Yuka Kobayashi had seen enough, once again she came to pick her step daughter Chihiro Abe, her daughter, up from school, only to see her in the arms of another different boy. While Yuka had always hoped that Chihiro would find a nice boy to go out with, Chihiro was having too much fun playing the field.
Yuka knew that if this went much further that Chihiro would be labeled as a daughter who was not brought up by her mother. Yuka married Chihiro's father when Chihiro was just a year old after her father's divorce. Yuka was her father's divorcee lawyer who bonded with him after his sad divorce and eventually they fell in love and married. Chihiro started getting used to her new mother but today Yuka looking bar her daughter looked upset.
So Yuka knew she needed to take drastic steps to prevent her reputation from being ruined.
The first thing Yuka decided needed to change was Chihiro's long flowing hair. Yuka herself had beautiful long hair, she had been a part time model for the last 13 years. When it came to Chihiro's hair, Yuka had always wanted her daughter to follow in her footsteps, a career as a model paid quite handsomely. The family lived the good life, and she thought that this would convince her daughter that it was for her as well. Unfortunately Chihiro showed little interest in her step mother's career, figuring she would party her way through years of college before even thinking about looking for work.
When she finally got in the car after school, Yuka told Chihiro that she had made her a hair appointment for the following Friday. Chihiro was having none of it, and told her mother that maybe she she cut her hair instead of trying to look like someone 15 years younger. Yuka then made a deal with her "We both have appointments. How about if you get your hair cut just like mine?" Now Chihiro knew her mother had to keep her hair very long, due to her contract with her modeling agency to save her fees for law , so she knew there was nothing to worry about.
What Chihiro didn't know was that Yuka's contract with the agency had just expired, and she decided it was time for the next chapter in her life.
They stopped at Yuka's family barber shop where she knew her friend Katsumi Kejoro.
" My, the place has changed, now they have a garden too" said Yuka as they were led to the shop where they met Katsumi who was checking the supplies which was gifted by her apprentice. she turned as she saw them and bowed
"To the Winds of flower, to the stream of the river, Katsumi Kejoro at your service, How can I help you"
"Ah the melodious rhyme. Long time no see Miss Kejoro" Yuka came and hugged, she turns and introduce her to her friend.
"it's Katsumi now, we are living in a new age and I have changed my look though I still wear a kimono at work."
" Oh .. I didn't know my Yokai friend would go westernised" smiled Yuka
As she explained Chisato was led back to the wash basin by the assistant Chisato who just returned. As she was led to the rear, Yuka told the Miss Kejoro that they were both going to have a big change. She gave the the lady a picture of a classic french bob "After years of long hair, I can finally cut it how I want too."
Katsumi was so happy for her "You're going to look lovely, and so will your daughter."
Yuka was now washed as Chihiro was being led to the salon chair, and Katsumi whispered to Chisato as she looked at the Yuks and put her finger up to her lips "It's a secret. Okay?" which Chisato smiled giving her a sign.
Chihiro sat in the chair as Chisato combed thru her long hair. Nothing had been said about what was to be done yet then Chihiro told "I'm just having mine cut like my mother's:"
Chisato smiled and told her "Yours will be just like hers". Chihiro's hair was sectioned off, with the hair pinned up on top of her head. The assistant brought down the first section and made quick work in taking all to chin length. Chihiro was totally engrossed in her phone, and assumed she was getting nothing more than a trim. Yuka was already washed and placed in the chair next to Chihiro.
Chihiro made a quick look at her and went right back to her phone. Chihiro finished watching the tic-tok clip on her phone, and again looked up at her mother. What she saw made her gasp. Her mother's beautiful long hair was cut by Katsumi and now just below her ears. Yuka just smiled at her daughter and said "You look so beautiful with short hair"
Chihiro's heart stopped "WHAT!" She turned to face the mirror, and felt all the color drain out of her face. Gone were the beautiful long waves, now replaced by 4 inches of smooth straight hair.
"Mom. Wh-wh-why did you cut my hair off?" Yuka was overjoyed to finally be able to have her hair like she wanted, and replied to her daughter "You look so special with your hair cut short. Everyone will love your new look."
Chihiro's next day at school was one of her worst ever. As much as she flirted with the boys, none of them would give her a second look. When Yuka pulled up to pick up her daughter this time, Chihiro was waiting for her at the curb. When she asked Chihiro about her day her daughter told her "Well, at least I found out who my true friends were" Yuka told her she was sorry for having such a hard day, but to her surprise Chihiro responded "Maybe we can both go shorter next time."