Chapter 10: 10

Even though it’s barely been ten minutes since the ceremony, the classroom was still filled with noise. The end-of-term exams had come to an end, and our classmates went to discuss plans for their summer break. Since I had absolutely nothing to do with summer break, I simply planned to head home, when my phone vibrated.

‘This is Nishida from your class. I’m sorry for suddenly adding you, but I need to talk to you about Machika. Please come to Matsukita Park.’

The polite language even in the message perfectly reflected the distance between us and Nishida-san. We barely ever talked despite being in the same class. Yet, I had to go no matter what. After all, Sako-san had been taking time off school because she wasn’t feeling well. If it’s Nishida-san, she should know something. Hence, I sent her a quick ‘Got it’ message and left the classroom.

I regularly checked the map with my phone, so it took me around twenty minutes to get to Matsukita Park. This park was located in the center of the residential district, as well as quite narrow. Thanks to that, I immediately spotted the person I was looking for. I approached the bench in the corner and called out to the girl.

“Sorry for the wait, Nishida-san.”

“So you came, Tsuyoshi.”

Even though this was our first meeting, her attitude sounded awfully sharp and cold.

“Have a seat.”

I did as I was told and sat down on the bench. Even though we sat on the same one, it felt like a tall wall stood between us. Without even looking at me, Nishida-san spoke up.

“Ever since we got to know each other in middle school, Machika would always listen to what the teacher said, and never once slept during class, let alone slacking off during self-study. That’s how diligent Machika is.”

“I heard from Sako-san. That’s how her grades improved this drastically, right?”

“Exactly. But that’s all because she’s so earnest and gullible. She studies if people tell her to study, and practices if somebody tells her to. That’s why Machika’s always in danger.”

“Danger? What’s so bad about being earnest?” It was a genuine question I had since I couldn’t see that as a deficit.

Nishida-san didn’t hesitate for long, almost as if she had expected my question.

“Not exactly. If a fraudster told her to buy something, she might just do it.”

“No way. Sako-san is clever, she wouldn’t fall for that.”

“That example may have been a bit extreme, but it’s not unthinkable. I’ve been with Machika since middle school, so I know.”

I guess this is their fifth year together now. Maybe she’s not too far off.

“You get what I’m trying to say, right?”

“Not exactly…”

“You rejected Machika because she’s too perfect, remember? She took that at face value and is trying to ruin her perfect image. She’s been acting crazy lately and it’s all your fault.”

Her strained voice sounded like she was scolding me, and I lowered my head. It’s a bit hard to believe that the reason she’s been off as of late is that she wanted to ruin her perfect image, but Sako-san herself mentioned that she wanted to stop being perfect. Thinking about it that way, Nishida-san’s argument does make sense. There’s a good chance I forced her into this state of mind.

“You’re sure about that?”

“No mistaking it. That’s why I’m asking you to take responsibility, Tsuyoshi.”

I didn’t know what to say and just lowered my head. Nishida-san also crossed her arms and started thinking. After a brief silence, Nishida-san suddenly spoke up.

“Say, do you hate Machika?”

“Of course not.”

“Then you like her?”

“That’s…”

“Actually, nevermind. There’s no boy who wouldn’t fall for Machika after her confession.”

“………”

“Anyway, your relationship is messed up. So you talk with Machika and fix that. Also, don’t you dare make her sad.”

“G-Got it.”

Nishida-san’s been with Sako-san for a long time, so she was probably used to this to some degree.

“Thanks for telling me.” I thanked her.

“No need for that. It’s your job to not make her cry.”

“Leave that to me.”

Nishida-san seemed satisfied with my response and nodded while standing up from the bench.

“Then let’s go.”

“Go…where?”

“Isn’t that obvious? We’re going to visit Machika. That’s the whole reason I called you here.”

“We really shouldn’t.”

A long sigh escaped from Nishida-san’s mouth.

“If only you’d stop being so indecisive…” Nishida-san said and took out her phone to start a call.

It connected immediately, and she switched to speaker mode.

“Yo, Machika? Awake?”

‘Yep. I just ate some fruits.’

It turned out to be Sako-san. Her voice does sound a bit weakened compared to usual.

“Can I come over to visit you right now?”

‘Yeah, of course! I’ll be waiting.’

“Should I take Tsuyoshi with me?”

Sako-san’s voice immediately went up an octave.

‘Tsuyoshi-kun is coming as well?!’

I heard aggressive coughing immediately after.

“Calm down there. Aren’t you a bit too excited the second Tsuyoshi’s name pops up?”

‘Ehehe, I’m happy, you know.’

Even on the phone, I could tell that Sako-san was grinning to herself.

“I see, I see. You’re that happy, huh?”

‘It’s Tsuyoshi-kun, you know? Of course I’m happy. I have to put on some proper clothes. What should I wear…’

“This isn’t a date, you know?”

‘A-A date?! W-Well…I am a bit excited now.’

Yeah, you wouldn’t believe her to be sick. Maybe her head has gotten crazy because of the fever. Also, she clearly isn’t aware that I’m listening, right?

“All right, I’ll let Tsuyoshi take over now.”

‘Huh?! Tsuyoshi-kun is with you?!’

“Yep. He’s been with me the entire time.”

‘No waaaay?!’

Sako-san raised a shocked voice and immediately entered a coughing fit right after.

“Machika, you okay? Sorry for teasing you.” Nishida-san looked at me with an urging gaze, probably telling me to say something.

Since I’ve been listening in silence this entire time, I felt bad for eavesdropping, and my voice stuttered.

“Um…this is Tsuyoshi.”

‘Urk…’

“How are you feeling?”

‘A bit better…I think.’

“Glad to hear that. Is it okay if we come over to visit right now?”

‘Actually, I’m a bit embarrassed right now, so please don’t.’

“Err…”

‘That was a lie. Please come visit me.’

“Got it. You can stay in your pajamas if you’d like.”

‘…You bully!’

She hung up on me. I was a bit worried that she’d be out cold, but she’s a lot more energetic than usual. She’ll probably turn into a spoiled child once she has a fever.

“See, I told you she’d be happy.”

This would actually be my first time visiting a girl’s home, let alone while she was sick. I was as nervous as you’d expect, but I didn’t want to disappoint Sako-san.

“Yup, I’m definitely going. Can you take me there?”

Hearing my response, Nishida-san’s expression relaxed for the first time.

“That was my plan from the very beginning.”

We left the park behind us and headed towards the residential district.

“Right here,” Nishida-san said, pointing at a simple family home a few minutes separated from the park.

That being said, I still wasn’t mentally prepared. On the door of the three-floor building, it said ‘Sako’, making me realize that I actually came here. A cold sweat built up on my forehead. As I felt restless, Nishida-san casually rang the doorbell.

“This is Nishida. I came to visit Machika.”

‘Oh my, Mayu-chan? Welcome, welcome. I’m opening the door right away.’

“Thank you very much.”

Immediately after, the front door opened, with a beauty resembling Sako-san appearing. Her eyes were similar to Sako-san. I didn’t even have to think twice to realize that this was Sako-san’s mother.

“Machika’s Mama~ It’s been a while!”

“It really has been! Oh…who might that boy be?”

Sako-san’s mother glanced at me. I immediately recited the self-introduction I prepared beforehand.

“Um, I am Sako—Machika-san’s friend Tsuyoshi.”

“Oh my, oh my, it’s nice to meet you. My name is Meiko.” She said and started grinning. “So you are Tsuyoshi-kun…Hmmm…” She closely inspected every part of my body.

For some reason, she seemed oddly delighted. And after a final smile, she invited us inside.

“Come on in. Machika is on the third floor, so you can go up to her.”

“Thank you very much.”

Nishida-san seemed quite used to visiting this home, as she moved up the stairs without much hesitation. Once I followed after her, Meiko-san whispered into my ear.

“I’d love for you to stay and eat dinner with us, but I think it’d be best if you leave until her father comes home. Recently, he’s been putting Machika a bit on edge.”

Sako-san told me about her father a few times already. He forced Sako-san to do a lot of things she in reality didn’t want to do. Even recently, he’d get angry at her, saying ‘If you want to do something, then be honest about it.’ I could tell that he must be a strict person.

“I understand. I’ll leave right away.”

Nishida-san seemed to have heard my conversation with Meiko-san, as she turned around.

“You knew about Tsuyoshi?”

“Of course.”

“…How? You didn’t go through Machika’s diary, did you?”

“No, no-no. I’d love to read it, personally, but after I found it once, she’s been hiding it ever since. Do you know any places where she might hide it, Mayu-chan?”

Nishida-san seemed disgusted as she looked down at Meiko-san.

“If you go through Machika’s room, I’ll snitch on you, right?”

“…Please don’t, Mayu-chan. She won’t ever talk to me again. Last time it took three days before she said another word.”

“You get what you deserve.”

Seeing Meiko-san panic at Nishida-san’s words made me question who the actual adult is. Nishida-san closed her mouth and turned around to further move up the stairs, me following her. From behind us, I heard Meiko-san’s whimpering ‘Mayu-chan, I beg you…’ Right as we reached the end of the stairs, we ended up in front of Sako-san’s room. It was obviously hers since the door plate said ‘Machika’.

I’ve never been to a girl’s room before. Not to mention that Sako-san should be sleeping beyond this door, wearing nothing but her pajamas. I tried to take deep breaths to get my racing heart under control, but Nishida-san already knocked on the door.

“Machika, we’re coming in.”

From the opened door came a cool gush of wind, probably induced by the running A/C. Following that was a scent of peace and relief, most likely some kind of aroma. After entering inside, I could see the room’s set-up with the faint light entering through the gaps of the curtains. It was a room well taken care of. The floor was clean, and the bookshelves were filled with accessories and other stylish small things.

“Morning, Machika. Can I turn the lights on?” Nishida-san asked, to which a shadow moved on top of the bed.

“Ah, Mayuko. Yes, go on.”

Nishida-san pressed the switch, and the room lit up. Through that, I could clearly see Sako-san’s face as she laid upwards on the bed. Her eyes looked a lot more drowsy than usual, and her bangs were messy. The yellow collar of her pajamas peeked up from beneath her thin blanket. She caught on to my presence, with her eyes opening wide, and she covered her face beneath the blanket.

“H-Hello, Sako-san…”

“So embarrassing…Please forget what I said before…”

I could tell she was rolling up in pain and agony. At the same time, Nishida-san showed a wry smile.

“What’s the point of coming to visit if you don’t even show your face?”

Unlike before, her voice was very kind and comforting. It’s like she was talking to her younger sister. Before Sako-san could say anything, she took out a plastic bag from her student bag, putting it on Sako-san’s study desk.

“I bought you sports drinks and some other stuff, so I’ll leave that here.”

“Waaah, thank you!”

Sako-san showed her face from beneath the blanket. Since she wore a mask, her voice was a bit muffled. And with that business done, Nishida-san grabbed her bag and put it on her shoulder.

“All right, I’m heading back to school now. I’ll leave the rest to you, Tsuyoshi.”

“Huh?!” I let out a dumbfounded voice.

“I got club activities coming up soon, and unlike Machika, I still suck at it.”

“I-If that’s the case, then I’m going home as well.”

It’s all thanks to Nishida-san that I could be in a girl’s room without panicking too much, so with her gone, I don’t think I could even breathe properly. However, Nishida-san completely betrayed my hopes.

“You’ll stay, dummy. You’re part of the go-home club, and the exams are over. Or do you have other plans after this?”

“I don’t, but I can’t bother her while she’s sick…”

“Machika is the one deciding if you’re a bother or not. So tell him, Machika. Do you want him to stay, or leave?”

Sako-san blushed and started thinking when she looked up at me.

“…Stay just a bit longer.”

Her sweet voice completely gripped all my heartstrings. Her eyes were quivering with uncertainty, her eyebrows expressing a lonely sensation. I don’t think any boy in this world could decline this request.

“…Got it.”

“Thanks.”

My chest tightened up once more. At the same time, Nishida-san put her bag on her shoulder.

“I’m leaving, then.”

“Thanks, Mayuko. See you at school.”

“Bye~”

On her way out, Nishida-san kicked my shin with full force.

“Why?!”

“She won’t rely on me at all, but she turns into a spoiled baby when you’re around, and it’s annoying me.”

That’s a bit too unreasonable if you ask me!

“Anyway, I’m not the biggest fan of this, but take care of Machika.”

“If you don’t like it, then you could just stay?”

I tried my best to argue back but was ignored by Nishida-san, who trotted out of the room. The second it was just the two of us in the room, the sound of the running A/C was all that could be heard. Not knowing what to do, I simply stood still. Sako-san let out a giggle.

“You can use the chair from my study desk. Come sit next to me.”

“O-Okay.”

I moved the chair next to her pillow and sat down. I have to talk about something…

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m a lot better. I should be able to come to school tomorrow.”

“Glad to hear that.”

That was the end of our conversation. Unlike our usual LINE exchanges, I can’t come up with anything to say. When I was looking for a topic, Sako-san spoke up before me.

“The day of the study session, staying drenched like I was apparently backfired. Ever since then, I haven’t been feeling well.”

That’s the day where I uttered my pseudo-confession. Just thinking about it made my head boil, so I quickly switched the topic.

“Oh yeah, you fell asleep during that last exam, right? Those exams probably made the cold only worse.”

“Probably. But aren’t you tired as well, Tsuyoshi-kun?”

You are reading story Kanpeki na Sako-san wa Mobu (Boku) Mitai ni Naritai at novel35.com

“Yep, sure am. I cut a lot of sleep to study some more.”

Especially the last few days before the exams I really worked myself to the bone. I don’t think I slept more than the bare minimum.

“Then, are you sleepy right now?” She asked me with a drowsy voice, to which my body was suddenly assaulted with strong sleepiness.

I had taken a lot of extra sleep to compensate for my previous lack, but I guess my body still was a bit exhausted.

“Now that you mention it, I do feel a bit sleepy still.”

“Oh really.”

Even through the mask, I could tell that Sako-san was grinning. I’ve been through this enough times to tell that she was about to do something crazy again. I raised my wariness, when Sako-san moved on top of her bed, creating a bit of space. She raised the blanket and invited me.

“Then let’s sleep together?”

My thoughts came to an absolute halt. After a brief silence, I managed to regain my composure.

“You’ve got a cold, right? You’ll just pass that onto me.”

“I’m feeling a lot better already.”

“But Meiko-san is on the first floor.”

“At this time, she’s busy preparing dinner, so it’s fine.”

“But…”

I desperately tried to search for any valid excuse. I didn’t have the guts to sleep together with a girl I wasn’t even dating. However, Sako-san wasn’t quite done yet.

“I won’t tell anybody. It’s our secret. There’ll be no problem, right? And also, you…feel that way about me, right? You must want to be close to me.”

I really wished she didn’t bring up that argument…My face burned strong like it was on fire. But even so, I wanted to avoid sleeping next to her. However, I couldn’t find an excuse in time, and Sako-san approached me once more.

“Do you hate me? Is that why you won’t come closer?”

I can imagine that this was just part of her acting, but I’m still really weak against her.

“That’s not the case.”

“You prefer it when I’m not perfect, right? When I’m clumsy, not feminine, not diligent, lousy…so am I still not good enough for you…?” She looked into my eyes.

It’s just as Nishida-san said, it all began because I rejected her confession. She’s trying to destroy her perfect image by acting in such ridiculous ways. In other words, I was the one who put her into this cage with no way of escaping.

“If you don’t hate me…then prove it.”

I couldn’t escape. Because I gave her a weird idea, her actions had become twisted. I slowly got up from the chair, laying down on the bed. I tried my best to keep as much distance as I could from Sako-san, so half my body was dangling off the bed. She seemed dissatisfied with that.

“Too far.”

She grabbed my necktie, pulling me closer. I rolled around once, ending up on the bed completely. Sako-san’s eyes and nose were right in front of me. Our breathing entered a rhythm, eventually melting into one, just like our body temperature. Even our beating hearts sounded like one.

“Tsuyoshi-kun,” Sako-san said. “Do you have forceful girls that do this kind of thing? Do you think of me as improper?”

“Rather than improper, I just wish you’d stop because this is bad for my heart…”

I tried my best to avoid her, but Sako-san still snuggled up to my chest. Her small forehead touched my collarbone.

“S-Sako-san…!”

“You actually want to do something like this, right…?”

I see how it is. Until my perfect image of her is ruined, she’ll act like a contrary person.

“I’m sorry. I know it’s not far to do this before we get the results of the exams, but…at least for today.” Her voice was about to disappear.

I could sense how anxious she was. I thought she was acting so contrary because she was lonely, but I don’t believe that is the case anymore.

“Did something happen?”

Sako-san’s shoulders were shaking. Her breathing felt so faint, almost scared. If I had to guess, Sako-san’s mental capacity had suffered because of her cold. When I was sick before, I felt lonely. Since my parents are both working full-time, I was left alone. Sako-san must be feeling the same way right now.

“I’ll be fine tomorrow. That’s just how a cold works.”

“I see…Yeah, once tomorrow comes…”

Or so she said, but her voice was shaking. After thinking for a moment, I wrapped my right arm around Sako-san’s shoulder. When my hand touched her, her shoulders shook ever so slightly, but she immediately calmed down again. My heart was beating painfully fast. I’ve never embraced a girl before, and Sako-san isn’t my girlfriend either. I don’t even know why I’m doing this, but my body urged me to comfort Sako-san nonetheless.

“…Rub my head,” Sako-san begged me with a faint voice.

I took a deep breath and placed my right hand on her head. Since I didn’t know how to do it properly, I just moved my hand as gently as possible. Her silky smooth hair ran through my fingers, and by the time I realized it, Sako-san had fallen asleep. Realizing this, I sighed in relief. She should be feeling better once she wakes up, I’m sure. Feeling her gentle breathing on my chest, I started to get drowsy myself. My lack of sleep is really showing now. Before I even became aware of it, my consciousness was slowly sinking into a dark abyss.

When I next woke up, I panicked. I had no idea how much time passed since I had fallen asleep. I carefully got up from the bed while trying not to wake up Sako-san and checked the time with my phone. It’s been around an hour since I arrived here. I should probably read home as quickly as possible. Otherwise, Sako-san’s father would come home.

“See you tomorrow, Sako-san.” I calmly declared and carefully closed the door behind me.

After going down the stairs, I ran into Meiko-san.

“Oh my, I was just about to call for you.”

“I’m sorry for staying so long.” I made my way towards the entrance.

“Thanks for coming to visit.”

“No, I’m sorry to intrude without telling you.”

“Stop by another time when Machika is feeling better. Then you can tell me how the two of you started off.”

“We’re not like that!”

“I know, you rejected my adorable daughter after all.”

She knew?! Her smile was so oppressive on power, my back muscles froze up.

“I-I’m terribly sorry about that…”

“I was just joking. You don’t have to apologize. If anything, I’m glad you rejected her.”

“Err, and why is that…?”

Maybe Sako-san and I really aren’t a good match.

“I’m not sure if I should be saying that about my own daughter, but Machika is very kind and earnest, no? That’s why I was happy to see she prioritized her own romantic feelings and ended up manipulated by them.”

“…Was she really that emotional, I wonder.”

“The day you rejected her, she was crying.”

“Ah…I’m really sorry…!” I lowered my head once more.

“I didn’t mean it that way!” Meiko-san waved her hands. “Machika was never the person to cry. She’s always calm and collected, never going against us. That’s why I’m happy to see that even she could become selfish and absorbed when it comes to her love. I realized she was serious enough about you to cry like that.” Meiko-san gently smiled.

She smiled the same way Sako-san does. Since I was the person who made Sako-san cry, listening to Meiko-san made me feel all ticklish.

“Um…why are you telling me about that?”

“Oh my, I’m sorry. I’m not telling you to go out with Machika or anything of that sort. You have the right to choose, of course. But I at least hope that you and Machika can get along.”

“Of course,” I exclaimed with confidence, to which Meiko-san narrowed her eyes.

“I see, that’s a relief. Now then, I believe it would be best for you to leave. My husband will come home soon. He planned to leave early because Machika is sick—”

A metallic clicking sound came from the front door and seeing the person entering, I froze up. The man wore a tight and expensive-looking suit, with a refined haircut. I could see faint wrinkles on his face, but he had a tall back, not looking too old. Of course, I didn’t even need a second to guess who this man was. But what awful timing this is…

“Oh my, Honey, welcome back. This is Machika’s friend Tsuyoshi-kun. He came to visit her.”

Sako-san’s father closely inspected my face, making me shiver in fear.

“I am Machika’s father Michihiko. Thank you for looking after my daughter.”

“Ah, it’s okay…My name is Tsuyoshi Haru.”

We finished our greetings, only to end up in utter silence. It was very uncomfortable, to say the least. Since I wanted to get home as quickly as possible, I lowered my head.

“Then, if you would excuse me…”

I slipped past Michihiko-san, quickly put on my shoes, and reached for the door, when somebody grabbed my shoulder.

“Tsuyoshi-kun, was it? I’d like it if you could stay a bit longer…I could offer you some sweets in return.” He said and showed a box in his hand.

He may have sounded calm and collected, but his iron expression made it hard to filter out his expression, and I was more distraught than anything. My instincts were telling me to run away, but if I did something rude, he might tell Sako-san to stay away from me. In the end, I stepped onto the hallway again in resignation.

I was taken to the living room, astonished at its size. The back of the room had a systematic kitchen, with lots of space to be filled by furniture, and the design looked quite modern. In front of the sofa stood a tall flat-TV, too. It’s like I wandered into one of those example rooms you’d see when shopping for furniture. I was entranced by the beauty of this room but sadly didn’t have much time to do so. After all, Michihiko-san is sitting across the table from me.

Meiko-san started preparing the dinner, so nobody was there to help me. Ever since we sat down, Michihiko-san didn’t utter a single word. That’s why things were painfully silent and awkward. Unsure of what to do, I simply inspected the wooden table in front of me.

“About Machika—”

Michihiko-san suddenly opened his mouth, and I readied myself.

“Is she having fun at school?”

“…Err, yes. I believe so.”

Because his way of asking was so vague, I struggled to give a proper response. Michihiko-san didn’t mind much and asked the next question.

“Is Machika studying properly?”

“Most likely. Her results speak for themselves.”

“Is she getting along with her friends?”

“Yes, she’s very popular in our class.”

“Is she working hard in her club?”

“We’re sadly not in the same club, so I have no way of knowing.”

I was showered with a barrage of questions that left me bewildered. I imagined him as the protective father type, but maybe he’s just genuinely worried? At the very least, it seems a bit excessive. After a few more questions…

“Is Machika—”

“Honey, I think that’s enough.”

Meiko-san came from the kitchen. She held a tray in both her hands, which had bottled pudding on it.

“Here you go. It’s what he bought.”

“You don’t have to worry about me,” I said.

“It’s fine, it’s fine.”

Meiko-san handed me a pudding with a spoon and sat down next to Michihiko-san. The cooking must be on a break right now.

“Please forgive him, Tsuyoshi-kun. Machika never really talks about her school, so he’s worried.”

“Talks about her school…like what kind of grades she’s been getting?”

“Exactly. As well as what she talks about with her friends, what she did at her club. But she’s still an adolescent girl, so she must also worry about things. She just never talks about that with us, so we’re worried…”

If they’re really close as a family, then Sako-san would let out a complaint or two. I guess she’s even acting perfectly at home? I showed my confusion by tilting my head, to which Michihiko-san showed a wry smile.

“Be it Christmas or her birthday, she never tells us what she wants. I don’t mind if it’s a bit expensive.”

“Do you mean that she’s holding back at home?”

“She was never selfish once. I can’t tell if she even holds back or not.”

Oh yeah, Sako-san herself mentioned that she wants to be more selfish. I guess her parents must be dissatisfied with the current communication. Meiko-san showed a somewhat saddened expression.

“She just doesn’t want to push any high expectations on us. I want to buy what she wants, and support her in the things she wants. But she doesn’t talk about that at all…”

Ahhh, I see. This family is just too happy. Meiko-san and Michihiko-san genuinely loved their daughter, their life was going well, and Sako-san could rely on them if she wanted to. But…she didn’t. She was born with a diligent and earnest personality, so she was aware of her blessed situation and kept a stoic attitude. That’s why they probably feel like they raised a girl way beyond their league. Michihiko-san nodded and agreed with Meiko-san’s words.

“And since she was never selfish once, we had to push stuff onto her. She wouldn’t study on her own, choose her own future, which really puts us in a tight spot.”

This is also exactly as Sako-san said. She simply did as she was told by her parents, nothing more.

“Her high English proficiency is because you told her to study it, right Michihiko-san? That’s what she told me, at least.”

“How did she say it? Is she regretting it after all?” He latched on to my question.

“No, she definitely doesn’t regret it, but…”

“Tsuyoshi-kun, did she tell you anything else? Is there something she told you but keeps a secret from us? I want to grant her a wish for once…”

“Anything else…”

I looked through my memories and spotted Sako-san’s distressed expression she showed during the study session, as well as just now. It might be a bit different from selfishness, but it’s clear that Sako-san is suffering. Although I don’t know why.

“It seems to me like she is displeased about something…”

“Really? What happened?”

“Nothing out of the ordinary, but…”

I can’t exactly tell them what happened in the interview room, or just now in her bed. We promised to keep that a secret.

“I see…If she ever comes to say anything of that sort, please tell me.”

“I understand.”

Michihiko-san seemed satisfied with my answer and slumped backward. I know he kept me here to ask questions about Sako-san, but I’m sad I couldn’t be of help.

“I’m sorry to bother you like this,” Meiko-san said and cleaned up the table.

“It’s fine. I learned a lot about Machika-san, so I’m happy.”

“You don’t need to be so considerate. I have to get back to dinner, but what will you do, Tsuyoshi-kun? Are you going to stay a bit longer?” Meiko-san spoke with a teasing tone.

I could already see myself ending up utterly exhausted by talking with Michihiko-san. Meiko-san probably created a moment for me to head home. I scooped up the last bit of pudding and got up from the chair. Following that, I lowered my head towards Michihiko-san.

“Um, thank you very much for everything. The pudding was delicious.”

“Sorry for questioning you like that. If my daughter tells you anything, then please take care of her. I most likely forced something unnecessary onto her.”

Something unnecessary…Maybe that’s related to the thing Sako-san is worrying about.

“Um…” I hesitated to ask him, but the door to the living room opened.

It was Sako-san, still in pajamas.

“Huh? Tsuyoshi-kun, you’re still here?”

“Yep, just a bit longer.”

Meiko-san approached Sako-san and put her right hand on her forehead.

“Seems like your fever has gone down quite a lot.”

“Yep, I’m feeling a lot better now.”

“Do you have any appetite?”

“I can eat just fine.”

Sako-san answered completely naturally, almost as if her lonely attitude just now was a lie.

“Anyway, I think it’s time for me to go home. I wouldn’t want to bother you for too long.”

“Huh? You could stay and eat with us.”

Sako-san pouted, pulling on my sleeve. I was a bit surprised she could be this clingy in front of her parents.

“No, I really have to go now. I can’t let my parents wait too long.”

“Okay…then it can’t be helped.”

Sako-san reluctantly let go of my shirt, and I left the living room. Sako-san and Meiko-san came to see me off, and when I put on my shoes, Meiko-san whispered something into my ear.

“That pudding just now is actually one of Machika’s favorites. She loves sweet things, so keep that in mind.”

“Hey, what are you two talking about now?”

“Hehe, that’s a secret.”

Looking at mother and daughter in front of me, they really looked familiar. Though Meiko-san looks a lot more mature.

“Then, if you would excuse me.”

“Stop by again.” Meiko-san smiled.

“See you tomorrow.” Sako-san waved her hand with a grin.

I closed the door behind me and sighed in relief. A lot happened, but what Meiko-san said towards the end still remained in my mind.

“And I gave her crab miso as a present…”

Although I was the reason this happened, it appears as if she was also lying to me in regards to that. One day, we would have to resolve that misunderstanding. And at the same time, I realize that Sako-san is restrained by her diligent self. She can’t be honest even if she wants to. I want to help her, but I can’t think of anything. And with that as a reason, my legs felt a lot heavier than usual when walking home.

July 25th,

I was feeling bad for a while, and yet my loneliness was my biggest problem.

I clearly troubled Tsuyoshi-kun because of how dependent I acted.

Did I manage to destroy my perfect image?

Can I become a girl that he could fall in love with?

There are barely two weeks left, so I need to make progress quickly…

[15 Days Left.]

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