Natsu pulled up in front of the studio, a sense of relief washing over him as he parked the car. He turned to Lara, who was already brimming with excitement.

"We arrived!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with anticipation.

She stepped out of the car, her eyes widening in awe at the imposing building. "Ah, finally!" she declared, her voice echoing with excitement.

Yuma and Uma, standing at the entrance, were ready to greet their new guest. They held party poppers in their hands, a playful welcome gesture. With a synchronized movement, they pulled the strings, filling the air with colourful confetti and a burst of sound.

Lara, startled by the unexpected surprise, jumped back. "Ah!" she exclaimed, her hand instinctively going to her chest.

Yuma and Uma giggled. "Welcome to KIDZ Studio," Yuma introduced herself.

"And I'm Uma," Uma added, extending her hand for a handshake.

Lara smiled. "I'm Lara," she replied, a hint of self-importance in her voice.

Yuma and Uma exchanged amused glances. "Welcome, Lara," Yuma said.

Uma and Yuma, their enthusiasm undiminished, grabbed Lara by the arms and ushered her into the studio building. "Come on, everyone is waiting for you," Uma said excitedly.

Natsu watched the scene unfold from the car, a mixture of relief washing over him. He rested his head on the steering wheel, taking a moment to collect himself.

Inside the studio, Ryu and Aya stood at the entrance, ready to greet their new guest. Upon seeing Lara, they bowed respectfully. "Welcome, Miss Lara," they said in unison.

Lara returned the bow, her smile wide and infectious. "Hello!" she greeted them cheerfully.

Aya, holding a pack of sweets, offered one to Lara as a welcome gesture. "Here," she said with a smile.

Lara's eyes lit up at the sight of the sweets. "Ah, my favourite," she exclaimed, taking one and popping it into her mouth. "It's delicious, thanks," she added, her appreciation genuine.

"You're welcome," Aya replied.

Encouraged by Lara's enthusiasm, Yuma and Uma also helped themselves to the sweets. "It's delicious," they agreed in unison.

Aya offered one to Ryu. "Here..." she said with a gentle blush, holding out the sweet.

Ryu hesitated for a moment before accepting it. "Umm, well..." he began.

Yuma and Uma, sensing an opportunity for entertainment, chimed in. "Eat it or we will," they threatened playfully.

Ryu, realizing he had no choice, quickly popped the sweet into his mouth. "Nice," he said, trying to appear indifferent.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"How was your trip, Miss Lara?" Aya asked, breaking the playful banter.

Lara beamed. "It was good," she replied, her voice filled with excitement.

Uma, ever the tease, added, "It has to be, right? Cause ..," she said, winking at Lara.

Lara blushed, she protested, trying to hide her embarrassment.

Yuma and Uma giggled at Lara's reaction.

"Stop it you two," Ryu said.

The atmosphere shifted as Mr. Kudo, the studio's manager, made his entrance.

"Well, well, I see the guest has arrived," he announced, his voice carrying an air of authority.

Ryu, startled by his boss's sudden appearance, stood up straight. Yuma and Uma, sensing the change in atmosphere, moved closer beside Ryu and Aya.

Lara, oblivious to the undercurrents, extended her hand for a handshake. "Nice to meet you, Sir," she said, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "It's a pleasure to be here."

Mr. Kudo shook her hand warmly. "The pleasure is all ours to have your presence in our studio," he replied, his tone cordial.

Yuma and Uma exchanged amused glances. "Our manager is being exceptionally nice," Yuma whispered to Uma.

Uma nodded in agreement. "Yeah, only when he is getting a good amount of profit," she replied.

Ryu, tried to maintain a neutral expression. "Mr. Ryu," Kudo addressed him directly, his voice stern. "Where is Miss Lara's manager? You told me earlier."

Ryu's heart skipped a beat. "Umm..." he stammered, his mind racing.

Lara, oblivious to the tension, answered cheerfully, "Oh, he went to park the car."

Kudo nodded, his expression unreadable. "I see," he said, his voice carrying a hint of scepticism. "So, was the trip good? Was the manager good? If any problem, you can tell us."

Lara beamed. "It was good, and the manager was great," she finished.

Kudo's eyebrows raised slightly, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "That's good," he said, turning to Ryu. "Mr. Ryu, help Miss Lara and guide her around the studio. I will be in my cabin, and also get the manager here as well. I want to meet him in person."

Ryu nodded, understanding the unspoken urgency in his boss's voice. "Yes, sir," he replied, his voice filled with nervousness and determination.

Mr. Kudo's departure brought a wave of relief to the remaining employees. Ryu let out a long, drawn-out sigh.

"Phew," he exclaimed, his shoulders slumping in relief.

Lara, oblivious to the tension, commented cheerfully, "He looks friendly and nice."

Yuma and Uma exchanged amused glances. "He was being too nice," Yuma remarked.

"Yeah," Uma agreed.

"Miss Lara.." Ryu began, but Lara interrupted him.

"Call me Lara. We're all friends here, right?" she said, smiling.

"Miss Lara, oh I mean Lara, wait here. Let me get Natsu," Ryu stammered.

Lara, waved him off. "Sure," she said.

Yuma and Uma, ever the entertainers, took it upon themselves to entertain Lara. "Don't worry, we are here with her," Yuma assured Ryu.

"Yeah, let's go to the cafeteria, Lara," Uma suggested, grabbing Lara's arm.

Ryu nodded, relieved to have a moment to himself. "Hey, be careful," he called out to them.

Yuma and Uma waved cheerfully as they led Lara away. "We can count on us," Uma said confidently.

Aya announced, "I shall also head to the reception as well."

Ryu nodded in agreement. "Hai," he replied and rushed out.

As Ryu exited the studio, he collided with someone, stumbling backward. "Ouch!" he exclaimed, rubbing his head. He looked up to find Natsu standing in front of him.

"It's you," Ryu said, relief washing over him. "Where were you?" he asked, his voice laced with urgency.

Natsu, his face impassive, replied, "An important call," his tone leaving no room for further questioning.

Ryu nodded, understanding the unspoken message. "So, how was all the trip with Lara?" he inquired, trying to lighten the mood.

Natsu's responded with a sigh "Headache but never mind anything else, I need to do," he said, his focus unwavering.

Ryu sensed Natsu's impatience and didn't press the issue further. "We need to go quickly, the manager of the studio wants to meet you in person," he said, leading the way.

Natsu followed, his mind occupied with his own thoughts. "When will I get my money?" he asked, his voice devoid of emotion.

Ryu assured him, "Don't worry, you'll get it soon."

With that, they set off towards the studio, the weight of their respective concerns hanging heavy in the air. Natsu focused on reaching the manager's office.