Two weeks after the incident in Tahiti, Saydou had to take a break from work to rest, although his colleagues did not seem particularly happy about it. Meanwhile, his friends continued to work in a harmonious atmosphere, as always.

Célina: It's a bit strange without Saydou, the office seems really empty without him.

Alex added: It's true that with him, we have good times here.

Rosalia: Yes, it's true, he has an excellent sense of humor.

Katsu, very surprised, added:

Katsu: It's surprising you said that, I thought you didn't like his sense of humor.

Rosalia remained silent and began to fiddle with the buttons on her computer, pretending not to care. However, it seemed that this conversation was of no interest to Yūri, who looked completely elsewhere. Sofía, having noticed her, approached her and asked her:

Sofía: Is something worrying you, Yūri?

Sofía's voice surprised Yūri, who jumped and looked into her eyes before responding.

Yūri: No, it's okay, I was just deep in thought.

Sofía: If something goes wrong, you can always talk to me about it, you know.

With a broad smile, Yūri looked at Sofía and said: Don't worry, I'm just fine.

Her smile lacked conviction, and she seemed sad and overwhelmed. She had trouble concentrating and, although she didn't dare admit it, she missed Sayou a lot. This situation became too difficult for her to handle, so much so that she finally gave in to emotion and quietly slipped away to the bathroom.

Yūri's reaction left everyone perplexed; they wondered what was going on with her. Once in the bathroom, Yūri looked at herself in the mirror, worried and in anguish.

Yūri: But what's happening to me? Why am I acting this way? I even struggle to concentrate.

Being so stressed, she touched her head and muttered to herself: Why am I always thinking about him? Is his presence really that important to me? I'm afraid I'm going crazy.

She took a glass of tap water and gently splashed it on her face. At the same time, Saydou, who was convalescing at home, was having trouble keeping busy. The day seemed very boring and uninteresting to him, all he did was read books while listening to music through his headphones.

After working for hours, Yūri had finally completed his task. However, she still felt some anxiety. As they left, she took Celina and Sofía by the hand and pulled them slightly away to speak to them in private. Surprised by Yūri's attitude, Sofía asked him:

Sofía: Yūri, can you tell us what’s bothering you?

Célina added: Yes, you've been a little strange for a few days. Tell us what's wrong.

Yūri replied with determination: Girls... Please...

Célina and Sofía: ...

Yūri: Could you please give me Saydou's address?

This request was all the more surprising; for someone who claimed not to care about him, she seemed very insistent.

A few minutes later...

Yūri: Oh, I feel really stupid.

Yūri looked at the piece of paper in his hand and said: We take the subway together, but I didn't even realize we lived in the same neighborhood.

After a few hours of walking, Yūri finally reached Saydou's house. He lived in a modest but charming apartment. Yūri was amazed by the exterior of the building. Upon entering, she went to reception, who then directed her to Saydou's apartment.

She knocked on the door, and a few minutes later someone came to open it. Saydou was very surprised to see Yūri on his doorstep. He invited him to come in and settle down. Then, Saydou said to him:

What a surprise, I didn't expect to see you, Yūri.

Yūri replied: I just wanted to know how you were now.

Saydou replied: I'm much better, the doctor confirmed that I could resume my activities from tomorrow.

Yūri: This is excellent news, it would really be a pleasure to see you at work...

Embarrassed by her own words, she blushes and stammers: I... I wanted to say... that... it's great to see you recovered.

She quickly got up from her seat and suggested: Maybe you're thirsty, I'll go get some drinks, what do you think?

Saydou began to smile mischievously, and Yūri, not understanding, asked him: What? Why are you laughing?

Saydou replied softly: “No, nothing at all, excuse me. You should let me get the drinks, since I know where the kitchen is. »

Yūri, a little embarrassed, exclaimed: “Ah yes, it’s true! Where was my head? »

Saydou got up and headed to the kitchen to get some drinks, but Yūri followed him. Saydou was surprised, and it was at this precise moment that Yūri asked him, “Have you eaten yet?” »

Saydou replied: “No, not yet. I plan to place an order a little later. »

Yūri replied gently: What do you mean by an order! You should really try to eat a healthy and balanced diet.

Saydou replied: Yes, I understand. Most of the time I cook myself, but today that's not possible.

Yūri then added: In that case, I'll take care of the cooking, and that's without question.

Yūri gently took Saydou by the hand and led him to the living room. She helped him sit in a chair before quickly returning to the kitchen. She opened the refrigerator, chose several vegetables and a meat, then began to prepare the meal.

Saydou, comfortably installed in the living room, couldn't help but observe him with a big smile of satisfaction on his face.

After a few minutes, the meal was ready and they dined together in a very pleasant atmosphere. Before the night got too late, Yūri decided to return home.

Although Saydou insisted on accompanying her, she opted to return alone. She was very happy and, on the way home, she couldn't help but think about the wonderful evening she had just experienced.

Arriving in an alley, she turned left to go home, but when she arrived at her door, she saw a young man waiting in front of her house.

Yuri: Oh!

She moved a little closer, and a voice was heard: It's been a long time, Yūri.

This voice seemed familiar to him. The young man came closer when he saw her face. Yūri, clenching his fist in frustration, asked him: What are you doing here, Ethan?

Ethan, stepping forward with a smile, replied: Well, that's a strange way to welcome me after all this time.

Although Yūri was very upset, Ethan didn't seem to mind. After life finally smiled on him, a new obstacle had just resurfaced.

Yūri: What are you doing here, Ethan?

Ethan: I find the welcome rather average, to be honest.

Yūri, visibly annoyed, retorts: don't laugh at me, why are you here?

Ethan, with a certain balance, answers: I came back ... to win back.

Surprised by his words and annoyed, Yūri exclaims: but wait, it's a joke, right?!

Ethan adds with a point of challenge: you should estimate yourself happy, not all the girls have the chance you have.

Yūri was very upset, her hand trembled with frustration and she tried her teeth, finding Ethan was for her a source of problems.

She managed to master herself and gave him a look full of anxiety: "It would be better than you leave, Ethan. »»

Ethan approached her, took his hand and put it on her chin, then said to her in a calm and assured tone: "Wait, I know you have been hoping for this moment ..."

These words have even more irritated Yūri, but he continued saying: Stop being difficult and coming back with me.

Yūri, furious, felt a rise in anger. She raised her hand and gave an energetic slap in the face of Ethan. He was surprised by Yūri's reaction. After this gesture, she exclaimed: I forbid you to put your hands on me, is it very clear?

Yūri walked away towards his house, leaving Ethan alone. Before entering, he turned to him and said firmly: listening, Ethan, I don't want you to come back here.

Ethan looked at him, filled with anger, but Yūri supported his gaze and continued: I have nothing else to tell you, just like you. Everyone should live their life as they see fit. If I ever see you in the vicinity, you could regret it.

Yūri entered her house and gently closed the door behind her. Ethan still had trouble believing that the Yūri he once knew had changed so much. She had become much more independent and courageous.

The next morning, Yūri went to work as usual, but his mind was not really at work. She felt completely overwhelmed by her thoughts and could not help but think back to her meeting with Ethan, which did not help her mood.

The office colleagues had noticed that something was wrong and Célina finally decided to go talk to Yūri to understand what disturbed her.

Célina approached Yūri's office slowly and asked her: "Yūri, are you okay?" »»

At the agreement of his voice, Yūri jumped slightly, which disconcerted Célina. Yūri resumed his breath and said with a little smile: "Ah, it's you, Célina, you scared me a little. »»

Célina, concerned, asked her then: "Is everything going well, Yūri?" »»

Yūri replied with a reassuring smile: “Yes, everything is fine. »»

Célina was not entirely convinced, because the smile that Yūri displayed did not seem very sincere. She then said to him, "If all is well, as you claim, why don't you look concentrated today?" SOUR SOUN ACTORDED last night? »»

Yūri was surprised by Célina's insight. She thought back to her evening yesterday and remained silent, her fists tight on her legs. Seeing her reaction, Célina then understood that something was not round.

Célina then said to her with kindness: if something is wrong, do not forget that we are here to help you.

As she was about to regain her office, she added before leaving: I would be at my office if you want to chat.

Then she walked away on these words, letting Yūri contemplate her silhouette without adding anything. After a few hours, Saydou entered the office and greeted everyone with a smile.

Saydou: Hello everyone!

Happy to find Saydou, Alex exclaimed with enthusiasm: "Saydou, my friend, you are finally back!" »»

This shine of joy disturbed Célina a little, who gently pulled Alex's ear asking her: "Could you not stop these cries?" »»

Alex then replied by grimacing: "Ouch!" It hurts, Célina, please stop! »»

Saydou, amused, added with a smile: "I'm happy to see that nothing has changed. »»

The atmosphere in the office was recently very pleasant. Everyone laughed, especially when he saw Saydou so jovial, which managed to relax Yūri and make him display a smile.

After long hours of work and entertainment, as usual, they were preparing to go home.

Sofía exclaimed: Aaaah !! What an exhausting day.

Rosalia added: I think we should all rest. See you tomorrow !

Camilla, noticing that Rosalia was about to come back alone, which was not in her habits, asked her with kindness: "Do you come home alone, Rosalia?" »»

Rosalia replied: "Yes, Stéphane had to leave earlier today, he had business to settle. »»

Camilla continued: "Ah, now you say, it's true that he had left earlier. In this case, pay attention to the way back. »»

Rosalia smiled and replied: "I will do it. See you soon. »»

After having pronounced these words, Rosalia went away, and everyone took the way back. Yūri, in a strange way, remained silent on the journey. Usually, she was still chatting with Saydou, but that day she said nothing.

When they arrived at the station, Yūri took another direction to go home. Intrigued, Saydou asked him, 'You don't go home?'

Yūri replied with a slightly tense smile: 'No, I will visit an old acquaintance.'

Suddenly, Saydou added: 'Okay, take care of yourself on the way.'

Yūri: Thank you, that's nice of you.

She then walked away, and Saydou had the impression that there was something that did not go to Yūri, but he decided not to show anything. Yūri therefore headed for Mr. Franck's restaurant to have a drink.

Once arrived at Mr. Franck, Yūri ordered a glass of iced juice. She remained silent, which was unusual for her, because when she came to Mr. Franck, she liked to chat with him everything and nothing.

That day, she seemed completely absorbed by her thoughts. By noticing it, Mr. Franck asked him kindly: "Something is not going well, my dear Yūri?" You don't look very good. »»

This question surprised Yūri, whose mind was occupied elsewhere. She turned her gaze to Mr. Franck, sighed and replied: "Ethan is back. »»

Mr. Franck, amazed, exclaimed: "Ethan!? This boy who had done so much trouble has returned. But why that? »»

Yūri: I really have no idea, I wonder why he came back.

Mr. Franck: What do you plan to do now?

Yūri: I don't know at all.

Mr. Franck then said: Is it partly because of this boy?

Yūri: Oh !!

Mr. Franck continued: I have noticed as you got closer to him lately.

_It's clear that you like it, but you have apprehensions regarding commitment. With Ethan's unexpected return, it is understandable that you feel completely disoriented.

Yūri had been pleasantly surprised by the words of Mr. Franck. She hugged her fist and replied, "You are probably right ... It's true that I really appreciate her company. He is kind, warm, and with him, I feel safe, especially in relation to before, when I was with Ethan. »»

“This man couldn't help but go out with all the girls he met on his way. He was a real macho and a real seducer. Sometimes I really wonder how I could fall in love with him.

Mr. Franck: Love is a very mysterious question, but allow me to give you a little advice.

Yūri: ... "

Mr. Franck: The person returning today is only a memory of the past, and it would be wise to keep him away from your life. Do not let this past interfere with the present that you have taken so long to build.

On the other hand, this young man, Saydou, seems to be a quality person. I encourage you to give it a chance and look to the future. Forget Ethan and your old relationship, and focus on the present and the promises of your future.

The words of Mr. Franck had appeased her heart, and she could now smile again.

Yūri, a radiant smile on the face: Thank you very much, Mr. Franck.

Reassured after a few hours in her company, she decided to go home.

Leaving Mr. Franck's restaurant, she started the way back. At a short distance from her house, she saw Ethan, waiting near a lamp.

Ethan turned around and threw him with a smile: you are really a difficult girl, you know. I came back to you and you reject me.

Yūri: ...

Ethan: I understand that the first time, you were angry, and I decided to take a step towards forgiveness.

He held a bag in his right hand which he held out towards Yūri saying: Here, I thought of you and I bought some small attentions to make myself forgive. Come on, don't be proud and come back with me.

Yūri, sighing: I see that you haven't changed much.

Ethan: ...

Yūri: Always so pretentious and not very interesting. You can keep your gifts, I don't need it. Instead, offer them to your girlfriend, since she also dropped you.

These words irritated Ethan, who lost his composure. He grabs Yūri by the wrist and said to him: Who are you taking yourself, dirty bitch?

Yūri, surprised by his reaction, replied: let me go, Ethan, you hurt my wrist.

Ethan: I make an effort to help you, but you allow yourself to insult me. What an affront! You are part of my life and you are very important to me.

Yūri: You caused this situation. It was you who chose to go egoism, and now you come back as if nothing had happened.

*I want to remind you that I am not the property of anyone, Ethan.*

The situation was starting to deteriorate: a simple discussion had turned into a strong argument. Ethan, about to lose his composure, fixed Yūri with an aggressive look. At that precise moment, he felt a hand lonking firmly on his, which surprised him. A voice then said to him: lets go of his hand.

Yūri looked up and saw Saydou standing in front of them, serious and determined look.

Furious, Ethan retorted: Who are you, you?

Saydou, in a calm but determined tone, says: I prefer not to repeat myself, I beg you to let go of his hand immediately.

Saydou's gaze was both serious and intense, revealing an underlying anger. Under pressure from this situation, Ethan released Yūri's hand and asked: But who is this boy, exactly?

Ethan now found himself facing Saydou, and it was obvious that a confrontation between them was about to burst.

Saydou: loose his hand, immediately.

Ethan, inadvertently, let go of Yūri and took a few steps back, surprised. He then says to himself: (but who is this type?)

Yūri, surprised by the presence of Saydou, remained speechless before him. Saydou turned to her and asked her with kindness: everything is fine, Yūri?

Yūri replied in a peaceful voice: yes, I'm fine.

Saydou, relieved, added: it reassures me.

Yūri took the opportunity to ask him the question: what are you doing here, Saydou?

Saydou replied: "I was a little worried, you were not yourself throughout the day. So, I decided to follow you, and it seems that I was right to do it. »»

Ethan, in a momentum of anger, cried: "So, that was so! »»

Saydou: ...

Ethan: If you refuse to come back with me, it's because you found someone else. You are just an easy girl who changes partner. You only live depending on the men you meet.

Yūri, very angry, exclaimed: Shut up, Ethan, I don't want to hear you anymore!

Ethan: Huh ...

Yūri: I am not your property and I will never be. Leave me alone and let me live my life.

Ethan: You dream, you are mine and no one will take you. I leave you this time, but next time, I will wait for your answer.

Then, he went, obviously very angry. Saydou, who had attended the whole scene, had trouble believing it. Yūri, on the other hand, no longer knew what to think, and the return of Ethan complicated things very much for her.

Seeing the concern about Yūri's face, Saydou proposed to him: "Come, I am accompanying you at home. »»

Yūri replied: "Huh ...? »»

Saydou continued: "It would be reckless that you come back alone. I will accompany you. »»

Yūri felt more peaceful by going with Saydou, without knowing that she was observed by someone in the shadows throughout this time.

Once arrived at Yūri, Saydou stopped at the entrance to his door and said to him: "You are finally at home, you will be able to rest. »»

Yūri, a little disoriented, replied: "Thank you, Saydou. »»

Saydou replied with a smile: "I beg you, it's nothing. I couldn't leave you alone. Now that you are safe, I feel more serene. »»

Saydou was about to leave when he heard Yūri call him: "Wait ..."

Saydou stopped, turned around and looked at Yūri. However, she couldn't find the words to express themselves. Noticing that, Saydou said gently to him: "You don't have to explain anything to me. »»

Yūri surprised: "Oh!? »»

Saydou replied: "If you find it too difficult for you, you don't have to talk about it. But know that when you are ready to do it, I will be there to listen to you. »»

It was with these last words that they took leave of each other. Saydou walked away while Yūri returned to his house, his heart heavy and his concern. She couldn't help but rethink recent events, and that overwhelmed her deeply.

For his part, Saydou had started to grasp the complexity of the situation. However, not being aware of Yūri's past, it was difficult for him to fully understand what she felt. One thing was certain for him: Yūri suffered a lot.

The next morning, at work, Yūri had regained his calm and did not want Ethan's return to disturb his life. However, she could not help thinking about the precious help that Saydou had brought her in the previous night against Ethan.

Arriving at the office, she crossed the door and Sofía, radiant with joy, exclaimed: "Yūri, you are finally there! I'm so happy to see you! »»

Surprised by such a welcome, Yūri did not really understand, but Sofía added with a smile: "If I meet this boy, I will give him a good lesson. »»

Yūri, visibly perplexed, exclaimed: "I don't understand, Sofía, what are you talking about?" »»

Sofía replied: "I am referring to your ex-girlfriend, who returned to cause you concerns. »»

Surprise, Yūri asked: "How do you know it?" »»

Sofía replied: "Well ..."

Célina approached and added: "It was Rosalía who informed us last night. »»

Yūri murmured: "Rosalía ..."

Célina continued: we were all a little worried yesterday, so Rosalía, on her way, decided to make a detour to you and she found you with a boy a few meters from your home.

Yūri: Oh! Is that why you asked me to come a little earlier today?

Camilla replied: Yūri, we are your friends, and if you have a problem, we are all there to help you.

Yūri was moved by their attentions, tears in his eyes. A few minutes later, they were all seated together in their work room, and Yūri decided to entrust them with everything she had on her heart.

Yūri: Rosalía, the boy you saw the other evening was indeed my ex boyfriend. His name is Ethan.

_ I met Ethan at the university, at that time, he was really charming, funny and very popular. I appreciated spending time with him. Over time, we started to go out together. At first, he really took care of me and I was a little his princess, as he used to call me.

_ Then, one day, everything changed. Ethan has become more and more difficult to bear; He couldn't stand to see me chatting with other boys. For him, I was his property, no more, no less.

_ I was only a trophy he had conquered. With his many conquests, he became a real playboy, coming out with all the girls who could fall into his arms.

I couldn't do it anymore, I was really tired, and I decided to break up with him to start my life elsewhere. This is the reason why I am here.

Hearing this, Célina exclaimed: it's incredible! How could you live in a relationship like this?

Camilla in turn intervened: but if you have already ended the relationship, why is it back?

Yūri replied: He told me that he wanted to come back with me and that he wanted to build a life together again.

Sofía, visibly angry, replied: it is incredible, he returns after all the harm he did to you.

Yūri: I understand your reaction, I couldn't believe it either when he came back.

Rosalía: This is why Saydou defended your defense last night.

Yūri: Oh!?

Célina: Saydou? What is his role in this story?

Rosalía: There is one aspect that I have not yet told you, it was when Saydou came to defend Yūri.

Rosalía explained the scene to them in detail, then Célina said: Ah, I understand now, that was so.

Sofía launched him then: do you realize the luck that you have?

Yūri:!?

Sofía: Saydou really worries about you, in the point of facing a boy whom he does not even know. He is a real gentleman.

Yūri: Yes, I am well aware, it's just that ...

Célina understood what Yūri felt and added: You are afraid, right?

Yūri: That's right.

Camilla: What are you afraid of, Yūri?

Yūri: I'm afraid to relive what I experienced with Ethan. Saydou is a charming, attentive and honest boy ...

When she started talking about Saydou, her face enlightened, and a smile appeared on her lips. She continued: he is really a great guy, he has everything to please a girl, and he is also very attentive to the people around her.

All these praise in Saydou surprised the girls, who exclaimed in chorus: you are in love with him !!

Yūri, surprised by their reactions, exclaims: "Oh, but no ... We are only very good friends, nothing more. »»

Camilla then intervenes: "Come on, we can clearly see that you have a small weakness for Saysou. »»

Célina adds: "You have a different tone when you talk about him, and look, you can't help but smile just thinking about him. »»

Yūri had trouble believing it, but it was very real: she had fallen in love with Saydou for some time now. Rosalía took his hand gently and murmured him: "Do not worry about Ethan anymore," thinks rather of the bright future that awaits you alongside Saydou. »»

Yūri, somewhat surprised, exclaimed: "Do you really think so?" »»

They kindly nodded, and Rosalía continued: this boy did not deserve you, which is why your relationship did not work. You are a treasure that he could not keep. Now it is time for you to make your choice and to consider with whom you want to build a promising future.

Yūri, listening to Rosalía's advice, replied with a smile: I see my future with Saydou, I am sure ... It's Saydou that I want and no one else.

The girls, delighted to hear it, all displayed a bright smile on their faces. Sofía then said to him: "So don't hesitate and seize your luck. »»

Yūri felt soothed; She had found great friends who understood her and supported her in her trials, which brought her a lot of happiness. Then, the office door opened, and Saydou was the first to enter the room.

Surprise, Yūri remained frozen looking at him, and he said, "Hello, how are you girls? »»

Célina replied with a smile: Hello Saydou, yes, everything is fine.

Saydou: You are really morning today.

Camilla: We had some small work to finish; Now that it's done, we can devote ourselves to something else.

Then the other boys arrived. Upon entering the room, Alex, still as happy and full of energy, greeted: Hi guys, how are you?

Life has resumed its course, with habits in the office, jokes and joys of living. Yūri was no longer anxious; She felt lighter, as if a huge weight had gone.

Being surrounded by these friends and finding the boy who gave him a smile represented for her a real treasure.

A few moments later, their chief entered the room. Surprised to see him, they remained frozen with surprise. Then, he addressed them saying: I beg you to apologize for this disturbance, I am here to announce excellent news.

They interrupted what they were doing and began to listen to it carefully.

The chef continued: following your many photos and your expeditions in different regions, we received a proposal from the Abyss Research Institute.

Célina then asked: Are you talking about the research center specializing in the study of aquatic creatures, ranging from bioluminescence to the species of the still unknown abyss?

Chef: That's quite that, Célina. They enjoyed our work so recently that they decided to collaborate with us.

They need the best possible photographers to help their young researchers collect information on the next creature that you will have the opportunity to photograph.

Stéphane: A young researcher, really? We are just there to help him in his research with our photos, right?

Chef: Yes, that's it. In fact, it is already among us right now. You can enter.

The young researcher then entered the room. To everyone's surprise, this young man was not a stranger for our friends. With a radiant smile, he raised his hand friendly and said: Hi guys, I am delighted to see you again.

Astonished by his presence, they all exclaimed together: Jayden !!!