Entrapped

A brilliant student

Yui sat at her desk, a pen in hand, as she stared intently at the textbooks spread before her. She was so deeply engrossed in her studies that time seemed to slip away unnoticed. From a young age, Yui had always been a bookworm, driven by a relentless hunger for knowledge. Her curiosity knew no bounds, and she constantly sought out new learning materials to feed her growing intellect.

Even in primary school, Yui was serious about her studies. She was the kind of student who paid close attention to her teachers, absorbing every word, and she despised distractions. Her determination was fierce; anyone who dared to interrupt her concentration might find themselves on the receiving end of her sharp pencil. Her intelligence and dedication set her apart from her peers, earning her the admiration and respect of her teachers. They often marveled at her brilliance and quietly wished for a child as gifted as Yui.

As Yui advanced in her academic journey, her excellence only grew. Her parents were immensely proud of her, and her classmates frequently sought her help with their studies. Yui was always willing to assist them, finding joy in helping others succeed. She became a source of inspiration to many, her academic prowess lighting a path for others to follow.

Before Minato's death, he had promised to buy Yui a bicycle if she remained at the top of her class. However, he passed away just two months before her results were released, leaving Yui heartbroken. The memory of that unfulfilled promise lingered in her heart, a painful reminder of the father she had lost too soon.

One evening, Yui burst into the living room, her face lit up with excitement.

"Okaachan! Okaachan!" she called out, grinning from ear to ear as she searched for her mother. Her voice echoed through the house, filled with a joy that was contagious.

Sakura emerged from her room, a puzzled expression on her face. "Konbanwa," Yui greeted warmly, hugging her mother tightly.

"Welcome home, honey. You look so excited! What's going on?" Sakura asked, her curiosity piqued as they both sat down on the couch in the living room.

"Guess what!" Yui said, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.

"You know I'm terrible at guessing," Sakura replied with a playful smile. "So just tell me!"

"I've been selected, along with a few other students, to represent our school in the annual national mathematics quiz competition organized by McDonald's Cereals and Dairy Products!" Yui announced, her eyes sparkling with pride.

Sakura's mouth fell open in surprise. "Congratulations, my love! That’s amazing!" she exclaimed, pulling Yui into a warm embrace. "Make sure you make me, your school, and…your dad proud," Sakura added, her voice faltering as memories of Minato flooded her mind. The joy on her face faded as a wave of sorrow washed over her.

"Mum?" Yui called softly, noticing the change in her mother’s demeanor. She gently tapped Sakura on the shoulder, bringing her back from her painful reverie.

Sakura sighed deeply, pushing the grief back down. "I’m sorry, Yui. I just miss him so much," she admitted, her voice tinged with sadness. "But remember, we all believe in you. You’re going to do great. Just stay focused, and don’t let anyone down—not your school, not this family, and especially not yourself. You can do this."

"Thank you so much, Mum," Yui whispered, hugging Sakura tightly once more. The warmth of her mother’s embrace was a comforting reminder that, no matter what, she wasn’t alone.

The day of the competition arrived, and Yui found herself feeling nervous. The sight of so many students from other schools, all of them seeming so confident, was intimidating. But then she remembered her father’s words: "If you must break even, then you must confront your fears and remain courageous. Only the brave heart gets the crown."

With her father’s wisdom echoing in her mind, Yui summoned her courage. She approached each question with confidence, her answers clear and precise. The judges were impressed by her boldness, her intelligence, and her unwavering focus.

As the competition continued, a man entered the room—Mr. Sato, Minato's former boss, and one of the sponsors of the event. Yui was so absorbed in her calculations that she didn’t notice his presence at first. But when the final results were announced and Yui emerged as the winner, Mr. Sato was invited to the podium to present the prizes.

As his name was introduced, Yui’s heart skipped a beat. She recognized him immediately. "This man is certainly my dad's former boss," she thought, her heart pounding with a mix of anger and disbelief. "He looks so innocent, yet he’s so full of evil. What’s he doing here? Is he spying on us?"

Rage bubbled up inside her, her fists clenching as she stared at Mr. Sato with burning eyes. The memories of her father’s suffering, the injustice he had endured, and the pain of his loss all surged to the surface, threatening to overwhelm her.

But just as she was about to be consumed by her emotions, a gentle tap on her shoulder brought her back to the present.

"Congratulations," a young man whispered to her, urging her to proceed to the podium. The room erupted in applause as Yui stood up, making her way to the stage.

Mr. Sato, unaware of who Yui was, smiled warmly as she approached. The last time he had seen her, she was just a child, barely old enough to remember his face.

"Congratulations!" Mr. Sato said cheerfully as he shook Yui’s hand and handed her the prize.

Yui forced a smile, but inside, her thoughts churned with a storm of emotions. The man who had caused her family so much pain was standing right in front of her, and she was shaking his hand, accepting a prize from him. It felt surreal, and yet, it fueled her determination even more. Mr. Sato might not remember her, but Yui would never forget what he had done. And one day, she vowed, he would pay.

Yui accepted the smartphone and laptop she won with a smile, though Mr. Sato's presence casts a shadow over her excitement. Knowing that the competition was being aired live across the nation, she hid her fury behind a polite expression. "Thank you, sir," she mumbled as she posed for photos with Mr. Sato, forcing herself to appear gracious while internally seething.

As Yui returned to her seat, clutching her prizes, the room erupted in applause. Her teachers showered her with praise, and she responded with a smile, masking her true emotions. Despite the celebration, Yui’s thoughts were consumed with a desire to embarrass Mr. Sato, to make him feel even a fraction of the pain he had caused her family. But she restrained herself, knowing that any impulsive action would only ruin her moment.

A few days later, Yui was celebrated at school for her victory. Amid the festivities, she smiled and accepted the accolades, but deep inside, she felt a profound emptiness. Her father’s absence was a wound that never healed, and as she looked around the school hall filled with proud parents and students, she wished more than anything that her dad could be there to share in her triumph.

As Yui approached her high school graduation, she reflected on the journey that had brought her to this point. She felt immense gratitude for the support of her family, friends, and teachers, who had stood by her through thick and thin. They had encouraged her to push through the hard times and had believed in her when she struggled to believe in herself. She smiled as she imagined her future, dreaming of the day she would gain admission into college and pursue a career that would allow her to make a real difference in the world.

Yet, beneath those dreams, Yui harbored a darker ambition. College wasn’t just a stepping stone to a brighter future; it was a means to an end. She was determined to use her education to gain the knowledge, skills, and connections she needed to exact her revenge. The thought of avenging her father consumed her, even as she outwardly maintained a facade of normalcy.

Upon graduation, Yui’s hard work paid off when she won a scholarship to study her preferred course anywhere in the world. Her family was overjoyed, and Sakura and her brothers couldn’t have been prouder. Yui’s future seemed full of promise, and she was ready to take on the challenges ahead.

In college, Yui focused intently on her studies, making only a few close friends and avoiding unnecessary distractions. Her mind was sharp, and her determination unyielding. Yet, the memory of Mr. Sato continued to haunt her, his face often appearing in her imagination, fueling her desire for vengeance.

Driven by this desire, Yui began to plan her next move. She saw college not just as an opportunity for personal growth, but as a battleground where she could prepare herself for the war she intended to wage. The pressure to excel was immense, and at times, Yui felt overwhelmed. But she persevered, leaning on her family, friends, and mentors for support when the challenges seemed insurmountable.

A few years later, Yui graduated from college with a degree in Accounting from a prestigious university in her city. She had achieved what many could only dream of, but her mind was fixed on one thing: justice for her father. The knowledge and skills she had acquired were now her weapons, and she was ready to wield them.

"I'm very intelligent. I'm bold. I'm strong-willed, and I believe so much in myself. I'm ready to embark on this vengeful journey, not minding the consequences of my actions. I don't give a damn about what anyone says. Dad must get justice!" Yui declared to herself, her expression hardened with resolve. The time for planning was over; it was time to act.