Ms. Chika's entrance sent shockwaves through the room, and my mind raced with questions. Yui's mother? Here? This had to be about the supposed engagement, but the air felt heavier with unspoken tension.
"Can I talk to her?" Ms. Chika's request was delivered with a seriousness that made me uneasy.
"O-Of course, please come in," I managed to say, stepping aside to allow her entry.
Yui descended the stairs, a mixture of surprise and concern on her face. "M-Mom? What are you doing here?"
Ms. Chika glanced at Yui, a blend of concern and sternness etched on her face. "We need to talk, Yui."
Nervousness lingered as we moved to the living room. The impending conversation hung over us like a storm about to break.
As they settled in, Ms. Chika started, "Yui, I heard from Sakura that you've been spending a lot of time with this boy, Kousei-kun."
Yui's composure wavered, a subtle flush coloring her cheeks. "Yes, Mom. Kousei-kun and I are... friends."
A sigh escaped Ms. Chika. "I know, Yui, but you also know how crucial your career is to our family. I get that you want a normal life, but your public image is equally important."
Yui's gaze dropped, the internal struggle evident on her face. "I know, Mom, but... Kousei-kun is important to me. He's been there for me and supported me, and I don't want to hide that."
Another sigh, this one softer, escaped Ms. Chika. "I understand that Yui, but you need to think about the consequences of your actions. You're an idol, and people look up to you. If they find out about your relationship with Kousei-kun, it could affect your career."
Yui nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "I know, Mom, but I don't want to lie to myself or others. I want to be honest about my feelings."
Ms. Chika regarded her daughter, her expression a mix of concern and understanding. "I know it's not easy, Yui, but you have to be careful. You have a responsibility as an idol, and sometimes, sacrifices have to be made."
I couldn't help but feel a pang of discomfort. The air was thick with unspoken tensions, and it seemed like Yui's personal desires clashed with the expectations placed upon her.
Ms. Chika's words lingered in the room, a heavy reminder of the expectations and pressures on Yui. I couldn't stand the thought of her being forced into sacrificing her happiness for an image.
"Yui's career is essential, but she's also a person with feelings and dreams," I interjected, unable to stay silent. "Shouldn't we consider what she wants, too?"
Ms. Chika regarded me with a mix of surprise and skepticism. Yui, though tearful, looked at me with gratitude.
I continued, feeling a surge of determination. "Yui shouldn't have to sacrifice everything for the sake of an idol persona. It's not fair to expect her to deny her true self."
Ms. Chika sighed, perhaps recognizing the sincerity in my words. "I understand your perspective, but the industry is unforgiving. Yui has a responsibility to her fans, to the agency."
"But what about her responsibility to herself?" I insisted, stepping closer to Yui. "She deserves to pursue her own happiness, not just what others expect of her."
Yui's tears flowed freely now, and I could sense the turmoil within her. "Mom, I love being an idol, and I love my fans. But I can't pretend that Kousei-kun isn't a significant part of my life. I want to be honest with everyone, even if it means facing challenges."
Ms. Chika looked torn between the duty she saw as a mother and the desires of her daughter. "Yui, you have to understand—"
"I do, Mom," Yui interrupted gently. "But I can't live my life based on what others want from me. I need to be true to myself."
I stood by Yui, a silent pillar of support, as mother and daughter grappled with the conflicting forces of personal happiness and societal expectations.
The standoff continued, leaving us all suspended in a moment that would define Yui's path, a path that I hoped would lead to the happiness she deserved.
Ms. Chika's gaze shifted from Yui to me, studying my reaction. I felt the weight of her scrutiny, a pivotal moment that could reshape everything.
She stood, her movements deliberate, and began to walk towards the door. Just as I thought the conversation was concluding, she halted, turning back with a direct gaze that caught me off guard.
"Niimi Kousei," she said, her tone steady. "Let me ask you this."
I straightened, meeting her eyes with a determined gaze, ready for whatever question she was about to throw my way.
"Do you want to become my daughter's fiancé?"
Time seemed to freeze for a moment, and in that silence, my mind raced. "EH?!" escaped my lips, a mix of shock and disbelief. The mere idea of such a proposal was beyond my expectations.