Chapter 84 The Depressing Way Home

Things were going so well, how could I stumble upon something like this so suddenly?

We hid ourselves as quickly as we could. Maybe it was thanks to the lack of lighting where we were, both my dad and Minato-san hadnt noticed us.

I didnt want them to notice me and I didnt want to call out to them either.

Thats your dad and his subordinate? Your dad aside, how did you know about his subordinate?

He introduced me to her Actually, before dinner last night, I bumped into him and we talked for a bit

I see So thats why you were acting strange last night

Im sorry I didnt tell you about it last night

Well, Yuu was with us, so I understand But seriously, we came across something troublesome

If those two were wearing their suits and Minato-san referred to my dad as Chief, then I would approach them and introduce Umi to them.

But seeing them right now, I didnt have the slightest desire to do so.

Umi and I crouched down and watched the two of them talking from a distance.

If only they were holding some documents, I would approach them to say hello, but both of them were empty-handed.

Minato-san was even embracing dads arm.

They seem close

Yeah

I could only see Minato-sans expression from here, but the way she looked at dad She seemed really happy.

Her smile looked gentle and peaceful, unlike the serious expression she wore yesterday.

She looked like a maiden in love.

Umi, quick, lets get on the train before they notice!

Are you sure, Maki?

Mhm. I dont want to be a bother to both of them. Besides, were in the middle of a date ourselves, arent we?

This wasnt something I was supposed to see, but even if they got into a relationship, it shouldnt matter to me.

It had been almost a year since mom and dad divorced. Dad was good looking and his career was good enough. It wouldnt be surprising if he were to find a new lover.

I had no justification to stop him from getting into a relationship.

Yeah, this doesnt concern me at all

Maki, sorry!

Eh?

I was in the middle of convincing myself, but Umi suddenly hugged me.

My face was squeezed between her glorious cleavage.

U-Umi?

Dont move Those two are coming

While I was busy convincing myself, it seemed like they walked away from their previous spot. I saw them from the corner of my eye, walking toward the stations entrance.

Thanks to Umi, they wouldnt notice that it was me. My clothes were brand new and I worked quite hard on my hair and such. They would probably mistake us as a random high school couple.

Sorry, Maki I know its hard for you to breathe, but please stay that way for a bit longer

I responded to her with a slight nod.

Im burying my face inside the chest of the girl that I love. I should be happy, but I cant feel even the slightest happiness from it.

I wish that those two would pass by without noticing me I prayed as I hugged Umi tightly.

Maki, hide your face.

Then the couple passed by us.

Ah, Maehara-san Over there

Hm? Ah, a high school couple Theyre enjoying their youth to the fullest, arent they?

Yes, but doing that kind of thing in a public place like this

They were talking about us. We were hugging each other in the shadows, of course we would make a good topic of conversation.

You guys are the reason why we are doing this Seriously, adults like them should just mind their own business

Umi cursed them in a low voice before tightening her embrace.

I understand her frustration. Normally, we wouldnt be hugging each other in this kind of situation after all.

Sorry, Umi.

Why are you apologizing? This isnt your fault. Rather, its their

Umi, no. Its not their fault either. Were just unlucky to stumble upon them like this, okay?

If I didnt bump into him yesterday

If we didnt extend our karaoke session and went home at the planned time

We were unlucky

Lets go home Umi We dont want to make Sora-san worry

Sure, but Maki, are you okay? Isnt it shocking to see your father

Yeah, of course, but Im just glad that he looks well. I was worried that he might feel lonely living by himself

If you say so But, if anything happens, make sure to talk to me, okay? I might not be able to help, but Ill listen to all your worries

Mm.

After making sure that those two were out of our sight, we quickly got on the train and hurried home.

I was able to make some fun memories, like my first karaoke session with Umi. But in exchange, I had to witness that scene. I guess this was what they called, karma.

* * *

After that, I dropped Umi off at her home. I had to decline Sora-sans invitation for dinner and came back home as soon as I could. I was greeted by my mother who was smoking while drinking coffee in the living room.

Welcome home. Ah, sorry, I did this again

Its fine, mom, just smoke if you want to. You look so tired, are you okay?

Ngh~ Well, since its the end of the year, Ive been really busy But, theres another matter that I have to take care of

Mom always looked energetic even when she was exhausted from her work. But since the beginning of the month, she always seems distressed. The dark circles under her eyes seemed to get darker each day and she was smoking more often.

By the way, how was your day? Did you have fun with Umi-chan?

Yeah, we went to watch a movie, then we had a karaoke session for the first time. It was fun.

I see. Then, try to keep it up until Christmas, okay? Dont forget to use protection when you both decide to do it, even if its the holy night, you two

Mom, please, before I kick you out the house again.

Well, she was still meddlesome. I was worried for nothing. If I were to leave her alone, shell get back to normal eventually.

Ill just have to help her with housework for the time being.

Ah, by the way, Maki, do you have plans next Friday?

Its the first day of the final exam, so no.

We were going to hold a study session before that day, but after that the only plan I had was to study together with Umi on the weekend.

As expected Jeez, Ive been telling him that he should pick another day, but he just wont listen I know he is busy with work, but still

Him?

I had a bad feeling about this.

A certain person came to my mind.

Sorry, Maki He wanted to meet you next Friday Your father

I see

It was about time for us to meet up properly, but his timing couldnt be worse.

I guess I was out of luck today