I Will Do Everything In My Power To Bring Happiness To The Enchanting Beauty Who Can No Longer Smile. - Chapter 12: Her Family.

Her Family.

“It brings back memories… Shigure used to watch this movie over and over again when he was little.”

“You finally got to watch it with Tsubame, huh? You used to talk about it all the time when we were kids.”

Nightfall.
With my mother and father finally home, it was time for dinner.

Tonight’s meal consisted of salmon foil-baked with spices, consommé soup, and a fresh vegetable salad. I made sure to season everything carefully so that Tsubame could enjoy the aroma as well. …Though, in the end, it was just a small, comforting gesture.

As we ate, the conversation naturally drifted back to our earlier topic. After all, meals aren’t just about eating.

…Well, I suppose in some families, talking during meals is frowned upon or outright forbidden. But fortunately, ours was never like that.

“Man, this is really nostalgic. Wasn’t your first date at a movie theater too, Dad?”

“Oh my, dear, you shouldn’t compare the two. I was so excited about watching a movie, and it turned out to be a horror film—I was absolutely horrified!”

“Dad… what were you thinking?”

“Well, when I said I wanted to watch a certain movie, your mother showed so much enthusiasm that I thought she was interested…”

Our family—more specifically, my parents—have always had a good relationship. I can hardly recall a time when they seriously argued.

As I sat there, half-exasperated by their usual banter, my father turned to Tsubame.

“So, Tsubame-chan, how did you like the movie? Did you enjoy it?”

“Yes, it was very entertaining.”

“That’s great! Right, Shigure?”

“…Yeah. Just please, Dad, don’t bring up anything unnecessary.”

“Hahaha! Unnecessary? Oh, you mean like the time when Tsubame started modeling—”

“Dad, tomorrow you’re getting plain rice and furikake for all three meals.”

“I’m sorry! Please forgive me!”

…Nothing ever changes.

As I sighed and continued eating, I felt a small tug on my sleeve.

“Hmm?”

“What was he about to say? About when I started modeling?”

“…Ah.”

Of course, she’d be curious. Dad, I really will serve you nothing but furikake rice tomorrow.

“Well, for a while, I had this strange phase where I started reflecting on myself… and kind of turned helping people into a hobby.”

It was a little embarrassing to talk about, but I figured it was something I would have to explain sooner or later.

“And during that time, I got to know Shirao better. …Oh, Shirao is that guy—you know, the one who’s sometimes next to me.”

“I know.”

“Back then, he was pretty clumsy… well, he still is. But a lot happened, and I ended up helping him out.”

At first, I never thought I’d be able to talk to him. But in the end, things turned out differently.

So much had happened since then.

“But why did you suddenly want to help people? It does sound like something you’d do, Shigure-kun, but… that’s not really the reason, is it?”

“You give me way too much credit. But yeah, you’re right.”

I wasn’t just offering a helping hand to whoever needed it. I was actively getting involved in situations, sometimes even interfering.

Looking back now, it wasn’t always a good thing. Most of the time, I managed to resolve things, but in one case, I almost ended up creating a new problem instead. If I had made a wrong move, I could have made things even worse.

“Why, huh…”

I murmured as I met Tsubame’s gaze.

“I guess… I was impatient back then.”

“Impatient?”

“Yeah. Just a little.”

…I couldn’t possibly tell her the real reason.

That I had been desperate to catch up to her after she became a model. That I wanted to at least be someone she wouldn’t feel embarrassed to meet again.

I averted my eyes and continued eating. Thankfully, she didn’t press any further.

But across the table, my mother and father were grinning at me.

…Tomorrow, I’ll make sure to cook something packed with bell peppers for Dad and tomatoes for Mom—both of their least favorite foods.

***

“Good evening, Shigure-kun. Thank you for always taking care of Tsubame.”

“Good evening. No, I should be the one thanking you—I had a great time too.”

Dinner was over, and Tsubame’s mother had arrived to pick her up.

Today, however, she had come inside the house rather than waiting outside.

Tsubame’s mother had always been frail. While she had never suffered from any serious illnesses, she was prone to catching colds.

And now… she looked even more worn out than before.

Since she had some time, my parents invited her inside. Last week, she had arrived right on time, so she didn’t have the chance.

“By the way… how have you been feeling?”

“Fufu, I’m fine. I’m still Tsubame’s chauffeur, after all.”

She smiled and stepped further inside. Though I was worried, I decided to leave this matter to my parents.

As we entered the living room, Tsubame turned around. My parents were also there.

“—Tsubame.”

“Mom, thank you for today.”

But then, her mother suddenly stopped in place.

She gazed at Tsubame intently—

And then, her body swayed.

I rushed forward to support her, and my parents quickly came over as well.

“M-Mom?”

“Are you okay?”

“I-I’m fine… I’m sorry for worrying you.”

Tsubame moved closer, concern evident on her face despite her neutral expression.

Her mother continued to stare at her, and in that moment, I understood.

…Oh, I see.

Tsubame’s eyes had been sparkling all day.

“Tsubame… I’m so glad.”

“Mom? Are you sure you’re okay?”

“…Yes, I’m fine.”

Even as Tsubame peered into her face with concern, her mother simply nodded.

Seeing this, my mother turned to me.

“Shigure, we’re going to talk privately with Tsubame’s mother for a bit, alright?”

“Ah, alright. Understood.”

They probably wanted to take her to the guest room. I helped transfer her support to my mother and watched as they left.

“…Will Mom really be okay?”

“I think so. She was just surprised by how much you’ve changed.”

“Me?”

Tsubame tilted her head, confused, but then realization dawned on her.

“Oh… do you mean my eyes?”

“Yeah. They’ve been different all day.”

“I see… so that’s why.”

She nodded slowly, then looked at me.

“Thank you.”

“…You’re welcome.”

“I’ve worried my mom for so long. It’s thanks to you, Shigure-kun.”

Hearing those words made me happy too. …After our earlier conversation, being thanked for something like this feels somewhat nostalgic.

“The break was something my mother arranged for me.”

“I see… So that’s how it was.”

I responded to her quiet remark, and she nodded slightly.

“She always let me do what I wanted because being a model was my dream. …But because of that, I caused her so much worry.”

“Tsubame…”

“I can’t even count how many times she apologized and pleaded with me. ‘Please, just take a break,’ she would say. And so, when I entered high school, I started having regular breaks.”

So the breaks were her mother’s doing… I see.

“That’s why I’m happy. I can finally show her that I’ve changed.”

Tsubame closed her eyes as she said that, placing a hand over her chest.

“I should be happy… So why can’t I smile?”

“Tsubame…”

When she opened her eyes again, the light had vanished from them.

“It’ll be okay.”

Before I knew it, the words had already left my mouth.

“You’ll be able to smile again—soon. As many times as you want. I’ll make sure of it. I can see it, Tsubame—you’re changing, little by little.”

I met her gaze, staring into those deep, dark eyes, as if they carried an abyss.

“I’ll always be here for you. I’ll show you different ways to spend your days off. So don’t worry—you’ll be able to smile like before, and your sense of taste will return too.”

I reaffirmed my resolve in words. They didn’t quite suit me, but I meant every single one.

“…Thank you, Shigure-kun. I’m counting on you from now on.”

“Yeah. You can leave it to me—I’ll be your strength.”

I pounded my chest firmly. She didn’t react, her expression completely still.

…But I didn’t miss it—the fleeting moment when a strong light flickered in her eyes.

***

“See you later, Shigure-kun.”

“Yeah. See you tomorrow—wait, do you have work?”

“Yeah. So, the day after tomorrow.”

“Got it. See you then.”

Tsubame got into the car, and her mother walked up to me.

“Shigure-kun, please continue to look after my daughter.”

“Of course. …I’m really happy to see her again too.”

“That means a lot to me. She’s happy to see you as well.”

A brief pause followed as Tsubame’s mother glanced at her daughter.

“Also, there’s something I’d like to ask of you.”

“A request?”

Her voice dropped slightly. She didn’t want Tsubame to hear this.

“She’s very good at hiding things.”

“Hiding things?”

“Especially when she’s exhausted. I try to notice and point it out when I can, but there might be times when I miss it… So please, keep an eye on her.”

…She’s good at hiding her exhaustion.

I repeated those words in my mind before nodding firmly.

“Understood. Leave it to me.”

“Thank you, Shigure-kun.”

With that, she headed to the driver’s seat, and at the same time, the car window rolled down.

“See you soon.”

“Yeah. See you the day after tomorrow.”

Tsubame slowly raised her palm toward me, and I waved back.

Her mother and the others told me to take care of myself, and then the car pulled away.

Even as it disappeared from sight, Tsubame kept looking back at me.