"It's already been arranged; you'll leave for my cousin's house tomorrow," Yoichi's father, Yoshihiro, said the moment Yoichi walked into the house. Just as he was feeling relieved to have the day's bizarre "celebration" behind him, another surprise waited.
Yoichi had been wondering how to tell his parents about the transfer to Yamabuki Elite High School, sure they'd never agree. But, to his disappointment, they'd already prepared for it.
"At least let him greet us first," Mieko, his mother, chimed in before Yoshihiro could say anything else.
Yoichi sighed. "Good afternoon, Mum and Dad. I'm back," he said, as he did every day.
"Okay, now back to what your Dad was saying. You'll be moving in with your big aunt in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo. It's much closer to your new school," Mieko explained.
"She's single and has twin daughters your age who go to the school, so you'll have some company—and they can tutor you," Yoshihiro added.
"But…what about Mika?" Yoichi asked, trying to find an excuse.
"Yuichi will take her to school from now on. Now go upstairs and start packing. I'll make dinner tonight as a farewell gift," Mieko replied, walking off.
Turning to his father, Yoichi asked, "Are you really okay with this?"
Yoshihiro sighed. "Whatever you're doing, keep doing it. You got us ten million yen each just for signatures," he replied, flipping open a newspaper.
Yoichi headed to his room, closing the door behind him. He dropped his backpack on the bed and leaned against the door, thinking, *"It's all happening too fast."*
It had only been two days, and suddenly he was heading off to Yamabuki Elite High School on a full scholarship. He hadn't even signed any papers yet—they hadn't asked him to. His parents, though, had apparently done that without him. He'd heard rumors about the school, but they were always vague, mostly from random class discussions or gossip during recess. None of it made much sense.
His thoughts drifted to Akane. He knew she was behind this, but he didn't know why. He didn't believe it was just about what happened that night in the alley. She was usually poised and serious, at least from what he'd seen and heard. But that night changed everything. *How had she gotten herself into that mess?* he wondered.
Yoichi sighed, took off his clothes, and stepped into the shower. Later, as he was packing, Mika burst into his room right as he was putting a pair of underwear—with little hearts on it—into a bag. Shocked, he slipped and fell, his underwear landing right on his face.
"Dinner's ready!" she announced, eyeing his suitcase. "Why are you packing, Big Brother?" she asked.
Yoichi knew he had to think fast—Mika would throw a fit if she knew he was leaving. He opened his mouth to say something, but no words came. Just then, Yuichi appeared behind Mika, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Yoichi's just sorting out his stuff. He'll join us at the table, right, Yoichi?" Yuichi said, giving him a wink.
"Right," Yoichi said, managing a reassuring smile.
"Okay, Big Brother!" Mika chirped happily before skipping away.
"When I take this room, I'm getting a lock for the door," Yuichi said with a smirk, then walked away. Yoichi sighed and continued packing.
At dinner, Yoichi was about to take a bite of rice when his mother asked, "Have you packed everything yet? You don't want to miss the bus, do you?"
The light left his eyes.
"Wait! Big Brother? You're leaving?" Mika asked.
"Yes, Mika," Mieko replied. "Your Big Brother is going to stay with your big aunt in Shinjuku district for the school year."
"Is that true, Big Brother?" Mika asked, her eyes filling with tears.
Yoichi turned to look at her, but he couldn't speak. Mika had always been there for him, even when he'd been cold, angry, and resentful since the day she was born. Seeing her hurt cut deep.
Mika jumped out of her seat, ran to him, and clung to his legs, sobbing uncontrollably. "Don't go, Big Brother! Don't leave me!" she wailed, her little fists pounding against him.
Yoichi sat there frozen, her tiny cries breaking his heart. For the second time in days, he felt real pain—and a hot tear rolled down his cheek.