Tokyo Exorcism Diary

In front of the classroom door stood a blonde-haired, blue-eyed British woman. Her age was hard to determine—she might have been in her late twenties or thirties, though perhaps she was already in her forties.

Her golden locks cascaded in loose waves, framing strikingly defined and exquisite facial features. Her tall, well-proportioned figure, paired with her beauty, made her undeniably stunning, whether in an Asian or European context.

A confident, charming smile graced her face, giving one the impression that meeting her should have happened not in a modest classroom but amidst the glamour of Hollywood across the ocean.

In short, she was an exceptionally radiant woman, akin to an international star. Her mere presence instantly drew every gaze in the classroom.

“Not at all, you’re right on time,” Fujiwara Risa recovered from her daze and warmly welcomed her. “Please, come in, Mrs. Hoshino.”

The blonde woman—or rather, Hoshino Gen’s mother, Tilina—arched her eyebrows slightly at the mention of “Mrs. Hoshino.” As she walked into the classroom with a smile, she remarked, “Oh, Mrs. Hoshino—how nostalgic. But not bad at all.”

Her Japanese was quite fluent, though her English-accented pronunciation lingered in her speech.

Tilina approached Hoshino Gen’s desk, her expression softening as she gazed at her handsome son. “Darling, aren’t you going to invite me to sit?”

When Tilina first appeared at the door, Hoshino Gen had been momentarily stunned. Upon reflection, however, it made sense. She had been in England for some time to attend a funeral—certainly not something that would have taken this long. Her return at this moment was logical. Combined with Fujiwara-sensei’s earlier mysterious smile, the chain of events became clear to him.

It felt… peculiar. And a little awkward.

Hoshino Gen stood silently, following the example of his classmates by standing beside his desk.

“Thanks~” Tilina reached out, attempting to pinch her son’s cheek. Hoshino Gen, however, subtly stepped back, skillfully dodging the affectionate gesture that felt slightly foreign to him. Tilina pouted in mild exasperation but eventually settled herself in his seat.

Fujiwara Risa, who had been observing with amusement, cleared her throat and officially began the parent-teacher meeting.

The theme of this meeting was not focused on recent test scores but rather on exploring each student’s future prospects. The school expressed its desire to collaborate with parents over the next three years to pave a bright path for each child’s future.

Though the tone carried a mix of motivational clichés and grand promises, the parents seemed captivated. The atmosphere was lively and engaged.

Hoshino Gen, however, remained detached, zoning out as he stood beside his mother. Tilina didn’t join the discussions like other parents, resting her chin on her hand and observing the scene with a gentle smile.

The fifty-minute meeting passed quickly, leaving both teachers and parents with a sense of unfinished business.

Yet, just as Hoshino Gen often felt out of place among his peers, Tilina seemed similarly out of sync with the other parents.

As the meeting concluded, other parents exited the classroom, passionately advising their children about the glorious futures awaiting them. In stark contrast, Tilina calmly walked Hoshino Gen out of the building without a word.

As they strolled through the campus together, Tilina was the first to break the silence. “Darling, your grandparents are eager to meet you. They’ve suggested sending you to study in England. As you know, the UK leads the world in education. But of course, we’ll respect your decision.”

“Meeting them would be my honor. I can visit during summer break. As for studying there, I don’t have any plans for that at the moment.” His tone was calm and courteous, as though he were addressing a respected elder rather than his mother.

Tilina felt a pang of disappointment and guilt.

Her son was always polite and respectful but never confided in her. He never shared his thoughts, made requests, or initiated conversations. Beyond their polite greetings, Hoshino Gen wouldn’t say a word unless she broached the topic first.

Over the past year, she had tried to make up for her past absences through material gifts and her presence, yet their relationship remained unchanged.

It saddened her deeply.

Still, as a career-oriented woman, Tilina quickly regained her composure. She smiled warmly. “My car is parked outside. Let’s go home together. By the way, we’ll have a guest staying with us—she should be your cousin. You haven’t met her yet, but I think you’ll like her.”

Hoshino Gen didn’t care who stayed or left their home. Nor did he intend to go home with his mother. He had business to attend to—a contract and a cursed blade that needed delivering to yesterday’s café. This was serious work, far removed from trivial familial matters.

“No need. I have errands to run. You go ahead,” Hoshino Gen replied decisively yet courteously.

Tilina hesitated for a moment. “What kind of errands? Do you need help?” she asked, eager to involve herself in his life.

“Personal matters. No need. Thank you.” His response was polite but final.

“…”

For a moment, Tilina was speechless. Whether in England or Japan, within aristocratic circles or the business world, she had always been a dazzling figure—capable, decisive, and commanding respect. Yet when it came to her estranged son, all her brilliance and abilities seemed utterly powerless.

No matter how hard she tried to compensate or mend their relationship, her efforts felt like futile drops in the ocean.

By now, they had reached the school gates. Hoshino Gen signaled for a taxi, and Tilina sighed softly. “Remember to call me if you encounter any difficulties. I’ll take care of it for you.”

Hoshino Gen didn’t respond, his attention on the approaching taxi.

“I made Burgundy beef stew. Be sure to come home for dinner.”

Hoshino Gen hailed a taxi, waved goodbye to Tilina, opened the car door, and got in.

The taxi soon disappeared from view, leaving Tilina standing there for a long moment. It wasn’t until a group of schoolgirls shyly approached, blushing as they asked for a photo with her, that she snapped out of her daze.

After posing for a few pictures with the girls, Tilina returned to her Maserati and drove home.