Chapter 103: Aika Shiki Is Loved

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Translator: Soafp

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It was the night of the day Ginji and Sora had gone on their date. Aika was having dinner at home with her father for the first time in a long while.

They had finished most of the dishes that had been served and were chatting peacefully. Aika’s father, Masaomi Shiki, sipped wine while Aika had a glass of non-alcoholic sparkling wine by her side.

“How's school, Aika? I finally have some time, so I thought I'd go see the principal. Let me know if there’s anything you need.”

Masaomi was a major donor to the school and was acquainted with the board and the principal. It was just a casual remark in their conversation, but Aika went silent.

“…”

“What's wrong, Aika?”

“It's nothing… It just surprised me, that's all.”

“Haha, it's embarrassing when your parent shows up at school, isn't it? Don't worry, I'll be discreet. Oh, that's right, I'd like to see Sora again sometime. I'll be seeing my brother in Singapore soon, so I thought I'd give him an update. Honestly, he should come visit his adorable daughter once in a while… I heard from the staff that she hasn't been around lately. Did something happen?”

His eyes were kind, full of gentle concern. Under the table, Aika clenched her fists tightly, while keeping a smile on her face.

“She… seems to have a boyfriend now. That's why she hasn't been coming around.”

“…What? A boyfriend? Oh, um, is that a boy?”

He pictured Sora, who had started dressing in boys' clothes shortly before entering high school. Masaomi had been told by Aika that Sora was struggling with her gender identity, and had asked the school to be accommodating.

“Yes, so lately she's been wearing a ‘normal' uniform. Really, she's such trouble, causing you concern like that, Father.”

Lies, built upon more lies. Aika knew how dangerous it was, yet she couldn't help herself. She couldn't bear for her kind father to know that it was she who had forced Sora into this.

“Well, well, adolescence is full of struggles for girls. If Sora is embracing her femininity, that's a wonderful thing. I even had a dress prepared for her. But for her to fall in love… I always thought she didn't like boys. It reminds me of when I met your mother.”

“That fateful meeting while studying abroad, right? Yes, you've told me that story a thousand times.”

“Oh, sorry about that. Still, for Sora to be in love… he must be a fine young man.”

“…I wouldn't know.”

“Aika, aren't you curious? As her guardian, I think I should meet him at least once—”

“Father! …I really think that sort of thing is best avoided…”

“Oh, right, of course. I understand, I do.”

Faced with her daughter's strong tone, Masaomi gave a sheepish smile and took a long sip of his wine.

Just then, the door opened, and a tall, silver-haired woman of graceful age entered the room. Her features closely resembled Aika's.

“Oh, my love. Leona, if I'd known you were coming home, we would have waited for you to eat.”

Masaomi stood and embraced her. Aika's mother, Leona Shiki, returned the gesture briefly before stepping back.

A beautiful woman with Nordic features and a somewhat feline grace, she sat beside Aika.

“I didn't know when I'd be able to return. Aika, it's been a while. I'm sorry. I'm off again soon, but I wanted to see your face.”

“Welcome home, Mother. I understand how busy you are. It's all right.”

Leona hugged Aika tightly.

“Ara, your hair's in bad shape. I'll book you a salon appointment.”

“Eh—oh, how embarrassing. I've just been so busy lately…”

“I see. It's natural to push yourself, but if people start noticing, you need to rest. People like us can't show weakness to those beneath us.”

“I understand, Mother.”

“That's my sweet girl. Now then, darling, I need to talk with you about the business.”

“Can't it wait until tomorrow? You should spend time with Aika for once. I've already had two glasses of wine.”

“I'm sorry. This is urgent…”

“Father, I'm fine. Please help Mother.”

“…I'm sorry, Aika. I'll make it up to you.”

Once the two had left the room, Aika returned to her own room and collapsed onto her bed. She opened the planner by her pillow and saw every space packed with appointments. She closed it with a sigh, covered her face with the back of her hand, and whispered to herself as if to convince her own heart:

“I'm loved. I'm not like that girl… not like Sora, the ugly one abandoned by her parents… I… I won't become like her. I…”

The last words trailed off into silence. Aika sat up and headed to the bathroom to tend to her hair.