Chapter 11: New Charms, New Problems

A week after the karaoke tragedy, a new chapter began. The gates of the Law University looked like a flooding river of people, filled with students returning from their holiday break. Amidst the crowd, whispers spread like ripples.

"Oh my gosh, have you heard? That artist and model, Mika Tanaka, is going to study here!"

"I saw her in a magazine, she's so beautiful. I'm so grateful to be on the same campus as her."

"If I could be in the same class as her, I'd be happy for the rest of my life!"

Inside a sleek black car, I just flipped through the pages of a book on my lap. Its title was "How to Become an Open Person," a manual given to me by Kazuki-nii. The morning sun streamed through the window, shining on the words that I couldn't seem to focus on. My mind was still somewhere else.

"We're here, Akira." Kazuki-nii's relaxed voice broke the silence. "Don't forget, you have to be more open from now on. Think of it as a new challenge for you."

"I know, I know," I muttered, closing the book.

"Oh, by the way," he continued, glancing at the rearview mirror, "I heard the daughter of a former client of Dad's is on the same campus as you. She's Shunijiro Tanaka's daughter, an artist and model. Her name's Mika."

"WHAT?!" Yui, who was in the back seat, yelled, her eyes wide. "Kazuki-nii knows Mika-chan? Why didn't you tell Yui?!"

Kazuki-nii laughed. "Sorry, sorry, Yui-chan. I'll tell you everything on the way home."

I saw Yui's face light up, and a faint smile formed on my face. It turned out she was a huge fan of Mika. Just then, a glossy black car, escorted by several men in suits, stopped in front of the gate. The crowd of students immediately swarmed the car like bees.

"Mika-chan!"

"Mika-chan, we're all huge fans!"

The car door opened, and Mika stepped out. Her shimmering silver hair looked like jewelry under the sunlight. With a friendly smile and a wave, she greeted her fans. Her eyes scanned the crowd, looking for something. Her gaze stopped on me and Kazuki-nii. She walked straight towards us, ignoring the sea of people around her.

"Kenzaki-san?" she greeted, her tone full of respect. "I'm Mika Tanaka. Thank you so much for helping my father."

"Oh, you've grown so much," Kazuki-nii replied, smiling warmly. "Send my regards to him."

"Sorry, Tanaka," he quickly cut in, as Mika was about to continue. He turned to me, "I have to rush to drop off my adoptive brother. Please take good care of him, okay? He's a bit hard to talk to."

Mika looked at me and smiled shyly. "But... I don't even know him?"

"Well, that's why you have to get to know him," Kazuki-nii said with his signature laugh, then he sped off.

The two of us were left in the middle of the crowd, who had now shifted their focus from Mika to us. The whispers turned into murmurs of admiration.

"Oh my gosh, they look so good together!"

"They're like a perfect couple! A prince and a princess!"

Mika looked frustrated. She tried to explain, "Everyone, I'm so sorry! I just met him! We're just friends!" She looked at me, hoping I'd nod.

However, I just quickened my pace, walking through the crowd and towards the gate, leaving Mika there. My mind was already in chaos. I could feel the strange looks from the students.

Inside the gate, Ayaka and Reina were waiting for me.

"Good morning, Akira-kun," they both greeted in unison, their faces bright.

Without realizing it, I replied, "Good morning to you, too."

Ayaka and Reina fell silent. Their eyes widened, then a wide smile appeared on their faces. They were both shocked and overjoyed.

I could only sigh. I knew that a new problem had now come to me. And that problem was named Mika Tanaka.