The Red String Between Us: Part III Eternal Thread

第1章 Eternal Threads

      The California coastline stretched endlessly, a ribbon of turquoise and gold. The cliffs of Big Sur rose jagged against the sky, waves hammering the rocks below with the kind of rhythm that made Eden's pulse feel steady for the first time in weeks. She pressed her forehead lightly against the cool glass of the car window as it curved along the winding highway, her suitcase tucked safely in the back.

Los Angeles was only a day away—the New Liaison Initiative Gala that promised to draw every eye, every whisper, and every headline. But tonight, she was in Big Sur. Tonight, she was with Claire.

The car pulled up to a weathered, sunlit house perched on the cliff's edge, and before Eden could step out, the front door swung open. Claire appeared, barefoot in the doorway, a grin spreading across her sun-kissed face.

"Finally! The mysterious Eden graces me with her presence," Claire called, arms open.

Eden laughed, the tension in her shoulders easing as she stepped forward into the embrace. "Mysterious? You make me sound impossible to reach."

"You are impossible to reach. I have to read about you in magazines instead of getting texts back." Claire pulled away, mock stern, before squeezing her friend's hand. "But you're here now. That's all that matters."

Inside, the house smelled faintly of salt and citrus, with windows wide open to let in the ocean breeze. They dropped Eden's bags in the guest room before collapsing onto the couch with glasses of sparkling water.

"So," Claire began, tucking her legs beneath her, "tomorrow's the big day. Are you ready to step into the spotlight again?"

Eden's smile faltered just slightly. "Ready or not, it's coming. And I need to be... seen. No more shadows, no more half-truths." Her tone was calm, but beneath it lay the sharp edge of resolve.

Claire studied her for a moment, then clapped her hands together. "Then we need to make sure you look the part. Salon first thing in the morning, then shopping. You'll walk into that gala and turn heads before you even step on the carpet."

Eden laughed again, softer this time. "I should have known this would turn into a makeover mission."

"Correction: not a makeover. A reveal," Claire teased, winking.

      The next day unfolded in easy rhythm. They drove into town, sunlight spilling through the open-top car as the coastal breeze whipped their hair. At the salon, Eden leaned back into the chair as a stylist's hands worked gently through her dark hair, the scent of lavender shampoo rising around her. For once, she allowed herself to close her eyes and simply be—no cameras, no scrutiny, no expectations but her own.

"Perfect," Claire declared as Eden's hair was blown out straight. "Now, shopping. Let's find something that says: I am here, and I'm not apologizing for it."

They spent the afternoon drifting through boutiques, fingers brushing fabrics of silk and velvet, laughter spilling freely between racks of gowns. Claire pulled dress after dress for Eden to try, critiquing with exaggerated seriousness until Eden finally found one that made her reflection feel unfamiliar in the best way—powerful, assured, luminous.

As the sun dipped low, painting the cliffs in amber light, they returned to Claire's home with bags draped over their arms and the kind of tired joy that only came after a day well spent.

On the balcony, the ocean roared beneath them, steady and endless. Eden traced the rim of her glass with her finger, her eyes set on the horizon. Tomorrow, the threads of her life would tighten, weaving her into a stage she could no longer avoid.

Claire leaned against the railing beside her. "Whatever happens, you've got this. Don't forget that."

Eden nodded, her jaw set but her heart steady. "Tomorrow, I make sure they see me."

The waves crashed below as the night swallowed the coastline. One day left, and the world was waiting.

I texted Kenji and asked what time he was arriving at the event, He was apart of my plan but he didn't know.