Living with the Arrogant Queen from High School is Surprisingly Not Uncomfortable

Chapter 41



“My parents were strict. Since I was a child, they forced me into all sorts of lessons because of them. Calligraphy. Piano. Abacus. Swimming. Ballet. And… Tennis? So many things. I hated it. I just wanted to chat with friends, or play pretend games, but especially, my dad was strict. If I dared to say I wanted to quit any of these lessons, he’d be furious, saying ‘What are you talking about, giving up on something you’ve started?’ He would be in a bad mood all day, and I would always end up crying in the corner of my room.

Maybe it’s because I led such a constrained life. I had a terrible rebellious phase. Well, you’d know. You saw me in my high school days. Probably started around the second year of middle school. I had a friend named Ishikawa, and we constantly complained about our parents, and I think that led me to become more defiant. Then, I became a rebellion monster. It was terrible. At home, I refused to speak to my dad, and I quit all the lessons on my own. I ignored the backlash. I continued to be defiant and that carried into my high school life. Before I knew it, I was being called a ‘queen’.

Well, at that time, the people around me were all just trying to use me to get closer to Akari or to look down on lower-caste people using my influence. Even so, I enjoyed my life as a high school student playing queen.

As for college… honestly, I don’t know if it went well. I went to a different university than all my acquaintances, and maybe it was because I left home. Even though I didn’t want to go back home, I think I was living a more peaceful life than before. So, I guess I was in a noticeable group, but I don’t think I was at the top of the hierarchy.

Honestly, okay? So… so I didn’t participate in any matchmaking parties or anything like that. Even if I did, I wasn’t interested in guys at all. No… I’m not lying!

Uh… well, I did fall for that guy.

Cough.

Anyway, during my university days… All I was thinking about was leaving my parents. Not going back home. I think it was a moment of madness that made me start dating a guy like that.

When I told my parents that I was going to live with him… although they disowned me, I intended it as a declaration that I wasn’t going back. I knew my dad would be angry. If I told him that I was starting to live with someone. But I thought it was okay. I guess I really hated my dad.”

A few days after I convinced Hayashi.

During the two consecutive holidays of the weekend, we were on a train to go back home. As the train was about to reach our hometown station, Hayashi, unusually talkative probably due to extreme tension, started telling old stories.

She taught me various things now.

I didn’t understand why her mouth was very heavy in the middle of the story.

However, I somehow understood why Hayashi had such a strong character in high school. The influence of parents. I see. That’s not an unreasonable story.

“I’m sorry. I made you listen to a strange story.”

“No problem. It was more entertaining than reading a poor dime novel. Because it had a lot of reality.”

“If you’re pleased, I’m glad.”

Hayashi gave a modest smile. She didn’t seem to be in the mood to laugh from the bottom of her heart, considering the situation that awaited us.

“Also, I’m sorry… When you suggested I go back home. You were right, and I was wrong. I shouldn’t have argued with you so much.”

I shrugged my shoulders at Hayashi’s sudden apology. “Well, I was just lucky. And I think it’s natural for you to react the way you did, considering what you’ve been through. You don’t need to apologize.”

Hayashi looked surprised for a moment, and then her face softened. “Thank you,” she said quietly, looking out of the window.

We both sat in silence for a while, the rhythmic sound of the train filling the air. I glanced at Hayashi, who was lost in thought, looking at the landscape speeding by.

I felt a strange mix of emotions. I was worried about how Hayashi’s family would react, but at the same time, I was proud of her for deciding to confront her past.

I decided to break the silence. “Hey, Hayashi.”

“Hmm?” She turned her head to look at me, a questioning look in her eyes.

“No matter what happens, remember that I’m on your side, okay?”

A smile broke across her face then, a genuine one, full of warmth and gratitude. It was a rare sight, but one that I found immensely comforting.

“Thank you,” she said again. “I really appreciate it.”

And with that, we braced ourselves for what was to come. The train gradually slowed down, pulling into our hometown station, marking the beginning of a difficult but necessary journey.


Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.