Although Sheena is old enough to question idealistic love, something monumental shifts after that night. Sheena had filed a leave of absence from her job. She wanted this to work. It’s the small things that culminate to a turning point- hearing Seiji’s voice over the phone for once, having a visitor at her doorstep at the most unexpected of times, and having a warm body on her bed on days that Seiji doesn’t feel like going home.

Seiji continues to promote his movie through the rest of the month. The box office numbers are announced all over the radio, with trailers on major networks. Most days, Seiji hits Sheena’s place after working or traveling, becoming one with Sheena’s couch with all pretense of the sophisticated movie star forgotten.

Their relationship feels like a series of walking contradictions. They still disagree on weird things while pausing in the doorway as they put shoes on, but being with Seiji is overwhelmingly comfortable, and sometimes Sheena wonders if loving Seiji has made her redefine and restructure all other aspects of her life.

At times, Sheena feels she’s discovering something new about Seiji, only to realize that Seiji is still the same person she has always loved.

Seiji protests Sheena’s homebody tendencies by scheduling regular dinner dates and sending official looking memos via 2go- an inside joke that never gets old. Seiji makes reservations at high end places with reputable security to prevent the press, fans, and anyone unexpected from accidentally spotting them.

This works until Jesah shows up at their table one night looking insanely gorgeous as always. Her date has his arm around her waist, holding her possessively. Sheena almost doesn’t recognize the man without his perpetually harassed expression.

“Well, well, well,” Jesah says, glancing from the wine to the way Seiji is holding Sheena’s hand over the table. Sheena almost lets go, relaxing only when Seiji squeezes her hand reassuringly.

Jesah continues, an odd smile on her face. “I can’t say I’m surprised, but I’ll keep your secret if you keep mine.” She walks off with her date without waiting for a reply.

“Wasn’t that her manager?” Seiji whispers after a minute.

“No. Yes.” Sheena grins. “Maybe.”