Chapter 112: Important Things

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Did Airi-chan think, even for a moment, that the little girl taken hostage might be her…?

“What are you daydreaming about, Yuuta? Let’s go after her!”

“O-okay.”

I was caught off guard, so my response was delayed. Mom urged me, and I hurried after Airi-chan.

“Could the hostage be… that child from before?”

“No, Yuki-chan is safe at my apartment, sleeping. She’s definitely not the hostage.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

Following behind me, Mom seemed to share Airi-chan’s concern. But when I reassured her, she visibly relaxed.

“That’s good to hear. Hey, Yuuta?”

“Yeah?”

“Which is worse: a parent who's strict with an adopted daughter to avoid shame, or a daughter who feels unloved because she's not biologically related? Who’s wrong?”

“…”

How could I answer that right away? I understood the meaning, though.

She was referring to Airi-chan's family background, the disconnect between a step-parent and their stepchild.

So that's why Airi-chan rebelled when she found out she was adopted.

But now, Kumi-san doesn’t seem strict at all. She must have reflected on her past parenting methods.

The tears Kumi-san shed when Yuki-chan apologized for not being spoiled might stem from this realization.

“Well, putting that aside, it's good that Ai-chan is starting to recognize the love around her that she's been denying. Isn't it?”

“…Maybe.”

“A good man gives a gentle push when needed.”

Mom smiled warmly. I couldn’t argue with that.

Airi-chan, despite everything, cares about Yuki-chan. Blood is thicker than water, and it's nice to see the love of a parent.

Just to be sure, I reached out and grabbed Airi-chan’s arm.

“Ah!?”

“Calm down, Airi-chan.”

“I can’t stay calm! How can you be so indifferent?”

Airi-chan shouted, her voice trembling with emotion.

“It’s okay. Yuki-chan is safe at my place, sound asleep.”

“Really!? Are you sure!?”

“I wouldn’t lie about something like this. So let’s take it easy, okay?”

I spoke gently, and Airi-chan, reassured, collapsed to the ground in relief.

Still holding her arm, I asked her,

“So, you really care about Yuki-chan, huh?”

“…”

“Don’t you?”

“I… want to be able to care about her.”

“Huh?”

“I realized my life went wrong when I stopped valuing my feelings for you. So, I thought I'd start by remembering those feelings. Maybe then I can rediscover the feelings I've been ignoring.”

“…”

“I want to be that kind of person.”

This was quite a transformation. Like a dramatic change in a two-panel comic. I was curious about what she discussed with Mom.

“I see. Do your best.”

As advised, I gently encouraged Airi-chan.

…

Wait a minute.

Does this mean Airi-chan has feelings for me…?

I hope this doesn’t turn into a hostage-level complication.