Returned from Another World, Earth Turned Out to Be Quite the Fantasy Too. Also, Losing Heroines, Stop Looking This Way. - V2 Chapter 42

Chapter 42: “That’s surely not possible, right?” ③

“Looks like we’ve got a problem.”

Said Haruko, coming back to the living room after finishing her call with Onishis.

Natsuki, who was embarrassed because Koume and Ginko found out about some of his likes and dislikes, was in agony, but his mom just ignored it and sat down properly.

“Haruko-san, you’re talking about what happened this morning, right?”

“What on earth happened for that girl to make up such crazy stories?”

Koume and the others already knew that Sayaka Onishi’s claim of being pregnant was a lie, but they didn’t understand why she would do such a thing. Why did she come all the way to tell Natsuki he was the father?

Natsuki, still embarrassed, sat cross-legged in front of the round table, eager to hear more about Sayaka’s story. 

Jack and Nancy, thinking it would be a long talk, had prepared tea for everyone.

(Onishi-san wasn’t a bad person. But it seemed like she changed a bit after meeting Yuto. I didn’t notice much because we only talked a little about greetings and studies. A lot of people got really into stuff involving Yuto, and I thought, ‘Here we go again.’ Maybe I should have cared more, but back then, there was nothing I could do, and now it feels too late.)

For Natsuki, still a kid back then, it was hard to notice changes in older women. And even being friends with Yuto didn’t mean he knew what to do about it. He only really understood Yuto’s oddness after coming back from another world.

“Sayaka-chan had a phantom pregnancy.”

“…I see.”

An uneasy silence filled the room.

Natsuki might not be an expert, but he vaguely knew about phantom pregnancies, where one experiences pregnancy symptoms without actually being pregnant. It could happen due to a strong desire to be pregnant or out of fear of being pregnant.

If it was the former, she wouldn’t have come to Natsuki. It’s likely the latter. Either way, Sayaka must have believed she was involved in actions that could lead to pregnancy.

That’s okay. Sayaka is a student but she’s an adult. Nowadays, it’s rare for couples to stay pure until marriage.

“I can’t say more. I’ve heard the story, but it’s not something to be discussed openly. However, it doesn’t seem like she was involved in a crime or anything terrible… Natsuki, you must have been shocked, but try not to worry about it.”

“Okay, I understand.”

Told so by his mother, Natsuki couldn’t pursue it further.

(It must be something related to Yuto, that guy never does anything good. How can he meddle in so many things despite being so young?)

Sayaka didn’t lash out at Natsuki or cause family turmoil like Anzu, his former stepsister, nor did she publicly mock Natsuki in comparison to Yuto like Asuka did.

While Sayaka did nag, her words were more of encouragement, akin to “Try your best like Yuto-kun, Natsuki-kun.” Thus, for Natsuki, she remained the neighborhood older sister figure. Despite occasionally finding her a bit annoying, he harbored no ill feelings towards her.

(I’m a bit worried, but is there really anything I can do for her? But aside from the phantom pregnancy, why did she come to tell me? Why claim it was my child?)

If Sayaka wasn’t still under Yuto’s influence, there truly was nothing Natsuki could do for her.

That was something he regretted.

“—Natsuki.”

“Jack?”

“There’s no use in looking so down. My apologies to Koume and Ginko, but why don’t we call Kazuto and enjoy the day off as guys?”

“Eh?”

Jack must have noticed how down Natsuki looked and kindly invited him.

Then, Koume and Ginko, with smiles on their faces, said,

“That’s right. Friendship among men is important too. Go have fun! Oh, and don’t forget to bring back souvenirs.”

“Indeed, the friendship between men is precious! Have a great time together!”

Jack agreed.

Perhaps the topic of Sayaka was difficult to discuss in the presence of men, or maybe they didn’t want Natsuki to hear it. Or it could simply be their way of cheering up a gloomy Natsuki.

“Yeah, let’s do that.”

Natsuki said, nodding to everyone before calling Kazuto. Kazuto quickly agreed to the invitation.

“Um, so, today we’re just going to chill out, just us guys.”

“Have fun there.”

After being seen off by his mother, Koume, Ginko, and Nancy, Natsuki and Jack packed up and left the house.

〜〜Afterword〜〜

First off, I apologize for the story turning a bit dark.

It was an event involving the third childhood friend before the public bath event, not like the second childhood friend, Asuka, but someone with a more ordinary sensibility. This time, Natsuki also shows concern.

Don’t worry, Yuto himself won’t be appearing.

Instead, the public bath will be the setting for a fun event, so please look forward to it. 

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