Lesson Learned

A/N on a roll here, folks. So SW will be updated in a few days and I'm expecting to get another update for this story near the start of March.

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There was one memory that Mitsuko had used to—and maybe still did—consider one of happiest days of her childhood...

Mitsuko had felt excited when their father actually invited her and Gakushuu to the big party he was going to. It was the first adult party she'd been allowed to attend since apparently eight years old was still too young to stay up past 9 pm.

Rio will be so jealous when I tell her!

She couldn't stop smiling and smoothing down the skirt of her pretty blue dress with puffed sleeves. Their dad had even paid to get her hair styled at a salon so it was all shiny and soft.

It was the first time they'd been this dressed up since mom...Her smile faded a little, but she quickly tried to shake it off.

It was fine, their dad had said their mom would be allowed back home from the hospital soon once she was better.

She got distracted when her stomach rumbled, smelling the plate of desserts the waiter was carrying around. She frowned, wanting more food. She hadn't eaten much of the dinner they'd been served since it tasted too rich and salty.

Mitsuko hesitantly stepped closer to their father when he was no longer talking to people. "Dad?" she asked quickly, even though her brother tried to pull her back. "Can we have some cake now?"

Their father raised an eyebrow when he looked down at them.

"Mitsuko," Gakushuu whispered warningly.

She scowled at her brother. "I'm hungry."

"Later," their dad told her dismissively, looking over at a group of adults near the far corner. "Come along." He started walking towards the group of men dressed in shiny expensive suits.

But, I want cake now!

Mitsuko's scowl deepened, following him and her brother regardless.

"Who do you think all these people are?" She whispered to Gakushuu, holding his hand as they trailed a few feet behind their dad as he went to greet more people—there weren't any other children around, it was all just adults in expensive clothing.

Gakushuu shrugged, not looking as excited. "Rich," he replied dryly, shrugging. "Some of them are the board of directors for schools..."

Mitsuko nodded, looking around. It did make sense since their father was more focussed on his new school than ever, and now there was a high school being built as well.

"Children." Their father's voice made them both look up.

Mitsuko smiled despite some nervousness when she looked over at the other man who was with their dad.

"This is Haratu Kakita from Tokyo's Board of education." He introduced the man to them

Mr Kakita smiled down at them politely and bowed his head; he was skinny and older than their dad, with grey streaks in his black hair. "Hello, your father has told me so much about you both."

Both?

Mitsuko's smile grew.

She and Gakushuu both smiled up at him pleasantly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr Kakita," they both said as they bowed in unison.

"Your father tells me you've learnt quite a lot from his teaching methods," Mr Kakita looked amused and was speaking at them like they were five. "And I wanted to ask you a few questions if that's alright?"