The Glass Wall

The Fujiwara Estate.

The air in the living room was thick, suffocating. While her brother, Ren, sprawled on the sofa with a phone in his hand, Aiko sat rigid in an armchair, flanked by parents who viewed her future as a logistical problem to be solved.

"We’ve decided," her mother said, her voice devoid of warmth. "You’re moving to your aunt’s house."

Aiko’s gaze didn’t flicker, but her hands tightened on her skirt. "I can live alone. I don’t need anyone. If you’re leaving Japan, leave me in *this* house. I’ll stay here."

"Daughter, try to understand," her father sighed, rubbing his temples. "Ren has already graduated, but your studies are ongoing. We can't drag you abroad."

"I never asked to go with you," Aiko whispered, her voice sharp as glass. "I’m saying I won’t live under someone else’s roof when I have my own."

*Slap.*

The sound echoed off the high ceilings. Aiko’s face turned to the side, her skin stinging.

"Mind your language," her mother hissed. "They are family. Mina will be there. You are a child—you cannot be left alone."

Aiko turned back, her eyes cold, dry, and terrifyingly steady. "And is it 'family' to abandon your own daughter? How can you be so heartless?"

Ren finally looked up, his expression one of tired annoyance. "Aiko, just accept it. It’s for the family."

Aiko looked at him and offered a small, broken smile. "Fine. But don’t pretend this is 'for us.' It’s for *you*."

After few days.

Mina’s house.

Mina eating fruits looking at Aiko from down to up.

Mina : hey whats your name i didn’t knew that i have cousin too.

Mina’s mom: Eat fast and go to school.

Mina look at Aiko and replied you will he fine here….( she is about to complete her words but Aiko interupt saying “ where is my room and i want completely clean room”)

Mina smiled and whispered she is so brat.

Mina’s mom look at mina and gave a sign to shut up.

Aiko’s new room was smaller, humbler. When she entered, she didn’t unpack. She just stood by the balcony, watching the street, feeling like an exotic bird trapped in a cage that didn’t fit.

That night, sleep refused to come. The silence was different here—it felt intrusive. She pulled out a diary, the ink flowing onto the page like a confession.

A sharp knock broke the silence. Her aunt stepped in, already looking annoyed. "Aiko, good morning. Are you not going to school?"

Aiko didn’t look up from her book. "Teacher will come here. Private lessons."

Her aunt let out a sharp, mocking laugh. "Your parents didn't tell you? You're enrolled. You're going to a real school, and Mina is your senior. Put on the uniform."

Aiko: don’t you know that teacher will come to give me lecture privately.

Auntie laughed.

Auntie : aiko your family didn’t told you, didn’t they? From now you are going to school and Mina will be your senior in the school.

Get ready your uniform is here.

Aiko: i am not going school and if you don’t know let me mention i don’t like crowded area.

Auntie: but you need to because you live with us and you need to do what i will say.

End of the discussion just wear it and come down other wise it will be not good for both of us.

After a moment.

Mina and her mother is sitting in the living room.

Her mother exhaling the cig rates .

Mina: Mom why is she like this introvert or spoil brat.

Her mother didn’t replied.

Aiko came in her uniform.

Auntie: Mina make sure to be with her.

Mina rolled her eyes and replied i am not her servant mother just give her personal bodyguard.

Aiko: i don’t need anyone and also not you.

Aiko

And mina goes in the school.

Mina didn’t really talked with her.

Mina walked ahead, not bothering to check if Aiko was following. "This is my last year," Mina said without turning around. "Don't embarrass me. And show some respect."

Aiko walked behind her, a ghost in a uniform, completely invisible to the bustling students. She was an island in a sea of people.

Days goes on.

Mina is busy with her own life while aiko is silenced in school everytime.

Not with friends not with family not with anyone.

One day

The atmosphere shifted the moment the door clicked shut. Three girls stood by the mirrors, their eyes fixed on Aiko’s expensive watch, her pristine uniform.

"I heard you’re a rich brat," the leader said, blocking the exit. "We’re hungry. We need money."

Aiko didn't flinch. She looked at them as if they were scenery. "You think I’d give you money just because you asked? Don’t talk to me again."

She tried to brush past, but a hand grabbed her shoulder, spinning her back.

"Who do you think you’re talking to?" the girl sneered. "We aren't your family."

Aiko’s eyes flashed with a sudden, icy fire. "And thank God for that. If you were my family, you wouldn't be here begging for pennies."

"Did your parents only teach you how to spend money, not manners?" the girl spat.

Aiko took a step forward, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Don’t. Drag. My family. Into this."

"What will you do? Cry? Or are you going to beat us?" The girl laughed, her friends joining in.

"I don't do animal abuse," Aiko said calmly.

*CRACK.*

The slap landed hard across Aiko’s cheek, sending her stumbling back against the cold tiles.

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