Chapter 85: Gloomy Clouded Japanese Sunshine

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The Spring Festival starts tomorrow. I know it's going to be eventful, so I'm mentally preparing myself.

That night, an unexpected visitor showed up at my apartment and threw me off. It was my mom, Christina Uemura-Bianchi, who I call “Okasan.”

“I’m sure everyone has forgotten her real name.”

“Why are you here with Ange?” I exclaimed.

“Well, I wanted to visit Yuuta’s university at least once,” she replied casually.

“You should have told me you were coming! I don’t have any extra futons!” I shouted back.

“I didn’t think of that. We’ll figure it out,” she said nonchalantly, defusing my irritation.

Meanwhile, Ange stood behind her, looking like someone who lost all their money in a risky investment.

“Why is this happening?” Ange muttered, clutching her skirt and tearing up.

Mom glanced at Ange and then whispered to me.

“I won't allow any weird, incestuous scenarios like in those ‘maru no ana’ doujins.”

“What are you talking about? I’m innocent.”

“It’s not you I’m worried about. Ange seems like she might get into some trouble if left alone.”

“…”

“It’s probably just a phase of feeling lonely.”

Mom knows her daughter well. I need to remind Ange not to send me any more erotic selfies. No one wants a repeat of the “Pumpkin Panties Burger Incident” on the internet.

“Come in before the neighbors complain, and I don’t have any tea.” 

“I wasn’t expecting you to cater to unexpected guests. I’ll get some myself if I want it,” Mom grumbled as she entered with Ange, who looked resigned to her fate. 

Just then, the doorbell rang again. At this hour, it could only be someone close.

“Hi, it’s Aki…”

It was Kojima-san. Ever since she moved next door, she hasn't visited like this.

I opened the door to talk to her directly.

“What’s up?”

“Do you have guests?”

“Yeah, my mom and sister…”

I turned to look back and noticed Ange’s expression had dramatically changed.

“Why is your ex-girlfriend here!? And why does she seem so familiar with you?! Did you mistake her for me?!”

“What are you talking about?”

I lightly tapped Ange’s head. Modern middle schoolers speak so dramatically, it’s impressive.

Mom chimed in.

“Isn’t she the Kojima-san who called, asking for Yuuta’s address?”

Kojima-san bowed slightly and nervously greeted my mom.

“Yes, thank you for your help before. I’m living next door now due to some circumstances.”

Mom must have recognized her voice from earlier. Kojima-san looked awkward, but I decided not to delve into it since she already lived next door.

“Quite an unexpected development. She seems assertive,” Mom commented.

“No, it’s complicated…”

Kojima-san tried to explain, looking uncomfortable.

Mom doesn't know about Kojima-san’s situation with Jones-san. It’s a bit troublesome to explain now, especially with Ange glaring daggers at Kojima-san, who was clearly feeling intimidated.

Kojima-san, who looks like a cool gal when alone, was now a nervous wreck. Ange must have figured out she's not as put-together as she seemed. What happened to that first impression?

“So, what do you need? You didn’t come here to cause trouble, right?”

I wanted to avoid any conflicts, so I asked again.

“Trouble!? Brother, did you do something inappropriate!?”

“Calm down, Ange.”

Why does she sound like she's talking about something more than it is? 

At that moment, Kojima-san offered a solution.

“If you don’t have futons, I can get some from my old apartment. I can bring them over in a taxi. Do you want to borrow them?”

“Huh?”

“I don't need them anymore, and it's just a short taxi ride away.”

She overheard us. I realized her old apartment was still available since she hadn't moved everything out yet. While I was skeptical about using a taxi for futons, it would be better than making Mom and Ange sleep on my narrow bed.

“Wouldn't it be difficult to carry them?”

“They’re light.”

“Should I help?”

“No, I'd rather not have anyone see my room.”

Why the sudden bashfulness? Well, if she insists…

“Alright, I’ll take you up on that offer. I’ll cover the taxi fare.”

“Okay, I’ll go get them now.”

Kojima-san immediately left to fetch the futons.

Meanwhile, I decided to tidy up a bit before the futons arrived.

—

“She’s late…”

It’s been about an hour since Kojima-san said she was going back to her old apartment. For someone who left immediately, she’s taking her time.

Maybe she’s trying to sort through some of her other belongings. I tried to reassure myself with that thought when Ange, out of nowhere, dropped a bombshell.

“Oh man, not only can I not get any alone time with you, but on the way here, I ran into that creepy mole guy who hit on me last time. Today’s just not my day…”

“…What did you say?”

This information couldn’t be ignored.