Chapter 22
What Yoshikawa told me was as follows:
Tsubaki called an ambulance, and I was taken to this hospital.
The injury itself wasn’t severe, but perhaps due to accumulated fatigue, I didn’t wake up for nearly a day.
After that, Mishima was taken into police custody and is still being detained.
Tsubaki was also questioned by the police as a witness, but she was able to return immediately.
Additionally, Yoshikawa handled all the hospital and police-related procedures after being contacted.
“What a waste. My precious day off, completely ruined.”
He let out a sigh, clearly intended for me to hear, with a sardonic smile.
…I felt like punching him, but the truth is, he did help.
“…I’m sorry. I caused you trouble.”
“No, no. Well, since I’m already inconvenienced, I’ll introduce you to a lawyer. Whether you decide to prosecute or settle, you’ll need one.”
“No… I can’t impose on you any further.”
Besides, I don’t want to owe him any more favors.
“Well, don’t say that. The lawyer is competent enough to handle things so you can continue being a teacher even after getting into trouble with a student.”
“…”
“Oh, sorry, sorry. I meant it as self-deprecation. Did it offend you?”
“…Not really.”
“Don’t glare at me like that. Well, regardless of your intention, I planned on having you accept the lawyer’s help.”
“Then don’t waste your breath.”
“You’re so strict… Anyway, Mishima is apparently making a fuss about suing Tsubaki.”
“What? Tsubaki?”
“Yeah. Something about getting injured when she threw an urn at her.”
Because she protected me…
“But given the circumstances, the lawyer said we don’t need to worry about Tsubaki being punished.”
“…That’s a relief.”
“Yeah, really.”
Yoshikawa searched his pants pockets with a tired expression.
“Hey, mind if I smoke here?”
“…Of course, I mind.”
“Thought so. I was hoping Kawakami would allow it. Want to join me at the smoking area outside?”
…Honestly, I can understand the urge to smoke right now.
But I would rather die than accompany him to the smoking area.
“…You’re making that face again. You’ve come to hate me, huh?”
“Obviously.”
“…Well, I guess so.”
With a somewhat resigned tone, he let out a sigh like expelling smoke, resonating in the hospital room.
“But, I never intended to ruin your relationship.”
“…”
“If I’d known, I’d have chosen someone else.”
…It is true that Yoshikawa didn’t know we were dating.
But still――.
“――It doesn’t change the fact that you drove Mayuko into a corner.”
I’m not in a position to criticize him, but I couldn’t help but say it.
“…”
Again, a sigh like expelling smoke filled the room.
“…Even so, I did feel some responsibility for everything.”
“Responsibility, you say.”
“Yeah. If she wanted a divorce, I was prepared to pay alimony at whatever amount she asked. I didn’t mind covering child support either.”
“You can say whatever you want now.”
“…I’m not asking you to believe me. Anyway, I’ll cover the lawyer’s fees. And Tsubaki’s living expenses, as usual.”
“Tsubaki’s… living expenses?”
“Yeah. If you no longer see any value in her, I won’t force you.”
…Tsubaki will never be the same as her again.
But still――.
(Please take care of Tsubaki.)
“――I won’t easily break a promise I once made.”
“…I see. That’s a relief.”
Yoshikawa muttered and turned his back to me.
“Please take care of Tsubaki.”
His words, spoken with his back turned, somehow sounded like the voice I heard in my dream.
After that, I changed into the clothes placed by the bed and used the nurse call button.
I then received an explanation of my injuries from the doctor, got a medical certificate, and headed to the reception.
After settling the bill and looking around the lobby, Yoshikawa was already gone. Instead, Tsubaki was dozing on a bench.
I carefully approached and peered at her face, not wanting to wake her.
Her innocent sleeping face was unmistakably Tsubaki’s.
“U… nn.”
Suddenly, her large eyes slowly opened.
“…Good morning.”
“Good morning…?!”
As her eyes widened, her slender shoulders jumped.
“Um…! How are your injuries!?”
“Yeah. It seems I had a concussion, but there’s no lasting damage, just some bruises.”
“I see… That’s a relief…”
A look of relief spread across her pale face.
“Yeah. I was saved thanks to you, Tsubaki. Thank you. And I’m sorry for involving you.”
“No… It’s nothing… As long as you’re okay, Kawakami-san.”
“I see… Well, I’ve settled the bill, so let’s go home.”
“…Huh?”
Tsubaki widened her eyes and tilted her head slightly.
“Can I… still stay with you?”
“Yes. I wanted to say so yesterday, but things got interrupted…”
“I see… But, our clear relationship is now… gone, right?”
“Well, even if I initiated it, it’s not like we can’t stay together just because our relationship is unclear.”
“I see…”
“Yes. Besides, your parents asked me to take care of you.”
“Pa… rents?”
She looked puzzled and tilted her head again.
“You mean from my father…?”
“Yeah, something like that. Anyway, let’s go home and have a meal. As an apology for the chaos, I’ll cook today.”
“Oh, wait!”
As I started walking, Tsubaki stood up too.
Outside, the city lights illuminated the night sky devoid of stars and the moon.