Chapter 7

Iyori and Hanako walked in the same slow pace down the empty street that was leading to their house. Besides the sound of birds chirping and the wind gently blowing, pushing them forward, it was completely silent between the two sisters. Hanako was busy texting her mother, letting her know they were on their way home, while Iyori just looked at her phone to pass the time and drown out the boredom. 

“Since when did you and Shuya become close?” asked Hanako when she had finished texting her mother. 

“We aren’t close at all,” answered Iyori and rolled her eyes. 

“Then how did he know where you were?” continued Hanako. 

“Coincidence,” answered Iyori in short. 

“But how did he convince you to come back to school? I have never seen you listen to what anyone tells you to do.” 

“Hanako, will you please stop asking me these endless questions? We aren’t close, I don’t listen to what he tells me to do, there was simply a.... situation, okay?” 

“Okay,” said Hanako when she heard the tone of her sister’s voice and decided not to pry any further. “He isn’t good company anyway.” Iyori suddenly stopped in her tracks and looked at Hanako in utter confusion. 

“The top student of the school who all the teachers adore, isn’t good company?” said Iyori in a sarcastic voice, “then I must be the devil himself.” 

“No, that’s not what I meant, you don’t understand. The skin can deceive,” objected Hanako, “even if he’s clever and well liked by the teachers, he is still incredibly arrogant and snobby. He always acts like he’s better than everyone else and like he can’t do anything wrong.” 

“I won’t argue with you on that, he truly is an arrogant jerk,” said Iyori and started walking again, Hanako following right behind her. 

“Yes, yes, but that’s not all,” continued Hanako, “there’s... something else.” The tone of Hanako’s voice suddenly changed and it made Iyori turn her head, curiously looking at her to find out more. 

“What is it?” asked Iyori when her patience was about to run out. This time it was Hanako who stopped walking and she quickly looked behind her and ahead of her, making sure no one was around. 

“I always thought it was a little weird that he transferred school right before his last year in High School,” said Hanako, “so... I did some digging. It turns out he was expelled from his last school, a private school at that, for getting into a fight with another student.” 

“Really?” said Iyori with a lifted eyebrow. 

“That’s what I heard,” said Hanako and shrugged her shoulders before she started walking again, making a turn at the corner right in front of them. 

“No matter what,” continued Hanako, “I think it would be best if you keep your distance to him.” 

“Yeah yeah,” said Iyori, “I already told you we aren’t that close.” 

“If you say so,” said Hanako, “but there’s still one thing you two have in common.” 

“What?” 

“Your temper.” 

“That is so not tr-” 

“We’re home!” yelled Hanako and cut Iyori off while both of them stepped inside the house. Iyori just let out a sigh and closed the door behind her. 

“Welcome home,” said Hina and greeted her two daughters who were still standing in the hallway. “How lovely to see you two walking home from school together. Did both of you have club activities today?” 

“Actually, I was helping out in the art club with Iyori today,” said Hanako and Iyori shot her a glare. 

“My, that sounds wonderful!” said Hina, “I’m so happy to hear you haven’t cut your ties to the art club completely.” 

“Yeah yeah...” said Iyori indifferent and walked past both Hina and Hanako, headed towards her bedroom, when she suddenly took notice of a young woman standing in front of her. 

“Hello,” said the woman and smiled at Iyori who just continued staring at her, like she wasn’t really sure what to say. 

“Hello,” said Iyori and lowered her head, avoiding eye contact. 

“Aiko!” yelled Hanako, who now also noticed the young woman and quickly ran to her side. “I didn’t know you were coming today.” 

“I already packed up everything, so I figured, why not,” said Aiko. 

“We have been looking forward to having you here,” said Hina who was still standing in the background. 

“How far are you?” asked Hanako, whose eyes were shining as she looked at Aiko’s round belly. 

“6 months,” said Aiko and gently rubbed her belly. 

“Wow, aren’t you excited to become a mom?” asked Hanako while Iyori continued to stand there like a statue in the background, feeling awkward about walking away but not comfortable enough to speak up either. 

“I am,” said Aiko, “but I’m also a little nervous. It’s my first time trying it.” 

“There’s no need to be nervous,” said Hina and walked over to Aiko and put her hand on her shoulder. “That is why you are going to live here for a while. We won’t just help you until you have the baby. You can stay here for as long as you want to, until you feel comfortable moving back home with Haruki.” 

“Thank you,” said Aiko. 

“Speaking of Haruki, where is he?” asked Iyori and looked around to see if she could spot her brother. 

“He went to the factory to pick up your father, they will both be home soon,” said Hina. 

“I can’t remember the last time the whole family was gathered,” said Hanako and clapped her hands together. 

“Yes it really is wonderful, we don’t see you and Haruki enough,” said Hina and looked at Aiko with a saddened expression. 

“I know, if only Haruki didn’t have to work so much,” said Aiko and looked down for a second, but she quickly put her smile back on and continued. “No, I shouldn’t complain. He puts food on our table and we never lack anything at home. It’s only because I feel a little lonely sometimes, that’s why I’m so happy that I will be staying here with you for a while.” 

“We are looking forward to it too,” said Hanako and then looked at Iyori who didn’t even notice her glare. “Right, Iyori?” Iyori finally looked up. 

“Yeah... sure...” said Iyori and gulped. “Anyway, I’m gonna be in my room. Just call for me when we are eating.” Before anyone could say anything else, Iyori disappeared into her bedroom and closed the door behind her. 

“She doesn’t really want me here, does she?” said Aiko and let out a nervous laughter. 

“Don’t worry about Iyori, she acts like that towards everyone,” said Hanako and patted Aiko gently on the shoulder. 

“Iyori... she... she’s going through a hard time right now. She repeated a year in school and things aren’t going well. I don’t think she has that many friends either.” 

“Because she acts like she doesn’t care about anything or anyone,” said Hanako spiteful. 

“Don’t be too hard on your sister,” said Aiko. “It can’t be easy to repeat a year. All your friends graduate while you’re left behind. She must feel really lonely.” Hanako lowered her head slightly, thinking about the words Aiko said. 

“I’m just worried about her,” said Hanako, her head still hanging low. 

“Don’t be. Everyone goes through a hard time when they’re young, so did I,” said Aiko. “I’m sure she will be alright, just wait and see.” 

Hello everyone!

It looks like there's more to Shuya than what we see, and it might not be all good, but only time can show that. On the other side, it seems like Iyori has gotten a sympathizer in Aiko, maybe someone will finally be on her side.

I really do think it must be horrible to repeat a year. When I left school it was such a big deal, everyone was leaving to start the real life, the adult life. Imagining being left behind while everyone moves on in life. It would surely bring anyone down.

But what do you think? Let me know in the comments.

Take care of yourself and stay safe!

Love, Annalise~