V4Ch1: The girls I traumatized Part 1

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Translator: Soafp

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Don’t do online casinos, don’t do online casinos, don’t do online casinos, don’t do it! There’s no way I’d do it. It’s illegal, and besides, I’m still underage.

It would definitely ruin me. Horse racing, powerboat racing, bicycle racing, pachinko, slot machines, etc., gambling is completely out of the question, self-praise and self-admiration!

It is said that the head of the Kokonoe family, Yukizan Kagokujuro Kokonoe, said this on a recent occasion. “Gambling is bad.” It’s probably a lie, but it seems true that our ancestors suffered from gambling.

Even if a casino is born in Japan, I won’t go. After all, I’m incredibly unlucky. I’m renowned for my bad luck, but the extent of this bad luck is unimaginable.

I’ve never won the lottery or New Year’s greetings, and I even comfortably lose in contests where everyone is a winner (I did protest at least). I’ve never drawn ‘great fortune’ in a fortune slip. I once got obsessed and drew until they ran out, but out of thirty draws, not a single ‘great fortune.’ It’s a scam. Give me back my 3000 yen.

Even probabilities are of no use. A 90% hit rate gets evaded by the opponent, and even with a 90% evasion rate, I still get hit.

Pascal was also bewildered.

Despite being a bit mischievous, I’ve managed life quite well. It seems there’s a heaven-scale system implemented in this world. The so-called balancing act.

However, there’s one thing I can boast about with luck. The mother gacha, sister gacha, and aunt gacha.

It’s just too much. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that I was born a winner, having used up all my luck. It’s only natural that I’ve become a family-loving kid.

Normally, a baggage like me should be exiled from the Kokonoe family without complaint. Of course, even if I were to be expelled, it would be justified, and I wouldn’t be like, ‘Serves you right.’ Just being recognized as part of the family and placed in the lowest position in the Kokonoe family is worthy of utmost gratitude. I’ll keep my mom’s sandals warm in my embrace.

That’s why I cherish my family. A heartfelt prayer for their kindness.

And the family I recognize is only Mom, Sister, and Sekka-san. It’s because in my mind, there exist memories and time spent together as a family.

It’s often said that there’s sympathy between twins, but what about between parents and children, or siblings?

“Is it possible for romantic feelings to develop between siblings who have never met since birth? Or even in such a case, would biological instincts deny it? *Exception: A sister who’s always around and never denies it.”

“One day during summer vacation, I returned from a run and suddenly encountered a suspicious character claiming to be my father. Despite it being summer, he wore a dress shirt and a tie. They say scammers wear suits. Probably, even his name is likely a fake. I was cautious of Ponzi schemes and immediately reported him—”

“Who are you explaining this to?”

“This is an introduction. In today’s era, I thought such considerations might be necessary.”

“Who needs considerations? And my name isn’t fake.”

“The way you say it just seems more suspicious…”

Now, the old man sitting in front of me at the café.

He’s a suspicious character named Shyugi Touren, an awkward name claiming to be my father, but this is our first encounter.

Even if by chance he had met me before, it would have been ages ago, way before I can remember. This essentially means that to me, even if there were any blood ties, there’s no emotional attachment, no sense of being a father or a relative. In other words, this person is essentially a stranger, and even if there were any blood relations, there’s no emotional connection. Therefore, there’s no sentiment or connection to the idea of a father.

“How much do you know about me?”

The suspicious man’s gaze pierces through me sharply. He’s overly self-conscious. I answer bluntly.

“Absolutely nothing.”

“Idiot.”

“――! Well, fine. If it’s from the perspective of Ouka, that’s probably accurate.”

His forehead twitches. Clearly trying to act tough. No respect at all.

In the first place, I’ve never heard about this man from Mom. I’ve never even questioned her about my father’s existence. It was Sekka-san who mentioned that this man was a jerk, but it was just something she casually let slip while drunk, without going into details. So, I don’t know what happened between them, and I’m not interested. I just follow suit with Mom and Sekka-san in disliking him, purely out of courtesy.

“I’ve taken as much responsibility as I can. Even if it means losing everything—money, home, even my name.”

“I don’t care. Shut up, scum.”

Clank—the ice in the iced coffee makes a sound.

“Hmm? Did you just utter some incredible foul language?”

“Maybe it’s just your imagination. They say as you age, your hearing starts to deteriorate.”

“No, I’m not that old yet… “

“It’s a misunderstanding. More than that, I know why you came here.”

“What do you mean?”

Unexpectedly, the old man’s eyes widened in surprise at the response.

It’s a simple deduction. Even if the old man isn’t a scammer but indeed my father, the reason for suddenly showing up now could easily be inferred.

Since my mother had a follow-up check for b****t cancer, she’s been a bit different. Not to the extent of organizing her affairs, but she’s been trying to leave various things for my sister and me in case something happens to her.

She’s been more health-conscious than before, but in life, you never know what might happen. It’s not just illnesses; there’s always the possibility of accidents. That’s why it’s important to discuss things in advance. That’s what family is about. If that’s the case, there’s only one answer.

“Exactly, about inheritance tax and life insurance?”

As if cutting through a tangled mess, I exposed the old man’s intentions.

“You’re completely off the mark…”

“Well then, shall I go back? I’m getting hungry.”

“Wait! Don’t just try to leave on your own. My talk isn’t finished yet.”

I was detained by the flustered old man. What a pain… Who is this person?

“If you have something to tell my mother, please say it directly. It’s got nothing to do with me.”

“Not to Ouka. I have something to talk to you about… And Ouka will never meet me. She even refuses to talk. Fmm, I’m glad I didn’t get turned away at the door.”

The old man chuckled to himself.

“Me?”

Taking a closer look at the old man, I could sense weariness in his expression.

It could be summer fatigue, but is there a reason for the fatigue and distress?

“I received my punishment. Nevertheless, I don’t regret it. What I did will never be forgiven. It’s the worst thing no matter what. Even if I’m called scum, I can’t escape from the abuse. But at that time, Tsubaki needed support. She was hurt, broken, and in despair. I couldn’t abandon her. Both Tsubaki and I were immature, misunderstood each other, and passed by.”

“Uh, excuse me, waiter. Another iced coffee, please. Also, shaved ice.”

The old man’s soliloquy filled with anguish continues, but to me, unaware of the situation, it’s like a language from another world.

When I opened my phone, I found a message from Tristy’s brother, Leon, the most handsome man in the galaxy. He wanted to ask Mio out on a date. It was a consultation about a date spot.

Why not just ask her? Not matching his face, Leon was very shy at first.

I also received a message from Himiyama-san. Attached is a suspicious photo of her wearing a schoolgirl-like uniform and covering her eyes with her hands. Himiyama-san was not a beginner at all. Image club Otsu

“I had a craving. I had a craving, something I wanted from the depths of my heart. It’s a cliché in words, but it’s true love. I gave up everything, and only needed one thing, and that was love. I feel bad for you guys. I have no excuses. I will bear your anger, your hatred, everything. No matter how much you hate me, I deserve it.” (Touren)

“Even if you ask if I like loose socks… Is there a need for them to be loose? Are you hiding some kind of concealed weapon? Come to think of it, I think Himiyama-san mentioned being from an all-girls school. If there was such a bewitching high school girl, it would be a free-for-all of disorderly conduct. Truly, history is full of surprises, isn’t it?” (Yuki)

“That’s right. Tsubaki and I have a history. The first day we met, it was love at first sight. I felt like there was no way it would ever come true, but I still couldn’t give up and chased after Tsubaki.” (Touren)

The old man is narrating his own story as if I don’t exist. Sorry, but I’m not interested!

“I’m not particularly concerned about this…” (Yuki)

“I sacrificed you all. I used you as stepping stones, seeking only my happiness. No, that’s not it. Regardless of what happened to me, I wanted Tsubaki to be happy. Even if that caused misery to those around us—”

Squeezing out the words, it’s unclear what he’s saying, but the determination required for this decision from the old man is evident.

“But karma pays off, and this is the result. I don’t want to talk nonsense. –Let’s get straight to the point.”

His eyes harboring an intense passion, showing a strength that belies any fatigue, as he gazes at me.

“That woman is abusing you. Yukito. —Come with me.”

Reflecting on the old man’s words while eating shaved ice, no matter how many times I reconsider, the answer remains the same.

“Eh, no thanks.”

The syrups for the shaved ice might differ in color and fragrance, but they all taste the same. Speaking of which, back in the day, Sekka-san taught me that. She used to sprinkle her favorite fragrance over white syrup, saying, ‘This is the taste of Sekka-san!’ She was delicious.

That’s what elementary schooler Yukito had to say.

“I thoroughly investigated you. It seems it’s been quite challenging for you. You’ve played the role of a great detective multiple times. Although it might seem like someone else’s problem, I’m genuinely concerned. I can’t bear to see your situation. Your choices bring about unhappiness, for yourself and others. —Just like me.”

The words “bring about unhappiness, for yourself and others” struck me oddly.

If you ask if I have any idea, I’d be lying. Up until now, I’ve made many people cry.

Even now, by delaying my answer, I’m stealing precious time from Hinagi and Shiori.

That’s no different from making them unhappy, just like me.

I see, it seems my disposition is hereditary.

“And above all, Ouka—”

“—is overwhelmed by me, right?”

The old man’s face twisted as if he’d bitten a bitter bug. He came here to talk about this. He probably thinks, given my estrangement from Mom, I’d understand. In reality, he’s right about that.

But I’ve become corrupted. When did I start thinking such indulgent thoughts? It’s okay if I’m estranged. Still, even so, I wanted to get along a little with Mom and Sister. I was happy when they said they wanted to be with me.

Not too long ago, I always intended to leave home. Estranged by Mom, disliked by Sister, I thought that house wasn’t my place. —I convinced myself of that.

But that wasn’t true. My room being renovated wasn’t out of ill feelings from Mom and Sister. They were genuinely trying to create a space for me.

Effort, dedication, compromise, and deepening mutual understanding. That’s how we’ve progressed.

Undoubtedly, there was affection there. Uncertain, yet certain.

It wasn’t abuse. We’ve built a new relationship amid hardship.

Back then, I might have readily accepted the old man’s words.

—But now, I can’t. No longer nodding in agreement. Sweet thoughts like syrup on shaved ice.

“As you said, the choice to bring about unhappiness. That’s right. If I choose to go with you, surely, it’ll make Mom and Sister sad.”

It should be okay to be this self-conceited. It should be okay to be this indulgent. Because we are undoubtedly a family. Whether by blood or not, the old man is an outsider, not family.

There’s no trust-worthy time or bond between us.

“Do you not suffer? Are you not afraid of that choice? Of being the cause, making someone unhappy? At the end of loneliness, are you happy now?”

“You’ll be punished for being too greedy. Besides, I am not lonely.”

After all, I have 20,000 followers on social media! Oh no, it’s increased again!?

And I have an absurd number of friends too. It feels annoying to self-proclaim as a loner now; it’s like boasting about not studying for a test. I’m growing up, you know.

“…I see. If you say so, that’s fine. If you say you’re happy. There was never a chance for me in the first place. But, if that’s the case, no, that’s why I need you.”

His head almost touched the table as he bowed. I swallowed hard at the desperate look on the old man’s face.

“Please, lend me your strength! It has to be you. I know asking a child for help is foolish. It’s all my fault, and I deserve it. I don’t care. I’ll accept any demand. You can even hit me until you’re satisfied. I don’t have the luxury to cover it up anymore. But if things continue like this, Tsubaki and me will break. If that happens, it’ll be irreparable. You’re the only one who can save us from despair!”

If this old man were a con artist, his acting skills would be genius-level. I pondered what to do about the anguished plea from the old man. Something I’d been concerned about suddenly dawned on me.

This is a quest! A quest has unexpectedly emerged.

I had thought the old man was Mom’s guest, so I’d been listening half-heartedly. But it seems I was the target. It followed the typical pattern of quests I’d seen lately—someone brings a problem to me, and I struggle to solve it, the usual routine.

Moreover, from the old man’s argument, it seemed like a fetch quest to take me somewhere.

“I really don’t get why this has something to do with me at all? Even if you say you’re troubled, I don’t think there’s anything a student like me can do…”

“I, being the involved party and the root of the problem, my words won’t reach. That’s because Tsubaki…”

“—What are you talking about with that man, Yukito?”

As if cracking the air, a harsh, rigid voice made a rift in the space.

I realized it was my mother’s voice a moment too late. Her voice was low, creeping along the ground, icy cold.

Trying to speak, I found myself speechless. Her eyes were darker and deeper than I’d ever seen, almost like a different person, colored with rage.

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