The Golden Pear [YA - Featured]

♫~Notes 83~♫

 "I'll get us an order!" The youngest brother leaped on his feet, rushing to the waiting line.

"I-I'm sorry. I wasn't aware of you—" Mr. Hiroki-san was at a loss with words.

"So much for keeping our surname a secret," Aiyoku added. "But no, please, let's drop the formalities."

"Agreed, we are only students here, and regardless of our family background, there is so much we have to learn."

The older man let out a less stressed breath. "I understand. I would never imagine my niece would know the famous triplets."

Freya sighed as well and took out from a bag Kagetsu brought to her trusted notebook, that neared its end. In the last months, she used it more than ever before.

"When my previous flat burned down, they took me in. I plan to find my own accommodation during the summer break. I don't want to depend on you. I need to stand on my own feet. And I'm very grateful for everything. I think you spoil me too much."

"Oh please," Rigaku said. "You are tutoring Ka in English better than me."

"Yeah, you always make time for us. I really like to hang out with you. It's so natural," Aiyoku added.

She rolled her eyes a bit, but she agreed. Being with the triplets was fun and pleasing. She didn't feel odd or out of place. It was like they were a family from the start.

"Munch time!" Kagetsu came with his arms full of plates.

Freya's eyes sparkled upon seeing her plate full of sushi. She had it every day, but she couldn't get enough of it. This national meal was one of the reasons she loved to be in Japan. Nowhere else she could taste this dish in its fullness.

Digging in, they chatted about a lot of things like Summer Fest or their club. Rigaku had scheduled the next open discussion for tomorrow. Mr. Hiroki-san listened to him and applauded them for choosing good topics for young people. The minutes ticked away, and they soon forgot about Kagetsu's misstep in revealing their identity.

Freya's uncle checked his watch. "I need to catch my flight back. What a shame." He stood up. "Freya-chan, before I go, I would like to tell you something."

She nodded, following her uncle, who exchanged a warm farewell with the brothers. Freya guided him out of the school, and near the fountain, they stopped.

"In the past weeks, my wife and I were thinking about you." He looked into her eyes. "We discussed how to make your life easier. You have gone through so many hardships, and youth is the time that should be the most cherished."

The green eyes watched the shadow of a cloud crawling over the ground as it moved across swaying blades of grass.

"I know you have your scholarship, but we found out you can transfer it to a similar school near our place."