Chapter 47: Because you were there

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Translator: Soafp

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I woke up to the sensation of something touching my cheek.

In front of me, my beloved child was tapping my cheek with their tiny hands.

That smile is just like yours.

“Did you wake Mommy up? Haru-chan is such a good child.” (Natsu)

At that time, I was feeling unwell because I was pregnant.

“Onee-chan! Haruto! Haruto was pushed off the cliff by Toma-kun! Both of them fell!” (Akiho)

The place where Akiho was taken by her colleague had already become a crowd. The media were there, and filming had already begun.

The height to the waterfall below the cliff was over 40 meters. After a search by the fire department and the police, Toma-kun was found two hours after the fall, downstream as a body.

As for you… Haru-kun is still missing.

Over two years have passed since that incident, and my circumstances have changed. My work became a remote job to accommodate Haruka’s birth. I visit the company a few times a month, but Haruka has become the company’s idol.

Only a few people in the company know the details of what happened.

On the day I graduated from university, you gave me a marriage registration form along with a ring.

“I'll submit it at the graduation ceremony in two years.” (Natsu)

As promised, I submitted it on the day of your graduation. Sakura-chan asked me many, many times to confirm.

“Are you sure? Onii-chan might not come back.” (Sakura)

I know you were worried about my future, but I've decided to live with this child. I can't imagine being with anyone other than him.

“Furukawa-san!” (???)

I've gotten used to this surname, which I was initially confused by. It's often called out at the hospital during Haruka's check-ups.

“Hehe, hehe.” (Natsu)

Haruka stretches her arms out, demanding to be picked up.

“Okay, okay. You want to be held.” (Natsu)

I sit up and lift Haruka with both hands.

“Yay!” (Natsu)

She flaps her arms and legs happily and taps my cheek.

“You did it.” (Natsu)

I hug Haruka tightly and rub my cheek against hers in return, and she gives me a delighted smile. Her eyes are just like yours.

Sakura-chan now lives with us.

“Onee-chan, I want to help out too.” (Sakura)

On weekends, I head to that waterfall in your car. I'm searching for you.

The sister complex girlfriend seems to be trying to follow the same path as you. She has applied for an internship at Yoshino Construction this summer.

“Onee-chan, I'm sorry. If I hadn't done that, Toma-kun might not have caused the incident.” (Akiho)

After the incident, Akiho was taken away by the police for questioning and apologized with her head bowed.

She regrets that the incident happened because of her. It might have been a trigger, but she is a victim too. I can't blame her for her actions.

“I want to help you too, Onee-chan.” (Akiho)

As she cut my hair, which had become a regular at Metamorphose, Akiho said quietly.

“Help? What do you mean?” (Natsu)

“Whether it’s babysitting or running errands, contact me if you need anything. I've moved to a house close to yours.” (Akiho)

It might be her way of atonement.

I gratefully accepted her offer.

“Got it. I'll ask for help if anything comes up.” (Natsu)

In reality, since Sakura-chan is living with me, I can't rely on her much. Still, she occasionally visits, and she's become completely smitten with her niece.

“Haruka-chan! Akiho-chan is here to play with you!” (Akiho)

“Haruka-chan, shouldn't it be ‘Auntie Sakura is here to play' instead?” (Sakura)

“Yes, yes. Auntie Sakura is being noisy again.” (Akiho)

Haruka and Sakura-chan have become quite close.

Both of them have no romantic interests, so I’m a bit worried about their future.

I informed the Furukawa family by phone. My parents drove quickly to the scene.

“Natsuki-chan! Sakura! What about Haruto? What happened to Haruto?” (Akiho)

“We're still searching, but he hasn't been found yet.” (Sakura)

“Is Haru-kun safe?” (Natsu)

“We don't even know if he's alive or dead. However, Toma-kun, who fell with him, has been confirmed dead.” (Akiho)

I also heard that my parents visit the site a few times a month.

I reported to them after Haruka was born.

That Haru-kun is missing.

That I married you.

That Haruka was born.

“…Such things have happened.” (Natsu)

My father was left speechless on the phone.

I haven't introduced Haruka to my parents yet. They're eager to meet their first grandchild, but I haven't felt ready.

As I held Haruka and shifted my gaze to the photo frame, I saw our pre-wedding photo taken a few days before the incident.

You in a silver suit, and me in a pale rainbow-colored dress with a yellow base.

You gently smiled and said, “I'm glad you're alive.”

Hey, Haru-kun. Where are you now?

A gentle spring breeze wafted in through the open window.

“Such a nice breeze.” (Natsu)

Haruka waved her arms and legs while gazing into the void.

The breeze enveloped us again.

“Papa.” (Haruka)

“What?” (Natsu)

Haruka happily spread her arms and reached out her tiny hands.

“Haru-kun?” (Natsu)

I finally realized.

You, Haru-kun, have been with us all along.

I hugged Haruka tightly.

I felt a gentle pat on my head.

“Mama?” (Haruka)

“Hehe. I need to tell Sakura-chan. Haru-kun… Daddy is right here.” (Natsu)

The spring breeze wafted in once more.

The seasons change from spring to summer.

“Haru-kun.” (Natsu)

(We'll always be together.)

Yes. We'll always be together.

End

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TL: ??? There are still some side stories left.