Rhea-chan

Part I

"I like you, Ren-kun!"

"..."

There is no response.

The silence stretches out between us, cold and suffocating, beneath the shadowed fading sun.

He keeps his back turned, hands fixed into the straps of his schoolbag.

He steps forward, until his silhouette fades and his figure disappears into the distance.

"Wait, Ren-kun! Where are you going—"

BZZZT! BZZZZT!

The loud blare of my alarm clock shocks me awake, leaving me feeling disoriented and irritated.

Covered in cold sweat, I reach through the dark to shut it up.

"Ngh..."

I force my eyes open, feeling entirely exhausted.

"It's that dream again..."

I mutter, rubbing the stubborn sleep from my eyes.

My blanket was twisted, slightly sticking out onto the floor, while my limbs dangle off the edge of the mattress.

I blink slowly, staring blankly around my bedroom as the morning sun filters through the white curtains.

Letting out a long, shaky breath, my head drops back onto the pillow.

I am Hana Konoe.

Seven years ago, I lived in the Philippines for two whole years and attended a local Filipino school during my stay for a short while.

I am thirteen now and just finished middle school here in Japan.

Despite that, I still remember that moment to this very day.

My first confession, that silence, and exactly how it ended.

It has been years since we boarded that flight back to Tokyo.

However, recently, those nightmares returned.

I think it has been half a week now since it started.

"Hana-chan, good morning!"

As I pad down the stairs, my mom's cheerful voice greets me from the kitchen.

The sweet, savory scent of rolled tamagoyaki and miso soup fills the air.

"Good morning, Mom."

I say while pulling out a chair.

Looking around the quiet dining space, I ask.

"Where's Dad?"

"He has already gone to work."

She replies, setting a steaming plate down in front of me.

"Eh? But it's Saturday?"

"Dad has an important business matter to handle today, so he left early even though it's his rest day."

I pick up my chopsticks, while letting out a small yawn.

My Dad always works hard.

After all, he is the CEO of a worldwide luxury clothing brand that sells high-end outfits in major cities all across the globe.

But despite his massive responsibilities and endless meetings, he always finds time for his family.

I often wonder how he even manages to find a single free moment in his tight schedule.

Still, there are times like this where an urgent situation arises.

Come to think of it, I think I am forgetting something.

"Do you have any plans for today, Hana-chan?"

Mom asks, wiping her hands on her apron.

Today marks the first official day of our summer vacation, and I actually want to go outside to check out the trendy new cafe that recently opened near the old empty lot.

It is right next to the neighborhood convenience store.

Everyone online has been talking about it, so I already made plans with my best friend, Rhea, for this exact afternoon.

"Well, I-"

"Dad said he would try to get back as soon as he's finished,"

Mom interrupts, giving me a reassuring smile before I can even finish my sentence.

"Even though we might not get to go to the amusement park today, there is always next time, so cheer up, okay?"

"Okay."

I reply with a casual nod, while taking a bite of my breakfast.

That's right. It completely slipped my mind~

We were supposed to go to a major amusement park today as a family.

This is bad... I need to tell Mom.

"Mom I alread—"

"Hana-chan, why don't you invite Rhea-chan over?

You guys could also go to the newly established cafe nearby as well, I heard its very popular.

And uhmm... Don't worry about Dad, I'm sure he won't be back anytime soon."

"...Mom, how did you—"

My mother is always like this.

It's like she seems to know everything I'm thinking.

"Okay!"

As soon as I finish my meal, I head upstairs, take a quick shower, and pick out a stylish outfit from my closet.

"Mom, I'm off!"

I call out, slipping on my sneakers at the front door.

"Yes, take care, Hana-chan!"

The designated meeting spot for our hangout is a small, quiet neighborhood park that the elderly frequently visit to take a walk.

Rhea lives around this neighborhood, but knowing her absolute lack of urgency when it comes to getting ready, I intentionally delay my departure.

I arrive thirty minutes late this time just to get back at her.

She always takes ages picking out accessories, fixing her hair, and adjusting her dress so this should be fine.

But as I stroll up to our usual wooden bench under the shade of a large oak tree, she is nowhere to be seen, and the park is entirely empty.

It is a wasteland...

I look down at my phone, checking the time while searching for any updates from Rhea.

Is she still sleeping?!

At the same time, the noisy, rhythmic buzzing of summer cicadas fills the air.

Making the midday heat feel even more oppressive.

It is now way past our meeting time, yet I still have managed to arrive before her.

She is completely hopeless.

A grueling hour passes.

The morning breeze completely vanishes, replaced by the heavy, sticky heat of mid-noon.

I got to the park at exactly ten thirty, and now my patience is wearing dangerously thin.

Thinking, as I tap my foot against the pavement, wiping a bead of sweat from my forehead.

Might as well turn around and go home at this point.

Just as I am about to walk away, my world goes pitch black.

A warm sensation covers my eyes.

"Guess who, Hana-chan~"

A familiar, mischievous voice whispers right next to my ear.

"R-Rhea-chan??"

As soon as I say those words, the darkness vanishes, and the world turns light again.

When I look behind, Rhea, whom I've been waiting for, arrives and wears a smug grin with a wide teasing expression.

"Kukukuu..."

"Sorry I'm late, Hana-chan!"

"I'm going home!"

I hold my purse, ready to leave as I walk past her.

"You are absolutely hopeless, Rhea-chan!"

"W-Wait! I know, I know! I'm sorry..."

She says, fidgeting as she playfully touches the tips of her index fingers together.

"My curling iron wouldn't heat up, and then I couldn't find my favorite socks."

"..."

"It was a total crisis! I'll make it up to you, okay? I'll pay for your orders today as well, I promise!"

I let out a tired sigh, though a tiny smirk starts to appear at the corner of my lips.

"Fine. But I'll make sure to order the most expensive things on the menu!"

"Ye-Yes! Deal!"

She says, although a wry smile was painted across her face.

When we finally arrive at the location, my jaw drops slightly.

The line for the new cafe stretches all the way outside, occupying the sidewalk and wrapping around the corner of the block.

"Wa-waahh? I didn't expect the crowd would be this huge."

Rhea muttered, standing on her tiptoes to peer over the shoulders of the people in front of us.

"Well, it wouldn't be this bad if you had actually arrived on time, Rhea-chan."

"Ughhh, I absolutely hate waiting in lines."

This girl really has a lot of words to say when the delay was entirely her fault to begin with.

"It can't be helped now. Let's just wait."

After waiting for a grueling thirty minutes under the unforgiving sun, the glass doors finally open, and we are escorted into the blissful, air-conditioned refuge of the cafe.

Inside, the interior is overall beautiful.

Decorated with pastel flowers and elegant wooden tables, as relaxing mood plays in the background.

"May I take your orders, ladies?"

A polite waiter asks, smiling, as she hands us two glossy menus.

One look is all it takes, we immediately order the top seller that everyone's talking about.

A massive, beautifully decorated crepe overflowing with various sweet fillings.

Fresh strawberries, blue berries, and whipped cream, topped off with iced matcha.

"Wahhh!"

Rhea beams the moment the plates are set on our table.

She immediately pulls out her phone, adjusting the plates to find the perfect light for a social media photo.

"I didn't expect it to look like this. It's so cute!"

Says Rhea while snapping a pic.

"Rhea-chan, look! They even used confectionery sugar to make a little mouse design right on top of the cream, it will be a crime to eat this... Hey Rhea-chan, are you listening?"

"Thank you for the food!"

She takes a massive first bite, her eyes widening in pure bliss.

"Mhmmm! It's so sweet! Hana-chan, you seriously have to try this right now!"

I scoop up a portion with my fork, popping it into my mouth.

The flavors burst across my tongue instantly.

"You're right! It's amazing.

The strawberries are incredibly fresh, and the warm texture of the crepe alongside the cold fillings blend the taste perfectly!"

"Right?? It's so sweet and fluffy!

The moment you take a bite, it literally just melts on your tongue!"

A sudden, vivid memory flashes behind my eyes.

"Chan.. Hana-chan?"

Rhea's voice cuts through, her eyes laced with genuine concern as she notices my sudden silence.

"Hey, Hana-chan, are you okay?"

"Y-Yeah,"

I stutter, forcing a bright smile and shaking the thoughts out of my head.

Taking a quick sip of my iced matcha.

"Everything is totally fine! It's just really delicious."

It's happening again.

I don't know why, but lately, I have been frequently remembering him out of nowhere.

After finishing our treats and clearing the bill, we head over to the grand shopping mall downtown to walk off the heavy sugar rush.

Part II

The mall is bustling with weekend shoppers, as bright lights and trendy music echo through the wide corridors.

"Hana-chan, look! That soft serve looks so cute! Let's buy a cone!"

Rhea squeals, dragging me toward the colorful dessert stand.

"Rhe-Rhea-chan, wa-wait."

I pull back against her grip, giving her a serious look.

"You literally just ate a massive crepe, you know?!"

"But won't you agree? Look at the menu! They even have a bunny chocolate biscuit design as a topping!

Just look at that little kid over there, she looks like she's enjoying herself so much!"

I glance at the young girl happily eating her dessert, then turn back to look at her.

"You know, if you keep eating like that, you're going to grow fat."

"B-But..."

Rhea pouts dramatically, looking at me with wide, pleading eyes.

In the end, her stubbornness wins.

Ughh... Surprisingly, she was completely right.

It is indeed incredibly rich and delicious.

"I told you it would be really tasty!"

She brags, taking another lick with a triumphant grin.

"Guuhhh."

I groan, letting out a defeated sigh as she continues to gloat.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever."

As we stroll deeper into the mall, and past the crowded standard shops, the architecture begins to shift.

We enter the luxury wing, where the floors turn to polished marble and store windows display expensive designer goods.

Rhea suddenly stops dead in her tracks, glancing into a sleek, sophisticated boutique.

"Hana-chan, I want to check out some new clothes for myself in here."

I look up at the storefront, my eyes widen slightly.

"Rhea-chan..."

"What is it, Hana-chan?"

The shop directly in front of us features minimalist golden lettering over a polished black glass facade.

I recognize this brand instantly.

I know every single detail about the clothing line, the seasonal colors, and the pricing tags.

After all, it is my family's business.

"Why do you want to specifically shop here, Rhea-chan?"

I ask, a familiar wave of exhaustion hitting me before we even cross the threshold.

"Huh?? Well, it's your family's business, of course!"

Rhea openly blurted out.

"Plus, they sell highly trendy, fashionable outfits that look exceptionally good on people our age."

I knew it. She had this planned the whole time.

"I wonder if they would give us another discount?"

Rhea muses aloud, tapping her chin thoughtfully.

I gasp, completely shocked by her sheer audacity.

"Rh-Rhea-chan?!"

"Oh, come on! I was just thinking. After all, you are the daughter of the CEO of this entire luxury brand... Huh?? Hana-chan?"

"I give up..."

I mutter, dragging my palm down my face in utter embarrassment.

"Quit whining, Hana-chan, let's go inside!"

She grabs my wrist and pulls me into the pristine, quiet interior of the boutique.

After we get inside, the sales clerks immediately straighten up, and the moment the store manager catches sight of my face, his eyes go wide.

"Welcome, Miss Konoe, Lady Rhea. It has been a while since your last visit. How may I assist you today? Are you looking for anything in particular?"

He bows politely, welcoming us with utmost respect.

Haaah... They are always like this...

My face flushes with embarrassment as I force myself to remain calm.

Seriously, every time I visit, they always make a big deal out of everything.

This is exactly why I avoid going to our store.

Rhea then nudges my elbow, a huge, wicked smile spreading across her face.

She is absolutely enjoying this.

We end up spending the next two hours trying on a mountain of different clothes.

I already know everything about the current inventory, considering I was once the main youth model for this exact newly released clothing line.

"Hana-chan, are you sure you're not going to buy anything for yourself?"

Rhea says while balancing five different hangers on her arm as she walks out of the fitting room.

"Well, it's your store, after all."

"Gahhh! Why do you have to say it like that? I just have a lot of clothes at home already, so I still don't need any new ones!"

"Is that so?"

Rhea shrugs, happily carrying her massive haul over to the checkout counter.

Because of my presence, the cashier applies a substantial corporate discount to her total bill.

Soon enough, the transactions are complete, and we walk out into the cooling afternoon air, finally deciding to call it a day.

"I am so tired..."

My shoulders aching as we begin the long trek back to our neighborhood.

"You really need to work your body, Hana-chan!"

Rhea claimed, skipping ahead of me along the sidewalk.

"Ughh, then why am I the one holding your bags anyway?"

I grumble, lifting the heavy, paper handle in both of my hands.

"It can't be helped! The store clerk gave me a huge discount, so I had to make sure I got the most out of it!"

"That doesn't explain why I need to carry your bags!"

I let out a long, defeated sigh, shaking my head.

"You are really something else, Rhea-chan..."

"Come on, Hana-chan! I'll treat you to something nice before we go home so cheer up!"

Rhea turns around, beaming with joy as she walks backward.

"Let's come back to this mall next weekend too! We need to pick out matching shoes as well!"

I smile gently, giving a cheerful nod in return.

"Yeah, sure, next weekend."

After finally parting ways with Rhea at the corner of our street, the evening sun begins to dip below the horizon, painting the Tokyo sky in deep shades of amber.