"When you're not allowed to speak, choosing to stay still is rebellion. Choosing to speak — that's revolution."
---
Morning — The Summons
It came in an envelope. Formal. Sealed.
> To: Katagiri Mio
Re: Disciplinary Review Hearing
Attendance mandatory — Tuesday, 3:45 PM, Main Office Conference Room
The note didn't specify a reason.
But it didn't need to.
Mio sat frozen in her seat, eyes scanning the words again and again as if they might vanish. Around her, the classroom buzzed with the same safe noise it always had — but it didn't reach her.
Hana read the letter in silence.
Then she folded it carefully and placed it back in Mio's hands.
"We'll go together."
---
Lunch — Warning Signs
Mr. Arai stopped Hana in the hallway as she made her way toward the cafeteria.
"I know what you're trying to do," he said under his breath, glancing around nervously.
"What am I doing?" she asked.
"You're making yourself a target."
She looked him in the eye. "So are you, by warning me."
He exhaled. "She has the school board in her pocket. The other staff are scared. Some think they're protecting Mio by cooperating."
"And what do you think?"
A pause.
"I think she's more herself when she's with you than I've ever seen her. And I'm sorry I didn't see it sooner."
It wasn't a full apology.
But it was something.
---
The Meeting — Tuesday Afternoon
The conference room smelled like wood polish and power.
Mio sat at the far end of the table. On one side sat Principal Igarashi and a stern woman from the board. On the other: Ayaka Katagiri.
Her voice was cool and precise.
"I'm not here to punish my daughter," she said. "But recent behavioral changes concern me. Declining academic focus. Public emotional displays. Inappropriate overnight stays."
She slid a stack of printed photographs across the table — blurry shots of Mio and Hana at the park, walking home, holding hands under the old lanterns.
Mio felt her stomach drop.
"This is harassment," Hana snapped.
Ayaka didn't even look at her. "It's concern, Ms. Watanabe."
The board member cleared her throat. "We're not here to debate personal choices. We're here to evaluate what's best for the student's stability and success."
"Then ask her," Hana said. "Ask Mio what she wants."
All eyes turned.
Mio swallowed. Her hands shook beneath the table.
But then she stood.
"I want to stay. I want to graduate here. With my friends. With Hana."
"You're clearly emotionally compromised—" the board member began.
"Maybe I am," Mio said. "But for once, it's my choice."
The room went silent.
Ayaka's jaw tightened.
But Principal Igarashi leaned back and said quietly, "I believe that's all for today."
---
Afterward — The Steps Outside
They sat on the front steps of the school, watching the sun dip low.
Mio breathed out slowly. "I was terrified."
"You were amazing," Hana whispered.
"I think I made it worse."
"Maybe. But you made it yours."
They sat shoulder to shoulder, feeling the sky change.
Then footsteps approached.
Mr. Arai.
He handed Mio a small folder.
"What's this?" she asked.
"Your midterm recommendations. I held them back because I wasn't sure how things would turn out. But… I think you've more than earned them."
She opened the folder — and there it was. Letters from two top universities. Notes from teachers praising her work ethic. A copy of her personal statement, with a yellow sticky note:
> "Keep writing your story, Mio. It matters."
Her eyes filled with tears.
For once, not because of fear — but hope.
---
That Night — Home Is a Choice
Ayaka didn't speak to her when she came home.
There was a fresh envelope on the dining table.
Inside:
A transfer application. Already filled out. Already signed.
Mio stood there for a long time.
Then she took the form, walked to the balcony, and let the wind take it.
Paper fluttered into the dark.
Ayaka's voice rose behind her. "You'll regret this."
Mio turned.
"No. For the first time, I won't."
---
End of Chapter 13
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