The school day ended with the usual chatter and bustle of students eager to leave. Izumi packed his bag, glancing nervously at Marina, who was calmly putting her books away.
He took a deep breath. "Hey, Marina… about the study session… you're still up for it, right?"
Marina looked at him, her face serene as ever. "Of course. We should prepare for the exams seriously."
Izumi scratched the back of his head. "Yeah… so, um… should we do it at my place?"
Marina paused, considering it. "I don't mind. But…" she glanced down, her cheeks faintly pink, "would it be okay? I don't want to intrude."
"Of course, it's fine! My parents are pretty chill," Izumi quickly assured her. "It's just… my sister might be a bit noisy."
Marina smiled softly. "That sounds… fun. I've never studied at a friend's house before."
Before Izumi could reply, Anzu popped up from behind, grinning. "Hey! You two planning a secret date?"
Izumi flailed. "W-what?! No! It's just a study session!"
Anzu laughed. "Relax, I'm kidding. Actually, Yuki and I are coming too."
Yuki appeared beside Anzu, adjusting his glasses. "I figured it would be more productive if we all helped each other."
Izumi sighed, relieved. "That's… actually a great idea."
Anzu beamed. "Then it's decided! Group study session at Izumi's place!"
Marina looked at Izumi. "I'll be in your care, then."
Izumi's heart skipped a beat at her words. "Y-yeah, sure!"
As they walked towards Izumi's house, a thought crossed Marina's mind. "Izumi, are you sure it's okay? If it's too troublesome, we could go to my place instead."
Izumi blinked. "Your place?"
Marina nodded. "It's spacious, and we wouldn't have to worry about disturbing anyone."
Anzu's eyes sparkled. "Ooh! Are we finally gonna see the legendary mansion?"
Marina tilted her head. "Legendary?"
Yuki with in excitement. "Your family is quite famous, Marina. People say your house is like a palace."
Marina looked away, a little embarrassed. "It's just a normal home… but if you're curious, we can go there."
Izumi hesitated. He wanted to invite her to his house, but the curiosity about her home was too tempting. "Um… I don't mind either way."
Anzu grinned. "Well, we can go to Izumi's place next time. Today, let's go to Marina's!"
Marina smiled. "Alright. I'll tell the driver to pick us up."
"Driver?" everyone confused.
Before anyone could react, a sleek black car pulled up beside them. A man in a suit stepped out, bowing. "Lady Marina, I'm here to escort you and your friends."
Anzu's jaw dropped. "Whoa! This is so fancy!"
Izumi gulped. "T-this is normal for her?"
Marina looked at him curiously. "Is something wrong?"
He shook his head. "No… just… wow."
They climbed into the luxurious car, the seats soft like clouds. Anzu and Yuki were giddy with excitement, while Izumi sat stiffly, feeling out of place.
Marina glanced at him. "Are you comfortable?"
"Y-yeah! Totally! Super comfortable!" he stammered, trying to act natural.
Marina giggled softly. "You're funny, Izumi."
His face turned red. "I-I'm just… not used to this."
Marina looked out the window, her expression softening. "I suppose… it's normal for me. But I'm glad you all came with me."
Izumi looked at her, his heart skipping a beat. "Yeah… me too."
Anzu and Yuki watching the interior of the car with full excitement.
The car pulled up to the grand gates, which opened automatically. They drove down a long driveway lined with perfectly manicured trees, stopping in front of an enormous mansion.
Anzu's eyes sparkled. "Holy… this place is HUGE!"
Yuki adjusted his glasses, clearly impressed. "It's like a palace."
Izumi's jaw dropped. "This… this is your house?"
Marina looked at it nonchalantly. "Yes. Come on in."
They were greeted by a line of maids and butlers, all bowing in perfect synchronization. "Welcome home, Lady Marina."
Marina nodded. "Thank you. These are my friends. Please make them comfortable."
The head maid smiled warmly. "Of course. Please follow me."
They were guided to a spacious room with elegant furniture and a view of a massive garden. Snacks and drinks were already prepared on the table.
Anzu's eyes sparkled. "This is incredible! Do you live here alone?"
Marina shook her head. "My father is often away on business trips, but the staff keeps me company."
Yuki said out of curiosity. "And what about your mother?"
Marina's expression gets down. "Well...she is even busier than him."
Izumi looked at her, sensing a hint of loneliness in her voice. "Must get quiet sometimes, huh?"
Marina looked surprised, then smiled. "Yes… but today, it's lively."
Izumi's heart skipped a beat. "Yeah… it is."
They began their study session, Marina effortlessly explaining complex problems, while Izumi struggled to keep up. Anzu kept distracting them with jokes, earning scoldings from Yuki.
Throughout the day, Marina seemed more relaxed, laughing at Anzu's antics and smiling at Izumi's clueless expressions. The walls of her mansion echoed with laughter and chatter—something rare in her quiet home.
The head maid with some other made were standing outside the study room.
One made beside him said to the head maid. "It's rare to see our lady laughing like this. Isn't it?"
The head maid response with a soft smile by looking at the door. "Yeah... really quite rare..."
By the end of the session, they were exhausted but satisfied.
Marina walked them to the door. "Thank you for coming. I had a lot of fun."
Izumi grinned. "Yeah… me too. Let's do this again sometime."
Marina's eyes softened. "Yes… I'd like that."
As they left, Izumi looked back at the mansion, realizing that behind those grand walls was just a girl who wanted to laugh and be with her friends.