Determination

Two days later, Yui stands emotionlessly in her sister's funeral home. She barely recognises any of the guests. Takara is busy greeting them but Yui remains motionless when they speak to her or try to give her a hug. She only manages to return a bow or two. Ever since she has heard the news, her eyes have remained rather dry. She is having a hard time believing that her sister is no more.

An elderly man enters the hall with a young lady. He is walking with the aid of a walking stick. 

"He didn't come?" he asks the young lady. 

"No one has spotted him, Teacher," she replies.

The man groans. "I was expecting to see him here."

"Teacher, does that mean we can conclude that they were not in contact with each other?"

The man clears his throat firmly. "Suzume, do you realise where we are? Let us pay our respects and return home."

"I'm sorry, Teacher," she bends forward to apologize. He waves her off and they continue walking.

Yui is forced to look up when she hears the click clack sound of a walking stick hitting the floor. 

The man's presence can not be ignored especially the way he walks with grace.

"You must be a relation of hers," the man says. "Fusae never mentioned she had a sister. Well, she was always good at hiding very important things," he chuckles.

"You know, your sister was one of my best students and she was always ready to prove she could do her best despite being a lady."

Yui stares at him. He is obviously talking to her but he hasn't even faced her once.

"I am deeply sorry for your loss," he finally faces her.

"Her memories will forever be cherished."

In one swift motion, he turns in the direction of the exit and starts to heads out. Suzume gives her a slight nod before joining him.

•••

Yui is sitting anxiously as she waits for Takara to return home. Ever since her sister's death, Takara has become responsible for her wellbeing and Yui is beyond grateful for that.

Yui relaxes when she hears the sound of the door being unlocked.

"I am home," says Takara tiredly. She comes in with a bag of groceries and heads to the kitchen to drop it. 

"Yui?"

"Oii!"

"Any luck with your applications? Resumption is only a month away," Takara says.

Yui's face falls. "No positive reply yet."

"Don't worry, I'm sure there's a school out there willing to accept you," Takara assures her.

Yui doesn't argue with her. She is yet to get a feedback from the culinary school. She has also submitted her application for enrollment at Gloss Bodyguard Academy. Yui is still hesitant to go there but she wants to know the connection between her sister and the academy. The elderly man has also mentioned she was his student.

*

Asahi wakes up to a not-so-comfortable but familiar scenery. He sits up and suddenly feels a sharp pain shoot right through his head.

"Careful now, Sato."

He rolls his eyes when he recognises her voice.

"Why am I here?" His voice comes out rough and unsure.

"Because Dr Inoue is good at her job."

Asahi is surprised to see the principal here.

"How long have I been out?" he asks.

"Long enough to miss her funeral."

A frown makes it way to Asahi's face. 'Did Fusae really...'

He scrambles and tries to search his pockets.

"How did I get here? Did you see any envelope in my possession?" he asks.

Dr Inoue shakes her head. "You were at the city hospital. I spoke with a friend there to allow us to look after you here."

Asahi sighs and he plops his head back on the pillow.

"The entrance exam is in two weeks. Make sure he's able to move around by then."

"Yes, Teacher," Dr Inoue says.

"Did you go for the funeral?" Asahi asks after the principal leaves.

"Not while I was watching you," she says. "Don't worry, the principal and suzume went. I don't know if Lady Mayumi went as well."

Asahi rests his head in his lower arm and stares at the ceiling.

"Did Kaito come?"

Dr Inoue shakes her head.

"The idiot - always so full of himself," Asahi mutters.

**

Yui stares at the two envelopes on the table. It's been almost three weeks she applied for the culinary school and less than a week for the academy and she has received letters from both on the same day.

She peels open that of the academy first.

'Dear Miss Nakano,

Your application has been considered. We would be expecting you at the entrance examination scheduled to hold on the 18th of this month. We wish you success!

Best regards,

The GBA team'

Yui drops the letter and opens the second envelope. She removes the letter and starts to unfold it. She is very surprised to see that the paper is quite lengthy after she unfolds it.

She hurriedly skims through it with her mouth agape. Apart from the congratulatory message of being offered admission, the rest of the letter contains materials and ingredients she needs to bring along by the time she is resuming.

Her eyes twitch as she sees some rare and expensive ingredients on the list.

"No way!" she cries out.

"Is anything the matter, Yui?" Takara comes out after hearing her. Her eyes are sleepy and Yui feels guilty for disturbing her.

They are interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Special delivery for Miss Yui Nakano!" 

An unfamiliar man is standing by the entrance with a parcel in his hand. 

"Special delivery for Miss Yui Nakano," he repeats. "Kanyo Culinary school wishes you a happy resumption."

As soon as Yui collects it from him, the man gives a bow and zooms off.

"What is it?" Takara asks as she impatiently watches Yui unwrap the parcel.

Yui brings

out a pair of dashing uniform.

"Oh my! Yui!" Takara embraces her. "I'm so proud of you!"

Yui is beyond dazed.