Aizawa Part 1
8 Months Later…
A woman with shoulder-length brown hair sniffed as she slowly pushes the large wheels of her wheelchair through the crowded streets of Hachioji. The woman had no idea where she will go next and the only thing she had with her are the white shirt, blue jeans and a single black shoe she wore, the phone and wallet in her pockets, and the large sports bag she placed on her lap.
The woman took a hard gulp and wiped away the fresh tears that were forming in her tearstained eyes as she bitterly remembered what happened early this morning.
"GET LOST! You are no longer welcomed in our household ANYMORE!"
"You're not my daughter! You are a witch!"
"Go away, skank. You are nothing to me."
The woman stops at the middle of the pavement for a moment to shut her eyes and try to repress the horrible memory that came into her mind. Those were the exact scornful words said by her parents and brother after her father shoved her sports bag right at her face upon stepping out of the prison, which made her realize the dark reality that she is now in. She had no family or home to return to.
After barely regaining her composure, the woman looks back up and continues rolling her way to Hachioji Station. When she arrived there, she bought herself a ticket and hop on a rapid service train through the Chuo Line.
As she sat quietly at a far corner inside the train, riding on a seemingly aimless trip into the special wards of Tokyo, the woman contemplate to herself. Now that her family has disowned her, where will she go from here? Although she is finally freed from prison, she now holds a criminal record for the rest of her life. Who in the world would ever want to accept a person who has committed trespassing and theft of government property? Who can she turn to now? Her friends? No. Forget about it. Her ex-boyfriend turned out to be a monster, and Chihiro now distrusts her after what she had done to her. Is there anybody else she can think of? She has no grandparents, aunts, uncles or cousins. She couldn't remember anyone from her school years mainly because she only ever cared about herself and acted hostile towards everyone around her. She literally has no one left she can depend on.
What will she do now to get by? Find a new home to live in? With the amount of money her parents had given in, the best she can afford is probably some small and rundown apartment in the dark corners of Tokyo. And after what she had experienced in prison, the woman certainly doesn't want to live in that kind of environment again. How will she get more money then? Get a job? Now that she bears a criminal record, it can take months and even years to finally find a workplace that is willing to accept her. Not to mention, at her pitiful state, what job can she possibly perform?
As the woman looks down at the amputated part of her left leg where her foot was once there, tears once again flood in her eyes. She places her hands in front of them as she began to sob and whimper. She is completely alone, helpless and disabled, and all of this was her own fault. She had taken everything she had in the past for granted, and now it is time for her to face the harsh punishment for her actions.
There is absolutely nothing she can do about it.
When she felt that her bag had fallen off from her lap, the woman removes her hands to see it lying on the floor. After wiping away the tears from her eyes, the woman leans forward and uses every ounce of strength she had to pick up the bag. When she placed the bag back on her lap, the woman's eyes widen when she notices something through the small open area that was left unzipped at the side. It was the hard cover of a book, and as she narrows her eyes, she managed to make out the word 'Pearl' on it.
She proceeds to unzip the bag to reveal what it actually says. The full title of the book reads 'The Pearl by John Steinbeck'. Looking down on the book made the woman gasp as a strong memory came flooding back inside her head. She took the book out and flips open the cover to reveal a folded letter that she still kept inside it for the last two years. As she picks up the letter and places the book back inside her bag, she unfolds it to read the message written inside it.
'Sometimes life hits you hard with a brick, but don't ever lose faith. Always stay strong and positive, and find the power to forgive yourself. I hope we'll see each other again someday.
Yukari Yukino.'
"Yukino…" The woman managed to choke out as she stares at the letter for a seemingly long period of time.
When she puts away the letter back into her bag, the woman looks up at the train map displayed above the nearest pair of doors. She immediately sees a familiar name where she had spent most of youth at.
"Shinjuku…" She uttered.
When the train arrived at Shinjuku Station nearly five hours later, the woman took a gulp before the doors finally opened. She began pushing the wheels of her wheelchair and makes her way out of the station and towards her planned destination.
As Yukari stood behind the desk, Takao and the rest of the class get up from their seats and bow down.
"Good afternoon, Yukino-sensei." Everyone greeted her.
"Good afternoon everyone. Take your seats." Yukari replied. After the students sat back down, Yukari places her hands on the desk and said, "Now then, I heard from Kobayashi-san that he had handed you all your future career survey papers, am I right?"
Most of the students groan in response, causing Yukari to laugh cheerfully. "Don't worry guys. I'm sure all of you will eventually know how to answer your survey papers. Fortunately for me though, I was able to find what I want to do later in life during my time in high school."
Satou raises her hand and Yukari nodded to her. The student lowers her hand and asked, "So what made you want to become a teacher, Yukino-sensei?"
Yukari backs away from her desk and stood up straight. "Well, I realized that I wanted to become one through the lessons I had with my own literature teacher back in my high school. She was kind, helpful and genuinely passionate about her work. Watching her made me realize that I too want to encourage and aspire others to become better people in society. She was my main inspiration, and it's because of her, I discovered within myself that I would love to become a teacher. My point is that you have to find what you love. Even if you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Because following what you love is what helps us to keep moving forward in life. Am I right?"
Takao smiles at her and nods his head along with the other students in class. "Hai." He said softly.
Yukari places her hands together and said to her class, "Now then, shall we begin today's lesson?"
When the final school bell rang, the students bid farewell to Miss Yukino before stepping out of the classroom and make their way out of the school. Takao, Matsumoto and Satou on the other hand went along with Yukari as they leave the classroom and walk down the school hallways together. They meet up with Taiga as they walk past the staffroom and the five make their way out of the school. When they step out of the main building, Matsumoto and Satou wave goodbye to the others.
"See you tomorrow!" Matsumoto said to Takao, Yukari and Taiga.
"And study hard for the midterms and finals, Akizuki!" Satou smirked at Takao as she holds up a clenched fist.
"I will." Takao smiles back at Satou while giving her a solemn nod. He and the teachers watch Matsumoto and Satou turn around and begin conversing with each other as they walk their way out through the school gates.
"Now then, shall we head out to our favorite restaurant before our tuition?" Yukari asked Takao and Taiga.
"Sure thing." Takao replied. "Even a tiger got to eat before teaching a cub."
"Not funny!" Taiga snapped at him, causing Takao to laugh and Yukari to pout at him.
The woman stops at the middle of the pavement and turns her head to the building at the other side of the road. It is Shinjuku High, her former high school. The woman is instantly filled with guilt and regret as she gazed upon the familiar building from her past. She vividly remembers many moments she made inside there, such as meeting her first crush and becoming friends with Chihiro for the first time. Back then, she didn't enjoy feeling trapped inside the building like a prisoner. But looking back now, staying there was like paradise compared to living at home. While her parents and brother are always cold towards her, the few friends she was able to make there on the other hand were at her side to comfort her. And even still, she treated them for granted and never did anything to repay them for the kindness they had shown to her.
As the students step out through the school gates, the woman spotted three girls laughing over their conversation as they turn and walk down the pavement. The woman pursed her lips as she relived the memory of her and Chihiro leaving the school in the same manner, except she would make her friend carry her bag for her while she is busy twirling her hair as she often does.
The woman lowers her head in remorse. How she wish she could go back in time and do the opposite, not treating the people who are willing to be her friends as tools, and never got herself into a relationship with the man who destroyed her life.
If only she could start over. If only she had anyone left who is willing to help her.
"Aizawa?"
The woman gasped upon hearing the voice. She looks up and to her shock, she sees a familiar woman with dark brown hair, dressed in a pink suit and dark grey pants, standing at the entrance of her former school along with two other people.
"Yukino…" Aizawa uttered as she immediately felt a strong sense of shame upon seeing the woman whom she had brought pain and misery upon.
As a huge smile appears on her face, Yukari looks around to make sure there aren't any oncoming vehicles before she rushes over to the other side of the road, leaving Takao and Taiga standing at the school's entrance in confusion.
Aizawa tried to turn and roll away, but she was quickly stopped when Yukari reached her and firmly places her hands on the handles of her wheelchair. Yukari smiled tenderly at her former student as she goes over to her side and kneels down to her level.
"It's a pleasure to see you again, Aizawa. I didn't know you would come out of prison so soon." Yukari said softly to her. But her smile faded when she looks down and discovered that her left foot is missing. Yukari frowned as she remembers what her former boyfriend did to her. She looks back up at Aizawa and smiled again as she gently strokes her hair.
"I'm sure you must be hungry after staying in prison for so long. Why don't you join us for dinner?" Yukari asked. Aizawa simply nods her head in response, not looking at her former teacher as she still felt a sense of pained remorse inside her.
Yukari stood up, grabs the handles of her wheelchair and pushes her over to the other side of the road to regroup with Takao and Taiga.
"Akizuki, Taiga, I want you to meet Shouko Aizawa, a former student of mine." Yukari said as she placed Aizawa in front of them.
"Konnichiwa, Aizawa-san!" Taiga greeted Aizawa with a grin.
"Nice to meet you, Aizawa." Takao said as he bows to her.
"She'll be coming along with us. I asked her to join us for dinner which she agreed." Yukari said to them.
"That's great! I would love to know more about you!" Taiga said to Aizawa enthusiastically. "And I'm sure you're gonna love the food we'll be eating tonight!"
Yukari, Takao, Taiga and Aizawa later arrive at their usual spot in Tai Feng's restaurant. When Tai Feng noticed Yukari pushing Aizawa over, he removes a chair to allow the teacher to place her former student behind the table.
"Arigatou." Yukari thanked Tai Feng.
"Bie ke qi." Tai Feng smiled at her before looking at Aizawa. "Nice to see a new face here. Is she a friend of yours?"
"Well…" Aizawa tried to respond but Yukari quickly interrupted her.
"Yes, she is." Yukari said to Tai Feng as she sat down on her own chair, causing Aizawa to stare blankly at her.
"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you then. My name is Lin Tai Feng." Tai Feng introduced himself to Aizawa as he places his hands on the sides of his hip.
Aizawa turns back to him and nods her head. "H-hi, I'm S-Shouko Aizawa." She replied softly.
"We hope you will enjoy our food, Aizawa-san." Tai Feng smiled at her. After Takao and Taiga sat down at the table, the four look at their menus and give Tai Feng their orders before he heads to the kitchen.
About fifteen minutes later, Tai Feng returned to them as he carries a tray of food they have ordered and place them on the table.
"Enjoy your dinner, everyone." Tai Feng said to the four.
"Arigatou!" Taiga said to him gratefully. Tai Feng gave her a nod before he turns around and returns to the kitchen.
Everyone at the table look down at their food and Takao, Taiga and Yukari place their hands together. "Itadakimasu!" They cheered.
Shortly after, Aizawa also place her hands together and bows her head. "Itadakimasu." She said softly.
As everyone began eating their food, Aizawa picks up her spoon, scoop some soup and pours it into her rice. She scoops up some rice and proceeds to eat it. And a moment later, Aizawa began gorging on her rice.
Takao, Taiga and Yukari stop for a moment to watch Aizawa eating the food before her in such high speed. She finished eating her bowl of rice within less than a minute, and she proceeds to grab her bowl of youtiao afterwards.
"My, she sure has a big appetite." Taiga commented, looking rather amused as she watches Aizawa chows down on her youtiao.
"She has been in prison for nearly two years after all." Takao whispered to her.
Aizawa places her bowl down when she suddenly felt pain inside her body. As she pounds on her chest repeatedly, Yukari quickly grabs Aizawa's cup of water and holds it in front to her. Aizawa grabs the cup from her and gulps down her water. She places her empty cup down on the table and lets out a heavy sigh.
"I know you enjoy the food but you should really slow down, Aizawa." Yukari said to her.
Suddenly, Aizawa sniffed as tears began to form in her eyes. "Eating all t-this food…m-makes me regret…how much t-time…I've wasted in prison…a-and at school…" She whimpered.
"Aizawa…" Yukari uttered as her eyes softened.
Even after Aizawa wipes away the tears in her eyes, fresh new ones immediately form and took their place. "While I w-was in prison…I s-spent every day and night…r-r-reflecting over w-what I've done…And every now and then…I h-had nightmares over what…what happened that day…how he t-tortured me…and turn my life…into hell…I eventually told the prison doctors to p-please amputate my foot…as staring at it…only made me sick…I-If only…if only I hadn't…g-g-gotten angry that day…l-listened to you…and d-didn't got you f-f-fired…" Aizawa bites down on her lower lip as she is unable to hold back her tears any longer. "I still would be able to sleep warmly every night…"
Yukari, Takao and Taiga gasp when Aizawa suddenly slams her forehead against the table and began to sob uncontrollably.
"Aizawa!" Yukari cried as she grabs her former student's shoulders and pull her up. "Get a hold of yourself!" Aizawa abruptly wraps her arms around Yukari and wails as she cried onto her left shoulder.
"If only I had listened to you, none of this would ever happen to me!" Aizawa bawled unhappily as her tears spilled onto Yukari's suit. Yukari wraps her arms around her and pulls her into a tight embrace.
"It's okay Aizawa. Everything is going to be fine." Yukari reassured.
"No! No it's not! After what I've done…everything that I've lost…I can never get them back! Life will never be the same for me again!" Aizawa cried in inconsolable grief.
"Hey, come on Aizawa! Please, don't cry! Especially not in public!" Taiga tried her best to console the grieving woman, but to no avail.
"Yes Aizawa! Please listen to Yukino-sensei!" Takao added, although he is equally unsure as Taiga on how to calm her down.
"Aizawa please…" Yukari said as she rubs her back. But her pleas fell into deaf ears as Aizawa continues sobbing.
"Hey, is there someone crying in our restaurant?"
Everyone present at the table except Aizawa could hear Lenalee's voice. They turn their heads to see her and Tai Feng rush over to their table. As they stood beside them, Lenalee looks down at Aizawa, who continued crying onto Yukari's shoulder, and said calmly to her, "Ma'am, I'm sure you're feeling a lot of pain and sorrow right now because of something terrible that had happened to you, but please don't cry. How about I sing for you a song that my brother used to do whenever I feel down?"
Lenalee stands up and clears her throat before she sings calmly with a tender smile on her face.
dào tiān míng bù gǎn qù shuì
dān xīn nǐ hàn liú jiá bèi
kàn zhù nǐ kě ài dào liú lèi
wàng jì le zì jǐ pí bèi
As Lenalee continues singing, Yukari could hear Aizawa's sobs beginning to tone down although she continues to tremble. Yukari sighs as she continues to rub her back to comfort her.
bǎo bèi bǎo bèi ài nǐ yī bèi
bù qiú nǐ yǒu shěn me zuò wèi
jiàn kāng kuài lè gěi nǐ zāi péi
zhǐ quí nǐ wèn xīn wú kuì
As she listens to Lenalee's song, Aizawa finally manages to suppress her weeping. She pursed her lips and shuts her eyes, allowing her tears to trickle down her cheeks.
jiāng jiāo ér bào zài huái xīn suān nán le
wèi niáng wǒ yǒu huà duì nǐ yún
Both Taiga and Takao sigh in relief as they stare at Aizawa who has finally quiet down. Yukari rests her chin on Aizawa's head and closes her eyes as she held Aizawa in her warm embrace.
bǎo bèi bǎo bèi zǒu chū bǎo lěi
nǐ yào zì jǐ xiǎo xīn fáng bèi
When they finished eating their dinner, Yukari, Takao and Taiga thank Lenalee and Tai Feng for their help before leaving the restaurant with Aizawa.
"Thank you for the dinner, Yukino-san." Aizawa said to her dully as they step out.
"You're welcome." Yukari smiled at her as she clasps the handles of her wheelchair. "How about we'll go along with you on your way home?"
"But you don't understand. My family doesn't want me anymore. I don't have a home to go back to." Aizawa said hoarsely. Yukari sighs inwardly as she stares back at her. Although Aizawa was never the brightest student in school, Yukari doesn't believe that even she deserves a terrible fate like this.
"Well, if that's the case, how about I let you stay with me?" Taiga said to Aizawa who widens her eyes as she turns to her. "I have a spare room in my apartment which I can lend it to you."
"No. Fujimura-san, please. There's no need for you to do that." Aizawa said worriedly to her.
"Oh come on! It's okay!" Taiga places her hand on Aizawa's shoulder and gave the girl a cheerful grin. "I'll never hesitate to help someone who is in a desperate need for help."
"Go on, Aizawa. You can trust her." Yukari said. Aizawa turns to her former teacher who gave her a warm smile. Aizawa stares wordlessly at her for a moment before looking back at Taiga.
"Alright." She said softly as she nods her head.
When the four arrived at Shinjuku Station, Taiga waves goodbye to Yukari and Takao as she goes on her separate way while bringing Aizawa along with her. Yukari and Takao wave back at her and watch her depart along with Aizawa before they go the opposite direction and head into their own train to Yukari's apartment.
While sitting beside together in the train, Yukari explains to Takao, "Shouko Aizawa is a former student of mine, and also one of the most stubborn I ever had to deal with. And from what I've heard from her, she never got along with her parents and brother, and she would constantly have arguments with them. During her second year, she got into a relationship with an older male student whom I do not trust. So I told her to stay away from him as I felt he is a bad influence on her already unhealthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, when she told him about this, they came up with a plan together to destroy my reputation as a teacher, which eventually led me to quit."
Takao gasped in shock. "She was the one who got you out?"
Yukari nods her head. "I fell into depression afterwards and left Tokyo for the next three years. While I was working in another job, Aizawa and her best friend Chihiro, another former student of mine, realized that her former boyfriend is planning to commit a heist together. Being the naïve girl at the time, Aizawa willingly helped him, as well as Chihiro. Although they managed to pull off the heist successfully, Chihiro was left behind to get arrested by the police, allowing Aizawa and her former boyfriend to escape. Aizawa became furious with him for sacrificing her best friend, but that is where things turn for the worst for her. Her former boyfriend responded by knocking her out, tying her to a chair and torturing her, starting by using a drill to penetrate a hole through her left foot."
Takao widens his eyes and gapes his mouth open in horror. "So that's why-" He uttered and cuts himself short. "That is awful."
"Her former boyfriend continued torturing her, and lashing out all of his anger on her. But thankfully, they were found by the police in time. If they hadn't reached them sooner, Aizawa would have died from her injuries and the severe loss of blood. Both Aizawa and her former boyfriend were arrested for the heist, but of course she had a shorter sentence due to her condition, and was even released early for her good behavior in prison. But clearly even after her time there, she still never fully recovered from her mental scars." Yukari said.
Takao looks down at the floor and lets out a heavy sigh. "People who lack wisdom usually learn their lesson the hard way." He said.
"Indeed." Yukari agreed. Until they have reached their destination, the two continue sitting at their seats in pained silence.
After setting her down gently on her brother's bed, Taiga places the sheets over Aizawa.
"There you go. Feeling comfortable?" Taiga asked. Aizawa responded with a slight nod. Taiga chuckled as she gave a gentle pat on her right shoulder. She gestures to the cup of water placed on the drawer beside the bed. "Of course there's water right next to you. If you run out of them, feel free to call out to me for more."
"Okay." Aizawa replied before looking around the room. Although the table, chair and wardrobe are still placed where they are and remain perfectly intact, they are completely devoid of any items on or inside them. "This room used to belong to your brother?"
"Hai. We used to live together but he has since moved out. Now I have this whole place to myself." Taiga tittered.
"Do you and your brother get along well?" Aizawa asked.
"Yes, we do. Of course we still had our arguments with each other, acting like we are an old couple…" Taiga giggled at her joke. "But we still get along at the end of the day, because we're still family."
Aizawa sighs disappointingly. "I wish I could get along with my own brother."
Taiga smiled at her as she rubs Aizawa's hands placed above the sheets. "Hey, why don't you tell me everything about your family tomorrow morning, eh?" She asked.
"Sure." Aizawa replied.
"Goodnight Aizawa-san." Taiga said.
"Goodnight." Aizawa responded before Taiga turns around and heads to the doorway. But Aizawa spoke up again, causing her to stop. "And Fujimura-san?"
"Yes?" Taiga asked as she turns back to her.
"Thank you for your hospitality." Aizawa said as her eyes softened.
Taiga smiled warmly at her again and replied, "You're welcome."
With that, she turns around and closes the door behind her, and everything in the room went dark.
Taiga woke up early in the morning to prepare breakfast for Aizawa and herself. Afterwards, she woke Aizawa up, helped place her on her wheelchair and push her over to the dining table. As they eat their breakfast, Aizawa admits to Taiga about her family, telling her that her father had an affair with her biological mother when she was little. They broke up and her father remarried with another woman who became her stepmother. Her father, stepmother and even her brother were always cold towards her, mainly because she was the one who reveal to her former mother about the affair which led to the divorce. The only time her father and stepmother ever helped her was when she showed them the video she uploaded onto the Internet that damaged Yukari's image and reputation as a teacher, and it was them who pressured the school to fire her. But the pleasure she derived from all of it was short-lived as after Yukari left, the relations between Aizawa and her parents quickly turn sour again. Aizawa apologized to Taiga for what she did to her friend. To her surprise, Taiga easily forgives her as she felt it is best to not often dwell on what happened in the past, especially since Yukari is now back in Shinjuku High.
After breakfast, Taiga goes to work while Aizawa stayed at her home. Later at school, Taiga and Yukari discuss over what they should do for Aizawa. Yukari eventually came to the idea that because her former student couldn't get over her traumatic past after her amputation, she decided that it would be best if they can get a prosthetic foot to replace what she lost, to which Taiga agreed. They went to the principal's office to request for a day off so that they can spend more time with Aizawa tomorrow.
The following day, Yukari and Taiga took Aizawa to a hospital which has a large store that sells wheelchairs, crutches, prosthetic limbs and other devices for disabled people. A nurse who runs the store assists them by measuring Aizawa's amputated limb. Fifteen minutes later, the nurse returns to them after finding the perfect prosthetic foot to fit into Aizawa's limb.
Aizawa tries it on and felt relieved that the prosthetic foot fits perfectly. When the nurse told her how much it costs however, Aizawa immediately changes her mind in buying it. But to her shock, Yukari told the nurse that she will use her credit card to pay the foot for her. Aizawa pleads Yukari not to waste her precious money away for her sake, but her former teacher smiled and reassured her that she has no regrets in doing so, especially when she had earned so much from her previous job. Aizawa couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt as she realized how much Yukari truly cares for her. After buying the prosthetic foot, Yukari and Taiga help place Aizawa back on the wheelchair before leaving the store. Knowing that it will still take time for Aizawa to learn how to walk with a prosthetic limb, she will have to remain bounded to her wheelchair for now.
Later that evening, Yukari and Taiga took Aizawa to Shinjuku High where they meet up with Takao. The four travel to Shinjuku Station and make their way to Yukari's apartment to have their tuition. While in the train, Yukari, Taiga and Aizawa show Takao the prosthetic foot that they had bought. Takao told Aizawa that she is very fortunate to have Yukari and Taiga helping her in her desperate time of need.
When they arrive at Yukari's apartment, her mother welcomes Aizawa into their home before heading to the kitchen to cook something for everyone. Taiga clings onto Aizawa's arm as she tried to get up from her wheelchair while wearing her new prosthetic foot. The two slowly walk over to the couch while Yukari and Takao sat at the dining table to have their tuition. When they decide to take a break thirty minutes later, Yukari and Takao turn to Aizawa and Taiga who are both conversing with each other as they sat together on the couch.
"It's really nice to see her getting along with others again." Takao commented.
"Hai. After what happened to her, it's good to see her slowly taking steps in rebuilding her life." Yukari said. "No matter how bad we can be, we are all still human beings who desire nothing more than happiness. Aizawa is one of us too." Yukari notices the sad eyes on Aizawa's face as her former student speaks to Taiga, causing her to sigh inwardly. "I still wish we could do more for her though."
Takao stares wordlessly at Aizawa. The girl reminded him so much of his mother. How she too felt that she had lost everything after the divorce with her husband. Aizawa's world had drastically made a complete reversal after the horrific incident. She never imagined her former boyfriend would turn out to be a monster, and she is still deeply traumatized over what he did to her body. She had lost her friend, family and most certainly, the will to live. Now that the poor girl had lost everything that is precious to her, she couldn't help but think that the world she live in is now completely dark and empty-
Suddenly, Takao's eyes widen when an idea hatch inside his head. Of course. He can still remember what Matsumoto and Satou said to him when they reunite with each other on the first day of his second year. How they enjoyed their holidays in Bali and Gold Coast. And he also remembers how his mother lightened up a bit when they and Shouta traveled around Shinjuku as a family. Perhaps they can do the same for Aizawa as well.
"Yukino-sensei, I have an idea." Takao said as he and Yukari turn to each other.
"What is it?" Yukari asked.
"How about we take Aizawa along with us and go on a trip together?" Takao suggested.
"A trip? Seriously?" Yukari asked incredulously.
"Well, it doesn't have to be in another country." Takao chuckled. "But the girl is still going through dark times in her life right now. But maybe if we bring her out of the city, we might be able to show her just how beautiful the world that we lived in truly is."
Yukari silently contemplated Takao's suggestion for about a minute. Finally, she gets out her phone from her pocket and looks at the calendar. As a smile appears on her face, Yukari looks back at Takao and shows him the calendar on her phone.
"You know, Mountain Day is coming up. And it's on a Monday this year."
Sovereign: I would like to thank LayLay lives for reviewing and Crimson-Tuna-Sub for checking out my story. Thank you!
The song that Lenalee sings to Aizawa in this chapter is 'Ba Ma De Hua' by Jackie Chan.
