Golden Era (Book 2)

12. Lost Girl

Ayuna spotted a sleek motorbike as the driver cruised through the main gates. A lineup of staff walked up and down the veranda, carrying off suitcases and duffel bags. Ayuna perked up: her best friend was back.

A minute later, Noa came out of the main house. Spotting Ayuna's car, she lifted her sunglasses and waved, her signature red hair gleaming in the sun. When Ayuna stepped out, she was welcomed by Noa's warm embrace followed by two kisses on the cheek.

Her dramatic welcome made Ayuna laugh out loud. Appraising Noa's tanned shoulders, she remarked, "Someone had fun in Europe."

"You bet!" chirped Noa, rejuvenated after a month by the Mediterranean sea. A mixed child of Japanese and French descent, Noa's family held year-round residence in Japan and escaped to their Saint-Tropez villa in southern France in the summer. 

"I hope you didn't stir up too much trouble."

"About that..."

Ayuna instantly recognized the mischief in her voice. "So who's the poor guy this time?"

"Why do you always assume it's a guy?"

"Because it's southern France and it's you." After years of friendship, Ayuna knew well that Noa was a wild card abroad. Given the proliferate bikini-optional beaches and summer parties in Europe, it was impossible for her not to go overboard.

"Fine, you got me," Noa relented with a sigh. "In all fairness, it was too good to pass up."

"How so?"

"Japanese vacationers are rare in Saint-Tropez, and this guy was throwing a party right next to the beach. It was my obligation to crash it."

Ayuna shook her head. She could just imagine the chaotic scene: a bunch of drunken girls breaking into someone else's property, smuggling champagne and harassing the host. 

"Now that's out of my system, I'm ready to re-enter the civilized world." Taking her friend's arm, Noa pressed, "How have you been while I was gone? It couldn't have been easy to be in Tokyo on your own."

"I wasn't on my own. I was with Sachi."

Noa waited until staff was out of sight before speaking, "It's me. You don't have to pretend."

Ayuna smiled faintly. Not wanting to discuss her engagement events or palace formalities, she said, "It was boring, that's all."

"Didn't Sachi take you anywhere?"

"He offered, but I declined."

"Why? Didn't you want to spend time with him?"

"He had a lot of assignments, and I also had unfinished tasks from before the accident. We both had too much work on our plates."

Noa stared at Ayuna for a long time, unable to accept these vague reasons. Before she could ask more, however, the driver honked the horn as a reminder. Squeezing Noa's hand, Ayuna said, "I have to go. I'm going to Hikari to see Ayuri." 

That said, she slipped away without waiting for Noa's reactions. 

***

Bisecting Kyoto, the car careened towards the northwestern brow. After climbing over gentle slopes, the Hikari College campus came into view. It was bordered by two of the most sacred landmarks in Japan—Temple of the Golden Pavilion and the Ryoan Temple. A gothic-style clocktower stood at the campus centre to mark the point of origin. From it, western-inspired architecture spread out in layers to form a sprawling complex. 

Hikari College was one of the oldest educational institutions in the country. Established in the Meiji Restoration era to strengthen Japan against western powers. It was initially designated as a specialized college for government officials with a heavy focus on law and political science. Over time, arts, social sciences and natural sciences were slowly added to program offerings.