Facing Leo, who was still deeply hurt, was not going to be easy for Maru. She knew she needed to think carefully about how to approach him and make him willing to see her. With her resignation looming closer, she felt an urgency to make things right before it was too late.

She wanted nothing more than to open her heart and let Leo see how much she cherished and adored him.

To get closer to Leo, Maru took a clever route. She accepted an offer for voluntary work with Shu at his atelier in Paris, using it as a stepping stone to finish her tasks there quickly and head to Florence as soon as possible.

When Leo heard that Maru was in Paris and planning to follow him to Florence, he felt a wave of conflicting emotions. Months had passed without any contact between them, and although he was still hurt, Leo couldn’t deny that he missed her. His heart ached with a longing that had only grown stronger over time.

He couldn’t help but wonder what Maru was thinking. For someone as composed and cautious as she was, the idea of her taking such a bold step—a first trip abroad, no less—seemed unlike her. It felt impulsive, uncharacteristic. Could it be... could it be that she was willing to act so recklessly when it came to him?

The thought took him back to the past when Maru had made up her mind to follow him to Yumenosaki Academy. Back then, she had insisted on staying to support the Knights until Leo returned.

It was clear to him now, just as it had been back then.

It was love.

Maru’s feelings were unmistakable, reaching across distances and pushing her to step out of her comfort zone—all for him.