The Yoshino Family Estate

The setting sun bathed the city in hues of orange and gold as Sakura gripped the steering wheel, her car gliding through the streets. The afternoon had been strange, to say the least. Her thoughts flickered briefly to Haru—his odd behaviour earlier that day still nagging at her.

It wasn't like him to act so... flustered. She replayed the encounter in her mind—the teasing way he called her "Sweet Sakura," the unexpected nervousness in his voice, and that moment when he blurted out something sincere before retreating like a child caught in a prank. She shook her head, letting out a soft sigh.

Haru had always been confident. To see him so unsure of himself was, well, odd. But as peculiar as it was, Sakura couldn't bring herself to dwell on it. Haru could wait.

Right now, her mind was consumed by Mia.

She had finished up early after college, helping Jules with the lectures again—a distraction, really, because her mind kept drifting back to Mia.

Her best friend's absence over the past two days had gnawed at her more than she realised. Mia was always so lively, always quick to laugh or crack a joke. The silence from her was deafening. Sakura's knuckles tightened on the steering wheel as unease bubbled in her chest.

The streets grew quieter as Sakura approached the affluent neighbourhood where the Yoshino family estate stood. The sight of the sprawling mansion rising in the distance brought no comfort. Instead, it amplified the unease twisting in her gut. Mia's parents, Albert and Rina Yoshino, both accomplished lawyers, were among the city's wealthiest, their fortune reflected in the grandeur of their home. Sakura's own family was comfortable—her father was a paediatrician, and her mother stayed at home—but the Yoshinos' wealth was on another level entirely.

Sakura pulled into the long, winding driveway of Mia's family home, her car slowing as the massive mansion came into view. Despite having been here countless times in her previous life, the sheer grandeur of the Yoshino estate still left her awestruck. Surrounded by pristine gardens and towering gates, the house stood as a symbol of wealth and elegance, its large windows reflecting the fading light of the day.

She stepped out of her car, clutching her bag tightly, and approached the grand entrance. A maid greeted her at the door, bowing politely and ushering her inside. The familiar scent of lavender and polished wood hit Sakura as she entered the spacious foyer, her footsteps echoing on the marble floors.

"Sakura," a soft voice called from the top of the grand staircase.

Sakura looked up, and her breath caught for a moment. Rina Yoshino stood at the top of the staircase, her presence commanding yet gentle. The resemblance to Mia was striking. Rina's golden blonde hair like her daughter's, cascaded over her shoulders, with streaks of silver catching the light. Her blue eyes, as vivid and expressive as Mia's, locked onto Sakura with a mixture of relief and sorrow.

Her elegant features bore the subtle weight of age—soft wrinkles framing her eyes and lips, hinting at years of laughter, stress, and love. She was dressed in a sleek white blouse and tailored gray slacks, her usual air of sophistication intact, but there was a weariness in her posture. The corners of her mouth were tight, and her hands rested lightly on the banister, as though she needed its support.

"Sakura," Rina repeated, her voice warmer now but tinged with anxiety, as if she had been waiting for this moment. She began descending the staircase, her movements graceful but careful.

"Mrs. Yoshino," Sakura greeted, her voice steady despite the unease building inside her. She gave a polite bow. "Thank you for letting me visit on such short notice."

Rina waved the formality aside. "Of course. You're always welcome here." She paused, her lips pressing together. "I assume you're here about Mia?"

Sakura nodded. "I've been trying to reach her for two days now, but she hasn't responded to my calls or texts. I couldn't ignore the feeling that something was wrong."

Rina's face softened, but her brows knitted together, deepening the lines on her forehead. "Come with me," she said, turning toward the living room. "We need to talk."

Sakura followed her into the room, the heavy silence broken only by the faint sound of a clock ticking on the mantle. Rina gestured for Sakura to sit on the plush cream-coloured sofa while she settled into the armchair across from her.

Taking a deep breath, Rina began. "Mia's been… struggling lately. She's been bullied these past few days by some girls at college."

Sakura's eyes widened. "Bullied? Mia?" She could hardly believe it. This had never happened in her previous life. Mia had always been the one who stood tall and confident.

Rina nodded, her expression pained. "She's been hiding it, but I could tell something was wrong. I finally confronted her about it yesterday, and she admitted everything."

Sakura leaned forward, her voice sharp with concern. "Why didn't you tell me sooner? I could've helped her. You know Mia's my best friend."

Rina hesitated, her hands clasping tightly in her lap. "Because Mia begged me not to. She made me promise not to tell anyone." Her voice broke slightly, and she looked away, her blue eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "But I don't care anymore. I can't just sit by and watch her go through this. Please, Sakura, help her. She listens to you in a way she doesn't with anyone else."

Sakura's heart clenched at the sight of Rina's distress. She reached out, placing a comforting hand over Rina's. "I'll do whatever it takes to help her. Can I see her now?"

Rina nodded, standing and gesturing toward the staircase. "She's in her room. Go on."