Ring~
Riiiiing~
The resounding noise emanating from the alarm clock was what woke Megumi up just when the sun was beginning to peek from the horizon. Since her window was facing the east, she immediately closed the curtains to her room since the sun was too bright for comfort. Her body impulsively stretched out as a yawn came out of her mouth, followed by a comfortable exhale that tempted her to doze off once again. She didn't have any choice but to get up from her cozy bed since she would be late for school. The alarm time might seem early, but it was actually pushed back a couple of times already. If she doesn't get up now, then being early for school is out of the question.
"Ah, Megumi, you woke up late. That's unusual. Did you have a comfortable sleep?" Kikuchi Koji called out as he saw Megumi fly past, her uniform and toothbrush on hand.
In less than five minutes, she was already wearing her uniform, and her hair and face were somewhat presentable as well. She didn't have time, so she just grabbed a toast and clamped it between her lips. "Aghh ughh eughhii uaghh!" She said, but her words didn't come out clearly because of the toast. She meant to say that she'll be going now, but what came out sounded like alien gibberish.
"You're going to school? Sigh~ you should eat properly, at least." Kikuchi Saori heaved a sigh before handing Megumi something. It was a large box, enwrapped with an elaborate ashen scarf. "Here, bring this."
"What is it, mom?" Even though what her mom handed to her was as obvious as an elephant in the room, she still didn't perceive it as is. It was unmistakably a bento box. How could she not notice?
In retrospect, it's not like her mom usually cooks lunch. No, she hardly cooks at home at all. That's why Megumi didn't see it.
"It's a bento box, of course, I cooked lunch." Her mom warmly replied, clasping her hands as she wore the gentlest of her smiles. "I packed two bento boxes, you know what to do, right?"
Megumi was full-speed running towards the door when she stopped. She couldn't decide whether she'd be shocked about the fact that she'd have to get Hajime a bento box, or about the fact that her mom just cooked lunch. In all her years as a high school student, she didn't expect both of these things to happen (usually it was one of the maids who would cook, or her mom would simply order delivery). And yet, these two things were the first things that greeted her morning. She was shocked beyond belief, to say the least.
"What?!" She exclaimed, but there was no way she could answer back to her mom. After what she did the day before, and the day before that, she knew she had no choice but to go through with her parents' wishes, with the emphasis on 'parents' since both of them seemed to be welcoming Hajime with open arms. 'If only they were aware of what his reputation is at school, then they'd probably change their mind.
"A great morning, young miss." Franz-san greeted, bowing down towards Megumi in a formal manner. Even though he was basically running around the entire day since yesterday because she was missing, he didn't hold it against her. In fact, it's as if nothing happened at all. Franz-san acted as usual, much to Megumi's relief.
"Good morning, Franz-san... I... uh- I'm sorry about yesterday, Franz-san." She continued, biting her lip before getting in on the limousine. Even though she wasn't in the mood to say sorry all because of that cursed bento box, she still decided to suck it up and apologize to Franz-san. Because of her, he had a hard time and he even had to work overtime— all because she just had to go under the radar.
"No apologies, young miss. I have been watching over you since you hired me. I know how hard it must have been. Are you doing all right now, young miss?" Franz-san said, following Megumi and getting in the car as well. He started the engine and smoothly clipped his seatbelt before driving in reverse, heading out of the residence with ease.
"Yes, I'm doing okay." Megumi once again looked down on her feet when she responded.
Franz knew all too well that Megumi would have a lot in her mind every time she stares at her feet. He could tell that she wasn't doing well. All the pressure she felt in the household, as well as all the pressure she felt in school, must've overwhelmed her. Fortunately, Hajime came along. Without him, Megumi would've imploded since she doesn't have anyone to run to. A smile swept across Franz's face before he tapped on the steering wheel. "Young miss, it may be impertinent of me to say this, but I happen to overheard what young master told you. I believe what he said was right. Sitting down with your parents and talking about your apprehensions would be for the best."
Megumi nodded. She knew that was the right thing to do but as stated before... she couldn't find the strength to do it. She just couldn't find the right words to say. When was the last time they talked together? As a family? When was the last time they sat down for a meal? If it weren't for Hajime, a family dinner would've been impossible. It was thanks to Hajime that she somehow got back a portion of her past with her parents— back when they led a simple life and they have time for each other. She heaved a sigh, "I-I'll try."
"Young miss, if I may say something." Franz-san continued. "I believe taking the first step forward is all it takes for you to accomplish what you've set your mind to do. I know you're capable of this, young miss. Just go forward. Take the leap, or so the saying goes."
"Thanks, Franz-san," Megumi said, forcing a smile on her face so Franz-san wouldn't worry too much for her.