Have you ever watched the rain on a quiet afternoon? There’s something magical about the soft pattering as each drop hits the ground. Even though the clouds make the day darker, the water makes colors look so vibrant. It wraps you in a tranquil cocoon of isolation, making you feel like you are the only person in that moment, free to enjoy the vast beauty of the world around you.
The distant rumble of thunder promises the moment will last just a little longer. Each flash of lightning draws your attention, like it’s begging you to look at the world around you. The earthy scent instills a calming sensation, urging you to take a deeper breath.
Despite how busy and noisy the world around you might be, rain seems to slow everything down. It dampens the anxiety-inducing noises of a busy city. And it’s almost like your body just naturally recognizes it as a chance to stop, take a breather, and enjoy the moment you’re in—however fleeting it might be.
That’s how Miyuki felt each time she saw Kazuki back in high school.
Every day was filled with busy noise. It was something she couldn’t avoid because she was the magnet to it all. There was always a period when she got to a new school where people would be too nervous to approach her directly. But even these moments were never tranquil solitude. No, she could feel the eyes watching her, judging her. She could hear the whispers from the back of the classroom, the rumors as she walked through the halls.
Kazuki transferred to the same school as Miyuki in their second year. She still remembers it clearly. By then, people were comfortable enough with her to actually talk to her and compete for attention. Oddly enough, it was almost a relief. Instead of being pointed at, talked about, and stared at like some new zoo exhibit, she could actually talk to people.
The first day she saw Kazuki, she was delivering some papers her teacher had asked her to take to Kazuki’s teacher. It was before class started, so naturally, she was surrounded by most of Kazuki’s class, all competing for attention, excited that they would be able to brag about how they got to know Tokyo’s Princess. She didn’t hate it. Miyuki enjoyed interacting with people and, even though she was playing the part she was expected to, she always tried to be honest and genuine with them.
What no one knew, however, was that the more this happened, the more she was asked the same questions, invited to the same outings, offered the same flattery, the more she would close in on herself. The more of herself she would tuck away, like the shadow that hides the moon. That’s when she noticed him.
Headphones on, tapping away at some handheld game, completely unbothered by the commotion. His content solitude was like the rain pattering on a window—completely drowning out the noise around her. As she watched him curiously, for a brief moment, he looked up and gave her a sympathetic smile.
Like a bright flash of lightning, it captivated her. That single moment, ever so brief before he returned to his game, had more genuine communication than any conversation people were trying to have with her. But like thunder retreating behind a mountain, his was a world she could never share.
Days turned into weeks, weeks into months. Yet Miyuki’s fascination with Kazuki never waned. She often wondered what it would be like to step into his world, to experience the calm and contentment that seemed to radiate from him. She imagined sitting next to him before class, lying across her desk as she silently watched him tap away at his game. It was a secret fantasy she cherished, a mental respite from the pressures of her own world.
In those high school days, she never found the courage to approach him. There were always people around her, classmates eager to talk, friends vying for her attention. She played her part well, smiling and engaging, but there was always a part of her that longed for the solitude Kazuki seemed to possess effortlessly. At the same time, the thought of contaminating his peaceful solitude felt like turning a gentle rainstorm into a raging tsunami.
Every now and then, she would catch glimpses of him in the library, quietly reading a book, or sitting in the courtyard at lunchtime, engrossed in his game. Each sighting was like another flash of lightning, drawing her attention, urging her to look deeper. She never saw him surrounded by friends; he rarely seemed to interact with people at all.
Through whispers and gossip, Miyuki learned that Kazuki was kind and respectful, always willing to respond when addressed but never seeking out conversations. Several girls thought he was attractive and wanted to unravel his mystery, but it seemed they all had the same problem: intruding on his solitude felt wrong, like picking the only rose in a field of dandelions. So many had taken to calling him "the enigma."
A notification on her laptop brought Miyuki back to the present with a reluctant sigh. She glanced at the screen and saw a message from her brother.
“I'm not allowed to help you directly, but you know how well I follow our parents' rules. I can't do much from overseas, but here are a few places you should check out. This won't be easy, and you might stumble or fail, but remember, you're carving out your own path. I'm proud of you, imouto. Always.”
Miyuki smiled softly at the message, feeling a warmth in her chest. Her brother had always been her quiet supporter, understanding the pressures she faced better than anyone. She clicked on the links he provided and began to browse through the options.
After a few minutes, she came across an option that caught her eye: a monthly apartment. The furnished unit provided the privacy she craved, with a small bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette. It wasn’t very modern, but it was well-maintained and clean. The location was convenient, with easy access to public transportation that would get her to and from Tokyo Art Institute.
She clicked on the contact link and composed a message to the manager, requesting a viewing for later that day. After hitting send, she leaned back in her chair with a sigh, feeling a mix of relief and nervous anticipation.
Just hours ago, she had been cut off from the secure veil of her family, a protective shield now cruelly withdrawn. Last night felt both painfully recent and as distant as a fading dream.
She glanced at the half-packed suitcase on her desk. A part of her wanted to leave immediately—screw the two-day ultimatum. She didn’t want to be anywhere near anything that reminded her of her family. It wasn’t that she hated them; she loved them deeply. But right now, she needed distance, as much as she could get.
Miyuki had never been a heavy spender—a habit that benefited her greatly now. She took good care of her belongings and shopped for clothes with an eye for quality, utility, and cuteness without splurging unnecessarily. Because of this, she had managed to save up quite a bit of money.
However, without a steady income, she knew she had to be strategic. If this monthly apartment works out, she should be able to make it through the semester on what she has now. Unfortunately, this welcome breathing room did nothing to abate the stress and sense of urgency to find a job. She let out another heavy sigh, wishing she could just go back to sleep.
Her phone buzzed with a message, probably from Kaori. Glancing at it, her eyes widened as she noticed the time.
“Ah! I’m going to be late!” she exclaimed, quickly gathering her things. She grabbed her bag and rushed out the door, feeling a pang of realization that no luxury SUV was waiting to drive her today. It was another reminder of how much her life was about to change.
As she hurried down the stairs of her apartment building, Miyuki couldn’t help but feel the vast difference between her current situation and her previous lifestyle. She used to have the comfort of a driver, the safety and convenience of a family car. Now, she had to navigate the bustling city on her own, relying on public transportation.
Determined not to let the change overwhelm her, she picked up her pace, weaving through the morning crowds. The independence she craved came with its own set of challenges, but she was ready to face them head-on. She reached the train station just in time, slipping through the doors as they closed, her heart pounding from the rush.
The train ride provided a moment of calm, the rhythmic clatter of the tracks soothing her frayed nerves. She glanced around at the other passengers, ordinary people living ordinary lives. At that moment, she felt a sense of solidarity with them. They, too, were navigating their paths, facing their own struggles and triumphs. It was a small comfort, knowing she wasn’t alone on this journey.
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Miyuki paused as she exited the train station. She had always wanted to do things normal people do. She never got the opportunity to walk to school with friends or take a train by herself. She was feeling a lot of mixed emotions right now, to say the least. She pulled out her phone, glancing at the GPS. Although she was somewhat familiar with the area, this route was new to her, leading from the station to Tokyo Art Institute. At least she still had enough time; she didn’t need to rush.
The ten-minute walk felt as new to her as it might to someone visiting a city for the first time. The morning air was crisp, with a slight breeze tugging at her hair. It was a new perspective. Sure, she had certainly walked down streets before, even just going to Komorebi with the others. But there was something different about walking to school. The feeling pushed any other thoughts or concerns to the back of her mind, at least for now.
As she approached the gates of Tokyo Art Institute, she noticed the usual murmurs from people around her. It was par for the course, except the air about them was a little different. Some of the things they said were normal, everyday words such as, “Oh, it’s Shimizu-chan! She’s so pretty.” But others made comments that caught her off guard. “Wait, did she walk today? There’s no way she would be caught on public transportation, right?”
With a swallow, Miyuki kept her expression neutral and tried not to hear their comments, but inside, a pang of anxiety twisted her stomach. She had always played the role of Tokyo’s Princess. Now she was wondering what would happen if everyone found out about her new reality. Would they hate her? Talk badly badly about her? Would it inconvenience her family? Such thoughts nagged at her, peaking her anxiety as they piled up inside her head.
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Just as the worries began to feel overwhelming, she heard familiar voices calling out to her.
“Mii-chan! Over here!” Kaori’s cheerful voice broke through her spiraling thoughts.
Miyuki looked up and saw Kaori and Ayaka waving at her, and just behind them Kazuki and Hiroshi looked like they were debating something. The sight of her friends brought a wave of relief, pushing her concerns aside. She smiled genuinely, feeling a bit lighter.
“Good morning!” Ayaka greeted, her eyes bright with curiosity. “We were wondering where you were. Everything okay?”
Miyuki nodded, her earlier anxiety fading in the presence of her friends. “Yeah, just took a different route today. It’s nothing.”
Kaori’s eyes lingered on Miyuki a little longer, a glint of understanding in them. She didn’t push, but Miyuki could tell Kaori wasn’t entirely convinced. As they walked together towards their classrooms, Kaori fell into step beside Miyuki.
Ayaka, unable to contain her curiosity, gently prodded, “Are you sure? You left in such a hurry yesterday. We were a bit worried.”
Hiroshi nodded in agreement. “Yeah, it seemed sudden. Everything alright with your family?”
Miyuki forced a reassuring smile. “It’s fine, really. Just had to take care of some stuff. Nothing to worry about.”
Ayaka, sensing the tension, placed a hand on Miyuki’s shoulder. “If you ever need to talk, we’re here for you.”
Miyuki nodded, appreciating their concern but feeling the weight of their attention. “Thanks, Ayaka. I appreciate it.”
Kazuki, observing the interaction, noticed the subtle tension in Miyuki’s posture, the way her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. He felt a flicker of unease but wasn’t entirely sure how to address it. Seeing that Ayaka and Hiroshi’s well-meaning concern was starting to make Miyuki anxious, he decided to step in.
“Hey, Hiroshi,” Kazuki interjected smoothly, “how did your sister’s speech go?”
Hiroshi’s face lit up at the mention of his sister. “Oh, she did great! She was so nervous, but she pulled it off really well. Everyone loved it.”
Ayaka beamed at the news. “I knew she could do it! She’s got your determination, Hiroshi.”
Kaori added, “That’s awesome! I’m so glad it went well.”
Kazuki smiled, thankful both that the change in subject worked and that things went well at the entrance ceremony. “That’s great to hear.”
Kaori, being ever observant, knew exactly what Kazuki was trying to do and gave him a discreet thumbs-up. Then, linking her arms with Miyuki’s, she flashed him a smile that said, “I’ll take care of this, don’t worry.”
As they split up to head to their respective classes, Kaori gently tugged at Miyuki’s arm. “Let’s talk during lunch, okay?”
Miyuki’s heart skipped a beat. She suspected Kaori wouldn’t let this go easily, and Kaori’s expression confirmed it. She didn’t like being seen through so easily; it made her feel vulnerable, and irrational fears still gripped her heart, but there was a strange comfort in it as well.
“Sure,” Miyuki said softly.
As they walked to class, Miyuki felt a mix of gratitude and apprehension. Her friends' support was a lifeline, but she still wasn't sure how much she was ready to share. For now, she decided, just getting through the day was enough.
Kazuki lingered for a moment, watching the two walk away. He wanted to say something more. He wanted to make sure Miyuki knew they were all there for her if she needed them. But something was holding him back. Was it that he didn’t want to pry? Maybe a fear that it would push her away? Even Kazuki didn’t really know what was holding him back from reaching out to her. For now, at least, all he could do was trust Kaori to be whatever support she needed right now.
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The morning classes passed by in a blur for Miyuki. She went through the motions, took notes, and participated when needed, but her mind was elsewhere. It was barely the start of the day, much less the week, and she was already feeling mentally fatigued. She had to rush after class to meet with the manager of the monthly apartment, and honestly, she wasn’t really in a position to be picky. As long as nothing major stuck out to her, she would likely have to sign up for the place on the spot and start moving in. What would she even pack? It’s not like she could take everything she had.
She didn’t even want to think about the state her relationship with her family was in right now. She probably didn’t even realize half of the major changes her daily life was about to endure. And on top of that, she didn’t even know where to begin with her talk with Kaori later. The more she thought about it, though, the more she realized that even just the chance to vent to someone might be nice, but the ‘what ifs’ just would not relent.
Finally, the lunch bell rang, and students began to file out of the classrooms, eager for the break. Kaori sent a text to Kazuki, asking him to tell Ayaka and Hiroshi something like, “They got a little behind in one of their classes, so they are going to take lunch to go over a few things.”
Miyuki gathered her things slowly. For some reason, she felt extremely anxious. Kaori just watched her, quietly leading her to a secluded place when she was ready. At the very least, Kaori didn’t want Miyuki to have to worry about other people being around them.
Once they sat down, Kaori proudly pulled out two bento boxes and offered one to Miyuki with a warm smile. “Here, I made us lunch today.”
Miyuki hadn’t even considered lunch. Normally, Mrs. Suzuki would have something prepared for Miyuki to take with her. Pair that with how rushed her morning was, lunch wasn’t even something she realized she needed to think about. However, that also made Miyuki realize something else.
“H-how did you—” Miyuki started to ask.
“Honestly, with how you left yesterday, I assumed it had something to do with your mom. I figured it might be good to be prepared for the worst case, you know? And if you already had lunch, I could just give it to Kazuki. He could use a proper meal anyway.”
Miyuki took the bento gratefully. The fact that Kaori was already prepared and seemed to have an idea of what happened was a strange relief. She curiously opened the bento, looking at its contents with amazement. Inside, there were perfectly rolled tamagoyaki, a small portion of rice with a umeboshi in the center, some sautéed vegetables, and a few pieces of karaage. It was simple, homemade, and looked absolutely delicious.
She took a bite of the tamagoyaki, savoring the sweet, savory flavor. “Kaori, this is amazing. Thank you.”
Mrs. Suzuki’s meals were amazing, but they always held a more restaurant-like flavor to them. This was the first time Miyuki was given a simple homemade meal. For a moment, she simply enjoyed the food, allowing herself to reset and collect her thoughts. Finally, she set her chopsticks down and sighed. “Honestly, I don’t really know where to begin.”
Kaori reached out and squeezed her hand gently. “I think I already have an idea. Yesterday, when we were at the cafe, I assume your mom said she wanted to talk but... I’m guessing things didn’t go too well?”
Miyuki took a deep breath, feeling a lump form in her throat. “I had this whole plan, what I was going to say, how I was going to say it… but as soon as I walked in the door she told me I needed to leave this college. She didn’t even greet me.”
Kaori had a lot she wanted to say on just that point, but she bit her tongue and let Miyuki continue.
“I just… couldn’t keep it in anymore. I lashed out. And she responded in kind.” Miyuki sighed heavily, feeling a tear roll down her cheek. “She… she cut me off, and told me I have to move out in two days.”
Kaori’s eyes widened in shock. “Wait, she’s really forcing you out? She’s not just threatening it?”
“She thinks that if I realize how hard it is to live on my own without any support, I’ll come running back to her in tears and finally do what she wants me to,” Miyuki sighed in frustration. “But I refuse to do what she wants this time. I have enough money to get me through this semester. I actually found a promising apartment this morning. I'm meeting with the manager after school.”
Kaori squeezed Miyuki’s hand a little tighter. “That’s right. I think you should face this like a challenge. Like your mom is saying, ‘If you’re so sure you know what’s best, prove it.’ And you have us, we’ll support you every step of the way.”
Miyuki’s heart warmed at Kaori’s words, but her apprehension remained. “I appreciate that, Kaori. I really do. But part of me feels like I need to do this on my own. I don’t want to burden you all with my problems.”
Kaori’s expression softened, and she shook her head gently. “Miyuki, you’re not a burden. You’re our friend. We care about you. It’s okay to lean on us, especially now. You don’t have to face this alone.”
Miyuki looked down, her emotions swirling. She knew Kaori was right, but the irrational fears still clung to her. “I know... it’s just hard. I don’t want you to think less of me.”
Kaori’s eyes widened in surprise, then softened with understanding. “Miyuki, none of us would ever think less of you. If anything, we respect you even more for standing up for yourself and following your dreams. Please, let us be there for you.”
Miyuki nodded slowly, the weight of her worries lifting just a bit. “Okay. Thank you, Kaori. For now, at least, can we keep this between us though? I just… need time.”
Kaori smiled warmly. “Okay, I understand. But how about I come with you to check out the apartment? Not to influence your decision or anything, just to be there. So you don’t feel alone.”
Miyuki hesitated for a moment, then felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. The idea of not being alone helped alleviate her anxiety about meeting the manager and checking out the apartment. “That… That would actually help a lot, if you don’t mind,” she confessed timidly.
“Of course!” Kaori responded brightly. “Besides, moving is tough. I’d be really happy if you let me help with at least that much.”
As they finished their lunch, a sense of determination began to replace Miyuki’s earlier anxiety. She still had a long way to go, but with friends like Kaori by her side, the path didn’t seem as daunting.
Later, as they walked back to their classroom, Kaori gave Miyuki’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “We’ll get through this together,” she said with a confident smile. “And who knows? This could be the start of something amazing for you.”
Miyuki returned the smile, feeling a glimmer of hope. “Yeah, maybe it will be.”
The rest of the day passed more quickly, her spirits buoyed by Kaori’s unwavering support. When the final bell rang, Kaori met with the others, ensuring they had no reason to worry about Miyuki. “Sorry, but Miyuki and I really need to study for our morning classes. Is that cool?”
None of the others had any issues with this. Education came first, after all, and they already had plans to meet up towards the end of the week at Kazuki’s place to work on their group project. Once everything was settled, Kaori approached Miyuki.
“Ready?” she asked, slinging her bag over her shoulder.
Miyuki nodded, this time with more determination than anxiety. “Yeah! And thank you… I didn’t realize how relieving it would be to just have someone with me.”
Kaori smiled. “Don’t even worry about it, Mii-chan. I’m actually really looking forward to it! This might be your first apartment! That should be exciting.”
Together, they left the campus, the late-afternoon sun casting a warm glow over Tokyo. With Kaori by her side, Miyuki felt a surge of optimism. This was her chance to start anew, to carve out a life of her own making.
As they approached the apartment building, Miyuki couldn’t help but feel a mix of nerves and excitement. This was it—the first major step in her journey of independence. And with Kaori sticking beside her, she was starting to realize she really wasn’t alone in this. Her mother may be trying to force her to see how hard life is without the Shimizu umbrella protecting her, but, as far as she could tell so far, she would be just fine without it.