Teitan Middle School sounded impressive just from its name.
In fact, it really was impressive, with excellent teachers, teaching facilities, and resources for further education. In short, it was freaking awesome!
"A copy of the acceptance letter. The original has already been mailed home."
Kitagawa Kai pointed to the documents behind it.
"Your sister passed the school's assessment and earned a scholarship from the Suzuki Conglomerate. As long as she completes her studies as planned, your family won't have to worry about tuition or related educational expenses for the next few years."
Ichinose Honami did not answer.
She read her sister's name again, her fingers brushing gently over the paper, but her tears fell first.
Kitagawa Kai hurriedly pulled out a tissue and wiped her face for her.
"Why are you crying? This is good news."
"I know."
She nodded, trying hard to smile, but the more he wiped her tears, the more they fell.
Her mother had always been in poor health, and her younger sister was still in school.
One of her main reasons for choosing to attend Advanced Nurturing University had been its policy of waiving all expenses for three years, easing the burden on her family.
Since enrolling, she had only contacted home a few times, and even those had been after Kitagawa Kai became Student Council president.
During that call, she had kept wanting to ask more, yet feared that if she asked too closely, her mother would hide even her discomfort to reassure her.
Her sister had good grades and was sensible, too, sharing only good news over the phone and keeping her troubles to herself.
Ichinose Honami put the documents back in the envelope, afraid her tears would wet the paper. "How did you know, Kai-kun? I never even mentioned it."
"I have