The squeaky bother persisted against the fine China. Cutting motions and stabbing motions made no holds barred in reducing the echo. These trivial actions could normally be considered nothing typical. Yet, the way he carried each action showcased his violent inclination. Father did not like waiting.

Rocket and tomatoes went soaring across the plate. It was as if they were trying to cannonball it away from, father. I wouldn't blame them, provided they weren't inanimate objects. I won't lie, my father does have a terrible temper. When he gets like this, he stubbornly lets everyone else know about it. Not even his food escaping him could deter him from his current objective. He had his mind set on saying one thing to me.

"Aiko, you've kept me waiting."

Here we go again.

"I was busy doing my hair... Father."

"I thought I told that good for nothing boy to not play dress-up with you again."

Haruto stood close by on the side-lines, with his head hung in shame. It wasn't his fault, he always had good intentions. My happiness is his biggest priority. Even in ridicule, he stands there watching over me. It wouldn't be out of the question to say that he takes his job seriously. For that reason, I'll take the fall on his behalf this time around.

"Father, Kurosawa-san held no involvement in my tardiness. In a matter of fact, he was persistent in seeing to it that I got properly dressed."

Father is going to kill me when he hears what I have to say next.

"I hate to admit it but, it slipped my mind that you wanted to discuss something with me today. Luckily, Kurosawa-san was there to remind me of our little breakfast arrangement." I nervously explained.

Father sunk his forehead into his palm of his hand. In my defence, it took me some time to adjust to the sudden change. It's not every day you reincarnate into a new body. So, pardon me and my slow memories!

"How could you let today slip your mind?" Father begrudgingly asked.

Emitting a quick childish giggle, I come up with an excuse. "I had a bad night sleep. I'm sorry."

Father released a sigh and shook his head. I bet he was cursing himself for thinking he had such an air-headed daughter.

"In any case, Mr Fujiwara and I have finalized your engagement."

Have you ever felt your entire world close in on you? I'd imagine it would feel like this sinking feeling in your stomach. It's as if you're falling from a building and you're finding it harder to breathe as you plummet. I believe that would be a fair representation of it. This feeling of meekness was crashing over me with waves of distraught. I was completely powerless in this situation. I thought I would be the one to seek out my own husbands.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to dramatize things. Although, I do fear that my safety net will collapse with this sudden revelation... But it doesn't mean there's nothing I can do about it. I already promised myself to use these last few months to find my own suitors.

Why should I let someone else decide my destiny? I'll simply play along for now, since it would be unwise of me to outrightly break off this engagement. For all I know, I could be happy in this marriage. If I act picky, I may never find a man that meets my standards. Beggars cannot be choosers!

"I see..."

Really? 'I see'? Is that really all I could muster up? What a waste! Was all that pep talk truly for nothing then?

"Tomorrow Kaoru will come over. I hope you see to it that you conduct yourself appropriately... That means you need to be punctual."

I admit that the last dig did sting quite a bit. It's not like I intended to be late. But again, I cannot exactly explain myself and this whole reincarnation business to my father. So, I simply decided to remain silent.

The rest of the morning progressed smoothly. The anger my Father held towards my previous defiance had appeared to have dwindled significantly. His silence could be considered a good sign. It meant he was not motivated to take things further with a lecture. Instead, we could both finish our meals in a peaceful silence.

After I excused myself, I retreated to my bedroom. I believe it would be wise of me to do a quick revision on Kaoru. Looking at my vanity table, I perused through the photos stuck to the mirror.

Several photos of my younger self could be seen. Gosh, I was such a messy child. Frizzy hair and untucked clothes, it's a wonder my father ever let me go outside looking like that. Perhaps that's why he decided to not let me venture outside unaccompanied nowadays. My appearance could bring shame to my family's name if I started to slack again.

I suppose my sloppy appearance was only tolerated because of my partner in crime. Kaoru was just as bad. There we stood; arms hooked around each other's shoulders with a huge grin. Blotches of mud on our clothes weren't enough to drag down our spirits. We were inseparable.

Nowadays, I'm not so sure if saying we're 'inseparable' still holds up. Sure, we've been texting each other on a regular occurrence. But I haven't seen the boy in months. Schoolwork has kept him busy.

Being the son of a wealthy business tycoon has its responsibilities. Whether he wants it or not, he will inherit his Father's technology company. I guess that's why he's preoccupied with his schooling all the time.

On the other hand, my father has no expectations of me joining the hospital. He probably expects me to settle down and become a housewife. If possible, I wish to pave the way for my own future. Pursuing a career will undoubtedly be difficult, but it is still a possible feat to accomplish. I just need to put my mind to it, that's all.

I wonder if Kaoru has changed since I last saw him. I'd imagine he'd have to if he wishes to become his father's successor. But parts of me hopes that he's still the same dork that I remember. If I'm being completely honest, I am a tad bit jealous of him. He gets to go to one of those prosperous schools that you see rich kids go to on television.

Although my freedom is limited, I'm not exempted from going shopping. Maybe I should consider going out on the town? It's Saturday, so that means the markets are opened here today. I could buy myself some new clothes and get to know the area more. I'd like to look my best when I see Kaoru. I can't have him showing me up now!

Turning around, I beckoned for Haruto who was waiting patiently at the door frame.

"Kurosawa-san, I'd like to visit the markets today."