Chapter 103: Too Much Going on Simultaneously, My Head Feels Like It’s Going to Burst!

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“Well, this isn’t the place to calm down. How about we find somewhere safer?”

I suggested this to Kumi-san, who still seemed unsure how to handle Yuki-chan.

“Oh, yes, but where would we go?”

“Luckily, my apartment is nearby.”

“…”

After a brief hesitation, Kumi-san nodded.

Even Ange, who had been protecting Yuki-chan, seemed to agree that it was the only option. She didn’t say it outright, probably feeling guilty for dragging Ange into this mess.

The Kimura family seems to be under a lot of stress. I was really shocked to see Kimura-san revert to her delinquent ways. Was he really that bad before? If she was abusive or neglectful, that’s something I can’t forgive. But from what I knew of her, she didn’t seem like that kind of person.

At the very least, he used to care about others. It didn’t add up.

Anyway, we needed a safe place to think things over. Back to my place it is. By now, Kurebayashi and the others should be wrapping up their discussion.

Wait.

“Hey, where’s Mom?”

“Now that you mention it, where is she?”

As if on cue, my phone buzzed with a new message from Mom.

“I saw the commotion earlier and couldn't just stand by. I’m following Airi-chan. You take care of things over there.”

My first thought was that she might get lost, but she has her phone, so it should be fine.

“What’s wrong, Onii-chan?”

“Mom’s following Kimura-san. I think she can handle it.”

“Alright.”

Our mom is a capable adult in these situations. Ange knows this too well, so she didn’t say anything more. Right now, Mom is probably the only one who can understand and help Kimura-san.

I'm counting on you, Mom.

—

I decided to message Kenzaki-san to check on the situation at the apartment. After a short wait, I got a reply.

“It's not completely back to normal, but it's over. I'll explain later.”

I took this to mean that the situation was resolved, more or less. Since Kurebayashi had been prepared to accept whatever came and Kenzaki-san seemed sincere, it probably didn't escalate.

A glance at the clock showed it was just past noon. With the next appointment at hand, Kenzaki should make it in time.

Satisfied that the apartment would be free, I led Kumi-san and Yuki-chan back. Naturally, Ange tagged along.

When we opened the door…

“Huh?”

“Welcome back.”

“You’re still here?”

Kurebayashi-san was sitting cross-legged in the middle of the room, looking a bit dazed. Her greeting was odd, considering it's my apartment.

“Sorry, there was just so much happening; my brain feels like it’s going to explode.”

“That's not really the right context for that phrase.”

That line is more fitting for when you're stuck in an awkward situation, not when you’re overwhelmed. She should know better.

“Um, are you living together?”

“No, I just offered a place to stay temporarily.”

Kumi-san asked a rather awkward question, so I quickly cleared up the misunderstanding. If Kenzaki-san had still been here, it might have turned into a real mess. We got lucky.

Ange looked a bit grumpy, but I ignored her for now. Our priority was making sure Yuki-chan was safe.