Chapter 6 - Takashi Mika

“Ah … Finally!” Mika spread her arms wide when she already exited from the terminal area of Shin-Chitose Airport. She looked up and closed her eyes. Not to forget, Mika sucked in as much air as her lungs could accommodate. Seeing Mika’s dramatic behavior, the two boys who were now standing between her could only shake their heads in amazement.

Their flight from Haneda to Shin-chitose will take at least 4 hours. If they had taken economy class, what Mika was doing now would make much more sense. The problem was that the girl had even booked the best class that should be able to minimize her fatigue or muscle stiffness. Certainly, what she was doing right now was simply exaggerated.

“You only flew for 4 hours, but you act like a prisoner who has just been released after being confined in a cell for years.” Yama commented.

Usually, Mika would be annoyed if Yama said that. But this time, it seemed that Mika was feeling good. She just smiled happily like a child. Of course, that smile is what makes Yama overwhelmed to adjust her face color. Yama’s heart was beating fast uncontrollably as he was fascinated by this side of Mika that was rarely exposed.

“Aren’t you getting excited too fast?” Hikaru joined their conversation. Mika shifted her gaze from Yama to Hikaru.

“What do you mean?” Mika cocked her head at Hikaru.

“Don’t we still have to travel overland in about 2 hours to get to Toyako? You’re the one who should know the best about this trip, right?” Hikaru explained what he was saying and Mika just nodded to him.

“So, what are we going to ride?” Now Yama looked around, considering the transportation options they might use.

Shin-Chitose Airport only provides large buses with one destination. Those who don't bring private vehicles usually use this bus to go to Sapporo. If you want to go to another destination, tourists can rent a taxi which of course costs quite a drain. Those who want to cut travel costs can outsmart by taking a bus to Sapporo first and then continue their trip with another bus to the destination city.

“Don't worry, I've asked Uncle Yuuchi to picked up.” Mika checks her cellphone to find out the whereabouts of someone who is said to be picking them up. “Wait a minute, hasn't he arrived yet?”

Before long, a white mini van stopped in front of them. On one side of the car was written the name of an inn which seemed to be Mika's rental inn. The driver lowered the window and there he is. The man who Mika called Uncle Yuuchi.

“Miss, sorry I'm late.” The man who was probably the same age as Hikaru's father lowered his head slightly as a form of regret.

For Hikaru and Yama, it felt strange seeing someone the same age as their father apologize like that. Even though their age was much younger than this middle-aged man named Yuuchi. But for Mika, maybe something like this is normal. She didn't even seem embarrassed at all.

Mika is used to being treated like a princess. She is the youngest lady of the Takashi family. A family that is respected by businessmen all over Japan. This family holds the highest power in the resort and lodging business. Hikaru and Yama are already suspicious, maybe the inn they will stay in for the next 4 days in Toyako is one of the inns belonging to the Mika’s family. If so, that means Mika didn't rent it. That girl certainly has special access to choose any lodging at will without paying.

What a rich girl? Hikaru admired inwardly.

***

That girl sat back on the folding chairs that had been arranged in a row in Minami High School gym. She stared straight at the podium expressionlessly. Sometimes, that girl bit her nails, a sign that she was getting bored with the principal's speech that was now echoing in the school gym. Saturated staring at the podium, that girl began to sweep her gaze around, observing the other students with uninterested looking.

Hikaru and that girl exchanged glances inadvertently. The friendly Hikaru subconsciously smiled at that girl. But, instead of the kindness Hikaru received in return, he received a sneer. Of course Hikaru was surprised by the response he received. It's really weird. Usually the other girls would smile back or even scream hysterically if Hikaru did that.

“Hmm, interesting girl.” Hikaru spoke softly.

“Which girl?” Yama whispered to Hikaru who was sitting right beside him.

“That, at 11 o’clock.” Hikaru made a gesture. Yama turned his head in his direction and found a girl who was still busy observing the surrounding situation to kill her boredom.

That's when Yama felt a strange feeling in his chest. His heart was beating faster than usual. He couldn't take his eyes off the shoulder-length haired girl. The sound of the tedious speech could no longer be heard. Yama seemed to have been thrown into another dimension, where only he and that girl were there.

“Hey, are you daydreaming?” Hikaru touched Yama's arm who seemed absorbed in his world.

“E-eh? Why?” Yama turned her gaze to Hikaru while stammering.

“You like her, right? That girl ….” Hikaru raised his eyebrows, as if teasing Yama whose face had now turned red as a boiled crab.

“Of course not. That's … impossible.” Yama shook his head hard.

“Why is it impossible? You're quite handsome. Yeah, although not as handsome as me.” Hikaru rubbed his chin with the intention of boasting. “Ah! Is it because she looks creepy, huh? Looks like the type of girl that's hard to beat.” Hikaru crossed his arms across his chest while staring at the back of that girl with the stern face.

“That's not it. You don't really know who that girl really is?” Yama looked astonished.

“Of course. I don't know her.” Hikaru replied casually.

“You grew up in Japan, right? How can you not know her? I'll tell you … she's Takashi Mika.” Yama explained excitedly, as if a flash of fire was emitting from his eyes.

“Mika … who? Artist? Or Idol? Ah, I really don’t have interest in such a thing.” Hikaru shrugged his shoulders.

“Eh? You really don't know her? You punk! She is the youngest lady of the Takashi family. Families rule the lodging business in this country,” said Yama in awe.

Hikaru who was initially not enthusiastic suddenly straightened his body, then he looked once more at the grumpy-faced girl whom he now knew was from the Takashi surname. Feeling amazed and in disbelief at how special that girl's background is.

“Wow? His family is that great? No wonder his arrogant attitude and gaze are really intimidating.”

“That's why I said it’s impossible for me to … ah forget it.”

Now Hikaru responded with a nod, a sign that he now understood what Yama was saying.

“So, you could say that girl is heir to the throne of her family's business empire, huh? What a wonderful life.” Once again, Hikaru felt amazed at how rich that girl's family was.

“Not really. Since she's the second child, maybe the throne will fall to his older brother.” Yama was guessing. “Yeah, just my guess. But usually, boys are always given a mandate and are more trusted to run the family business. Right?”

“Hmm, he has an older brother? Then I agree with you. Boys are more expected.” Hikaru spoke to Yama, but his words just now seemed like he was aimed at himself. “Don’t know why, but I'm sure she's a good girl. She may look harsh, but I feel like that is not her true nature. You know, just a kind of self-defense.” Hikaru tried to analyze.

“How do you know? You don't even know her.” Yama seemed amazed by what Hikaru said.

“I'm quite sensitive about reading other people's personalities. The proof is I correct about you? Even though, you're too predictable." Hikaru chuckled. “But believe me, that Miss Takashi must be acting arrogantly just made up. I don't know why, but I'm pretty sure about that." Hikaru explained confidently.

"Hopefully you're right." Unconsciously, there was hope in Yama's tone.

“If you like that young lady, I will support you. Don't be too closed off yourself. Make her aware of your attention." Hikaru gave full encouragement to his new friend.

***

As fate would have it. Yama, Hikaru and Mika entered the same class, even the three of them sat close together. Hikaru was drawn to sit in the very back row near the window class, while Yama sat beside him and Mika got a seat right in front of him.

Initially nothing changed, Mika was still being arrogant. She was reluctant to chat and gossip with other students, causing them to glance timidly at her. Hikaru who doesn't like to see other people alone, often tries to get Mika to talk. But, of course that girl ignored him. Even if she answered, she was reluctant to turn her body to look at Hikaru. As a result, Hikaru only spoke with Mika's back.

The corner of the class where Hikaru, Yama and Mika seemed to be an isolated and untouched by other students. The corner classroom which usually seems gloomy, now seems exclusive because it is inhabited by three beautiful-faced creatures with very strong charisma. Even though Hikaru was quite expressive and often got along with other friends, still no one dared come to his table.

“Sometimes, I feel dizzy as if my energy was sucked in by those three extraordinary people.” One day Toshiki who sat in front of Yama told what he felt while sitting close to Yama, Mika and Hikaru to other students. Those who listened him could only be amazed, even they thought that Toshiki was very strong because he can handle their aura. It’s kinda funny.

Mika, who looks arrogant, actually realizes that Hikaru and Yama are quite respected by other friends. Mika, who didn't like to be approached by other people, felt a little helped by the presence of these two boy around her. Mika even secretly studied their characters by overhearing their conversation several times behind her back.

“Hikaru's mother is a foreigner, right? Wow, she would be very helpful if I could meet and practice my skills in English. I've always wanted to be a diplomat and English is the main requirement.” One day, Yama was chattering and Mika heard it secretly.

Suddenly, Mika turn back and face them, making Hikaru and Yama shocked to death. “You want to be a diplomat? I also.” Mika smiled at Yama. That was the first smile Hikaru and Yama had ever seen from her. Oh, maybe even the first for everyone who saw it at that time.

“E-eh? Yeah ….” Yama stuttered, surprised and fascinated by Mika's smile.

“And your mother is a foreigner? Wow, it's no wonder your hair and eyebrows are brown. So, that's a natural color, huh? I thought you colored it.” This is Mika's longest sentence that Hikaru has ever heard.

“Yeah ….” Hikaru laughed stiffly. A slightly forced laugh because he was also surprised by Mika's attitude suddenly changing like that.

What's the matter with this girl? Hikaru asked himself.

***

[to be continued]