Chapter 14
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The light seeping through the thin curtains woke me up before the alarm clock rang.
Today’s weather seemed as nice as yesterday’s. Even though I had no plans to go to work, I decided to step outside for a bit, perhaps to buy some cigarettes.
That way—
“Mmm…”
—maybe I could ease my guilt a little.
As I sat up, she rolled over beside me and slowly opened her eyes.
“…Good morning.”
“…Good morning. Did you sleep well?”
“Yes… thanks to you…”
Despite her words, faint dark circles were visible under her eyes.
“I’ll make breakfast today, so you can sleep a little longer.”
“No… I can’t…”
“It’s fine. If you keep pushing yourself every day, you’ll wear out.”
“But…”
I kissed her forehead, and she stopped protesting as she sat up.
“…Since you’ll be living here for the time being, take it easy when you can.”
“…!”
Her sleepy eyes widened.
“Does that mean… even after the summer break ends?”
“Yeah? Wasn’t that the plan?”
“…Yes, it was.”
“Alright then, just relax. I can’t have my girlfriend shouldering all the burden.”
“…I understand. I’ll take you up on that offer.”
“Good. I’ll call you when breakfast is ready.”
After kissing her forehead again and getting out of bed, I realized cooking in pajamas might not be ideal, so I decided to change clothes.
“…Thank you.”
Her words from behind made my chest ache slightly.
After changing, I headed to the kitchen and opened the fridge. There were still some eggs and ham left…
Ham and eggs should do for today. She probably wouldn’t complain, but I should think about expanding my cooking repertoire soon.
“…Excuse me.”
A soft voice came from behind me unexpectedly.
When I turned, she stood there, wearing only the top of her pajamas.
“Oh, sorry. It’s going to take a bit longer. Are you hungry?”
“Oh, no. I just woke up and thought I should change…”
“I see. Well, go ahead and relax after you change.”
“Yes…”
She moved to the living room, took out her usual clothes from her suitcase, and began changing.
Her bare white shoulders revealed a red bite mark. I averted my gaze and saw the urn in the corner of the room.
An unmoving urn, and an expressionless face floated in my mind.
…It’s too late to show that face now.
After all, you wanted this to happen…
“Kawakami-san? You don’t look well…”
“…Oh, sorry. Just felt a bit dizzy.”
“Should I take over if you’re feeling unwell?”
“No, it’s fine. I’ll whip something up quickly. Is the same menu as yesterday okay?”
“Yes, that’s fine.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure it’s edible at least.”
“…Hehe, I’m looking forward to it.”
She smiled faintly and sat on the sofa.
Let’s focus on making breakfast now.
The ham and eggs ended up as scrambled eggs and ham, but we had breakfast together.
During that time, we set some basic rules: she’d contact that man, and we’d share the housework while I worked from home.
It might be harsh to make her deal with him, but I’d only make things worse if I did it myself.
—Buzz, buzz.
Suddenly, my phone vibrated in my pocket. The screen showed Mishima’s number.
This is one call I couldn’t ignore.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Kawakami! Why haven’t you contacted me?”
“Ah, sorry. I’ve been busy with work.”
“Really? So, where are you now?”
“Near the convenience store by my house.”
“What!? I messaged you about going to the summer sale yesterday!”
…I hadn’t read that message at all.
Even if I had, I couldn’t have gone with her.
“Sorry, but I have work today too.”
“Work from home, right? You can slack off!”
“It’s not about slacking off. I have deadlines to meet.”
“Fine… I’ll bring you lunch again today. You appreciated it yesterday, right?”
“Ah… yeah, thanks for that. But can you refrain from coming over for a while?”
“What? Why?”
“Because I’m living with my girlfriend now.”
“…What?”
“I want to spend some time alone with her for a while.”
“Wait, who’s your girlfriend?”
“That’s not something I need to tell you.”
“Yes, it is! We’re friends, aren’t we? I need to make sure you’re not with someone shady!”
Her proud voice came through the speaker.
…Why does Mishima always talk down to me like this?
“Really, there’s no need for that.”
“Of course there is! Is it someone I know?”
“Ah… who knows…”
“Wait a minute. You don’t mean it’s that girl, do you…?”
“Sorry, I’ve got another call from work.”
“Hey, Kawakami…”
—Beep.
…I’ve done all I can for now.
She might still come over since she knows the address, but I can deal with it by pretending to be out.
Now that I have my cigarettes, it’s time to head back.
When I got home, she was, as usual, working on her homework problems in the living room.
This time, however, her phone was by her side.
She must have contacted that man.
“…Oh, welcome back.”
“I’m home. Did you manage to contact your family?”
“Yes. They asked me to convey their regards to you.”
“I see. Anything else?”
“Ah… no, nothing in particular.”
Judging by her tone, I’m sure there were some snide remarks directed at me.
Well, I can live with that.
“Got it. By the way, from now on, don’t answer the door if the bell rings.”
“Huh… Is that okay?”
“It’s fine. Any deliveries come on weekends, and I’ve told my family not to send packages during the week.”
“But… what if it’s like yesterday…?”
“That’s why I don’t want you to answer. He might say something unnecessary.”
“I see… I’m sorry.”
“Why are you apologizing?”
“Because… it’s my fault your relationship with Mishima-san is strained…”
“Don’t worry about that…”
Because all I wanted—
“As long as you’re here smiling, nothing else matters.”
—now, in the past, and in the future, is just that.
“…Okay.”
She responded with a small smile.
The slight trembling of her lips and eyes was probably just from lack of sleep.
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