The following day, I noticed Kaguya’s absence from school. Even after homeroom started, her seat remained vacant. By the time lunch rolled around and ended, Kaguya had yet to be spotted anywhere around school.

 

“Have either of you two seen Kaguya today?”

 

“Nope.”

 

“Not even as a passing voice.”

 

Sakura and Shizu hadn’t seen her either. After what happened yesterday, a sense of unease has been gnawing at my stomach. The timeframe between her absence today and odd behavior yesterday was too convenient for them not to be related.

 

“I need to find her and make sure she’s okay.”

 

Kaguya wasn’t answering calls or texts, which meant that I needed to go to her directly. Although I didn’t know where she lived, Kaguya gave me her business card in the past. On it was the address of the closest branch office for her parents’ company.

 

“You were planning on going alone, weren’t you?” Shizu pouted, while crossing her arms.

 

“Ahaha, well…”

 

And that was how Shizu and I decided to visit a branch office of Hinamori Industries. By the way, Sakura tried to go as well, but her club activities stopped her in her tracks. Reluctantly, Sakura was pulled away by her club members, tears streaming from her eyes.

 

I pitied Sakura after seeing her sad, puppy-like eyes, but it wasn’t enough to stop me from reaching my goals.

 

After our last class ended, Shizu and I headed to the branch office, which was located in the downtown area. The walk took roughly half an hour, but we were able to make it there without any issues. If anything, the problems would most likely start appearing when we arrive.

 

In all fairness, if two students came and demanded the daughter of the CEO to come out, I wouldn’t be surprised if security were called on us. But Kaguya was our friend, and we couldn’t just sit idly by while she might be in trouble.

 

The building towered over us, its reflective surface capturing the hustle and bustle of the city streets below. Its modern architecture stood out amidst the surrounding structures, exuding an air of corporate power and sophistication. A steady stream of people flowed in and out of the revolving doors, each one appearing focused and purposeful.

 

We stepped inside, greeted by the cool air-conditioned interior and the soft hum of activity. The lobby was expansive, with polished marble floors and minimalist décor that spoke of wealth and prestige. A reception desk stood at the center, manned by a smartly dressed receptionist who glanced up at us with polite interest.

 

Shizu and I exchanged a nervous glance before approaching the desk.

 

“Um, excuse me,” I began tentatively. “We’re here to see Kaguya Hinamori. Is she available?”

 

The receptionist’s eyebrows rose slightly in surprise, but she maintained her professional demeanor.

 

“May I ask who is inquiring?”

 

“We’re her classmates,” Shizu interjected. “Haruto Renzaki and Shizuku Shirakawa. We’re a bit worried about her and wanted to make sure she’s okay.”

 

The receptionist nodded understandingly, her expression softening slightly.

 

“I see. Then, by all means, please proceed ahead. Take the elevator up to the highest floor and you’ll be able to meet her.”

 

Oddly enough, the receptionist easily let us through without asking too many questions about our identity. When I gave her a curious look, she chuckled and explained the question weighing on my mind.

 

“Lady Kaguya anticipated this beforehand, so she gave us a list of names and appearances. That’s why I was able to verify your identity so quickly.”

 

Her explanation answered any questions I had left, leaving me feeling satisfied with the encounter. Nonetheless, we couldn’t stand here idle all day, so Shizu and I entered the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor.

 

Within seconds, we arrived at the highest floor. From there, the security guards verified our identities, finally allowing us into the main office. Now, there was only a singular set of doors separating us and Kaguya.

 

I hesitated for a moment, wondering if we should knock or just barge in. Before I could decide, the door swung open, and there stood Kaguya, looking surprised yet relieved to see us.

 

“Haruto, Shizuku, what are you two doing here?” Kaguya asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of apprehension.

 

“We were worried about you,” Shizu replied, stepping forward. “You weren’t at school today, and we wanted to make sure everything was okay.”

 

Kaguya’s expression softened, and she gestured for us to enter her office. As we stepped inside, I couldn’t help but notice how different it was from the rest of the corporate environment. Her office was cozy and inviting, with warm colors and personal touches that reflected her personality.

 

“I appreciate your concern,” Kaguya said, taking a seat behind her desk. “But everything is fine, really. I just had some family matters to attend to today.”

 

I exchanged a glance with Shizu, silently communicating our skepticism. Kaguya may have been putting on a brave front, but something didn’t feel right. At this rate, nothing would be accomplished, so I decided to be more aggressive in my pursuit.

 

“Kaguya Hinamori. If you have any ounce of respect or fondness towards me, you will answer me truthfully. Do you understand?”

 

Kaguya’s expression shifted, a mixture of surprise and apprehension crossing her features. She nodded slowly, her eyes meeting mine with a hint of resignation.

 

“I understand, Haruto,” she replied, her voice soft but determined.

 

Taking a deep breath, I continued, my tone firm but gentle. “Kaguya, we’ve noticed something’s been off lately. Yesterday, you seemed really upset, and today, you didn’t show up to school. And now, you’re telling us it’s just ‘family matters.’ But we know it’s more than that. What’s really going on?”

 

Kaguya’s shoulders slumped slightly, and she averted her gaze for a moment before meeting mine again. “It’s… my parents,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “They’re trying to push me into an arranged marriage.”

 

Shizu gasped in shock, her hand flying to her mouth. I felt a surge of anger and frustration bubble up inside me, but I forced myself to stay calm.

 

“Arranged marriage?” I repeated, trying to wrap my head around the concept. “But why? And why didn’t you tell us?”

 

Kaguya let out a bitter laugh, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “My parents are traditionalists. They believe that marrying into a prestigious family is more important than love or happiness. And as for why I didn’t tell you… I didn’t want to burden you with my problems. I thought I could handle it on my own.”

 

All this time, Kaguya had been burdened with the responsibilities of her prestigious family. Even despite facing such unhappiness, she had tried to bear it alone, not wanting to drag her friends into her troubles. My heart ached for her, knowing the weight she must have carried on her shoulders.

 

Just as Kaguya finished explaining her predicament, the office door swung open once again, revealing two stern-looking individuals who bore a striking resemblance to her.

 

“Kaguya, there you are,” her mother exclaimed, her voice a mix of relief and annoyance. “We’ve been looking all over for you.”

 

Kaguya’s father stepped forward, his expression stern. “Why are your classmates here? We have a private family matter to discuss.”

 

“O-Okay… I understand,” Kaguya’s voice trembled.

 

Although I haven’t known Kaguya Hinamori for long, I’ve known Kamori for a very long time. She was my best friend online and someone I can count on to keep a secret. Seeing her in such a distressed state caused something to snap inside of me.

 

I grabbed Kaguya’s arm, stopping her from leaving the room. “Actually, Mrs. Hinamori, Mr. Hinamori, there’s something you need to know. Kaguya and I… we’re in love.”

 

In that moment, the weight of my words hung in the air like a tangible presence. The silence was so overwhelming, a pin needle could be dropped and heard. Feeling the tension at my skin, I questioned my recent actions.

 

What did I just get myself into?