I no longer want to be a part of this triangle! - Chapter 23- Wound

The atmosphere of Kohana’s house settled down a little, thanks to Kazuki’s quick recovery and proactive nature.

He instantly ordered sushi for everyone since it was already time for lunch. Kohana went to the kitchen with the excuse of pouring some juice and Kazuki didn’t stop her.

“Excuse me, “Kohana’s mom also got up and followed her daughter to the kitchen; leaving Aiko and Kazuki the only ones in the living area.

The green-haired girl has yet to speak a word after the whole ordeal as she remains seated on the couch with a blank look. She couldn’t believe that her precious little sister who barely spoke to others back then, had grown enough to go against her elder sister for the sake of her love.

She didn’t know how she should be feeling right now.

Kazuki got up and sat down beside the older one before asking, “Do you need some more water?” He asked since she was still holding the empty glass.

Aiko shook her head in denial before turning towards him and asking, “Is it true that she confessed to you from the front and not through some friend or love letter?”

Her question made him smile as Kazuki honestly answered, “She clearly told me by herself how much she loves me. No indirect method.”

Aiko lowered her eyes and took a moment to digest it.

Kazuki could understand what she must be feeling right now. Kohana has always been a quiet child, and from what he has heard she also doesn’t have many friends in her class. Even when she used to work as the waterboy she always remained quiet, to the point that Kazuki never heard her voice when Kohana was pretending to be a boy.

And for such an introverted girl to confess from the front…indeed surprising.

Aiko glanced at Kazuki before asking, “How is she doing in school? Does anyone bully her?”

The sudden shift of conversation and that tone as well, took him by surprise but Kazuki didn’t hesitate to answer,

“No, I don’t think so. Kohana’s best friend is in my touch and I regularly ask her if there is someone who troubles Kohana-chan.”

Aiko hummed, before she slowly mumbled, “She already has gone through a lot…I don’t want all those things to happen once again.”

Kazuki frowned, “Was she bullied back in middle school?”

Aiko raised her brows, “She didn’t tell yo-ah, of course she won’t. After all, I could see how much my sister adores you.”

Kazuki was baffled, “I mean…isn’t sharing the past with each other common among couples.” Glancing at Kohana who was chatting with her mother, he added, “I wonder if I couldn’t build such trust in our relationship.”

“You are wrong, Kazuki,” Hearing her words, Kazuki was surprised since, considering her behaviour until now, he assumed Aiko wouldn’t let go of this opportunity to make him realise the shortcomings of this relationship.

Rather, she said, “Kohana always carried the idea that to be liked by the people she adores, she has to hide her bitter parts. I bet even her best friend doesn’t know how much Kohana has suffered before.”

Kazuki’s heart turned heavy, “Can you tell me about it? Please?”

Aiko sighed, “I really want to but…that would be me betraying my sister. And I don’t want to hurt Kohana anymore.”

Kazuki couldn’t insist here knowing that it would be unfair of Aiko to tell about her sister’s past. And if he becomes stubborn, it would put Aiko in a tough spot.

If anyone, then it should be Kohana telling him about it.

*Ding* *Dong*

Hearing the doorbell, Kazuki rose from his seat, and just as he was about to walk away he mumbled to himself, “I guess I have a lot to learn about Kohana.”

Aiko’s shoulders dropped hearing that as she glanced at her sister and a thought passed by her mind, ‘I hope Kazuki can heal those wounds you still carry, Ko-chan.’

*****

The sushi was delicious since Kazuki was quite particular about his preference. He only bookmarks a restaurant after eating from the place more than once.

The atmosphere around the table was quite harmonious given Kazuki had a lot of topics to talk about.

He is like a jack of all trades when it comes to conversing with people. He knows a bit about everything; just perfect enough to be a perfect company.

“Oh, you are from a farmer’s family? My father also likes planting flowers a lot. I remember how he used to play calming music near his crops saying that it helps them grow better.”

“It sure does, to be honest. ” The older one affirmed.

Seeing their smooth sailing conversation Kohana couldn’t stop smiling.

“Aiko-san, I heard you are pursuing software engineering?” Kazuki suddenly brought the flow toward the Nee-san.

Aiko elegantly ate the tuna sushi before nodding, “Hmm.”

“For being an engineer you don’t look boring enough.”

“Pffft-”

“*Ahem*”

Kohana suddenly burst into laughter while her mother seemed barely controlling herself.

Aiko glared at the boy before demanding an explanation, “What kind of stereotypical comment that was? Do you think engineers are boring people?”

Kazuki shrugged, “I mean sitting before the computer all day can surely be boring, no?”

Aiko narrowed her eyes, and the other two ladies’ faces were now red as they did their best to hold their laughter.

“For someone who should be aiming to impress me, you aren’t doing a great job, Kazuki.”

Kazuki smiled, “You didn’t give the green flag to our relationship yet.”

“Hmph, in your dream. Kohana-chan is mine and I ain’t handing her to some wannabe delinquent.”

Kazuki sighed, “I am naturally blond you know?”

“Whatever~”

Although she sounded like that, Aiko had already accepted Kazuki as her sister’s boyfriend.

She could see the love and care Kazuki carries for Kohana.

In him, Aiko sees herself; someone who always remains attentive and caring towards the little girl. However, unlike Aiko, Kazuki wasn’t unintentionally hurting her.

‘I wish you two a happy life ahead.’

******

A/N:- This arc done. Now we heading toward the final one, huehuehue.