The mysterious past

As Yui approached the school gate, she heard her name being called. "Yui!" She turned to see Emiko waving at her.

"Hey, Yui!" Emiko exclaimed, walking towards her. "Good morning!"

"Good morning to you too," Yui replied, smiling.

"Why did you come so early?" Yui asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

"I could ask you the same," Emiko said with a grin, "but I think we both just didn't want to be late."

As they entered their classroom, Yui's eyes widened in surprise. Ryu was already seated, looking focused.

Emiko whispered to herself, "Just like I thought," before walking over to Ryu with a bright smile. "Hey, good morning, Ryu! So you didn't want to be late either?"

Ryu stood up, his expression neutral. "Morning, Emi."

Yui watched, surprised, as Ryu walked towards her. Her mind racing with possibilities, she thought, "Why is he coming over to me?"

Ryu nodded briefly as he passed by Yui. "Good morning," he said, before walking out of the classroom

*******

Yui gazed out the window, lost in thought as she replayed the morning's encounter with Ryu. Suddenly, her teacher's voice snapped her back to reality.

"Miss Nakahara! Miss Nakahara!" her teacher called out, sternly.

Yui's eyes darted back to the teacher, her face flushing with embarrassment. "I-I'm sorry, sir."

The teacher raised an eyebrow. "What were you looking at outside? The lesson is on the board, not outside."

Yui shook her head, feeling a surge of embarrassment. "N-nothing, sir."

The teacher sighed, surveying the class. "Alright, let's move on. Solve the equation on the board."

Yui hesitantly turned her attention to the board, her mind still reeling from the morning's events. After a moment's thought, she tentatively raised her hand.

"Four?" she ventured.

To her surprise, the teacher nodded. "That's correct, Miss Nakahara. But next time, please pay attention in class."

********

During lunch, Yui said, "It was really close, thank goodness my luck worked." She ate her rice while Emiko took a bite of bread.

"Luck won't always work, Yui. You have to study to pass," Emiko advised.

Yui looked around the mess hall, and Emiko asked, "Are you looking for someone?"

Yui shook her head. "No... Well, can I ask you something?"

Emiko smiled. "Yep, you can feel free to ask anything."

Yui hesitated before asking, "Ahm... Why did Ryu call you 'Emi'?" She quickly added, "Did you guys know each other?"

Hearing this, Emiko's expression changed. "Yes, he's my cousin," she said, sipping a spoonful of soup.

Yui's eyes widened. "Really!" she exclaimed. Emiko covered her ears. "Ah, don't shout."

Yui repeated, still in disbelief, "You're Ryu's cousin?"

Emiko explained, "Actually, his mother and mine were sisters."

Yui nodded, understanding. "Oh, now I understand."

Then she asked, "So, you must know why he's so cold and rude?"

Hearing this, Emiko's expression became tense and serious. "Yui... it's just..." Before she could continue, the bell rang.

"Oh no, I have to go! My English class is about to start. What about you?" she asked Emiko.

Emiko smiled, checking her schedule. "I'm free, according to my timetable."

Yui envied her friend's free period. "Lucky you!" she said with a grin.

"I really need to run," Yui said, gathering her things. "I don't want to be late."

With a hasty goodbye, Yui rushed out of the mess hall. Emiko watched her go, letting out a sigh of relief. "That was close," she murmured to herself.

********

Ryu stood at the rooftop of the school, his dark black hair blowing in the wind, his eyes fixed on the view.

"So, you come here during lunch breaks," Emiko said, appearing beside him with a smile.

"But air can't fill your stomach," she teased.

Ryu looked at her, his expression irritated. "When will you stop following me? Why can't you just leave me alone?"

"You took admission just to follow me," he accused.

Emiko's smile faltered for a moment before she replied, "I'll stop, but you have to let go of the past and live in the present."

Ryu stared at her, his eyes unyielding. "And learn to smile like before."

"You'll never change, keep repeating it," he sighed.

Emiko's expression softened. "So, how's Akira?"

"She's doing fine," Ryu replied.

Emiko's expression turned serious. "Well, I have some bad news for you."

Ryu's eyes narrowed, intrigued. "Huh?"

"Your headache is coming tomorrow," Emiko said with a sly smile."I heard she's in our section only"

"Are you sure she didn't show up yesterday ?" he asked, his eyes searching.

"She was on a trip, and her father talked to the principal, so you know," Emiko explained.

Ryu raised an eyebrow. "How did you know all this? Are you her secretary?"

Emiko teased, "It's not my fault if you're not active on social media."

Ryu rolled his eyes. "I don't want to waste time on this stuff."

Emiko shrugged. "Whatever."

She turned to leave, but Ryu stopped her. "Well , Imfrom Mr. Tanaka that I'm coming for dinner."

Emiko smiled, and the two shared a brief, tense moment before Emiko walked away.

*******

Meanwhile, Yui was in her class, waiting for the lesson to end. Soon, the bell rang, signaling the end of the period.

"Okay, that's all for today. Please do page 14 as your homework," the teacher said, gathering his things and walking out of the classroom.

As he left, Yui let out a sigh and began to gather her belongings. She walked to her locker, opened it, and put her books away. She then checked her timetable.

"Cooking!" she exclaimed, her face falling in disappointment.

***********"*

Everyone was in cooking class as Yui entered the room, which was filled with students standing in a corner, busy chatting. Emiko waved at Yui, "Yui, here!" and smiled, and Yui walked to Emiko. "Hey," Yui said.

Suddenly, the teacher entered. "Good morning," everyone said in unison, and the teacher went to the cooking platform. "So, you are the students of the new batch. I am going to be your cooking teacher for the next three years. My name is Takeru Kawai," he said, looking around them. "Now, take one slip and go to the same counter number."

Everyone began to come one by one, taking slips. "There will be two slips of the same number, which means you are in a pair," the teacher explained.

Yui took a slip, and when she unfolded it, it was number 3. She looked around, and her eyes fell on counter number 3. "Now, everyone move to your counters," Takeru said. "don't waste any time."

Yui went to her counter, but to her shock, Ryu was walking towards her. "No, out of everyone, why is he coming here? Is he my partner?" she thought.

He walked to her, looked at her, and said, "Number 3." Yui forced a smile and replied, "Y-yes."

"Well, that's just what just left .I'm stuck with a mute boy," she thought to herself.

"Alright, students. Now, open the first drawer of your counter," Takeru instructed. Everyone complied, revealing two aprons inside. "Now, put them on."

"We'll start with a simple dish," Takeru announced. "Today, I'll teach you how to make scrambled eggs."

The students exchanged confused glances, but Takeru continued, "Watch closely, and I'll demonstrate."

Takeru expertly cracked eggs, whisked them, heated the pan, and cooked the scrambled eggs to perfection.

Everyone's eyes were fixed on the plate as Takeru presented the finished dish. "Now it's your turn," he said, nodding to the students.

The students began to follow Takeru's instructions. Yui looked at Ryu, who was standing still, and asked, "Will you just stand there?"

"Can you please pass the pan? I'll crack the eggs," Yui requested, trying to encourage Ryu to participate.

Ryu nodded and bent down to open the drawer, while Yui took out a bowl and cracked the eggs. Meanwhile, Emiko, who didn't have a partner, expertly cracked eggs into her bowl, whisked them, added pepper and salt, and whisked again with ease.

The other students struggled with cooking, with some having eggs stick to the pan, others getting burned, and one student whisking too fast, covering the counter in a mess.

Takeru observed the chaos, thinking, "Rich, spoiled kids can't even cook simple eggs. This class is going to be filled with troublemakers."

Yui tried to transfer the scrambled eggs to a plate, but they stuck to the pan. Ryu stepped in, "Let me help."

Thanks, but I've got it," Yui replied, trying to loosen the eggs. However, they fell to the floor. "Oh no!" she exclaimed, panicking.

Ryu remained calm, suggesting, "Let's cook another batch."

"It's not possible," Yui said, but Ryu pointed to the fallen eggs and said, "Just clean that up, and I'll prepare another batch."

Yui nodded, and Ryu cracked eggs into the bowl. Just then, Emiko perfectly decorated her plate and admired her handiwork, thinking, "Perfect."

Takeru's voice interrupted the commotion, "Time's up! Move back from your platforms, everyone!"

Takeru began to test everyone's scrambled eggs. Some were perfectly cooked, while others were half-raw, overcooked, or burnt. Some had too much salt or black pepper, while others had too little.

He reached Emiko's counter, where her plate was not only perfectly cooked but also beautifully decorated and garnished. Takeru took a spoon and tasted it, and his expression changed.

"Miss Masamuto, it's perfect – not just in one way, but in all factors. Perfectly good, perfectly served, and perfectly tasted."

Emiko smiled, "Thanks, sir."

Takeru encouraged her, "Keep it up like this."

He moved to the next counter, where Ryu and Yui were standing. Takeru tasted their scrambled eggs, and Yui's mind was filled with different thoughts: "I hope it's edible..."

But then she heard Takeru's verdict: "It's perfect. Simple, but tasty."

Yui was in shock. "So, he can cook?"

Takeru smiled, trying to encourage them. "I know cooking isn't something you can learn in a single day, but I'm happy to see that you're all trying your best."

However, in his mind, he was thinking something else: "I bet half of them have never even stepped into a kitchen before."

The bell rang, signaling the end of the cooking class. "Okay, you can now either eat your scrambled eggs or pack them and take them with you," Takeru announced.

Ryu was the first to leave, and Yui watched him go before turning her attention to their scrambled eggs. She took a spoon and tasted them, and her expression changed.

"It's really tasty," she said, surprised. "So, he can cook... hmm."

Just then, Emiko appeared beside her, holding her plate of perfectly cooked scrambled eggs. "Want to try some?" Emiko asked.

"Yeah, why not?" Yui replied, taking a spoon.

As she tasted Emiko's scrambled eggs, her eyes widened in amazement. "Wow, it's really amazing! You cook really well, just like Ryu."

Emiko smiled. "I have to say, both of you are good at cooking."

Yui continued, "I thought Ryu was only good at staying silent, like a ghost."

Emiko chuckled. "Stop buttering me up."

Yui protested, "I'm saying the truth!"

Emiko teased, "Well, I thought you were just trying to flatter me."

***********

As the final bell rang, signaling the end of Kiyoko's class, she concluded, "Okay, class, that's all for today. Don't forget to do your homework."

The students began packing their belongings, and Kiyoko added, "Also, remember to pick up the school rule book and the extra activity form on your way out. Each student must choose three extra activities to complement their main subjects. Take your time to decide, but please submit the form as soon as possible. Your new timetable will be created based on your selections, but until then, you're required to attend all classes."

The students exchanged glances, and as Kiyoko left the classroom, Yui turned to Emiko. "Hey, let's get the form and rule book together."

Emiko agreed, "Why not?" and stood up, grabbing her bag. She turned to Ryu and asked, "Hey, Ryu, want to join us?"

Ryu's low, clear voice replied, "No, I'll get it myself."

Emiko looked slightly disappointed but said, "Okay." Turning to Yui, she suggested, "Let's go."

As they left the classroom, Yui glanced back at Ryu and wondered, "Why is he so cold, even with his own cousin?"

*********

Yui and Emiko walk out of school office with from and rule book 

"Emiko remember what I asked during lunch"

"Yui, it's just... his responsibility," Emiko said, trying to sound convincing.

Yui's eyes narrowed. "Responsibility?" she repeated.

Emiko took a deep breath before explaining, "You must have heard of the Watabane Group. Ryu's father is the chairman of the company. His childhood was... complicated. He lost his mother in front of him when he was just a kid. His father was always distant and disciplined him harshly, preparing him to be his successor."

Yui's eyes widened in shock. "That's so sad."

Emiko continued, "When Ryu was 10, his father remarried, but it was just a business alliance. That's how his younger sister was born, but his stepmother died during childbirth."

Yui's face reflected her disbelief. "So many terrible things happened to one person."

Emiko nodded, her eyes filled with compassion. "His father was always distant, and the second marriage was loveless. Ryu was forced to grow up too fast, taking care of his baby sister. The responsibility of raising baby , fell on him, and it's been a heavy burden for a child ."

As Emiko finished speaking, Yui's expression changed from curiosity to sadness and concern.

"Even if he's cold and rude to others," Emiko said, looking up at Yui, "Ryu loves his sister more than anything. Seeing them together, no one would ever guess they have different mothers."

As Emiko finished speaking, she thought to herself, "I'm sorry, Yui, but I couldn't tell you everything."

*****************

Yui sat at her study table, staring blankly at her homework, her mind a mile away. "Yui, dinner is ready!" Jin called out from downstairs, but she didn't respond, lost in thought.

"Yui, dinner is ready!" Jin called out again, this time louder. When there was still no response, he walked into her room. "Yui!" he said, snapping her back to reality.

"Yes, Jin, why are you shouting?" Yui asked, trying to composed herself.

Jin noticed her distant expression. "I called you for dinner twice, what were you thinking about?" he asked, his brow furrowed with concern.

Yui shrugged. "Nothing, just school stuff."

But Jin wasn't convinced. He put a hand on her shoulder. "Look, I'm your big brother. You can tell me anything."

Yui smiled weakly. "Okay, big brother, I'm fine."

Jin smiled back, patting her back. "That's my Yui."

***********

As Emiko entered the Watabane mansion, Mr. Tanaka greeted her with a bow. "Good evening, Miss Emiko."

Emiko smiled and stopped him from bowing further. "You're older than me, Mr. Tanaka; no need for such formalities."

Mr. Tanaka smiled. "It's your greatness, Miss Emiko, that you respect a servant."

Emiko chuckled. "Now stop, Mr. Tanaka. Your words alone will make my stomach hurt."

Mr. Tanaka's gaze shifted to the woman standing beside Emiko, dressed in a black formal suit and sunglasses. "Is she your bodyguard?" he asked.

Emiko nodded. "Yes, my dad hired her to keep me from seeing my mother."

She looked around, changing the subject. "But where's my icy cousin?"

Mr. Tanaka began to respond, "Well, young master-"

However, he was interrupted by a loud voice echoing through the hallway. "Emiko!"

Akira's face lit up as she spotted Emiko, and she eagerly squirmed out of Ryu's arms. "Emiko-chan! Hello!" she exclaimed in a childish tone, her eyes shining with excitement." I miss you too much"

Emiko swiftly scooped her up, showering her with affection. "I miss you too, baby," she said, kissing Akira's forehead.

Mr. Tanaka watched the heartwarming reunion with a warm smile. Ryu, however, maintained a neutral expression, crossing his arms. "Now that the reunion is over, shall we head to the dining hall?" he suggested.

Emiko teased, "Looks like someone's too hungry."

Ryu's response was nonchalant. "Whatever."

They proceeded to the dining hall, where Kenji was already seated at the head of the table. "Hello, Emiko," he said, looking at her.

"Hello, Uncle Kenji," Emiko replied.

They took their seats, Emiko's bodyguard standing beside her. Kenji inquired, "How's your father doing?"

"He's fine, just busy with work," Emiko replied with a smile.

The dinner progressed in silence. Afterward, they exited the dining hall, and Ryu instructed Mr. Tanaka, "Please take Akira to her room."

Akira refused to let go of Ryu. "No, I want to stay with you!" she pouted, hugging his chest.

Ryu glanced at Emiko before turning back to Akira. "I have to discuss something important with Emiko."

Akira's grip on his neck tightened. "No, I want to stay with you too!"

Ryu suggested, "Okay, Aki, go with Mr. Tanaka, and we'll join you soon."

When Akira refused to listen, Ryu added, "Get her some chocolate milk."

As Mr. Tanaka took Akira away, her grip on Ryu's neck finally loosened, and Ryu handed her over. Mr. Tanaka left with her.

Ryu and Emiko walked to his room, followed by her bodyguard. Emiko's bodyguard entered first, but Ryu blocked her way. "Give us some privacy," he said with a cold look. She nodded and stepped aside.

Ryu entered the room, his gaze fixed on Emiko, who sat on the couch, her eyes cast downward. "Emiko," he whispered, walking towards her.

She looked up, her face awash with tears. Ryu sat beside her and wrapped his arms around her. She cried uncontrollably, her tears soaking his shirt.

"I don't know how much longer I can take it," she sobbed. "I'm stuck between them, and they don't understand anything."

Ryu remained silent, his expression unreadable. He gently stroked her hair as she cried.

As she finally composed herself, she pulled back. Ryu asked, "Are you okay now?"

Just then, a knock on the door broke the silence, followed by Mr. Tanaka's voice. "Young master, it's me. Your father wants to see you in his study."

Ryu stood up. "Okay, I'm coming."

He turned to Emiko and handed her a handkerchief. "I have to go. Please take care of Akira for me."

Emiko nodded, her eyes still red from crying.

***********

"Mom!"

Yui's voice echoed through the house from the washroom.

Her mom, Mrs. Nakahara, walked out of the kitchen. "This girl, what happened now?"

"I got my period and we're out of stock on pads," Yui explained from inside.

Mrs. Nakahara scolded, "You should be more careful with your things. I told you to restock them, but did anyone in this house listen to me?"

Just then, Jin intervened, "Mom, I'll get them."

Mrs. Nakahara turned to him, standing at the shoe stand. "Jin, you'll spoil her."

Yui's voice came from the washroom, "Thanks, onii-chan!"

*********

At the Watabane mansion, Ryu walked to his father's study with a serious expression. When he reached the door, he knocked. "It's me, Ryu."

A voice from inside replied, "Enter."

Ryu entered the study, where his father sat behind a large wooden desk cluttered with papers. His father looked up from his paperwork. "So, you're here."

Ryu nodded. "You called me."

His father slid a gun and a folder across the desk. "I have a job for you. It needs to be done tonight."

Ryu's expression remained neutral. "Okay."

His father nodded in approval. "Good. I expect nothing less."

*********

Jin walked out of the medical store, packet in hand, and stepped into the quiet evening streets. The only sounds were the occasional passing cars and the music humming through his earphones.

As he walked, the streetlights cast long shadows behind him. Suddenly, one of his earphones fell out, and as he bent to pick it up, he heard a strange noise coming from the street.

Jin's expression turned serious as he turned his head to locate the sound. He walked deeper into the street, his eyes scanning the surroundings. Then, he saw something that made his expression change.

Fear and panic washed over his face as he quickly realized the gravity of the situation. Without hesitation, Jin took off in a sprint, disappearing into the night.

****************

Ryu stood in a white surrounding, his eyes fixed on the figure before him. His mother stood completely covered in blood, her face twisted into a creepy smile. "Mom," Ryu whispered, his face contorted in fear.

"Ryu, my son," his mother replied, her voice dripping with malice. "Why didn't you save me?"

Ryu's face was etched with despair, his voice shaking. "I-I'm sorry, Mom."

His mother's smile grew wider, her eyes blazing with anger. "Sorry for what?" she spat." For killing me"

Ryu's eyes welled up with tears. " Father forced me, I was weak."

His mother's laughter sent chills down Ryu's spine. "You killed me," she repeated, her voice growing louder.

Ryu protested, his voice rising. "No, I didn't! Father forced me!"

But his mother's response was unyielding. "You were responsible for your own death," Ryu countered, but his mother continued to taunt him.

"You killed me... You killed me..." she repeated, her voice echoing in Ryu's mind.

Covering his ears, Ryu fell to his knees. "Stop it, please... Stop it," he begged.

Just as suddenly, Mr. Tanaka's voice cut through the darkness. "Young Master."

Ryu's eyes snapped open, and he sat up in bed, gasping for air. He was covered in sweat, his heart racing.

"Young Master, are you okay?" Mr. Tanaka asked, his voice laced with concern.

Ryu nodded slowly, still trying to shake off the remnants of the nightmare.

"Was it the nightmare again?" Mr. Tanaka inquired gently.

Ryu's eyes dropped, and he nodded once more.

"Reschedule the appointment with my psychologist for after school instead of Sunday," Ryu instructed, his voice firm.

Mr. Tanaka bowed and left the room, closing the door behind him.

Ryu's gaze fell upon a photo frame on his nightstand. He picked it up, his fingers tracing the edges of the frame.

"Mom," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

*********

In the classroom, Yui and Emiko chatted quietly, but Emiko's gaze drifted to Ryu's empty seat. "Did he have another nightmare?" she wondered.

The bell rang, and students took their seats. Ryu entered, and a small smile crossed Emiko's face.

Kiyoko walked in, followed by a girl in a school uniform. The girl's deep red eyes and black ponytail captivated the boys.

"Good morning," everyone chimed.

Kiyoko smiled. "Good morning. I hope you're ready for today's lesson. First, meet our new classmate, Yuri Tachibana."

Yuri smiled. "Hello, everyone. I'm Yuri Tachibana. Nice to meet you."

Kiyoko nodded. "Please take your seat."

Yuri's eyes locked onto Ryu, but he ignored her, gazing out the window. As she passed him, Yuri smiled to herself. "How long will you ignore me?" she thought.

**********

Yui sat in class, engrossed in her book. She looked up to hear a soft voice, "Hey, how are you?" Yuri stood beside her, a small smile on her face.

"Hello, I'm fine," Yui replied, trying to sound cheerful.

"I'm Yuri Tachibana," Yuri said, her smile still in place. "And you?"

"Yui Nakahara," Yui replied.

"Yui, just beautiful as you," Yuri said, her eyes sparkling. "Can I ask you for a favor? Let's change our seats."

Yui's eyes widened in surprise, but before she could respond, a voice interrupted, "Don't listen to her."

Both Yui and Yuri turned to see Emiko standing behind them, a hint of warning in her expression.

Emiko walked forward, her eyes fixed on Yuri. "Don't give your seat to her, Yui."

Yuri's expression turned annoyed. "And who are you to interfere between us?"

"I'm her friend," Emiko replied firmly.

Yuri's irritation grew. "Why are you always in my way?" She crossed her arms, her stare locked on Emiko.

"I don't have any interest in coming in your way either," Emiko said calmly. "Just stop bullying."

Yui watched the exchange, confusion etched on her face. She thought to herself, "Do they know each other? They look like they were born to be each other's enemies."

"I didn't bully her I just ask her politely"

Yuri turned to Ryu, who had been silent until now, gazing out the window. "Ryu, tell your cousin what really bullying is."

Ryu's low voice broke the silence. "Just keep me out of this."

Emiko added, "Right, talk to me, not him."

Yuri's expression turned venomous. "Why are you bothering me? Go and solve your family problems."

Emiko's face fell silent, . "Watch your words, you are just an spoiled kid who doesn't know where to and when to speak."they look at ryu who said it .

Ryu, slightly angry, turned to Yui and then back to Yuri. "Go and sit at your place."

The classroom fell silent, all eyes on Yuri. She felt a surge of embarrassment but bit her lip and returned to her seat.

Yuri swept into the cafeteria, her eyes scanning the room as if searching for someone. She hovered near a table, her gaze darting back and forth. "Where the hell is he?" she thought, her frustration growing.

Just then, a group of girls approached her, their faces bright with smiles. One of them spoke up, "Hey, Yuri, right? Can we join you?" Yuri's smile was polite, but her eyes betrayed a hint of disinterest. "Why not?"

Across the room, Yui watched the scene unfold, her curiosity piqued. "What's so special about her, huh?" she whispered to Emiko.

Emiko's expression twisted into a scowl, her eyes fixed on her food. "If you have money and fame, anyone will fawn all over you." She shoveled food into her mouth, her movements quick and irritated.

Yui's gaze lingered on Emiko, confusion etched on her face. She turned back to Yuri, who was now surrounded by a cluster of admirers. "It's like she doesn't even want them around her," Yui observed.

"Fake people," Yuri thought, her eyes glazing over as she pasted on a bright, artificial smile.

*******

As Yuri stepped out of the school gate, a sleek car waited for her. She slid in, buckled her seatbelt, and the vehicle glided into the city streets.

Meanwhile, Yui walked out of the gate, lost in thought. Suddenly, she collided with a student.

"Sorry," she apologized, rubbing her forehead.

"No, it's okay," he replied, looking at her. His expression changed as he recognized her. "Yui, is that you?"

Yui's eyes widened, worry etched on her face. "Ki-Kira."

Kira helped her up, but Yui hesitated, uneasy with his touch.

"It's so long to see you," he said, putting his arm around her shoulder. "You have really changed, really beautiful. Are you too studying here?"

Yui's voice trembled. "Y-yes."

Kira beamed. "Really? It's nice we're in the same high school now. I'm in second year. Don't hesitate to come to me if you need help."

Yui's discomfort grew, and she squirmed out of his grasp. "I-I have to go."

Kira chuckled. "Okay, but don't forget it."

As Yui hastened away, Kira watched her leave, a sly smile spreading across his face. "This nerd has had an amazing transition into a beauty."

Unbeknownst to Kira, Ryu stood nearby, witnessing the entire exchange with an unreadable expression.

***************

Yuri walked into her room, flopping onto her bed. Suddenly, a maid entered. "Miss Yuri, your father wants to see you in the dining hall."

Yuri sat up, her expression unenthused. "Okay, I'm coming."

The maid bowed and left. Yuri got off the bed and walked into her closet. After a while, she emerged wearing shorts and a T-shirt. She moved to the door, walking out of her room and making her way to the dining hall.

As she entered, she saw her parents already seated. Yuri took a seat, and a maid served her. She took a spoonful of soup, but before she could eat, her father spoke up.

"So, I heard you're not taking dance classes anymore."

Yuri pretended not to hear, focusing on her soup. Her father's anger rose. "Yuri, answer me!"

But Yuri remained unresponsive. Her mother, sensing the tension, intervened. "Yuri, dear, what's going on? Listen to your father."

Yuri's smile was laced with sarcasm. "Listen? Have you ever listened to me?"

Her father's face reddened with anger. "You ungrateful girl! You don't even have proper manners!"

Yuri set her spoon aside, stood up, and countered, "Is this what you call manners? Shouting at the dinner table?"

The room fell silent, with her father's anger palpable. Yuri began to walk out of the dining hall, but her mother stopped her. "Finish your meal, don't take out your anger on food."

Yuri continued walking, her voice firm. "You know I'm lactose intolerant, right? I can't digest milk or milk products."

She quickly exited the dining hall, entering her room and closing the door behind her. She leaned against the door, slowly sliding to the floor.

************

At the Watabane mansion, Ryu sat beside Akira, who was napping peacefully. Emiko worked on her laptop at the study table, her eyes fixed intently on the screen. Suddenly, she let out a loud scream of excitement.

"Found him!"

Her bodyguard rushed into the room, concerned. Akira woke up with a start, frightened. "Oni-chan!" she cried, clinging to Ryu.

Ryu soothed her, "Shh, don't worry, go back to sleep."

Emiko's bodyguard looked at her in confusion. Ryu raised an eyebrow, curious. Emiko signaled for her bodyguard to leave, and once the room was empty, Ryu turned to Emiko.

"Now, Emiko, care to explain?" he asked, his tone neutral.

Emiko's face lit up with excitement. "I'm sorry about that. I finally found him!" She beamed, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

Ryu's expression remained calm. "And who might that be?"

Emiko's grin widened. "He's a second-year student at Tokyo Elite University/Academy ."

Ryu's response was dry. "Congratulations, Emiko. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd appreciate it if you didn't stick to me anymore."

Emiko's excitement didn't falter, and she seemed to ignore Ryu's comment. Ryu continued to stroke Akira's hair, who was now sleeping peacefully once again.