Chapter 132: Abrupt

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Translator: Soafp

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[Nina Side]

“…Where is Mom?”

“She went back to work. She’s trying to finish everything before returning to Japan.”

“I see. I thought she wouldn't be able to focus on work.”

“Haha, she really was excited earlier. Hana-san was probably just surprised by the sudden news. But now, she's working hard so she can meet Hajime.”

—America. 

In a room of a luxury high-rise apartment.

After finishing her phone call with *him*…

“It's surprising that Hajime-nii made friends, but he didn't have to get that upset over it.”

“I was shocked too. Most of what I studied for the ‘Night View Tourism Specialist’ exam flew right out of my head… and I've got less than three weeks to go. Hajime really got me this time.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Let me explain! The Night View Tourism Specialist is a certification that combines the ‘Night View Appreciation’ and ‘Illumination’ exams. It's a rare qualification, only created five years ago. Isn't that amazing? Once I obtain it, I'll be able to show Hana-san the most beautiful night views in Japan—”

“Not listening.”

“…”

Father and daughter were talking in that room. 

Though, it was mostly one-sided.

“Dad, Hajime-nii's voice… it's completely different from before.”

“Hmm?”

“It might not be him.”

“If that's true, then it's a huge incident— But speaking of incidents, do you want to hear about something else exciting?”

“Tell me.”

“I was just checking a flight booking site. There seems to have been a group cancellation… things are about to get busy—”

They were still trying to process the unbelievable news from him. 

And so, the two started to move into action.

Meanwhile, in Japan, the rainbow-haired boy stood, gazing at the sky.

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[Toumachi PoV]

At the park, he murmured while looking at the twinkling stars.

“Family, huh…”

When he thought about it, it had been over half a year since he last saw them. 

From an outsider’s perspective, it might seem pretty abnormal, but it was something I had said.

[“I’m fine. You don't have to come home much.”—]

Honestly, back in middle school, I was…

[“Are you really okay, Hajime-nii?”—]

That mature voice, despite being younger than me, still lingers in my memory. 

She was my “aspiration.” 

And my sister, Nina—

“Hajime!”

“!”

“You're way too lost in thought!”

“My apologies (kneeling down).”

“Are you okay, Toumachi-kun?…”

“…ugh.”

“Kanon-chan even fell asleep.”

I noticed she was sleeping on my back. 

… Somehow, I must have been carrying her without realizing it.

Isn't that crazy? 

Was my body carrying Kanon-chan while my mind was elsewhere? 

Scary!

“Anyway, I'll take Kanon-chan home now and head back myself…”

“Eh~.”

“You’re not staying the night?”

“T-t-t-tomatotoma (virgin).”

What is this beautiful woman (Kisaragi-san) talking about? 

Does she not have a sense of danger? 

Well, it’s me, so I guess it doesn’t matter (acceptance).

“—No, that's definitely not okay.”

“Haha, it took you a while to calm down~.”

“Do you have something to do tomorrow?”

“Th-that’s not the point. Having an unfamiliar guy in the house, like, wouldn’t Kisaragi-san’s parents not allow—”

“My mom already knows about you, so it’s fine.”

“…Huh?”

Wait, what? 

Does this mean that Ayano’s mom (rude) already knows about this suspicious person (me)?

“It's over (it's over).”

“Icchi, you're so busy.”

“With how much Kanon's talked about you, of course Mom knows. She even said she'd be happy if you stayed over to keep Kanon company.”

“…I'm still a guy, you know…”

“She said as long as Momo is here, it's fine.”

“…”

“That's how it is, so don't worry~. We'll still separate the bedrooms though.”

“You can sleep in Dad's room.”

“Is that really okay?”

“I've been cleaning it, so it's fine. Besides, no one really uses it… there's plenty of space for an extra futon.”

Wait a second. 

Isn't this conversation moving ahead as if I've already decided to stay over?

“I-I didn't bring a change of clothes… (feeling shy).”

“Icchi, your house is just around the corner from this park, right? If you’re worried, you can just go grab them.”

“I think I'll be fine…”

…Wait, am I seriously staying over? 

Did I lock my door? (Too late to worry now).