The runway, which had moments ago been the center of an electrifying fashion show, now lay silent and empty. At its center, a lone figure crouched beneath the bright white stage lights, her delicate frame illuminated against the vast emptiness.
Tears slipped silently down Claire Grace's cheeks, their warmth in stark contrast to the aching cold in her chest.
She had always told herself that as long as he liked her, nothing else mattered. But why did it hurt so much when she heard him speaking on the phone with that woman? Why did it feel like her heart was being ripped apart?
No matter how much she tried to ignore it, the truth was undeniable—there was another woman deeply embedded in his heart, and that woman was not her.
She had seen it, hadn't she? The way his face would soften with a rare, effortless smile when he spoke to her. With Claire, he smiled too—but it was always because she was the one making him laugh, the one chasing after him.
Love could only bring happiness when it was reciprocated. She had been so certain she was happy with him, but what about him? Had she ever truly made him happy? Had she been forcing something that was never meant to be?
Lucas had been right. She couldn't make him love her.
The more she thought about it, the more unbearable the pain became. Her quiet sobs gradually grew louder, echoing through the empty venue like a mournful melody.
Footsteps broke the silence. Startled, Claire slowly turned her head, her teary eyes widening in surprise.
"Chloe? It really is you!"
Yuto Miyazawa stood on the stage, his expression filled with concern as he took in her tear-streaked face. He stepped closer, his brows knitting together. "What happened? Why are you here alone, crying? Where's Director Jackson?"
Claire sniffled and blinked away more tears. It took her a moment before she managed a shaky response. "Yuto? What are you doing here?" She had thought it was Kyoko who had come to find her.
"I left some documents behind and came back to search for them. I didn't expect to find you here instead." His gaze darkened slightly. "You're crying so hard… and Blaine isn't here. Did something happen between you two?"
"Did you find the documents?" Claire quickly asked, brushing away her tears as she stood up.
"No. I'll look for them tomorrow. Right now, I was actually about to head to the celebration party." He hesitated before adding, "I asked Kyoko to find you and Director Jackson so we could all go together. But… why are you here alone? Claire, what happened?"
She shook her head, trying to force a smile. "I… it's nothing. You should go ahead. I need to head back."
Kyoko was probably with Blaine. If he had agreed to go to the party, then he would surely be with her.
"You're crying like this, and you expect me to believe nothing happened?" Yuto frowned, unconvinced. Then, as if a thought had just struck him, he asked, "Or is it because you know I like you, so you feel uncomfortable with me being concerned about you?"
Claire blinked, caught off guard by his assumption. She had been wary of his kindness before, knowing the feelings he harbored, but at this moment, she only felt grateful for his thoughtfulness.
"You're overthinking it," she said softly.
"Then tell me what's wrong." Yuto's voice was gentle yet insistent. "Claire, I know your heart belongs to someone else, and I won't try to change that. But even if we can't be together, we can still be friends, right? If it helps, think of me as an older brother. That way, confiding in me won't feel awkward."
"…Even you say you won't force anything. I really did make a mistake, didn't I?" The words left her lips in a whisper, and before she could stop them, more tears welled up in her eyes.
Yuto's expression shifted in alarm. "Claire, why are you crying again?" He instinctively reached out, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"I… I don't know what to say. But it's really nothing. I should go." She gently pushed his hand away and started walking toward the edge of the stage.
"Claire, is this about Blaine?" Yuto suddenly asked.
She froze mid-step and turned back to look at him, eyes wide in surprise. "Why would you think that?"
Yuto sighed. "So I was right?" The expression on her face was all the confirmation he needed. "I only guessed because you're not with him."
"…Am I really that attached to him?" Claire let out a bitter laugh. "Just because I'm not by his side, everyone assumes I must be upset with him."
Yuto's brows furrowed. "Did Director Jackson do something to hurt you?" He stepped closer and took her hand, leading her to sit down on the steps of the stage.
"Honestly, he didn't do anything wrong. It's just… me." Claire sighed, running her fingers through her hair.
From the very beginning, Blaine had never promised her love. He had only said that he liked her. He had never spoken of love.
So why was she feeling so heartbroken now? Why was she crying over something she had known all along?
She must look so foolish, making a spectacle of herself like this.
"…Claire, are you afraid that Blaine doesn't love you?" Yuto's voice was unusually serious.
"I…" She stared at him, momentarily stunned. Was it really that obvious?
"Don't be surprised that I can tell." Yuto gave her a knowing look. "It's just a feeling I have." He then sighed. "But if that's what you're worried about, then it's completely unnecessary."
Claire frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"
"I can see it clearly—Blaine loves you." Yuto's voice was firm. "When he warned me to stay away from you, it wasn't just a possessive remark. He was dead serious. You're not just some girlfriend to him. You're his woman."
Claire's heart clenched painfully. "Yuto, you don't have to try to make me feel better." She forced a small smile. "I'm heading back now."
She stood up, distracted and weary. But she failed to notice the slight incline of the stage beneath her feet.
The moment she took a step forward, her heel caught on the edge, and she lost her balance.
Before she could even cry out, the world tilted. Her body lurched forward—
"Claire, watch out!" Yuto's sharp warning rang through the air, but his actions were even faster. He lunged forward, strong arms reaching out just in time to catch her before she hit the ground.
His grip was firm as he steadied her. "Are you okay? Did you get hurt?" His voice was urgent, eyes scanning her face for any sign of injury.
Claire's face was pale as she clutched at her pounding heart. "I—I'm fine. Yuto, it wasn't your fault. Don't blame yourself."
"Good." Yuto exhaled in relief. Just as he was about to help her to a seat, a furious voice exploded from behind them.
"Claire Grace! What the hell do you think you're doing?!"