manifestations

Ena needed to turn in a late assignment in the afternoon today. The teacher didn’t let her turn in any later by 1pm, so she had to wake up early if she wanted to submit it.

And that’s how she bumped into Emu on the way there to school. She ended up 30 minutes later than the final submission time, but she managed to convince her teacher to give her another chance when she explained why she was late (again).

Ena couldn’t just leave Emu limping all the way back to her school, so she decided to carry her. She seemed (and was) light enough for a piggyback. When she arrived at the gates of Miyamasuzaka, she whipped out her phone and dialled Airi’s number, though she doubted that she would pick up because she’s probably still having lessons.

Airi: I can't pick up the phone right now, what’s up?

Ena: Then that’s ok. I can find another person for help. Keep your phone!

Ena knew other Miyamasuzaka students; Mochizuki Honami, a girl who asked her for help to improve on her drawings; Hinomori Shizuku, Airi’s idol friend who went on a trip with the both of them alongside Mizuki. But Ena didn’t want to give them a call in the middle of a fine afternoon out of nowhere. (Though something tells her that they would've been more than happy to help.) So in the end, she let out a heavy sigh and dialled the next, or rather last, option.

Asahina Mafuyu.

She didn't pick up the first time. She should be having lunch break right now. Ena knows Mafuyu’s timetable well. Of course she would, how else will she know when to text Mafuyu during the day, to see Mafuyu afterschool, to know which days she had the most free time?

It’s comical to Ena that she remembered Mafuyu’s timetable at the back of her hand.

The second time, she picked up.

Mafuyu came down from the stairs pretty quickly, Ena thought that she might have ran, but hell, she wasn’t even breaking a drop of sweat! Curse her and her athletic build for real.

Once Mafuyu took over Emu, they started heading towards the infirmary. Ena stood at her spot for a second longer than she needed, and noticed Mafuyu looking back at her.

Ena really should get going. And so she did.

She went back home, changed into more presentable clothes, and left her house again.

Her next destination was at a hotel cafe.

When she arrived, she looked around the place, and found a person with distinct purple hair, sitting down at one of the seats and sipping on a cup.

That should be her.

“Mrs Asahina?” Ena spoke gently but gingerly.

“Ah, you must be Ena-san?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Take a seat, please.”

Ena took the seat in front of Mrs Asahina.

How did Ena get into this mess? Frankly speaking, Ena didn’t have the actual answer, but the most plausible reason was because Mafuyu’s mom must’ve peeked at her daughter’s phone when she wasn’t looking, and saw Ena’s messages. Mrs Asahina was guilty of invading Mafuyu’s privacy before, looking through her computer when she wasn’t at home, and found the Nightcord chat, hence why she could contact Kanade and meet her in person.

Thinking about this, it made Ena furious. She was never a person who would let anyone cross her boundaries. If someone did, Ena would retaliate, no matter who it was.

And just because Mafuyu is her child, Mafuyu is still a person first and foremost, who deserves respect and her own privacy.
So when Ena received a new message from an unknown number, she knew what she had to do.

“Your name sounds familiar, correct me if I’m wrong, but you were the friend who let Mafuyu stay over, weren’t you?”

“Yes. I am Shinonome Ena, the one who was on the phone the other day.”

“Right. Forgive me for my bluntness, but may I know what’s your true relationship with Mafuyu?”

True relationship? Honestly, even Ena didn’t know just what to label her relationship with Mafuyu right now. But she knew what Mrs Asahina expected to hear.

“... We’re not friends. We are more than that.”

“I see. It’s wonderful that my daughter is experiencing something like this at this point in her life. Young love is such an innocent but intense phase, isn’t it…”

Ena wasn’t expecting this kind of reaction, but so far it seemed that she took it quite well?

“...but because it’s such an emotional baggage, it means it’s a huge distraction too. Don’t you think romance is something that you can do more freely after studying?”

Oh, never mind. There she goes.

“Of course, being in a romantic relationship is part and parcel of life, just like me and my husband, or your parents… But youngsters like you should focus on what’s important right now, which is to study and get good grades so that you can enter the university of your choice!”

What the fuck was she spewing about? Ena never thought about getting good grades or any bullshit like that. Who was Mrs Asahina to tell her what’s important to herself?

“And also, don’t you think being in a relationship like this may ruin your family’s name? Shinonome is such a prestigious name, you wouldn’t want to taint its reputation just like that, would you? The Shinonome Shinei having a daughter that-”

“Sorry, but I don't think my dad cares enough about things like that to let me so called, ‘ruin the family’s name’.” Ena stopped Mrs Asahina mid sentence.

“I see. But there will be many others who will look at your relationship differently, you know? I just simply do not wish to see my daughter or you getting hurt by others’ comments, when things like this can be prevented.”

What does she mean that things like this can be prevented? The more Mrs Asahina spoke, the angrier Ena got. How on earth did Mafuyu live with such an insufferable woman throughout these years?

Ena kept silent because she was busy trying to calm her nerves. Even if she wanted to explode, she knew it’s best to not make another bad impression.

“Mafuyu has things she wants to do and achieve, like becoming a doctor. Have you thought of what your aspirations are? Or any future plans ahead?”

Future plans? Any future without art will obviously be a no go for Ena.

“Well, since you’re Shinonome Shinei’s daughter and you are an artist too, I assume you want to be an artist just like your father? I think that’s a great goal to have. I’m sure you’re just as talented as he is.”

Stop.

“Mafuyu is very talented in various areas too. I hope she matches up with your talents just as much!”

Please stop.

“Speaking of which, do you mind showing me your works? I’m sure you participated in some competitions before and won some awards-”

Please fucking stop.

Ena stood up abruptly, causing Mrs Asahina to flinch a little in her seat.

“I’m sorry, I have to go.”

Ena didn’t wait for Mafuyu’s mom to say anything else and left.