthday comes aroundโฆ Thatโd be the biggest rule-break of all!โ enthusiastically hollered Maia. Rudo then pictured Maia and Regto meeting, and the thought just left another scenario Rudo wished to happen. Maia noticed the way he was the one who looked a little dejected now โ so she tutted and put the armband away, folding her arms while looking at Rudo. โYou canโt go see him when youโre all frowny like that โ I canโt either!โ scolded Maia, her tone serious but her face brimming with sunshine.
Rudo looked up at her and pouted, telling her about the scenario he just thought about. Maia had a bittersweet smile on her face, looking at Rudo again. โIf itโs worth anything, our dads wouldโve been really good friends,โ comforted Maia. Rudo nodded his head at the idea and perked up with her as well, getting up from her bed. โGuess weโll just have to tell your dad all about Regto too, thenโฆโ suggested the boy. Maia nodded eagerly and let out a couple small claps, picking herself back up from her previous state. She walked towards her bedroom door, and right when she was about to leave โ she paused.
โโHey, Maia?โ called out Rudo, visibly nervous about what heโs about to say. Maia turned her head while her hand was still on the doorknob, tilting her head as well. โMm? What is it?โ asked Maia, wondering what he wanted to say. โ...I think your dad would be proud of you,โ mentioned Rudo. Maia wiped her eyes with her sleeves, but she had a small smile on her face. โYeah, youโre right. Iโve just got to believe it when it comes from you!โ cheered Maia, instigating Rudo to follow her to the kitchen to now go ahead and make a new batch of sweets.
