Chapter 26: In Need of Healing These Days

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“Thanks for today.”

Kojima-san gave a small, shy smile that reminded me of our high school days.

“I’ll handle my own problems. They’re my sins to bear.”

She said it so clearly, which was a relief. If she could smile like that, she probably wouldn’t do anything drastic, like choosing to end her life suddenly.

“But, you know, if things get really bad, then…”

Her expression turned a bit anxious as she looked at me.

What does she mean by “then”? Is she implying she might choose death if things get worse?

“If it comes to that, at least tell me before you do anything drastic.”

This isn’t a joke. Don’t casually put my name in your suicide note or cause me trouble even after you gone.

That was my intention, but…

“Okay, thank you, Yuuta. I’ll be going now.”

Why is she thanking me again? She must be misunderstanding something and twisting it to her convenience.

I thought about correcting her, but I didn’t want to stir up any more trouble. As long as she stays out of my life, I don’t care.

Of course, I didn’t see Kojima-san as she left my apartment. If this were a stage play, I’d say, “Farewell forever; goodbye for good.”

One thing did cross my mind, though.

“I should at least buy a toaster.”

Eating untoasted bread with margarine is pretty tasteless. I’d prefer to at least enjoy buttered toast.

—

So, today being Sunday, I decided to take a little trip to a certain electronics store to buy a toaster. After all, sacrificing my food budget on yakiniku at Shojoen means I deserve at least a decent toaster.

But as soon as I entered the store…

“Grandpa, Grandma, where are you?”

Near the entrance, I saw a little girl, about four or five years old, crying.

Seeing her brought back memories of Ange crying when she was bullied.

“Hey, don’t cry. Did you get separated from your grandparents?”

I couldn’t just leave her there, so I crouched down to meet her eye level and spoke gently.

“Grandpa and Grandma are gone.”

“I see. You came here with them, right? Can you tell me your name?”

“I’m Yuki.”

“Yuki-chan, don’t worry. We’ll find your grandparents soon.”

I patted her head to reassure her, but it didn’t seem to comfort her much.

“Sniff… sniff…”

She started crying again. Oh boy.

“Hey, Yuki-chan! How about I tell you some funny jokes? The futon flew away! The cat got tangled! The turtle lives a long life! The woman said, ‘Oh no!’ when she got a call! A bottle of sake will always be a bottle of sake.”

“…”

Oops, maybe those jokes were too complicated for her.

But then…

“Haha! Oniichan, your face is funny!”

“My face?!”

Is my desperate face really that amusing? Oh well. The smile of an innocent child is always healing.

Even those NTR netorare people must have had innocent times like this. How did things go so wrong?

I just hope Ange remains pure.

“Alright, Yuki-chan, let’s go find your grandparents!”

—

I tried to have the store’s main office take care of Yuki-chan, but she clung to me. So, I gave her a piggyback ride as a special treat.

As we made our way to the office, we ran into an elderly couple who looked like her grandparents. I handed her over to them.

“Thank you so much for your time.”

“Oh, it’s no trouble. Yuki-chan actually cheered me up, so don’t worry about it.”

The grandma thanked me profusely, which made me feel a bit awkward.

“It’s rare for her to warm up to a young man so quickly.”

“Is that so? She’s really sweet.”

Indeed, jokes work on everyone. Kids who warm up to you are angels, but those who don’t are little devils.

“Yes, thank you again. If it’s not too much trouble, could I have your name? We’d like to thank you properly later.”

“No, really, it’s fine. I enjoyed spending time with Yuki-chan, so there’s no need. I’ll take my leave now.”

I crouched down to Yuki-chan’s level.

“Take care, Yuki-chan. Don’t get lost again, okay? Bye-bye.”

She gave me an angelic smile.

“Bye-bye, Oniichan! See you again!”

See you again, huh?

She waved her little hand energetically, believing she’d see me again. Well, that's unlikely, but just in case, I'll come up with some new jokes.

…

I feel better now. It’s time to buy that toaster and head home.

I hope tomorrow brings something heartwarming too. My life is too full of NTR s**t.