The sun shone brightly over the city, but Airi’s mood was clouded with unease as she stared at her phone. A notification blinked on the screen—a missed call and a voicemail. Her heart sank as she recognized the number. It belonged to her estranged parents, people she hadn’t spoken to in years.

  Sitting on the couch in her living room, she hesitated before finally pressing play on the voicemail.

  “Hello, Airi,” her mother’s voice came through, tentative and strained. “It’s been a long time. We… we’d like to meet you. There’s something important we need to discuss. Please, call us back.”

  Her hands trembled slightly as she set the phone down. Her mind raced with questions. Why now? What could they possibly want after all this time?

  Izuna, who had been sitting at the dining table reviewing some paperwork, noticed her troubled expression. “Airi, is everything okay?” he asked, setting down his pen and walking over to her.

  She looked up at him, her usually bright eyes shadowed with uncertainty. “It’s… my parents,” she said softly. “They called. They want to meet me.”

  Izuna’s expression shifted to one of concern. He sat down beside her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Your parents? The ones you’ve told me about?”

  Airi nodded. “Yes. We’ve been distant for so long. They… didn’t agree with many of my decisions. We haven’t spoken in years.” Her voice wavered, and she lowered her gaze.

  Izuna gently took her hand in his. “What are you going to do?”

  “I don’t know,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “Part of me doesn’t want to meet them. But another part… I guess I want to know why they’re reaching out now.”

  Izuna gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “You don’t have to face this alone, Airi. I’ll be there for you, no matter what.”

  Her lips curved into a small, grateful smile. “Thank you, Izuna. That means a lot to me.”

  After a moment of silence, she took a deep breath and picked up her phone. Dialing the number, she waited anxiously as the line rang.

  Her mother’s voice answered almost immediately. “Airi! Thank you for calling back.”

  There was a pause before Airi responded. “What is this about? Why now?”

  Her mother’s tone softened. “We just… want to see you. There are things we need to talk about. Please, can we meet?”

  Airi’s grip on the phone tightened. She glanced at Izuna, who gave her an encouraging nod. “Alright,” she said finally. “Let’s meet.”

  They arranged a time and place—a quiet café in the city. After ending the call, Airi set the phone down with a sigh.

  Izuna stood and offered her his hand. “Come on, let’s take a walk. Clear your mind before the meeting.”

  She hesitated but then placed her hand in his, allowing him to lead her out into the fresh air. As they strolled through the park, the tension in her chest began to ease, thanks to Izuna’s calm presence.

  “I’m scared, Izuna,” she admitted, breaking the silence. “What if they just want to criticize me again?”

  “Then you’ll listen, respond calmly, and stand your ground,” Izuna said firmly. “You’re strong, Airi. You’ve grown so much since then. Whatever happens, you’ve got this—and you’ve got me.”

  Airi stopped walking and turned to him, her eyes glistening. “Thank you, Izuna. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  “You’ll never have to find out,” he replied with a soft smile, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

  The two continued their walk, Airi feeling a little more prepared for the meeting ahead, knowing she wasn’t alone in facing her past.

  The following morning, Airi sat on the couch, sipping tea while Izuna prepared breakfast in the kitchen. The sunlight streamed through the curtains, but it did little to lighten the heaviness in Airi’s heart. She glanced at her reflection in the window, memories of her childhood resurfacing like unwelcome ghosts.

  Izuna noticed her distant gaze and walked over, placing a plate of toast on the table. “You seem lost in thought,” he said gently, sitting across from her. “Want to talk about it?”

  Airi hesitated, her fingers tightening around the cup. “It’s… about my parents. I don’t think I’ve ever really told you everything about them.”

  Izuna leaned forward slightly, his expression patient and attentive. “I’m listening.”

  Taking a deep breath, Airi began. “I didn’t have a happy childhood, Izuna. My parents… they were cold and controlling. They always had these high expectations for me, expecting me to follow their plans without question. It didn’t matter what I wanted. They decided everything—what I should study, who I should befriend, even how I should act.”

  Izuna frowned, his brows furrowing in concern. “That sounds suffocating.”

  “It was,” Airi said, her voice wavering. “They never listened to me, never cared about what I wanted. If I tried to argue, they’d say I was being ungrateful or rebellious. I felt more like a tool than their daughter.”

  She paused, her gaze dropping to the cup in her hands. “When I graduated from high school, I told them I wanted to follow my own path, to pursue a career I was passionate about. But they… they didn’t take it well. They called me selfish and said I was throwing away my future.”

  Izuna’s jaw tightened. “That’s awful, Airi. No one deserves to be treated like that, especially not by their own parents.”

  Airi nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. “I tried so hard to please them, but it was never enough. No matter how much I achieved, they always found something to criticize. Eventually, I couldn’t take it anymore. I left and cut ties with them. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I knew I had to do it for my own sake.”

  Izuna reached across the table and took her hand in his, his grip warm and reassuring. “You were brave, Airi. You stood up for yourself, even when it was painful. That takes incredible strength.”

  She smiled faintly, wiping a tear from her cheek. “Thank you, Izuna. I’ve worked so hard to build a life for myself, but a part of me always wondered… did I make the right choice? Should I have tried harder to fix things with them?”

  Izuna shook his head. “You did what you needed to do. Sometimes, walking away is the only way to protect yourself. But now that they’ve reached out, maybe this is your chance to get some closure. Whether it’s reconciliation or just understanding, you’ll finally get the answers you deserve.”

  Airi took a deep breath, letting his words sink in. “You’re right. I need to face this, no matter how it turns out. I can’t keep running from my past.”

  Izuna squeezed her hand gently. “I’ll be with you every step of the way. You’re not alone in this.”

  Airi’s smile grew a little stronger, her heart feeling lighter. “Thank you, Izuna. I don’t think I could do this without you.”

  As they finished their breakfast, Airi felt a renewed sense of determination. The shadows of her past were still daunting, but with Izuna by her side, she knew she could face them head-on.

  The quiet hum of the car engine filled the air as Airi and Izuna sat in the back of the taxi, heading toward the meeting place her parents had chosen. Airi clutched her bag tightly, her fingers trembling slightly. Izuna noticed and reached over, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.

  “You’ve got this,” he said softly, his voice steady.

  Airi nodded, though her stomach twisted with anxiety. “I hope so. It’s been so long… I don’t even know what to expect.”

  The taxi pulled up to a high-end restaurant, its exterior sleek and intimidating. Airi stared at the entrance for a moment, her breath hitching. Izuna got out first, opening the door for her.

  As they stepped inside, a host greeted them and led them to a private dining room. The atmosphere was quiet but stifling, the air thick with unspoken tension. Airi’s heart raced as she spotted her parents seated at the table.

  Her father, a tall man with sharp features and a stern expression, glanced up as they entered. His piercing gaze swept over Airi, then lingered briefly on Izuna. Beside him, her mother sat with perfect posture, her hands folded neatly in her lap. She looked at Airi with an unreadable expression, her eyes distant.

  “Airi,” her father said, his tone formal and cold. “You’re late.”

  Airi felt a pang of guilt, though they were only a few minutes past the scheduled time. “Sorry, the traffic was heavier than expected,” she replied quietly.

  Her father’s disapproving stare didn’t waver. “Excuses won’t change the fact that you’re tardy. Punctuality is a reflection of respect, something you’ve clearly forgotten.”

  Izuna’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing, letting Airi handle the conversation.

  Airi swallowed her frustration and forced a polite smile. “It’s good to see you both. This is Izuna, my boyfriend.”

  Her father’s gaze shifted to Izuna, his expression hardening. “Boyfriend, you say? I wasn’t aware you were in a relationship.”

  “Yes, we’ve been together for some time now,” Airi said, her voice steady despite the tension.

  Her father didn’t respond, his silence heavy with judgment. Her mother finally spoke, her voice soft but distant. “You’ve grown, Airi. It’s been a long time.”

  Airi turned to her, searching for warmth in her mother’s eyes but finding none. “Yes, it has. I… I’ve missed you both.”

  Her mother gave a faint, polite smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Have you?”

  The words stung, and Airi felt a lump forming in her throat. She forced herself to stay composed, knowing this wasn’t the time to break down.

  Her father cleared his throat, his tone sharp. “Let’s not waste time with small talk. We called you here because there are matters to discuss.”

  Airi’s heart sank. Of course, it wasn’t a genuine attempt to reconnect—it never was. She glanced at Izuna, who gave her a small nod, silently urging her to stay strong.

  “Fine,” Airi said, her voice firmer now. “Let’s discuss whatever it is you want to talk about. But I’m not here to be lectured or judged. If this meeting is going to work, it has to be a two-way conversation.”

  Her father’s eyes narrowed, clearly not accustomed to being challenged. “Is that so? Well, I hope you’ve prepared yourself, Airi. There are many things we need to address, starting with the choices you’ve made since leaving home.”

  Airi braced herself, knowing the worst was yet to come. But as she sat there, with Izuna’s steady presence beside her, she realized that she wasn’t the same scared, obedient daughter she used to be. She was ready to face them, no matter what they had to say.

  The tension in the air was palpable as Airi’s father leaned forward, his sharp gaze fixed on her like a hawk. His voice was cold and unyielding.

  “Airi, let me be blunt,” he began, his tone dripping with disdain. “Your choices have been… disappointing. You walked away from the life we worked so hard to build for you. And now, you bring someone like him into the picture?” He gestured toward Izuna with a subtle, dismissive wave of his hand.

  Airi’s chest tightened. She clenched her fists under the table, trying to remain calm. “What’s that supposed to mean?” she asked, her voice steady but with an edge.

  Her father’s expression hardened further. “You know exactly what I mean. A relationship like this—without consideration for your future, for your career—shows your lack of judgment. I raised you to prioritize success, to avoid distractions. Instead, you’ve chosen a path of mediocrity.”

  Izuna’s calm demeanor didn’t falter, but Airi could feel the tension radiating from him. He sat tall, his hands resting calmly on the table.

  “With all due respect, sir,” Izuna said, his voice firm but polite, “Airi isn’t defined by anyone else’s expectations. She’s intelligent, capable, and has the strength to make her own decisions. That’s one of the things I admire most about her.”

  Airi’s father’s eyes narrowed, clearly not pleased by Izuna’s response. “And what, exactly, do you bring to the table, young man? What kind of future can you offer her? A future that matches her potential?”

  “I don’t measure relationships in terms of financial success or status,” Izuna replied without missing a beat. “I support Airi in her dreams, whatever they may be. My goal is to see her happy, not to control her.”

  Airi felt a surge of pride at Izuna’s words, but her father was unmoved. He scoffed, leaning back in his chair. “Happiness is fleeting. Stability and security are what matter in the long run. Airi, have you even considered what you’re giving up by being with someone like him?”

  “Enough!” Airi’s voice cut through the room like a blade. She glared at her father, her hands trembling slightly but her resolve unwavering. “I’ve heard enough of your judgment. My life, my choices, and my happiness are mine to make. You don’t get to decide what’s best for me anymore.”

  Her father’s expression darkened. “Is that how you speak to your parents now? After everything we’ve done for you?”

  “Everything you’ve done?” Airi’s voice cracked with emotion. “You pushed me into a life I didn’t want, treated me like a trophy instead of a daughter, and now you’re judging me for finally living on my own terms? I won’t apologize for being happy or for being with someone who truly cares about me.”

  The room fell into an icy silence. Her father’s face was a mask of anger, while her mother looked away, her expression unreadable.

  Izuna reached for Airi’s hand under the table, squeezing it gently. His silent support gave her the strength to hold her ground.

  “If you can’t accept who I am or the choices I’ve made,” Airi continued, her voice steady despite the tears threatening to spill, “then maybe this meeting was a mistake.”

  Her father didn’t respond, his jaw tightening as he looked away. Airi’s mother finally spoke, her voice soft but detached. “We only wanted what was best for you, Airi.”

  Airi’s heart ached at the words, but she couldn’t ignore the distance and coldness in her mother’s tone. She stood up, her hand still in Izuna’s.

  “I know you think you’re doing what’s best, but what I need now is your support, not your control,” Airi said, her voice trembling slightly. “If you can’t give me that, then there’s nothing more to say.”

  Without waiting for a reply, Airi and Izuna left the room, the weight of the confrontation heavy on her shoulders. But despite the pain, Airi felt a sense of relief. She had stood up for herself, and for the first time, she felt truly free.

  The walk back to their table was silent, but the tension lingered like a storm cloud. Airi’s father broke the quiet, his voice sharp and unrelenting.

  “Before you leave, I need to make something clear,” he said, his piercing gaze locking onto Izuna. “You’re not the man I had in mind for my daughter. You lack the background, the stability, and frankly, the worth to be with someone of her potential.”

  Izuna felt Airi stiffen beside him. Her hand clenched his, a silent plea to let her handle it. But this time, he couldn’t stand by silently.

  “With all due respect, sir,” Izuna began, his tone measured but firm, “I don’t believe love or worth is determined by background or wealth. Airi is someone I deeply care for, and I will do everything in my power to support and protect her.”

  Airi’s father scoffed, leaning back in his chair as if Izuna’s words were laughable. “Support her? Protect her? You can barely stand up to me. How do you expect to stand against the challenges life will throw at her? You’re not strong enough, nor are you equipped to handle the responsibilities that come with being by her side.”

  Izuna took a deep breath, steadying himself. “Strength isn’t about proving myself to you, sir. It’s about being there for Airi when she needs me the most. It’s about understanding her dreams, supporting her decisions, and standing by her side no matter what.”

  Airi’s father raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Big words. But words are meaningless without action. What can you offer her that no one else can?”

  Izuna didn’t hesitate. “Respect. Freedom. And unconditional love. That’s more than what she’s ever had from you.”

  The room fell into a heavy silence. Airi’s father’s expression darkened, but before he could reply, Airi’s mother interjected softly.

  “You’re passionate, I’ll give you that,” she said, her tone distant but less cold than before. “But passion fades. Without stability, without a proper foundation, it’s doomed to crumble. Airi deserves better than that.”

  “I agree,” Izuna replied, surprising them both. “She deserves someone who truly sees her for who she is, not just what she can achieve or what image she represents. And I intend to be that person for her.”

  Stolen story; please report.

  Airi’s heart swelled with pride at Izuna’s words, but her father’s expression remained stone-cold.

  “You’re still young and naive,” he said dismissively. “You’ll understand someday that love alone isn’t enough. When that day comes, I hope you’ll step aside for Airi’s sake.”

  Izuna met his gaze, unflinching. “I respect your opinion, sir, but I won’t step aside. Airi’s happiness is my priority, and as long as she chooses me, I’ll never stop fighting for her.”

  Airi squeezed Izuna’s hand, her eyes glistening with emotion. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible but filled with gratitude.

  Her father sighed, his expression one of defeat mixed with frustration. “You’re both stubborn. Fine. Do what you want. But don’t come running to us when reality hits you.”

  Izuna nodded respectfully but didn’t reply. He knew words wouldn’t change her father’s mind. What mattered was that he had stood up for Airi and their relationship.

  As they left the restaurant, Airi turned to Izuna, her eyes filled with tears. “You didn’t have to do that,” she said softly.

  “Yes, I did,” Izuna replied, his voice gentle but resolute. “You deserve someone who stands up for you, even when it’s hard. I’ll always be that person, Airi.”

  She smiled through her tears, feeling a warmth in her chest she hadn’t felt in years. Izuna wasn’t just her boyfriend—he was her partner, her rock, and her safe place.

  Together, they walked into the night, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

  The walk back to their apartment was quiet, the weight of the evening’s events pressing heavily on Airi’s shoulders. Izuna held her hand gently, his thumb brushing over her knuckles in a soothing gesture, but Airi’s thoughts were a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.

  When they finally reached their apartment, Airi let out a deep sigh and collapsed onto the couch. Izuna sat beside her, concern etched on his face.

  “Do you want to talk about it?” he asked softly.

  Airi hesitated, staring at the floor. “I don’t even know where to start,” she admitted. “It’s like…I love you, Izuna. I really do. But my parents…they’ve always controlled every aspect of my life. And even now, when I’ve tried to break free, their words still get to me.”

  Izuna frowned. “You don’t have to let their opinions define you, Airi. You’re so much stronger than that.”

  She shook her head, tears brimming in her eyes. “It’s not just about their opinions. It’s about the expectations I’ve been carrying my whole life. The need to please them, to prove myself worthy in their eyes…it’s exhausting. And now, they’re making me feel like I have to choose between them and you.”

  Izuna reached out and gently cupped her face, tilting her head so she was looking at him. “You don’t have to choose, Airi. This isn’t about taking sides. This is about your happiness. What do you want?”

  Her voice broke as she replied, “I want to be with you. But I also want my parents to accept us, to see how happy you make me. Is that too much to ask for?”

  Izuna’s eyes softened. “It’s not too much to ask, but sometimes…some people refuse to see beyond their own expectations. You don’t have to carry their burden, Airi. You have the right to live your life the way you want.”

  Airi leaned into his touch, her tears spilling over. “I’m just so tired, Izuna. Tired of trying to be what they want, tired of feeling like I’m never enough.”

  “You’re more than enough,” Izuna said firmly, his voice filled with conviction. “You’re incredible, Airi. And I’ll stand by you, no matter what. We’ll figure this out together.”

  Airi closed her eyes, letting his words sink in. For the first time that evening, she felt a small sense of relief. Izuna’s unwavering support was like a lifeline, grounding her in the midst of her turmoil.

  “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

  Izuna pulled her into a gentle embrace, resting his chin on top of her head. “You don’t have to thank me. I’m here for you, always.”

  They sat like that for a while, the silence between them comforting rather than heavy. Airi knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but with Izuna by her side, she felt a flicker of hope.

  Airi clung to Izuna as if letting go would shatter her completely. The weight of her parents’ disapproval and the fear it had planted in her heart finally broke through her fragile composure. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she buried her face in Izuna’s chest, her body trembling.

  “Izuna…” she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. “I’m so scared.”

  Izuna tightened his arms around her, his heart aching at the sound of her sobs. “Airi, what are you scared of?” he asked gently, his voice steady despite the pain he felt for her.

  She shook her head, struggling to find the words. “I’m scared of losing you,” she finally admitted, her voice cracking. “What if my parents keep pushing? What if they try to come between us? What if…what if it becomes too much for you, and you decide I’m not worth it?”

  Izuna pulled back slightly, just enough to look into her tear-filled eyes. “Airi, stop,” he said firmly but kindly. “Don’t ever think you’re not worth it. You mean everything to me. Your parents might not understand that, but I do. And nothing they say or do will ever change the way I feel about you.”

  Her tears continued to fall as she shook her head. “But what if they make things harder for us? What if their disapproval never goes away? I don’t want you to be caught in the middle of this mess.”

  Izuna placed his hands on her shoulders, his gaze steady and unwavering. “Listen to me, Airi. This isn’t just your fight. It’s ours. I’m not going anywhere, no matter what your parents say or do. We’ll face this together, just like we always have.”

  Airi’s lips trembled as she looked at him, the sincerity in his eyes cutting through the storm of doubt and fear that had consumed her. “Izuna…I don’t deserve you,” she said softly.

  “You deserve so much more than you think,” he replied, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. “You’ve been through so much, and yet you’ve come so far. I see your strength every day, even when you don’t. And I’ll keep reminding you of it until you believe it yourself.”

  Her sobs began to subside as his words wrapped around her like a warm embrace. Slowly, she nodded, leaning into him once more. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

  Izuna rested his chin on her head, his arms securely around her. “You don’t have to thank me, Airi. I’m here for you, always.”

  For a long time, they stayed like that, the world outside fading away. Airi’s breathing gradually steadied, and the tight knot of fear in her chest loosened. She wasn’t alone in this battle—not as long as Izuna was by her side.

  As the night deepened, so did Airi’s resolve. She would face whatever challenges came her way, with Izuna’s unwavering support as her anchor. Together, they would weather the storm.

  Later that evening, Airi and Izuna sat together in the living room, their faces lit by the soft glow of a laptop screen. On the other end of the video call, their friends—Kaede, Riku, Athena, Tamaki, Hikaru, Sakura, and Ren—appeared, each one ready to lend a listening ear.

  Kaede was the first to speak, her tone warm but firm. “Airi, we’re all here for you, okay? Don’t feel like you have to deal with this on your own.”

  Airi managed a small smile, though her eyes still betrayed her lingering sadness. “Thank you, Kaede. It’s just…hard. My parents are so set in their ways, and I don’t know how to change their minds.”

  Athena leaned closer to the camera, her expression empathetic. “You don’t have to change their minds, Airi. What matters is how you feel. You’ve built a life that makes you happy. Don’t let their expectations take that away from you.”

  Tamaki nodded in agreement. “Exactly. Family can be tough, but sometimes, you have to set boundaries for your own happiness. Izuna clearly makes you happy, and that’s what’s important.”

  “Yeah,” Riku chimed in, his usual carefree demeanor replaced by a rare seriousness. “You’ve always been strong, Airi. Don’t let them make you doubt yourself.”

  Hikaru added with a supportive grin, “And if they give you trouble, just let us know. We’ll all back you up in person if we have to!”

  Airi chuckled softly at that, the weight on her shoulders lifting just a little. “Thank you, all of you. It really means a lot to hear this from you.”

  Sakura spoke up next, her voice gentle but resolute. “Airi, remember that it’s okay to feel hurt or frustrated. Those feelings are valid. But don’t let them make you feel like you’re not enough or that you’re making the wrong choices. You and Izuna belong together—it’s obvious to anyone who sees you two.”

  Izuna, who had been quiet up until now, finally spoke. “Thank you, everyone,” he said sincerely, his gaze sweeping over the faces of their friends. “Your support means the world to Airi and me. We’ll face this together, but knowing we have all of you behind us makes it easier.”

  Ren, usually the quiet one, nodded. “True bonds are what matter most. You’ve got us, Airi. And we’ve got you.”

  The call continued, with the group sharing stories, advice, and even a few jokes to lighten the mood. By the end of it, Airi felt a renewed sense of strength and belonging.

  As they said their goodbyes and the screen went dark, Airi turned to Izuna, her smile a little brighter. “I don’t know what I did to deserve friends like them.”

  Izuna took her hand, his expression soft. “You’ve always been someone worth caring about, Airi. And they see that, just like I do.”

  With their friends’ unwavering support echoing in her heart, Airi felt a spark of hope. Whatever challenges lay ahead, she wasn’t alone—and she was ready to face them.

  The next morning, Airi woke up feeling a little lighter after the previous night’s conversation with their friends. The warmth of their words still lingered in her heart, but the tension with her parents hadn’t disappeared entirely. She decided to spend the morning sorting through an old box of keepsakes she had stored in her closet—an attempt to distract herself from the storm in her mind.

  Izuna sat nearby, quietly flipping through a book as Airi sifted through old photographs, trinkets, and letters. Suddenly, her hands froze as she pulled out a small, weathered envelope.

  “What’s this?” she murmured, her fingers tracing the faded handwriting on the front.

  Izuna looked up. “What did you find?”

  Airi opened the envelope carefully, revealing a folded piece of delicate stationery. The scent of lavender, faint but unmistakable, wafted up from the paper. Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized the handwriting—it belonged to her late grandmother.

  “It’s a letter from my grandma,” Airi whispered, her voice tinged with both surprise and nostalgia.

  Izuna moved closer, his curiosity piqued. “What does it say?”

  Airi unfolded the letter and began to read aloud, her voice trembling slightly:

  My dearest Airi,

  If you’re reading this, it means you’ve grown into the incredible young woman I always knew you’d be. I’m so proud of you, even if I can’t be there to see it with my own eyes.

  Life has a way of presenting us with difficult choices, ones that can make us question our worth and direction. But always remember this: the most important thing you can do is follow your heart. Your happiness is the compass that will guide you through any storm.

  Don’t let others dictate the path you should take, no matter how well-meaning they might seem. Trust yourself, and trust the love you feel—it’s the greatest gift we have in this world.

  I love you endlessly, my sweet Airi. Keep shining, and know that I’m always with you, cheering you on.

  With all my love,

  Grandma

  Airi’s voice cracked as she finished reading, tears streaming down her face. She clutched the letter to her chest, the weight of her grandmother’s words sinking deep into her heart.

  Izuna reached out, gently wiping away her tears. “Your grandma sounds like an incredible person, Airi. She believed in you so much.”

  “She did,” Airi said softly, her voice steadying. “And I think…I’ve forgotten that. I’ve let my parents’ expectations cloud everything. But this…this reminds me of who I want to be.”

  Izuna smiled, his eyes filled with warmth. “Then hold onto that. Your grandma’s words, your own feelings—let them guide you. You don’t have to face this alone. I’m here, and so are our friends.”

  Airi nodded, her determination reigniting. “You’re right. It’s time I stop doubting myself. My grandma was right—I need to follow my heart, no matter what anyone says.”

  Clutching the letter tightly, Airi felt a renewed sense of purpose. Her grandmother’s love and wisdom had reminded her of the strength she’d always carried within. It was time to face her challenges head-on, with her heart leading the way.

  The afternoon sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room where Airi sat, the letter from her grandmother still in her hands. The weight of her grandmother’s words lingered in her mind, filling her with a sense of clarity she hadn’t felt in a long time.

  Izuna sat beside her, his steady presence giving her the courage she needed. “Are you ready?” he asked gently.

  Airi took a deep breath, nodding. “I have to do this. It’s time I speak my truth to them. They need to understand that I can’t live my life under their control anymore.”

  With newfound determination, Airi picked up her phone and called her parents, requesting a meeting later that day. The tone of her father’s voice was sharp, as usual, but Airi didn’t let it faze her. This time, she wasn’t going to back down.

  Later that evening, Airi and Izuna arrived at the same café where they had met her parents before. Airi’s mother and father were already seated, their expressions unreadable. Airi noticed the way her father’s eyes narrowed when he saw Izuna, but she ignored it, focusing on the task at hand.

  “Thank you for meeting me,” Airi began, her voice steady. She sat down, placing the letter carefully in her bag as if drawing strength from its presence. Izuna sat silently beside her, his support unwavering.

  Her father wasted no time, his voice sharp. “What is this about, Airi? Have you finally realized how irresponsible you’ve been acting?”

  Airi met his gaze, her hands gripping the edge of the table. “No, Father. I asked to meet because I need to say something important. I’ve been living my life trying to meet your expectations, but it’s not making me happy. It’s making me feel suffocated.”

  Her mother frowned, her tone dismissive. “Airi, we’re your parents. We only want what’s best for you.”

  “And I understand that,” Airi replied, her voice firm. “But what you think is best for me isn’t what I want for myself. I can’t keep living like this—constantly trying to please you at the cost of my own happiness.”

  Her father’s expression darkened. “So, this is about him, isn’t it?” He gestured toward Izuna. “You’ve let this boy influence you, haven’t you?”

  Izuna opened his mouth to respond, but Airi raised a hand, stopping him. This was her moment.

  “This isn’t about Izuna,” she said, her voice rising slightly. “This is about me. I love him, yes, but my decision to speak up today is my own. For years, I’ve been afraid to disappoint you, to go against what you wanted. But I can’t do that anymore. I need to live my life on my terms.”

  Her mother looked taken aback, while her father’s expression turned cold. “And what makes you think you’re capable of handling life on your own? You’ve always needed guidance.”

  Airi clenched her fists, drawing on the strength her grandmother’s letter had given her. “I’m stronger than you think, Father. And it’s because of the love and support I’ve found—not just from Izuna, but from my friends and the memories I’ve made. I won’t let fear dictate my choices anymore.”

  Her parents sat in stunned silence, clearly not expecting such boldness from her. Izuna placed a comforting hand on Airi’s shoulder, his silent reassurance bolstering her confidence even more.

  “I hope you can understand,” Airi continued, her voice softening. “I’m not cutting you out of my life. I want a relationship with you—but it has to be built on mutual respect, not control.”

  Her mother looked conflicted, glancing at her husband as if seeking guidance. Her father, however, stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor.

  “This conversation is over,” he declared, his voice cold. “If you insist on this path, don’t expect our support.”

  Airi felt a pang of sadness but stood her ground. “I’ll always love you both, but I won’t let that love be a chain.”

  As her father stormed out of the café, her mother lingered for a moment, her eyes meeting Airi’s. “We’ll see, Airi,” she said quietly before following her husband.

  Airi exhaled shakily, her heart heavy but also lighter than it had been in years. Izuna wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.

  “You were amazing,” he said softly.

  Airi looked up at him, a small smile breaking through her tears. “I don’t know what’s going to happen next, but I finally feel free.”

  Izuna kissed her forehead gently. “Whatever happens, we’ll face it together.”

  As they left the café hand in hand, Airi felt the weight of her decision settle—but instead of fear, it brought hope.

  Airi woke up that morning with a mix of emotions swirling inside her. Yesterday’s confrontation with her parents had been emotionally draining, but it had also filled her with a sense of empowerment. She was finally standing up for herself, for her happiness. But now, she had to face them again.

  Izuna sat beside her as she prepared for the second meeting. He could see the tension in her shoulders, even though her eyes sparkled with the strength she had found.

  “You’ve got this,” he said, offering her a reassuring smile. “Just remember, you don’t have to fight to prove anything. You’re doing this for yourself.”

  Airi nodded, her lips curving into a determined smile. “I know. I’ve already made my decision. Now, I need to make them understand.”

  Later that day, they arrived at the same café as before, where her parents were already seated. The atmosphere was heavy, and Airi felt the familiar weight of her father’s disapproving gaze.

  Her mother sat with a quiet, distant air, while her father’s expression was colder than before. Airi could tell they hadn’t changed their stance, but she wasn’t going to back down this time.

  “Thank you for meeting with me again,” Airi began, her voice steady but strong. She sat down, her hands folded on the table, and Izuna sat beside her, a comforting presence that gave her strength.

  Her father wasted no time in speaking, his tone sharp as always. “I don’t know why you insisted on this, Airi. You’ve made your decision, and we’ve made ours. You’ve chosen him over us.”

  Airi felt a pang in her chest, but she took a deep breath and held her ground. “I’m not choosing anyone over you, Father. I’m choosing myself. This isn’t about him—it’s about my life, my choices. And I can’t keep letting you control them.”

  Her father’s eyes narrowed, and his lips twisted into a sneer. “Control? I’ve been trying to guide you, to help you become someone who can stand on her own. But you’re too blinded by this boy to see reason.”

  Airi’s heart pounded, but she didn’t flinch. “No, Father. You’ve been trying to control me, not guide me. You’ve tried to shape me into the person you want me to be, not the person I am. I’m not a puppet, and I’m not going to live my life to fulfill your expectations.”

  Her father’s face turned a shade of red, anger bubbling up inside him. “This is foolishness, Airi. You think you can live without us, that you can be happy with someone like him?” He gestured toward Izuna, his tone dripping with disdain.

  Izuna, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up, his voice calm but unwavering. “I may not be what you expected, but I love your daughter. I want to make her happy, and I respect her, something I’m not sure you’ve ever done.”

  Her father’s eyes flicked toward Izuna, a silent challenge in his gaze. But he didn’t respond to him directly. Instead, he turned back to Airi, his words sharp like daggers. “You’ve always been so stubborn, Airi. But I’m warning you, you will regret this decision. You’re throwing away everything we’ve worked for just because of some infatuation.”

  Airi’s eyes stung with the weight of his words, but she refused to let them break her. “I’m not throwing anything away. I’m finding my own path, one that doesn’t involve constantly pleasing you. I want to live my life for me, not for you, and not for anyone else. It’s my life, and I will make my own choices.”

  Her father clenched his fists, his face a mask of frustration. He opened his mouth to say something more, but Airi held up her hand, silencing him.

  “I’ve made up my mind, Father. I’m not going to apologize for it. And I’m not asking for your approval anymore. I’m asking for your understanding.”

  Her mother, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up, her voice soft and tired. “Airi… I understand that you want independence, but I think you’re making a mistake.”

  Airi shook her head, tears welling in her eyes but her voice strong. “I don’t want to make a mistake, Mother. I just want to live a life where I’m not afraid to be myself. And that’s all I’ve ever asked for.”

  The silence that followed felt heavy, each word Airi spoke lingering in the air. Her father looked at her, his expression a mixture of anger and disappointment, but this time, Airi wasn’t afraid.

  “I’ve heard enough,” he finally said, standing up. “Do whatever you want, Airi. But don’t expect us to be there when it all falls apart.”

  As he turned to leave, Airi’s heart sank, but she didn’t chase after him. She had said everything she needed to say.

  Her mother stood slowly, her eyes filled with sadness. “I just want you to be happy, Airi. But I don’t know if this is the right choice.”

  Airi’s voice trembled slightly as she spoke. “I’ll find my happiness, Mother. I’m not giving up on that. Please understand.”

  Her mother didn’t reply. She simply walked away, leaving Airi and Izuna alone at the table.

  Airi exhaled deeply, the weight of the conversation heavy on her shoulders. But there was a sense of relief too. She had spoken her truth, and no matter what her parents thought, she knew she had made the right choice.

  Izuna reached across the table, taking her hand in his. “You did amazing, Airi. I’m proud of you.”

  Airi smiled softly, her heart swelling with gratitude. “Thank you, Izuna. No matter what happens next, I know I can face it with you by my side.”

  As they left the café together, Airi felt a weight lifting off her chest. She didn’t know what the future held, but for the first time, she was walking her own path—one where her heart would lead the way.

  Airi and Izuna walked out of the café, the weight of the conversation still pressing on her chest. Her father’s harsh words echoed in her mind, and though her mother had tried to understand, there was no denying the rift that had formed between them. She had hoped for some resolution, some understanding, but it seemed like her parents were still set in their ways.

  The cold air of the late afternoon brushed against her skin, but it did little to clear the heaviness in her heart. Izuna walked beside her, his presence a silent comfort, but Airi couldn’t shake the feeling of uncertainty that lingered.

  “I thought it would be easier,” Airi said softly, her voice carrying a trace of sadness. She stopped for a moment, staring at the bustling streets around them. “I thought maybe this time, things would change. But it feels like we’re just stuck in the same place.”

  Izuna didn’t say anything at first. He simply stood by her, his hand brushing gently against hers in a silent show of support. After a moment, he spoke. “It’s not over, Airi. You’ve said what needed to be said. Sometimes people don’t change overnight.”

  Airi looked up at him, her eyes searching his face for reassurance. “But what if it’s too late? What if they never understand?”

  Izuna gave her a small smile, his eyes full of warmth and resolve. “It doesn’t matter. What matters is that you’ve taken a stand for yourself. You’ve shown them who you really are, and that’s something no one can take away from you.”

  She nodded slowly, feeling a small spark of hope rekindling in her heart. “I guess you’re right. I just… I thought they would see things my way. I thought I could get them to understand.”

  “You can’t control how they feel, Airi,” Izuna said, his tone gentle but firm. “But you can control how you live your life. And you’ve chosen your path. You’ve chosen to live for yourself, not for them. That’s all that matters now.”

  Airi felt a sense of relief wash over her. It wasn’t the resolution she had hoped for, but it was a start. She wasn’t completely free of the pain, but she had taken the first step towards healing.

  She smiled at him, a mixture of gratitude and resolve in her eyes. “Thank you, Izuna. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

  Izuna squeezed her hand, his expression softening. “You don’t have to do it alone. I’m here for you, Airi. And I always will be.”

  They continued walking down the street, the world moving on around them, but for Airi, it felt like time had momentarily slowed down. She didn’t know what the future held, or if her relationship with her parents would ever be mended, but she knew one thing for sure—she was no longer afraid of standing up for herself.

  Together, with Izuna by her side, she would face whatever came next.

  As they walked in silence, Airi couldn’t help but feel a glimmer of hope that, no matter the obstacles ahead, her heart was in the right place. And with Izuna by her side, she knew she could handle anything.

  The day had not ended with the resolution she had hoped for, but it was far from the end of her journey.