CH 35

Posted on June 14, 2021by Soafp

I am in a bad situation currently. My name is Yukito Kokonoe.

“Hot…….” (Yuki)

It doesn’t make sense to put it into words, but I can’t help it if it comes out naturally. It was  inevitable. The temperature was over 30 degrees Celsius again today. The painful summer sun was beaming down on me. With the cicadas chirping in the background music, I realized something quite natural. It wasn’t that I was shocked by the sight before me. It wasn’t that I was intimidated by the air. If anything, it made sense. A reality that I understood easily.

I was on my way to the shopping mall. I’m growing up, and I’m getting taller. The bathing suit I used to wear in junior high school had gotten smaller. I rarely have a chance to wear it because I only use it for classes, but that’s not going to happen if I’m invited by a grown up girl.

Mio and Tristy asked me to choose a swimsuit for them, but I refused. I’m not sure what to do. I’ve never had a girlfriend before, so this was an impossible task for me. It’s like a Rokuhara quest1. Especially the half-breed Tristy, I don’t know what she is, but she looks amazing in every way. They both have excellent style. That thing of hers is an airbag!

As I exited the station, I saw a familiar figure in the distance. The airbag is jiggling. The person in the middle of the whirlpool, Tristy, with her dazzling hair color, was very conspicuous even to the casual observer. I wondered if I should call out to her, but stopped myself. My relationship with Tristy-san is very strange. I was the victim and she was the perpetrator. We only met by chance through an accident. It was strange to be invited to play by such a person.

I was asked by Tristy and Mio if I wanted to go to the pool. They said it was an apology, but now I regret my decision to accept it. Perhaps because of my guilt, Tristy has been very kind to me, but it’s not good for me or for her to take this lightly.

“Well, she is beautiful, she must have a boyfriend.” (Yuki) 

The guy next to her must be her boyfriend. A handsome man and a beautiful woman. I’m not sure if she was waiting for him or not, but she ran up to him with a big smile on her face, and Tristy hugged him vigorously. The two of them hugging each other looked so good together. They are the embodiment of an ideal couple.

I wondered if it was really a good idea for me to accept her invitation. From Tristy’s boyfriend point of view, I was nothing but a distraction. I’ve already been apologized to and compensated for the accident. That was the end of the relationship. There’s no reason for Tristy to get involved with me any more.

Even though it’s not just the two of us, I don’t think her boyfriend would feel good about her going to the pool with a guy. What should I do? I’m in trouble.……

The heat was getting to me, so I went into a nearby cafe to take a break. As I ordered an iced coffee, I thought back to what happened yesterday.

It seems that Shiori had been confessed to by Suzuki, a second-year student who was the next ace of the baseball team. She came all the way to my place and said, “I turned him down properly, Yuki!” She told me with a cheerful smile as usual.

Thinking about it, I felt a sense of discomfort even then. Shiori has told me that she likes me. The same goes for Hinagi. But I haven’t responded to her.

I’m just a bum, aren’t I?

I’m a keep-out guy. In fact, I would rather KEEP OUT! Even with President Keido and Tojo-senpai, if I think about it, I haven’t responded to any of their “favors”. I’m a ridiculous a*****e.

It’s really bad.……. I’ve never looked at others the way I look at myself. I thought I was being rejected. My world was complete with just me. But now I know that it’s not. I grabbed the hand that was extended to me.

I don’t know what kind of person Suzuki-senpai is. I don’t know if he confessed to her just for fun or if he was serious about it. But if it was a serious confession, then Suzuki looks at Shiori much more straightforwardly than I do. Maybe Suzuki might be the one who can make Shiori happy. Maybe he’s an equal who can accept the kindness Shiori shows him.

Was it right for Shiori to decline? It was too presumptuous of an idea. As long as she turned it down of her own volition, I can’t say anything about it. But if I had been able to give her an answer sooner, for example, if I had properly replied that I couldn’t answer Shiori’s feelings, she might have had a new option. Suzuki-senpai’s confession might have been rewarded.

–I’m being so cruel.

I wonder if I will ever be able to love someone again. Will that day ever come? Would I be able to keep the girls involved in such a thing forever?　Stagnating in the same place for a long time, withholding an answer, avoiding “affection” because I don’t know what it is, may be depriving them of their future, their possibility.

Am I allowed to stay close to these girls?

[Other PoV]

“Leon, long time no see! Will you be staying in Japan now?” (Tristy)

“Yes, I finally got a chance to come over here myself.” (Leon)

It had been three years since Tristy had seen her brother Leon. While Tristy and her family were moving to Japan, her brother Leon was the only one who stayed abroad for work. Her brother finally took over his new job and decided to live in Japan from this summer. However, he still hasn’t gotten used to the Japanese summer, and is sweating profusely in the sweltering heat.

“How far away is your house?” (Tristy) 

“It’s only twenty minutes from the station, so I can come and see you whenever I want.” (Leon) 

“That’s right. Mom and Dad will be so happy!” (Tristy) 

“I’m sorry you had to go through that. You had an accident, didn’t you? Are you okay?” (Leon) 

“Yes. The guy was a very nice guy.” (Tristy) 

“I was surprised when mom told me. I’m glad Tristy is okay.” (Leon) 

We went around the mall together, chatting in a friendly, sibling-like way. The reason why Tristy met Leon here was to get some things for her brother to live with. Leon was going to live alone.

After a quick shopping trip, Tristy headed for her destination.

“Oh, you’re buying a swimsuit?” (Leon) 

“You should pick one out too, Leon. You don’t have one, do you?” (Tristy) 

“You’re looking at some pretty fancy swimsuits. Have you got a boyfriend?” (Leon) 

“No, I have not! Yukito’s not like that. ……” (Tristy) 

“Oops, I guess I hit the nail on the head. You’ll have to introduce me next time.” (Leon) 

“No, I’m not! Yukito is the guy I had an accident with.” (Tristy) 

“What’s that? You mean you’re destined to be together?” (Leon) 

“It’s not like that!” (Tristy) 

Tristy denied it, but she felt her face flush. Leon smiled as he watched his sister chose a swimsuit with serious eyes.

[Yukito’s PoV]

“I’m sorry, but isn’t this my room?” (Yuki)

“I know it is.” (Yuri)

“That’s a very graceful way to start a conversation.” (Yuri) 

“Thanks.” (Yuki) 

“That’s not a compliment.……” (Yuri) 

For some reason, my sister is relaxing in my room after taking a bath. She is looking very glamorous. She didn’t seem to have mistaken my room for her own. I thought I was mistaken because she was being so open and honest, but apparently I was wrong.

I’ve been thinking lately that my sister is incredibly overprotective. I think she misunderstands me as a three-year-old or something. It may be because of the many things that have happened to her in the past, but that doesn’t mean that she should be allowed to be so arrogant. I see my sister’s buttocks lying on the bed and quickly turn away. Even though she’s my sister, she’s still a woman. I’m not going to let you get away with it. You succubus!Also, why are you wearing those types of  pants, damn it!

“Oh, by the way, my breasts are getting bigger again.” (Yuri)

“There is no chance for me to take part in the men’s forbidden talk.” (Yuki) 

“I need to get a new bra, so measure me later.” (Yuri) 

“Why?” (Yuki) [TL: This was said in English]

I couldn’t help but react like a crazy foreigner. You want me to measure your bust size!? My sister’s insolence knows no bounds. It sounds like the title of a novel. I wonder what happened to my sister’s brakes, but will the recall work? I can only hope that automatic driving will be put to practical use soon.

“Just for reference, what kind of cup is it?” (Yuki) 

E cup. but it’ s getting tighter, so it might be an F. Lucky right? (Yuri) 

“What’s there to make me happy?” (Yuki)

“You can count on it.” (Yuri) 

“Yeey.” (Yuki) 

My eyes were dead. My eyes must be like those of a dead fish. Even a fish finder must not be able to detect it.

“Don’t you have any pornographic books or anything? There’s nothing in this room, is there? (Yuri) 

“You’re a succubus.” (Yuki) 

“Wha-? I’m gonna eat you then.” (Yuri) 

“What are you doing!?” (Yuki) 

As I was shivering in fear like a hamster staring at its natural enemy, the phone rang. It wasn’t a cell phone. It was a landline. In this day and age, it’s more rare to get a call from a landline.　

“I’ll get it.” (Yuki)

I slipped out of the clutches of the succubus and headed for the living room. I checked the number, but it was an unfamiliar one.

“Hello, this is Kokonoe.” (Yuki) 

“Oh, Hello? I’m not the chief, but I’m a colleague of Ouka-san’s. Is everything alright now?” (???)

“What’s wrong? I heard you guys are having a party today.” (Yuki) 

“Uhm, are you Yukito? Well, the chief wants you to pick her up at the station, is that okay?” (???)

“My mother? Can’t she take a cab? (Yuki) 

“Hmm, I think so too, but the chief wants you to come. I think she got drunk and passed out. I managed to come home with her, but it’s not safe for her to go home alone like this, so take her home with you.” (???)

“I see. I understand. I’m on my way.” (Yuki) 

“Yes, I’ll be waiting.” (???)

It’s rare for a mother to get drunk. Rather, I had never heard of it before. I’m not usually a person who actively participates in drinking parties, but it seems that socializing at the company has been decreasing lately, as many of the employees have switched to working from home.

That’s one of the reasons, Mom told me, why they planned the drinking party. Still, it was an unexpected request to come and pick her up. My mom would have taken a cab and come straight home.……

Well, there’s no point in worrying about it. I said a few words to my sister, changed my clothes and started walking towards the station.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” (Yuki) 

“Are you Yukito-kun? Nice to meet you, I’m the chief’s subordinate, Haruka Hiragi.” (Hiragi)

As soon as I arrived at the station, the two of them sat down and waited a little further away from the place I had been told about. Mom was looking a bit groggy. It was a rare sight for her, as she was always so tidy when she was working. I could smell the alcohol, but Hiragi-san didn’t seem to be that drunk. Looking at her face, she seemed to be much younger than my mother, but she was very young. It would be acceptable to say that she was a college student.

“Thank you for bringing her here.” (Yuki) 

“Oh, don’t worry about it! It’s the chief’s request. Also, I wanted to talk to you about something.” (Hiragi) 

“You want to talk to me?” (Yuki) 

I stepped away from my mother sitting on the bench for a moment. I wonder if it would be bad if she heard me talking about it. Looking at her now, she doesn’t seem to have the energy to do so.……

“The chief doesn’t usually get drunk, but she was in a very good mood. So she drank a little too much.” (Hiragi) 

“Is that so?” (Yuki) 

“She said she’s happy to be close to you, Yukito-kun.” (Hiragi) 

“We’re not fighting.” (Yuki) 

“Well, I don’t know the details, but it seemed like she was troubled.” (Hiragi) 

The gaze of Hiragi-san, who speaks in such a way, becomes sharp for a moment.

“There’s something I want you to hear.” (Hiragi) 

“Yes?” (Yuki) 

“The chief, isn’t your mother beautiful?” (Hiragi) 

“Yes, she is. I’m her son and I think so too.” (Yuki) 

I know best that my mother is a beautiful woman. Her body has not lost its shape at all, and she always looks young. But recently, she has been getting more and more aggressive with her skinship, just like her older sister, and I, as an adolescent DT boy, have always struggled to get rid of the distractions.

“That’s why the chief is very popular at work.” (Hiragi) 

“I see.” (Yuki) 

“Today, it was so rare for the chief to get drunk that all the guys came to see her.” (Hiragi) 

“Sorry for your inconvenience.” (Yuki) 

“That’s fine, but let me put it this way. I know this may not be what you want to hear, but it means that there are a lot of people who are after the chief.” (Hiragi) 

“Well, does that mean she’s getting married again? I’m not opposed to my mother getting married again if she wants to, and I’m sure you aren’t too.”

“It would be nice if it was a serious relationship, but it’s only physical.” (Hiragi) 

“That’s…” (Yuki) 

“He tried to sexually harass the drunken chief, and even tried to take her home. I blame the chief’s good looks for all this.” (Hiragi) 

“That’s not a very pleasant story.” (Yuki) 

“I know, right? So make sure you protect her!” (Hiragi) 

“Me?” (Yuki) 

“I mean, she’s usually very strong, so I’m sure she’ll be fine, but at times like today. I’m sure you’re the only one she can count on.” (Hiragi) 

“As I said before, if Mom is planning to remarry, I’m not opposed to it. Of course, I don’t want someone to marry her just for the body.”

“Hmm. I don’t think she’s planning on it.” (Hiragi) 

“Yes?” (Yuki) 

My mother is beautiful. It’s no wonder she’s so popular at work. I knew she would remarry someday, and I wasn’t opposed to it. But I didn’t expect to hear that it wasn’t about remarriage, but that my mother was just being sexually targeted. ……

“Chief, she’s always looking out for you, and her face is rather—I’m not going to say any more. Keep an eye on her, will you? I’m leaving now.” (Hiragi) 

Hiragi-san threw the bomb at me smoothly and left. I wondered what she was going to say at the end. When I looked back at my mom, she was looking at me with soft, happy eyes.

“Well, let’s go home.” (Yuki) 

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bother you.” (Mother)

“It’s okay. This is fine.” (Yuki) 

Lending my shoulder to my mom, we headed home together. We weren’t far from home. I tried to take a cab, but my mom stopped me. She wanted to walk home. Is it for her health? It’s hard to maintain a good figure, isn’t it?

“What were you talking about with Hiragi just now? Did she confess her love to you? I won’t allow you to do that with my subordinates!” (Mother) 

“You can’t just confess to someone you’ve never met before.” (Yuki) 

“You don’t know that. You have a mesmerizing evil eye.” (Mother) 

“I’ve never heard of it. I also don’t have one. Also, that’s the kind of thing that would definitely make everyone unhappy.” (Yuki) 

“Then why are you so popular?” (Mother) 

“I think it’s because I’m your son.” (Yuki) 

“Huh? Oh, yeah. It’s because of me.……” (Mother) 

“Because you’re popular, aren’t you, Mom?” (Yuki) 

“I’m too old for that.” (Mother) 

“Hiragi-san said you had a hard time with all the guys after you.” (Yuki) 

“Hahaha……. Oh, I see. I’m sorry, I know I made you feel bad. I had a little too much to drink today. I’m not usually like that. In the end, it doesn’t matter who comes after me in those situations.” (Mother) 

“If you’re planning to remarry, I won’t object. I’m not opposed to you getting married again, but I don’t think I’d want you to be with someone like that.” (Yuki) 

“I don’t want to be with someone like that either. Besides, I’m not getting married again.” (Mother) 

“Why not?” (Yuki) 

“Because I’ve got you” (Mother) 

“I don’t think that explains very much.” (Yuki) 

“It’s okay. That’s what makes me happy.” (Mother) 

“Hey, don’t move too much. Something soft is hitting me!” (Yuki) 

“You’re imagining it” (Mother) 

Mom smiled mischievously and leaned in close to me. I’ve never been treated like this before. Thanks to her, my tension is at its peak. It was night, but the temperature was still high. It looks like it’s going to be another tropical night. I’m not sure if it’s sweating from the heat or cold sweat, but I can’t wait to get home and take a bath.

“Yes, let’s take a bath together when we get home.” (Mother) 

“Why?!” (Yuki) [TL: This was said in English]

It was the bare foreigner again. I will refrain from appearing in the future. My mother is also my mother, and she is irresistibly overprotective. She is at an age where she is not allowed to take a bath with her own son. That’s why I’m not a three-year-old. Yes, I need to change the subject fast.….

“Oh, by the way, Onee-chan said her breasts are getting bigger again.” (Yuki) 

“Oh, really?” (Mother) 

“It’s F cup.” (Yuki) 

“Fu~, I win. I have G cup” (Mother) 

“I know it’s a shocking reveal, but do you have to compete?” (Yuki) 

“I’ll show you in the tub later. You can touch me if you want.” (Mother) 

“Crap! The topic hasn’t changed!?” (Yuki) 

I looked up at the sky and saw that the moon was still shining in the night.

The moon has not changed, but I have. Emotions I had never known before swirled in my chest. The conflicts that arise in my relationships with others.

Will I ever know what these feelings are?