Surprisingly, the meeting went very well. Even though there was no alcohol, Dave decided to make a toast anyway:
"It took me a long time to work up the courage for this meeting. Because I was ashamed. Miku, I know that I'm the one who destroyed everything good between us. But I hope the wounds will heal, and we can remain friends."
"I'm really glad you're doing well," Miku replied.
At one point, Grace and Miku stepped aside. Grace said:
"Honestly, I thought this trip wasn't a very good idea. And frankly, I still can't believe Ray approved it."
"You might not be able to tell by looking at him, but he can be very gentle," Miku said, smiling softly.
"Yeah, the way he interacts with those little girls is very sweet."
"Hey, I have a favor to ask you: can you teach me to fight?" Dave asked.
"Sorry, I don't have time for that. But I can recommend a good place," Ray replied.
Two years had passed since Miku and Ray started their relationship. During that time, the girl's career had taken off, and she often spent time away on tour. Ray watched her shine and did everything he could to support her, blocking her father's attempts to throw obstacles in her path.
Rob and Tucker ultimately decided to live with Ray. Tucker dedicated himself to training, while Rob threw himself into his studies. Competing with Deya brought Tucker to a new level, which led to them becoming good friends. Everything was fine, but there was still one problem.
After Deya started school, a rebellious spirit gradually awakened in her. All her school friends got many things without any effort, while she had to follow a very strict routine.
Deya was now in Yuno's room, complaining:
"Why is he so hard on me? I do well in school, I train, and he's always demanding more. Tell me what I'm doing wrong."
Yuno knew the reason. After Miku started touring, Ray's nightmares had returned with a vengeance. Part of her wanted to call Miku and ask her to come back, but she knew Ray wouldn't approve.
"I know it's hard for you. If you really want to know why he acts this way, I'll tell you everything when you turn fifteen. For now, I'm asking you to be patient. Sometimes your brother can seem unbearable, but you have to understand that he loves you."
"I know that, but sometimes it's very hard to remember."
"One day will come when you'll understand everything, and maybe you'll be able to understand him. Until then, just hold on. If not for him, then at least for me."
Deya loved them both. Despite her intelligence, the little one was still a child. After starting school and interacting with other kids, her worldview had changed dramatically. But looking into Yuno's beautiful eyes, she nodded and said:
"Okay, I'll try."
After her talk with Yuno, Deya continued to follow the routine, albeit reluctantly. But her demands gradually grew. It was not only her attempt to rebel but also a test of her brother's endurance. She wanted to see who would break first.
Ray blamed himself for the rift in their relationship. The nightmares that had recently begun tormenting his mind brought back his old fears of loss, making his psyche very unstable. Ray didn't know what to do about it. Lately, he had been thinking about leaving Deya and the boys and throwing himself headlong into work. Only the thought of his mother, who would have been very displeased with such an outcome, held him back.
Only after Miku started touring did Ray realize how important she had become to him and how much he missed her. With these thoughts, the man stroked the ring box. Part of Ray even wanted to ask Miku to give up her dream, but he suppressed that urge, knowing he couldn't do that to her.
The only solution he saw was to go back into the field. With that thought, Ray called Frank and Jill. After hearing his request, they readily agreed to help.
Ray was about to tell the girls about his plans when a file arrived on his public email. If he had had any doubts before viewing it, they vanished like smoke afterward.