Miki woke up the following day with a light heart. That morning she was determined to tell her parents about the plan she had conjured the night before. She was already expecting their refusal so the young woman tried to come up with arguments to persuade them.
Like any other day, started out by changing into one of her dresses, taking the time to make herself presentable. While brushing out a few tangled locks of hair, she stared at the mirror in front of her. The petite brunette always wondered why despite how good-looking and fair her folks were, she looked too plain and average. Guess I didn't get enough of their good genes.
A few more minutes, she heard one of their maids called, telling her that breakfast was served. The young lady sighed and got out of her room to follow the helper. While walking to the halls, she crossed her fingers and gave a silent prayer that hopefully; Mr. and Mrs. Tsujimoto would grant her request.
When she entered the dining room, the sweet smell of cinnamon roll and warm chocolate was wafting thickly. Everyone in their household knew how much she loved those so she gave the maid escorting her an appreciative smile. She took the seat on the left side of her father, who was sitting at the head of the table.
"Good morning, dear. How was your sleep?" Mrs. Tsujimoto greeted her daughter lovingly. The mistress of the house looked really glorious in her designer clothes and well-maintained hair but the weariness could be traced in her eyes. Ever since they found out about Miki's condition, she hadn't had a well-rested day, always thinking of her child's health.
It could also be seen in Mr. Tsujimoto. The impeccable suit and excellent grooming were not able to mask the stress and worry. He and his wife were no more than 40 but the constant thinking added with their jobs as business people was taking toll on the both of them.
"Good morning too, mother, father. I slept fine. I hope the both of you did too." She responded sweetly. The family started their meal in silence with the youngest waiting for the perfect time to make her announcement. As the tea was being served, Miki cleared her throat to catch her parents' attention.
"Erm, mum, dad, there's something I really want to tell you." Chiriko put down the cup she was holding and looked at her daughter curiously. Kaguro also took a break from reading the morning journal to hear what the young miss had to say.
"I was thinking that since we'll be here in Japan for a while, I figure that it wouldn't hurt if I have a change of scene. I heard the academies here are quite outstanding." Miki stated, fidgeting through the entire statement.
The couple stared at their daughter intently. Their eyes were wide and their faces looked utterly disbelieving at what they heard.
"Sweetheart, you know we couldn't afford to miss any of your check-ups and therapies. If you want we can hire you a very good tutor. You needn't to leave the manor." Chiriko tried to reason.
"Mum, you know how much I dislike being cooped up for a long time. I realized that I've been missing so much. I just, I want to feel normal for once in my life." That was a dirty trick but Miki tried to morph her face into a very pitiful one. "I know you'll tell me otherwise but you must understand that I don't want to live a life full of regrets." She took a deep breath and look down at the plate laid in front of her.
"Miki, your mother and I understand your, erm, qualms but we couldn't take such risks. What we are doing is necessary to make sure you'll be alright. Until we're perfectly certain that you've recovered then you can ask us anything and we will gladly give it. For now, indulge us on this," Kaguro said sternly. However, he couldn't fully give conviction to what he said when his daughter appeared to breaking at any moment.
"Well the question is, am I ever gonna be alright? Dad, I know about my ailment. You and mum keep on hiding it from me but I already figured that there's a pretty good chance that I, I will not make it…"
"Miki-" Mrs. Tsujimoto interjected but was silenced by the young miss right away.
"Mum, please let me finish. I'm very grateful that you are trying very hard to find ways to keep me alive; but, you also have to consider the idea that maybe I'll pass on early. It can happen. Every day people die. Who says, I won't? And if that happens, it will hurt a lot knowing that in my short years, I never got to enjoy life; that I was deprived of things most young people my age are experiencing." The daughter said with misty eyes and quivering lips. She wasn't trying to go that far but all the emotions she tried to keep on track spilled out unwaveringly.
"That's all I'm asking. I'm pretty sure we can create some sort of compromise. Please, dad, mum…"
A long silence followed after. Neither Miki nor her parents spoke. Each party was processing what they just happened until the head of the house stood. Mr. Tsujimoto's face was unreadable but in a few heartbeats, his features softened. He seemed defeated however; the look of understanding was heavily etched on him. He warmly embraced his daughter and was soon followed by his wife. If there was one policy the Tsujimoto clan was honoring, it was 'putting the family first before anything else.'
The young woman was surprised at the gesture; she stiffened a bit at first but began to relax right away. Her old man and woman were not always showy when it came down to affection but when they do, Miki never felt more loved and cherished.
"If that is what you really wanted, sweetheart, then I guess it can't be helped. Your happiness is more important. But you have to promise me and your mother that you will help yourself get better. We don't want to lose you. None of these," he gave an open-palm wave for emphasis "matters to us. You are our treasure. And don't think you won't make it. I know you will." The father said gently.
Miki nodded enthusiastically. She felt a new surge of excitement filling her. But most importantly, her heart flutters with more love being enclosed by the warmth of her parents.
After parting for a little, Kaguro eyed his wife conspiratorially. "Darling, do you mind making a phone call for me? I think we may need to go on a short stroll this afternoon."
"No, of course not. But why?"
"I believe we haven't seen our friend, Pres. Suoh in a long time." Kaguro smiled at his family.
A/N: Sorry guys, another cliffhanger plus no meeting with the host club yet. I'm really having doubts if I'm still gonna continue this fanfic. Let me know if you still want me to work on it. And if you would be so kind as to add some reviews, I would very much appreciate it. Thank you so much!
