---

At the bell signaling the lunch break, I hurry to the cafeteria to meet my two friends. We’re not in the same class, so breaks are our only chance to see each other and talk.

Entering the crowded, noisy cafeteria, I’m relieved to see that the line isn’t too long. I grab a tray and carefully choose my food, all while scanning the room for Ayami and Aiko. They wave at me from a nearby table, cheerfully waving their arms.

I sit down with them, interrupting their animated conversation to receive their warm greetings. As usual, before starting my meal, I take out my phone and snap a photo of my tray for my mother, who rigorously monitors my diet. My friends exchange looks of embarrassment and sympathy—a reaction I’m starting to know by heart.

My tray, in line with my mother’s strict requirements, contains a mixed salad, a grilled fish fillet, steamed vegetables, plain yogurt, and an apple. No sweets or fried food in sight. Everything has to be perfect, healthy, and balanced.

“I saw that a cat café is opening today! It’s the first one in the area. I really want to go!” Akemi exclaims, her eyes shining with excitement.

“We could go after school,” Aiko suggests.

“That’s a great idea!”

They plan their outing, knowing I’ll probably say no because of my parents. A dull sadness fills me. I wish I could go to that cat café too. I love cats and dream of petting them.

I have to admit, I would have liked them to invite me anyway, even if they suspect my answer. Suddenly, a surge of courage and determination, born from accumulated frustration, pushes me to speak up:

“Girls, can I come with you?”

They look at me, surprised and worried.

“But… will you be okay?”

“We don’t want you to get in trouble.”

“I won’t stay long, so it should be fine,” I said with a reassuring smile.

I’m just as surprised as they are by my own proposal. Maybe I’m starting to get tired of conforming to my parents’ strict rules. My suppressed desires might be seeking expression. One thing is certain: if my parents find out about this outing, I’m dead.

---

At the end of classes, I wait for the girls in front of the school gate, a mix of excitement and fear in my heart. This is the first time I’m going to disobey my parents. There’s no turning back—or rather, I don’t want to turn back.

The girls finally arrive, just as excited as I am. We head to the cat café, my heart pounding wildly. I keep looking around, anxious, watching for any sign of my parents.

We quickly arrive at the cat café. Through the windows, we see cats of all colors, with soft and silky fur. My heart overflows with excitement and joy, and a huge smile, which I couldn’t hold back, lights up my face.

“Girls, they’re so cute!”

“Glad you came, Yui.”

“Me too, this is the first time I’ve seen you so happy.”

Just as we’re about to enter, all three of us impatient, a chilling voice freezes me in place, ending all my excitement:

“May I know what you’re doing here, Yui?!”

My father’s icy, authoritative tone paralyzes me. My body becomes heavy and rigid. A shiver runs down my spine. I don’t dare turn around. I’m frozen, like a deer caught in headlights.

Why does it have to end like this? Is the world against me? Questions swirl in my head. I feel betrayed by fate, my heart heavy with despair and frustration. My mind clouded, leaving me unable to think clearly.