Two years had passed in what felt like both an eternity and an instant. Kazu had enrolled in a music conservatory with tremendous promise, moved into student housing, and begun his journey toward independence. Miguel had also chosen to relocate around the same time, leaving Naosa’s house far quieter than before.
When Kazu departed, Naosa wept openly—torn between the sorrow of farewell and the pride of witnessing his remarkable growth.
After his departure, she would sometimes find herself sitting alone in Kazu’s empty room, tears spilling as loneliness settled in her chest. During those fragile moments, Alex would appear beside her, offering silent, gentle comfort.
Meanwhile, Miguel was thriving in his new apartment, sharing a cozy space with his boyfriend. Loneliness never touched him—he still saw Alex and Naosa every day at the lab, keeping their cherished bond intact.
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During his first year at university, Kazu won an international piano competition that turned him into an overnight sensation. In truth, it was merely one of many prestigious contests—a common stepping-stone for exceptionally gifted pianists. But his youth and soft, boyish charm drew disproportionate media attention, and soon his name echoed everywhere.
At the same time, Alex and his research team were making groundbreaking progress in their field. Alex found himself featured in media interviews, his profile rising rapidly. Despite an increasingly demanding schedule, he was finally able to start planning his wedding with Naosa—now only six months away.
Alex often told her with glowing joy, “On that day, you’ll be the most beautiful bride on this planet—and I’ll be the happiest man on this planet.”
Even after all those years, their love hadn’t changed at all.
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One weekend, Kazu visited Naosa’s house with exciting news. He had received an offer from a celebrated recording artist who wanted his piano performance on several tracks for an upcoming album.
Naosa, Lu, and Kacy welcomed him warmly, while Alex shook his hand with proud approval.
Kazu announced, hardly able to contain his excitement, “I have something important to share,” and produced a formal contract.
Naosa accepted it and began reading carefully. The payment figure listed was extraordinary for any student—let alone someone just starting out. Her expression grew serious with concern. Lu leaned over her shoulder, studying the fine print with increasing unease.
Everyone looked puzzled by their muted reaction.
Sensing the tension, Kazu asked in confusion, “Aren’t you going to congratulate me?”
They did—sincerely and warmly—but their underlying concern was impossible to hide. A thoughtful discussion followed.
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Naosa asked carefully, “Do you truly want to take this opportunity?”
Kazu hesitated before answering. “If everyone thinks it’s appropriate, I will. That’s exactly why I brought it to you—for guidance.”
Alex probed further. “Then what’s driving you to accept it?”
Kazu replied with practical honesty. “Because it would help cover my tuition, competition fees, and travel expenses—and I want to rent a bigger place where I can have my own piano.”
Naosa responded with gentle but firm conviction. “I can’t support you doing this purely for the money. If you need help with expenses, just ask me. I’ll gladly cover them.”
Kazu looked around the room, reading the thoughtful but uncertain expressions on their faces.
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Alex offered calm advice from experience. “Don’t chase money or fame as your main motivation. Once you start down that path, there’s no end—and it always comes back to haunt you.”
Naosa added with tender concern, “Money is undeniably important, and I’m not trying to spoil you. But I don’t want you accepting this offer just yet. You haven’t learned the true value of money. If you want to perform, then perform—but not for the paycheck. Ask yourself which excites you more: the music or the money.”
For the first time in years, Kazu answered with rebellious defiance. “I want to decide for myself what to do with money I earn. You told me I should make my own choices.”
Naosa replied with calm authority. “Then put in an application at a coffee shop. I don’t know if they’ll hire you, but if they do, try working and earning on your own first.”
Kazu’s face tightened with anger. “That’s enough!” he snapped, his pride stung. He had expected praise and celebration, and their rejection hurt.
Lu and Kacy tried to ease the tension, but he stormed out.
Alex followed quietly, understanding how delicate the moment was.
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He found Kazu standing outside, seething with frustration. Alex gently ruffled his hair—just as he had countless times before. “What made you so angry?”
Kazu stayed silent, arms crossed defensively.
After a moment’s thought, he muttered, “Alex, you’re against it too, aren’t you?”
Alex replied with quiet honesty. “Maybe. Why do you think that is?”
Kazu fell silent, struggling to find an answer.
Alex continued patiently. “You’ve just stepped out from under Nao’s care and won this major competition—we’re incredibly proud of you. But your world changed so fast it’s easy to lose your balance. If you don’t find your footing now, it’ll be harder later. It’s fine to make mistakes while you’re young—but never take money for granted. Some people can smell opportunity, and they’ll come running with hidden motives. What do you really know about these people suddenly showing interest in you? Do they truly care about you? Would they reach out if you lost everything tomorrow?”
Kazu was visibly shaken by this perspective.
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Alex met his eyes with genuine concern. “Do you trust them more than you trust Nao?”
Kazu answered instantly. “Of course not!”
Alex ruffled his hair again, affectionately. “Don’t tell anyone, but Nao still cries in your room sometimes when she misses you. She loves you deeply. Come home once in a while, okay?”
Kazu nodded, tears gathering in his eyes.
Alex smiled warmly. “Let’s have dinner together and go back inside.”
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When they returned, Naosa, Lu, and Kacy were sitting quietly in the living room, their faces filled with worry and reflection.
Naosa stood right away, her voice soft with remorse. “I’m sorry for being so strict. And congratulations on winning the competition. We should’ve celebrated that first.”
Blushing, Kazu replied quietly, “Thank you.”
Naosa took his hands with a maternal tenderness. “But Kazu, please remember—I’m the person who loves you most and wants you to succeed with all my heart. Everyone here feels the same.”
Kazu laughed through tears. “I know. I’ve known that for a long time. I love you all too.”
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That evening, Miguel was invited to join their spontaneous celebration. Kazu showed him the contract, now with clearer eyes.
Miguel patted him on the shoulder, eyes wide with amazement. “Kazu, you’re unbelievable! Look at this amount—you could buy a luxury car!”
Kazu laughed with an easy laugh. “I’m going to decline the offer. I’m happy just to have been invited to play with that artist. That’s more than enough.”
Miguel frowned, bewildered. “What a terrible waste! Please reconsider!”
Everyone burst out laughing—except Miguel, who stood blinking in confusion, the only one who couldn’t understand why.
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