さゆりの苗字　(Sayuri’s Last Name)

"!!" Momoe's mom looks stunned. "Is something wrong," Sayuri asked with a worried look on her face. "Is your family the founder of the company 'Kobayashi&Co.'?..." "Oh, yes they are, but it's got nothing to do with me," Sayuri replied. "Why would you say that? It's your family's organization. I think you should be proud of it!" "I was kicked out of my family. I don't think I can be proud of the organization nor myself."

The room was silent. Then I hear the sound of the door sliding open.

"What are you guys talking about?" I could see my sister's head poking into the room from the hallway. "Oh! You're home. Mom made pancakes, so have some with us." I said, directing Haru to the table and next to me. "This is my little sister Haruka, but she prefers to be called Haru," I said, introducing my sister to Sayuri. "And Haru, this is my new friend Sayuri Kobayashi. Be nice to her, ok?" "Stop making fun of me! I'm always nice. Hump-" She said as she turned away from me with a cute angry face. 

I could see Sayuri giggling a little. Unlike other days, her smile today felt a little different. It seemed like she was enjoying our conversation. I was happy to see her like that.

"Since you let me into your house, I should tell you more about myself," Sayuri said. "I didn't ask anything, but sure! I'm quite curious." I replied. "Me too!" Haru agreed enthusiastically.

Sayuri's past story: Her POV

I was born into a wealthy family, and growing up, others had high expectations of me. My family is the Founder of Kobayashi&Co. One of the largest businesses in Japan.

Growing up, I attended private schools and was put into my extra private lessons by my parents. I didn't mind while I was still young, but there was always something missing in me as I grew up. My parents wanted me to become the next CEO of the company, but how was I supposed to meet their expectations? Slowly, the extra lessons started to become more and more boring. It was like someone blew out the fire in me. But the real question is; Was there even a fire in me, to begin with? Then I realized, "I just have to light the fire in me, myself!" That day, I ran home to my parents.

"What's wrong, honey?" My mom asked as I rushed towards her. "Please let me go to a public school!" I shouted out loud. They seemed shocked and stayed silent for a while. "Honey, why-y so all of a sudden? Did something happen at school?" She asked worryingly.

My mom has always been the caring type, unlike my father. "No, mom! It's just that...I feel like I am not good enough for the position! Why didn't you choose brother? He seems more fitted for the job." I said, trying to change the topic.

"I convinced your father to let you be the next successor for a reason. Why? Are you hiding something?" "No! I would never-" "Yes, you are. I am your mother. Just tell me the real reason." I hesitated, I opened my mouth, but no words came out. "I am waiting." She said as she stood looking at me.

"I guess I just wanted some freedom. I've been living like this my whole life. I want to live like an ordinary teenager." I explained. "But you know that we are doing this for your sake, right?!" She asked loudly. "What is going on here?" It was my dad.

"She is saying that she wants to go to a public school and live a normal life don't think she understands that this is all for her sake." She said towards my dad. My mom looked like the tears kept in her inferior palpebra could pour out any second.

"No, mom! It's not like that-" I shouted, trying to clarify. "What makes you so determined to attend a public school instead of the one you are in right now?" Dad asked. "Freedom. That's what I want. You know what? I don't want to become the next CEO." Both of them looked at me shockingly. "But- we chose you as our successor." My mom said. Her body was shaking.

"Then I won't be the successor!" I shouted. "If you don't stop shouting, then you may leave this house!" Mom said to me, pointing to the door.

I stayed silent. "Fine, I will leave tomorrow," I said as I walked to my room without looking back.