Chapter 59 – Family

After school, I decided to head home with Yumika.

“Shall we just go straight home again today?”

“You sure?”

“Your mom’s back, but she’s probably tired. I’d like to make dinner for her. And Kana-chan said she’s off today since it’s her substitute holiday after the school trip.”

Before I even said anything, Yumika had already suggested heading straight home.

It felt like her familial love had deepened since getting along better with Kana.

“Yeah, let’s do that. It’s a little sad, though.”

“Don’t worry. I feel the same way, so I’ll come hang out in your room tonight,” Yumika said, hugging my arm. Her feelings mirrored mine, and that made me happy.

“…I’m sorry about earlier. I was too harsh with your friend Kinoshita-san. Even though you told me nothing’s going on, I couldn’t hold back.”

“No, I’m the one who should apologize. I’m the reason you felt that way.”

I had already sent Koharu a message apologizing, and she replied, “Don’t worry about it.”

She said that, but I’m sure she still felt uncomfortable about it to some extent.

“Koharu knows about us because I confided in her about my relationship with you. I know it’s selfish, but I really hope you won’t think badly of her, and if possible… I’d like you two to get along.”

“That’s asking a bit much. Sorry, but I can’t be friends with her.”

“Why not?”

“Because… I want to have you all to myself.”

“…We’re both selfish, huh?”

There were clearly things Yumika wasn’t willing to compromise on.

Well, if she suddenly told me she had a close male friend, I’d probably react the same way—so I couldn’t argue.

▲

When we got home, we saw our mother’s shoes at the entrance—she was back from overseas.

“We’re home!”

Entering the living room with Yumika, we found Mom slumped on the sofa, looking completely drained.

“Welcome back. Your souvenirs are on the table. The black bag’s for Sakiya, and the white one’s for Yumika-chan.”

“Thank you very much. I’ll make dinner tonight, so please just relax,” Yumika said politely.

She was so well-mannered that it gave me peace of mind—as if she were someone I could proudly introduce to my parents.

If she weren’t my twin, I could totally see a future where I brought her home to meet my family… but that future would never happen.

Ugh, now I feel a little sad.

“She’s such a good girl—just like me,” Mom said with a big smile, giving a thumbs-up.

“What the—this wallet’s super fancy. It’s Bulgari!”

Pulling out of the black bag, I was stunned to find such a luxurious gift. Did she get it on sale in Singapore or something?

“I hit the jackpot at the casino,” she said proudly.

“That’s not very ‘good girl’ behavior!” 

Not even ten seconds after calling herself a good girl, she was bragging about gambling. Not exactly consistent.

Yumika didn’t seem like the type to get into gambling, so at least they weren’t similar in that regard.

“You’re such a square, Sakiya. Girls like to have fun too sometimes, right Yumika-chan?”

“Yes. I also believe it’s better to live freely and happily than to be uptight and proper all the time. That’s how I live.”

“Exactly~”

Now that I thought about it, Yumika had been pursuing someone she absolutely shouldn’t—me—so maybe they were more alike than I’d originally thought. Scratch what I said earlier.

Yumika received a handbag from a famous luxury brand—one I recognized.

Just how much did Mom win at that casino…?

She always did have a knack for gambling. Maybe it suits her more than I thought.

“Was Dad doing okay?”

“Yes. He perked up the moment I got there. He said he really wants to meet Yumika-chan too.”

From Dad’s perspective, a non-blood-related girl had moved into the house while he was away.

Even so, he seemed to be taking it positively—that’s the mark of a good person.

Well, I’m not his biological son either, and he’s always treated me kindly without ever making me feel different.

He’s a bit over-the-top when it comes to doting on Kana, but he’s someone I genuinely respect.

“Onii-chaaaan, Onee-chaaaan!”

Kana came running out of her room, grabbing both mine and Yumika’s hands and holding them tight.

“Aww, you two have gotten so close while I was gone!” Mom said with a smile at the sight of Kana’s cheerful attitude toward Yumika.

“It’s thanks to Kana-chan’s kindness that we’ve gotten along so well.”

“No, you’re the kind one, Onee-chan. I’m just a useless little sister who can’t even do chores.”

“That’s not true. Want to make dinner together?”

“I do!”

Watching Yumika and Kana interact brought a smile to my face too.

I truly hope this fragile balance we’ve found can be preserved—but who knows what the future holds…