ZZZ:Through the Frosted Mirror

Ellen and Belle stepped into the apartment, the door clicking shut behind them. Ellen made their presence known. "We're back."

From the living room, Miyabi's voice responded warmly. "Welcome back."

Ellen turned to Belle, noticing the same hesitant look on her face—the lingering expression of someone who still felt like an inconvenience. With a sigh, Ellen tilted her head slightly. "If you still feel like you're being a burden—which you're not—you can help me put the groceries away."

Belle hesitated for a second before nodding. "Alright. I can do that."

"Good. Head to the kitchen. I'll be there in a minute."

Belle gave a small nod and walked toward the kitchen, leaving Ellen to make her way to the living room. Miyabi was lounging on the couch, Mira curled up on her lap, her tiny hands gripping the edge of Miyabi's sleeve.

Ellen sat down beside them, gently lifting Mira into her own lap and holding her close. The child stirred slightly but remained half-asleep, snuggling into Ellen's warmth.

"So, what happened?" Miyabi asked, her sharp gaze scanning Ellen for any signs of trouble.

"Ran into some trouble in an alley," Ellen replied, stroking Mira's hair absentmindedly. "Handled it. Belle was the victim. Figured I'd bring her here so she wouldn't have to be alone."

Miyabi sighed. "Makes sense. But staying here might not be the best idea. The news is already spreading, and you know how they are. They somehow always manage to find people who don't want to be found."

Ellen exhaled through her nose. "Yeah, I figured. Any ideas?"

Miyabi nodded. "I'll call my father tomorrow. We can temporarily stay at the estate."

Ellen gave a nod of approval and handed Miyabi a bag filled with clothes for her and Mira. "Got these for you two while I was out."

Miyabi took the bag with a soft expression before glancing at Ellen. "Thanks."

With that settled, Ellen carefully placed Mira back on the couch before heading to the kitchen. Belle was already there, waiting near the counter, looking a little more at ease but still somewhat tense.

"Alright," Ellen said as she rolled up her sleeves. "Let's get these groceries put away."

Belle nodded and got to work beside her, the quiet companionship making the task easier. For the first time that day, Belle looked like she had found even the smallest sense of comfort.

Ellen and Belle quietly put the groceries away, the hum of the refrigerator filling the silence between them. After a moment, Belle spoke up.

"You know, my brother and I own a store," she said, placing a carton of milk on the shelf. "Random Play. It's a VHS store."

Ellen raised an eyebrow as she arranged some vegetables in the crisper. "A VHS store? You don't hear about those too often anymore."

Belle sighed. "Yeah, and that's the problem. Not a lot of people are interested in old films or VHS tapes anymore. It makes it kinda difficult to get customers."

"I can imagine. Must be tough."

Belle nodded. "It is. We also don't have proper staff, so my brother and I are always juggling things. Sometimes we get caught up in other responsibilities, and when that happens, we have to rely on our Bangboo, 18, to watch over the store."

Ellen closed the fridge and leaned against the counter, crossing her arms. "Let me guess—miscommunication issues?"

Belle let out a frustrated chuckle. "Yeah. A lot of people don't speak Bangboo, so they get confused when they walk in and only see 18. Some think no one's running the store and just take whatever they want without paying. It's frustrating. We've lost a lot of tapes that way, but we can't afford to close down. It's our home."

Ellen was silent for a moment before speaking. "You know, I used to be a maid. And even though it may not seem like it, I can help you promote your business and make sure no one steals from you. I can stop by when I get some time."

Belle looked at her, eyes widening slightly before a small smile broke through her previously worried expression. "You'd really do that?"

Ellen shrugged. "Why not? I like old movies, and it sounds like you could use some help."

Belle nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, definitely! Just let us know whenever you're ready. I really appreciate it."

Ellen smirked. "No problem."

With that, the two continued organizing the kitchen, a newfound sense of camaraderie settling between them.

After Ellen and Belle finished putting away the groceries, the soft sound of footsteps drew their attention. Miyabi entered the kitchen, cradling a peacefully sleeping Mira in her arms. Both were dressed in new outfits that Ellen had bought for them, tailored to their personal tastes.

Miyabi wore a sleek, dark red kimono-style jacket with modernized elements, blending traditional elegance with a contemporary edge. The intricate silver patterns along the sleeves and hem gave it an ethereal charm, complemented by a black fitted top and loose, comfortable pants. Her hair, long and flowing, was secured with a delicate ornament that subtly glowed under the kitchen light.

Mira, snug in Miyabi's arms, was dressed in a soft, light blue hoodie with a minimalist fox emblem on the back. The sleeves were slightly oversized, making her look even smaller as she curled up against Miyabi. She wore simple black leggings and warm socks, adding to the cozy aesthetic.

Belle, upon seeing Miyabi, widened her eyes in pure shock. She quickly covered her mouth, her body tensing slightly as she fought the urge to squeal. A nervous but excited gleam shone in her eyes. She was looking at Hoshimi Miyabi, a name she knew all too well. However, Belle kept herself composed, making sure not to overreact in a way that would disturb the sleeping child or come off as disrespectful.

Miyabi, observing this, raised an eyebrow. She had expected a more dramatic reaction, something akin to what she usually encountered from her more... passionate fan club members. She half-expected Belle to utter something utterly bizarre—like asking to lick her toes or some other disturbing request. However, this subdued admiration put her at ease. It was nice to know that not all of her fans were unhinged.

Belle, noticing the shift in Miyabi's demeanor, flushed slightly. "I—I'm not a crazy fangirl or anything," she stammered, feeling a little self-conscious.

Miyabi smirked. "Good to know."

Belle hesitated for a moment before shyly asking, "Would it be okay to get your autograph when you're not busy?"

Miyabi nodded. "Sure."

Before the conversation could continue, Belle's phone rang. She quickly answered. "Yeah? Oh, you're here? Okay, I'm coming out." She hung up and looked at Ellen. "My brother's outside."

Ellen nodded. "I'll walk with you."

Together, they stepped outside and were met with the sight of a sleek vehicle—a van with a predominantly black color scheme, accented with glowing neon blue lines that traced its aerodynamic design. It had a sporty, low-profile look, with sharp angles and a customized aesthetic that perfectly matched the personalities of its owners.

Standing next to the van was a tall male with light blue-gray hair, styled in a slightly messy yet layered fashion that framed his sharp, vibrant green eyes. His gaze exuded confidence, laced with a hint of mischief. He wore a stylish blue jacket with orange accents, featuring multiple zippers, pockets, and straps, giving him a modern, tech-savvy appearance. Underneath, he sported a black T-shirt with a minimalist design, paired with dark streamlined pants and gray sneakers with matching orange details.

The moment Wise saw Belle, his expression shifted. He quickly strode over, scanning her up and down as if checking for any injuries. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice calm yet tinged with concern. "Did they hurt you? Did anything else happen?"

Belle laughed, holding up her hands to reassure him. "I'm fine, I swear! I'm really glad to see you too, though." She turned to Ellen, gesturing toward her. "Wise, this is Ellen. She's the one who helped me."

Wise looked over at Ellen, his sharp green eyes settling on her. A moment of silence passed before he gave a small nod of appreciation. "Thanks for looking out for her."

Ellen, standing slightly off to the side with her arms crossed, simply shrugged. "I enjoyed my time with Belle. She's good company."

The tension in Wise's shoulders eased slightly at that, and after a bit more conversation, he placed a hand on Belle's shoulder. "Alright, let's get going."

Belle turned back to Ellen with a grateful smile. "Thanks again. I'll let you know when we're ready to have you stop by the store."

Ellen nodded. "I'll be waiting."

With that, Wise and Belle climbed into their customized van. The engine hummed softly before the vehicle smoothly pulled away, neon blue accents glowing against the dimly lit street as it disappeared into the cityscape.

Ellen realized something as they drove off...she doesn't have her number nor does she know where to find them.

Ellen facepalmed. "For fucks sake."