Chapter 88: Final exam (2)

[LINE Group Chat – Aya, Mizuki, Rina]

Mizuki: Okay, I’m going in to talk to my dad.
Mizuki: Wish me luck, I’m nervous…
Rina: You got this, Mizuki!
Aya: You’ll do fine, Mizuki.

Mizuki turned off her phone and entered the room, sliding the door closed behind her. The air was thick with the scent of tea, emanating from a low table set on the tatami mats. She knelt before the table, her heart pounding, and bowed her head respectfully to her father.

This room, in the Asakura family home, was where her father often held private discussions, the rhythmic clack of the shishi-odoshi (deer scarer) in the Japanese garden outside a soothing counterpoint to the tension thrumming through Mizuki’s veins.

“Mizuki.”

Her father’s voice, deep and resonant, always made her nervous.

“Yes, Father.” She kept her head bowed, her gaze fixed on the floor.

Her father, Asakura Shinichiro, the head of the Asakura family, silently sipped his tea, savoring the flavor, then looked at her, his gaze piercing.

“You seem troubled. Is there something you wish to discuss?”

“…” Mizuki took a deep breath, composing herself. There was no avoiding this now. Not that she wanted to avoid it. ‘Rina and Aya are with me.’

The thought of her friends, their unwavering support, gave her strength, bolstering her courage.

“Father, I have something to tell you.”

Her father’s lips twitched slightly, a hint of a smile, then his expression returned to its usual impassive mask.

“I’m listening.”

“I… I heard that you’re sending me abroad next semester.” Mizuki’s voice was firm, despite her racing heart. She couldn’t bring herself to meet her father’s gaze. But his voice, when he spoke, was surprisingly gentle.

“That’s right. It’s a common practice in our family. You know that, Mizuki.”

“…Yes, Father.”

With practiced movements, he performed the tea ceremony, placing a small cup of tea before her. “Why do you think I suggested this, Mizuki?”

She hesitated, then replied, “Because… I’m a member of the Asakura family… I need to gain experience, to grow, to become someone capable of leading the family.”

“Indeed.” Her answer was correct, but not what he wanted to hear.

“But… I don’t want to go… not yet.” There was a newfound strength in her voice, a conviction that surprised even herself.

“And why is that?” His voice, calm and steady, held an undercurrent of… something… expectation, perhaps? Mizuki took a deep breath, then spoke.

“Because my friends… they’re important to me. I enjoy school, and I cherish the time I spend with them. It’s… too soon for me to leave.”

Her father studied her silently, the quiet of the room amplifying the frantic beating of her heart. “Is this about Kurosawa and Yukikawa?”

Mizuki’s eyes widened. How did he…?

“Yes, they are… very important to me.”

“…I’ve heard… rumors. About you… developing… attachments… to girls.”

Mizuki’s brow furrowed at his words, a flicker of annoyance, but she quickly schooled her expression, her voice calm and even.

“Those rumors are false. They’re just my friends. Someone must have misinterpreted our… closeness.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. They are my precious friends, nothing more. I would never do anything to disappoint you, Father.”

At her firm denial, her father smiled faintly, his fingers toying with his teacup. “Is that so? It seems I’ve made a grave error in judgment. Then let us forget this conversation ever happened.”

“Father…!” Mizuki’s face lit up, a wave of relief washing over her.

“As a member of this family, there will be times when sacrifices must be made. But… it shouldn’t be every moment of your life.” He took a sip of his tea, his gaze thoughtful. “You’ve grown into a fine young woman, Mizuki. I will respect your wishes.”

A wave of emotion, a mixture of gratitude and relief, welled up in Mizuki’s chest. “Thank you, Father.”

He smiled faintly, a rare display of affection. “Then cherish these friendships, Mizuki. May they bring you happiness.”

Mizuki smiled brightly, the heavy burden on her heart lifting. Now, it was time to tell her friends the good news.

Leaving her father’s study, she quickly sent a message to the group chat.

Mizuki: I did it! Total victory~!
Mizuki: He’s not sending me away~!
Mizuki: And… it seems there are some strange rumors going around about me. (w.w)
Rina: ????
Rina: Are you okay, Mizuki?
Mizuki: Yeah, it’s just… he thought… I was dating you two. (w.w)
Aya: What?!
Rina: Oh… there was a misunderstanding.
Mizuki: It’s nice to know he cares, though.
Rina: So… everything’s okay now?
Mizuki: Yep! All good~! (´ω｀*)
Aya: I’m glad.
Rina: Me too… you did great!

****

My words of encouragement had worked. But… it seemed my taking the protagonist’s place had caused this misunderstanding. If it had been a boy, it might have been more… understandable. But two girls… it was a sensitive issue, especially for a traditional family like the Asakuras.

“Phew…” I was relieved. If Mizuki had remained unhappy throughout the exam period, it would have affected all of us. “I’m so glad,” I murmured, a wave of warmth spreading through me as I lay down on my bed, a pleasant drowsiness lulling me to sleep. I’d finished studying for tomorrow’s exams, so it was okay to… just rest for a bit…

****

“Ahh!” I’d actually fallen asleep! I hadn’t even set an alarm. I woke up with a start, the bright sunlight streaming through my window a stark reminder of my late start.

“I’m not late… but Aya sent me so many messages…!” Thankfully, I still had time to meet up with her. ‘Ugh, I didn’t even study last night…’

“Mom, I’m leaving!!”

“Rina, you haven’t eaten breakfast!” Ignoring her protests, I grabbed a piece of toast and dashed out the door, a classic shoujo manga scene. ‘What a way to start the day…’

I was running, the toast clutched in my hand, when I turned a corner and, smelling a familiar scent, collided with someone. “Eek!” “Whoa!” We stumbled, almost falling, but strong arms caught me, steadying me.

“Aya… I’m so sorry…” I looked up to see her looking down at me, a slightly flustered expression on her face. “Rina… are you alright?”

“Y-Yeah… I’m fine.” Thankfully, it was plain toast, no jam, so her uniform wasn’t stained. But why did I have to run into Aya…? And Aya, oblivious to my embarrassment, gently helped me up.

“Are you running late? You’re usually early,” she asked, her usual calm demeanor returning, but my face was burning.

“Ah… yeah… I was studying late last night…” I lied. I’d actually fallen asleep, exhausted, intending to just rest for a bit… ‘This exam is going to be rough…’

“Let’s walk. There’s no need to rush now,” she said, her smile so gentle, so understanding, it eased the guilt churning in my stomach. Aya… she was the best. We reached our usual meeting spot with Mizuki. And there she was, waving and grinning, her usual cheerful self. There was no sign of the subdued, troubled Mizuki from the past few weeks.

 “Rina-tan, Aya-ring~! Good morning~!”

“Mizuki, good morning…” I finally managed to respond, still slightly dazed from my collision with Aya.

“Rina-tan, what’s with the toast? You were running with toast in your mouth? And you bumped into Aya-ring~?”

“How did you…?”

“Aya, there are crumbs on your… chest.”

“Mizuki…” Aya brushed at her uniform, and I noticed the stray crumbs.

“Lucky Rina~ you got a face full of Aya-ring’s… assets, didn’t you~?”. She grinned, leaning closer to whisper in my ear, and I shrieked, pushing her away, my face burning.

“Kyaaaaa!” Mizuki giggled, letting herself be pushed.

****

Back in the classroom, Mizuki stretched languidly. “Mmm~ I hope I do well on the exam today~”

“Me too,” I replied.

“Rina-tan~ you looked so down yesterday. You didn’t bomb the test, did you~?”

“It was just one day…! I can still do well!”

“That’s why I like you, Rina-tan~”. Mizuki, back to her cheerful self, was… surprisingly physically affectionate. She’d practically been clinging to me earlier. She grinned, then returned to her seat.

“Two subjects today! Let’s do this!”

While I dreaded exams, Mizuki’s cheerful energy, her worries seemingly resolved, made me feel… lighter, more optimistic.