Around the time of the Repayment Festival and the next king's Coronation, Maru noticed that Leo had grown unusually quiet, as though he was holding something back. Unable to ignore it, she eventually convinced him to open up. With some hesitation, Leo admitted that he planned to move overseas, changing his work base and traveling wherever his heart took him. Maru felt conflicted at first; she knew she would miss him deeply. However, she reassured herself that Leo was free to follow his dreams. And to assure her, he promised her that he would return often.

Life moved on, with Knights performing as idols, Leo balancing his role as both an idol and a composer, and Maru working by their side as a scenographer. Maru supported the group from behind the scenes, using a pseudonym for work. She hid her identity partly because of her lack of confidence in her abilities, though her contributions were invaluable.

Over the next year, their busy schedules often kept Leo and Maru apart, but they made an effort to stay in touch. Through their conversations, they found a sense of calm and comfort in each other’s presence, even though neither dared to discuss their deeper feelings.

As time went on, as they knew each other a lot better and deeper, Maru began to notice her growing affection for Leo, but she convinced herself that these feelings were no more than those of a fan admiring her idol. Meanwhile, Leo had sensed that Maru felt something more for him. Still, he refrained from jumping to conclusions, wanting to be sure before addressing it.

Life brought its share of both joyful and difficult moments. There were times when Maru felt upset, and during such moments, Leo grew afraid of unintentionally hurting her feelings as a lot of things happened to Knights, specifically him.

On Christmas Day, Leo surprised Maru by taking her to a secret place where he liked to write songs. It was a peaceful place he loved, and he told her she was welcome to come there anytime—whether alone or with him. During their time together, Leo showed Maru a photo from his visit to a children’s hospital as part of a Christmas project. To Maru’s surprise, it was the same hospital where she had frequently visited her younger brother, Arata, who had been hospitalized as a child.

Later, during the promotions for Leo’s Feature Live, Maru worked alongside him, helping with the preparations. In a quiet moment, she listened as Leo shared a heartfelt confession about his passion for music and the things that inspired him. His words stirred memories of their shared past, and Maru found herself tearing up. Seeing this, Leo comforted her with a soft, understanding smile, even as he felt his heart racing in a way he couldn’t quite explain.

Confused by his emotions, Leo realized there was something different about how he felt toward Maru. He had long suspected her feelings for him, but now he was starting to question his own. Yet, unsure of what to make of his emotions, Leo chose to push the thoughts aside for the time being, brushing them off as fleeting confusion.

You, the idol who lights up the stage with such brilliance, shining so brightly. You've always loved that, haven't you? Always wished to create a sparkling stage performance, as Knights truly do shine their brightest upon the battlefield.

I, with this thing that I love, want to stand by you...

You're the one shining brilliantly on stage, and I'll be right here cheering for you, working to create a stage that will make your shine even more.

They may call me naive, perhaps even a fool, for choosing to remain here in a space that feels uncertain, for putting my heart in the hands of something unpromised. But tell me, how could I pledge my devotion elsewhere, when the very rhythm of my heart exists only for you?

Whoa-?! Why the sudden tears? Did something hurt, hm? I'm the one who went through it, but here you are crying, Maru. Hey, I'm alright, right here with you, see?

Thank you for waiting for me, while haunted by the thought that I might never come back. It's such a great feeling to have someone seeing you off and... waiting for you to come back with a "Welcome home."