Missing among Shadows Kurai yoru no kage

Chapter 22

Ckyuka's POVMy heart is beating fast with excitement as I let out a loud "KYA!" to myself. It has been ages since I last saw my parents and family, and the thought of finally reuniting with them fills me with joy. As I prepare to reunite with my parents after a long time, I feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. I can't wait to see their expressions when they lay eyes on me, especially with my newly dyed hair. I wonder if they will be shocked, amused, or perhaps even proud of my bold choice. To make sure that my new hair color is visible, I quickly grab two ponytails and tie my hair back. As I stand in front of the mirror, I carefully apply a bright pink lipstick, a cute subtle blush, and eyeshadow that perfectly complements my outfit. I take my time to ensure that every detail of my makeup is flawless and enhances my features. I want to make a lasting impression on my parents and show them how much I've grown and changed since we last saw each other.As I gather my belongings and head out of the door, my mind is filled with a plethora of emotions. I can't help but wonder how my parents will react to seeing me after such a long time apart. Will they notice my new and confident look right away? Will they be surprised by the mature and composed person I have become? Every possible scenario is playing out in my head, and it's hard to contain my excitement. I am eager to find out and can't wait to embrace them tightly. Will they notice the way I carry myself? Will they notice the small changes I have made to my appearance? The anticipation is almost too much to bear, but I can't wait to finally be reunited with my loved ones and share all the details of my journey with them.I recently started a new job, and I must say it's quite challenging. It might just be the hardest job in the world, but I am determined to succeed. After a long and tough days at work, I'm grateful to get a little break before I have to return to the grind. I know that soon enough, the company will call me back, and I'll be back to working hard and giving it my all.As of now, I don't have to return to work yet. So, I plan on making the most of my time with my parents and relishing every moment. I am looking forward to forgetting all about my job for a while and creating happy memories with my loved ones.As I looked at my beloved friends, I couldn't help but sigh deeply, wishing I could stay with them forever. However, I knew that I couldn't postpone my departure any longer. I had to leave right away, or I would miss my train. And if I missed my train, I wouldn't be able to make it to my parents' on time. As I made my way to the train station, I caught sight of Akanji, with her vibrant red hair and sparkling eyes. Despite being the same age as me, she always reminded me of a child, with her bubbly and carefree personality.It's a shame that Azuki can't be here with us. I know how much she would enjoy spending time with the family. Unfortunately, Azuki doesn't have any family of her own, and she's not willing to see her brother. She's afraid he'll be disappointed in her for choosing such a dangerous job. It's a strange feeling, because I don't think my parents are going to be disappointed in me for doing the same job as Azuki. It's a tough situation for her, and I wish she could find a way to feel supported and loved by those around her.At just fifteen years old, Azuki has already learned the importance of feeding herself healthy and nutritious meals. She even lives independently in the dorms, which is an admirable feat for someone so young. However, despite her independence, it is impossible not to feel sympathy for her situation. Azuki's stubbornness often prevents her from reaching out for help, and as a result, she sometimes misses out on much-needed assistance. It is difficult to know whether or not she truly wants help, as she refuses to ask for it. Nonetheless, it is clear that Azuki is a determined and self-reliant individual who is capable of achieving great things, even in the face of adversity.Despite being two years older than her, I can't help but notice how much stronger she is than me. It's almost like a slap in the face. She's shorter than me, and although her personality isn't quite childlike, it's not fully mature either. It's a strange feeling to be weaker than someone who seems so much smaller than me. It's like having a younger sibling, even though we're not related. The anger I feel towards this situation is immense and difficult to explain.As I boarded the train, my mind was consumed with one thought - my parents. They are always so formal and particular about my appearance. I couldn't help but feel anxious about their reaction to my new look - dyed hair, bold makeup, and a playful personality that often comes across as childlike. I had opted for a mini-skirt and crop top, which was quite out of there comfort zone. I couldn't shake off the feeling that my parents would disapprove of my choices and I would face their wrath.As the train comes to a halt, I step out and take a leisurely stroll for a little while before finally arriving at my parents' house. When I reach their doorstep, I take a deep breath and knock on the door, waiting eagerly to be greeted by their familiar faces.As soon as I opened the door, I noticed that something was wrong. My parents seemed mad and disapproving of my new look. My mom's first reaction was to ask me, "Why are you dressed like that?" I could feel the nervousness creeping in as I replied, "I just like this style." However, my parents were not satisfied with my answer and soon they had me dressed up in a traditional kimono and were trying to dye my hair back to its original color. Their reaction left me feeling lost and unsure about how to express myself.I had been staying in my old room, which had been decorated with various types of colorful flowers that added a delicate and pleasant fragrance to the air, making the atmosphere all the more inviting and cozy.When I woke up the next morning, I found a notification on my phone. It was from the master of the corps, and it said, "Attention everyone, please return to our main base immediately. This is not a drill." The message sounded urgent and made me wonder what could have happened that required such a sudden and immediate response.