Connected Hearts

Chapter 12

"You must've been really popular over there" Himeko said
"Yeah. I remember introducing myself on the first day. Everyone didn't seem to leave me alone. I don't get what was so interesting about me" Mei said
"You must've seen how your fans behaved once you were gone" Himeko said
"How did you two meet?" Mei asked
"Oh us? Actually Shiraho-san was in the same school as us" Himeko said
"Oh really?" Mei asked
"...I actually admired you a lot. I just felt shy to approach you so I only watched from a distance. It's nice to actually meet you in person" Shiraho said
"We got closer since we had a class together. Thanks to her I wasn't so alone anymore" Himeko said
"I told you that you'd be fine without me" Mei said
"Yeah but I didn't know you were going to come back. You should've told me earlier" Himeko said
"Sorry" Mei said
"Uhm...Aihara-san" Shiraho said
"Yes?" Mei asked
"I would like to take this opportunity to get to know you more. I...always wanted to be friends with you. I hope you don't mind if I tag along with you and Momokino-san" Shiraho said
"Any friend of Himeko's is a friend of mine" Mei said
"We can hang out after classes. Oh right. I've received your schedule since your grandfather registered you already. You can take a look at it tomorrow since you have to rest from your flight" Himeko said
"Thanks Himeko" Mei said
"I can't wait to tell Yuzupon about this. Wait Aihara-san you're also great friends with Yuzupon right? She hasn't changed a bit. She's still really nice and friendly with everyone" Shiraho said and Himeko flinched seeing Mei's sudden change of expression. Mei tensed up a bit having a feeling who she was talking about and rubbed Pucchi's paw
"Woof woof" Pucchi barked
"...yes. That's great. I'm sure...we can be friends again" Mei said
"Uhm! Hey Meimei! I have an idea. Once you get settled here we can show you some nice places to hang out. Shiraho, don't you think it would be nice to give Mei a tour to see what places we could hang out with?" Himeko asked trying to switch the conversation
"Sure" Shiraho said
"I like that idea. Sounds nice" Mei said as she tried to act normally. During the ride, Mei couldn't help but catch a glimpse of a billboard with an image of a beautiful blonde. She felt her chest tightened and gripped her shirt while pressing her lips together
...right...I might... bump into her...
Once the ride was over, Himeko left Shiraho in charge of Pucchi
"How is...Yuzu?" Mei asked. Himeko flinched hearing that from her and avoided looking at her
"...she's alright" Himeko said
"Mind being a little more specific? Like...what has she been up to?" Mei asked
"Well her career as a model is doing great. She's also handled her own company business that her grandparents left her. Of course she's not working alone and has her cousins to help. I'm actually surprised that she knows how to handle and work a business. I've decided to partner up with her and she's partnered up with the Taniguchis too" Himeko said
"They've inherited the company?" Mei asked
"Mitsuko-senpai is the one in charge. Harumin-san is still learning" Himeko said
"Ah...hmm so many things must've happened while I was gone" Mei said
"Y-yeah but now that you're back uhm we can hang out with the rest. Of course that is if you want to but maybe you'll like our friend group. You'll have fun with them" Himeko said
"I'm glad you made more friends" Mei said
"Actually it was Yuzu who brought everyone together. She's really great at making friends. You should've seen her when she first met Harumin-san. Those two became inseparable and they had so many things in common. Harumin-san is the reason how Yuzu got into modeling. She gave her the idea and Yuzu seemed to like it. It's not a surprise that she became successful since she has great looks" Himeko said
"I'm happy to hear that she's doing well" Mei said
"...there's still a chance for you to be with her. I know back then it was difficult because of your grandfather but now that-"
"Himeko. Stop" Mei said
"You don't have to listen to him. You can still inherit the Academy and be with Yuzu. You don't need-"
"Himeko...please...just stop" Mei said
"...she's been working hard for you. She still loves you and has been waiting for you. You should try to give it a chance. I'm sure your grandfather will understand" Himeko said. Mei stepped forward as she didn't give her an answer and walked away from her. Himeko sighed deeply as she shook her head slightly
"I just want you to be happy Mei..." Himeko said
I really hope everything goes well for them. Yuzu won't accept a no for an answer...