Chapter 32: Dandelion Dreams Fulfilled

Two years have passed since the groundbreaking discovery of the Lunar Bloom Serum. The streets of Tokyo buzzed with life, neon lights reflecting off the rain-slicked pavement. 

Among the dazzling advertisements plastered on every billboard, one campaign stood out—a glowing image of a stunning celebrity, her radiant skin flawless and seemingly untouched by time. The words beneath her read:

"The Secret to Eternal Youth: Petals.Co's Lunar Bloom Serum."

On television screens in electronic store windows, a luxury ad played on a loop. A famous actress, known for her youthful beauty despite being in her forties, spoke in a honeyed voice:

"People often ask me how I do it. How I stay so youthful. Well, the secret's out: it's Lunar Bloom. My confidence, my glow—it's all thanks to Petals.Co's groundbreaking serum. Experience the miracle for yourself."

The Lunar Bloom Serum had become the product of the decade—a phenomenon that transcended borders. Social media influencers raved about its results, posting dramatic before-and-after photos with captions like, "This serum is life-changing!" and "Forget Botox—this is the real deal."

Even the world's most elite celebrities, notoriously tight-lipped about their beauty regimens, openly endorsed the product. Every luxury department store boasted glossy Petals.Co displays, and the serum consistently sold out within hours of restocking.

In a High-End Hotel Suite

Tsukiko watched the television from the couch, her arms crossed over her chest. The commercial played for the fourth time that evening. She sighed, leaning back as her phone vibrated on the coffee table.

Petals.Co's PR team had sent another message:

"We need you to attend the Global Innovators Gala next month. They're presenting the 'Scientific Breakthrough of the Year' award, and Lunar Bloom is the star."

She turned the phone over, ignoring the message, and reached for her laptop instead. As the screen illuminated her face, emails flooded in—requests for interviews, partnership deals, and proposals for new research projects.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door opening. A familiar voice called out. "You're working again?"

Tsukiko turned, startled, to see her assistance, Natalie standing there, her grin as wide as ever. 

"Don't you ever take a break?" she teased, stepping inside and tossing a thick folder onto the table. "You should be celebrating. Do you realize what we've accomplished? This serum—it's a global sensation. You're a household name!"

Tsukiko forced a smile, though her mind lingered on the past—the long nights in the lab, the sacrifices they had all made. 

"Celebrating isn't my thing," she replied, her voice soft. "Besides, this isn't just my work. It's everyone's."

Natalie chuckled, leaning back against the counter. "Always so humble. But seriously, Tsukiko, you should be proud. People are calling this the greatest skincare breakthrough of the century. You've changed lives."

Tsukiko glanced at the commercial again, thinking how far she had made it despite her rough adventure looking for the Lunar Bloom. 

A small laugh escaped her lips as she recalled the memory of Haruki slipping into the stream during their countryside research. 

His grumbled protests and the water dripping from his hair as he scrambled to his feet were etched vividly in her mind. Despite her frustration at the time, she had found herself laughing, the sound surprising even her.

She shook her head, the smile lingering briefly before giving way to an ache in her chest. The memory, vivid and uninvited, brought with it a flood of emotions she had long buried. A tear slipped down her cheek before she even realized it.

"You're so annoying," she muttered under her breath.

Natalie, who had been scrolling through Tsukiko's packed schedule on her tablet, froze and looked up. "I'm… annoying?"

Tsukiko blinked, startled out of her reverie. "No, not you—just someone..." She wiped the tear away quickly, attempting to mask the crack in her composure.

Natalie, ever observant, softened. "Dr. Takamura... are you crying?"

"Nah," Tsukiko said quickly, "I'm just sleepy."

Natalie's expression wavered, her soft heart getting the better of her. Suddenly, tears welled in her eyes, and she leaned forward to wrap Tsukiko in a tight, impromptu hug. "Oh, my dear sister, you've worked so hard. I'm so proud of you!"

Tsukiko stiffened, her discomfort evident. "What's wrong with you?" she muttered, trying to wriggle free.

Natalie pulled back, still sniffling but smiling brightly. "That's it. We're going shopping." adopting a determined tone.

Tsukiko blinked. "What?"

"You heard me," Natalie said firmly, snatching Tsukiko's laptop and setting it aside. "You've got the gala coming up, and I'm not letting you show up in your usual minimalist wardrobe. I'm going to make you the queen of the night!"

Tsukiko groaned. "I like to keep it simple, Natalie."

"Not this time! Nope, nope, nope!" Natalie grabbed Tsukiko's hand and started pulling her toward the door.

"Hey, Natalie, stop!" Tsukiko protested, half-heartedly resisting. "I'm your superior, remember?"

Natalie flashed a cheeky grin over her shoulder. "Not tonight, you're not. Tonight, I'm your stylist."

Despite herself, Tsukiko couldn't help but laugh at Natalie's infectious enthusiasm. Unable to resist, she allowed her assistant—who was more like a best friend—to drag her out of the suite and into the bustling Tokyo streets.

As the two of them disappeared into the night, Tsukiko felt a tiny, unfamiliar spark of anticipation flicker in her chest.