Global City

Part I

The soft thrum of the jet engines vibrates right through my pillow, blinking against the sudden, sharp shards of light piercing through the blind covers.

"Mhmmm... Is it morning already?"

As I sit up, a familiar figure shifts on the small stool beside my bed.

"Hana-ojousama,"

Mayu-nee murmurs, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she quickly straightens her posture.

"It is still early. Please, go back to bed and rest."

"Mayu-nee,"

I say, my voice thick with sleep as I pull the luxury duvet closer.

My gaze drifts across the cabin.

The sleek leather walls, the ambient gold accent lighting, the quiet, spacious luxury of the private quarters...

That's right, I remember now.

We aren't in Tokyo anymore.

"It really wasn't a dream,"

I whisper, as I look out at the endless ocean of pink clouds below.

"We're actually going back."

Hearing me, Mayu-nee's expression softens.

"Yes, Hana-ojousama. We are currently flying over the ocean."

"Where are Mom and Dad?"

I ask, my fingers subconsciously gripping the edge of the blanket.

"How long until we reach land?"

"Master and Madam are in the adjacent cabin resting,"

She explains gently.

"And let's see... we should be landing very soon. The flight attendants informed us earlier that we are almost there."

I turn my gaze back to the window, watching the sea of clouds beneath us.

"I see..."

When my parents first broke the news at the dinner table back in Tokyo, a wave of fear and anger consumed me.

I screamed, cried, and felt like my world was ending.

But now, floating high above the ocean, the resentment in my chest thaws into something completely unexpected.

A nervous, lingering curiosity.

"I wonder what it's like now..."

Suddenly, Our quiet moment has been interrupted by a soft, polite knock at the cabin door.

The door slides open with a gentle click, and a pristine flight attendant steps in, bowing elegantly toward us with a professional smile.

"Excuse me, Mayu-sama, Hana-ojousama,"

She announces softly.

"We will be reaching the airfield in just a few minutes. Please prepare for arrival."

"Y-yeah! Thank you!"

Mayu-nee replies, quickly straightening her posture.

As the attendant bows once more and slips back out, closing the door behind her,

Mayu-nee turns to me with a warm, maternal smile.

"Are you ready, Hana-ojousama?"

I take a deep breath, smiling, as I clutch the straps of my carry-on bag.

"Yeah. Let's go."

The moment the mechanical stairs are brought down and the cabin door unseals, a sharp, incredibly crisp breeze sweeps inside.

Ignoring a panicked Mayu-nee behind me, I eagerly rush down the steps.

"Brrr! It's so cold!"

I gasp, shivering as the chilly pre-dawn air hits my face.

"Hana-ojousama, wait! Please watch your steps!"

Mayu-nee hurries after me, holding a warm coat.

Waiting at the bottom of the tarmac is a massive, pristine black van with heavily tinted windows.

Standing beside the open passenger door is an elderly man dressed in a sharp, formal suit.

"I am incredibly glad you made it safe, Ojousama,"

The old man says, dipping into a deep, respectful bow.

"T-Thank you,"

I reply, quickly returning the bow.

"It's been a long time, Sir Thomas,"

My father's weary voice sounds from behind.

"Likewise. I am glad to see you are in good shape, Young Master"

Sir Thomas smiles warmly, gesturing toward the vehicle.

"Now, please. This way. It is best to get out of the cold."

"Hana-chan, let's get inside,"

Dad says softly, patting my shoulder.

"Yes..."

Inside the luxurious, leather-scented interior of the van, the atmosphere is quiet.

I nervously fidget with the hem of my skirt, glancing sideways at my father's exhausted profile.

He hadn't said a single word about my outburst last week, but the guilt of how I screamed at him still weighed heavily on my conscience.

"Um... Dad?"

I whisper, my voice trembling slightly.

"Hmm? Is there something wrong, Hana-chan?"

"About yesterday... about the week before,"

I look down, biting my lip.

"I'm really, really sorry for the way I acted."

A look of profound relief washes over his face.

He reaches over, wrapping his large, warm hand around mine in a reassuring squeeze.

"I see. Let's just focus on getting settled for now, Hana-chan."

He looks out at the dark tarmac, then gives me a warm smile.

"At least we're out of the cold now, right?"

"Yeah,"

I smile faintly, the knot in my stomach finally loosening.

"Hey, Mom, Dad... are we going to stay at Grandpa's estate again?"

"Hmm?"

Dad hesitates, a slight flicker of worry crossing his eyes as he glances at the tinted window.

"Ah, no. For now, we are actually going to stay at a hotel."

Sensing the sudden dip in tension, my mother smoothly cuts into the conversation with her usual bright smile.

"Hana-chan, your father is incredibly tired from the transition, so we will visit Grandpa and Grandma in another time, okay? Let's get some rest first!"

"Okay..."

With the smooth, rhythmic motion of the luxury van acting as a cradle, I close my eyes.

The next moment I came to, It is already fully morning,

A bright, radiant morning light flooding through an unfamiliar set of sheer curtains.

It seems like I completely fell asleep back there.

I sit up on the massive, plush hotel bed, blinking in confusion.

Minutes later, the door softly clicks open.

Mayu-nee enters, carrying a silver tray holding a plate of freshly baked toast and a savory egg spread.

"Good morning, Hana-ojousama,"

She greets cheerfully.

"Mayu-nee... where on earth are we?"

I ask, taking a grateful bite of the toast.

"We are currently staying at a luxury hotel inside BGC- Bonifacio Global City,"

She explains, setting down a glass of juice.

"By the way, Master and Madam already left early this morning. They mentioned they might not be back until the evening."

"BGC?"

I ponder, chewing thoughtfully.

"It is one of the largest, most modern financial and lifestyle districts in the country, Hana-ojousama."

Mayu-nee says smiling, exclaiming with pride.

Curious, I slide out of bed and pad over to the massive floor-to-ceiling windows.

"Eek!"

I instantly shiver, taking a frantic step backward.

"We are so high up! I can't even see the ground clearly!"

Mayu-nee lets out a delighted, melodic giggle.

"Hana-ojousama, so you are still terribly afraid of heights?"

"M-Mayu-nee! Don't laugh!"

I whine, my face flushing pink.

"Fufu, my apologies,"

She smiles, tapping her chin thoughtfully.

"Actually, I was just thinking...

would you like to go out and explore the city this afternoon? Madam and Master suggested it earlier, noting that a young girl like you might get dreadfully bored hiding inside a hotel room all day."

My eyes light up.

"Eh? Really?! Is it really fine?"

"Yes,"

Mayu-nee nods firmly.

"Let's head out this afternoon!"

"Okay!"

Part II

At around 11:00 AM, we finally exit the hotel lobby.

"Ugh... so cold!"

I complain, rubbing my shoulders as a surprisingly brisk wind whips through the towering skyscrapers.

"Yes, it is rather strange..."

Mayu-nee ponders, checking the weather on her phone.

"Mayu-sama, Hana-ojousama. Please, this way,"

A polite voice calls out from behind.

Waiting by the curb with the sleek corporate van was Sir Thomas.

"Goodmorning, Sir thomas!"

"Ahh, Hana-Ojousama, Goodmorning. You seem to be pretty lively this morning."

"Yeah!"

I nodded.

"This place is really huge, there is so many tall buildings! And those shops, and these hotel, they all look grand!

"Now- now, Hana-Ojousama, let's get inside, Sir Thomas is waiting."

As the heavy doors seal out the city noise, Sir Thomas begins enthusiastically yapping about the district's history.

Describing how this entire concrete paradise used to be an old military base before transforming into a bustling haven for the wealthy.

He smoothly lists off various famous local attractions, expertly mapping out the afternoon tour for us.

Our journey into the heart of the city begins.

The moment we step onto the massive, open-air pedestrian walkway, Mayu-nee and I are completely amazed by how vast and clean the district is.

Manicured green lawns stretch endlessly between high-end international boutiques and sleek, glass-fronted flagship stores.

It feels less like a city street and more like a pristine, futuristic playground.

Suddenly, a group of teenagers near my age walk past, laughing loudly.

They are wearing incredibly loose oversized shirts, heavy metallic chains, and low-hanging cargo pants that expose a bit of their midriffs.

"Gasps!"

Mayu-nee's eyes go wide in pure, traditional shock.

Before I can even blink, her hands fly forward, completely covering my eyes.

"Hana-ojousama, do not look! High-society youth should absolutely not wear such scandalous, exposed outfits!"

She lectures frantically, while I try to swat her hands away, giggling hysterically through her fingers.

Next, we take a short walk over to Serendra Piazza

A beautiful, European-inspired cluster of upscale restaurants and cafes surrounded by lush greenery.

Sir Thomas guides us to a famous local spot to try some authentic delicacies.

We order an assortment of sweets I haven't seen before, alongside premium, towering desserts like artisanal Halo-Halo.

To my amusement, Mayu-nee looks like she is enjoying the food significantly more than I am lol.

She is happily munching away, her eyes sparkling with absolute delight-until she catches me staring at her with a smug grin.

Realizing her slip-up, she instantly clears her throat, fixes her posture, and assumes her perfectly rigid, professional maid stature.

"Ahem... it is merely an adequate culinary experience, Ojousama,"

"Pfft!"

She claims stiffly, her cheeks slightly stuffed, making me burst out laughing.

Next is SM Aura Premier, a massive, multi-story luxury mall shaped like a sleek, aerodynamic spaceship.

The sheer scale of the architecture leaves us completely breathless.

Inside, is a dazzling, cavernous maze of gleaming marble, indoor vertical gardens, and endless high-fashion storefronts that feel like an entire luxury city hidden indoors.

"Gah!!"

"Hana-ojousama, Isn't that—"

"Ahhh! no, Mayu-nee!"

Seriously?! Why is Dad's store everywhere??

"Ehh? Do you not wan't to check it out—"

"Ahhh! My tummy is hurting, I think I need to sit down for a moment."

Anything, anything but going near that place. I will never submit!

"..."

"Huh... Mayu-nee?"

"Ha-hana-ojousama?! Please wait, I'll go get some help!"

"N-no, Mayu-nee wait! Why don't we just go back to the car—"

It was too late.

In the end, Mayu-nee dragged me inside the store, and I spent the remainder of our hours on the nearest clinic.

Seriously!! That was really embarassing!

After we got out of the clinic, we wrap up our tour at Terra 28th Park, a beautifully landscaped local green space, to enjoy the remaining afternoon.

"Hana-ojousama, are you really alright now?"

"Y-yeah..."

Nuuh... Please don't ask more, my shame can't handle it anymore.

I'm very sorry Mayu-nee...

As we began strolling, the weather began to change

A violent, unforgiving flip.

The cool, pleasant breeze from this morning completely vanishes.

In its place, a suffocating, blistering tropical heat slams into us like a physical wall, radiating fiercely off the concrete pavement.

"Huh?! What on earth happened to the cool weather from earlier?!"

I gasp, wiping a sudden bead of sweat from my forehead.

"It's so incredibly hot!"

"H-Hana-ojousama..."

Mayu-nee inquires anxiously from behind, instantly guiding me underneath a large canvas umbrella near a commercial square.

She quickly hands me a cold water bottle.

"Here, please drink some water!"

"Thanks..."

I take the bottle, but as I finally look up at her, my jaw drops.

"Mayu-nee! Your face!! Are you alright?!"

Mayu-nee is sweating profusely, her face completely flushed as she aggressively fans herself with a glossy luxury brochure, offering a tight, unconvincing smile.

"I-I am perfectly fine, Ojousama! This minor temperature change is nothi—"

"Save it, Mayu-nee! Look, there's a cafe right there! Let's take refuge!"

"..."

We made it...

The entire space is a beautiful, blindingly clean canvas of polished concrete, sleek white counters, and expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

Blissful wave of freezing, air-conditioned wind instantly soothes us from the outdoor furnace.

The space is filled with the low hum of laptops clacking, soft indie-pop music playing overhead, and the constant, rhythmic hiss of a high-end espresso machine.

We order two premium iced white chocolate lattes— their signature luxury blend, and collapse into a plush, quiet corner booth,

Letting out synchronized sighs of pure relief.

Clatter!

As we sat down, loud, obnoxious voice suddenly echoes from the light-colored wooden front counter,

Drawing the attention of every single customer in the establishment.

"Oh, come on, miss! I'm just saying, a beautiful girl like you shouldn't be working a boring shift like this,"

A tall, slightly tanned, and moderately handsome teenage boy leans heavily against the pickup station,

Nearly knocking over a display of artisanal pastries.

What's with this guy?

He is wearing a stylish but slightly disheveled local private school uniform,

Flashing a cocky, arrogant smirk as he tries to hit on the barista.

"How about you give me your number, and I'll make your afternoon a lot more interesting?"

The poor barista looks utterly annoyed, her face twisting in deep discomfort as she tries to back away toward the syrup racks.

"Sir, please just pay for your order..."

"Hey, don't be like that—"

"Sir, that is enough,"

Suddenly, a burly store manager steps forward from the back kitchen, his expression stern as two uniformed security guards flank him,

Effectively calming the escalating situation.

"You are making our staff uncomfortable. I must ask you to leave the establishment immediately."

The cocky smirk completely dies on his face.

He looks at the manager, his posture immediately shrinks at the presence of the two absolute units flanking him.

"Whoa, okay-okay, no need to get the authorities involved,"

He says, his voice cracking slightly as he starts rapidly backing away.

He then misjudges the distance and clips his heel against the leg of a nearby table, giving a sharp, undignified wobble before correcting himself.

"See? I'm moving. No trespass here! I'll just..."

Embarrassed by the secondhand cringe, I try to hide my face behind the fliers as much as possible, praying he won't look our way.

As the boy steps outside onto the pavement, he pauses.

Instead of walking away, he turns around and casts a casual glance through the large glass window right at our booth.

When his eyes finally shift and meet Mayu-nee's, her expression transforms into one of absolute disgust and bitter resentment.

A glare so cold, it's practically icy.

"Tssk."

Mayu-nee clicks her tounge.

The boy blinks, caught completely off guard by the sheer hostility radiating from the terrifyingly elegant maid.

Seeing him still loitering and creeping out, the burly security guard firmly steps outside to chase him off.

The boy lets out a high-pitched, panicked yelp.

"Eeek! Hey- don't touch! Okay? I'm leaving!"

He shrieks, as he rapidly bolts down the sidewalk.

"Pfft! Mayu-nee, your face is absolutely terrifying!"

I choke out, trying to stifle my laughter.

"He is an utterly undisciplined, disrespectful rascal,"

Mayu-nee huffs, crossing her arms in deep disapproval as she takes a sip of her iced latte.

"Good riddance."

Once the heat outside dies down, Mayu-nee contacts Sir Thomas.

It is now near evening.

He picks us up at the cafe parking lot and drives us over to Burgos Circle.

The vibe here is completely different from the daytime shopping rush.

The central roundabout is surrounded by towering, glittering residential skyscrapers, and the streets are lined with flashing neon signs from high-end bars and pet-friendly alfresco bistros.

It feels incredibly lively.

As we cruise down Forbestown Road, I look out the window and notice a crowd of wealthy locals.

They are walking their incredibly pampered, pristine pedigree dogs— everything from fluffy French Bulldogs to massive, perfectly groomed Samoyeds wearing actual designer collars.

"Wow~ That dog is so cute,"

I whisper, leaning my forehead against the glass.

Mayu-nee looks out the window, nodding in solemn agreement.

"Indeed, Hana-ojousama. I believe that particular Poodle is also wearing a genuine crystal leash. BGC is truly a world of its own."

By the time the evening sun fully dips below the horizon, the corporate van smoothly navigates through the glittering city traffic, bringing us back toward our hotel.

"Mom, dad, we're back!"

We arrive at the hotel suite, my parents are already there, unwinding in the spacious living area.

"Welcome back, Hana-chan! Mayu-chan!"

Mom greets warmly, rising from the plush sofa to offer a brief, gentle hug.

Though her smile is bright, her eyes look slightly strained from a long day of corporate works.

Dinner is served shortly after in the suite's private dining alcove.

Mom enthusiastically asks about our afternoon tour, listening with amused nods as I recount the events that happened today.

Beside her, Dad listens quietly, offering occasional smiles between bites.

As the plates are cleared away, the easygoing atmosphere subtly shifts.

My father sets his wine glass down, wiping his mouth with a linen napkin.

His relaxed posture straightens, his expression turning serious as he fixes his gaze on me.

"Hana,"

He begins, his deep voice immediately drawing my attention and causing the laughter to die down in my throat.

"About your school... We need to discuss your education. I have already finalized your enrollment process at your new academy."

My heart gives a sudden, nervous thud.

The half-eaten dessert on my plate suddenly looks entirely unappealing.

"My school? Already? But we just got here today..."

"Yes,"

Dad nods, his tone firm but measured.

"It is a highly prestigious, incredibly popular institution here. The paperwork has been in motion since before we left Tokyo. However..."

He pauses, exchanging a fleeting, cautious glance with mom.

"Because of their incredibly strict academic standards, your entrance placement exam and formal interview will take place tomorrow morning."

"Tomorrow?!"

A cold wave of panic instantly rising in my chest, looking wildly between my parents.

"As in... a few hours from now morning? I haven't even looked at a textbook in a week! I don't even know what the curriculum is like here!"

"I am deeply sorry, Hana-chan..."

My father's stern facade softens slightly, his voice full of genuine, weary apology.

"An urgent, unexpected board meeting was called for tomorrow morning, and as the regional head, I simply cannot postpone it. I won't be able to accompany you to the administration office."

"Don't worry, dear!"

Mom quickly chimes in, smoothly cutting through my rising panic.

She reaches across the table, offering a reassuring smile as she places her warm hand over my fingers.

"Your father's schedule is chaotic right now, but you won't be alone. Mayu-nee and I will accompany you to the campus, so leave everything to us! We'll make sure you get to the testing room on time."

Standing just a respectful distance behind my chair, Mayu-nee steps forward, placing a hand over her heart.

"Yes, Hana-ojousama. Rest assured, we will handle all the logistics and ensure everything goes flawlessly,"

Mayu-nee adds with a confident, unwavering nod.

"Thank you,"

Dad says, his stern expression melting into a relieved, warm smile.

He reaches over to gently pat my shoulder, his eyes soft.

"Just do your best tomorrow, Hana. We're already incredibly proud of you."

Later that night, I lay wrapped in my new hotel bedsheets, staring blankly up at the dark, unfamiliar ceiling.

The ambient glow of the city skyline bleeds through the sheer curtains, casting long, fractured shadows across the room.

Despite how exhausted my body feels from the flight and the afternoon heat, sleep completely eludes me.

A volatile mix of intense tension and fluttering excitement races through my veins.

I turn over onto my side, staring at the desk where my neat stacks of study guides and reference books sit.

I didn't know anything about this specific academy or its reputation, but I hadn't been slacking off either.

Over the past few weeks back in Japan, I had spent countless late nights poring over general high school preparatory materials.

It was a habit I'd started long before finding out about our move, determined to keep my edge and ensure I wouldn't fall behind during my transition to high school.

But sitting in the quiet comfort of my room in Tokyo was entirely different from actually being here.

Only a few hours away from a real entrance exam...

Ahhh, what am I even suppose to do?

Pulling the heavy duvet tightly around my shoulders, I take a slow, stabilizing breath, trying to trust the hard work I'd already put in.

Unaware of the chaotic, ruthless social world waiting for me, I finally close my eyes and let the peaceful quiet lull me to sleep.

And then... the fateful day arrives.