As we walked down the hallway toward where her parents were, I could feel a shift in Kaori's posture. Her shoulders were tense, and though she tried to show determination, it was clear this encounter wasn't easy for her.
With every step we took, my chest felt tighter. I didn't know much about Kaori's history with her family, but what little I did know was enough to understand their relationship wasn't the best.
When we stopped in front of them, her mother was the first to notice us. Her eyes landed on Kaori with a flicker of surprise, but within a second her expression hardened—cold and calculating.
—So, you decided to come after all —she said, her voice soft but laced with implicit judgment.
Her father turned away from his conversation and looked at Kaori with an unreadable expression. He didn't speak right away, simply studied her as if trying to decipher something.
The only one who seemed uncomfortable was Kaori's sister. Her eyes moved between us with uncertainty, as if unsure how to react.
Kaori, showing no sign of weakness, gave a slight nod as a gesture of respect.
—I couldn't miss such an important moment for my sister —she replied calmly, her tone firm.
That's when her mother's gaze shifted toward me. A chill ran down my spine at the way she examined me—not with hostility, but certainly not with kindness either.
—And this young man is…? —she asked with feigned curiosity.
Kaori didn't hesitate for a second.
—This is Leo. He's very important to me.
An awkward silence filled the air. Kaori's father looked at me seriously, expressionless, while her mother raised an eyebrow slightly.
—Someone important? —her mother repeated, her tone almost challenging.
The tension was almost tangible. I swallowed hard but held my ground.
—It's a pleasure to meet you —I said respectfully, giving a slight bow.
Her mother smiled, but it wasn't a warm smile—it felt more like a gesture of empty politeness.
—Such proper manners —she commented—. Although I would've appreciated it if you had informed us ahead of time that you'd be bringing company, Kaori.
—I didn't think it was necessary —Kaori answered without hesitation.
Kaori's sister, who had remained silent until now, stepped in.
—It's nice to meet you, Leo —she said softly, but sincerely.
I returned her smile, grateful that at least one member of the family seemed a bit more open.
Kaori's father, who hadn't said a word until then, finally spoke.
—Since you're already here, take a seat. The ceremony is about to begin.
His tone was commanding, more used to giving orders than having conversations.
Kaori and I exchanged a brief glance before nodding. I knew this was just the beginning, and the real challenge would come after the graduation—when I would truly have to face her parents.
Still, I was determined to stand by her side, no matter what.
Under Watchful Eyes
As Kaori's family and I made our way to our seats for the ceremony, I couldn't help but notice how many people were staring at us. At first, I thought it was just my imagination, but after making eye contact with a few of them, I knew it wasn't.
Soft whispers spread among the crowd. Some looked at me with curiosity, others with surprise—and a few with clear disapproval. Despite trying to stay calm, being the center of attention made me deeply uncomfortable.
To make matters worse, every time I glanced toward Kaori's parents, I noticed they were also watching me out of the corner of their eyes. Her mother especially had a cold, calculating expression, as if evaluating me with every step I took. Her father, while more discreet, wasn't much more welcoming.
Just as I was about to get overwhelmed by the tension, I felt something warm wrap around my hand. It was Kaori.
—Remember what I told you —she whispered with a smile.
Her touch and her words helped me regain some composure. I wasn't alone in this.
Still holding my hand, Kaori walked with ease, unfazed by the stares. But as we walked hand in hand, the atmosphere seemed to shift. The whispers grew louder, and some stares became even more intense.
Even Kaori's mother, who had maintained a neutral expression until then, looked at us with a flicker of displeasure in her eyes. Meanwhile, her sister, who had stayed silent, gave us a polite nod before heading off to sit with her friends.
It didn't take long for me to notice something else—Kaori's sister's classmates were also watching me. Some looked surprised, others whispered among themselves as if trying to figure out who I was and what I was doing there.
The weight of so many eyes made me more nervous than I expected. Just as I was about to let out a sigh of frustration, Kaori leaned in and whispered playfully:
—Well, looks like you're the center of attention.
Her light, relaxed tone contrasted with my discomfort, making me sigh and smile slightly.
—Yeah, thanks for the reminder —I replied sarcastically.
Kaori simply smiled more and gave my hand a gentle squeeze. Her carefree attitude helped calm me. If she wasn't bothered by the attention, then neither should I be.
We sat down just behind her parents. From there, we had a perfect view of the stage where the ceremony would take place.
As I tried to focus on the event, I could feel Kaori's mother glancing at us again. Her expression remained cold, like she was analyzing my every move.
That's when I realized this day wasn't just about Kaori's sister's graduation. It was also a test for me. And while I didn't know what the rest of the day would bring, I knew it wouldn't be easy.
Keeping Composure
The event began with a thunderous round of applause from the audience. The students who were about to graduate walked onto the stage with pride—some beaming, others more serious—but all sharing a sense of accomplishment.
The school's principal took the microphone and began his speech, congratulating the students on their hard work and dedication. He spoke about the challenges they had overcome, the opportunities that lay ahead, and the importance of continuing to strive in life.
Everything seemed to be going smoothly, but as the speech continued, I found it harder to focus. I kept glancing around—and what I saw only made me more uneasy.
Several people were still watching me. Some parents murmured among themselves when they looked my way, as if trying to figure out who I was and why I was there. I even noticed a few young teachers near the principal eyeing me with some interest, exchanging small smiles and quiet comments.
I tried to ignore it, but the feeling of being scrutinized from all directions was unbearable.
"This is nothing," I told myself.
If I'd endured intense training, pushed my body to the limit, and overcome physical pain—then this couldn't break me. This was just another endurance test, a mental one where I had to stay strong.
I repeated those words like a mantra, forcing myself to relax and not let the discomfort take over.
Then, I felt movement beside me.
Kaori, noticing my tension, slipped her arm through mine and held it gently. Her warm touch and the natural way she leaned into me made all the pressure disappear for a moment.
I turned my head slightly to look at her. She didn't say anything, but her calm expression and gentle smile said it all: "You don't need to worry."
Relief washed over me, as if all the tension had suddenly melted away. I took a deep breath, straightened my back, and relaxed my shoulders.
With a more serious and focused gaze, I returned my attention to the principal's speech and the teachers on stage.
The stares and whispers didn't matter anymore.
What mattered was that I was here—next to Kaori—and I had no intention of letting anything ruin that moment.
An Unexpected Moment
When the speeches ended, everyone stood to bow and applaud. The solemnity of the event shifted to a more relaxed atmosphere as the principal spoke again.
—Enjoy the graduation festival! —he announced enthusiastically.
The now officially graduated students scattered among their families—some running with excitement, others approaching with tears of joy. I watched as Kaori's sister rushed into her parents' arms, smiling with a mix of pride and relief.
Kaori, on the other hand, didn't move. She kept her serious expression and, without turning to look at them, murmured:
—Let's go. I've fulfilled my obligation here.
I turned with her, ready to leave as quickly as possible, but then a voice stopped us.
—Don't go just yet!
We both froze, and when we turned around, I saw it was Kaori's sister who had spoken. She approached with a look that was somewhere between joy and sadness.
—Would you like to come to a small family meal? —she asked in a hopeful tone.
Kaori frowned slightly and opened her mouth to respond, but couldn't finish her sentence. At that moment, her sister threw herself into her arms and hugged her tightly.
—Please —she whispered—. I just want to spend some time with you.
I watched the scene in silence. From the corner of my eye, I saw Kaori's parents, who were still talking with others, but couldn't stop glancing at us. This time, though, their expressions weren't full of judgment or disapproval. There was something else… curiosity? Uncertainty?
Kaori remained stiff in the hug for a moment. Her hands trembled slightly before she raised them and returned her sister's embrace.
—I'd love to —she whispered with a shaky voice—, but you know how things are between me and our parents…
Her sister pulled back just enough to look her in the eye, though she didn't let go completely.
—That doesn't matter right now. I just want you to come. Just this once…
Kaori glanced at her parents. Although still serious, they no longer seemed so distant. There was something different in their expressions. Maybe, just maybe, they were willing to try.
After a few seconds of hesitation, Kaori sighed and finally nodded.
—Alright…
Her sister smiled with joy and suddenly turned toward me.
—Leo… or should I say, Brother Leo! —she exclaimed with a big smile—. You come too!
My heart skipped a beat. "Brother"? Did she really just call me that?
I tried to keep my composure, but her words caught me completely off guard. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves, and replied with a slight smile.
—Of course, I'll come with you.
In that moment, I understood. It wasn't just an invitation to a family meal. It was acceptance. Somehow, I had become part of something bigger.
A new beginning.
Kaori gave me a nervous smile after hearing her sister.
—Hehe… Looks like you're officially part of the family now —she joked playfully.
Her words made me strangely happy. Not just because of what they meant, but because she said them so naturally—something she didn't use to do. Kaori took my hand and, with confident steps, we began walking toward her parents.
Despite her apparent confidence, I could feel the tension in her grip. As for me, I stood tall, showing both respect and confidence. As we walked, I noticed some people still watching us. I heard whispers among the crowd.
—A local girl and a foreigner… This is something new.
Far from feeling uncomfortable, their words actually gave me some comfort. Maybe it wasn't so strange after all.
When we finally reached her parents, I noticed their eyes immediately went to our intertwined hands. Both of them sighed at nearly the same time, as if bracing themselves to accept something inevitable.
Kaori's father broke the silence.
—The car is ready. Shall we go?
—Yes —her sister responded right away, enthusiastically.
—Alright —her mother said. Her tone was still cold, but not as sharp as before.
Kaori, on the other hand, simply replied with a short, emotionless "yes."
Then, her father looked directly at me.
—Leo, are you ready?
His gaze was serious, studying me closely. I didn't want to seem unsure or hesitant in front of him, so with a calm expression, I answered in fluent Japanese:
—はい,準備できています (Hai, junbi dekiteimasu).
The atmosphere shifted instantly. Her father raised his eyebrows slightly, surprised by my clear and natural pronunciation. Not only him, but a few people nearby also looked at us with astonishment. Even Kaori turned to me with curiosity.
Without saying anything else, we started walking toward the parking lot. When we reached the car, I stepped ahead to open the door for Kaori and her sister.
—After you —I said politely.
Kaori's sister looked at me with bright eyes and let out a "Wow!" before smiling broadly.
—Brother Leo, I didn't know you were that kind of person.
Confused, I scratched the back of my neck nervously.
—What kind of person? —I asked with a shy laugh.
—You know, like the gentlemanly guys in movies.
Kaori glanced at me sideways but said nothing. She just gave a faint smile before getting into the car. I settled into my seat as well, near the window.
As soon as I sat down, I felt a light weight on my shoulder. It was Kaori, who had rested her head on me without a word. I stayed still for a moment, then relaxed.
That's when her mother's voice echoed inside the car.
—Are you ready?
—Yes —Kaori and her sister replied in unison.
There was a brief silence before her mother directed the same question at me, this time in a still-cold tone.
—And you, Leo?
I looked at her calmly and replied firmly.
—Yes, I'm ready.
The car started, and with it, I felt like I was entering completely unfamiliar territory. Was this the beginning of something new with Kaori's family? I didn't know, but for the first time, I wasn't afraid to find out.