It was the next day. Ryuichi thought back to last nights conversation, which he wasnt even sure could be called a farewell to his grandfather.
I sure as hell wont be getting my living expenses anymore after that shitshow.
His head was still rousing from its slumber, but he quickly snapped awake when he thought about what he was going to do from now on.
After an exchange like that, it would be best to assume that the money he had been receiving until now would be stopped. Of course, he did have some money in his savings. An older woman whom he had slept with in the past had given him money as a thank-you for satisfying her.
Ive never really used them, so Ive still got some left to spare. Plus
If push came to shove, he could always just drop out of school and start working.
Well, considering his circumstances, it may be a thorny path, but since the manager of the club and bar told him to tell them if he was in any kind of trouble, he thought it might be a good idea to have them employ him for work.
ZzzRyuichi-kun
Zzz
Ryuichi-kun
Im hisnumber one
There were two kinds of sleep-talking coming from his sides: one cute and one stupid. On his left was Shizuna, asleep while hugging his arm, and on his right was a dumb-looking Chisa, whose pajamas were rolled up, showing her belly.
Geez, Shizuna is one thing, but youre gonna catch a cold like that.
He slowly removed his arm from the clutches of Shizuna and went to Chisa to straighten her pajamas. There was no sign of the older-sisterly side shed shown him yesterday, the one that put him at ease.
She still seemed to be cold, perhaps because it was morning, so she held the blankets close to her and stayed like that.
Satsukimust be in the living room, huh.
The four of them had slept together in this room, Satsukis bedroom, yesterday. Seeing that she wasnt here, she must already be awake, so he left the bedroom and headed for the living room.
Ah, good morning, Ryuichi-kun.
Morning, Satsuki. Looks like youre the first to be up.
Yes. The three of you were sleeping so soundly, I didnt want to wake you guys up.
Heh, well, one of us was definitely out like a baby.
Satsuki, having inferred who he was referring to, put her hand over her mouth and laughed.
Geez, thats mean of you, Ryuichi-kun. Dont you think her sleeping face is really cute?
Well, sure, Ill give her that. Shesa really nice big sister.
Ryuichi-kun.
Ryuichi sat down on a chair and said this with a laugh. Satsuki, also remembering what had happened yesterday, immediately approached him. She then grasped his hand with both of hers.
I can confidently say that my father and mother love me. So I cant understand or sympathize with all of your suffering. But what I can do is ease that suffering and give you peace of mind as much as I can.
Hey, hey, I know things turned out the way they did yesterday, but I dont have any more grievances about that, yknow? In fact, Id say my heart is feeling pretty bright and clear.
He wasnt lying when he said that. To him, there were traumatic words that had been said to him for so long; words which also lied in the darkest parts of his heart.
You are unwanted.
I wish you were never born.
I dont want to think of you as my son.
Words like thosewords that denied his existence itselfhad planted a permanent wound in his heart. Some might say, Its in the past, dont worry about it anymore, or Youre being a hung-up crybaby by constantly dwelling on it.
But for Ryuichi, those words were a curse that had hurt him as a young boy and had been eating away at him for a long time.
At times like these, Ryuichi always wondered how such nice women like her had gathered around a guy like him. It was a bad habit of his to think like that even though these women had told him themselves that they were attracted to him and wanted to be by his side.
I was really happy when you came to my place yesterday, Ryuichi-kun. You even let me meet Shizuna-chan, and now Ive made a new friend in her.
I see. If thats what you say, Ill make sure to come back sometime. You wont mind if I come over for someprivatebusiness, right?
I see. If thats what you say, Ill make sure to come back sometime. You wont mind if I come over for some
private
business, right?
Of course. Youre more than welcome for that.
She kissed him on the cheek, seemingly relaying her expectations for when that time would arrive.
The group stayed at her house until late afternoon before they split up.
Chisa said she wanted to stick around a little longer before heading home, which Satsuki allowed. Even though they had met through Ryuichi, it seemed both of them had already become good friends.
Bye-bye, you two.
Lets meet again sometime, Chisa-san, Satsuki-san.
For sure. See you guys later.
Please do come back again.
As they exchanged farewells, Ryuichi turned to Chisa.
Seriously, thanks a lot for yesterday.
What are you talking about? As someone who knows you, its only natural that I said what I did.
Ryuichi and Chisa looked at each other for a while, grinned, then high-fived each other. He then left the apartment with Shizuna.
That was a really nice get-together.
I agree. Im happy to have met Satsuki-san, and finding out just how strong Chisa-sans feelings are for you makes mine even stronger, too.
Shizuna hugged his arm as she spoke. Through yesterdays events, Ryuichis outlook on life had strengthened once more, as had his feelings for the girls. Among them, it was Shizuna who melted his heart the most.
Say, Shizuna.
Yes?
Do you wanna go on a trip somewhere faraway for our next holiday?
Absolutely.
Oh, alrighty.
Guh
Suddenly, she looked down. When he asked her what was wrong, she answered with this.
Wellyour smile was just so beautifulthat it made my heart beat a mile a minute.
He hadnt intended for himself to be so conscious of it, but apparently the change in Ryuichis state of mind was clearly and blatantly apparent.
And so, as the two made plans to go out together, Shizunas house came into view.
See you later, Shizuna. Next time, well be going out on that trip together.
Yes. Ill be looking forward to it.
He watched her back as they exchanged these words. As he gazed at her back, he thought about how much hed enjoyed these past few days, and at the same time, he also felt a little sadness at having to part like this.