The Red String Between Us Part II: Frayed Threads

第3章 Homecoming Plan's

Eden's laptop sat open on her desk, a soft hum of notifications in the background. She adjusted the camera slightly and clicked to start the video call, her parents' smiling faces filling the screen within moments.

"Eden! It's so good to see you," her mother exclaimed, waving enthusiastically in her native Japanese language. Her father gave a polite nod and a warm smile, both clearly brightened by the conversation.

"You too," Eden replied, her lips curling into a smile. "I've been thinking about your trip. I went ahead and booked your flights—everything's confirmed, so you don't need to worry about a thing."

Her mother clapped her hands lightly. "You're always so organized, darling. Thank you."

Eden leaned forward, the excitement in her chest bubbling through her calm exterior. "And I really want you to stay at my place while you're here."

Her father raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "At your place? Are you sure? I thought we could just get a hotel."

"No, no," Eden insisted, shaking her head. "It's free, more convenient, and it'll give us a chance to be under one roof again—like the old days. I know things have been busy, and this way we don't have to rush from one place to another."

Her mother's eyes softened. "That does sound lovely, Eden. But I don't want to impose on your space..."

"You could never impose," Eden said quickly. "There's plenty of room, and I want you here. Honestly, it'll feel good to have you around—especially with everything coming up at work. You'll be close enough to celebrate without having to travel back and forth."

Her father chuckled. "I suppose you've thought of everything."

"Of course I have," Eden replied, trying to sound casual but feeling the warmth of anticipation in her chest. "It'll be just like the old times. We can have dinners together, talk, laugh... and you can even see the office if you want. But mostly, I just want you here."

Her mother reached toward the screen as if to touch Eden's face. "We'll be there, sweetie. And we'll make sure to bring some of your favorite snacks too. We are so proud of you." Her dad expressed emotionally.

Eden grinned, feeling the simple comfort of family grounding her amid the whirlwind of work and corporate expectations. Eden's smile lingered as the call drew to a close. For a brief moment, the stresses of the company, the Gala, and even the tension with Kenji faded. She imagined the warmth of having her parents under one roof, the familiar rhythm of family life, and felt a rare, complete sense of home.