[CH.45] Returning Home After a Long Time (Part 4)
**TL Notes: So as not to confuse you all, I made a list of the characters that get mentioned in this chapter that you may have forgotten before. Sumire Matsuda: MC Nao and Fumika: Sumire's close friends Yoko-san: Sumire's manager Ms. Azusa: Sumire's mentor |
After having pancakes with Nao, we decided to part ways, even though it was a bit early. We walked together for part of the way back home, holding hands.
"Let's plan to visit Fumika tomorrow from noon. If we go in the morning, it might be a bit bothersome for the hospital," I suggested.
"Okay! Su-chan, can I bring my homework with me? There are some things I don't understand, and I was hoping you could help me," Nao asked.
Without hesitation, I nodded in response to Nao's request. I've been continuing my studies for the grade above mine, and I've already covered all the topics for third-year high school students. I've been focusing on improving my weaker areas, particularly in math, to reduce my weak points. Even though we go to different schools, I should be able to help with elementary school problems. Fumika has also been absent from school due to her recent appendectomy, so if she has any questions, I want to be there to help her.
Before I realized it, we had returned to Nao's house. We made plans to meet at the station tomorrow at 1 PM and said our goodbyes. Even though it was getting close to evening, the streets were unusually deserted, probably because it was a holiday. Despite being on a familiar path, I suddenly felt uneasy. I quickened my pace and headed home.
When I arrived at my parents' house and turned the doorknob, it seemed that the door wasn't locked this time, as it opened without any resistance. I called out, "I'm home!" toward the room, and my mother responded.
"Welcome back, Sumire. How was Fumika's condition?" my mother asked.
"Yeah, the surgical wound seemed painful, but other than that, she seemed fine," I replied.
Upon hearing my response, my mother displayed a slight expression of relief. Nao and Fumika have been acquainted with me for a long time, so they are like family to my mother. She must have been concerned about Fumika's condition.
After washing my hands and gargling, I returned to my room and realized that I hadn't seen Yoko-san around. Huh? Could she be out for something?
"Mom, did Yoko-san go out somewhere?" I asked.
"Ms. Ando? She mentioned that since it's her day off, she's going sightseeing. She left and said she'd come to pick you up on the morning of the 6th," my mother replied.
"What? I had no idea," I blurted out in surprise. But, to be fair, it's Yoko-san's well-deserved vacation. I hope she enjoys sightseeing and takes it easy. In that case, I wonder if I should just relax at my parents' house? It's been a while since I saw both of my parents, and I have many things to discuss with them.
"Shall we start preparing dinner soon? I'll help too," I suggested.
My father usually had a regular return time, and he would come home between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM in the evening. My mother, who would typically start preparing dinner around this time, was sitting leisurely, which struck me as unusual.
"Today, our neighbor from the back said she'd treat us to dinner because Sumire is back. So, there's no need to prepare dinner tonight. Come on, Sumire, take a seat. There are many things we need to talk about," my mother explained.
I was taken aback once again as I was informed of this unexpected plan. I had intended to greet Auntie next door properly when I returned, but I never expected such a warm welcome. I'd definitely have to express my gratitude later.
With my mother gently guiding me, I took a seat on a cushion. While there were indeed many things I wanted to talk about, my stories were more about Tokyo souvenirs and casual chitchat.
"Ms. Ando shared a lot with us, but I wanted to hear from Sumire as well. Are you doing well?" my mother inquired.
"I've met you not too long ago, Mom. I haven't been sick, and I'm doing well as usual," I replied.
I replied, but it felt like I had met my mother ages ago when there was a piano recital. The video recordings made by the agency's camera staff had been swiftly edited and dubbed onto several tapes, which I brought back with me during this homecoming. It may be embarrassing for me as the person featured in the videos, but it might be a good idea to watch them together with my family after returning from Auntie next door's house. I still haven't watched it thoroughly yet, and my father, who dislikes piano music, might not appreciate it.
Nonetheless, I wondered what Yoko-san had talked to my mother about. There was nothing particularly troubling about my situation, so it didn't matter what was discussed. Still, I was curious about what kind of evaluation had been given behind my back.
"Ms. Ando had nothing but praise for Sumire. She said you're well-mannered and considerate of others. However, she mentioned that you tend to neglect yourself, which she considered a slight negative. Your mother thinks the same," my mother explained.
"I'm not neglecting myself, and I do speak up when I've reached my limit," I responded.
"Your mother is concerned about situations where it's not just a matter of your own convenience. If it's work or something affecting others, Sumire, you'd push yourself to the limit to get things done, right? That's what your mother and Ms. Ando are worried about. You should take better care of yourself," my mother advised.
In my past life, someone told me, 'If you can't do it, then you can't. In that case, the people around you will find a way.' I'm not a big fan of that kind of reliance on others. In my past life, it was this way of thinking that led to all sorts of troubles being dumped on me," I said in my mind, shaking my head. But to avoid an endless discussion, I nodded in agreement for now.
"Speaking of school, even if you don't return here, are you really planning to go to a private school?"
"Yeah... Ms. Azusa will provide some financial support, and the rest will be in the form of loans. Even if my acting career doesn't work out, I'll work and pay it back, so Mom don't need to worry," I reassured her.
"Even so..."
I understood her concerns. It wouldn't be good if their circumstances suddenly changed, and they found themselves overwhelmed with debt. My mother didn't express it clearly, but I could easily imagine what she was thinking. Initially, I had considered attending a public school. But when I thought about balancing it with my work and concerns about my safety, I was advised by Azusa and Yoko that it would be better to attend a school where many kids from the entertainment industry go.
This school was a combined middle and high school, and to take the entrance exam, you needed a letter of introduction from a current student's parent, an alumnus, or a school associate. However, with Azusa's connections, it seemed like anything was possible. It's truly impressive what connections a top actress can have.
As for the money, right now, I can cover my tuition and living expenses with my earnings, and my savings are slowly increasing, so I don't think you need to worry. I'm the lead in the next movie, so I'll receive a substantial fee. Even if the movie doesn't do well, Yoko mentioned that I can still get work if I'm selective. I have about a year or so left before I enter junior high, and if I consistently get jobs, we should be fine, right?
I understand that you have to pay for my sister's tuition and I understand your concerns. So, even though I could understand why my mother was hesitating, because she wasn't making herself clear, I decided to show her my bank book that was in my name just to make sure. Although my income fluctuates, the numbers printed in the book are far from what a grade-school girl typically earns in a year. It's probably the equivalent of a fresh college graduate's monthly salary. Of course, I don't have to worry about rent and utilities since Azusa covers those costs, which is why I've been able to save this much.
I don't know if it was showing her the bank book or if she realized how determined I was, but in the end, my mother understood. Still, I'll ask Ms. Azusa if there are any scholarships or programs that could help ease the financial burden on my parents, just to give them peace of mind.
---
"Welcome back, dear. Good to have you home," my father greeted me with a warm smile when he arrived in the evening.
After dinner, the three of us went over to our neighbor's house to visit. Our neighbor welcomed me with a broad smile, and she hugged me tightly, which prompted an unexpected squeal from me. It's because she's a hardworking farmer, so she has quite a strong grip. I appreciated her welcoming gesture, but it was a bit overwhelming for my petite frame.
Once I was released from her bear hug, she led us to a back room, where my grandparents and other relatives were gathered. They all greeted me warmly, some commenting on how I've grown or asking if I was eating well. There were a few remarks that felt less honorable, perhaps poking at my appearance, but I chose to overlook them. It was a reunion, after all. I smiled, even though it felt a bit forced, as these comments struck at my insecurities.
I made my rounds to greet my uncles and aunts, handed my neighbor the souvenirs I brought, and that's when I noticed that my childhood friend, Ma-kun, had quietly entered the room. I tried to wave at him, but he averted his gaze and hesitantly raised his hand, as if he wasn't sure about our closeness. It was strange since we'd known each other for years, but maybe he felt awkward after not seeing each other for a while. It was a bit of an awkward atmosphere.
Still, I couldn't help but feel that teenage boys can be like this, and I had my own struggles with how to interact with girls in my past life. The situation was a bit distant and somewhat lonely, but I thought maybe this is just how it goes, and I should adapt to it.
With everyone from both families gathered around, my grandfather initiated a toast by exclaiming, "Welcome back, Sumire!" We all clinked glasses. Since neither I nor my father could drink alcohol, we had orange juice in our glasses, while my mother abstained from drinking, partly in solidarity with my father.
The conversation began with questions about my life in Tokyo and quickly transitioned to inquiries about the entertainment industry and my relationship with Ms. Azusa. According to my relatives, Ms. Azusa, despite being much younger than this generation, was extremely well-known. They all seemed to share the common perception that she was a talented actress despite her youth.
"But I thought Suu-chan did just as well. Look at that drama at that school, you really worked hard," my grandfather commented.
"It's just that the other kids were so terrible at acting that Su-chan stood out. Maybe they should've gathered some more talented actors," my grandmother added.
My grandpa praised me, and my grandma playfully joined in with a teasing remark. Feeling somewhat embarrassed, I turned to my mother with a look that pleaded, "Do something." However, she seemed to be in favor of the screening and had a happy expression on her face.
"Well, actually, I haven't watched Sumire's drama properly yet. I was worried I might jinx it if I watched it alone and was feeling anxious," my mother confessed.
It turned out that my father shared the same concerns, and they both hadn't watched it attentively. My parents were hardly reliable, I'd known that since I was a child, or rather, since our relationship carried over from my past life. Watching a drama I was in with this family under their watchful eyes was something I absolutely dreaded. I needed to figure out a way to escape this room.
Perhaps sensing my agitation, Ma-kun gently pulled me to my feet and covered me with a light jacket. Then, he took my hand and said to his family, "We're going for a little walk." Without waiting for a response, he started striding toward the front door. Following him with a wobbly gait, I was pulled along.
"Wa-wait a second, Ma-kun. I want to put on the jacket properly."
When I mentioned it, Ma-kun stopped and released the hand he had been holding. His oversized jacket was hanging loose on me, and, since my arms weren't in the sleeves, it was on the verge of slipping to the floor. Even though it was May, the nights could feel chilly, so the thoughtfulness was appreciated. However, I still wanted to wear it properly.
"Ma-kun, your jacket is so big. My arms can't reach the sleeves."
With a sheepish smile, I showed him how my hands dangled without going through the sleeves. Ma-kun seemed a bit awkward, averting his gaze when he saw my predicament. I wondered if he couldn't bear to look at me directly because I must look quite clumsy. It was true that the hem of the jacket was near my knees, making it look more like a trench coat. But this was not because I was small, it was because Ma-kun was tall. After all, there was a four-year age difference between an elementary school student like me and a middle school student like him. So, I brushed off any self-consciousness.
As I pondered these thoughts, Ma-kun gently took my hand, with my hand buried in the sleeves, and led me back to the front door. We put on our shoes, passed through the garden, and left the premises. Ma-kun held my arm lightly, and we walked in silence for a while. There was a pond nearby, and the area around it was landscaped for leisurely strolls. There were almost no streetlights, so it was pitch dark, but the night sky was full of beautiful stars.
"How have you been lately, Ma-kun? Is middle school fun?"
Since we were walking in silence, I initiated a conversation. Ma-kun was currently attending the middle school I had attended in my past life. Although it was a rougher place when I was there, I wondered how Ma-kun was faring. Come to think of it, this might be the first time we've had a proper conversation like this, including my past life.
"Always in the club activities, blowing that trumpet," Ma-kun said with a wry smile as he began to speak slowly. Like in my past life, Ma-kun played the trumpet in the brass band club and had even made it to the Kansai competition last year. When I said, "That's amazing!" it seemed Ma-kun wasn't entirely satisfied with this result. Being a first-year student, he didn't think he contributed to that achievement.
But from my perspective, where I struggled for three years in middle school and couldn't even get a bronze medal at the regional competition, I thought that experiencing such a big stage as a first-year was incredible. Ma-kun, with a slightly dissatisfied look on his face, looked at me and said, "But you're the impressive one. You're on TV, after all." Wait, Ma-kun... did you just call me 'Sumire' instead of 'Su-bo'?
"Su-bo is already in the fifth grade, so calling you that forever is weird, right?"
"Why does Ma-kun know what I'm thinking?"
"Because I watch you more closely than anyone else. Look, don't forget... the man who understands you the best is me."
As Ma-kun spoke, he tightened his grip on my arm. I've spent a long time with Ma-kun, including my past life, but the Ma-kun I was seeing now seemed to have a look I'd never seen before. Under the force of his words, I nodded, and Ma-kun maintained his usual expression and started walking again.
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