✨
Chiharu Aoi sat at the kitchen table, her fingers tracing the floral pattern on the tablecloth. The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air, mingling with the scent of autumn leaves drifting in through the open window. She glanced at the clock, noting the time difference between Japan and France, and then picked up the phone, her heart pounding slightly. She dialed the familiar number, her mind racing with thoughts of the conversation she was about to have.After a few rings, a warm, familiar voice answered. "Hello, this is Kento."Chiharu smiled despite her nerves. "Hi, Dear. It’s me. How are you? How's France?"Kento chuckled, the sound comforting and grounding. "Hey, Chiharu. France is beautiful, as always. But I miss you and the kids terribly. How’s everything back home?"Chiharu took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice. "Well, something quite interesting happened today. Zac the Sunrise came by, and he has a rather unusual proposition for Valt."There was a pause on the line, and Chiharu could almost hear the curiosity in Kento's silence. "Oh? What’s Zac up to now?"Chiharu explained the situation in detail, recounting Zac's visit and his idea to make Valt a secret model for his music magazine. She described Zac's excitement and belief in Valt’s potential to shine in a different light. As she spoke, she could feel the weight of the conversation settling on her shoulders.When she finished, there was a moment of silence before Kento spoke. "Wow, that’s quite an opportunity for Valt. But I can see how it might affect his schedule, and ours. He might be so busy that we barely get to see him."Chiharu nodded, though Kento couldn’t see her. "Yes, I’m worried about that too. But there’s more to it, Kento. I’m actually hoping that this could be another career path for Valt, something beyond Beyblade. After the whole Red Eye incident, I’ve been so worried about his safety and future in this dangerous sport. It's not totally kids friendly"Kento sighed, the sound heavy with understanding and empathy. "I know, Darling. That incident was hard on all of us. But Valt loves Beyblade. It’s his passion. Do you really think modeling could be a good alternative for him?"Chiharu bit her lip, her voice wavering slightly. "I don’t know, Kento. I just want him to have options, to be safe. This modeling opportunity, could open new doors for him, and give him a chance to explore different sides of himself."Kento was silent for a moment, considering her words. Then he chuckled softly, a warm, familiar sound that brought happiness to Chiharu’s heart. "You know, I always thought Valt got his secret charisma from me. He’s got that natural charm, just like his old man."
(Seriously!?)Chiharu rolled her eyes in slight annoyance, they were serious and then the man just spouted nonsense of nowhere, though a smile tugged at her lips. "Oh, please. Don’t let it go to your head, Kento. The kids took their beauty from me, I mean that's the reason you were head over heels for me."He laughed, the sound carrying across the miles "In all seriousness, Chiharu, I think you’re right. This could be good for Valt. But we need to trust him to make his own decisions. He’s grown so much, and he’s stronger than we sometimes give him credit for."Chiharu nodded, feeling a mixture of relief and lingering worry. "I know. I just can’t help but worry about him. He’s our son, after all.""I understand," Kento said gently. "But we raised him to be strong, kind and kinda independent. He’ll figure it out. We just need to support him, no matter what path he chooses."Chiharu sighed, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders. "You’re right. Thank you, Kento. I needed to hear that.""Anytime, love," Kento replied warmly. "I’ll be home soon. In the meantime, give Valt a hug from me. And tell him I’m proud of him, no matter what he decides.""I will," Chiharu promised. "Stay safe, Kento. I miss you.""I miss you too, Chiharu. Take care."As the call ended, Chiharu sat in the quiet kitchen, her heart feeling lighter. She knew there were challenges ahead, but with Kento's reassurance and their family's unwavering support, she felt ready to face whatever came next. She stood up, her resolve strengthening as she thought about Valt and his future.Chiharu moved to the window, watching as the last rays of sunlight bathed the garden in a golden glow. She felt a mixture of emotions—pride, worry, hope—all swirling within her. She remembered the look on Valt’s face when he talked about Beyblade, the spark in his eyes, the passion in his voice. She knew how much it meant to him, but she also saw the potential for him to grow and explore new horizons.As she walked through the house, Chiharu reflected on the past few weeks. The Red Eye incident had shaken their family to its core. Seeing Valt struggle and then rise again had been both heart-wrenching and inspiring. She didn’t want to see him hurt again, but she also knew that he was resilient and capable of more than she sometimes gave him credit for.Entering Valt’s room, Chiharu found him sitting at his desk, focused on his Beyblade. He looked up as she entered, a bright smile spreading across his face. "Hey, Mom. What’s up?"Chiharu walked over and sat on the edge of his bed, her heart swelling with love and pride. "Valt, I wanted to talk to you about something important."Valt’s expression turned confuse, his eyes full of curiosity. "What is it?"Chiharu took a deep breath, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "Zac came by yesterday when you were not around. The success of your first photoshoot open up a new door of opportunity for you sweetie. Zac think you could become a part time model thus the contract must be sign in"Valt’s eyes widened in surprise. "Me? A model? That’s... unexpected." Then he play with fingers, twirling them together, lost in thoughts. "I don't know mom... I don't even understand a single things about modeling. Chiharu smiled gently. "I know it’s not what you’re used to, but Zac sees something special in you. He thinks you could really shine. It’s a chance to explore a different side of yourself, to try something new."Valt looked thoughtful, his brow furrowing slightly. "But what about Beyblade? I'm the champion now. How will I balance everything?"Chiharu reached out, placing a hand on his shoulder. "We’ll figure it out together. Your dad and I trust you to make the right decisions. We’re proud of you, no matter what path you choose."Valt’s face softened, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Thanks, Mom. I’ll think about it."Chiharu pulled him into a hug, feeling the strength and warmth of her son. "Whatever you decide, we’re here for you. Always."As she left Valt’s room, Chiharu felt a renewed sense of hope. She knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but with the love and support of their family, everything would work out somehow.
✨
In a cozy café in Paris, Kento Aoi sat by the window, sipping his espresso as he watched the bustling streets outside. The café was a place where he could gather his thoughts and feel connected to home even while miles away. Today, however, was special. He had just received a generous bonus from his work as a pilot, recognized for his exceptional performance and dedication. He decided to put it to good use, thinking of ways to surprise his family back in Japan.Kento finished his coffee and set out into the city, his mind brimming with ideas. He knew exactly what he wanted to get for each of his children, having paid close attention to their interests and passions.First on his list was Toko. Kento made his way to a renowned electronics store, filled with the latest gadgets and high-tech equipment. He wandered through the aisles until he found the camera section. His eyes settled on a sleek, high-tech model with all the latest features. It was perfect for Toko, who had developed a keen interest in photography. He selected a Fanon EOS R5, a professional-grade mirrorless camera known for its stunning image quality and advanced features. The camera has a 45-megapixel full-frame sensor, capable of capturing intricate details with exceptional clarity. It also featured an 8K video recording, allowing Toko to experiment with filmmaking. The high-speed autofocus system ensured sharp, precise shots, even in fast-paced action scenes. Kento imagined his son’s face lighting up with excitement as he unwrapped the gift, ready to capture the world through his lens.
Next, Kento headed to a chic cosmetics boutique. The store was a paradise for girls, with shelves lined with high-end makeup products. He carefully selected an expensive makeup set kit, complete with everything Nika could dream of. He chose the Lior Backstage Makeup Collection, a luxurious set that included a wide array of products: an eyeshadow palette with a mix of matte, shimmer, and satin finishes, a set of lipsticks in vibrant and subtle shades, high-quality brushes for flawless application, and a set of foundation and blushes for a natural, radiant look. The packaging was elegant, with a sleek, black case adorned with the iconic logo. Nika loved makeup and girly things, Kento could already hear her daughter squeal in happiness
For Valt, Kento went into a fashionable clothing store. He browsed through racks of designer clothes, envisioning his son as the soon-to-be model Zac had proposed. He picked out several stylish outfits, each piece chosen with to suit Valt’s energetic and charismatic personality. Kento selected a collection from the latest Ermani Exchange line, known for its trendy designs. The collection included some tailored navy blazer, perfect for a smart-casual look; a set of comfortable yet stylish jeans with a modern fit; a few casual tees with bold, eye-catching prints; and an elegant white hoodie jacket and others they could offer. Kento could already imagine his son appreciation these clothes without knowing they were actually expensive. With his purchases in hand, Kento felt a sense of joy, knowing he was doing something meaningful for his children. But there was still one more person he needed to think of—his wife, Chiharu. He had a special surprise in mind for her, something he had been planning for a while. It was a secret he would keep until he returned home, a token of his love and appreciation for her unwavering support.As he walked back to his apartment, Kento thought about his family, their faces vivid in his mind. Being away from them was never easy, but moments like this, where he could do something to show his love and support, made the distance feel a little more bearable. He hoped these gifts would bring joy and remind them of his love, even from afar.That evening, Kento carefully packed the gifts, wrapping each one with meticulous care. He included a handwritten note for each of his children, expressing his pride and love for them. For Toko, he wrote about how proud he was of his growing photography skills and encouraged him to keep exploring his creative passions. For Nika, he praised her artistic flair and told her how much he admired her ability to create beauty in everything she did. Valt, he expressed his excitement about his new modeling scheme and reassured him that, no matter what, he would always be proud of his accomplishments.For Chiharu, he wrote a heartfelt letter, hinting at the special surprise he had in store. He described how much he missed her, how her strength and support kept him grounded, and how he couldn’t wait to be back home with her. As he sealed the package, Kento felt a mix of anticipation and warmth. And he hoped that when the package arrived in Japan, it would bring smiles, laughter, and a sense of closeness, despite the miles that separated them.
✨
The next few days, the Aoi household buzzed with excitement as Nika and Toko eagerly unwrapped their gifts that came from their father. Nika’s eyes sparkled with delight as she held up the expensive makeup set, a collection of high-end brands with vibrant colors and glossy packaging. Toko, equally fascinated, admired his brand-new, high-tech camera, his fingers tracing over the sleek, matte black surface and the advanced features that would improve his photography to new heights.“Wow, Dad really outdid himself this time!” Toko exclaimed, his voice bubbling with joy. He began to snap photos of Nika with his new camera, experimenting with different angles and lighting.Nika laughed, holding up her makeup kit like a prized trophy. “This is amazing! I can’t wait to try all these colors. Look, there’s even a tutorial book!”Meanwhile, Valt stood nearby, holding his gift with a puzzled expression. The so-called designer clothes were undeniably stylish, but he couldn’t quite understand why he needed more clothes when his closet was already full. He looked at the beautifully tailored pieces, appreciating the quality but still feeling a bit confused. He's grateful for his dad but what's the purpose of this?“Why do I need more clothes?” he wondered aloud, scratching his head. “I already have a lot.”Nika and Toko exchanged a look before turning to their brother with an exasperated sigh. “Nii-chan,” Nika began, her tone a mix of patience and amusement, “those clothes are not just any clothes. They’re expensive and special!”Valt’s confusion deepened. “But… what makes them special? They look fine and beautiful, but…”Nika rolled her eyes dramatically while Toko chuckled. (
Hmmmm...)Suddenly, a bright, mischievous idea struck the twins simultaneously. They shared a conspiratorial grin that sent a shiver down Valt’s spine. He knew that look all too well—it meant they were up to something.With a gleam in his eye, Toko raised his camera, the lens glinting in the light. “Nii-chan, I think it’s time we put these gifts to good use. How about a photoshoot?”Nika’s grin widened as she opened her makeup kit. “Yes, and I can finally test out all these new products! But first, we need a model account on Pinstagram and Acebook.”Valt’s eyes widened in alarm. “Wait, what? A photoshoot? Now? Why me?”“Nii-chan~” Nika sang, her voice dripping with hidden intent, “have you ever wondered what it means to dress to kill?”Valt furrowed his brows in confusion. “No… Why would I dress to kill? That’s mean, you know?”Toko shook his head, the playful mood unbroken by Valt’s cluelessness. “Nah, it’s fine. Their hearts will only burst from cuteness, but other than that, they’ll just see heaven, which is fine.”Valt blinked, completely lost in the twins’ cryptic words. Whenever Nika and Toko were in their gremlin phase, it was better not to question it. The rule was simple: they get what they want. Resigned, he sighed deeply.“Alright, fine. Let’s get this over with,” Valt said, sitting down as Nika eagerly approached with her makeup kit.Nika’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she began to work her magic, she's making sure to only apply minimal makeup to a few products to achieve a natural look. While looking bold and stunning is good, the real goal of this is to enhance one's person natural beauty and features. Some people tend to wear makeup as a mask to hide their true selves, but a polished reflection of yourself is still the best. As she applied light foundation, which was needed since the flash of a newly bought camera was way too bright, he didn't want his brother to look pale, then she added a blush with swift, practiced movements. She added a touch of eyeshadow that made Valt’s golden-brown eyes pop even more, enhancing their natural beauty. As she applied the final touches, Valt’s face didn't transform or anything, she just enhanced his cutesy that's all. After all, his brother is already beautiful in his way. The makeup was just there to make his beauty more striking. "There we go, just a light touch," Nika murmured softly, her concentration evident in her delicate movements. Valt wriggled a bit, giggling as the cool sponge tickled his face."Are we done yet?" Valt asked eagerly, since his butt is starting to get hurt by too much sitting, as peeks at his reflection in a handheld mirror. His face, still innocent and youthful, now had a subtle, dewy glow that he didn't know had before, if he didn't know better, someone had put a glitter on his face. Nika smiled, brushing back a strand of Valt's tousled hair – gosh why his hair is so untidy without his headband? "Almost," she replied, adding a final gentle pat of the sponge to ensure an even application of foundation, she didn't want to make such rookie mistakes after all.With a nod of satisfaction, Nika set down the makeup and tilted the mirror towards Valt. He studied his reflection with wide eyes, seeing himself with just a hint of a fresh, natural radiance. "I look different!" Valt exclaimed, his voice filled with innocent wonder.“I know right!” Nika stepped back, admiring her handiwork. “You look amazing, Nii-chan!”Toko nodded in agreement, already snapping photos. “Yeah, you’re going to be the star of the show!”Valt, still feeling a bit awkward, managed a small smile. “If you say so.”The twins’ enthusiasm was infectious, and despite his initial reluctance, Valt found himself enjoying the impromptu photo shoot with different attire he experimented on. Toko directed him through various poses, each click of the camera capturing an angel that would bless anyone's soul. With a final flourish, Toko snapped the last photo, capturing Valt’s genuine smile. “That’s a wrap!” he announced, showing Valt the photos.Valt looked at the images, his confusion replaced by a sense of surprise. “Okay, I admit it. This was actually pretty fun.”Nika grinned, giving her brother a playful nudge. “See? We told you it would be great. Now, let’s upload these and show everyone how amazing you look!”As they gathered around the tablet to create Valt’s model account, the Aoi twins couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. As Valt looked at the photos, he couldn’t help but feel happy — he still quite didn't understand what in the world was going on but they looked happy so it was fine. So photoshoots and modeling are about taking pictures by wearing stylish clothes with whatever they put on their faces and then posing to the camera with a blinding flash. It's not like Beyblade but it makes others happy so maybe he could fit in well in the world of stars.
If only he knew...✨
Azul: Dang I never thought this idea would actually have some plot