~ Chapter 1 ~
I want to be a patissier!
Characters
Yukariko Kanoe (Heroine): The heroine of this series, a young fourteen-year-old junior high school girl, who has no talent in anything except folding origami and eating sweets. Until she meets a young pastry chef in a local sweets fiesta in the next town when she was separated from her friends. At that moment, she finally found her dream and that is to be a patissier.
Mikako Kanoe: Yukariko’s older sister, who is mature and has a motherly-like personality. She works as a full-time nurse with longer shifts. Mikako loves her sisters dearly and protects them from harm.
Yuuko Kanoe: Yukariko’s second older sister, a beautiful senior high schooler and a talented vocalist of her own band. She is popular among the students and teachers in school, which made Yukariko somewhat jealous.
Marcus Hero Chevrolet: A handsome French professional patissier and an old friend of her late foster sister, whom Yukariko encountered at the local sweets fiesta. He is the descendant of the principal of the main campus St Marie Academy in Paris. Finally, the person who scouted Yukariko to St Marie Academy.
Souta Motonomi: Yukariko’s childhood friend, a cheerful and athletic boy; who belonged to the judo club in school and also a regular athlete Somehow he has a deep crush on Yukariko, which she didn’t notice herself.
Shizuko Nara: Younger twin sister of Shuichi and a best friend of Yuuko from Osaka, a loud and energetic girl. Also the band’s main bassist, second vocalist and a minor guitarist.
Shuuichi Nara: Older twin brother of Shizuko and another best friend of Yuuko from Osaka, who has a completely opposite personality from his sister; an introvert, lazy but a genius guy. He is part of Yuuko’s band as the main guitarist and a minor bassist.
Miyuna Imai: The manager of Souta’s judo club in school, who also has a secret crush on Souta and considers Yukariko as her love rival.
Saki Muramoto: Late foster sister of Yukariko and an old friend of Marcus, who was a talented patissier and an ex-student of St Marie Academy.
In the morning at Yukariko’s bedroom
[Alarm clock rings]
Yukariko: [Wakes up and draws the curtains then slides the window]
Mikako: [Opens the door] Oh you’re awake. Hurry up and get ready or you’ll be late for school.
Yukariko: Okay.. [Stretches her body]
Yuuko: [Comes to Yukariko’s room] Morning Yukariko!
Yukariko: [Turns back to her and yawns] Morning Yuuko-nee.
“I’m Yukariko Kanoe, just an ordinary 14-year-old junior high schooler with no talent except for folding origamis and eating pastries. I live with two of my older sisters; they are both beautiful and talented compared to me. The most talented and prettiest one at home is second sister, Yuuko. She is the vocalist and also the guitarist of the Light Music Club, not only that she’s also one of the most popular girls in the entire academy. Honestly, I’m envious.”
Yukariko: [Puts on her uniform and combs her hair as she looks herself in front of the mirror] Done!
Yuuko: [Shouts from the bottom of the stairs] Yukariko, are you done? The food is getting cold!
Yukariko: [Shouts back] Coming!! [Runs out of the room and fell down the stairs]
Mikako: [Quickly runs out of the kitchen] Yukariko!! Are you okay?
Yuuko: [Hoists Yukariko up] Yukariko, why do you always have to fall on the stairs first in the morning?
Yukariko: I’m sorry [Slowly gets up]
Yuuko: [Sighs] Seriously, get a hold of yourself.
Yukariko: “I’ve been scolded again. Well is my day even getting better.” Okay… [Sighs]
After breakfast
Yuuko: [Puts on her shoes and quickly pushes her bicycle out of the house] We’re off! See you later, Mika-nee!
Mikako: [Waves and watches Yuuko leave] Bye and be careful Yuuko!
Yuuko: [Turns back in an instant] Hurry up Yukariko or I’ll leave you behind.
Yukariko: [Quickly grabs her school bag and puts on her shoes then catches up with Yuuko while riding her bicycle] Wait for me!
Mikako: Have fun girls! Be safe! [Waves]
As Yuuko and Yukariko cycle along the paddy field then Souta quickly joins in as he cycled down the hill from his house.
Souta: Morning Yukariko and Yuuko-neesan!
Yukariko: Morning Sou-chan.
Yuuko: Morning Souta-kun! How was your practice for the judo tournament?
Souta: I’m getting in there. Well, my mom keeps nagging me to study instead of focusing on judo.
Yuuko: I agree with your mom. Thus, you’re going to retire soon before the summer break starts next year right? So you better start studying.
Souta: Urgh….please don’t say it, Yuuko-neesan.
Yukariko: Sou-chan loves judo so much.
Souta: Well it’s because of you that’s why I’ve started judo.
Yuuko: Is that so?
Yukariko: That’s not true. You’ve always wanted to do it because you love it.
Yuuko: [Makes a cheeky smile] “I see so that’s how it is”
Souta: Why are you smiling like that?
Yuuko: Oh nothing, I just think you guys are cute together. That’s all.
Souta: [Blushed] What?! No way!
Yukariko: [Blushed] Onee-chan!
Yuuko: Why don’t you guys just start dating.
Yukariko: Oh no Sou-chan and I are just childhood friends. Dating is a different issue and I’m sure Sou-chan likes another girl instead of someone as clumsy and plain like me.
Souta: [Turns to Yukariko as he blushed] Er…I….
[Interrupted]
Shizuko: Yuuko!! [Shouts as she cycles towards them from the left side]
Yuuko: Shizu! Shuu! Morning!
Shuuichi: [Yawns and speaks tiredly] Morning…
Yuuko: What’s wrong with Shuu?
Shizuko: Oh he was up till 3 am playing games again. Oh yeah, I’ve made a new tune last night. Wanna hear it?
Yuuko: Of course, I want to listen to it at lunch break. [Cycles ahead with the twins]
Souta: Well I guess it’s just the two of us then. [Catching up with Yuuko and the twins from the back]
Yukariko: You’re right…
Souta: Umm…about what Yuuko-neesan said earlier, I…
Yukariko: Don’t worry about it.
Souta: But...
Yukariko: My sister was teasing back there. Just ignore her.
Souta: Got it…
Yukariko: “Well in the guy’s judo club, there’s Imai-san as the manager. She always liked Sou-chan since when we were in the first year and they both look good together too”
Souta: Yukariko….
Yukariko: What?
Souta: I….. No, will you come to watch my match next weekend?
Yukariko: What are you talking about? Of course, I'll go and also make…
Souta: I want you to make the best bento and I want 3 rice balls and also friend chicken! Don’t forget your chocolate muffins for dessert, got it?
Yukariko: Roger that.
At school compound
Yukariko and Souta: [Park their bicycle at the bike parking spot]
Souta: I have to get to the dojo for some briefing about the tournament next week.
Yukariko: Okay, see you later.
Souta: [Jogs away] See ya!
Yukariko: Bye.. [Waves then grabs her school bag from the basket and walks away]
2-C classroom in the Junior High School building
Yukariko: [Slides the door and enters the classroom then takes her seat in the 2nd row by the window]
Akari: [Grabs Yukariko’s shoulder] Yuka-chan!
Sayo: Morning, sleepyhead!
Reia: [Covers Yukariko’s eyes with her hands] Yu…ka!
Yukariko: Haha, Reia, I know it’s you. [Let's go of Reia’s hands from her eyes]
Akari: Hahaha
Reia: You’re finally smiling.
Sayo: [Nods]
Yukariko: What? I haven’t been smiling lately?
Sayo: That’s right.
Akari: You’ve been pretty gloomy lately. Is everything okay?
Sayo: Did Motonomi-kun picked on you again?
Yukariko: Oh no! He’s too busy with judo practice for the tournament next weekend.
Reia: Why didn’t you go watch him practise?
Yukariko: Hmm…..well Imai-san is there with him. She makes better bento than I do.
Akari: That’s not true! You have talent too!
Sayo: You fold beautiful origami and eat sweets!
Akari: You’re also a cake-eating champion in the entire village.
Yukariko: Ahaha… this isn’t something I should be proud, Akari-chan.
Reia: I think what I like the most about you is when you bake pastries for us when we were kids.
Yukariko: Really?
Sayo: Yeah! You used to bake a lot those days. Why don’t you make some for him!
Yukariko: Well I don’t know. He did tell me to make some for his lunch.
Sayo: Do it, Yuka!
Akari: What kind of sweets are you going to make?
Yukariko: Chocolate chip muffins.
Sayo: Wow that’s great! Good luck making them, Yuka.
Yukariko: [Nods] Of course, thanks.
After school
[Yukariko walks to the judo dojo and peeks through the window next to the entrance]
Yukariko: [Spots Souta practising] “There he is!*
Souta: [Grabs the opponent’s arm and flips him down]
Yukariko: [Amazed] Wow!
Miyuna: Kanoe-san?
Yukariko: [Turned to Miyuna, who was standing by the entrance] Imai-san! Um…
Miyuna: Are you here to watch Souta-kun’s practice?
Yukariko: Well…..you can say that “She even called him by his first name”
Miyuna: Why don’t you come in to watch. You can have a better view.
Yukariko: No that’s okay, I’m taking my leave now, bye. [Runs away]
Miyuna: “What a strange girl, so she’s the one”
Bicycle parking lot
45 minutes later as Yukariko reaches home from school.
Yukariko: [Parks her bike under the shade next to her sister’s and walks into the house. Speaks tiredly] I’m home…. [Walks upstairs to her bedroom]
Mikako: [Yells from the kitchen] Welcome home!
Yuuko: [Enters the house and goes to the kitchen] I’m home, Mika-nee.
Mikako: [Turns to Yuuko while standing in front of the stove] Welcome home, Yuuko. How was your day?
Yuuko: [Picks up her apron from the hook next to the kitchen door and ties her hair to a pony tail] Same as always, Shizu and I been working on our new song for the next concert.
Mikako: [Sautés the onion on the frying pan] I see, I can wait to hear it.
Yuuko: [Walks to Mikako’s side] Is Yukariko home?
Mikako: Yeah just a while ago, she’s upstairs in her room.
Yuuko: That lazy bum, she should have come in here and lend you a hand.
Mikako: Let her be, Yuuko. She must be tired after a long day at school.
Yuuko: [Changes the subject] So is there anything, I can do?
Mikako: We’re making cream stew tonight, so you can help me cut the vegetables.
Yuuko: Okay. [Picks up the knife and begins cutting the carrot]
An hour later, in Yukariko’s bedroom
Mikako: [Walks upstairs to Yukariko’s bedroom door and knocks] Yukariko? Dinner’s ready. Yukariko?
Yukariko: [Gets up from the bed and opens the door]
Mikako: Yukariko, you’re still in your uniform? Hurry up and change out your uniform and come downstairs.
Yukariko: [Rubs her eyes and answers tiredly] Kay…
Mikako: [Slowly walks back downstairs]
Yukariko: [Closes the door and changes out her uniform]
Meanwhile downstairs in the kitchen, as Mikako sets the table and Yuuko places the food out
Yukariko: [Rubs her eyes and walks into the dining table]
Yuuko: Yukariko, go wash your hands before you eat.
Yukariko: I know.
Mikako: Yuuko, Yukariko knows what to do whenever she comes to the table. She’s a grown-up now so stop treating her like a kid.
Yuuko: You’re the one to talk.
Yukariko: Stop arguing you guys!
Yuuko: [Remained silent]
Mikako: Oh dear….we both been scolded by Yukariko.
Yuuko: [Sits down] Anyways I’m starving, let’s eat.
Mikako: [Sits next to Yuuko] Me too!
Yukarko: Itadakimasu! [Digs in]
Mikako: [Digs in]
Yuuko: What time will you be home tomorrow?
Mikako: I'll probably be home late, say 12am or later than that.
Yuuko: Okay, I'll leave dinner for you in the fridge.
Mikako: Thanks and sorry for leaving all the chores to you cause of work.
Yuuko: That’s ok and don’t worry about it. Leave the house chores to me.
Mikako: But… I felt kinda bad leaving everything to you. You’re still a high schooler not to mention it's your final year in high school. There's also your exams to university right?
Yuuko: So what? I still study since I managed my time well and can still help out at home right?
Mikako: And you haven’t been hanging out with Shizu-chan and the others lately, aren’t you?
Yuuko: [Shook her head] No we still hang out whenever we’re in school or during band practice. Sometimes we do group studies in the library during the weekends.
Mikako: I see, but don’t overwork yourself.
Yuuko: I won’t
Yukariko: I’ll help Yuuko-nee with the house chores.
Mikako: Oh really? That'll lighten Yuuko's chores a bit.
Yukariko: [Shook her head] That’s what I should do when my family needs a helping hand. I can’t stand not doing anything.
Yuuko: Are you sure about that Mika-nee? Yukariko is slow and clumsy. She probably destroys the entire house.
Yukariko: [Pissed off] That's not true, I prove that I won't mess up this time!
Yuuko: Oh... we'll see about that.
Mikako: [Grabs Yuuko and Yukariko's shoulders] Stop arguing both of you. Yuuko, stop being mean to Yukariko, you should give her the chance. Like buying the groceries and hanging the laundry?
Yuuko: [Thinks] That might do since it's not that hard.
Yukariko: [Smiled] Yuuko-nee.
Yuuko: But I'm still worried.
Mikako: Yuuko, please.
Yuuko: Okay fine and don't blame me if anything happens, okay? [Grabs her spoon and digs in her food]
Yukariko: [Delighted] Thanks Yuuko-nee.
Mikako: I'm happy for you, Yukariko.
Yuuko: [Points her spoon to Yukariko] Let me tell you, you better not laze around and mess things up, understand?
Yukariko: I got it, okay?
Yuuko: Excellent.
Yukariko: [Quickly eats her food] “Yuuko-nee, you idiot. I’ll show you that I can do it”
Mikako: "Good grief, these two will never stop arguing over little things"
Next weekend on the day of Souta’s judo match at Arai Arena
Souta: [Walking with his members to the arena]
Yukariko: [Jogs to him] Sou-chan!
Souta: [Turns back to her] Yukariko!
Yukariko: [Stops and huffs]
Souta: You’re late, I thought you wouldn’t come.
Yukariko: Sorry! I’ve overslept and my alarm clock didn’t ring.
Souta: For Pete's sake, get a hold of yourself. Did you bring everything with you? Your wallet? Your phone? Your...
Yukariko: [Covers his mouth as she blushed] Shut up, of course, I brought everything with me.
Souta: Great... And what about my...
Yukariko: [Passes the paper bag to Souta] Here, I've brought it just like you've asked.
Souta: [Takes it and peeks through the bag] Thanks...
Member 1: Wow a handmade bento, you're one lucky guy, Motonomi. I'm envious.
Member 2: Me too. I wished a pretty girl would make bento for me.
Souta: [Blushed] Shut up you guys.
Yukariko: [Giggles]
Miyuna: [Stands next to Souta] Morning Kanoe-san.
Yukariko: Morning Imai-san.
Miyuna: [Smiled] You came, let’s watch the match from the spectator’s seats together.
Yukariko: [Nods] Sure.
Miyuna: See you guys later.
Yukariko: Make sure you win, okay?
Souta: You bet! [Thumbs up with a grin]
Yukariko: Break a leg, Sou-chan.
A few hours later after the match
Announcer: And finally, first place goes to Seikyou Academy.
Souta: [Walks up on stage calmly]
Man: [Passes the trophy to Souta and shakes hands] Congratulations.
Souta: Thank you very much.
[Everyone in the hall gives applause]
All the members: [Gathered around Souta] We did it!! All thanks to you Motonomi!
Souta: No guys, it's all thanks to coach's strict training and our hard effort of training.
Kawamura:
Yukariko: [Watches them from the exit] “You did it Sou-chan!”
Miyuna: [Walks to Souta and embraced him] You did it Souta-kun!
Souta: [Blushed] Imai?! Thanks and er…
Miyuna: Let’s take a group photo, everyone!
Members: Yeah!!
Photographer: Gather around and say cheese, everyone! [Snaps the photo]
Yukariko: [Quietly slips away the arena after watching everyone from afar]
Member 1: Let’s celebrate by having a barbecue at Kawaguchi’s place.
Member 2: Agree!
Souta: [Looking around for Yukariko] “Where is she?”
Miyuna: [Turns to Souta] What are you looking for?
Souta: For Yukariko, wasn't she with you at the spectator's seat earlier?
Miyuna: Yeah we were but I don't know where she went after the match.
Souta: For Pete's sake, did that girl went off to?
Miyuna: Maybe she went to the restroom. You can wait until she gets back.
Souta: Sorry Imai, I don't think I'll be joining you guys for the barbecue. See you on Monday. [Runs off]
Fangirls: [Blocks Souta's way] Motonomi-senpai! Can we take a selfie with you?
Souta: [Tries to walk past them but couldn't] Err..I’m in a…
Girl A: [Grabs Souta’s arm and drags him away] Let’s go over there.
Souta: "Give me a break"
At the shopping district not far from the arena, as Yukariko is walking along with the shops then sees a Sweets fiesta advertisement poster on the wall.
Yukariko: [Delighted] Wow there’s a sweets fiesta here. I want to check it out. [Enters the building and takes the escalator up to the venue. Then, sees heaps of sweets and pastries displayed around the hall]
A few moments later
Yukariko: Wow!!! There are so many of them! [Rushes to grab lots of sweets and lines up to pay for the sweets] “I can’t wait to eat them all”
Man: [Walks away from the counter]
Cashier lady: Next customer, please.
Yukariko: [Puts the trays down and quickly looks for her wallet in her slingbag]
Cashier lady: [Suprised in an instant and tries to stay calm] "That's a lot of cakes, she's not going to finish them all by herself, will she?" That will be 1400 yen.
Yukariko: [Finds her wallet and pays the cashier] Here you go.
Cashier lady: [Grabs the money and passes the receipt to Yukariko] Thank you and here's your receipt.
Yukariko: Thank you. [Walks away from the counter and finds an empty seat next to the window. Quickly sits down] I'm beat... now I can finally dig in.
Souta: [Finally enters the venue and looks around then finally spots Yukariko] Yukariko!
Yukariko: [Turns around and sees Souta coming her way] Sou-chan? What are you doing here?
Souta: [Huffs and sits opposite of Yukariko] I knew you would be here.
Yukariko: Shouldn't you be celebrating your victory with the others?
Souta: Nah, I'm tired and not in the mood to do it.
Yukariko: You shouldn't say that, Sou-chan.
Souta: [Sees two trays of cakes on the table with surprise] Eek! What's with all the cakes?! Don't tell me you're going to eat them all right now right?
Yukariko: Of course I'm going to eat them all here now.
Souta: [SIghs] At this rate, you're going to be a sumo player in no time.
Yukariko: [Quickly digs in and ignores Souta's lecture] Yum, these cakes are superb! I'm so glad I'm got here.
Souta: I guess sweets are the source of your happiness, huh?
Yukariko: Of course it is.
Souta: [Takes out the bento from the paper bag] Just take it slow and don't choke, okay?
Yukariko: [Answers excitedly] Okay!
Souta: [Opens the bento lid and picks up the chopsticks] "It looks delicious and the fried chickens were fried pretty well. Yukariko's cooking improved a lot, hmm... maybe it wasn't her who made it"
Yukariko: [Sees Souta digging in her bento] You must be wondering if I made that right?
Souta: Well duh cause your cooking always sucked.
Yukariko: I did make that with a little help from Yuuko-nee, okay? So it's safe to eat. [Takes a bite of another cake and becomes puzzled] That's weird.
Souta: [Turns to Yukariko] What's the matter? Does the cake taste bad?
Yukariko: Not at all, it's just this bitter chocolate cake tastes familiar.
Souta: So what's the big deal, they're just cakes. You eat em when they taste good right?
Yukariko: [Picks up the cake and walks away] Wait here, I'll be right back.
Souta: Oi Yukariko!
Yukariko: [Roams around the venue] "Where did I pick this cake from again? It should be around here"
Marcus: Excuse me, is something wrong with my cake?
Yukariko: [Turns to Marcus and blushed] Um...no there's nothing wrong with it. It's... "What a handsome foreign man, he's blonde and speaks fluent Japanese too. That face, it looks familiar. Where did I see him before?"
Marcus: [Makes a gentle smile] What is it? Don't be shy, I like to know what you think about it. Please be honest and if it doesn't suit your taste. I deeply apologised for that.
Yukariko: [Quickly shook her head in panicked] No, no, that's not true at all. This cake was delicious of course, it's just that it tasted familiar.
Marcus: Familiar? How so? "Not bad little girl"
Yukariko: It tasted exactly like the ones my sister made.
Marcus: Your sister?
Yukariko: Yes, sadly we aren't related at all but we still treat each other like real sisters.
Marcus: I'm sorry to ask, is your sister a patissier?
Yukariko: [Nods] Yes she was.
Marcus: I knew it, did she studied abroad in Paris when she was a student?
Yukariko: [Tries to recall] Hmm... she did mention that years ago. I remembered she used to go to this school called St something.
Marcus: It's called St Marie Academy, where patissiers from different prefectures gather to learn to make sweets and be professionals. My ancestor was the founder of the academy since the mid 19th century.
Yukariko: Yes, that was the school she mentioned.
Marcus: Pardon me, was your sister Saki Muramoto?
Yukariko: [Surprised] Yes, that's right and to be straight Saki-neechan is my foster sister. She used to look after me when I was little and I often help her out at her shop.
Marcus: [Thrilled] Saki and I were old schoolmates when she studied in Paris. She was a remarkable student and most of the teachers were impressed with her works.
Yukariko: [Surprised and becomes saddened] I see, Saki-neechan is amazing after all.
Marcus: Are you alright, miss? And how is Saki? I would like to drop by at her shop. "I know..."
Yukariko: [Saddened] She died in leukaemia 2 years ago.
Marcus: [Saddened] I see, I'm so sorry for making you remember something bitter.
Yukariko: [Makes a sad smile] No it's okay, I'm so glad that I was able to talk about Saki-neechan again and also meet her old friend.
Marcus: [Makes a bitter smile] Saki was more than an old friend.
Yukariko: What sort of relationship did you have with Saki-neechan?
Marcus: We were extremely close and paired up a lot in group works. She was someone special to me.
Yukariko: You must have feelings for Saki-neechan right?
Marcus: Well you can say that. It's been a long time I came to this town.
Yukariko: What? You've been to this town before?
Marcus: [Nods] Yeah about 10 years ago after Saki returned to Japan. Then I went over to her house during the summer break.
Yukariko: I see.
Marcus: Saki... was always smiling brightly and I could always sense her presence everywhere I go. It's really difficult to let her go.
Yukariko: I agree with you and I'll always miss her.
Marcus: Oh may I know your name?
Yukariko: It's Yukariko Kanoe, you can call me Yuka for short.
Marcus: My name is Marcus, you can call me Marcus for short.
Yukariko: [Tries to recall Saki's stories] "Marcus and that look. Saki-neechan did tell me about her stories when she was in Paris and how she befriended with a french guy a long time ago. That french guy might be him" Okay Marcus-san.
Marcus: Oh and I was baking a new cake awhile ago. I want you to be the first to try it after it's ready. Since I noticed that you have a great sense of taste after just taking one bite.
Yukariko: "I've been praised for something different for the first time" Okay I would like to try it, Marcus-san or maybe Marcus-sensei.
Marcus: [Takes her to an empty seat next to his counter] Right this way and have a seat while you wait. It will be done in a jiffy, Yuka.
Yukariko: [Nods] Okay.
Marcus: [Starts arranging the decorations on the cake and finally serves it to Yukariko] Here you go, Yuka. Consider this a present for our meeting.
Yukariko: [Amazed] "Wow, this cake looks beautiful, I bet it tastes good" Thank you, ittadakimasu. [Picks up the cake fork and takes a bite] It's delicious, the taste of the strawberry in the mousse is so soft. I can imagine myself wandering around the strawberry field with the one I love. Maybe I should call it "The First Love"
Marcus: [Surprised]
Yukariko: [Turns to Marcus] I'm so sorry, I get hyped up when it comes to sweets.
Marcus: Splendid, I can't believe you've picked up my message after one bite. Yes as you said this cake is "First Love".
Yukariko: "I've been praised again”
Marcus: Yuka, would you like to transfer to St Marie Academy?
Yukariko: Me? To St Marie Academy?! No way! Why?
Marcus: I believe you have a special talent that no one else possesses. That's why I want you to enrol on the academy so that we can teach you to master those skills.
Yukariko: "Me going to St Marie Academy? I don't believe it, today is my day because I've been praised for the first time by a hot French guy, who was also Saki-neechan's old friend. I doubt Mika-nee and Yuuko-nee would allow me to transfer schools" I... I really don't know what to say...
Marcus: Think about it, this would be a wonderful opportunity to change your life, Yuka. If Saki were alive, she would be proud.
Marcus: [Reconsiders] "If Saki-neechan were here, she would say the same time. Since I love sweets so much, and even dreamt of becoming a patissier when I was little. Marcus-sensei might be right, this is my chance to change myself and test my talent. I'll definitely do it" [Turns to Marcus with a determined expression] I'll do it, Marcus-sensei.
Marcus: [Claps once] Wonderful, I'll hand you the flyers and the rest of the paper later.
Yukariko: But I need my sisters' permission first before moving any further.
Marcus: You're right.
Yukariko: Don't worry, I'll do my best to persuade them.
Marcus: Okay, then I will be looking forward to seeing you in the academy.
Yukariko: [Smiled happily] I can't wait.
In the evening at home, during dinner time, Yukariko and her sisters sit at the dining table
Yukariko: [Sits down] Yuuka-nee, Mika-nee, there’s something I want to tell you.
Mikako: [Turns to Yukariko] What is it?
Yuuko: [Sits down and turns to Yukariko]
Yukariko: I want to transfer to another school.
Yuuko: [Drops her chopsticks on the table as she was shocked] What? Did I mishear anything?
Yukariko: [Shook her head] No, you didn’t.
Mikako: You want to transfer? Why is that? Don’t you like your current school?
Yukariko: I do, but there’s something I wanted, but it can’t be here. It has to be in that academy.
Mikako: What do you want to do?
Yukariko: I want to learn to make sweets just like Saki-neechan. [Places St Marie Academy flyers on the table]
Mikako: [Picks up the flyers and reads them] Oh, what a beautiful school, St Marie Academy. Oh yeah, Saki-neechan did say she went abroad to learns to make sweets in Paris a long time ago. So this was the academy where she went to.
Yuuko: Paris? That is completely out of the question, Mika-nee. I mean it's so far away, think about the money for the flight tickets, the tuition fees and dorm fees.
Yukariko: Don’t be silly, Yuuko-nee. There’s another campus in Japan.
Mikako: [Flips through the flyers] That’s right, it’s established in Nijigaoka somewhere in the Kanagawa prefecture.
Yuuko: Kanagawa prefecture?!
Mikako: It's about 2 hours from Kyoto to Shin-Yokohama, and finally a bus ride from Shin-Yokohama station to the last stop, Nijigaoko, which is 45 minutes.
Yukariko: They also have dorms, so don't worry about it.
Yuuko: Even if it's located in Japan, I still oppose it. For starters, Yukariko is clumsy and careless. For instance, every morning she trips down the stairs, then has the worst sense of direction. Yokohama is as big as Tokyo, Mika-nee. I won't let her go alone.
Mikako: Yuuko... Those words of yours.
Yukariko: [Argues back] So what?! I'm old enough to take care of myself, okay? At least I finally found something that I want to do instead of rotting here in the countryside for the rest of my life! The best part was earlier at The Sweets Fiesta, I've been praised by Marcus-sensei.
Yuuko: Hah?! Marcus? A foreign guy?
Yukariko: He is a teacher of the academy, but at the main campus. Do you want to know the surprising part?
Yuuko: I don't want to hear any word from you, this topic is over. You're not going anywhere until I say so.
Yukariko: [Ignores Yuuko] He knew Saki-neechan when she was studying in Paris, and they were close friends.
Mikako: Oh, that's a coincidence.
Yukariko: Mika-nee, so will you let me go?
Mikako: Yukariko.
Yukariko: Yes?
Mikako: [Makes a gentle smile and pats her head] It's been a while, I'ven't seen you so enthusiastic. You've changed after Saki-neesan passed away, but I'm happy that you finally found what you wish to do. I'll always pray and support you with all my heart.
Yukariko: [Excited] So you're saying that I can go?
Mikako: [Nods happily] Of course.
Yukariko: Yay! Thank you, Mika-nee, I promise that I'll do my best!
Yuuko: Hold your horses, you haven't got my permission yet, young lady.
Yukariko: At least I've got Mika-nee's. Why would I need yours?
Mikako: She's right, Yukariko. All of us have to agree as a family.
Yukariko: No way...
Mikako: That's the case.
Yukariko: [Turns to Yuuko] Yuuko-nee, please.
Yuuko: [Crosses her arms around her chest] I don't want to hear another word.
Yukariko: [Pissed off and yells at Yuuko] I WANT TO BE A PATISSIER, YUUKO-NEE! WHY WOULDN'T YOU LET ME?! [Sobs]
Mikako: [Embraces Yukariko and turns back with Yuuko with a stern look] Yuuko... aren't you happy for her, that she finally found something that she wants to do?
Yuuko: Well, of course I am, but why does she have to go so far away, just to learn to make sweets?
Mikako: Well, that's the only academy for making sweets in Japan after all.
Yuuko: But why? If..if anything happens to Yukariko, I wouldn't forgive myself, and how will we face mom and dad? We've promised Mom and Dad that we'll protect Yukariko, remember?
Mikako: How can I forget such an important promise, Yuuko? But think about it, we all know that one of us might be the first to leave the bird's nest. I believe that now it's time.
Yuuko: [Sighs, pats Yukariko's head and her forehead towards hers]
Yukariko: [Eyes shimmered with tears] Yuuko-nee. Please...
Mikako: Yuuko.
Yuuko: Yukariko, listen to me very carefully. Mika-nee and I will always be here for you. We'll never stop worrying if anything goes wrong, you're always welcome to come home. Don't cause any trouble towards others, be respectful to your seniors and teachers. Above all, get hold of yourself! It's okay to be clumsy once in a while, but not too often and always be careful wherever you're going. Take care of yourself and eat plenty of nutritious food that they served in the cafeteria. Don't overeat sweets or you'll get cavities. Study hard and don't be late for classes, can you promise me these things?
Yukariko: Yuuko-nee... are you saying that I can go?
Yuuko: [Ignores her] Yukariko, can you promise me these things?
Yukariko: I promise.
Yuuko: [Let's go and grin happily.] Your permission is granted.
Yukariko: [Jumps up and cheers with happiness] Yay! Thank you, Yuuko-nee! I can finally transfer to St Marie Academy!
Mikako: Thank you, Yuuko.
Yuuko: I still haven't acknowledged her yet, so don't be too happy yet. If anything goes wrong, I'll drag her back here.
Mikako: Okay, I got it.
Yuuko: Yukariko, hurry up and finish your food before it goes cold.
Yukariko: [Answers happily and digs in] Okay!
Yuuko: "She's still our cute dotty little sister, who still needs our protection even if she's not with us"
Yukariko: [Eats happily] "My new journey in St Marie Academy is about to begin"
THE END
