[Music Recommendation: "The Name of Life" by Joe Hisaishi (Spirited Away OST)-available in Youtube or Spotify] ~ Please listen to it in a loop while you read this part to experience the utmost beauty of this chapter ~

Kaiden turned to me and dad, sighing.

"… I never had a female friend. That's why they all assume that you're my girlfriend," Kaiden explained with an "I-give-up" expression. It seemed that his family pestered him too much about it. "No matter how many times I correct them. They don't believe it so… it doesn't matter anymore. Let them think what they want."

"Ahh… I see." I understood what he meant. It's basically the same with dad and Hora. If mom knew, she would add to the equation. How I wish they could all be cool about it like my younger brother. "There's no use explaining then."

"Uhm," he nodded.

I peeked at dad and he seemed to be deliberating seriously on something.

"If that's okay with you then," dad said after a few moments of silence, "I will entrust my daughter to your care. We can pay for food and lodging, security, and anything she'll need."

Wait, WHAT?! Did dad just agree to Crystal's suggestion? And what about Hora's opinion? And MY opinion? Imagine living at the same house as your crush? I'd die of embarrassment! I felt my heart sunk within me as I thought of all the worst case scenarios that could happen. Oh nooooo…

"D-dad, that's too much! We can't just—I mean, we just met them today and you're already—"

"It's totally fine, Senara. Think of it as me, finally having sisters instead of my surly brother," Crystal grinned from ear to ear. "If it makes you feel more comfortable, then you can pay rent as your dad suggested. But I assure you, everything's gonna be fine. Mother and father will love the idea."

She sounded like a saleswoman who could make you agree with just a few simple words—so confident, and persuasive.

'Am I the only logical person here? This is outrageous! It can even be a scandal! What if the whole school knew about it? Plus, we're not related at all! I'll definitely be bullied by his fan club. Yeah, he definitely has one or more. I'm doomed.'

My internal logical self screamed inside my brain. It's all true though. And what about their privacy? We would basically be intruding! Sometimes I don't understand how rich people think.

"I really can't," I refused for the "nth" time.

"It's the only place trust-worthy enough," dad added as he tapped my shoulder. He looked me straight in the eyes with a serious expression. "You'll be studying in a new country, all on your own. I won't be there, or your mom, or anyone you know except Hora and them," he pointed to Kaiden and Crystal, "so if you think about it, I'd rather have you stay somewhere I know and with people I know, than go to dorms or apartments where anyone could easily crawl in if they want. It's much safer. And I trust that they can guide you, too, should there be anything you need."

"Yes, you can definitely count on us." Crystal confirmed, to which Kaiden agreed as well. "We won't tarnish the name of our family by failing to take care of our guests."

"Of course," dad nodded, "and I would think of it as the greatest favor. I'll make sure to repay the kindness someday."

Okay. I guess I'm not needed in this conversation anymore. My opinion didn't matter. Oh well… dad had a point though—and a very big point at that. Indeed, there was no safer place for me to stay. At least Crystal said we'll be in the east wing? And Kaiden's on the west. That means we won't see each other much right?

After that, we talked a bit more until the twin's butler arrived to fetch them. The next morning, dad and I went to the airport and flew back home. I told Hora and Ken about everything that happened. Contrary to what I imagined, Hora was cool about it—actually, it seemed like really good news for her. Ken on the other hand, looked rather sad.

"I guess… this is our last year together?"

Awwww… when Ken said that, it crushed my heart. Truly, it would be our last year together. When we go to college, there's no guarantee that we could still see each other. We would definitely miss each other. We could still meet from time to time but still… thinking about it, how did I even get used to not seeing Hora and Ken everyday in my previous life?

And so, days turned to weeks, and weeks turned to months. We all got busy with entrance exams, finals, projects, and all that high school senior year stuff we had to deal with. All Saints Day passed, and then Christmas, and New Year. We all spent it together and it was fun—Valentines, too. Ken received so many chocolates as usual. Hora got her own fair share, and I, to my surprise, got lots of flowers, chocolates and stuff toys from schoolmates I didn't know. None of those happened in my past life. Was it because I changed and became more amiable? Oh well. It was a refreshing experience.

Before I knew it, it was already the end of March—graduation day.

They said that high school was oftenly the most memorable time in a person's school life. And experiencing it for the second time, I could attest to that. Doing our graduation march, going up the stage to receive our diplomas, saying my valedictorian speech, taking lots of pictures, crying here and there, stealing mementos, and the after-party—it was all so nostalgic. Even for me who was experiencing it for the second time, didn't escape and still became so emotional.

High school was really fun—especially now that I'm not worrying about finding a job after, rather than going to college. Ahhh… I'm really thankful for everything that's happened so far. May everything continue to be smooth-sailing from now on.

And just like that, my high school life ended.

Next up, my college life with Hora, Kaiden, and Crystal.

I wonder how it would turn out? Will I love it? Or regret it?