Chapter 4: Beneath the Surface, We Begin to Pack.
Amanika Electrical LTD-an empire in steel and current. With a grip on over 9% of Japan's economic flow, its name echoes alongside titans like Ya Corporation, Luther Alfire, L.D.C, and Tony Industries.
Their reach is vast. From humble household essentials-bulbs, wires, cables-to titanic undertakings like infrastructure development, electric vehicles, and even real estate, advertising, and global renovation services. Each division is led by its own head, with four sub-heads beneath the president. That president, of course, is Amanika kitotaka-father of the girl currently speaking to me with unnerving confidence.
"My father's the fourth in the family to lead the company. Old-fashioned, right?" Nino said, crossing her arms. "He keeps telling me that if I really want to change the system, I need to prove I'm better than it."
She turned to me, her gaze steady.
"You'll be expected to walk beside him one day... so start preparing now, alright?"
Great. Just what every freshman in high school wants to hear. Apparently, I was supposed to compete with seasoned professionals who've spent decades in the field. What a joke.
"I still think going to a public university makes more sense," she continued, "but if you're planning on wasting time with part-time jobs or joining some useless club, you might as well enter a private one and spend your time learning from my father."
She cracked her fingers and gave a dry laugh. "I mean, you're already a workaholic... maybe too much of one." A bead of sweat ran down her temple. That must've been from learning my schedule-probably through her ever-present butler spy system.
She suddenly straightened, placed her hand over her mouth, and coughed once to gather herself.
"Ahem! No matter how odd your habits might be-" she gave a wink and pressed her finger to my chest "-I'll meet all your expectations. That's why... don't go giving your heart to someone else, okay?"
I sighed and gave a slow nod. This girl had no brake pedal.
Still, curiosity itched at my mind. "Hey... earlier, I asked why you helped me."
"You did. And I gave you an answer."
"Yeah, but now I want to ask something else. When did you... start watching me? Or getting interested in me?"
She tilted her head, tapping a finger to her chin in exaggerated thought. I could tell she wasn't actually thinking.
"Do you know someone named Himeko Kafka?"
"Himeko?" I blinked. "Yeah. She's that bubbly girl from the acting and dance department, right? We didn't talk much, but... she's hardworking. Always chasing her dreams."
Nino smiled. "She's my cousin."
Ah. So that's where this was going.
"Back during the [Score Exam], she was tasked with remixing a song-same lyrics, different genre. That was before your class had their turn, by the way. The arts departments go first."
Roward Advanced Nurturing High School isn't your average institution. It's divided into departments: engineering, medicine, performance arts... the works. Each department gears students toward specific careers.
But then there's the [Default Class].
We're allowed to choose our path after graduation, but there's a catch-during the first few months, we have to go through hell.
There's also the [J.N.H.S.E.]-the Japanese National High School Exam. The stakes? Win two rounds and you get into any university in Japan, no matter how elite. I won it last year.
But if it weren't for those rich and elite people, then I would have gotten some serious reputation on top of what I already have.
But staying in the Default Class is a battlefield. You have to constantly score high in monthly [Score Exams]-only for the first few months. But very few can continue after going through the first three months.
Nino continued, "Himeko told me how you helped her. Composition, calligraphy, the rhythm in her movements... a professional praised it. She won that day because of you. That's when I asked my butler to keep an eye on you. Got your schedule and everything." She gave me a mischievous grin. "You're more packed than most adults."
So that's how it started.
Of course, she didn't know I did it for money. A smooth 50,000 yen to buy myself seven months of peace. Not a bad deal. Not that I stopped working-I just liked having my own stash, my own freedom.
"And from interest," she said softly, "it grew into something more."
"I'm... not a particularly amazing person," I replied.
"Maybe. But it's too late. My heart's already stuck to you."
She reached up and cupped the side of my face. Her eyes were steady. "I'll do anything to make you mine. I'll get to you before anyone else does. You'll only ever look my way."
I took her hand gently and kissed her fingers. "I understand your feelings. But..."
I let go.
"...I can't give you the answer you want. Not now. Because right now, all I know about you... is the mask you wear."
There was a quiet pause.
Then she smiled-soft, not mocking. "That answer just makes me like you more. You're right. You don't know me yet, Amanika Nino. It's not love at first sight. I'm glad you're honest enough to say that."
Outward beauty can spark attraction. But I've seen what happens when that's all there is those relationships break like thin glass. I can't tolerate something so fragile.
"Hehehe..." she giggled, cheeks pink. "You may not realize it, but the hardest part is already over. Someday you'll say it. You'll tell me you like me. We'll kiss. And then we'll..." Her voice dropped to a mischievous whisper.
Oh saint.... Her entire image just shattered in front of me.
"I'm starting to understand you more now," I muttered. "You've got a big gap between your school persona and home life."
She pointed a finger at me. "Every person wears a mask. Even you. Whether you realize it or not."
"...You're not wrong."
"Which one do you like more?" she asked. "The school version of me, or the real one?"
I paused. "Honestly? Both. The composed you is reliable... and the fantasy daydreamer you is kind of adorable."
Her eyes twinkled. "That's not all I want you to learn. I want you to know my favorite food, book, movie, color, my clothing preferences-oh, and also my fetish-"
I slapped my hand over her mouth.
Oh saint.... I needed to muzzle her before she exposed more dangerous information. This shift from cool to chaotic.... Feels like I am at school or at work.
"Well," I said with a sigh, "let's get packing. We're leaving soon, so bring only the essentials."
"So it's really happening..." I glanced at her, and she nodded seriously.
"I need to call someone. Have him set up a room."
"What?" she blinked. "Why?"
"'My' house is getting demolished. I'd rather have some backup. Just in case."
"...Are you serious?"
"As serious as I can be."
"Then I need to grab my study materials."
"Take your time. I'll be waiting in the car."
I nodded. The day was still young.
Time to make some calls.
Time to pack my things.
Time to start something I couldn't quite name.