“There’s such an incredible student in this class? I had no idea before today. Looks like I’ve really been neglecting what happens at school. If my wife hadn’t insisted I come to this parent-teacher meeting, I probably wouldn’t have shown up even once before graduation—let alone learned that my kid shares a class with someone like her.”

“First in all of Tokyo twice in a row—what kind of genius and self-disciplined student could pull that off?”

“Being first in Tokyo isn’t something you can achieve through hard work alone. You need real brains for that. This Kotomi Izumi must be the type who never sneaks her phone during class, never gets distracted, and always keeps her eyes and mind following the teacher. Students like that—smart and diligent—are the ones teachers truly admire.”

“That level of performance is incredible. If she keeps this up until her third year, she’ll have a guaranteed spot at the University of Tokyo.”

“With scores like that, even Keio University would take her without question. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if universities are already trying to recruit her directly.”

“Recruit her already? She’s only a first-year! That’s unbelievable!”

“Someone who can take first place across all of Tokyo twice in a row is already an unbelievable existence. No amount of special treatment would surprise me.”

“My daughter’s in the same class as this Kotomi Izumi. Same classroom, same teachers—so why is her score so much lower? Ugh, I’m cutting her allowance by a thousand yen next month. Maybe that’ll make her focus more on studying instead of wasting time reading that Chainsaw Man manga by Izumi Tree. No wonder her midterm score dropped fifty points.”

“No wonder the homeroom teacher introduced Kotomi first—and with that tone of excitement, too. What teacher wouldn’t be thrilled to have such a brilliant, easy-to-manage student? Even having one who regularly ranks first in the entire grade would make any teacher proud.”

“Still, the way the teacher talked about her just now—I almost thought she was introducing her new wife, haha.”

“Impossible. Didn’t you hear about that teacher recently who got fired and blacklisted for a student-teacher relationship? The student even had to transfer schools. They’re incredibly strict about that now. There’s no way any teacher would dare date a student.”

“Yeah, true.”

As murmurs of admiration and envy filled the room, Akina Izumi slowly stood and walked to the podium to accept Kotomi’s certificate. Taking it from Shizuka Hiratsuka’s hands, she listened to the round of applause echoing through the classroom—and for a moment, she felt dazed.

She had known for a while that Kotomi’s grades had skyrocketed after entering high school, as though she had suddenly awakened some hidden potential. But standing here, holding the certificate in her hands, the reality truly hit her.

Her chest tightened. Tears nearly welled in her eyes.

Perhaps it was a little late to feel it now, but she still couldn’t help thinking:

Kotomi finally made us proud with her studies!!!

At that moment, Akina wanted nothing more than to hurry home after the meeting, clutching the certificate close, run into the house, and sweep Kotomi—probably still sleeping in—into her arms and spin her around in joy.

She even wanted to lift her high into the air! Unfortunately, Kotomi was grown now, and her mother no longer had the strength to lift her like she used to.

“Congratulations,” Shizuka said sincerely.

On the first day of the new semester, she had reviewed the students’ entrance exam results. To be honest, Kotomi’s scores back then weren’t much better than Yui Yuigahama’s. In fact, among all the students in Class 1-F, those two were near the very bottom—Kotomi second to last, and Yui dead last.

Shizuka had assumed they’d be the students who gave her the most trouble academically. But from the very first classes, Kotomi had surprised her again and again, until Shizuka began to suspect that Kotomi might have deliberately underperformed on her entrance exam—maybe as part of some ‘playing dumb’ act, just to make a big dramatic reveal later.

And when the first monthly exams came around, Kotomi did just that.

She didn’t just improve—she skyrocketed, soaring from second-to-last in the class all the way to first in the entire school… and first in all of Tokyo!

She had even helped Yui Yuigahama, the class’s former bottom student, raise her grades alongside her own.

The improvement shown by those two left many teachers at Sobu High completely stunned. They’d seen students suddenly “wake up” academically before, but never to this degree—it was almost monstrous.

If Yui’s progress could still be considered within reasonable limits—a surprise dark horse—then Kotomi’s improvement was an outright reversal of extremes, from utterly poor to unbelievably excellent.

If not for the school’s rigorous anti-cheating protocols during major exams, many teachers might have suspected Kotomi of copying answers.

In fact, one teacher had made that very insinuation during a post-exam grading meeting after the first monthly test, muttering, “This student, Kotomi Izumi, improved so dramatically compared to her entrance exam results—it’s like she’s a completely different person. Could she have used some… tricks?”

The moment Shizuka Hiratsuka heard that, she slammed her hand on the table and stood up, visibly angry.

“Maybe try using your brain before you talk. Tell me—was there anyone in her exam room who scored higher than her? The proctor can confirm she finished first every time, and she’s the only one bold enough to take a nap afterward! Just look at the last math problem—by the time Kotomi was done and asleep, the students around her hadn’t even reached that page yet!”

Shizuka knew that speaking so bluntly in a faculty meeting wasn’t ideal for her image, but she simply couldn’t stand hearing someone cast doubt on Kotomi’s ability. It wasn’t just about protecting her student—what that teacher said was downright illogical.

Given Kotomi’s speed and the fact that she finished before anyone else, even if she wanted to cheat, she wouldn’t have had the chance. By the time she turned her head, her neighbors would still be struggling through earlier pages.

In response to Shizuka’s congratulations, Akina Izumi chuckled softly and nodded. “I’ll thank you on Kotomi’s behalf, Hiratsuka-sensei. She’s really caused you a lot of trouble since the semester started.”

“Oh, not at all. I can’t speak for the other students, but Kotomi’s the easiest one to handle. Honestly, I think we’ve practically become friends.”

“Oh, really? Then I hope you’ll always continue to get along with her as a friend,” Akina said casually, then added with a playful smile, “You know what they say—’both teacher and friend,’ right~?”

Shizuka froze for a moment.

Why did that sound like… a warning? Or perhaps a reminder?

As Akina walked back to Kotomi’s seat, she could feel the curious glances directed her way. After all, her daughter had just been announced as both top of the entire school and top in all of Tokyo. Yet she maintained a calm, graceful composure—neither arrogant nor overly humble.

She neither ignored nor indulged others’ opinions. That was the way of the Hishinaga family—the upbringing of a refined young lady: Accept praise with grace, but never let it dictate your worth.

More than applause or flowers, Akina preferred hearing her daughters say, “Mom, dinner was delicious today,” and her husband whisper, “I love you.”

“Ah, so you’re Kotomi’s mother!” came a soft voice from the seat ahead. “Nice to meet you—or rather, not quite the first time. When Kotomi stayed over at my house before, we spoke over the phone. I forgot to mention my name earlier—I’m Yui’s mother, Tomoka Yuigahama.”

Akina blinked, then let out a small laugh. No wonder the voice had sounded so familiar! So she was that Mrs. Yuigahama.

Indeed, when Kotomi had stayed over at Yui’s place a few times, it had been Tomoka who called to inform her. Akina had taken the calls herself, so they’d already known each other by voice—but this was their first time meeting face to face.

Back then, when Akina first learned that Yui’s mother’s name was Tomoka Yuigahama, she’d been curious whether she might be the same person as her old middle school friend, Tomoka Mizuniwa.

Now, seeing her in person, Akina thought she looked very much like that same Tomoka Mizuniwa.

When the meeting’s over, I’ll have to ask her, Akina decided inwardly.

…

After the parent-teacher meeting ended, Ikemi Kato was the first to take her leave.

“Mrs. Izumi, Mrs. Yuigahama, I’m heading out to buy groceries. Would you like to come along?”

“Sorry, I already stocked up yesterday for the next few days, so I won’t be shopping for a while,” Akina Izumi replied politely.

“I actually bought too much the last time I went shopping,” said Tomoka Yuigahama with a light laugh. “My fridge is still packed to the brim—enough to last us quite a while. Maybe next time, Mrs. Kato.”

“I’m the same,” Ikemi chuckled. “I always end up overbuying until there’s barely any room left in the fridge. Well then, I’ll be off. Let’s have tea together sometime soon, the two of you.”

“Goodbye, Mrs. Kato,” Akina said, waving.

“Bye-bye~” Tomoka Yuigahama added cheerfully. Despite her graceful, mature appearance, she often displayed a spontaneous girlish playfulness that made her naturally endearing.

As Tomoka picked up Yui Yuigahama’s award and prepared to leave, Akina called out to her.

“Mrs. Yuigahama, please wait a moment.”

“Hm? What is it, Mrs. Izumi?”

“There’s something I’d like to ask you about. It’ll only take a moment—shall we talk as we walk?”

“Oh, of course.”

Though unsure what Akina wanted to discuss, Tomoka nodded in agreement.

They left the 1-F classroom together.

“Yui is such a wonderful girl,” Akina said warmly. “She often helps out at the cake shop and still manages to keep up with her studies. The last time my husband and I stopped by Dango Cake Shop, she was the one recommending which desserts to try. Such a thoughtful child—you’ve really done an excellent job raising her, Mrs. Yuigahama.”

“Oh, you flatter me, Mrs. Izumi.” Tomoka smiled faintly. “You’ve probably heard from Kotomi that my husband passed away in an accident quite some time ago. Maybe because of that, both my daughters grew up a little too quickly. Compared to other children their age, they’ve always been well-behaved and considerate—perhaps too considerate. Every time I try to do something for them, they insist on handling it themselves. I know they just don’t want to trouble me, but as their mother, I sometimes wish they’d rely on me a little more.”

She let out a small, self-conscious laugh. “Goodness, listen to me saying such childish things. Two obedient, thoughtful daughters—and I’m still not satisfied. That’s being ungrateful, isn’t it? Sorry, Mrs. Izumi, I must sound ridiculous.”

“Not at all,” Akina said softly. “I completely understand. As parents, we always hope our children will grow up to be independent and mature—but once they do, we can’t help wishing they’d depend on us a bit more. You miss when they were small enough to cling to you and ask for help.”

“Yes, exactly,” Tomoka said with a small nod. “They always say teenagers are full of contradictions, but really—aren’t adults the same? Who among us isn’t conflicted at times?”

“Haha, that’s true. But once children reach that age, they start thinking more on their own rather than talking things out with their parents. We can’t help worrying, wanting to talk with them, but they feel embarrassed and make excuses to avoid it.”

“True,” Tomoka agreed. “If we think back to our own teenage years, weren’t we the same? We didn’t want to talk to our parents either—and even found their advice annoying.”

The two women chatted leisurely as they walked out of Sobu High School, their conversation drifting from children to daily life—nothing serious, just the casual talk of two housewives.

Then Akina smiled faintly and said, “By the way, Mrs. Yuigahama, this might sound a bit forward, but there’s something I’d like to ask you directly.”

She had used the small talk not just for politeness, but also to observe Tomoka more closely. Despite the changes time had brought, there was still an unmistakable familiarity—a resemblance she couldn’t ignore.

Well, it was understandable—if someone hadn’t changed at all since middle school, that would’ve been the truly unbelievable thing.

“Oh? What is it? Don’t worry, as long as it’s something I can answer, please go ahead,” Tomoka Yuigahama said with a nod.

“Before you got married,” Akina Izumi asked carefully, “was your name Tomoka Mizuniwa?”

Tomoka froze. She hadn’t expected Akina to know her maiden name. Surprise and confusion flickered in her eyes.

Could Kotomi have mentioned it? No—that couldn’t be. She had never told Kotomi that her maiden name was Mizuniwa.

So how did Mrs. Izumi know?

Seeing the puzzled expression on Tomoka’s face, as if asking ‘how do you know that name?’, Akina chuckled softly and continued, as if to explain:

“If your name really was Tomoka Mizuniwa before marriage, then what a coincidence. Do you still remember me? Back in middle school, I had short hair—about shoulder length.”

When Akina finished speaking, Tomoka leaned in slightly for a better look. Then, her eyes widened in sudden realization. A memory surfaced—her old friend from middle school! The woman before her looked so much like her—similar features, similar voice, and even the same name.

The first time she’d heard the name Akina Izumi, Tomoka had thought, Wow, that sounds just like my middle school friend’s name.

But when she saw Akina earlier, she hadn’t made the connection. After all, her friend back then—Akina Hishinaga—had black hair.

The woman before her, though similar in looks and voice, now had long, snow-white hair that was completely different from the Akina she remembered.

Sensing Tomoka’s unspoken doubt, Akina smiled faintly, brushing a strand of her white hair between her fingers.

“My hair? It used to be black. I dyed it white for certain reasons later on. By the way, before I got married, my name was Akina Hishinaga.”

“Akina! It is you!” Tomoka gasped. “Oh my gosh, it’s been—what, over ten years? You’ve changed so much, especially your hair, but you’re still as beautiful as ever.”

She was genuinely shocked. She hadn’t imagined that Kotomi’s mother would turn out to be her old middle school friend. And the realization left her feelings in turmoil.

Akina was one of my closest friends in middle school… and Kotomi, her daughter… the same Kotomi who stayed at my house not long ago— and the same Kotomi who, thinking Tomoka was asleep, had kissed her in the middle of the night and confessed her feelings.

That silly girl really didn’t realize I was awake that whole time, did she?!

Does Akina know? Tomoka wondered in a panic.

Probably not… and hopefully never. Because how would I even explain why her daughter likes me?

If Akina found out Kotomi had feelings for me, would she accept it?

Ah… what am I even thinking? Of course not! She’d never allow that! She’s Kotomi’s mother—and I’m a thirty-something single mom with two daughters! How could she possibly approve of that?!

Tomoka sighed inwardly, a wry smile curling at her lips.

“After we graduated middle school and went to different high schools, we lost touch,” Akina said, smiling. “When Kotomi stayed over at your house and you called me, I remember thinking—’Yui’s mother is named Tomoka Yuigahama? That’s funny, my old friend had the same name—Tomoka Mizuniwa. Could it be the same person?'”

“Haha… and when I learned Kotomi’s mother’s name had Akina in it, I thought the same thing!” Tomoka laughed, her tone warm with nostalgia.

“Fate really is strange,” Akina said cheerfully. “Who would’ve thought our daughters would end up at the same high school, in the same class, and even become close friends—without either of us knowing our connection?”

“Yui’s grades improved so much after entering high school,” Tomoka said with a smile. “It’s all thanks to Kotomi tutoring her back then.”

She smiled outwardly—but inside, her thoughts were a storm. She wanted to grab Akina by the shoulders and shout:

What do I do, Akina?! Your daughter Kotomi has a crush on me! She kissed me while I was pretending to sleep—and my own feelings toward her are starting to get… weird!

What if, one day, we end up in a situation where you call me ‘younger sister’… and I have to call you ‘Mom’?

—

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