On the train from Tokyo to Nagoya, Takahashi Mio turned her head to gaze out at the passing scenery—rice fields, small houses, the occasional vending machine—clutching her shoulder bag with both hands. Her gaze was unfocused, distant, as a slideshow of faces flashed through her mind like a dramatic montage.
Her father's. Her mother's. Her older cousin's. Shiratori Seiya's. And Hojo Shione's.
Now that she was fully awake, her emotions had settled somewhat. But the thought of what she was about to face made her heart tremble subtly—like a level-one character entering a boss room.
Her mother had sent her countless messages last night after learning of her intentions. Besides a few words of concern, they were basically all variations of "Why are you doing this?" and "What's gotten into you?"
She had also called this morning. Takahashi Mio found it annoying, so after brushing her off casually, she'd turned her phone off entirely.
Her heart wasn't as invincible as she had shown her older cousin. Deep down, she was still afraid.
Would it be better if Shiratori Seiya came back with me?
This thought suddenly arose in Takahashi Mio's mind—a tempting "easy mode" option. But then she bit her lip hard, as if punishing herself for the weakness.
"Coward."
She couldn't help but curse herself under her breath. Then her red lips curved into a small smile as she leaned back in her seat and let out a long, heavy sigh.
Looking down at the souvenir doll in her hand—a little mascot thing she'd bought on impulse—Takahashi Mio suddenly let out a short, dry laugh.
Just over a month ago, even she wouldn't have imagined doing something this crazy.
If she really had to dig into the reasons... besides not wanting to disappoint Shiratori Seiya's expectations, Hojo Shione also played a part.
Not that she'd ever admit that out loud.
Although she genuinely hated her—found her disgusting from the bottom of her heart, like a villainess who refuses to leave the stage—there was no denying that from that unhinged scene on stage, you could catch a glimpse of just how deeply that woman loved Shiratori Seiya.
Every time she thought of this, Takahashi Mio's inner jealousy surged like a tidal wave. An annoyed expression appeared in her eyes as she stared at the doll, pressing its little button eyes hard with her fingers—take that, you stupid plushie.
Just how good was that bastard to her in the past to make a lunatic like that so unforgettable?
If Hojo Shione could go to such lengths... then why couldn't she?
Ever since returning from Yokohama last time, Shiratori Seiya had clearly stated that he wouldn't break up with her. But she could feel it in her bones—his heart was still leaning toward Hojo Shione.
That much was obvious from the way he'd spoken to her yesterday.
Act like a real boyfriend, dammit!
It was completely outrageous for him to keep giving attention that should belong to her to someone else.
If Hojo Shione can go all out... so can I.
When I resolve this whole mess by myself, he'll be incredibly moved, right?
Imagining Shiratori Seiya doting on her afterward—asking how she was, worrying about her—while Hojo Shione and Hasegawa Saori could only seethe with jealousy on the sidelines like defeated rivals, Takahashi Mio's mood improved considerably. The corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up.
With all sorts of chaotic thoughts swirling in her head like a filler episode's recap, she arrived at her doorstep in no time.
Takahashi Mio took a deep breath—the kind you take before a boss fight—and raised her hand to press the doorbell. But just as her finger was about to make contact, the door swung open with a soft click.
Her hand froze mid-air. She paused, then lifted her face—and her mother's face came into view.
Takahashi Reie looked at her daughter, who somehow seemed to radiate a different aura than before—gentler, yet somehow more solid. Her eyes first flashed with surprise. Then, perhaps thinking of something, her brows furrowed, and the expression in her gaze became complicated.
Feeling the shift in her mother's eyes, Takahashi Mio's heart skipped a beat.
Their eyes met, carrying emotions that words couldn't quite capture—the kind of silent communication you see in emotional climax scenes.
After a long moment of mutual gazing, Mrs. Takahashi parted her thin red lips and said softly:
"Mio..."
She seemed about to say something more, but then a deep voice called from inside the house:
"Reie, has Mio returned yet?"
Takahashi Reie's shoulders tensed unconsciously. She glanced back into the house and called out:
"Ah, yes."
Hearing her father's voice, Takahashi Mio blinked and asked:
"Father didn't go to work today?"
"No. He knew you were coming back, so he specifically took the day off."
"Oh."
"Mio, you—"
Her mother seemed to want to say something—probably a warning, a plea, something—but Takahashi Mio slipped past the gap between her and the door-frame and entered the house.
"Mio, don't rush to talk to your father right away. Let's chat first—"
"Mhm, mhm, mhm."
Takahashi Mio adjusted her shoulder bag, squatted down to change her shoes, and hummed in response like a character skipping through dialogue options. Then, without waiting for her mother, she walked straight into the living room.
"You're back?"
Hearing her footsteps, Takahashi Isao turned his head. He saw his daughter dressed in a ladylike manner—more grown-up than he remembered. He raised his thick eyebrows, scanned her from head to toe, then crossed his arms and let out a muffled "Hmph" from his nose.
"Hmm... not bad. Looks like you've really grown up since starting university."
Then he grinned—showing his white teeth—and laughed:
"Mio, you came back at the perfect time. I caught a huge fish this morning. You're in for a treat today."
"Ah..."
Seeing that her father's complexion wasn't as red as usual—less flushed with alcohol—Takahashi Mio felt an inexplicable sense of relief. She asked in confusion:
"Dad... you haven't been drinking today?"
Hearing this, Takahashi Isao looked at her like she'd sprouted a second head.
"What are you talking about? If I caught a big fish, I'm obviously going to wait until it's cooked to drink."
As he spoke, he noticed his wife standing frozen behind their daughter like a statue at the entrance.
"Reie, what are you standing there for? Get cooking! If you start now, it'll be perfect for lunch. I already scaled the fish for you, didn't I?"
"Ah."
Takahashi Reie snapped out of it and walked toward the kitchen. She stopped at the kitchen door and turned to give Mio a deep, meaningful look—whatever you need to say, don't rush it.
Takahashi Isao didn't notice her silent signal. He looked at his daughter standing in front of him and pointed to the sofa across from him.
"Why are you just standing there? Been away so long you don't recognize your own home?"
"No."
Takahashi Mio shook her head, took another deep breath, and sat down.
Seeing her like this, Takahashi Isao naturally picked up that something was off. He studied his daughter's face and asked with a confused frown:
"What's wrong with you?"
"Oh, right—today's Wednesday, isn't it? Don't you have classes? Why'd you suddenly come back?"
"I..."
Takahashi Mio opened her mouth, lowered her eyes, and unconsciously gripped her shoulder bag tighter—her knuckles going white.
Seeing this, Takahashi Isao's frown deepened. He narrowed his eyes and asked:
"What is it?"
Hearing that, Takahashi Mio took another deep breath—her lungs were getting a workout today—as if she had finally made a decision. Her eyes hardened with determination, like a protagonist activating their ultimate skill.
"I..."
Before she could get the words out, Takahashi Reie suddenly poked her head out from the kitchen and called to her:
"Mio, come here and help me. This fish is too big—it's hard to handle by myself..."
But this time, Takahashi Mio didn't look at her mother. Her fair fingers pinched her thigh hard—focus, focus—and she said with serious, unshakeable resolve:
"Father... I came back this time to tell you that I've decided to become an actress."
As her words fell, the kitchen spoon slipped from Mrs. Takahashi's hand and clattered to the floor.
CLANG!