V3 - Chapter 6

Volume 3 - Me, Her, and a Pair of Wings

Chapter 6

"Wait, what are you saying, Mom!?"

Chinatsu's voice echoed through the hospital room. It was fortunate that we were in a private room, though I knew her voice could be heard beyond the door. However, I didn't feel like pointing that out, because I was in the same emotional state.

—Eh?

"Ara, you two are a couple now, aren't you? Then there's no problem."

"There's a H.U.G.E problem! Rather than that, why are you so enthusiastic while we're the ones who are objecting? It's usually the other way around!"

"Eh? Hajime-kun, you wouldn't mind if a cute girlfriend like Chinatsu stayed for a while with you, right?"

As Chinatsu and Suzuka-san exchanged words, it was inevitable that the topic would turn to me.

"Well... I wouldn't dislike it, of course. But, Suzuka-san, are you okay with this as her mother?"

Of course, I didn’t dislike the idea, but still, you know…

"You two… are surprisingly wet behind the ears compared to kids these days. Well… it’s a good thing, but, even so, you know… The thing is, even if you two are dating and I get discharged, I can't always come home early from work. Besides, Hajime-kun, you live alone, right? Given how close you two are, do you still think nothing will happen between the two of you someday?"

"........." 

"........."

She was shockingly direct and absolutely right. Indeed, whether Chinatsu stayed over or not, if we intended to take that step, there was nothing to stop us except my own hesitation.

"Well... but..."

"You used to say, 'Hajime-kun and I aren’t like that,' but now, you are, right? Also, seriously speaking, your father still has a key to the house. Until that's resolved, it's worrying to leave you home alone."

"Mom..."

"And, Hajime-kun’s place is in a residential area where strangers can't just wander in, right? It's close to school and, I’m sure, there are extra rooms in his house. Well… even if you decide to share a room, I won't stop you though."

"...M.o.m?"

"Ara, how scary... Anyway, what do you think? It’s not like I have relatives nearby that we can rely on. Of course, there's the option of a hotel, or, worst case, you could take some time off school and stay with distant relatives, but both options can be worrying and aren't ideal, and being apart after just becoming a couple wouldn't be fun, right?"

Suzuka-san said as such before looking at me.

"I see. I get what you’re trying to say. And… yes, I agree. To be honest, I would also feel uneasy leaving Chinatsu alone. We will also need to go to her apartment to get some things, but yes, I do have space. If you, Suzuka-san, give your consent, and if Chinatsu doesn't mind, it might be a good idea... though my self-control could be an issue."

I responded, though my last words were barely audible.

"Thank you. And, Chinatsu? Your dear boyfriend is apparently okay with the idea."

"Ugh… with all that reasoning, I can't possibly say no. And… it’s not like I dislike the idea either... Hajime, are you really okay with it?"

She looked at me worriedly, so I nodded.

"Yeah, it’s fine... Besides, I can just let you use Miho’s room, and the house has a guest room too, and we’ve already had meals together a few times."

Indeed, until now we had spent a bit more time together in the evenings, shared breakfast, took bath—no, no, scratch that. Well… there should be no problems.

"Then it's settled. Although we agreed to split the food costs, I'll cover everything. I'll give you the money later, Chinatsu, and if you need to buy anything extra, just let me know."

With Suzuka-san’s words, we nodded in agreement. And so, until the day of the end-of-term ceremony when Suzuka-san would be discharged, Chinatsu and I decided to live together.

◆◇

I just have something to discuss with Chinatsu for a bit, Suzuka said, and Hajime stepped out of the room, mentioning he needed to make a call to an acquaintance. The sudden turn of events left Chinatsu’s mind reeling.

I see. So, starting today, I’m going to be staying over at Hajime’s house. 

As Chinatsu stood there in a daze, her mom suddenly called her.

"Chinatsu, are you alright? You're spacing out."

"...How can you act so nonchalantly about this? Whose fault do you think it is?"

"Ara, what do you mean? You should at least be grateful to have such an understanding parent."

"Well... right… but that’s not the point. Mom, did you know that you’ve been acting so differently lately? Geez.”

"Fufu. True... I wouldn’t normally say such things. But since it's Hajime-kun, I told you, didn’t I? To do your best to make sure you don’t lose him. And, you’ve done well..."

"Not really... I haven’t done anything. Hajime did everything—he helped me, held me, and asked me to be his girlfriend."

"Ara... I never thought I'd be embarrassed hearing my daughter's love story at this age. Fufu. But, I’m really happy for you, Chinatsu."

Saying that, Suzuka patted her head. 

I wonder how long it had been since Mom had done that. 

Chinatsu felt like it had been ages ago to the point that she could barely remember, but it was also nostalgic in a way.

"Now, let's talk about something important."

"Yeah, about Dad? Is that why Hajime had to leave?"

"Eh… no? There’s something more important than that.”

"...?"

Chinatsu had assumed that her mother had something more to talk about her father, but her quick denial left Chinatsu puzzled. 

Just then, her mother started to speak solemnly.

"Listen, I encouraged you to live together, and as a couple, things might naturally progress. But you have to make sure not to have a child, okay? Hajime-kun is mature and responsible, but he's still a boy..."

Listening to her mother, Chinatsu froze on the spot, seemingly unable to process the unexpected words. 

I’m being serious, you know? Suzuka continued.

“In case something will happen... let's see, you're not usually one to get seriously ill, so you probably haven't been here before, but here. This hospital has a gynecology department with female doctors who can handle those situations. And here is some money. Make sure to go there once and get a patient card.”

Suzuka sent the hospital's website link to Chinatsu’s phone and handed her a considerable amount of money she had apparently prepared in advance. Chinatsu mechanically put the money into her wallet, still struggling to catch up with the conversation.

"Times are changing, and I won’t say you can’t do anything, but at least finish high school and if you haven't decided on a career path yet, having a college degree gives you more options. You can't leave these matters entirely to men; you need to take responsibility for yourself. Do you understand?”

Chinatsu, of course, knew about such things. She couldn't deny having desires, and this morning, she had thought about eventually having that kind of relationship with Hajime. But this was not how she imagined it would go, and she couldn’t help but feel that something was off.

How am I going to look Hajime in the eye after this?

With these thoughts, and her mom’s satisfied expression following her lecture, Chinatsu left the hospital room feeling overwhelmed.

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Bonus Chapter (6/6)

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