The grand museum in Tokyo was glowing with warm light as the evening set in.
The gallery was breathtaking. Rika's paintings told the story of a girl who fought with shadows, then danced in sunlight. Viewers admired her courage, her storytelling, her soul.
She wore a flowing cream dress and her full moon pendant — the one that always reminded her of Vini. Of home. Of the dream.
Rika stood by her art collection, a radiant mixture of her inner world: pieces drenched in emotion, longing, and colours that once only lived in her imagination. People surrounded her, admiring her work, asking questions, and complimenting her unique vision.
But Rika's heart was quietly waiting.
Naoki Jinnai hadn't come.
She smiled politely, bowed in gratitude, and reminded herself: This moment… is mine. I've already won.
Vini's tiny voice fluttered in her heart,
"Rika you didn't come this far for someone else. You came here for you."
Rika smiled and closed her eyes, and whispered:
"Yes, you are right. Maybe he wasn't meant to be real. Maybe he was just a symbol of everything I needed to become."
She took a deep breath, and let go.
The Meeting
As the event neared its end, she began taking slow steps around the room. People clapped, complimented, and left.
As the crowd thinned and the final guests trickled out, she turned to gather her belongings.
"Are you… Rika Arisawa?"
She turned.
He stood there — Naoki Jinnai — wearing a soft black jacket and a look of calm wonder.
Rika's breath hitched.
"I've seen a lot of art," he said, walking closer, "but yours… yours feels like something I lived through. It felt like a memory I forgot I had."
She blinked. Her lips moved, but the words stuck.
"Are you okay?" he chuckled gently.
"I— You're real," she whispered.
"I get that a lot," he grinned.
"Sorry," she said, cheeks turning red. "I just… your music got me through so much. I'm really honored."
"Funny," he replied. "I was just about to say the same thing."
Two Artists, One Sky
They sat outside on the museum steps, under a quiet Tokyo sky, talking like old friends who had somehow waited their whole lives to meet.
Rika told him about Vienna. About her sister in New York. About Vini. About her battles, breakdowns, and breakthroughs.
"You know," he said, "Sometimes… people come into your life not to stay, but to guide. Like your fairy."
"I think she was me," Rika said, smiling softly. "The version of me I buried long ago."
"Well," he said, "I'm glad she helped you find your way. And I'm glad you found your way here… to this moment."
They looked at each other.
No music.
No crowd.
Just a feeling that maybe — their dreams were always meant to collide.
Weeks Later
Rika and Naoki walked through the gardens of Tokyo, talking about everything — music, art, dreams, and childhood stories. They became close friends, deeply understanding each other. Slowly, love bloomed.
On a quiet night under a full moon, Rika whispered,
"Naoki… I used to think someone like you could never love someone like me."
Naoki took her hand,
"And I used to think no one could ever truly understand my music… until I met you."
They laughed, their hearts finally at home.
Epilogue
Rika now travels the world, showcasing her art, writing stories, performing, and co-producing music with Naoki. Her parents, once fearful, are now proud beyond words. Her sister from New York visits often, and their bond is stronger than ever.
And as for Vini?
She never truly left.
Whenever Rika feels lost, she hears that soft whisper:
"You can do it. You just need the right direction and knowledge."
She smiles every time.
Because she now knows —
That whisper was always her own.