Chapter 5: Photo evidence

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Translator: Soafp

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[Natsuki, are you doing well? You said you’d come home during spring break, but you didn’t come back after all. I've been waiting for you.] (Natsu’s Mother)

(The day after the welcome party, I got a rare call from my mother.)

It seems like you keep in touch a lot.

(Why did I move out, then?)

“Sorry, sorry. I was on a trip with my club activities.” (Natsu)

(At that time, I was in Kagoshima.)

I see.

(Don't just brush it off.)

[You aren’t sharing a room with any guys, are you?] (Natsu’s Mother)

“We are in different room, and there are seven of us.” (Natsu)

(She's lenient with my brother but strict with me.)

You've always been expected to be responsible.

(That's why I moved out.)

[I hope nothing happened.] (Natsu’s Mother)

“Nothing happened” (Natsu)

[By the way, Haruto from next door became one of your juniors, so be careful.] (Natsu’s Mother)

I must be disliked.

“What do you mean by ‘be careful’?” (Natsu)

[Well, apparently last summer he was seeing Akiho but was also involved with other girls. It seems he talked to Toma about it. I thought he was a serious, nice kid, but I was surprised to hear he was so careless with girls.] (Natsu’s Mother)

(I couldn't believe it.)

Our parents believed it, though.

“Wait. Summer, as in last year's summer?” (Natsu)

[Yes, both our family and Furukawa-san were explained by Toma.] (Natsu’s Mother)

“Did Akiho know too?” (Natsu)

[Yes, she knew the same.] (Natsu’s Mother)

“Did Haru-kun say anything?” (Natsu)

[No excuses were heard. There was no need to hear them. Akiho was actually crying.] (Natsu’s Mother)

“Mom, you called me through my phone, right? I'm going to hang up for now. I'll call you back shortly.” (Natsu)

(I scrolled through my photo album, going back to Christmas two years ago.)

“Found it. As I thought, the date is included.” (Natsu)

“Hello, Mom. Did you see it?” (Natsu)

[…What is this? Why do you have such a photo?] (Natsu’s Mother)

(The photo I sent my mother was from two years ago, taken during Christmas when I returned home.)

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“Yeah, I understand. Okay, I’ll be back soon. Bye.” (Natsu)

(During my first year of university, I returned home for Christmas.)

You managed to go back for Christmas.

(I was a good kid in the first year.)

So now I'm a bad kid.

(I can't deny that.)

(When I went to the station to return to my lodgings, the area was decorated with Christmas illuminations and many couples were there to see them.)

I didn't go.

(Even though you had a girlfriend.)

She rejected it.

(I see. But your girlfriend was there, with him.)

“Akiho?” (Natsu)

“Onee-chan? Are you heading home now?” (Akiho)

(She looked embarrassed as she saw me.)

“Yeah, I have plans tomorrow. But, it's an unexpected combination. Why are you with Toma-kun instead of Haru-kun? Could it be cheating?” (Natsu)

(It was meant as a joke.)

“Na-chan, long time no see. She is no longer with Haruto. She is dating me now.” (Toma)

“Oh, I didn't know!” (Natsu)

“Haruto has another girlfriend now.” (Toma)

“Eeh? Does that mean Akiho was dumped? Haru-kun is two-timing?” (Natsu)

“Yes, that's right. I don't think aunties know yet. Haruto and I have a good relationship now, so could you keep it a secret from them?” (Toma)

“Hmm, it's a bit hard to believe. Haru-kun would be two-timing?” (Natsu)

“People change, you know? We're not the same as we were when we were small.” (Toma)

“Maybe so. Alright, I'll keep it in mind.” (Natsu)

(I was planning to confirm this when I next went back home, but I hadn't had the chance to meet up.)

I see.

“Hey, since we're here, let's take a photo together in front of the illuminations.” (Natsu)

“Sounds good. Let's take one for a memory.” (Toma)

“Okay, I'll take it. Say cheese!” (Natsu)

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[This is a photo from that time. Conveniently, it even has the date on it. I heard they were dating at Christmas two years ago. Doesn't that contradict what you heard, Mom?] (Natsu)

‘”Sorry, Natsuki, I'll check with Akiho and get back to you.” (Natsu’s mother)

“I'm home.” (Akiho)

Waiting for Akiho, who had just finished her part-time job and returned home, was a mother with a stoic expression.

“Mom?” (Akiho)

“Sit down.” (Natsu’s mother)

Akiho, prompted by her mother, sat down in front of her. Her mother placed her phone on the table.

“What is it?” (Akiho)

Looking at the phone with confusion, Akiho saw a photo of herself and Toma looking friendly together.

“Eh? Oh, this is a photo from when we went to see the Christmas illuminations this year. Did you get this from Toma-kun? How embarrassing.” (Akiho)

Of course, Akiho knew when and who took the photo. Nevertheless, she chose to pretend otherwise.

“Akiho, is this really a photo from this year’s Christmas?” (Natsu’s mother)

“Eh? Of course it is.” (Akiho)

Her mother took the phone from Akiho and, pointing at the screen, asked again.

“Is this really a photo from this year’s Christmas? Do you still insist that it is?” (Natsu’s mother)

Touched by her mother's anger, Akiho trembled. While she might have brushed it off and deceived others like Toma could, her inherently serious nature made it impossible for her to continue lying.

“I'm sorry.” (Akiho)

As Akiho's apology was barely audible, her mother, driven by anger, swung her right hand.

Slap!

The force was so great that Akiho fell from her chair.

“What did you do! Speak honestly! Were you the one who cheated and betrayed him? Did you betray and then blame Haruto-kun? Answer me!” (Natsu’s mother)

Holding her slapped cheek with her hand, Akiho slowly nodded.

“How could you be so deceitful! Have you ever thought about how Haruto-kun felt because of what you did? You betrayed someone else and now you're happily dating?” (Natsu’s mother)

“What about it?” (Akiho)

“What?” (Natsu’s mother)

“You were also deceived by Toma and constantly criticizing Haruto! Didn't you also pile on the pressure to Haruto? Don't act like I am the only one at fault! Neither you nor Haruto's mother trusted Haruto! I didn't want to do this either!” (Akiho)

Noticing Akiho's distress, her mother decided to calm down and address her properly.

“So you have a reason? A reason that justifies deceiving Haruto-kun. I'll make some tea, so sit down. Calmly explain everything to me.” (Natsu’s mother)