After that day at the cliff, Yumio started leaving the house every day at exactly four o’clock in the afternoon.

  At first, her parents didn’t think much of it—she had always been the type to wander around, especially when she felt bored or restless. But lately, something about her routine seemed different. It wasn’t the quiet, distant kind of leaving she usually did. No—this one came with a spark.

  Her parents noticed it first. Then the servants noticed it. And soon, the entire household had silently agreed: Mistress Yumio was acting… unusual.

  She would rush down the grand staircase with her guitar strapped on her back, her hair still slightly tousled from hastily tying it up. Sometimes, she’d steal extra snacks from the kitchen—sandwiches, fruit slices, bread, juice boxes—carefully packing them into her little shoulder bag as if preparing for a picnic.

  But what was truly suspicious, obvious, and downright blinding was the huge smile on her face every single time she left the house.

  It wasn’t just a smile; it was a glow—bright, warm, almost bubbly. She practically radiated.

  One afternoon, three maids gathered at the bottom of the staircase, pretending to dust the same handrail for the third time, watching Yumio zoom past the hallway with that familiar skip in her step.

  “Don’t you think there’s something different about Mistress Yumio?” one maid whispered, leaning closer as if sharing a dangerous secret.

  “Different?” the second maid murmured. “She’s practically glowing. She’s so much more lively than usual.”

  “And she’s been going out every afternoon,” the third added, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.

  A beat of silence passed.

  Then—

  The third maid gasped loudly enough to make the other two jump. “Oh no. Oh no no no. What if—what if she’s seeing someone?”

  The other maids froze.

  “Seeing someone?!”

  “Like—romantically?!”

  “Already?! She’s still so young!”

  “Well, think about it,” the first maid insisted, lowering her voice dramatically. “She takes food every single time she leaves. And she looks… happy. Suspiciously happy.”

  The other two maids gasped as well this time, clutching their dusting rags.

  “You don’t think—”

  “It couldn’t be—”

  “Please don’t let it be—!”

  “What are you all chattering about?!”

  The piercing voice from the doorway made all three maids practically jump out of their shoes.

  Standing there, arms crossed and eyes narrowed, was Neris, the head maid—stern, strict, and notoriously intolerant of gossip.

  The three maids trembled. “H-Head Maid Neris! We were just—”

  “—neglecting your duties, I see.” Neris clapped her hands sharply, snapping them out of their daze. “Break time is over. Move. Now.”

  The maids scattered immediately like frightened birds, disappearing to their stations with record speed.

  Neris sighed, rubbing her temple. “These girls… they really can’t keep their mouths shut.”

  She shut the door behind her and made her way to the kitchen. The scent of fresh fruit filled the air as she pulled out a knife, slicing mangoes and apples with practiced precision.

  She barely had time to set the bowl aside when she heard soft humming approaching—a light, sweet tune that she recognized instantly.

  “Hello, Neris!” Yumio chirped, skipping into the kitchen as if the entire world were made of sunshine.

  Neris straightened, her strict expression softening. “Good afternoon, Mistress.”

  Yumio peeked at the bowl of neatly sliced fruit and her eyes sparkled. Without hesitation, she grabbed one slice and popped it into her mouth, smiling blissfully.

  Then she looked up at Neris with her bright, pleading eyes.

  “Can I ask for a favor?”

  Neris didn’t even need to guess. She sighed fondly. “You want me to make you a fruit salad?”

  Yumio gasped dramatically, clasping her hands together. “You really know me! Yes, please!”

  A small smile tugged at Neris’ lips. “Anything for you, Mistress.”

  Before she could say another word, Yumio squealed in pure delight and threw her arms around her.

  “Thank you, Neris! You’re the best!”

  “It’s nothing,” Neris murmured, patting her gently on the back. “Now go on. I’ll bring it out when it's done.”

  Yumio hopped away—literally skipped—out of the kitchen, humming happily, leaving Neris standing there alone with a bowl of fruit and a growing suspicion in her heart.

  “…These girls might be gossipers,” Neris muttered under her breath, “but maybe… they’re not entirely wrong.”

  She shook her head, returning to her cutting board.

  Mistress Yumio was definitely hiding something.

  And whatever—or whoever—it was…

  It made her very, very happy.

  Yumio stood quietly between tall shelves of books, her fingers trailing gently along the spines as she browsed. The library was bathed in soft afternoon light, dust motes floating lazily in the air as the faint scent of old paper and polished wood surrounded her.

  It had been a few weeks since her unexpected encounter with Liam at the cliff.

  Since then, afternoons had taken on a new rhythm—one she secretly looked forward to. They met often, sometimes talking endlessly, sometimes sitting in comfortable silence. They shared favorite books, traded songs, and even hummed melodies together beneath the shade of the old tree. Slowly, naturally, Liam had woven himself into her days.

  Now, here she was again, in the fantasy section, scanning the shelves with thoughtful eyes.

  “Which book should I take today…?” she murmured to herself, tilting her head as she examined the colorful spines before her.

  She pulled one out, read the summary, then returned it. Another followed. She seemed indecisive—excited yet uncertain—wanting to choose something that would feel right to read today.

  Just then, the quiet creak of the library door echoed softly through the room.

  Yumio barely noticed at first—until she heard a familiar voice.

  “Yumio.”

  She turned around instantly, her face lighting up.

  “Grandmother!” she exclaimed, hurrying over to Rimi and taking her hands. “What brings you here?”

  Rimi smiled warmly, her eyes observing her granddaughter with fond curiosity. “I could ask you the same thing, my dear. What are you looking for?”

  She glanced at the scattered books Yumio had pulled out and then back at her face. “You seem… brighter these days,” she added gently. “More alive.”

  Yumio felt her cheeks warm slightly. She rubbed the back of her neck and laughed softly.

  “I… I gained a new friend when I went out for a bike ride.”

  Rimi raised an eyebrow, interest clearly piqued. “Oh? A new friend?”

  She took a seat near the reading table, folding her hands calmly. “Who is this friend of yours?”

  Yumio opened her mouth, then paused for half a second too long.

  “Hi—Her name is Lia,” she answered quickly, nearly stumbling over her words.

  She clasped her hands together, praying her grandmother wouldn’t notice the hesitation. If they find out it’s a boy… they’ll panic, she thought.

  Rimi hummed thoughtfully but didn’t press further. Instead, she smiled softly.

  “I see. It’s good you’re making friends outside. You deserve that.”

  Yumio relaxed slightly—until the grandfather clock chimed loudly, echoing through the library.

  She froze.

  “Oh no—!” She glanced at the clock and gasped. “It’s already that late?!”

  Without another word, she hurriedly grabbed several books from the shelves, stacking them against her chest.

  “I’m sorry, Grandmother!” she said breathlessly. “I really have to go now! I’ll see you later at dinner!”

  Before Rimi could respond, Yumio was already halfway out the door.

  Rimi chuckled softly to herself, watching her disappear.

  “…Lively indeed.”

  Yumio rushed back to her room, gently but quickly packing the books into her bag. She carefully tucked each one in, making sure their corners wouldn’t bend. Once satisfied, she grabbed her guitar, slung it over her shoulder, and hurried downstairs.

  The kitchen smelled fresh and sweet.

  On the counter sat two neatly packed Tupperware containers filled with colorful fruit salad.

  “Mistress, your fruit salads are ready,” Neris announced with a pleased smile.

  Yumio’s face lit up instantly. “Thank you so much, Neris!”

  She placed the containers carefully into her bag, making sure they wouldn’t spill.

  “I’ll see you later!”

  Neris waved as Yumio hurried off. “Enjoy your afternoon, Mistress.”

  Moments later, Yumio reached her bike, excitement bubbling in her chest. She mounted it smoothly, pushed off, and rode out of the mansion gates—hair fluttering in the breeze, heart racing with anticipation.

  Another afternoon awaited her.

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  And so did him.

  Yumio let out a long sigh as she finally reached the cliff, her legs slowing as the familiar view unfolded before her. The wind brushed past her gently, carrying the scent of grass and earth. The vast sky stretched endlessly above, painted in soft shades of blue and gold.

  Her gaze immediately drifted toward the old tree.

  Liam was already there.

  He sat beneath its shade, legs stretched out comfortably, a book resting beside him. When he noticed her approaching, his face lit up almost instantly, a warm smile forming as he stood to greet her.

  “Sorry for the wait,” Yumio said, slightly breathless as she stopped in front of him. “I was looking for a book to bring and almost forgot the time.”

  Liam shook his head lightly, his smile never fading. “It’s alright. I just got here anyway.”

  Relieved, Yumio returned the smile and settled down beside him, letting her bag rest against the grass. For a moment, neither of them spoke—just listening to the wind, the distant sounds of the town below, and the quiet comfort of each other’s presence.

  She opened her bag and carefully took out one of the containers.

  “I brought something,” she said, holding it out to him.

  Liam’s eyes widened slightly as he accepted it. “Fruit salad?”

  She nodded eagerly. “I wanted to share something I like with you. Plus, it’s nutritious,” she added with a grin as she popped a strawberry into her mouth.

  Liam laughed softly. “Wow. You had your maids prepare this?”

  Yumio nodded again, looking a little proud. “They’re really good at it.”

  “Well, I’m honored,” he said, opening the container and taking a bite. “This is amazing.”

  Yumio beamed at his reaction.

  “So,” Liam said after a moment, glancing at her bag, “what books have you brought today?”

  Her eyes sparkled at the question. She reached inside and pulled out several books, stacking them neatly in front of him.

  Liam blinked, then stared. “That’s… a lot.”

  She laughed. “I couldn’t decide.”

  “You have quite the collection,” he said in awe.

  “Perks of being rich and a bookworm,” Yumio replied playfully.

  Liam chuckled, shaking his head, while she smiled proudly.

  After a brief pause, Yumio glanced at him, curiosity returning.

  “So… how is school?”

  Liam shrugged, taking another bite of the fruit salad. “Tiring, honestly. Finals are coming up, and even though I’m about to graduate, I don’t really feel excited about it.”

  Yumio listened quietly, nodding. “It’s a shame I can’t relate,” she admitted. “Though I wish I could go to school too. It must be nice—to learn alongside people your age… to make friends like that.”

  Liam turned to her, surprised. “Why don’t you ask your parents?”

  She hesitated, fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve.

  “I want to. I really do. But I’m scared they won’t allow me.”

  Liam studied her for a moment, then spoke gently but firmly.

  “Just try to tell them. You have to be bold. You have to express yourself if you want to do the things you love.”

  She looked at him then, truly looked at him.

  And smiled.

  Something twisted in Liam’s chest at the sight.

  “Thanks for that, Liam,” she said softly. “I needed that.”

  He smiled back, feeling oddly proud. “You’re welcome.”

  After a short pause, Yumio leaned back on her hands and asked, “Which college do you want to go to?”

  Liam reached into his bag and pulled out a pamphlet.

  “I’ve been thinking about going here.”

  Yumio took it and scanned the page, eyes widening. “That’s the popular college in our town, right? My older siblings go there.”

  “My brother as well,” Liam said.

  She glanced up at him. “What course do you want to take?”

  He went quiet.

  “I’m not really sure,” Liam admitted, staring at the grass. “My father wants me to help him and my brother with the family business.”

  He wasn’t sure why he told her that. The words had simply slipped out—yet it felt strangely easy.

  Yumio frowned slightly. “I’m sorry.”

  He smiled faintly. “Don’t be.”

  Then he looked at her. “What about you? What course do you want to take?”

  She didn’t hesitate. “Psychology.”

  Liam raised an eyebrow. “Why Psychology?”

  Yumio smiled and turned her gaze toward the breathtaking view of the town below.

  “I want to learn how the mind works. It fascinates me—how thoughts, emotions, and experiences shape who we are. I want to understand what makes each person special.”

  Liam watched her quietly, admiration softening his features.

  “That’s… really nice.”

  She nodded, smiling to herself.

  After a moment, she picked up one of the books she brought and held it out to him.

  “By the way, have you read this one yet?”

  Liam studied the cover and shook his head. “I don’t think I have.”

  Her eyes lit up. “You’ll love it! It’s about—”

  And as Yumio began explaining the story with excitement, the wind continued to whisper around them, the afternoon slowly fading—unaware that something gentle and meaningful was quietly growing between the two of them.

  Yumio returned to the mansion just as the sky began to soften into the warm hues of late afternoon. The tall gates closed behind her with a quiet clang, and she couldn’t stop the smile that lingered on her lips. Even as she stepped inside, her heart felt light—lighter than it had in a long time.

  She made her way to the kitchen first, carefully placing the now-empty Tupperwares on the counter. A faint trace of sweetness still clung to them, and for a brief moment, she thought of Liam’s smile as he praised the fruit salad. The memory alone was enough to make her grin again.

  Shaking her head lightly, she turned and headed upstairs.

  Halfway up the grand staircase, she nearly bumped into Yurio, who had been descending with his hands tucked casually into his pockets. He stopped and studied her, brows lifting slightly.

  “Well,” he said slowly, eyes narrowing in mock suspicion, “how’s your day?”

  Yumio paused, meeting his gaze.

  Yurio tilted his head, clearly amused. “You look… different. More lively than usual.”

  She blinked, then laughed softly. “Is that so? My day has been great.”

  “Great?” he echoed. “That’s not a word you use often.”

  She smiled but said nothing, stepping to the side to continue up the stairs.

  “You know,” Yurio continued, following her for a few steps, “I can’t help but be curious about this friend of yours.”

  Yumio glanced back at him.

  “Whoever they are,” he said thoughtfully, “they’ve managed to show us a very different version of you.”

  Her smile softened. “I’ll be sure to send your regards to my friend.”

  Yurio chuckled. “Do that.”

  With that, Yumio turned and continued on her way, her footsteps light as she reached her room.

  The moment the door closed behind her, she let out a quiet breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. She crossed the room and dropped onto her bed, staring up at the ceiling as the afternoon sunlight filtered through the curtains.

  Her thoughts drifted back to the cliff—to the wind, the books, the laughter.

  And to Liam’s words.

  “You have to be bold. You have to express yourself if you want to do the things you love.”

  She hugged a pillow to her chest, her smile slowly fading into something more uncertain.

  “How can I be bold,” she whispered into the quiet room, “when I don’t even know how to face them?”

  Her parents’ faces flickered through her mind—their concern, their protectiveness, their unspoken fears. The weight of their expectations pressed gently but firmly against her chest.

  Yumio closed her eyes, letting out a slow sigh.

  For now, she let herself rest—hoping that when she woke, she’d find the courage she was searching for waiting quietly within her.

  Yumio stirred at the sound of a knock, her eyes fluttering open as she slowly came back to consciousness. For a moment, she was disoriented, the fading echoes of her thoughts still clinging to her mind.

  “Mistress,” a familiar voice called softly from the other side of the door, “dinner is ready. Everyone’s already downstairs.”

  She sat up, rubbing her eyes. “Alright,” she replied sleepily. “I’ll be right there.”

  Once the footsteps faded, Yumio rose from her bed and went to her closet. After a brief pause, she chose a simple indoor dress—comfortable, modest, and familiar. She smoothed the fabric over herself before heading out, the scent of food drifting up the hall and gently pulling her downstairs.

  The dining room was already lively when she entered. Everyone had taken their seats, conversations dying down the moment they noticed her presence.

  “Sorry for being late,” Yumio said with a sheepish smile as she approached her chair. “I fell asleep.”

  Takeshi gave her a small nod and gestured for her to sit. “It’s fine. Eat while the food is still warm.”

  As soon as she settled in, the clinking of cutlery resumed. For a while, the room was filled only with quiet eating—until Natsumi tilted her head and looked directly at Yumio.

  “Mio-nee,” she began, eyes curious, “what’s gotten into you these past few weeks?”

  Yumio blinked. “Huh?”

  Natsu leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Yeah, I was about to ask the same thing. You’re always heading out around four o’clock, and you come back with this… weird happiness.”

  Yumio froze, then felt heat rush to her cheeks. She instinctively placed her hands against them, embarrassed.

  “Weird happiness?” she repeated softly.

  Seito glanced up from his plate, expression calm. “Isn’t that a good thing?” he said evenly. “Whatever her reasons are, they’ve made us see a different version of Mio-nee.”

  Miyuki nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah! We’re happy to see Mio-nee smiling so much—even if it’s the ‘weird happiness’ you’re talking about.”

  Emi looked at Yumio with warmth in her eyes. “Whatever it is,” she said gently, “we should be glad that Yumio is enjoying herself and making friends.”

  Yumio swallowed, her heart pounding slightly. She set her utensils down and looked at her parents.

  “Uhm… Mom. Dad.”

  Both Emi and Takeshi turned their attention to her.

  “What is it, my dear?” Emi asked softly.

  Yumio took a deep breath, fingers curling lightly against the tablecloth. “I want to go to school.”

  The room fell into complete silence.

  Forks paused midair. Everyone stared at her as if she had spoken in a foreign language.

  “…What?” Yumio asked, glancing around nervously. “Why are you all looking at me like that?”

  Ariana’s brows furrowed in concern. “Are you sure, Yumio?”

  “Yes,” she said quickly. “I mean… I can go to college, right? It’s not that bad.”

  Emi leaned forward slightly, worry evident in her eyes. “Are you sure you want to, honey?”

  Yumio nodded without hesitation. “Yes, Mom. I’m sure. Why? What’s wrong with it?”

  Emi shook her head slowly. “Nothing’s wrong,” she said, though her voice carried a hint of uncertainty.

  Takeshi studied Yumio for a long moment before speaking. “What college do you want to go to? And what course?”

  Yumio straightened, gaining confidence. “I’m planning on going to Ainsworth University and taking Psychology. That way, you don’t have to worry about me—Nee-san and Nii-san are already there.”

  “We’re planning on going there too,” Yurio added with a smile, gesturing to Yukio and Ariana. “So she won’t be alone.”

  Emi hesitated, fingers tightening slightly around her napkin. Takeshi, however, let out a quiet breath before nodding.

  “Alright,” he said.

  Yumio’s face lit up instantly. She turned to Yurio and mouthed, thank you. Yurio simply smiled back, giving a subtle nod.

  Relief and happiness settled in her chest as she picked up her utensils again. The conversation slowly returned, and laughter once more filled the dining room as Yumio talked animatedly with Yurio, Yukio, and Ariana.

  Across the table, Takeshi watched her quietly.

  The way she spoke, the way her eyes lit up, the way she dared to ask for something she wanted—

  She takes after you, he thought bitterly.

  And that was what frightened him most.

  Because one day, she might have to face the Valencias…

  “What did you say?” Lucero asked, his voice low but sharp as he lifted his gaze toward Liam.

  The atmosphere inside Lucero’s office was tense, thick with unspoken expectations. Moonlight filtered through the tall windows, casting light shadows across shelves lined with awards and neatly organized files. Liam stood straight, hands clenched at his sides, while Nathan remained just a step behind him, arms crossed but alert.

  “I’m planning on going to Ainsworth University,” Liam repeated, steadying his voice, “and taking a course in Biology.”

  For a moment, Lucero said nothing. He rose slowly from his chair, the faint scrape of wood against the floor echoing in the room. Both brothers instinctively exchanged a glance—this was not the reaction they had expected.

  Lucero walked around the desk, his footsteps measured. When he stopped in front of Liam, he placed a firm hand on his shoulder.

  “It’s good to know you’ve already chosen a course,” Lucero said, his tone unexpectedly calm. He gave Liam’s shoulder a brief pat. “I’m proud of you, son.”

  Liam froze.

  Nathan blinked.

  The words hung in the air, almost unreal.

  Liam swallowed hard before looking up. “T-Thank you, Dad.”

  Lucero gave a small smile—brief, but genuine—before turning back toward his desk. Taking that as their cue, the brothers quietly stepped out of the office, closing the door behind them.

  The moment they were out of earshot, Liam spun toward Nathan, eyes wide.

  “Did you see that?” he whispered urgently.

  “I did,” Nathan replied, just as stunned. “He approved.”

  “And he smiled,” Liam added, lowering his voice as if afraid the moment might shatter. “He said he was proud of me.”

  Liam stared down at the floor, then muttered, “Is the world ending or something?”

  Nathan scoffed and smacked the back of his head. “Idiot. Dad smiles all the time. He says he’s proud of us, too. Don’t make it dramatic.”

  Liam winced, then laughed softly. “Okay, okay. Sorry.”

  “You really exaggerate things,” Nathan said, shaking his head, though there was a faint smile tugging at his lips.

  Side by side, the brothers walked down the hallway, their laughter fading as they disappeared from view.

  Inside the office, Lucero let out a long breath and slowly sat back down in his chair. The room felt quieter now.

  His eyes drifted to the desk, where a simple picture frame rested among piles of paperwork. He picked it up gently.

  It was a photo of two boys standing next to each other, smiling at the camera—one older, one younger.

  Lucero’s grip tightened slightly around the frame.

  As he grows, he thought, he’s acting more and more like you.

  His expression darkened.

  And that’s what scares me…