Volume 2 - Me, Her, and that Feeling's Name
Chapter 13
The discussion that was more like a consultation took longer than expected and we got off later than usual. Because of this, I decided to accompany Chinatsu on the train back home. By the time I dropped her off their doorstep, it was already past 10 pm.
Even though tomorrow’s a holiday, being out late as a high school student could attract unwanted attention from the cops. As much as I wanted to linger, I had to head back home soon.
"Thanks for today. Then… see you. Take care, Hajime."
"Yeah. Sorry we had to stay out late."
“I wanted to stay out too… and you even got to send me home like this, so… hehe, no need for you to apologize. Anyway, let’s not drag this out, or it’ll get harder to say goodbye. I’m heading in!"
As soon as I watched Chinatsu walk inside, my phone buzzed. Just moments after I started walking away, I received a message that made my heart race.
(Chinatsu) Hajime, are you still there? There might be someone in the house.
(Hajime) I'll be right there, wait for me.
I quickly replied to Chinatsu's message as I hurriedly retraced my steps back to where I came from.
———I kept my phone on just in case.
◇◆
"...Ah, Hajime, sorry, I..."
"It's fine. So, what do you mean someone might be inside?"
Chinatsu was standing in front of the doorstep where we parted before, looking at me anxiously with a slightly pale face.
I shook my head at her apology before turning to look at the door. While I couldn't see inside from the hallway, there seemed to be a presence in the living room.
"...I’m not sure, but… before I placed the key in, the door was already unlocked, and when I cautiously opened it, the living room light was on... Since it's usually just my mom and me, I always make sure to double-check, so there’s no way I could’ve forgotten to lock the door."
"I see. Just leave the door unlocked for now. Let’s go in together. Sorry, but we might need to keep our shoes on in case anything happens. Also, have your phone ready to call the hotlines if needed. Follow me from behind, I can’t just leave you alone like this."
Saying that, Chinatsu and I opened the door and quietly made our way towards the living room, trying not to be noticed by whoever was inside.
Just then, we could hear voices coming from the inside. However, it seemed more like the TV was on rather than someone talking.
(…?)
Who would break into someone’s house and then casually watch TV? Something felt off.
Feeling uneasy, I glanced back at Chinatsu.
I had a thought.
"Chinatsu, did you happen to hear if your dad was coming back?"
"Huh? No, I didn't hear anything."
"I see. I think it's probably fine, so let's take off our shoes. But just to be safe, let's go in together."
"…Okay, but why all of a sudden?"
◇◆
"What's the meaning of this? …Why are you home so late... and who in the world are you? Chinatsu, explain yourself."
The person inside turned out to be Chinatsu's father. Seeing Chinatsu and me enter the living room, Chinatsu's father couldn't hide his irritation when he saw me as he stood up and approached us.
"Dad? Why are you—”
"There’s no reason. Answer my questions first. Why are you out so late, and with a boy no less... You weren't planning on letting him stay over, were you? —Hey, you, what’s your name? What do you think you’re doing, keeping my daughter out at this hour and coming into her house?”
Ignoring Chinatsu's attempts to speak, her father continued to speak words after another.
He approached us with a stern look, and I could faintly smell alcohol on his breath.
Upon closer inspection, I could see what looked like beer cans and snacks on the table. He wasn’t visibly drunk, but he seemed to have had a few.
"Nice to meet you. I apologize for having brought her so late, but… um…"
"Your name?"
He cut me off midway through my sentence demanding for my name.
I see, so you’re that kind of person. I thought to myself as I took a deep breath, trying to stay as calm as possible, and then answered.
"I'm Satou Hajime, Chinatsu-san's classmate from the same high school."
"Classmate, huh?"
He scoffed and snorted as if mocking me.
Chinatsu, seeing his father’s reaction clearly looked bewildered.
Why had he come home today?
What had he felt, waiting for his daughter who still hasn’t returned?
At what point, while waiting, had he turned to alcohol?
I didn't know the answers to any of these questions.
But I was certain that this wasn't the image he usually showed in front of Chinatsu.
"What's your relationship with my daughter?"
"Dad! Wai—!”
"—Be quiet, Chinatsu. I'm talking to him now. I'll ask about you later."
Chinatsu's words were interrupted. She looked at me, clearly anxious.
"At the very least... It's not the kind of relationship you're thinking of."
"...I’m not so sure about that. To me, it looks like you're just some guy pushing his way into a house where the girl's parents aren't around."
"I understand your suspicions, but Chinatsu was worried because she found the door unlocked and the lights on when she was supposed to be alone. That's why she called me. I can show you our message history if you need proof.”
I said, holding up my phone to show him the messages before putting it back in my pocket.
"What's wrong with a father waiting for his daughter to come home?"
“There’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, I think it’s perfectly fine. Normally, it would be appropriate for me to leave now, and I understand that. But…”
I took a moment, allowing a brief pause. I needed it both to steady my breath and to prepare for what I was about to say.
“...But what?”
Chinatsu’s father’s gaze grew more intense. Chinatsu gently touched my hand, and I squeezed hers back reassuringly. I could feel her usually warm touch now somewhat cold.
Chinatsu and I are friends, but from the things I’d heard from her, their family matters, and my conversation with Suzuka-san the other day had made me realize this was the moment I needed to step up. I had to ask this.
"I’m aware of the circumstances to an extent. With that in mind, I'll ask, knowing it might be rude, but what did you come here for? It seems neither your daughter nor your wife, who I know you’re separated from, were informed beforehand.”
“...Sigh.”
He sighed at my question, sneered with a somewhat indifferent attitude before muttering, "And you’re telling me you’re just classmates?”
