The next day, we were all sprawled on the floor, being cozy in Hanami's house with her cheerful family.

I have planned to call Mom and Dad later before the clock struck twelve midnight.

It's Christmas Eve later and during these times, I was so eager to spend it with them. I used to be the one arranging the Christmas decors by September and be the first to initiate the Secret Santas among the three of us which was never followed because every year, both of them, always shower me with gifts every now and then.

Yes, I am already a teenager but my parents do treat me as their little girl. Which, I don't complain anyways.

Who doesn't love gifts, right?

I sighed and scrolled my cellphone and noticed a message from Florence. I swiped it up and read:

I miss you, biatch! Can't wait to see and spend time with you soon!

I smiled and typed in my reply:

Back at 'ya! Miss you tons! Merry Christmas!

Oh, if you are wondering who Florence is, she's my bestfriend. I met her a year ago at the university and we became friends since then.
She also was supportive of me when I got accepted as an exchange student here in Tokyo.

Apart from that, we live not too far from each other so we hang out around a lot. I was in my freshman year when I met her so being both new in Stradborgh University was indeed both a big adjustment for us.
I am just glad that I met her immediately.

Me and Florence both warmed up when one day, on our way home from university, we found out that we are practically neighbors! About four blocks away from each other!

I, for one, barely go out since then. I was the silent type. Always a fan of music and books.

Florence was very vocal about her dreams to travel the world and doing what she loves– that is, fashion designing– and I am just glad that she was catching up on her school works in her dream course.

Me, being ambitious and persistent in achieving my two biggest dreams, chose to go for the Human Resources Management first before actually proceeding to enroll for Tourism after.

"Nē, izaberu, daijōbudesuka? (Hey, Ysabelle, are you alright?)" A concerned Hanami asked when she noticed me spacing out.

I smiled and nodded before I answered, "Yes, Hanami."

"Kare no koto o kangaeru no o yame nasai. Kare wa anata ni koi o shite inai. (Stop thinking about him. He's not in love with you.)" A snort came out from Katashi's side and I rolled my eyes at  him.

What a way to remind me of the past.

Instead of sulking, I dismissed the thought of him.

Hanami threw something at Katashi which the latter yelped in pain.

"Aw! My foot!" Katashi exclaimed and threw daggers at Hanami.

My eyes widened at Hanami wherein she stuck out her tongue at him. She winked at me and pretended not to care at her brother.

"Yamete, o ni-ri! Anata-tachi wa izaberu no mae de kyōdai to shite kōdō suru shinkei sae motte imasen! (Quit it, you two! You guys don't even have the nerve to act as siblings in front of Ysabelle!)" That was their mom calling out from the kitchen as their dad helped her cook.

"It's fine, Mom! I don't even consider him as my brot–" Hanami answered and was cut off by Katashi when it was her turn to complain.

Katashi threw her something which made her yell in protest. Her eyes widened when she saw what he did.

It was her favorite Japanese Singer that was crumpled and landed on her lap!

I saw how her eyes turned to rage and fury and how she managed to run after her brother who was smirking at her.

"Watashi wa anata ga kirai ​​desu, katashi! (I hate you, Katashi!)" She screamed which earned a mouthful of scolding from their parents.

"Izaberu, kono yōna kodomo-tachi o mokugeki shinakereba naranai no wa hontōni zan'nendesu! Watashi wa karera ni karera no kei tsumi no tame no yoi supankingu o ryōhō ataemasu! (I really am so sorry you have to witness these kids like this, Ysabelle! I will give them both a good spanking for their misdemeanor!)" Their Mom apologized as she began to bring out the dishes she  and her husband cooked for us.

"Daijōbu, obasan. Sorera ga dorehodo chikai ka o miru no wa jissai ni subarashīdesu. Karera no yōna kyōdai ga iru no wa ī kotodarou. (It's fine, Auntie. It's actually nice seeing how close they are. It must be nice to have siblings like them.)" I shook my head at her and smiled.

"Ā, anata wa hitorikkodesu yo ne? (Oh, you're an only child, right?) " She asked and I nodded. "Anata mo nihonjinda to omoimashita. Anata no me to egao wa yūmeina yūmeijin ni totemo yoku nite imasu. Hikari? Saikin nyūsu ni natte iru no wa? Anata wa kanojo no waka-sa ni nite imasu. (I really thought you are a Japanese too. Your eyes and smile look so much like the famous celebrity. You know, Hikari? The one in the news recently? You resemble her youth.)"

"What are you guys talking about?" Hanami asked and sat beside me, panting and giving glares at Katashi who sat down across me.

"I'm saying that both of you should act like adults and not like kids!" Their dad said and their mom nodded in agreement. "Stop being so childish, you two! Grow up!"

I smiled as I watched them became silent as they listened to their dad's sermons.

But something about what their mom said remained in my mind as the Christmas Eve drew nearer.

Do I really look like them? Like the famous Hikari?

Should I be happy that I don't look like Mom?

I honestly don't know what to react.