Aren't You Curious?

The private bullet jet transporting the group had to stop in Japan before continuing on to the kingdom of Stonasia to pick up Ashley and Akira.

Ava's exuberance was causing Ann some distress, as she couldn't contain her excitement and was fidgeting nonstop.

Ann couldn't help but ask, "What's gotten into you, Ava? You're as restless as a bee in a bonnet!" Ann, looking sharp in her stylish cream suit, tried to engage Ava in conversation.

However, Ava was completely engrossed in watching the school's promotional video on the plane's entertainment system, wearing noise-canceling headphones that covered both her ears, making it impossible for her to hear Ann's attempts to communicate.

Ann shook her head and continued reading the script that she had brought with her.

After assisting Ava in adjusting to her new school, she will return to begin filming her role as the lead actress in a new film.

Ava would have also been in the movie if she hadn't been going to school overseas.

It was a quick flight overall because it was a bullet jet. They reached Japan without any delay.

***

The Jones, meanwhile, were waiting for them in the VIP lounge. To bid Ashley and Akira farewell, the entire family traveled to the airport with them.

Grandma Hanada and her helper, Harumi, were even present. With their debut approaching, the requirements were even more stringent, so Ashton was the only one not present. He was too busy training with his group.

This time, James, who had been residing in the school dorm, returned home simply to see his sister leave. He was aware that he wouldn't see her for some time.

He was currently a junior in high school and would be attending college overseas following graduation.

After that, he would be gone for an additional four to six years.

While they waited for Ava and Ann to come, Ashley and Grandmother Hanada were engrossed in conversation.

Tanaga didn't insist on going with the mother and daughter, even though he really wanted to, because he knew Jeff wouldn't be able to.

James stared out the glass windows onto the tarmac, lost in contemplation. Some strange cause was making him nervous.

Why could he not understand? Tanaga then chose to make fun of his son after spotting him out of the corner of his eye.

"Aren't you curious?" he muttered as he dragged James to a place that was a little farther away from everyone else. Would you not like to have a quick check at her current appearance?" He tapped James on the shoulder, teasing.

James shot his father a deadly stare. "Father!" That was all he said before quickly walking to give his mother a farewell kiss and then turning to face his younger sister.

Then he quickly made his way to the bathroom, where he decided to conceal himself until they left.

Ashley became irritated with her husband after realizing what he had done. Then she stood up and approached Tanaga, who was still laughing over what he had done.

"Tanaga Jones! Come on over here!" Pulling him farther away from everyone's view, Ashley whispered to him.

"How did you address James? I hope you didn't bring up Ava with him. Keep your lips shut and don't tell Ashton anything about it; if you do, just wait for me to return, at which point you'll be considered useless." She issued a warning, and she meant it.

Pretending to be innocent, Tanaga kissed her on the lips and answered with puppy dog eyes.

"It was just a game between us. His lips quirked as he pointed to the clear glass where James had been standing moments before. "I saw him standing there," he said.

"He was staring out the window with such anxiety. If my guess is correct, he is both scared and fascinated." Sheepishly, Tanaga said.

Yes, he ought to be. Ava is still in her teens, but she's grown into a lovely, intelligent, and kind young woman.

Thanks to James, Ashton is going to be the lucky one to marry her. so that he can put his curiosity aside. And... quit making fun of him!" With a playful grin, she warned Ashley before turning to return to her seat.

Tanaga was limited to following his wife by tucking his tail between his legs like a puppy.

***

They didn't have to wait long because the sleek bullet-shaped aircraft had made a smooth touchdown and was patiently awaiting clearance on the tarmac.

As soon as the bullet jet received clearance, Ashley and Akira could step aboard.

The atmosphere was filled with a sense of anticipation and excitement as everyone rose from their seats and exchanged heartfelt farewells with the mother and daughter.

Unbeknownst to them, Ann and Ava had made a spontaneous decision to disembark from the aircraft and make their way to the VIP area to personally welcome everyone.

When Akira caught sight of Ava, she couldn't contain her joy and rushed over to embrace her dear friend tightly. "Ava! I can't believe it's you! I'm absolutely thrilled," she exclaimed warmly.

With a bashful smile, Ava gave her pal a strong hug in return and muttered. "Me too!

Her gaze was meanwhile searching for a young man. However, she breathed a sigh of relief when she saw no young men in the area.

Ann insisted that Ava must welcome the Joneses out of respect, even though Ava didn't want to. Even though Ava didn't want to meet her future spouse at all, she was left with no choice.

Akira understood that Ava was searching, but for whom? She was clueless and ignorant. She was unaware of the terms of the marriage contract between Ava's family and her own.

When the kids were around, Tanaga and Ashley made sure that no one ever brought it up in their home.

Consequently, the only people who knew about the marriage contract were James and his parents.

James, in the meantime made the decision to slip away and returned to the car to wait.

He was also afraid to face Ava. He didn't want to ruin the celebration because he was concerned she hadn't forgiven him yet.

Even though he had hoped that the issue would have been long forgotten, it was clear that discussing the marriage contract was strictly forbidden in their household.

The lingering disapproval of Ava and her parents was evident in his treatment as if he had no place there.

However, despite the tension, James couldn't help but feel curious about Ava's current appearance and how she had changed. As he reflected on the situation, he found himself lost in contemplation...~~