"𝗕𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲, 𝗜'𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀."
Throughout her entire life, Iwakura Chihaya remained by Itadori Yuji's side. Despite being complete opposites, they had maintained a deep friendship for many years. As they entered high...
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After a long day of guiding the transferee and focusing on her lecture, Chihaya walked down the streets of Sendai City. Despite the dry weather and the heat that seemed to emanate like smoke, she was met with a peculiar sight: flowers from the trees scattered on the ground, slowly folding over. As she continued her walk, she felt the frigid wind pierce her skin, and a touch of drizzle dampened her surroundings.
"I'm home," Chihaya stated, met with the repetitive silence she faced every time until she heard a distinct clinging coming from the kitchen. As she entered the kitchen, she noticed pieces of glass scattered on the floor, mixed with droplets of blood. Her mother was kneeling on the ground, collecting the pieces of glass, unaware of her daughter's presence.
Chihaya remained in her position for several seconds until she resolved to search for a dusk pan and a broom and assist her mother in cleaning up the mess she had made. She did not dare to bring up the heated discussion a few days ago. Chihaya's unexpected appearance startled her mother. "Chihaya..." she mentioned.
Chihaya did not respond, and the only sound was the clinking of the broken pieces as they were getting removed. Her mother picked up the last bits of the plate's details and put them in the dustpan. She then stood up and threw the dustpan contents into the rubbish bin.
Chihaya was about to drag her feet upstairs but was interrupted when her mother called out her name, "Chihaya, can we talk?"
Chihaya, maintaining a deadpan expression, faced her mother, still disappointed with her mother's refusal to acknowledge her requests. "Yes?"
"I know that I was harsh the other day, but I only want what's best for you, Chihaya. Every mother dreams of seeing her daughter thrive and be happy," her mother's voice quivered with emotion.
Taking a moment to compose herself, Chihaya carefully chose her words, mindful of her mother's potential reaction. "Mom, I appreciate your good intentions and everything you've done for me, but I need you to trust me to make my own decisions and learn from my own experiences," she began cautiously.
"I understand your concerns, Mom. I want a fulfilling life too, but I'm struggling to understand why I should distance myself from my friends," Chihaya expressed.
"I've had some negative influences in the past, but not all of my friends are bad. Do they all have to meet your criteria?" she elaborated.
"Chihaya, the better your friends, the better your life will be," her mother insisted.
"Mom, even if my life improves, will I truly be happy? Isn't that unfair?" Chihaya questioned.
"You can find new friends later. Don't worry," her mother shrugged.
Chihaya's frustration peaked at her mother's dismissiveness. "Do I always have to meet your expectations?"
Her mother's irritation flashed in her eyes. "Well, excuse me for trying to guide you towards a better life. I've sacrificed everything for you, and this is the thanks I get. You're being selfish, Chihaya.
Chihaya's voice trembled with sorrow as she talked. "I'm not being selfish, Mom. For the first time, I'm being selfless, not for you but for myself."
Her mother's voice rose in intensity. "You think you know everything, don't you? Well, you don't! You're just a naïve teenager who doesn't understand how the real world works!"
"I may be young, but I'm not clueless!" Chihaya's fists clenched.
Her mother urged, "If you want to succeed, you need to listen to me."
Chihaya was hit by a wave of sadness as she heard her mother's words. She couldn't help but feel misunderstood by her mother. "Mom, please try to understand that I'm not doing anything to ruin my future," she said, hoping that her words would make her mother see things from her perspective.
"I just want a little bit of freedom," Chihaya insisted.
"Chihaya, just listen to me," her mother instructed.
"No, Mom, I'm tired of you ignoring my feelings," Chihaya's voice wobbled.
"It's already late—" her mother began.
"Can't you just listen?" Chihaya pleaded.
"Enough!" her mother shouted.
"Mom, please—"
"If you're old enough to make your own decisions, then go ahead and do whatever you want! I'm done caring about you!" her mother's words cut deep.
Chihaya's mother hurled hurtful words at her, causing the young girl to flinch. Anger surged through her as she gritted her teeth. "Fine," she declared, her voice barely above a whisper.
Without looking back, Chihaya bolted up the stairs, grabbing her belongings and shoving them into a bag. She did not care where she was going as long as it was away from her mother.
"What are you doing?" her mother's voice trembled with desperation.
Ignoring her mother's question, Chihaya swung open the door. "Away from you," she stated firmly before stepping out of the house.
As she attempted to flee, she suddenly came face to face with her father, blocking her path. "Chihaya, what's wrong?" he inquired, concerned into his face.
Chihaya looked at her father, tears welling up in her eyes. She couldn't bring herself to speak. Instead, she just ran past him and kept going until she was out of sight.
"Chihaya!" her father called out in alarm.
"Keiko! Do something!" her father pleaded with her mother.
"I... I can't, it's too late..." Keiko's voice wavered as tears streamed down her face.
"No, it can't be too late... Keiko, it's today!"
"What?"
"It's today!" her father repeated urgently.
"Oh no, Chihaya... Chihaya!" her mother cried out, the weight of regret and sorrow heavy in her voice.
—
Hey there! Just wanted to give you a quick heads up that I'll be busy for a little while because of my upcoming exams. Unfortunately, this means that the update will be delayed. However, I still hope that you enjoy this chapter! By the way, Happy Valentine's Day!
