Monday morning arrived, marking the end of the holiday and the beginning of the new term. I'd spent the past week following the routine Hiro had set for me with the new products, carefully applying each one just as he'd instructed. I hadn't thought much of it at first, but now, as I stood in front of my mirror, I barely recognized the girl staring back.
My hair shone like silk, framing my face softly, and my skin had a healthy glow that I hadn't seen before. I tilted my head, inspecting myself, trying to see if this new look suited me. It felt strange and unfamiliar. But my eyes—those hadn't changed. They were still as sharp and distant as always, giving me an unapproachable, cool look that I couldn't shake off. I shrugged it off and left my room.
At the dining table, Hiro sat with a knowing grin on his face, eyeing me with smug satisfaction.
"Rei, look at you!" he declared proudly as I sat down. "See? I told you all those products would work."
My mom nodded in agreement, smiling warmly as she placed a plate in front of me. "You look lovely, Reina. It's like seeing a new side of you," she said. "You really do look like you belong among the stars."
My dad, usually the quiet one, raised an eyebrow and nodded approvingly. "She's right. You look wonderful, Reina. I always thought you were beautiful, but there's something different about you today."
I felt my cheeks heat up as they continued to look at me with admiration. "Well… it's just some products, really," I mumbled, feeling oddly shy. "It doesn't change much."
"Doesn't change much?" Hiro laughed, shaking his head. "You're a completely different person. If you don't believe me, just wait till you get to school."
By the time I arrived at school, I was already dreading Hiro's prediction. I wanted nothing more than to slip quietly into my seat, unnoticed as usual. But the moment I stepped into the classroom, all conversations stopped, and all eyes turned to me. My classmates stared, wide-eyed, as if they were looking at a stranger.
Ayumi was the first to break the silence. She hurried over, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Reina! Oh my god, is that really you?"
Kaito, who was usually calm and collected, looked genuinely surprised. "Wow… You look… different."
Hana joined them, glancing up and down at me with a warm smile. "Did you do something special over the holiday?"
I shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of their attention. "Not really… Just… tried some new products, that's all."
"Just some new products?" Ayumi said, grinning. "You're like a whole new person! I mean, we always knew you were 'Space Girl,' but this? This is next level."
"Space Girl?" I echoed, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, you haven't heard?" Hana laughed. "That's what people have been calling you behind your back. But I think we're going to have to come up with a new name now. Maybe 'Space Beauty'?"
My cheeks burned as I quickly shook my head. "Please, don't call me that," I muttered. "It's… embarrassing."
But Ayumi, Kaito, and Hana only exchanged amused glances, clearly enjoying my reaction. I realized then that the whole class was still staring at me, whispering among themselves and glancing over every few seconds.
"Okay, okay, enough," I said, raising my hands in mock surrender. "Can I please just sit down and start the day like normal?"
Kaito chuckled, moving aside to let me pass. "Of course, Reina. But don't be surprised if everyone keeps staring. You've got everyone's attention now."
The rest of the day passed with whispers and curious glances following me wherever I went. Even when I tried to focus on my work, I could feel people watching me. My teachers, who usually just nodded when I entered the classroom, paused, giving me surprised glances before returning to their lessons. It was exhausting, trying to pretend I didn't notice all the attention.
By the time the final bell rang, I was more than ready to escape to my lab. I'd spent so much time on my journal project during the break, and I was eager to get back to it without distractions.
Once inside the lab, I let out a relieved sigh and sat down at my desk, surrounded by the familiar hum of equipment and the quiet stillness that always helped me focus. I had just started reviewing my notes when I heard a knock at the door. I frowned, glancing at the clock. I wasn't expecting anyone, and most students usually left after classes ended.
"Come in," I called, turning back to my work.
The door creaked open, and I looked up, expecting to see Himari. But instead, the school principal stood there, smiling at me with an expression of warm amusement.
"Ah, Reina," she said, stepping into the room. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important?"
"Principal?" I asked, surprised. "No, of course not. Please, come in."
She walked in, glancing around the lab with a look of fondness. "I'd heard some… interesting things about you today, Reina," she said, crossing her arms and leaning against one of the lab counters. "And I must say, the rumors don't do justice to how well you're looking."
I felt my face heat up again. "Rumors?" I asked, pretending not to understand.
The principal chuckled. "Yes, yes. Don't play coy with me. You've become quite the sensation today. Everyone's been talking about the new 'Space Beauty' in our midst."
I groaned, rubbing the back of my neck. "It's just… I tried some new products. My mom told me to take better care of myself. That's all."
"Well, it's certainly had an impact. You know, you've done a lot for this school, Reina," she said, her tone growing more serious. "Your work has brought a certain prestige to our science department. And seeing you grow like this, both as a student and a person, makes me incredibly proud."
"Thank you," I replied, feeling a mixture of pride and embarrassment. "I'm just… doing my best."
She nodded, smiling. "I actually wanted to ask you something. Would you be open to taking on another student assistant? Someone to help you with your projects, perhaps?"
I shook my head, already feeling the pressure of my journal project and my regular work. "I'm sorry, Principal, but I really don't have the time. With my journal and other commitments… I don't think I could handle it."
The principal laughed, holding up her hands. "I understand, I understand. Just thought I'd ask. But on that note," she continued, her eyes twinkling, "the school is actually planning to give you a monthly budget for your lab. You don't have to do anything in return; it's just our way of supporting your work and showing our appreciation."
I blinked, stunned by the offer. "A… monthly budget?" I echoed, trying to process the words.
"Yes," she said, nodding. "Your contributions are valuable to us, Reina. And this budget will help you continue your research and experiments without having to worry about finances."
I struggled to find the right words, feeling a wave of gratitude. "Thank you… really. This means a lot."
"It's our pleasure," she replied, smiling warmly. "You deserve it. And I'll let you get back to work. But remember, you're not just 'Space Girl' or 'Space Beauty' to us. You're Reina—a remarkable student."
With that, she gave a small wave and left the lab, closing the door behind her.
I sat back, still processing everything that had happened. The school's support, my classmates' reactions, even my family's compliments… it was overwhelming. But as I looked around my lab, surrounded by my work, I realized that maybe, just maybe, I could be more than just "Space Girl."
I could be Reina, someone who didn't just explore the stars but maybe even reached them in a way I hadn't before. And with that thought, I returned to my journal, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.