Last Girl

Chapter 7

The brass pendulum swayed back and forth with ease. It had no qualms with staying on beat. It was entirely focused on its composure in regards to providing a soft rhythm. How I envy its oversimplified intricacy.

Despite how hard I tried to keep up with the metronome's beat, I couldn't quite relax. The events of my date with Kaoru were still fresh in my mind. I keep replaying images of Kaoru's domineering attitude as he tries to take full control of the conversation. Perhaps it was my lapse of judgment that caused me to end up in such a detestable position.

"Aiko, are you listening to me?" My father questioned me.

"Mm-hm." I respond.

As you could guess, I was indeed lying. I had no idea why my father had called on me. It's unusual for him to want me to see him in his office. I have seldom visited it; therefore, I was intrigued by all of the nick-nacks and trinkets in the room. Everything in here serves as an instrument for me to distract myself with.

"Very well then. He's waiting in the study above."

Hah? Another fiancée perhaps?

"Oh eh, right..." I remarked with uncertainty.

There's no way I could admit I wasn't listening. If I did, I would be cursed with another grovelling lecture! Sucking up my pride, I excused myself and made my way towards the door.

Upon opening the door, I was surprised to encounter a long, white-haired male. He shrouded himself in mystery as he simply smiled at me. He appeared to be a foreigner, perhaps he is from the west? His exact origins remain a mystery, perhaps if he spoke, I could narrow down his native tongue.

But alas, he merely held the door open for me wordlessly. All I could do was timidly nod in my flustered state. I quickly brushed past and made my way upstairs. How odd, I didn't expect Father to have this many visitors today.

When I opened the door to the study, I was relieved to see Haruto. But of course, he wasn't alone. Haruto sat opposite another man at his desk.

"Uh, hi." I said.

"Miss Uchida, thank you for joining us. Please, take a seat." The man said as he ushered me with his hand.

Haruto pulled out a chair for me and I hurried over to sit beside him. Once I was properly settled, I made direct eye contact with the stranger.

His chestnut-coloured locks were elegantly combed back. Paired with some thick-framed glasses and a shirt and sweater, his attire screamed professionalism. I was somewhat relieved with this. He looked approachable.

If Haruto is sitting here merrily, then that means he deems this man must be trustworthy. Haruto typically has a good sense of character, so I trust his judgement.

"Allow me to introduce myself."

The man extends a hand forth and I shake it with respect "I am Naoki Sanada. From today onwards, I shall be your private tutor."

"Private tutor?" I repeat in confusion.

"Didn't your Father discuss the matter with you?" Sanada-san inquired.

Scratching my head, I tried to think of a plausible excuse in my current befuddlement. "Well, we discussed a bit of this and that. So, I guess I'm just a little forgetful..."

"I see. Well, we'll just have to work on that forgetfulness of yours, won't we? After all, it would be bad if you forgot what I taught you in class." Sanada-san jokingly played off.

I play along with a fake laugh in response. Hopefully, we can just move past this. I would much rather not sustain a reprimanding from my father this afternoon.