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Chapter Text

The school bell rang at Eden Academy to signify the start of morning classes. Class 3's teacher came in as soon as it sounded, and started the morning roll call. 

"Anya Forger," the teacher looked at the empty seat beside Becky. Only silence followed.

Becky wondered as she struggled to focus on the lesson. 'Anya didn't tell me she'd be absent. Did something happen? I'd better call her later.' 

The morning lessons were quiet and uninteresting for Becky without her friend. No sleepyhead she would elbow to stop snoring and no one to share her scribbles with— the class has never been so lifeless. How she longed for the bell to ring once more! 

After four grueling hours, it's finally time for lunch. Their Science teacher gave his final reminders.

"Lastly, you will be working as buddies for our visit to the Planetarium next week. In random, the pairs are as follows." The teacher drew pieces of paper from a small box and called out names.

"....Becky Blackbell and Ewen Egeberg... Emile Elman and Damian Desmond."

"Now. Since Eden will be sending Elman next week to the Ostania Inter-academy Painting Competition, Damian Desmond's partner will be Anya Forger." He turned to Damian. "I expect you to communicate this to her." 

"Mmm." Damian nodded. 'Perfect!' He thought.

The announcement was followed by murmurs. Becky sighed. 'Dishing insults at Anya again? These girls are so jealous and pathetic,' she thought.

"That is all. Morning class dismissed."

One by one, Becky's classmates left for the cafeteria. Becky was approached by Damian and his friends. 

"Blackbell," Damian called her out.

Becky automatically rolled her eyes at the boy. "What is it, Desmond? Make it quick, I don't feel like talking to you."

"Tsk. Nevermind." Damian and his friends left. 

'What was that about?' Becky frowned. 'Does he want me to tell Anya about next week? Well, I would tell her regardless.' She finished fixing her things and went to the cafeteria. 

Becky sat on a corner away from everyone and enjoyed her meal alone. From her seat, she saw Ewen and Emile seemingly discussing something with Damian. Becky squinted to see their facial expressions better. 'What are they up to this time? Are they... persuading him... or something?' Damian took his phone out to call someone. As soon as he spoke, he went outside. His friends were left chuckling. 

Becky took a sip of her drink. 'If Anya were here, she would be saying hi to Desmond and we will be bickering as we eat.' She took another bite of her food. 'It definitely is sad without her. I wonder if she's okay... Yeah I'd call her after this.' 

Becky decided to go back to their classroom. As she took a final sip, a red-faced Damian returned to his table. She walked past them and overheard Ewen seemingly asking about Damian's phone call. All she heard were fading murmurs and chuckles as she continued to walk down the corridor.

~~~~~

"Forger residence, this is Loid."

"Hi Mr. Forger! This is Becky Blackbell. Is Anya home?"

Loid fixed his tie. "Hi Becky. Thank you for checking on Anya. Anya is asleep. Her fever is high since this morning."

"I see. Is she going to be okay?" Becky began to worry.

Loid smiled. "Yor and I are looking closely after her. Although her appetite is poor, she took all her medicines."

Loid continued, "She even said, 'Anya needs to be well, Becky is waiting for me' as she took the bitter ones." Becky giggled on the other end.

"If she rests enough, I'm sure she'd be well in no time. So don't worry, Becky," Loid said with an assuring voice.

"Okay," Becky felt pleased. "Please tell her to call me when she's better."

"Alright. Take care." Loid hung up.

'It seems Anya has made friends in school. Blackbell seems to be kind-hearted — she's been sticking with Anya since day one.' 

Loid entered a rather contemplative state.

'But more importantly, it seems Plan B is working. Otherwise, Desmond would not have called.'

He paused.

'Actually, that was more than I expected. Are they?' Loid shook his head, "No, no, that's impossible, they're too young for that.' Loid tried to brush off a thought. 

'Anyway, good work, Anya.' 

Loid went to his daughter's room and saw Anya sleeping on her bed, with Yor beside her.

~~~~~

A few minutes before Becky called the Forger Residence...

"Thank you, sir." Damian hung up. He went back inside the cafeteria, his friends waiting in anticipation.

"So who answered the phone Bossman?" Ewen asked.

"Mr. Forger," Damian replied. Damian inserted his phone back into his pocket.

"How is Anya?" Emile asked.

"Well, she woke up with a high fever this morning. She's resting in her room for the rest of the week," Damian explained.

"I thought so," Ewen replied. "Good thing it's Thursday. She'll only miss two days."

"Yeah," said Emile, "You worried, Bossman?"

"This is Anya we're talking about. She's going to be fine," Damian said. "Her parents were at home looking after her and her father is a doctor. He assured me that she's recovering," he continued.

"I see. Are you planning to visit her?" Ewen asked.

Damian scratched his head. "I- I thought I want to send something over but..." he paused, looking troubled, "I am not sure what her parents would think." 

Emile raised his hand. "Don't worry Bossman. You're a Desmond. I'm sure they would even be ecstatic to know their daughter has befriended you." Ewen nodded in support of his friend. 

"Bossman, you should give her a basket of fresh fruits. If you are feeling brave, also some flowers. Think carefully of the flower— maybe red roses would be great - it's so passionate! The fruits will help her fight her sickness, and the flowers will brighten her mood!" said Emile.

"Well, the idea is fine, but ABSOLUTELY NO RED ROSES!" Damian's face is bright red.

"I have a better idea, Bossman," said a grinning Ewen. "You should give her what she wants the most— peanuts! You could also send over her favorite peanut cake. And it would be best if there's a message on it: 'GET WELL SOON, ANYA!' or 'CLASS IS BORING WITHOUT YOU, ANYA!'" Ewen proudly suggested.

"Oi," Damian looked at his friend. "I don't call her Anya, I call her SHRIMP. And ABSOLUTELY NO CAKE MESSAGES!" Damian's palm went to his forehead. "Where did you get the nerve to tease me now?"

The truth is, for Damian, the greatest obstacle is not choosing, buying, or sending presents. He has the people and money to get it done in a flash. His bane is Mr. Forger, Anya's father, and his paradoxically friendly but subtly menacing aura towards him.

"Alright, except for a few details, I like both of your ideas. I'll have it ready," Damian told his friends.

"Are you going to bring it to her yourself, bossman?" The two asked.

"Well..." for the first time, Damian doesn't know how to answer his friend.

"Thank you for visiting Anya, Sy-on boy," Emile teasingly said, mimicking Anya's voice. Damian closed his eyes and sighed. His friends chuckled as they followed him to the classroom.

~~~~~

Becky was about to leave when Damian and his friends approached her after class.

"Blackbell, we want to talk," said Ewen. "Do you have a minute?"

"You again," she said. "If you're going mean, I won't give you even a second."

"It's about Anya," Emile said. He slightly inclined his head towards Damian.

"What about? If I hear even a single insult from you—"

"I called her. I know she's sick." Damian bravely spoke.

"I don't believe you. She won't give you her number." Becky responded.

"But I have it. She dialed it herself in my phone when she missed her bus the other day and I offered to help her contact her parents."

There was silence.

'He called Anya?! Why would the mighty Desmond do that? Wait! There could only be one reason...' Becky has been suspicious of her friend's relationship with Desmond. Slowly, her face lit up. Her mood drastically changed, as if she was reading a major plot point in one of her novels.

"I've been meaning to ask you something, Desmond." Becky looked around to make sure they're the only ones left in class. Damian started to appear to look anxious.

"You're crushing on Anya, don't you?" 

Ewen and Emile looked away on either side as Damian struggled to respond.

"I- I... I see her as a friend," Damian stuttered.

Unable to contain her excitement, Becky almost squealed. "I had a feeling this was the case! Anya rushes forth to help you even when you always acted mean towards her, and you make yourself available for her when I am not around. And as we speak, you are as red as tomato!"

"Bossman also tucked a flower over Anya's right ear during the Elegant Race activity," Ewen added. Damian glared at his friend.

"Yeah, they actually ate in a restaurant alone when Anya missed her bus," Emile continued with a whistle. Damian couldn't believe how his friends are behaving.

A completely shocked Becky cupped her hands on her mouth. "So it's true!"

Damian tucked his hands in his pocket. He did not respond. Becky crossed her arms.

"Well, not so fast, Desmond. I haven't approved of you yet," Becky warned. "As her bestfriend, I have the responsibility of helping her find out whether a suitor truly loves her. I will not hesitate to talk anyone down with her if that will save her from tears." 

"I do not ever want to make her cry, Blackbell. Now, I need you to hear me out," Damian said. "So when I called her at lunch time—"

"So that's what you three were talking about in the cafeteria," Becky interjected. "So, what does it have to do with me?"

"Yes," Damian cleared his throat. "I have prepared something for her."

"And you want me to bring it to her?"

Damian nodded.

"You know us boys can't just visit a girl, right? You are Anya's best friend. You're the only one that can help us," Emile explained. Ewen nodded.

Becky however does not agree to the idea. "But why should I? It's your gift, you should be the one giving her that and telling her to get well," Becky said frankly.

"Bossman doesn't want her parents to think that he is courting her," Ewen said.

"Of course! We're still too young for that!" said an embarrassed Damian.

"Anyway," Damian continued, "I am not forcing you if you don't want to do this for me, Blackbell. You are her bestfriend — there's no better person to ask. I know it comes with the risk of revealing my secret. But even so, you deserve to know. Thank you for hearing me out."

He turned his back and spoke to his friends.

"Let's go," Damian said. Ewen and Emile looked at each other and followed their friend.

However, Becky called them out.

"Wait! I will bring your gifts to Anya." Becky announced. 

Damian and his friends turned around with a surprised face. "Are you sure?" asked Ewen.

"Yes, but in one condition," Becky said.

"What would that be?" Emile asked.

Becky pointed at Damian. "You... will go with me." 

'What?!' Damian was clearly astounded.

"We will visit her together so her parents would think you're simply tagging along to let her know about 'Planetarium Monday'. What do you think?" Becky asked.

Damian made a satisfied smile. "You are smarter than you look, Blackbell."

"No, I'm a genius!" Becky winked. "We'll be going on Saturday. Let's just meet near Anya's house. But we'll talk again tomorrow," Becky instructed. Damian nodded. 

"Alright then, it's settled! I need to leave. Get your dowry ready..." Becky said in a sing song voice. A teasing chuckle can be heard as she left the room.

Ewen and Emile turned to Damian. "Er, what do you think, Bossman?" Ewen asked.

Damian responded with a smile. "Let's go." 

'It couldn't be any better.'

The three left.

~~~~~

Next Chapter: The Visit

~~~~~

Chapter Text

It's early Saturday morning at the park, yet every face that strolled and ran around are already enlivened. The sun shone brightly, the sky as clear as it can be. Children are out with their friends and pets, walking, chasing, playing, reading — the park was full of life.

A pair of hazel eyes observed the scenery, albeit in a tensed mood. He tapped his fingers repeatedly, bit his nails every now and then, and changed how he sat a number of times for the past 10 minutes.  He even repeatedly adjusted the temperature inside his limousine despite using the usual setting because for some reason he felt he's going to freeze — a sensation that is unique to this very day.

Damian closed his eyes and recalled what Becky instructed yesterday for their visit to Anya today.

'Listen, Desmond. Just be yourself and wear what you would when you hang out with your friends. Don't wear anything fancy, nor expect any. There will be no butlers nor house help as Anya's parents do everything in the house. We must not trouble them. Instead, we should even offer to help them out — like bring our plates to the kitchen, for instance. So turn down that bossy attitude a notch.' Damian mentally reviewed everything he can remember.

'Now, since you are visiting as a friend, her parents will definitely suspect that you like their daughter if you give her flowers. That's what I road from my novels. Fruits are fine— it's perfectly neutral. As for peanuts, well, you're bringing too much,' Becky said to him in his head.

'What? I already prepared this much for the visit. But... I guess you have a point...' Damian puffed his cheeks.

Becky suddenly had a new idea. 'I know! I'll be the one to carry the flowers, you will bring the fruits. That's it! As for the peanuts — er — just give her that in school on Monday. Yeah? You're less obvious this way. I'm sure her parents won't suspect a thing!' Becky exclaimed.

Damian took a deep breath and opened his eyes. His chaffeur spoke.

"Mr. Damian, it's time." Damian took the basket of fruits and a small flower bouquet.

"Mmm." Damian's door flew open as his bodyguard led him out of the car.

"I'll call you when you can pick me up," he instructed.

From a distance, he heard Becky's voice calling her. "Desmond!" she said, waving. She grabbed the flowers.

"Alright! Are you ready?" Becky asked Damian.

Damian nodded.

"Let's go!" Becky excitedly said.

Damian and Becky walked for 5 minutes. They reviewed what they agreed about the visit and how they planned for it to go.

Finally, they arrived at the front door of the building where the Forgers live. Becky pressed the door bell to Anya's house and spoke briefly with Yor.

The door lock was released and the two entered the building. Becky went straight to the wooden staircase. Damian followed her until they came to a door at the furthest end of the second floor hallway. Damian was quietly making a mental map of the place in his head.

"Are you okay?" Becky asked.

"Uh-huh." Damian replied. He was clearly nervous.

"It's gonna be fine, Desmond!" encouraged Becky. "I'm knocking now."

Damian gulped.

Knock-knock-knock. The sound echoed in the hallway.

The door opened. Yor Forger stood, pretty, sweet, and pleasant as always. She welcomed the two inside.

"Good morning, Becky, and... Damian, right? Come in," Yor said in a soothing voice. She welcomed the two inside.

"Good morning, Mrs. Forger," Becky and Damian responded. The two entered.

Typical sofa and furnitures, not one branded. Plain curtains that served the sole purpose of blocking the sunlight and hiding whatever is happening inside. There's a small television (probably where Anya watched her Bondman shows), a few plants and hung pictures on the wall. Nothing fancy. Yet...'

'It feels so warm, cozy, and welcoming.' Damian's thoughts wandered.

Realizing this, he redirected his attention to Becky and Yor.

"Is Mr. Forger home too?" Becky asked.

"No, but he will be back in the afternoon," Yor said.

"Thank you for letting us come, Mrs. Forger," Becky replied as she winked at Damian. Damian looked away as if it did not matter to him. Though the truth is, in fact, he was mentally rejoicing that Loid isn't around! At least for an hour or two...

Damian cleared his throat. "We appreciate that you allowed us to visit, Mrs. Forger," he said, slightly bowing his head. "How is Anya feeling?" he inquired.

Yor turned to Damian. "Compared to how she was two days ago, Anya is livelier today. Her fever is gone and her appetite is back. She went back to playing with her stuff toys this morning."

The two children sighed in relief. Yor noticed the fruits and flowers they carry.

"Oh, are those for Anya?"

"Yes Mrs. Forger," Becky replied. "We thought we'd bring something to cheer her up."

"I see, that's so thoughtful of you, Becky, Damian," Yor smiled at the two. "I'm sure she will be delighted to see you both. Come with me, I'll bring you to her room."

They walked past the living and dining areas when the two heard their friend's voice.

"Mama," Anya called out.

"Anya, I'm coming," Yor responded. "Wait here for a while," she told the two who stood just outside the door.

"Anya sounded like she's yet to regain her energy," Becky whispered to Damian. Damian nodded.

The two overheard Anya and Yor's conversation.

"Mama," Anya spoke, "I think Becky and Sy-on boy are near. I thought I heard them." Anya sat on her bed. "Mama, I want Papa's cookies. Becky likes it so much."

"I see. Then I'll prepare that for her," Yor responded.

"Mama, Sy-on boy too. Papa's cookies are fancy cookies for Anya so that would be fine. But I want him to get the star ones... eight of them," Anya told Yor.

Damian maintained his usual demeanor, but he gasped for air in his head. 'I - eight star cookies - eight stellas- imperial scholar...'

Anya knew he wants to be one, and she seems to want him to get it. He was deeply touched — he wants to hug her. But no, no, no!

"Alright, Anya," Yor smiled. "I'd prepare the cookies for them. Play with them for now, won't you?" Yor gestured the two to come in. Becky immediately ran inside the room.

"Anya! I'm here!" said a tearful Becky. She went straight to her friend and hugged her.

"Becky!" Anya beamed at her unexpected visitor.

"I would love the cookies," she said almost tearfully. "I miss you Anya!"

"Becky," Anya smiled softly. "I'm sorry, Anya was careless and got sick."

"It's okay," Becky replied.

"Damian? Don't be shy. Come inside," Yor gently called out. Damian came in, his hands tucked in his pockets. Anya was visibly surprised to see her classmate enter.

"I'm leaving you for a while." Yor closed the door as she left the three.

"Oi, Shr— Anya," he pulled his right hand and waved at Anya.

"H-hi Sy-on boy!" While not having her usual energy, it was clear how surprised Anya was. "I can't believe you visited me."

"Oh, we have something for you!" Becky exclaimed.

Becky stood and went to Damian. To his surprise, Becky shoved the flowers onto him and grabbed the basket of fruits from his hand.

"Anya, this is for you!" Becky was as quick as lightning.

"Thank you Becky!" Anya took the fruits from her friend.

'Wha-!' Damian failed to react immediately. He's now left with flowers to give.

Becky glanced at Damian and signaled him to give the flowers. The boy hesitantly approached Anya's bed — his face warm and slightly pink.

"Uh, get well soon, Shrimp," Damian said as he stretched out his arms to give the flowers while looking away.

"What are you doing, Desmond?!" said an agitated Becky. "Talk and give that to her properly!"

"Er, keep you voice down, Blackbell!" Damian annoyingly responded.

Anya laughed.

"There is no need to do it again," Anya reached for the flowers and took them to her chest. "Anya likes these pretty flowers! Thank you, Sy-on boy!" Anya beamed at him.

Since it was a sincere thanks, Damian felt his heart flutter. That bright smile — he surely miss having it.

Soon enough, Mrs. Forger knocked and spoke to the three. Damian turned his back on the door to hide his still pinkish cheeks.

"Uhm, I will be picking something at the City Hall and will be gone for at least an hour. Is it okay to leave you three?" She asked Becky and Damian

"Don't worry, Mrs. Forger! We'll look after Anya while you're gone," Becky responded. Damian nodded.

"Thank you, Becky, Damian. I left you something in the dining table. Anya, you can't leave the house. Understood?"

"Anya will not leave the house, mama!" Anya replied.

"Alright. I'll be off." Yor waved at the three before closing the door.

The three chatted for a few more minutes inside the room before snacking at the dining area. To Damian's delight, eight star-shaped cookies sat on his plate. Becky munched hers as soon as she saw them as she really love Loid's cookies. Anya ate both her cookies and peanuts. There they talked about what happened in class, about their teacher, about some reminders for the following week.

Becky also mentioned that she was assigned Ewen's buddy for Planetarium Monday.

"Huh? Who is Anya's buddy then?" Anya asked.

"I'm your buddy," Damian said. "But it's okay if you still need to be absent."

"Yeah if you're absent, Desmond will just go and visit again on Monday," said a grinning Becky.

Damian glared at her. "I-I definitely won't!"

Becky chuckled. Anya felt lost in the conversation. 'I wonder why Becky is saying these things.'

"You better treat her properly, Desmond. I will be watching you," she warned.

"It depends on how Shrimp behaves. If she runs around and might break something, she will hear from me," Damian responded.

"Anya thinks you'd be the one running when you see the telescope, Sy-on boy," Anya gave Damian her signature smug face. Of course, what the boy saw a pair of teasing emerald eyes and a cute smile.

"I- I will not!" Damian denied. Although deep inside, he's so excited to take a peek.

The two girls chuckled.

Two hours passed quickly as the three enjoyed their snacks. Soon enough, Loid and Yor came home with bags of food for lunch. Damian almost froze at the sight of Loid who smiled at them.

The three children were told to transfer to the sofa and watch the television as Anya's parents prepared lunch. Damian offered to bring their plates to the kitchen which Loid obliged. Damian strangely liked the feeling of doing a simple chore himself. He offered to help more but Loid and Yor convinced him to join the two girls instead.

Not long after, the table was ready and everyone had lunch together.

Loid looked at the four who enjoined him at the table. Becky was lively as ever, repeatedly hugging his daughter. Damian seemed to be enjoying himself, responding politely to him and Yor albeit a bit tensed. Anya cheerfully beamed and chuckled with her classmates. Yor gently nudged everyone to relax and eat more.

The faces of these children and his wife reminded him of the reason he worked so hard to protect the peace. Loid mentally kept a photograph of this peaceful and cheerful meal in his head as a reminder of why he does what he does. His motivation rose. 'Operation Strix must be a success, no matter what.' He briefly glanced towards Damian, lowered his gaze to hide a tinge of pity on the boy, and continued to engage with everyone in the table.

After lunch, Anya was given medicines and was told to rest in her room. Wanting Anya to relax and rest up fully, Becky and Damian decided to leave. They called their chauffeurs before bidding their farewell to the Forgers.

"Thank you very much for warmly welcoming us here," Damian politely said.

Loid nodded. "Although we can only offer your simple things, you are welcome to come visit us anytime," Loid told the two.

"We appreciate the invitation," Damian responded. He shook hands with Loid.

"Becky, thank you for taking care of Anya. And Damian, thank you for telling Anya about next week's school work," Yor said.

"Sure!" Becky exclaimed. She turned to Anya.

"I hope to see you on Monday, Anya!" Becky elbowed Damian.

"Get well soon and let us know if you can make it on Monday," Damian said to Anya.

"Mmm!" Anya nodded.

The Forgers and the children waved at each other as Becky and Damian walked down the hallway. Their cars awaited them outside the building as soon as they stepped out of the front door.

Becky went straight inside after saying goodbye to her classmate. As she left, Damian subconsciously looked at the side of the building where the Forger's residence is. There, he saw a beaming and waving Anya. He waved back at her. He turned away to hide the smile in his face as he got into his limousine.

~~~~~

"It seems Anya made great friends in school, Loid," Yor told her husband.

"Yes," Loid responded. He passed by Anya's room and saw a bouquet of flowers.

"Uhm, Yor," he called his wife's attention, "Who gave the flowers to Anya?" He asked, faking a innocent-and-curious demeanor.

Yor looked at the ceiling and tried to recall this morning. "Let's see... Becky brought Anya flowers. Damian brought her fruits," she said, while pointing to a basket beside Anya's bed.

"I see. Thank you, Yor."

'Loid is so protective of Anya.' Yor thought. She smiled as she watched her husband head to his room.

~~~~~

Next Chapter: Planetarium Monday

~~~~~

Chapter Text

"I'm sorry but Anya won't be able to join you today. "

Yor's voice echoed in the living room of the Forger residence as she spoke on the phone.

"Yes Becky. She is actually very excited about it. But we noticed that she still doesn't play a lot and gets tired easily. She needs one more day of rest." Yor replied in a kind voice.

"Don't worry. We think she'll be able to attend classes tomorrow. Yes, thank you, we'll tell her." She gently placed the phone back.

Yor went to Anya's room where she saw Loid sitting beside his sleeping daughter.

"Are you sure about this, Loid? Anya will surely be upset. You saw how she took her medicines and stayed in bed in order to get well fast for the Planetarium visit." Yor inquired.

Loid nodded. "It is better this way, Yor. She shouldn't move around too much. Anya's been lying on her bed for days. She must gradually return to her usual activities." Loid pointed out.

"Okay. Let's just think of the best way to tell her. I hope Anya understands."

"Mmmm." Loid agreed while scratching his cheek, a tinge of worry can be seen in his face.

~~~~~

It was as Loid feared. Unlike the usual peaceful start of the week, whining and stomping can be heard at the Forger residence that Monday morning.

"Anya wants to go to the Planetarium. WAAAAAAAA—!"

Anya whined and sniveled at her parents. Loid and Yor were struggling to comfort their upset daughter.

"Anya, it's okay..." Loid said.

"It's not okay! WAAAAAAA—!" Anya cried.

"I know! Do you want to watch Bondman? Come—"

"I don't want! WAAAAAA—-!" Anya protested.

Loid let out a deep sigh and started to become annoyed. Yor approached her husband.

"Loid, maybe we should just let her be upset for now," Yor suggested.

"Okay," Loid replied. He took a deep breath.

Once again, Loid spoke to Anya. "Anya, I know you are upset with Papa. I'm sorry," he said.

"Sorry, Anya. We know you are upset, but Mama and Papa needs to take care of you for another day," Yor told the girl.

"Anya is feeling better today. Anya wants to see the planets with Becky, mama," Anya said to her mother tearfully.

"I see, you want to go with Becky," Loid affirmed. Anya nodded.

Loid hugged his daughter. They stayed this way for a minute, Anya still crying in his arms.

"Do you want to keep studying with Becky?" asked Loid.

"Huh? Yes." Anya replied with a sob.

"Okay. Do you want to be there for the classes and excursions next time?"

Anya nodded.

"You know, Papa and Mama wants that too, Anya." Loid acknowledged. "That's why we don't want your fever back anymore."

Loid sat Anya beside him. "Right now, your body is still fighting the fever just a little bit more. That's why we have to help your body fight it by resting. It's so that when the fever is finally gone, it won't go back anytime soon— and Anya can be present in her classes and excursions all the time again."

Anya looked her father in the eyes. "A-Anya doesn't want to be absent anymore, Papa."

Loid patted her daughter's head.

Anya finally calmed down.

She touched her cheek with her index finger. "If Anya rests today, will I be going to school tomorrow?"

Her parents nodded.

"But I want to see the Planetarium," she said sadly.

"I see." Loid thought. "How about an excursion to the Planetarium with Mama and Papa? So you can still see everything your classmates saw." Loid took a small notebook out. It's his tiny planner.

Yor noticed this and quickly pointed it out to Anya. "See that Anya? Papa is already putting the Planetarium Visit in his schedule," Yor smiled at the girl sweetly.

Anya wiped the remaining tears in her eyes. "Okay, Papa, Mama. I will go back to bed. I want to be in school tomorrow!" Anya walked to her room. Yor smiled at Loid before she followed her daughter inside. Loid smiled back at her, albeit forced.

As soon as Yor left, Loid sighed and frantically stared at his open planner.

'I'm. too. overworked.'

His shoulders dropped.

"Papa? I want peanut cake, please!" Anya spoke as loud as she can to be heard from her room.

"Okay, Papa will buy you a cake." Loid sighed again as he closed his planner. "Well, it's for Operation Strix. I'd better get this done." He took his wallet and keys from the drawer and left the house for the peanut cake store at Maines street.

As soon as they heard the door close, Anya reached for her mother's clothes.

"Mama..." Yor looked at her.

"I want to call the school dormitory."

"The school dormitory? Why?" Yor asked.

Anya explained her dilemma.

"I see. Okay, let's do it." Yor gladly obliged.

Anya was pleased that her mother agreed. They went to the phone and dialed the contact number of the dormitories that they found at the Eden Academy Handbook. Anya held the handset on her ear as she waited for the dormitory caretaker to answer.

Finally, someone picked up.

"Eden Academy Dormitories. Please let me know who is on the line."

"Uhm, hi! This is Anya Forger of Class 3."

"Ah! Good morning, Ms. Forger. Who would you like to reach?"

~~~~~

"Bossman, are you okay?" Ewen asked Damian whom he found staring outside the window, his chin resting on one hand.

"Mmm, mmm." Damian responded curtly.

For the first time in his life, Damian looked forward to Monday. But now he'll just be tagging along with Ewen and Becky because Anya was not cleared by her parents to join the Planetarium visit.

"Well, Anya's been weak and resting in bed for several days. Her parents probably do not want her to push herself on her first school activity since her illness," Ewen told his friend.

"I know." Damian replied.

The two boys ate and chatted in Damian's room when the phone suddenly rang.

'A phone call this early in the morning?' Damian thought. Not in the mood to talk, he decided to ignore it.

'If that's a call from father's butler, it will stop in five rings.' Damian closed his eyes as he counted. Third... fourth... fifth... sixth... seventh.. eighth.. ninth?!...

"Bossman, are you sure you're not picking up? The caller's pretty persistent." Ewen asked.

"Tsk." Damian is starting to get pissed.

Ewen sighed. "The ringing's quite irritating. I'll just answer it and tell the caller you're away." Ewen stood up and answered the phone.

"Hello, this is Damian Desmond's line. I'm sorry, he's not here at the moment." Ewen said.

"I-I see. I'm sorry to call this early. Please tell Sy-on bo— Sorry, Mr. Desmond—"

"A-Anya?" Ewen asked.

'ANYA?!' Damian's body moved in a flash. He took the phone from an astonished Ewen, who gave way as he chuckled at his friend.

"Yes, this is Anya." Damian heard Anya confirm as he held the phone to his right ear.

"Er, please tell him that my mama and papa said—"

"— you still have to rest, right, Shrimp?" Damian interrupted. He noticed that Anya sniffed and her voice quivered as she spoke. 'Did she cry?' He thought.

"Sy-on boy?!" Anya said in a surprised voice.

"Speaking, Shrimp," Damian said. "Are you okay? Did you cry?" he asked.

"Er... Anya... was upset earlier when Papa told me I can't go to the Planetarium, so, yes," Anya replied, scratching her right cheek.

"You know you need to be sure you're okay before you go back to school, right? That's why I told you it's okay if you still need to rest today. If you insist on coming and your fever comes back, you will miss more classes and that's worse, you know." Damian explained. He sat himself at the couch.

"Yeah, Anya understands now. That's what papa told me earlier. That's why Anya is fine with it now," Anya replied.

"Good. So don't cry anymore," said Damian.

"Mmm... Sorry I can't come today. Anya really wants to go to the Planetarium with Sy-on boy." Anya said sadly.

'Wha—! How could she say these things to me like this? She's... so sweet.' Damian's face was bright red.

"I-It's okay. You should get better first." Damian coughed lightly. "But you better make up for it!" He quickly added with a pout.

"Okay! Anya will go to the Planetarium with Mama and Papa. Papa will work on his schedule." Anya told him in her usual, determined voice.

"I see," Damian felt a little jealous. 'The Forgers — what a great family'. Sadly, his family doesn't care to see to him even on weekends... for months now.

"Yes! So after that, Anya will still be able to help Sy-on boy with the output. Anya will surely have great ideas, so be sure to have good ones too, Sy-on boy! You should enjoy the visit today!" Anya said encouragingly.

"Uhm, but I don't think we'll have to work together on the output anymore though," he said.

"Are you sure? Anya will talk to the teacher. Anya wants to work with Sy-on boy!" Anya said.

Damian giggled as quietly as he could. His heart is beating fast. He likes it when Anya is this direct at him.

The school bell rang which Anya heard on the phone.

"Oh, you need to go now. Thank you for taking Anya's call, Sy-on boy!" Anya said cheerfully.

"Yup. You're lucky I took it." Damian said. 'Dammit I need to thank Ewen for this...'

Anya chuckled. "Bye Sy-on boy! See you tomorrow!"

"Bye..." Damian placed the phone back on the table. He gently tapped his face twice before turning around and seeing a giggling Ewen on the dining table.

"What are you waiting for? Let's go." Damian said, smiling. He patted Ewen in the shoulder to gesture his thanks.

"Aye, aye, bossman." Ewen replied with a grin. The two left.

~~~~~

The bus assigned to Class 3 entered the parking lot to a dome-like establishment. Teachers gave instructions to their students before they were instructed to alight and pair up with their respective buddies.

As soon as the bus doors opened, a cheerful announcement was heard.

"Welcome to the Ostania National Planetarium, students of Eden Academy!" said a merry voice.

Everyone was thrilled upon hearing the warm welcome. Several consecutive popping sounds were heard after the last student went out of the bus. Right after this, bits of glittering confetti fell and floated over the students' head. Everyone was delighted!

Even Damian who still felt a bit off about not being with Anya in the Planetarium visit watched the glimmering ceiling with a gasp. 'I wish Anya could see this.' He thought.

The teachers instructed all student buddies to fall in line. A few reminders were given before heading inside.

"Remember that each pair must write a reflection about the things you learned here in the Planetarium. Grading will be the same between buddies, so I expect you to work together." The teacher turned. "Alright, let's head inside."

The students walked after their teacher in a line. Following Becky and Ewen at the very end was Damian.

The dome was actually a big auditorium inside. The children sat in the theater seats, and watched spectacular projections and presentations about the solar system, stars, galaxies and many different celestial bodies.

Damian watched intensely to find interesting things to write on his and Anya's paper. He didn't notice himself getting carried away. The stunning image of a dark, starry night and the northern lights played like a broken record in his mind.

He suddenly whispered, "Imagine if we can walk under this together when we grow up, Anya—"

He stopped.

Damian immediately glanced at Ewen to check if he heard anything. He was relieved to see his friend intensely focused on the ceiling. (In his right is the aisle. He doesn't want to sit beside just anyone.)

Damian lightly shook his head repeatedly as if trying to wake himself. He then covered his reddened face in embarrassment.

~~~~~

Next Chapter: Papa and Mama

~~~~~

Chapter Text

Loid finally got home with a peanut cake in his hand. He went to the kitchen to refrigerate it before checking on his wife and still recovering daughter.

Loid opened the door to the little girl's room and saw Anya soundly asleep. His wife turned to him as he emerged from the door.

"How is she, Yor?"

"Loid," she smiled after seeing her husband. "Anya is fine now. She asked me to call her Planetarium buddy that she won't make it today. After that, she went to bed and quickly fell asleep."

"I see. She must be tired from all the crying she did earlier. Thank you for looking after her, Yor." Loid said.

"Uhm, you really don't have to thank me," Yor replied slightly blushing. "I like taking care of Anya, even though I'm not really her mother."

For a second, Loid saw sadness in Yor's eyes.

"Er, I think I must do something. Excuse me, Loid." She stood and excused herself in a hurry.

Loid noticed the change in Yor's demeanor. 'Maybe she forgot something,' he thought. Loid chose to ignore it. He carefully touched Anya's forehead to check her temperature. 'Her fever's really gone.' He fixed her blanket. Loid then left the room and saw Yor enter her room at the same time.

'Now then, I need to do that mission so I can free up a day for Anya.' He opened his tiny planner. He scanned to check the assigned mission this week.

'This one.'

He pointed to a freshly-written series of letters G-S-Db:AS under Thursday.

'GSDb:AS - Grocery Smuggled Diamonds at Billa. Ostanian Diamonds will be smuggled in a box of flour brand Srettil for Hugaria at Billa Grocery. Informant said the box will be delivered Monday 5am and will be put at the back of the rack 39M by 10am of the same day. Diamonds will be brought to Mettle H Pawnshop to be inspected by a veteran Hugarian jeweler, so that would be the next point to intervene in case the diamond has been purchased. Price to be computed by the jeweler will be billed on Wednesday to Hugaria. Wire transfer will be made on Thursday. Estimated total cost of diamonds: 80 million dalcs. Funding direction: Ostanian Army and Guardian Force Armaments Section and Research Division. :AS means the mission is an ASAP-S class mission.'

Loid closed his eyes to think.

'If I'd get this done today until Wednesday, Thursday afternoon will be free for the Planetarium visit. Alright.'

Loid went inside his room to assemble the things for the mission. He got ready in no time.

Before leaving, Loid knocked at Yor's room. "Yor? I will be leaving for a while."

No one answered. Loid decided to take a peek. He opened the door and saw Yor on her bed.

He went inside and pulled the blanket over his wife. He noticed streaks of tears about to dry on her face.

'Is something bothering her? I should probably ask her later.' He thought. He then left the room, eventually the building, to begin his mission.

He went into an alley to meet Franky, his informant. They discussed the details of the plan.

"Yes, I'll be your driver and lookout." He pointed to a nearby car. Loid and Franky inserted a device in their left ear. Donning a fake face, he covered the device with his wig.

"Let's go." Loid and Franky went into the car.

Within 7 minutes, the two arrived at Billa Grocery. Franky parked in the front door parking. Loid alighted as a black-haired, purpled-eyed man in a blue shirt bearing a spatula and brown pants. He walked inside the grocery store. It was 10:42am.

Loid took a cart for his grocery shopping while he scanned the surroundings to check for any suspicious individual (aside from himself). He was not alarmed.

To look natural, Loid went first to the baking and pastry supplies section to buy a muffin tray, liners, and cooking spray. He also took peanuts for Anya at a nearby aisle, as well as tea and coffee for himself and Yor. He had a passing thought about Yor this morning while taking the escalator to the second floor. He brushed off the thought and redirected his attention to the mission as soon as his foot stepped on the target floor.

Loid immediately found aisle 39. There was a woman with a cart scouring the aisle before him. He walked through the aisle, keeping a distance behind her, and taking baking powder and sugar along his way. The woman reached the end of the aisle and went to the next. He looked behind him and saw no one.

'39M. M is the thirteenth rack. Odd number, right side. Therefore, 7th rack from the front. Quick, Twilight.' He thought. He was right— he saw the Srettil brand flours just where he deduced he would find it. "Phil, how many should I buy for the cake?" He asked.

Franky replied, "Six would be enough, Seraph." In reality, the two communicated that the search has now commenced.

In front of Loid were 3 rows of 7 neatly lined flours. Loid pretended to check the box in front, nodded, then placed it back.

"Alright Phil, I'm getting all six boxes of flour." He reached for the 6th and 7th box on each row and placed them in his cart one by one. However, he felt that the 4th box was much heavier. He continued to take two more boxes which also felt as heavy as the other two. 'Mission accomplished.' He thought.

"Okay, Phil, I'm getting buttermilk and vanilla, then I'm done." Loid said. He went and took these, and then proceeded to the first floor for check-out.

"Hi sir, do you have Srettil Flour here?" Loid overheard a tall, seemingly ordinary man ask. He then asked the cashier how her day is going and pretended while he listened to both her and the suspicious man.

"It's upstairs sir, aisle 39, shelf M." The manager answered.

"Thank you."

'We have to get out of here fast.' Loid thought.

"Do you wish to purchase an ecobag, sir?" said the cashier.

"Please put it in a box, please. I know you have many boxes to dispose of." Loid answered with a smile.

"Alright sir," the woman cashier beamed cheerfully.

Loid discreetly looked around and saw the man disappear to the 2nd floor.

"Uh, I'll help you with that," said Loid. "Here's the exact payment. Thank you."

The woman thanked him as well. Loid carried his groceries outside and brought the box inside Franky's car. He saw 3 suspicious man and a car parked on the other side. Loid went inside the car and they left the grocery.

As soon as they were out of the suspicious mean's sight, Franky sped up at the freeway.

"He only missed you by a few minutes." Franky told him.

Loid nodded. Franky exited the freeway and brought the car back to the rental shop. They walked to a nearby building where they changed and then took their real car into a hidden track in the forest. As soon as they passed, Westalis spy assistants came out to cover their tracks. After 12 minutes, the two reached a building and went through a hidden backdoor. They again transferred to another car and drove to the Handler's hideout.

"Very well. Let's open the boxes." The handler told Twilight (Loid's spy name) and Franky. Twilight took 3 boxes with a green dot on the side — a sign he'd put on the boxes which were significantly heavier than the other flour boxes.

As soon as they opened the first box, the three gasped. Twilight's jaws clenched. The box contained flour and rocks.

"Hmmm. There's a decoy, huh? Very clever." The handler said. "Hurry, open the second box."

The three held their breath as they opened the second box. This time, Twilight tapped the table. The box contained flour and cheap beads.

Handler closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Let's open the third one." She commanded.

'Don't tell me this is not it.' Twilight's fists closed tightly as he waited for Franky to open the flour. Their jaw dropped when diamonds gushed with the flour on the table. Handler held a diamond under a loupe and into the diamond detector. She took the contents of the third box into a device that filtered the diamonds from the flour. She weighed these and made a few computations. Finally, she spoke to the two.

"These are real 3 carat diamonds, 720 grams or approximately 1200 individual diamonds. Estimated amount is 80 million dalcs. Once again, good work, Agent Twilight, Franky." Handler continued.

Twilight was greatly relieved upon realizing that he successfully accomplished the mission. Now, he can schedule Anya's Planetarium visit on Thursday, after school.

It is 12:15 noon. Twilight left ahead of Franky to go home. He called his house. Yor picked the phone up.

"Yor, sorry I went to work for a while and failed to tell you." Loid said.

"It's okay, Loid, I fell asleep earlier." Yor told him. "Anya just ate peanut cake. She's now running around, playing with her stuff toys."

"I see. It seems she's really feeling better." Loid replied. "Have you eaten? I'll buy food along the way."

"I also took a bite of Anya's peanut cake, but I haven't eaten a proper meal too." Yor said.

"Alright, I'll buy so we can eat together." Loid said.

"Uh— okay." Yor smiled. "Take care and we'll wait for you, Loid." She hung up.

Loid bought some food from a nearby restaurant and walked home.

Meanwhile, Yor carefully laid her body on the sofa, the back of her right hand over her eyes.

'I'm fake and useless. I couldn't even cook food for my family.' She cringed.

"Mama, are you okay?" Anya asked.

"Yes, Anya." Yor responded.

"Okay, I love you mama!" Anya told Yor before going to her room.

Yor smiled.

'Anya sees me as a real mother, it seems.' She thought. 'If I could just be a better woman, maybe Loid would see me as a real wife too.' She thought as she stared at their family portrait on the wall.

Yor has fallen for Loid ever since he defended her from Camilla during a party, and proposed with a grenade ring when they were chased by his patients. Because of an agreement, Yor agreed to live with Loid and act as a fake family in his house. She thought their relationship could possibly deepen and bloom by living together.

However, despite months of being together, Yor felt as distant to Loid as they've first met. Knowing Loid hasn't fallen for her, she faulted herself for not being a reliable woman. She took her clenched fist to her chest.

Suddenly, Loid emerged from the door. He caught a glimpse of Yor's facial expression before she went back to her usual self.

"Loid! You're home." She said. "Let me help you with that." Yor went to Loid and began fixing the food on the table.

Loid, now aware that Yor is hiding her feelings, asked her about it. "Yor, I know we are a fake family. But you can always tell me if something is bothering you." He told her.

'I can't tell you this, Loid.' Yor thought. "I'm fine. It's just that, I wish I could help you more, Loid." She said, hiding the other reason of her pent up frustration.

Loid patted Yor at the back. "Yor, you have greatly helped me already." He said.

"Eh? How?" Yor doubtfully asked.

"You don't notice it, do you?" Loid gently placed the plates on the table, Yor looked at her husband. "You notice it whenever I feel tensed, and give me new perspective on how to handle things, especially Anya." He said. "I would not have calmed her down had you not told me to let her be upset for a while." He smiled at her.

"I see," Yor replied. Her sadness still visible in her eyes. "Thank you, Loid. But honestly, you are a great father. You really could have done everything without me." Yor said with a quivering voice.

Loid saw the sorrow that Yor feels as her insecurity crept within. He immediately remembered himself and his difficult childhood, and imagined how painful and debilitating it is to fall into the hands of a critical inner self.

'Yor has helped me countless times. She has unknowingly contributed to the success of Operation Strix and the peace that we still can protect. Yor— helped me fight her brother's skepticism. She fought beside me and... even saved my life...'

'If she leaves, I cannot possibly find a better... wife.' His heart weighed heavily. Franky warned him to keep his feelings in check. But Yor is a beautiful, kind, sweet, and strong lady. A rare lady who can even handle thugs herself. Just the perfect wife for a spy in a spy novel— he realized. His  fake wife is a novel's ideal spy wife incarnate.

Fighting to keep her tears from falling, Yor turned her back on Loid. Seeing her hair float and fall in place, Loid brushed his fingers on her silky long hair, before putting his hands on her shoulders.

"Yor, thank you for being with me and Anya all this time. I may not show it, but our life feels complete with you here with us." He said... sincerely.

"Loid, I— I wish I could do something more for Anya... For you." Yor turned to her husband, his face just a breath away. Finally, the first tear drop fell on her left cheek. Loid gently wiped it with his thumb and held her left cheek on his right palm.

"I see. Thank you, Yor. But," he paused to make a point, "there is no need to try too hard and become the perfect wife. Do whatever it is you want to do for us, Yor. I want you to be yourself, in your imperfections. As you have accepted us for what we are, I... We... love you just the way you are." Loid softly said, his heart pounding.

"Loid." Yor said. 'He's so close.' She blushed. 'He said he loves me... for who I am...' She smiled softly.

"Thank you, Loid. That means so much for me to hear." She said, her eyes closed.

To her surprise, Loid took her into his arms. He gently put Yor's face on his left shoulder.

Fearing the consequence of what he is about to say, as his emotions drowned him, Loid gulped.

"I want you to stay here with us." He said.

Surprised, Yor hesitated to hug Loid back. Finally, she gave in. Her arms flew around him.

"Yes, I will. You can count on me, Loid." She said.

The two rested their thoughts and worries on each other's arms — in a mutual embrace that is as real as it can get.

Suddenly, they heard a door creak. The two quickly went back to fixing the table when Anya emerged from her bedroom with faces as red as tomato.

"Mama, Papa!" She said. "I'm hungry."

Anya went closer and realized her parents' faces.

"Are you hot? Why are your faces red?" Anya innocently asked her parents.

She then heard Yor's thoughts, 'I hope Anya didn't see me and Loid embracing.'

'EMBRACING?!' Anya froze.

"Uh— nothing!" Yor answered in a visibly embarrassed look.

"Ah." Loid nodded while he scratched his face and looked away.

Anya quickly hid her awkwardness by looking down as she quietly took her seat on the table. 'Anya should stop mind-reading right now!'

Anya suddenly started stuffing food into her mouth, to her parents' surprise.

~~~~~

Next Chapter: Welcome Back, Anya!

~~~~~

Chapter Text

Becky hurriedly went out as soon as the car door was opened.

"ANYA!"

Becky's arms flew around her friend.

"I'm here, Becky," said a beaming Anya.

"I'm so glad!" Becky exclaimed. "I was kinda worried your parents would hold you again for another day."

"They were a bit worried, but at least I will just be sitting in class today," Anya said. "They kept telling me not to tire myself out."

"Well you really shouldn't! After all, we don't want your fever back." Becky paused. "But you know, I really missed you yesterday at the Planetarium."

Becky then whispered something to Anya.

"Ooohhh and while you're away.... I discovered your little secret!" Becky said with a wide, teasing grin.

"Huh? What secret?" Anya looked at her friend.

"Don't deny it to me, Anya... About the flower and the date to a fancy restaurant!" Becky said. She was referring to what Ewen and Emile said about Damian and Anya when they approached her to bring their 'get well soon' gifts to her friend. Anya wore a waiting expression for Becky to elaborate.

"You're going out with Desmond and you're not telling your best friend! It broke my heart, you know! I deserve to know your lovelife!" She said with a fake sobbing voice.

"Ahhh..." Anya curtly replied.

"What 'Ah'? That's all you're gonna say to a— bleeding friend?!" Becky exclaimed.

"Becky, you're overreacting to this you know." Anya began to explain herself. "I'm not going out with him like he formally invited me or so. It just happened that he was hungry and I was hungry too so I tagged along. As for the flower...it doesn't mean anything! It's just that it's better for me to hold it than a boy." Anya reasoned while blushing slightly.

'And it's for world peace... that's all there is to it.' Anya thought to herself.

"But he tucked the flower on your ear! Not anyone would do that, especially Desmond! He's like a prince around here! Not like he really is one, nor do I treat him as one, given his attitude," a pouting Becky said.

"Really, Becky, you've interpreting it in a different way." Anya told her friend. "It was nothing. It just so happened you know."

"Wait..." Anya thought she saw Becky's eyes sparkle, as if a brilliant(?) idea flew by. "I see now... I see! Marvelous, Desmond! Everything blended in with the 'circumstances' so well like they're 'mere coincidences'! I am impressed, really, but I am not letting you fool my dear friend." Becky said to herself. Anya can be seen scratching her head.

Anya sighed. "I think your novels have clouded your vision of what is actually happening, Becky." She paused. "Think carefully. Sy-on boy, a Desmond, a son of a wealthy and influential family — you of all people know how absurd it is to link him — of all people — to me." Anya pointed out. However, Becky got even more excited, to her surprise.

"Ha!" Becky squealed. "A forbidden love! The story of two lovers of different social classes — or two different worlds. They love each other truly but the people and their circumstances prevent them from being together. What a tragedy." She turned to Anya whose one hand is now on her forehead. "The story just gets even better as we speak, Anya!"

'It's hopeless to argue with her now.' Anya thought. Becky's eyes clearly show how obsessed she is with whatever story she's written in her head.

The two finally stepped inside the classroom. As soon as they entered, the girls at the back started gossiping. At the same time, two boys at the back elbowed their friend who was busy writing on his notebook. Because his concentration was disrupted, Damian noticed Anya enter the room.

Ewen, Emile and Damian heard a group of girls gossip nearby. "Oh, our sleeping clown is back. It feels so cheap in here all of a sudden." The girls beside her laughed.

"You think this school takes in cheap students now?" Damian rebuked. The girls pursed their lips and pretended to be busy of something.

'Er? Is Sy-on boy telling them off?" Anya thought. She matched Becky's strides to somewhat conceal herself (although that is not really what happened). She tried to not look to the direction of Damian and the girls.

After his sharp words, Damian discreetly glanced at Anya. He felt his heart race when he saw Anya's face as she moved around to her side of the desk. He noticed that she wore a different hairstyle that day. Anya's hair was parted in the middle, with two buns around her horn-like accessories, a some frills on the sides of her face.

'She's too cute, dammit.' Damian thought, struggling not to stare while his heart fluttered at the sight. Damian pretended to look to his right to hide his blushing face. Ewen and Emile chuckled as they hid their friend from their classmates' view.

However, Anya heard Damian's thoughts. 'Sy-on boy likes my hair? Hehe.' Anya thought with a smug face.

The school bell rang. Immediately, their teacher for the first period came.

Becky still giggled to herself occasionally during class. Anya knew it was because of the story she's playing in her mind about her and Desmond. At times she blushed at what her friend thought but mostly she concentrated hard to pay it no mind.

During the second period, their teacher held a surprise recitation in class. One of the girls at the back near Ewen was asked to answer. Anya turned to the girl to hear her better. While listening, her and Damian's eyes accidentally met.

Realizing that Anya caught him staring, Damian reacted by sticking out his tongue and mockingly saying 'BLEH' to her. He expected her to get annoyed. However, to his shock, Anya beamed at him and waved her hand cheerfully.

That very moment, Damian felt like he was struck by lightning! The face of Anya in those cute buns, the sparkling beautiful emerald eyes, and that very bright and cheerful smile — all solely directed to him — immediately sent a great amount of exhilaration to him. As his heart raced and pounded uncontrollably, Damian briefly took a clutched palm to his chest. The poor boy then buried his burning and reddened face in his palms. Anya only reacted with her signature smirk. Becky shook her friend. Ewen and Emile managed to prevent themselves from giggling after at their visibly embarrassed friend after noticing what happened.

"Did you see Desmond's reaction when you waved at him? It's like he's having a heart attack!' Becky's eyes were tearing slightly and her voice quivered out of amusement. Anya's smirking expression stayed in her face.

Their teacher noticed the two chattering in front. Frustrated that his students weren't listening, he called both girls to recite afterwards. Having not listened to the previous student's answer, both of them gave strange responses, causing the class to burst laughing. Untroubled, Anya's smirk remained in her face until Becky has calmed.

Finally, the school bell rang. While Becky and Anya got themselves ready to go to the cafeteria, Damian, Ewen, and Emile approached them.

"Welcome back, Shrimp," Emile told Anya.

"Thank you, Emile. How was the competition?" Anya asked.

"Well, I was second place. Someone beat me, but his art's really good." He responded.

"Wow, he must really be if you are giving him that compliment." Anya said.

"So why are you here?" Becky frankly asked with a weird smile.

"Well, we just thought we'd say hi," Ewen said. "By the way, it was me who answered the call yesterday, Anya." He said.

"Call? What call?" Becky asked.

"Anya called Bossman early in the morning to let him know that she won't be joining the Planetarium visit." Becky gasped. "Hold on, Blackbell. They're buddies, so that's expected." Ewen said.

'Thanks Ewen.' Both Anya and Damian thought to themselves.

Damian cleared his throat and faced Anya. "It's good that you're back, Shrimp," he said, his face still a little red. "Anyway, I am writing my output for the Planetarium visit. In case you don't know, if we pass early, we'd get a bonus point." He explained.

Anya realized she hasn't clarified with the teacher if she'll be sharing an output with Damian. Damian was her assigned buddy for the Planetarium visit yesterday, but she had to be absent because she wasn't cleared by her parents to come.

"Oh, I see. The bonus points sound terrific. I am sorry, Sy-on boy. Anya will be visiting the Planetarium on Thursday, so it might be better not to work with you. Anya doesn't want to pull you down. Go ahead without me, I won't mind!" Anya said, smiling.

"Tsk. You got it all wrong, Shrimp." Damian said. "If you're going to talk to our teacher, talk to him before leaving this afternoon."

"Oh okay! And then I'll tell you what he says." Anya said, her hands together on one cheek. "Will you come with me so we can tell him together?"

Becky, Ewen, Emile, and even Damian were all taken aback. 'This girl, how brazen!' they all thought. But Anya was just being herself. He innocent eyes and delivery says it all.

"A-Anya!" Becky said. "You can't ask Desmo—"

"We'll go together later, Shrimp, so don't forget." Damian said. Anya nodded. Damian then walked to the door and gestured his friends to follow.

When the three disappeared, Becky complained and tried to lecture her friend.

"Wha— did he really interrupt me from telling you not to ask him? And Anya, I think you should be less direct. It's like you're asking him out earlier," Becky told her friend. Anya lightly scratched her own cheek with a finger.

"We're buddies. It's not like we assigned ourselves. We're supposed to work together." Anya reasoned.

'To be honest, I like what Sy-on boy did. Sorry Becky.' Anya quietly thought to herself.

"Well, it seems he really would allow you to be his company now," Becky said.

The two girls finally left and continued their chatter in the cafeteria.

~~~~~

Next Chapter: Under the Stars Someday

~~~~~

Chapter Text

"Well, I guess we have to work together on our project," Anya told Damian with a smile.

The two walked along the hallway towards the gate.

"I guess I have no choice," Damian said, although he really was happy with it. "When should we start?"

"Well, I will be going to the Planetarium with Papa and Mama on Thursday so I think Friday would be best." Anya suddenly stopped walking and thought hard with crossed arms.

Damian looked at her. "Something the matter?"

"Nothing. Anya just feels a little sad that we won't get the bonus points for passing early." Anya explained. "If I can just convince Papa and Mama to go tomorrow instead..."

"There is no need to push for the bonus points. What matters more is the quality of our output anyway." Damian said. "I'd rather lose the bonus point than submit a crappy output. So you better do well, you hear me?"

"I know, I know. You've told me countless times already." Anya said. "Geez, why do I have to be working with you of all people?" She sighed.

"You get to deal with what you've dealt with." Damian smirked. The two arrived at the gate where a school bus awaited Eden students by the bus stop.

"Alright, Anya will give her all!" Anya said. "Anya promises that, Sy-on boy."

The bus then horned to signal that it's going to leave in 2 minutes.

"It's time for you to go." Damian took out a bag of peanuts and discreetly gave it to Anya.

As expected, Anya's eyes sparkled as soon as she set her eyes on it. "What? This is for Anya?" Anya beamed at Damian. "Thank you, Sy-on boy!" She said.

Anya ran to the bus and took a seat next to the window. As soon as she was seated, Anya waved at Damian.

'Maybe I should ask Papa and Mama if we can go tomorrow instead.' Anya thought.

~~~~~

"Papa, can we have the Planetarium visit tomorrow?" Anya asked Loid.

Loid looked at his daughter. "We've scheduled it on Thursday, right? Why tomorrow?" He asked.

"Yes Papa. But the deadline for our output is Saturday morning so Anya thinks it's better to do it sooner." She explained.

"I see." Loid acknowledged.

'Hmm, I already took an important mission for tomorrow. It's impossible for me to go.' Loid thought. Anya heard this and turned to her mother hoping for a favorable reply.

"Mama can you come with me tomorrow?" asked Anya.

"Er, let's see..." Yor struggled to take out the words from her mouth. "I-I have a meeting tomorrow afternoon with my boss. It's a monthly meeting and he told us that he wants everyone to be there. I'm sorry, Anya, it seems I can't make it tomorrow." Yor said with a visibly troubled expression as she rejected her daughter's request.

"Oh... Okay..." Anya sadly replied. Anya felt disappointed. She wants to make a really good output so that Damian would like her and they would be friends more. But Anya thinks it is not possible for her to create something stellar in just one day. Anya's thoughts wandered, projecting Damian in it. 'I thought you promised, Shrimp. What's this? I should just've worked on my own.' Frustrated, she sighed.

Loid and Yor noticed Anya's silence and pondering. While they understand their daughter, both of their commitments just cannot be moved. The two looked at each other to try to seek support and try to comfort themselves. However, they both ended up taking a deep breath.

Suddenly, the phone rang.

~~~~~

On his way to the dormitory, Damian noticed his friend Emile walking to his direction.

"Bossman!" Emile called out. He ran to Damian.

"Oi, Emile. Are you in a hurry?" Damian asked.

"Yes Bossman. Where is Anya?" Emile asked.

"She already left." Damian noticed the direction from where Emile came. "Did you go to the faculty building?" Damian asked.

"Bossman, you forgot, don't you? The effect that Anya has on you is really something!" He giggled. Damian stared at him, slightly puzzled.

"I also missed the Planetarium last Monday," Emile clarified. Damian has now remembered.

"Anyway," Emile continued, "Our teacher asked me to call Anya back."

"Why? You better tell me the details." Damian said.

"Of course, Bossman! So tomorrow, after the afternoon class, the school arranged for a Planetarium visit for those who missed it last Monday. I was asked to tell Anya, but unfortunately she already left." Emile scratched her head. He then noticed his friend smile.

"Bossman?" Emile asked.

"Has our teacher left his office?" Damian asked.

"Nope. He said he'll wait for me to report back after telling Anya-"

"Anya's not here. Let's go to the faculty room." Damian ordered.

Puzzled, Emile looked at his friend. After a short while, he slowly smiled. "I see. Let's go, Bossman!" He exclaimed.

~~~~~

Loid stood up to pick the phone up. Meanwhile, Anya still silently ate.

Yor tried to offer Anya some peanut cake to cheer her up. Anya nodded, thanked her, then ate it without a word.

'Anya must really want to have more time to work on her output.' Yor closed her eyes and sighed.

"Yes, definitely! I will allow it. Thank you." Those were Loid's last words to the caller before he put the phone down. He then went back to the dining table— now with a cheerful face.

"Oh, so Anya's eating peanut cake already?" He said, trying to engage his daughter. Anya nodded.

"Anya, Papa has good news for you," Loid started. Anya looked at her father with a blank expression. Yor also looked at him, wearing a puzzled look.

"What is it, Papa?" Anya asked in a monotone.

"Your teacher called. Eden arranged for a Planetarium visit tomorrow afternoon for students who missed it last Monday. I told them that I am allowing you to go with the official chaperone from school," Loid said beaming. "What do you think, Anya?"

Anya's face turned from expressionless to pleasantly thrilled.

"Really Papa?!" Anya asked, to which Loid confirmed by doing a thumbs up.

Anya stood and rejoiced. "Yehey! Hahaha! Anya will be going to the Planetarium tomorrow!" She ran around excitedly.

"I'm happy for you, Anya!" Yor told her daughter.

"Mmm, mmm! Thank you, Mama, Papa!" Anya said.

'This way, we won't cram too much and would even possibly finish our output early for the bonus point! Sy-on boy will be pleased!' Anya thought.

"Alright, Anya, if you've finished eating, you should already rest since you have a long day tomorrow," Loid told his daughter.

"Okay! Good night, Papa, Mama!" Anya happily ran to her room. She then prepared the things she will need for tomorrow.

~~~~~

Anya went to school cheerfully the next day. After the last class, Becky wished her friend to enjoy the short excursion.

"My chaffeur is here. I need to go. See you tomorrow! Enjoy the Planetarium!" Becky waved as she ran to her service.

"Thank you, Becky!" Anya said as she waved back to her friend.

Anya saw the clock— it was 2:40pm. She then turned to the bus stop.

"Now then, I'd better wait there."

Anya walked to the direction of the bus stop while trying to remember their teacher's instructions from earlier.

"And lastly, those who were authorized yesterday to join the make up Planetarium visit later should be at the bus stop at exactly 2:45pm. The arranged chaperone from the Planetarium is a professional who shall guide you for the duration of the visit. You will be taken there by the Eden Academy car service which will be waiting for only 5 minutes. Planetarium reservations were at 3:00pm so make sure to come on time or you'll miss certain attractions. Do I make myself clear?" She imagined her teacher talking to her in her head.

"Yes ma'am." Anya said to herself.

Anya sat at the bench and waited for the service. Indeed, the car came at exactly 2:45pm. A woman in purple uniform came out and greeted Anya.

"Miss Forger, I presume?" The woman said.

"Uh, yes." Anya responded.

"Good afternoon, Miss Forger! I am Iwata, official chaperone and guide arranged for Eden Academy make up Planetarium visit."

"I'm Anya Forger! Pleased to meet you!" Anya beamed.

"Likewise. Alright, today you will be learning about the heavens, Miss Forger. You will see the universe, the galaxy, the stars, the planets, and other celestial bodies. I hope you'd have fun!" Iwata said.

'Planets... Stars... Heavens...' Anya's eyes sparkled. 'I'm excited!' She thought.

Iwata opened the car door. "Please, take a seat."

Anya took a peek and immediately saw Emile near the door.

"Hi, Anya." Emile greeted.

"Emile? Aren't you supposed to wait at the bus stop?" Anya said while she went in.

Emile replied, "Yes but since I am with a certain someone, I was given some special treatment." Emile glanced at the boy just behind him. Anya's eyes followed.

"S-Sy-on boy?!" Anya said in a surprised tone.

"Oi," Damian curtly replied. He almost secretly giggled to himself when he saw Anya's surprised face.

Anya smiled to acknowledge him. She then looked around to pick a seat. However, she noticed Damian tapping the vacant seat beside him.

Anya hesitated at first but Iwata spoke.

"How about the the window seat at the back, Miss Forger? It is the best seat in this car."

"I-I see. Thank you." Anya saw Damian stop tapping the seat. She hurriedly sat beside him.

"Very well, let us be off." Iwata said. She gestured to the driver. The car started moving.

Anya somehow had trouble sitting comfortably. 'Why do I feel nervous?' Anya thought.

"Er, Sy-on boy, why are you joining us today?" Anya asked.

"Well I-I was a little fuzzy during the visit last Monday. I didn't think it affected me that much until I started writing yesterday. So I told our teacher. He gave me permission to join today." Damian explained.

Anya scanned Damian's thoughts as he spoke. 'Fuzzy head... Want... Go... Emile... Anya... Feel strange... Again... Mmmm... it's even harder to understand Sy-on boy's thoughts today.' Anya concentrated so much in reading Damian's jumbled thoughts that she did not realize her distracted facial expression.

"Oi, Shrimp! Are you listening?" Damian asked annoyingly.

"Ah— yes I heard you, Sy-on boy!" Anya exclaimed.

Damian crossed his arms. "Tsk. Why did you even ask me a question if you are not even interested to listen to my answer?" He said.

"Uh— sorry, Sy-on boy! But you know, I am really glad you came here with us!" Anya said.

"You expect me to believe that, after you almost refused the seat I offered and did not listen to me answer you?" Damian mockingly said.

Emile kept himself quiet. However, he felt that Damian went too far on his last remark and Anya's response was a bit delayed, so he glanced briefly at the back. To his shock, Anya's eyes were beginning to water.

"Uh— Bossman..." Emile called. Damian looked at him. He signaled him to look at Anya. Damian saw Anya tearing up, also to his shock.

"Sh-shrimp!" Anya looked at Damian. Damian saw a pair of welling emerald eyes. As soon as he saw it, his heart felt so heavy, and apologized profusely.

"I-I'm sorry Anya, I didn't mean it. I-I was just joking!" Damian said. Anya's tears continued to well up.

"Oi Anya! Please don't cry!" Damian took his handkerchief and wiped a streaming tear in her left cheek. Anya was startled. Both then felt a strange pounding at their chest. They quickly turned their backs to each other to hide their blushing face.

"Uh, Anya is sorry for spacing out a lot today, Sy-on boy," Anya said while playing with her fingers.

"I'm sorry too for going too far with my jokes," Damian said with clutched palms. 

Emile saw everything that happened. At first, the boy struggled to not react at the two. Now, he's intensely affected by the awkward silence in the air.

Emile then looked outside and finally knew what to say. "Waaiittt— look! Isn't that the Planetarium! That's what I saw in the newspaper! Hahaha..." He said.

Both Anya and Damian looked and saw the giant signage of the Planetarium and the huge dome-shaped establishment.

Anya's mood immediately shifted. "Waaaa we're really here! I'm excited!" Anya said with uncontained excitement.

Strangely, Anya became fixated at the dome.

"Sy-on boy look!" She pointed at the giant half-sphere establishment. "The outside looked like the peanut outer skin!" Anya exclaimed.

'Unbelievable, she even saw a peanut from this building!' Damian thought.

"Damian look!" Anya took Damian by the arm and pulled him to her side of the window.

"O-oi Shrimp! Don't touch me casually!" Damian pretentiously protested. Damian glanced at Anya and can't help but notice the pure amazement she wore in her face. He found himself staring at her.

The car eventually slowed down and brought the three children at the Planetarium entrance. Emile alighted first, followed by Damian, who then gave out his hand for Anya to hold as she disembarked. Anya took his hand, her excitement still apparent in her eyes.

Suddenly, a loud voice echoed around them. "Welcome to Ostania National Planetarium, students of Eden Academy!" The cheerful announcer said. Immediately after, several popping sounds were heard. Lots of colorful and glimmering confetti fell from above. Anya was awestruck.

"Woooooowww," An amazed Anya said as she reached for the falling confetti. To her right, Damian watched her awestruck face with wonder.

"Anya's excitement is contagious," Emile whispered to his friend. Damian smiled.

Iwata then led them inside the Planetarium. Inside was theater-like, and the three took the seats at the center. Emile sat to Damian's left while Anya sat to his right. A high-quality projection flashed at the ceiling. Anya was completely fascinated throughout. She learned about the Earth, the other planets, the sun, the stars, and the galaxies. She took great interest at the image of the dark starry night and the colorful nebulas that she whispered, "Anya wants to walk under the stars someday..."

Damian heard Anya's words. He remembered himself saying the same thing.

"Sy-on boy?" Anya said while still gazing at the ceiling.

"Shrimp?" Damian turned to her.

"Let's walk under the starry night someday!" Anya lift her hands as if trying to reach the ceiling.

Damian contemplated whether to rebuke her or not. Finally, he looked up and answered.

"I'd like that."

The show ended. Iwata explained a few things about what they saw. They were then brought to a secret area which Damian said was not part of the original visit.

"They're giving us a special perk? As expected of you, Bossman!" Emile exclaimed.

"I don't understand what's happening either," Damian said.

"Exciting!" Anya followed.

At the end of the metal corridors, they saw a huge door. Iwata used her card and then it opened. Inside was a big space with glass ceiling. The glass was clear that the sky can be seen from the inside.

"Bo-bossman!" Emile exclaimed, pointing at the middle of the room.

Damian's jaw dropped as his eyes traced what Emile pointed — a huge telescope!

"And as a treat, we will let you see the heavens for yourself. Each of you were given permission to take a peek at the Ost Telescope!" Iwata announced.

"Sy-on boy!" Anya beamed at Damian.

"Ah!" Damian said with a huge smile. He walked towards the telescope. He was visibly excited!

The three were assisted as they tried out the telescope. This time, Anya watched a fascinated Damian.

'He really likes looking at the sky.' Anya made a soft smile.

After 15 minutes, the three were led out of the Planetarium and their visit has concluded. Iwata and the driver dropped Anya off to her house before going back to school grounds and dropping off the other two.

"Shrimp, let's work after class tomorrow at the garden for our output." Damian told Anya.

"Okay! See you tomorrow, Sy-on boy, Emile! And also, thank you for today, Iwata!" Anya said as she left the car. She then went straight to Loid and Yor who waited for her at the front door of their apartment building.

After the visit, Emile became very inspired to create a painting about the outer space.

On the other hand, Damian was greatly inspired to work for aeronautics and space.

He also thought about walking under the stars with a someone special someday.

~~~~~

End of Story Arc: Nurturing Bonds

Next Chapter: The Second Son (Chapters 14 & 15)

~~~~~