Interlude - Shinomiya Kaguya

Interlude – Shinomiya Kaguya

My name is Shinomiya Kaguya, 13 Years old. I am the eldest daughter of Shinomiya Family. Because of the rules set up by my father and expectations of the Shinomiya Family drilled from an adolescent age, I habitually take a logical side and looks for possible ways to manipulate people.

For that reason, I have no one I could call a friend. I always wary of all potential friends and ended up placing them through 'Trust Challenges' to determine whether I should befriend them or not. The only one I could consider a friend is my maid, Hayasaka Ai.

When I was a child, I am not as cold as now. I was just like a normal child who was innocent and happy. And I met Hayasaka at that time. She was the only one I could call a friend, or maybe even sister.

Because no one in Shinomiya Family's main house thinks of others as a family. Even my brothers and father only look at me or each other just like other people, or even tools they can use to raise their own power.

Naturally, they look like they respect my father from the outside. But I know, they just the same people as him who will use any ways to increase his own power. That's how they look like in my eyes and it was indeed true.

Regardless, Hayasaka and I were raised for a short period of time after birth. It's also one of the reasons I think of her as a sister. And I am certain she thinks of me as a sister too. But because Hayasaka needs to be given a special education to be my maid, we were separated after my second birthday.

I was 7 years old when I meet Hayasaka again. Hayasaka formally appointed as my personal maid at that time. We're still close like before, but I feel like Hayasaka scared of something which I don't know what.

At any rate, because Hayasaka can't be seen too close to me, we act as a mistress and her maid in front of other people. In the night, I always talked to Hayasaka about everything. Even though she doesn't show any emotions when talking like before, she stills the Hayasaka I know of.

Years passed, and I am 13 years old. I am aware that these two years I gradually stopped smiling. It's because an incident made my hope to have a friend crushed. The reason is the thing that I called a friend was actually only getting close to me for my family.

I stopped telling Hayasaka that I desired a friend. In the end, I think my logical side was indeed the right one. This situation continues until I met this bubbly girl. Her name is Fujiwara Chika.

She constantly talked to me whenever she had free time in school. She even talked about absolutely casual things happily even though I ignored her. Of course, I rejected her many times, but this girl keeps approaching me.

After some time, I came to know this bubbly girl genuinely wanted to be my friend. She indeed has a very bubble personality different than mine and a bit screw loose in her head. But she became one of my friends besides Hayasaka.

One day, Fujiwara brings me a video about a Piano Competition and forcing Hayasaka and me to watch it together. The performance of the other pianists was just so-so, Fujiwara beside me was more genius than them.

Until a boy comes to the stage and performed. His name is Kitahara Izumi. His performance was very beautiful. It made me remember the longing feeling of wanting to have a friend and family.

Even Hayasaka who usually emotionless, cried when hearing the performance. Someone with a bubbly personality like Fujiwara also crying in happiness. After that, I have undoubtedly become a fan of the pianist, Kitahara Izumi.

Now, I was 14 years old and about to graduate from middle school. The pianist that I became a fan of now dubbed as the number one pianist in the world. I was very happy his performance finally reached the heart of everyone in the world.

Suddenly, I heard a rumor that Kitahara Izumi frequently plays a song or two in a well-known Ryokan with name Kitahara Ryokan. Hearing that rumor, I immediately persuade the main house to let me visit Kitahara Ryokan. And I was allowed to after some rejection.

It was my first meeting with him. His personality was just like what written in his profile, easy-going and charming. I encountered him in the Grand Piano room after playing a song as Hayasaka advised me to.

After hearing my performance, he asked me to hear his performance. Even though I am very excited to hear his performance directly, my logical side made me leave ignoring him. But in the end, my heart wins and I was able to hear his performance.

As expected, it was very beautiful. I cried again, but this time with happiness because of our meeting. He said I was his friend from then on. However, the incident with my previous 'friend' instinctively made me answered him with why I don't need a friend.

"I don't need friends. Those things only get close to me because of my family." I said in a cold tone. But he only laughed when he heard my answer.

"Those things you said are not me. Don't lump me with that kind of trash. If I have an ulterior motive, it won't be about your family. It's about you."

My face reddened hearing his answer. More importantly, it was his eyes that made me blushed. His eyes looking at me as if saying, 'I want to be your friend' That instant, my heart started beating so fast and I run after saying my acceptance of being his friend.

A year has passed after that. It turns out we attended the same high school. Many things happened, but because of him, I was able to change my cold self. I was able to have plenty of friends and was able to understand how important he is to me.

It takes me some time before I can understand what feelings I have to him. It can't be helped, I never knew this kind of feeling. In addition, I never learn about what is romance and relationships.

I also realized one thing. Hayasaka undoubtedly loves the same person as me. I know it because Hayasaka made chocolate that she said she will give to someone on Valentine's Day.

Hayasaka has many 'friends' in the school because of her Gyaru act. But, she never even once gives chocolate to someone. I don't know how I connected it to Izumi, but I have a feeling it was the case.

When I asked Izumi if he was a friend with Hayasaka, he answered with a yes. In that instant, I feel relieved and happy. Because maybe in the future Hayasaka and I can always be together. Such dreams were very good even though I doubt it will come true.

If it's come true, I finally can say to everyone that Hayasaka is my sister. And that time surely Hayasaka can act casually with me without being bound by the rules of the Shinomiya Family.

Time passed again, right now it was a month before Summer vacation. We made a plan to go to the summer festival and see the fireworks together with everyone. Honestly, it made me very happy and excited.

Then, my days filled with anticipation for the summer festival, until the butler from the main house came.

I never went on a family trip. But it's fine because I was given special treatment from everyone.

I never went to a summer festival and see the fireworks. But it's fine because I can see how pretty is it even from the window.

I never went somewhere together with friends. But it's fine because everyone who will go with me is extremely kind. They are my precious friends. Even my precious person also there...

That's why, even if they forbid me to go to the summer festival with everyone... It's fine... Because it was just like the usual... My life can never be developed as I wished...

Yet, here I am crying in my bed while thinking about how good it is to be born in an ordinary family. Even though I already wear my Yukata for this occasion. Because of the sudden appearance of my father's subordinate, I wasn't able to go to the summer festival.

People inevitably think my life was extremely blessed. Having many friends, born in a distinguished family, and having talents everyone envious in. However, the reality might not be as joyous as that.

My father was a very cold and neglectful man. He never has any interest in me as his daughter. He only sees me as a tool he can use to raise his power. Never even once he said 'Good night' 'Have a safe trip' 'Good job' or even 'I love you'.

But, it's not like I was hurt. Because it's been like that since I was a child. At this point, the only thing I feel about him is indifferent or maybe hates.

People near me always treating me with great caution like nothing can happen to me. It made me feel just like a creepy Japanese doll.

Even though I should have been able to pass this boring summer festival without being hurt... But, it's fine... I only need to endure until the summer vacation ends... It's fine...Yet...

*Hiks* Tears uncontrollably flowing from my eyes.

"Until when you're going to cry like that, Kaguya-sama. The usual you will definitely sneak out from here right away," Hayasaka said.

"Anything I do is meaningless... Nothing will happen as I wished..." I sorrowfully answered.

"If you don't do anything, this summer will be very painful for you, Kaguya-sama. I understand very well how you wanted to see the fireworks with everyone. That's why you should back to the usual you and sneak out from here." Hayasaka said.

"But there are three butlers from the main house here today. I won't be able to sneak out without any preparation." I lifted my body to sit on the bed and said.

"I have prepared a rope for you in the balcony, please prepare yourself as fast as possible," Hayasaka said with a smile.

"...But, what about you?" I frowned and asked.

"I will be here and be your body double. Imitating your voice was easy for me, Kaguya-sama." Hayasaka answered.

"You know that's not what I mean." I thoughtfully said.

"... If it's just fireworks, I can see it from the window here," Hayasaka answered with a smile as if she understands what I mean. However, there is a hint of sadness in her eyes.

"You liar... I know you're very excited to go with everyone... No, with Izumi... You love him too, right?" I looked at Hayasaka in the eyes and said.

"... I won't deny that. But, It's fine, Kaguya-sama... There is no other way." Hayasaka said with a sad smile.

"But..." I sorrowfully said.

'I don't want to see your sad expression too, Hayasaka' I wanted to say it but stopped after looking at her determined expression. Then, I closed my eyes to think for another way to bring us together.

'Izumi...'

In desperation, I said his name in my mind. When suddenly a very familiar voice can be heard in the window. It was the man Hayasaka, and I come to love. The man who changes me and made me became how I was right now.

"Looks like you two are in trouble. But let me ask, is your order a magician?" Izumi stood at the window and said with a smile.