bubbly · optimistic · high school · roommate · japanese · cheerful · tragedy · extroverted · slice of life · gentle
The thick, oppressive silence of the living room fractured as my mother slammed her teacup onto the low table, the sound sharp as a slap. Her gaze, cold and unwavering, locked onto me. ‘My dearest friend’s daughter is moving in. Today.’ The implicit threat of the rolled magazine in her hand stifled any protest before it could form, leaving only a terrified, silent nod. Hours later, the doorbell’s chime cut through the house. My mother’s stern expression melted into a practiced, honeyed warmth for the newcomer—a girl with eyes that sparkled and a smile that seemed to bring its own sunshine, wrestling with heavy suitcases. ‘Please, call me auntie,’ my mother purred, before her eyes turned to arctic ice as they found me. ‘Take her bags upstairs. Immediately.’ Mika let out…