Hanada's Happy Days Might Be Over

The days after the hike were some of the happiest Hanada had ever experienced. With Shion's cautious approval, Hanada felt more at ease around Akari's brother, and their relationship flourished. They spent more time together, sharing their hopes, dreams, and laughter. Hanada felt like he was on top of the world.

One sunny afternoon, Hanada and Akari decided to take a break from studying and have a picnic in the park. They found a quiet spot under a large cherry blossom tree, its pink petals gently falling around them like a scene from a fairytale. Akari laid out the blanket and began unpacking the bento boxes she had prepared.

"This looks amazing," Hanada said, admiring the neatly arranged sushi, tempura, and fresh fruit. "You're really talented, Akari."

Akari blushed, her eyes twinkling. "Thank you, Hanada-kun. I wanted to make something special for us."

As they enjoyed their meal, they chatted about their future plans, their favorite books, and silly childhood memories. The atmosphere was light and filled with joy, and Hanada couldn't imagine being happier.

However, beneath Akari's cheerful exterior, a storm was brewing. She had received a phone call from Shion the night before, and his news had left her deeply troubled. She hadn't found the right moment to tell Hanada yet, and the weight of her secret was beginning to take its toll.

---

That evening, Akari sat in her dorm room, her mind racing. Shion had informed her that their mother had called and insisted that Akari return home immediately. Apparently, there were pressing family matters that needed her attention, and their mother believed that continuing her studies abroad was the best decision for her future.

"Akari, you know how important family is to us," Shion had said over the phone, his voice tinged with urgency. "Mother believes it's crucial for you to be home right now. She wouldn't ask if it wasn't important."

Akari had protested, explaining how happy she was with her life at the university, but Shion was firm. "I know this is hard, but Mother has her reasons. You need to trust her judgment. Come back home, at least for a while. We'll figure things out from there."

As she replayed the conversation in her mind, Akari felt a knot tighten in her stomach. She loved her family, but the thought of leaving Hanada and the life she had built here was unbearable. She knew she had to make a decision soon, but she was torn between her duty to her family and her love for Hanada.

---

The next day, Hanada and Akari met up for their usual walk to class. Hanada noticed the distant look in Akari's eyes and the way she seemed preoccupied, but he didn't press her about it.

"Is everything alright, Akari?" he finally asked, his voice gentle.

Akari forced a smile. "Yes, everything's fine. Just a lot on my mind lately."

Hanada nodded, sensing there was more to her troubles than she was letting on. "If you ever need to talk, I'm here for you, Akari. No matter what."

"Thank you, Hanada-kun," she said softly, squeezing his hand. "That means a lot to me."

---

As the week progressed, Akari's internal struggle grew more intense. She found herself constantly distracted, her thoughts consumed by Shion's words and the weight of her family's expectations. She tried to maintain a façade of normalcy around Hanada, but it was becoming increasingly difficult.

One evening, as they sat in Hanada's apartment watching a movie, Akari's phone buzzed. It was a message from Shion, reminding her of their mother's insistence. She glanced at the screen, her heart sinking.

"Everything okay?" Hanada asked, noticing her expression.

Akari hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, just a message from my brother."

"Shion seems like a good guy," Hanada said, trying to lighten the mood. "I'm glad we're getting along better."

Akari smiled weakly, her heart heavy with the secret she was keeping. "Yeah, he is."

After the movie ended, Akari decided it was time to head back to her dorm. As they stood at the door, Hanada pulled her into a warm embrace. "I love you, Akari," he whispered.

"I love you too, Hanada-kun," she replied, her voice trembling slightly. "Goodnight."

---

Back in her dorm room, Akari sat on her bed, staring at her phone. She knew she had to make a decision soon, but the thought of leaving Hanada filled her with dread. She picked up her phone and called Shion.

"Shion, I need more time," she said, her voice shaky. "I can't just leave everything behind so suddenly."

"I understand, Akari," Shion replied, his tone softening. "But you need to consider what's best for you and the family. Mother wouldn't ask if it wasn't important."

"What's going on, Shion? Why is it so urgent that I come back home?" Akari asked, hoping for more clarity.

There was a pause on the other end of the line before Shion spoke again. "There are... some issues at home, Akari. I can't explain everything over the phone, but Mother needs you here. Please, trust me on this."

Akari sighed, feeling more conflicted than ever. "Alright, Shion. I'll think about it."

"Thank you, Akari. I know this is difficult, but we're here for you," Shion said gently.

As she hung up the phone, Akari felt tears welling up in her eyes. She knew she couldn't keep this from Hanada much longer, but the thought of telling him filled her with fear and sadness.

---

The following day, Hanada noticed that Akari seemed even more distant than before. They met up for lunch, and he could see the worry etched on her face.

"Akari, what's going on? You've been so distracted lately," Hanada said, his concern evident.

Akari took a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly. "Hanada-kun, there's something I need to tell you. It's about my family."

Hanada's heart sank. "What is it, Akari?"

"My brother called," she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "He said that our mother wants me to come back home. There's something going on, and she thinks it's best for me to continue my studies abroad."

Hanada stared at her, stunned. "What? But why? What's happening?"

"I don't know all the details," Akari admitted, her eyes filling with tears. "Shion said there are some family issues, but he couldn't explain everything over the phone. They need me back home, Hanada. And I don't know what to do."

Hanada felt a wave of panic and sadness wash over him. The thought of Akari leaving was unbearable. "Akari, I... I don't want you to go."

"I don't want to go either," she said, her voice breaking. "But I feel like I have to. My family needs me."

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the situation pressing down on them. Hanada reached out and took Akari's hand, his grip firm and reassuring.

"Whatever happens, we'll get through this together," he said softly. "I'm here for you, Akari. No matter what."

Akari nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Thank you, Hanada-kun. That means everything to me."

As they sat there, holding each other, Akari knew she had a difficult decision to make. The love and support from Hanada gave her strength, but the pull of her family's needs was equally strong. She was caught between two worlds, and the choice she made would change everything.

---

That night, Akari lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. She knew she couldn't put off her decision any longer. She had to talk to her mother, to understand why she was being summoned back home so urgently.

She picked up her phone and dialed her mother's number, her heart pounding in her chest. After a few rings, her mother answered.

"Akari, my dear," her mother's voice was warm but tinged with worry. "I've been waiting for your call."

"Mother, Shion told me you want me to come back home. What's going on? Why is it so urgent?" Akari asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

There was a long pause on the other end of the line before her mother spoke. "Akari, there are some issues that have come up. I can't explain everything right now, but we need you here. It's important for our family."

"But why do I have to leave everything behind? I'm happy here, Mother," Akari pleaded, her voice cracking.

"I know, my dear. And I'm so proud of you for everything you've accomplished. But sometimes, we have to make sacrifices for the greater good. Please, trust me on this," her mother said, her tone gentle but firm.

Akari felt a lump form in her throat. "Alright, Mother. I'll come back home. But it's not forever, right?"

"Of course not, Akari. Just for a while, until we get things sorted out. We'll figure it out together," her mother reassured her.

As she hung up the phone, Akari felt a mixture of relief and dread. She knew what she had to do, but the thought of leaving Hanada.