I’m Gonna Live with You Not Because My Parents Left Me Their Debt But Because I Like You

As Mary drove us, the first place we arrived at was Okinawa’s world-class aquarium. An acrylic panel aquarium that was once recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest, and the vast grounds include not only an aquarium but also a facility where you can enjoy dolphin shows. There also exists a manatee and sea turtle pavilion that was the inspiration for the mermaid legend, making it a place where one can enjoy spending a whole day.

“Wow! Look, Yuya-kun! That’s a really big whale shark! Is that a manta ray swimming over there?”

I slowly follow Kaede, who is happily frolicking among the crowd of children. I keep telling them that it’s dangerous to run around in the dimly lit building, but they don’t listen.

“Kaede-nee loves this aquarium. She comes here every year and has a lot of fun every year.”

Yui-chan told me with a wry smile. I was able to learn another unexpected side of Kaede. It might be a good idea to plan an aquarium date.

“But I can understand how Kazuha-san feels. This is amazing. It’s even moving.”

Nikaido was also fascinated by the fish swimming inside the huge acrylic panels that could never be seen anywhere else. By the way, Shinji and Otsuki-san are not here. That couple went to see sea turtles.

“Yoshizumi-senpai, I want to go see the dolphin show as soon as possible, so could you please bring Kaede-nee and Nikaido-senpai with me? I am looking forward to being able to interact with dolphins.”

Yui-chan pulls on her sleeve and pleads with me. I agree with that opinion. I’ve never seen a dolphin show before, so I’ve been curious about it ever since I received the pamphlet at the entrance. Additionally, the time and place to meet up with Shinji and the others coincides with the start of the dolphin show. So if we don’t start moving soon, we won’t be able to make it in time, but the problem is how do I bring those two people?

“Don’t worry! Kaede nee will be right away if Yoshizumi-senpai drags her by the hand! I’ll salvage Nikaido-senpai for you! Then I’m counting on you!”

Yui-chan pushed me on the back for her dolphin show, shoving me away. It’s violent. Now, I have to convince Kaede, who is clinging to the acrylic panel with shining eyes, as soon as possible.

“Kaede, it’s almost time for the dolphin show, so let’s move on, okay?”

“It’s okay, Yuya-kun. We can still go as long as we sprint as fast. So stay here with me a little longer!”

Kaede pulls her arm and asks me to sit with her. Yeah, doesn’t this seem like it’s a nuisance to the small children around me? Also, if you’ve been to this facility many times, you probably know that if you sprint as fast as you can, you won’t be able to make it in time for the start of the dolphin show, right?

“Let’s go, Kaede. I have to meet up with Otsuki-san and Shinji. And more than anything, we’ll be causing trouble for Mary-san.”

While we were freely touring the facilities, Mary was helping us find the best spot to watch the dolphin show. We can’t neglect that kindness, can we?

“Uh… I’m sorry to leave you behind, but if my mother finds out I caused trouble for Mary-san, she’ll get angry.”

Kaede slumps her shoulders and wraps her arms around me. Come to think of it, Mary also used to call Kaede’s mother Sakurako.

“My mom and Mary-san have been best friends since college.”

“Sakurako-san and Mary-san attend the same university… It seems like it would be a lot of trouble just imagining it.”

“Hehe. It’s just as you imagined, Yuya-kun. There were many things like being confessed to every day, and the beauty pageant at the school festival having reached the same number of votes for four years in a row, not resolved. Even now, people still talk about them to this day.”

I can just picture the boys confessing their feelings with determination, only to be cut off quickly and discarded. But Kaede’s father and Miyamoto-san are amazing for winning over two such guys.

“She doesn’t talk about it often, but my mother said that Miyamoto-san and Mary-san were very much in love. I hope I can hear about how they first met someday.”

“That’s right. I’m curious to know Miyamoto-san’s proposal.”

It will be useful for future reference, I thought to myself. Kaede was grinning and it looked like she wanted to say something, but I pretended not to notice. Oh no, my cheeks are getting hot.

“Hey Kaede-nee! Yoshizumi-senpai! What are you doing?! Let’s go quickly! Or rather, could you please not flirt with me here!?”

Yui-chan called us and we started running in a hurry. Seeing that Nikaido was next to her, it seemed like she was able to retrieve her safely. I mean, it’s no good to shout someone’s name out loud, right? Besides, we’re not even flirting, right?

“Ah, that kind of blabbering is fine. Let’s move more quickly! If I’m late for the dolphin show, it’ll be Yoshizumi-senpai’s fault!”