Months had passed since Keiko had been rescued from Lord Stingray's compound down in Atlantis. Any scars and wounds that she still had from that ordeal were purely psychological, and yet she carried on with her life as best as she could. It hadn't been easy, of course, but then nothing in life was ever easy. That was a lesson she'd learned well from her parents and grandparents. She knew that if she was going to be world dictator someday, she would have to work on herself and focus her energy on being around her loved ones.

Out of everyone in her life, besides her family, Daiana had been the biggest support for her possible. Dear Daiana. She had been a great friend and mentor to Keiko, pushing her to be her best and guiding her in the right direction. She was her biggest fan, and it was her that Keiko had to thank for a lot of her successes. She loved her so much, but Keiko had no idea if Daiana felt the same way. She was too scared to ask Daiana if she was in love with her. She felt like it would be too risky, and she didn't want to ruin their friendship. She decided to just stay silent and hope Daiana would feel the same way. She had no idea how long she could wait around, however.

For now, she would just appreciate the friendship she and Daiana already had. It was hard not to anyhow. She was grateful for Daiana's kindness and support, and she was determined to keep the friendship strong and to wait for the right moment to ask Daiana how she truly felt.

It was currently October 31st, Halloween and Keiko's 19th birthday. Keiko was looking forward to celebrating her birthday with her family, friends, and Daiana. After spending days and weeks thinking about it, she decided that tonight would be the perfect opportunity to talk to Daiana about her feelings. She was nervous, but also excited for the future. After all, when was she going to get this chance again?

As she dressed up in a long white silk dress covered in swan feathers and rainbow tulle, she couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building up inside her. The dress was extravagant, fitting for the occasion and her own vibrant personality. Keiko knew that tonight's celebration would be memorable, not just because of her birthday but also because of what she thought the future had in store for her once she'd told Daiana how she truly felt. Keiko's heart raced as she put the finishing touches on her outfit, a delicate silver tiara perched atop her head. She took a deep breath and tried to calm the butterflies in her stomach. The clock struck seven, signaling that it was time for her guests to arrive. As she made her way downstairs, Keiko heard the chatter and laughter of her loved ones filling the air.

"Hey, Keiko!" she could hear Europa calling out to her.

Keiko whipped her head around to see her cousin standing there in a stunning black and gold sequined dress, a mischievous glint in her eye.

"Europa!" Keiko ran up to Europa and gave her a tight hug. "It's so good to see you!"

"You too!" Europa exclaimed. "You look so pretty!"

Keiko smiled and thanked her. As more guests started to arrive, the White House filled with laughter and chatter, creating a joyful atmosphere that lifted Keiko's spirits even higher. Keiko was overwhelmed with emotion. She had never seen so many familiar faces in one place before. Usually, her birthdays were a small but still eventful affair, but this was the first time just about everyone had shown up. She felt a sense of pride and accomplishment that she had worked hard for to get to this moment.

"Man, this is one hell of a party you've got going on in here," Europa said.

"Thanks," Keiko replied. "If everything goes to plan, this will be a night to remember in more ways than one."

Europa raised an eyebrow. "Do tell."

"Okay, you remember Daiana? That girl who was my bodyguard in Las Vegas almost two years ago?"

"Yeah, what about her?"

"I'm in love with her."

"Get out! For real?"

Keiko nodded. "Yep, it's serious."

"Does she know you're in love with her?"

Keiko shook her head. "No idea."

"Well, you gotta tell her before it's too late."

"Of course I'm gonna tell her. What did you think I was going to do? Clam up about it?"

Europa shrugged her shoulders. "I guess? Sometimes, you're like an enigma wrapped in a riddle, I swear."

"Well, don't worry. I plan to tell her soon. But first, I gotta have cake."

"Oh, um, okay."

Then, as if in a hurry, Keiko rushed off to get a slice of cake, leaving Europa behind in the process. Keiko made her way through the crowded room, weaving between groups of chatting guests and avoiding a near collision with a waiter carrying a tray of champagne flutes. She finally reached the dessert table, where an array of decadent cakes and pastries awaited. Keiko's eyes lit up at the sight of her favorite red velvet cake, adorned with fresh berries and delicate frosting.

"Oh, there you are, Keiko," Mariko said. "I was wondering what took you so long."

"Just talking with Europa, that's all," Keiko replied.

"Really? About what?"

Keiko hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to reveal about her feelings for Daiana to her younger sister. "I was telling Europa about Daiana."

Mariko's eyes widened in surprise. "Daiana? Your former bodyguard?"

Keiko nodded. "I'm in love with her, Mariko."

Mariko gasped softly, placing a hand over her mouth. "Oh my goodness, that's huge! Have you told her yet?"

Keiko shook her head, a hint of uncertainty crossing her features. "Not yet... I'm planning on it tonight."

"Okay, why don't you do that after eating some cake? You know Alice and Bruce worked all day to make that."

"Sure, I'll get on that."

After grabbing a generous slice of the red velvet cake, Keiko made her way back to Europa, who happened to be engaged in a lively conversation with one of her friends from the military academy.

"Hey, Europa!" Keiko called out to her.

Europa stopped her conversation to look at Keiko. "Oh, hey, Keiko! How are you liking the party so far?"

"Great. Cake's really good."

"I'm glad to hear it. You deserve this after everything you've been through."

Keiko smiled and gave Europa a hug. "Thanks, Europa. I really appreciate it."

Europa smiled and nodded, motioning for Keiko to join her conversation. Keiko happily obliged, chatting away at whatever came to mind for quite some time. Keiko and Europa continued talking for a while, sharing stories and laughing together. Keiko felt a sense of joy and belonging as she shared a special day with her cousin. Eventually, Keiko broke away to try to find Daiana.

As the night progressed and the guests mingled, Keiko couldn't shake off the nervous excitement that had been bubbling within her. She had rehearsed this moment countless times in her mind, but now the time had come to finally express her true feelings to Daiana. She knew it was a risk, but she also felt it was a chance she couldn't let slip away. Keiko found herself stealing glances at Daiana across the room, admiring how effortlessly she interacted with others and how her presence seemed to light up the space. With each passing moment, Keiko's determination grew stronger. Soon, she felt a surge of nervous energy coursing through her veins. This was it; it was now or never.

"Hey, can we talk for a minute?" Keiko called out to her.

Keiko's voice barely registered above the chatter, but Daiana's eyes widened, and she nodded, her smile reassuring.

Keiko smiled back as she silently beckoned Daiana to follow her. They stepped away to a quieter corner, the ambiance shifting, as if the universe had conspired to give them this moment in time. Keiko could feel the ground beneath her shift, the nerves swirling in her stomach all coming to a crescendo. She couldn't believe it. She was here. She was really here with Daiana.

"Keiko, what's up?" Daiana asked, her voice softening as she tilted her head, the genuine concern in her eyes only heightening Keiko's resolve.

Now, with her opportunity laid before her, Keiko felt all the words she'd rehearsed in her head beforehand scatter like leaves in the wind.

She took a breath, gathering herself, and began to speak. "I've been wanting to tell you something for a long time now."

"What is it?" Daiana asked.

"It's a little scary, I'll admit, but I think it's important…" Keiko took another deep breath. "I really like you, Daiana. I mean, really like you. More than just as a friend, in fact."

The words hung in the air, heavy with expectation. The potential shift in their relationship loomed, but at that moment, it felt like everything was finally in alignment. Daiana's expression transformed from surprise to contemplative, her brows furrowing slightly as she took a moment to process Keiko's confession.

Keiko held her breath, her heart thumping wildly within her chest. However, before she could second-guess herself or take back those powerful words, Daiana stepped closer.

"I'm so glad you told me," Daiana said, a smile breaking across her face like the dawn.

"Really?" Keiko asked. "Why's that?"

"I've been feeling the same way…"

"Really?"

"Yeah, you have no idea how long I've been keeping it bottled up inside."

"Holy shit! I'm so happier just hearing you say that!"

Keiko felt a rush of relief wash over her as she watched Daiana lean in and kiss her softly on the lips. She felt Daiana's hand on her cheek and closed her eyes, savoring the moment. They stayed like that for a few moments before pulling apart, their eyes still locked. As the two of them stood there under the soft twinkle of the lights, Keiko's nerves began to fade away, and a new chapter of their relationship started to unfold. Keiko felt lighter, like the weight of uncertainty had been lifted off her shoulders. They both took a step forward and rejoined the party, hand in hand, ready to embrace whatever the future held together.