Chapter 153: Refuge

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Translator: Soafp

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“He’s definitely lying! There’s no way he made any promise!”

“I know.”

“Then… why, Papa?!”

“We showed up at Hajime’s place unannounced, didn't we?”

“…But!! That's completely different from this!”

In one of the high-rise apartment units, two members of the family were arguing.

“Calm down, Nina. Before that, he did say he was going to his friend’s place. You can tell just by looking. If you keep cornering him like that, it's only going to hurt both sides.”

“But…”

“I’m sure Hajime is going to talk to his friend about us. Whoever that friend is, setting that aside for now—”

“I just hope they're not a bad influence.”

“We’ll find that out next time.”

Satoru’s words silenced Nina.

“Hajime has someone he can rely on when things are tough. That's something new since we last saw him.”

“More than family?”

“Nina. It's not something to compare.”

“…”

“If that's the case, it's a bit sad, though…”

“Hah. What's that supposed to mean?”

Both sighed. 

For now, they’d have to wait for answers.

“Well, in any case, it's fine for now. Hajime will talk to us on Sunday.”

“If Mom were awake, Onii-chan would definitely still be here.”

Her words brought a bitter smile to his face.

“When Hana-san wakes up, I'll make sure to take the brunt of her anger.”

“…You silly Papa. I'm not getting involved in that.”

And with the loud voices of the two, it was inevitable that the third person in the room would wake up.

“Oh, huh…? Did I… fall asleep…?”

“Oh.”

“Ah…”

“Huh, where's that rainbow-haired guy…? Hajime! Oh no, where's Hajime?! Where is he?!”

“Uh, um, I, uh, need to study for my ‘Certified Santa Claus’ exam, so…”

“Hold it. You need to weigh at least 120 kilos to be Santa Claus.”

Satoru, who was trying to make an escape, just like his son.

“!? How do you know that? Nina, are you interested too?”

“Mom, Dad let Onii-chan leave on his own.”

“…What?”

Bowing down in apology

“You really are weak when it comes to Mom…”

---

“Phew… she went back.”

I dashed out of the apartment.

I hurried because I thought it would be rude if Hatsune-san had been waiting for me.

…Well, not just because of that—if she saw my current face, she’d probably figure it all out.

[—”If it ever gets tough, you’re welcome to come over.”—]

Those words from back then echoed in my mind, so after a brief hesitation, I opened LIME.

Hajime Toumachi: “Sorry for the sudden message. Is it okay if I drop by?”

Ayano: “Huh? What's wrong?”

Ayano: “Of course!!!!!!”

Ayano: “Bunny stamp”

Ayano: “Bunny stamp”

Ayano: “Bunny stamp”

Ayano: “Bunny stamp”

Ayano: “Bunny stamp”

“…So, this is what they call a ‘sticker bombardment’ from a friend (moving).”

---

It was already past 9 PM. 

I sipped the tea she'd brought out for me.

“…So, yeah, my family came back. I just couldn't stay there any longer.”

“That sounds rough.”

“Sorry for using this place as a sort of escape.”

“Fufu, it's fine… Kanon was happy to see you too.”

[—”Do the ‘spin-spin’ game again!”—]

[—”One more time!”—]

[—”One more time!”—]

[—”One more…”—]

[—”One…”—]

“…Aaaah (memories flooding back).”

“You did great. Kanon loves that game.”

“I'm fine (immediate response).”

The family interrogation was mentally exhausting, but…

Kanon-chan's never-ending “spin-spin” game (where I wrapped her in blankets and rolled her around) was physically exhausting. 

I'm pretty sure I'll have muscle pain tomorrow.

If mental muscle pain existed, maybe we'd all be stronger (what am I saying?).

“But still, Toumachi-kun, you dress like that too, huh?”

“…Eh? Ah, huh?”

“That's the only style you've got? I'm surprised you're wearing an earring! Isn't it against school rules?”

“Oh, this isn't a piercing. It's called an ear cuff. You don't need to actually pierce your ears for it (quick explanation).”

“I see… I didn't know they made things like that.”

I’ll probably never get an actual piercing. 

Too scary (chicken).

And besides, Kanon didn't even react differently to me with this new look. 

Kids are pure like that—they don't change how they see you just because you're wearing sunglasses or an ear cuff.

…Though she did get drawn to my rainbow-colored hair.

“It really suits you. You look… kind of dangerous, not like your usual self.”

“Haha, thanks (call the police if you see this face).”

“Oh, does that mean I can wear it too?”

“Huh, yeah.”

“…”

“…?”

Why is she staring at my ear like that? 

Is it weird? Should I take it off (weakling)?

“…Can I try it on? I don't usually buy things like this.”

“Uh, s-sure, but I've already worn it.”

“?”

She didn't seem to care at all that it was something this loser introvert (self-description) had worn. 

Beautiful people are apparently very forgiving.

“G-go ahead (nervous).”

I handed it to her. 

Now both of my ear cuffs were gone.

…Does this kind of thing really happen?

“How do I look?”

“Wow! It looks great on you. It totally changes your vibe.”

“How so?”

“Well, like… it gives off a dangerous vibe.”

“Hahaha! That's exactly what I said about you, isn't it?”

“Haha (am I going to die today?).”

What even is this atmosphere? 

If my first-year self saw this, he'd probably faint.

Thud

“?!”

“Ah—”

I heard a sound, like something had fallen. 

It came from a room a bit farther away from where we were sitting.

“W-what was that?”

“M-maybe it's just Kanon turning over in her sleep?”

That sound was way too loud for that… 

Also, isn't her bedroom on the second floor?

“Well, anyway, it's fine. You can stay here as long as you need to until you feel better.”

“? Thanks, but I should head back. My family's probably gone by now.”

I'd been comforted by Kanon-chan. 

And Kisaragi-san, too.

I really am blessed.

“Are you sure you’re leaving?”

“Yeah, I'm fine. Talking it out helped me calm down a bit.”

“So, what's your plan from here?”

“I don't know yet….”

“Then come back anytime. It's better than keeping it all to yourself.”

“Eh?”

“Think about what you'll do on Sunday. Momo can help you decide too.”

“Ah, thanks.”

Her kind words left me flustered.

“See you tomorrow, Toumachi-kun.”

“Yeah, see you at school.”

It won't be the same as usual, but… 

I think my mental state has recovered—or so I hope.

Thud

“…?”

“It's nothing.”

Is this house really okay? 

Dear ancestors, I swear I'm not an intruder (dangerous man).

---

“Alright, Momo, you can come out now.”

“…I'm sorry.”

“Why were you hiding?”

“Because of me… I don't know how I'm supposed to face Icchi anymore…”

“Come on, Toumachi-kun said he's fine, didn't he?”

“Icchi's ‘fine’ isn't actually fine.”

“Huh? So, what if he said he wasn't fine?”

“…Then he's really, really not fine…”

“?”

“A-anyway, he's not fine!”

“I see. In that case, you should definitely talk to him when you see him at school tomorrow.”

“…Okay.”