[CH.87] Consultation From Yoko-san

I Reincarnated as a Beautiful Girl and Aim to Become a Top Actress! (WN)

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[CH.87] Consultation From Yoko-san

The morning after the phone call from my sister, when I tried to leave my room, a letter fell to the hallway when I opened the door. Probably, it had been wedged in the gap of the door.

Picking it up and examining the letter, it was elegantly written with the words "To Sumire" in skillful calligraphy. In this dormitory, only Ms. Azusa and Toyo-san could write so well with a brush pen. Toyo-san had returned home by evening yesterday, and there shouldn't be any special reason for her to convey something through a letter. The only person I could think of who would insert a letter like this in the middle of the night is Ms. Azusa.

Moreover, if it was from Ms. Azusa, there was a reason to receive a letter like this.

Actually, after writing a letter to my mother during the study session with Haruka, I had returned to my room and written a letter to Ms. Azusa. The contents included the fact that I received a call from my sister and the details of that conversation. Since I had rejected all of my sister's demands and wrote a letter reporting to my mother, I planned to mail it during my commute. Perhaps Ms. Azusa got wind of this matter and thought she might contact my mother, so I wrote a letter ahead of time.

First and foremost, I believe my sister should honestly express her feelings to our parents, and our parents should pay the price for leaving the fundamental issue of my sister feeling like an outsider within the family unaddressed for so long. So, I wrote in the letter that it would be appreciated if Ms. Azusa could offer advice only if my mother voluntarily contacted her for guidance. 

To be honest, I don't know the extent of the current interaction between Ms. Azusa and my mother. However, recalling the discussions when it was decided that I would stay with Ms. Azusa, I felt there might be some level of communication. So, despite feeling it might be impolite, I wrote a letter just in case and placed it in the door of Ms. Azusa's room in the main house late at night.

Receiving a response this early in the morning, I couldn't help but wonder when Ms. Azusa actually sleeps. However, first things first, I needed to check the contents. After quietly closing the door to my room, I used scissors to cut open the letter's seal and took out the stationery from inside.

The letter began with words of encouragement, "Last night must have been tough, thank you for your hard work," and was filled with consideration towards me throughout. Ms. Azusa assured me that she currently had no intention of giving advice to my mother on her own initiative. However, if any issues arose, she pledged to take the utmost measures as a guardian who has me under her care.

Well, personally, I don't think it's that big of a deal. Perhaps Ms. Azusa intends to be prepared in case my sister's actions lead to something that prevents me from engaging in entertainment activities. This time, my sister's actions were like a bolt from the blue for me, completely unexpected. Not knowing what might happen, I believe it's necessary to communicate with Ms. Azusa like this and be prepared for unforeseen circumstances. Also, it helps mentally prepare for any potential outcomes.

Nevertheless, I was surprised to learn that, apart from necessary communications regarding my role as a disciple and the customary expressions of gratitude for summer and year-end gifts, Ms. Azusa hasn't been in contact with my mother for a while.

But when I think about it more, it makes sense. Ms. Azusa would only need to contact my mother if something happened to me. Apart from that, there's no reason for her to initiate contact voluntarily. On the day when I decided to stay here, Ms. Azusa stated her stance, saying, "If you have something you want to talk about, contact me," and that she would listen if my mother had anything to discuss.

Well, considering my mother's personality, she may have consulted Ms. Azusa a few times, but perhaps she couldn't accept Ms. Azusa's responses because she couldn't understand them. Her judgment criteria are unique to herself, and she severely lacks imagination and understanding towards others. If she found a way of thinking that she couldn't comprehend, without making an effort to understand, she would say things like, "Are you crazy?" or "You're the only one who thinks that way," as I've experienced even in my past life. I want to believe that she uses more tactful words when speaking to someone other than her own child.

Probably, she stopped reaching out from her side because she thought it was useless to listen to stories she couldn't understand. It's just my speculation, but perhaps the truth isn't far from that.

Returning the letter to the envelope, I put it in the drawer of my desk. Once I drop the letter to my mother in the mailbox, there's nothing more I can do in this matter. I really hope that my parents can properly take control of my sister or, at the very least, make her understand. Although I criticized my mother a lot in my mind earlier, I sincerely hope they fulfill their responsibilities as parents.

For now, I change my mindset, leave the room, and quickly prepare breakfast. After having a meal with Haruka and Ai-san, the three of us head to school in Yoko-san's car. On the way, we stop at a place with a mailbox, and I make sure not to forget to drop off the letter.

Since it's a good idea to talk to Yoko-san about yesterday's events, I ask her if she can spare some time after school. Today conveniently happens to be a free day with no plans, so it's okay if the conversation takes a while. When I mention this, Yoko-san surprises me with an unexpected response that she also has something to talk about.

Although I try to inquire about the topic, she only responds with, "I'll talk to you after school." While she has mentioned having something to discuss before, at that time, Yoko-san had told me what it was about. I start feeling a bit anxious, wondering if it's something difficult to talk about.

Lost in thoughts about Yoko-san's matter, before I know it, it's already after school. I join up with Haruka, and we get into Yoko-san's car, heading towards the office.

I initially thought Yoko-san would drop off Haruka in front of the dormitory, but it turns out she needs to give her materials for the next audition, so we're going together. Apparently, Haruka plans to read the materials while Yoko-san and I have our conversation.

Upon reaching the office, Yoko-san brings a large brown envelope from her desk and hands it to Haruka. When Haruka and I peek inside together, there are two bundles of photocopy paper stapled together. Perhaps it's character setting materials and part of the script for the role she'll be playing in the audition?

Haruka promptly began reviewing the materials in the meeting space, so Yoko-san and I moved to a small private meeting room. Sitting on opposite sides of a long desk, Yoko-san asked with her gaze, "Who should start?"

"Is Yoko-san's story a good one or a bad one?" I inquired.

"... Personally, I think it's a good one," she replied.

I nodded in understanding. Since my story is about the phone call from my sister yesterday and it's not a pleasant one, it might be better to hear Yoko-san's positive story later.

Upon my suggestion, Yoko-san said, "Then please go ahead, Sumire." So, I proceeded to tell her about the phone call from my sister last night. As I narrated the details, Yoko-san's clenched fist on the table began trembling, and when the part about the money demand came up, she forcefully slammed the table with the palm of her hand. Startled by the sudden action and the sound, I looked surprised, and Yoko-san, perhaps realizing it was an impulsive move, rubbed her own hand, which had turned red from the impact.

"Ouch... She hasn't improved at all. In fact, she's getting worse. What on earth have her parents been doing all this time?" Yoko-san exclaimed.

"I think the same thing," I responded.

Yoko-san seemed unwilling to acknowledge my sister directly, referring to her as "Sumire Matsuda's sister" and using terms like "that person" or "her." Perhaps interpreting my immediate agreement as frustration with my sister's overbearing behavior, Yoko-san, in turn, lowered the tone of her own anger.

"Well, Sumire is the one who really should be angry. Even so, if I get angry, Sumire might find it difficult to express her feelings," Yoko-san remarked.

"No, Yoko-san, I genuinely appreciate that you're angry on my behalf. But I've already sent a letter reporting everything to my mother. I also wrote a letter to Ms. Azusa, explaining the situation, and she assured me that she would handle any issues with full dedication," I replied.

"Sumire, you're still as composed as ever. Well, thank you for the proper update. I'll collaborate with Azusa-san and handle things if anything comes up. I'll leave the method to us, though."

Yoko-san's words seemed to carry various emotions, and I felt a slight chill down my spine. Big sister, this might be your real last chance. If you bother me again, you might face serious consequences, so it's better to get yourself together.

"My part of the story is done, but can I hear Yoko-san's story next?"

As I said this, Yoko-san, who had blushed from anger earlier, now appeared fidgety. I wondered if something had happened between her and Nakamura-san.

"Well, um, you know... Sumire also knows, but I'm in a relationship with the actor Kenji Nakamura."

"Yes, I know. It started during the filming of 'CHANGE!' right?"

When I casually mentioned it, Yoko-san's face turned bright red, and she exclaimed, "How do you know!?" in a loud voice, standing up. Well, even if she asks why... I mean, you know.

"Well, because during the early days of your relationship with Nakamura-san, both of you, for what seemed like a camouflage against the weekly magazine reporters on your first few dates, took me to places like the zoo and movies, intentionally aligning with my days off," I explained.

From a distance, it might have looked like Nakamura-san, an actor and a senior in the field, was taking his junior, me, along with the manager for a fun outing. However, being sandwiched between them, I could sense the passionate glances they exchanged with each other.

Even after the occasional quarrels and reconciliations, I had somehow sensed that their relationship was continuing. When I described this, Yoko-san buried her face, which had turned bright red, on her arms placed on the desk.

"...Why is it that you're so sharp about others, but when it comes to yourself, you suddenly become so clueless, this girl?"

Yoko-san, still muttering with her face down, and although I can't hear what she's saying, she's probably saying something like trying to hide her embarrassment.

"So, what did Nakamura-san do?"

Since the conversation wasn't progressing, I decided to ask a question to forcefully move it along. Yoko-san, directing a slightly resentful glance my way, answered.

"He proposed to me, saying he wanted to get married."

"Wow, really? Congratulations!"

Despite applauding and offering congratulations, Yoko-san's expression seemed somewhat uneasy, despite her responding with a simple "Thank you."

"...Aren't you happy?"

While I may not fully understand Yoko-san's feelings as a former male, I wanted to listen seriously and be supportive as her chosen conversation partner. If I could repay her for the many times she has helped me, it would make me happy.

When I inquired, Yoko-san began to speak, releasing what seemed to be pent-up thoughts. Although they've been dating for over two years, and they believe they know each other well, when it comes to marriage, she became anxious about whether Nakamura-san is truly the right person. Yoko-san is aware that if she lets this opportunity pass, she'll be facing the prospect of getting married for the first time in her thirties. Despite her concerns, she does want to get married if possible.

However, it seems Nakamura-san's good looks and his lively romantic history from his younger days are bothering her. Yoko-san worries that even if they get married, he might cheat on her or become cold towards her, leading to a mutual dislike for each other.

In terms of possibilities, I think that such worries accompany even the closest couples. Some couples cannot tolerate these anxieties and end their relationships, while others forgive mistakes and continue their marital bonds. I believe it's futile to worry about such things before marriag, it's better to think about how to handle them when the time comes. After all, Nakamura-san might not cheat, and Yoko-san might not make such mistakes with another man. The future is unpredictable.

If Yoko-san were in her usual calm state of mind, she might not be so pessimistic. Perhaps she's experiencing an early case of marriage blues or getting carried away by her imagination. In any case, this doesn't seem like a story you'd tell a middle schooler. Maybe Yoko-san talked to someone else before me, and she didn't get a serious reception or received unhelpful advice.

In any case, I don't intend to dig into that since it's not something I need to know. For now, I decided to talk about a phrase from a book I read before, a statement made by a previous-life entertainer to his daughter.

"I understand Yoko-san's feelings about being anxious due to her boyfriend's good looks. But as you age, external appearances also decline. The most important thing in choosing a life partner is whether he understands and considers Yoko-san's feelings, and whether he can properly protect both the family and Yoko-san as a husband."

"Where did Sumire find such a book? I'm really curious. I'd like to read it too. What's the title of the book?"

"Well, that's not important right now. Whether Nakamura-san meets these criteria or not, it's not something a mere co-star like me can judge. The only one who can do that is Yoko-san, who has been by his side as a lover. Instead of worrying about betrayals Nakamura-san hasn't committed, how about calmly observing him now and coming up with the final answer?"

With the sincere wish for Yoko-san to be happy, I spin my words with all my might. It's advice that an ordinary junior high school girl would never give, but I believe that when choosing a life partner, one should opt for someone who can maintain family love, trust, and mutual respect even after romantic feelings fade away. It's an essential quality regardless of gender.

After hearing my words, Yoko-san closes her eyes for a moment, as if contemplating, and falls into silence. After a while, she opens her eyes and looks at me with a more determined gaze than before.

"Sumire made me realize something. I was incredibly confused when I was proposed to. It's true, what matters is the future. Whether the person can walk with you toward a bright future, whether you can trust them as a husband, and if, in the worst-case scenario, you can forgive them if they make a mistake. Those should be the criteria to judge."

Being in a state of confusion herself, Yoko-san quickly translated what I said into her own words, and the abnormal state seemed to be lifted. While it's an exaggeration to claim that Yoko-san's worries were instantly resolved by the words of a girl who looks like a child, I felt a bit happy if I could be of some help.

"Thank you, Sumire. Most of my friends I'm still in touch with are married, so I was afraid their opinions might be biased toward that side. I wanted a neutral perspective, so I decided to consult with you while giving you an update. I'm glad I talked to Sumire."

With these words, Yoko-san informed me that the gloomy atmosphere from earlier had disappeared. Although I couldn't hear the answer about whether she would get married or not, knowing Yoko-san, she would probably discuss it with Nakamura-san and come up with an answer that satisfies her.

Several months later, Yoko-san wore a radiant smile as she stood next to Nakamura-san and formally announced their marriage. I offered my sincere congratulations to the two, who had found their happiness and embarked on this new chapter of their lives.

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