A Family of Yandere Witches Living in Modern Day Won’t Let Me Go - Chapter 8

“Hey, don’t trouble Saionji-san too much!”

When people gathered in the classroom, our class representative stood up to protect Ria.

I also wanted to protect Ria as much as I could, but it must be nice for her to be protected by someone of the same gender.

From an outsider’s view, it seemed like Ria quickly warmed up to others.

“Wow, you’re looking at Saionji again.”

“Oh, sorry about that.”

“Well, it’s okay. The way you look at Saionji is more worrying than anything else.”

“I know I’m overly concerned, but I can’t help it.”

“You really are a kind person.”

If being called kind is a compliment, then I’m grateful for it.

“Are you trying to get close to Saionji-san?”

“Isn’t that a bit overprotective? It’s kind of creepy.”

Actually, I was asked this earlier when I was coming back to the classroom after cleaning up the school.

Our school, or any school, usually has a cleaning time once a day.

I should have felt refreshed as if the grime had been washed away from my heart and soul. Instead, I was suddenly stopped and asked this.

“Did something happen?”

“Oh, just a little.”

What to do…?

I wasn’t exactly insulted, though “creepy” was said. I don’t have such a weakness that would get hurt by such words.

Actually, I was more surprised by the sudden question.

“Well, whatever.”

I talked openly about it. I added that they were probably jealous of my close relationship with Ria while also wanting to get close to her.

“Even so, there’s a way to say things. I can’t forgive them for calling me creepy.”

“Just endure it.”

“Damn… those two.”

Those two were standing near Ria.

To Ria, they probably looked like ordinary classmates, but they were genuinely smiling with joy.

“If you don’t mind, then that’s fine.”

“Yeah.”

“Let’s hang out after school.”

“Sure.”

The importance of friends is truly great.

Afterward, I left school with Sho after the end-of-day announcements. The place we headed to was quite stimulating.

“Welcome!”

“Strawberry-chan! You’re cute as always!”

“Thank you, Sho-kun!”

It turned out to be a maid cafe.

It wasn’t a particularly stimulating place, but it was my first time going to such a place, so I was a bit nervous.

However, Sho and his friend Ichigo-san made me get used to the atmosphere. There was also Milk-san; she was a kind woman, and she also became a good conversational partner.

“Phew…”

“Are you satisfied?”

“Yeah… it’s not bad!”

I don’t usually go to cafes, but this place wasn’t bad. I was a bit embarrassed to go alone, so I’d happily go if Sho invited me again.

“!?”

“What’s wrong?”

What…?

Just now, I felt a cold breeze, as if something eerie had passed through.

But it wasn’t something that stirred up fear; it felt more like a gentle warning not to cause trouble… or something like that.

“Well, I’ll invite you again, so let’s go together.”

“I’m counting on you.”

“Hehe, you’re hooked now, huh?”

“Shut up,” I said, though I was smiling.

After parting with Sho, it was already past five, and I hurried home.

“Oh…”

When I reached the entrance, I glanced back.

Unlike when I left and found the house dark, the lights were on in the house where Ria had come home. I couldn’t help but watch, feeling pure envy.

“…”

My parents died in an unfortunate accident.

I was told by my grandparents to rely on them if needed, and my own issue is that I’m wallowing in sadness. It’s a problem that I chose to live in this house, so it’s unavoidable.

“What should I eat today…”

Mother’s homemade curry rice… pork cutlets… and even miso soup were all delicious.

I sighed, feeling unusually down, and decided to make curry… but just as I was about to start, the intercom rang.

“Who could it be?”

Could it be… no, it can’t be.

As I wondered in my mind while checking the camera, I saw Sena-san standing there with a covered dish.

“No way… it’s really happening.”

Surprised by my accurate prediction, I hurried to the door.

“Ah, good evening, Touya-kun.”

“Good evening… Sena-san.”

“I came to bring you a little something.”

“…Oh!”

I was curious about what she brought, and it turned out to be meat and potato stew!

Even with the dish covered, a delicious smell wafted out… or rather, I was certain it would be delicious.

“Is this really okay…?”

“Of course. Um… is your family at home?”

“Um…”

Oh, I haven’t mentioned anything about my home situation.

Even though she moved right across the street, it’s a heavy topic, and I never intended to mention it.

Normally, I wouldn’t talk about it… but when I’m in front of her, my feelings waver, and I easily drop my own barriers.

“Actually, I’m living alone.”

“Eh?”

“I have grandparents, but I didn’t want to leave this house full of memories with my parents, so I insisted on staying here.”

“I see…”

Ah, I’ve said it.

I hope she doesn’t think of me as troublesome… but if I’m thinking that, I must have misjudged Sena-san.

“May I come in? How about we have dinner together?”

“Ah…”

I nodded at her question.

When I asked if it was okay with her family, she said that Ria and Aria probably expected this, so I didn’t need to worry.

“…”

“Thank you.”

Sena-san first paid her respects at the family altar.

She really… is a truly kind person.

“I’ve made the greetings. Also, I told them I’d keep an eye on tonight’s dinner!”

“Oh, thank you…”

“It’s fine! Since meat and potato stew alone won’t be enough, I’ll make something else too.”

I couldn’t let her do so much!

I said so, but Sena-san insisted on not holding back and went to the kitchen to start cooking.

Though the fridge had scant ingredients, Sena-san prepared the best meal she could from them. In the living room filled with a wonderful aroma, I looked at the food with such longing that it almost made me drool.

“Here, please.”

“Thank you for the meal!”

I decided to start with the memorable meat and potato stew.

As I bit into it, the warmth and sweetness spread… it’s been a while since I had something so delicious, and I could really feel the love put into this homemade meal.

“…”

Feeling that kindness, I ended up in tears.

“I-I’m sorry, I—”

Before I could apologize for crying and showing a pathetic side, Sena-san hugged me.

“It’s okay… here, I’ll hold you until you calm down.”

“…”

For a while, I felt Sena-san’s warmth.

The witches wished for me to give them love, not to make them sad or lonely, and they quickly took action.