Chapter 100: Part of Me Thought It Was Impossible Somewhere

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After that, I got two water balloon yoyos as a bonus.

Of course, I gave one to Yuki-chan and the other to Ange. They both seemed really happy, so it worked out well in the end.

Now, Yuki-chan is dragging Ange around everywhere. Despite her grumbling about it being a hassle, Ange seems to be enjoying the attention from a younger kid.

Meanwhile, Kumi-san, unable to keep up with the boundless energy of youth, sat down on a bench to rest.

I figured I should probably talk to her, so I took a seat next to her.

“Thanks for coming out. I hope I didn’t pressure you too much.”

I started with an apology.

“Oh, no… It’s the first time I’ve seen Yuki looking so happy. I should be the one thanking you.”

Her response hinted at something deeper. I was curious but held back for now.

“That’s good to hear. If Yuki-chan is smiling, that's all that matters.”

Of course, there are limits to what I can do, but I didn't mention that. Kumi-san gave a small, somewhat sad smile.

“Yes, unfortunately, there are limits to what I can do… I was actually thinking of not coming today. But a couple of days ago, Yuki got really depressed.”

“Oh? What happened?”

“I had a fight with my daughter—Yuki’s mother. In the heat of the moment, she took it out on Yuki.”

“That’s…”

“I understand my daughter’s feelings, considering the past. I can’t shake the feeling that if we’d handled things differently back then, things wouldn’t be this way.”

Her regret was palpable. No matter what you do, some feelings never go away.

But Yuki-chan’s mother’s past—yeah. She went through a lot, from rebelling after finding out she was adopted to starting an environmental activism campaign and getting pregnant with Yuki, without knowing who the father was.

“But making Yuki feel miserable isn’t the answer either.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

“Yuki became so withdrawn after that. I couldn’t stand to see it, so I took a risk and suggested we come to see her ‘Onii-chan.’ She brightened up immediately. I can't thank you enough, Uemura-san.”

“Well, I’m happy to see Yuki-chan too, so it’s really no trouble. But what do you mean by ‘taking a risk’?”

“Yuki’s mother started attending this university this year. I didn't expect her to be at the same university as you, Uemura-san…”

“What!?”

That was a bombshell. Now I get why Kumi-san wasn’t thrilled when I invited them to the spring festival before. She's been nervous all this time, trying to make sure Yuki doesn't run into her mother here.

…

Could it be… ‘Kimura’? I was too scared to ask directly. It’s a common name, after all.

“Well, my daughter usually works on weekends, and she hasn’t come home since our fight. She’s not the type to enjoy events like this, so I doubt we'll run into her.”

“I see.”

Kumi-san looked utterly exhausted. The spring festival was crowded, so the chances of running into Yuki’s mother were slim. But Kumi-san was still on edge.

And now I couldn't help but wonder what kind of job her daughter had. Given her past, it made me a bit anxious.

But now's not the time to think about that.

“Kumi-san, would you like something to drink? Let me get you something as a thank you for coming.”

I felt a bit sorry for Kumi-san and wanted to do something nice for her. After all, everyone around a troubled person suffers, not just the person themselves.

—

So, I went to the vending machine at the edge of the courtyard to get the cola Kumi-san requested. Mom and Ange were still with Yuki-chan, so that was fine.

Clunk.

I bought a big can of Pepsi and reached to grab it when—

“Yuuta-kun! You're here at the spring festival too? What a coincidence!”

A sweet, slightly whiny voice called out from behind me. No way…

“Kimura… san?”

“Come on, I told you to call me Airi!”

“Uh, right. But what are you doing here?”

And there she was, Kimura Airi herself. I'd been hoping it wasn't her, but there she stood, making my fears come true.

I need to keep her away from there. Though it's not confirmed yet, it's better to be safe.

“Well, I wasn't planning to come, but ‘KYOKO’ is performing on stage today! It's such a rare chance to see her up close, so I took the day off work to be here!”

“…”

Of course. Kimura-san is a huge KYOKO fan, even copying her hairstyle (I guessed). I saw her getting super excited the last time KYOKO was mentioned!