Chapter 22 – Cheated Husband Time, Insert

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“I knew because I saw you coming home together with a really happy look on your face, Onii-chan.”

“That’s all it took…?”

Wow, what a sharp memory she has. But Ange usually isn’t that great at remembering people’s faces. She often can’t even recognize our neighbors.

I thought it was because she wasn’t interested in other people.

“…Yeah. You seemed really restless, so I followed you.”

“Hey, Ange, what about my privacy?”

It looks like it’s time for another scolding session later. Sure, I might have been thinking of sneaking into a hotel with my girlfriend, but privacy is important!

“…? There’s no such thing as privacy between siblings, right?”

“Got it. Next time we go home, I’ll read aloud the diary you keep in your locked drawer, full of revenge fantasies against your bullies.”

“I’m sorry, please forgive me!”

She still kept that? Throw it away already.

“So, you understand now? Even siblings need privacy.”

“Yes, privacy is important!”

Alright. Maybe I'll go easy on her this time. Good job, Ange; you earned yourself a middle name.

“But… you broke up with her soon after, right?”

“Ugh, yeah, but how did you…”

“That’s pretty obvious. You were so depressed you didn’t come out of your room for a while right after.”

“…”

Yeah, that’s true. It was a shocking betrayal, and it wasn't easy to get over. It wasn't the first time I'd been betrayed, but that only made it worse.

“Also, you used a lot of tissues back then. You brought them to your room and locked the door. I figured you were crying a lot and didn't want anyone to see, but you needed tissues for the tears.”

“Ha, ha, ha…”

Hearing her innocent yet incorrect interpretation, I couldn't help but pat her head with a wry smile. My little sister really is an angel. Stay pure, Ange.

It’s not like I could help it! Drowning in sorrow was less productive than some stress relief. At least during those moments, I could forget about Kojima’s betrayal.

… Is this a form of escapism too?

Well, at the cost of many tissues and my dignity, I eventually got over it.

…

But now I feel like I’m on the same level as Kojima, who sought pleasure to erase her guilt. It’s unsettling.

“…Sorry. I made you remember something unpleasant.”

Ange apologized, noticing the discomfort on my face.

“No, it’s not your fault. Don’t worry about it. It’s all in the past.”

“Okay… but still.”

Ange continued thoughtfully.

“Just like you comforted and encouraged me when I was bullied and crying, if you ever cry, I'll comfort you lots and lots.”

She said it with an angelic smile. Ange, are you trying to raise a flag with your half-brother? Even so…

“…Alright. When that time comes, I’ll count on you.”

I should be happy that my sister has grown into such a kind, thoughtful girl. While lovers might betray, family won’t. That’s comforting.

“Alright! Then today, your Onii-chan will treat his cute little sister to whatever she wants!”

Forgetting that she had raided my hidden stash, I made a grand declaration.

Later, I realized I had spent a quarter of a month's food budget. Damn those expensive steaks. If I die from financial ruin before seeing any real action, what then?

I should write my will just in case.

***

Later that night, Jones-san arrived.

“Yo, Yuuta, looking lively as ever. Are you still standing strong?”

“Jones-san, you’re as blunt as always. Come on in, though there’s not much here yet.”

Jones-san, like Mom, was a funky Yankee baby born in Japan and raised on hip-hop. His Japanese was better than most El Salvadorians.

Since it’s been a while, I wanted to chat before he took Ange.

“Mom mentioned it, but you're moving to the city?”

I offered him a can of coffee and started the conversation.

“Yeah. The divorce is almost finalized. I need a fresh start, maybe find a new wife.”

“Full of desires, as always. No wonder you got cheated on.”

“Maybe my American size was too much.”

“Bigger isn't always better, huh…”

Just to remind everyone, Jones-san had a Japanese wife who cheated on him, leading to their recent divorce.

It was discovered when their child looked nothing like Jones-san. What was she thinking, trying to pass off another man’s kid as his?

…

If her head were that empty, other parts of her might be too. Maybe Jones-san' size wasn't the issue after all.

“So, did you find out who she cheated with? Some young guy she met on a dating app, right?”

“…No, we still don’t know. Azusa doesn’t know where he lives either. He vanished when he found out she was pregnant.”

Azusa is the ex-wife.

“Anything that might help identify him?”

“I have a few photos, but his face isn’t clear.”

Ange chimed in.

“Onii-chan, what kind of bird is a ‘hame-dori’? I’ve never heard of it.”

This girl is too pure for this world.

Of course, her request was denied. I asked Jones-san to show me the side profile of the guy in the photo, thinking I might recognize him, but nothing came to mind.

However, a large mole under his left ear seemed familiar.