Angel and Demons

“I never considered you family.”

◇ July 30, the 5th day of summer vacation

I was at the cemetery alone.

Today… was my mother’s death anniversary.

By the way, Marin-chan had gone back to her family home for some household matters.

As usual, I cleaned the grave with water.

For the past few years, I was the only one who visited the grave.

“Mom. It’s been a while. A lot has happened recently… So, I have some news to share… I got married,” I said, showing the ring on my left hand’s ring finger.

“I’ll introduce her next time. She’s a really good girl, but kind of a handful. I didn’t even know we were married…” I started talking about recent events as if my mother were right there in front of me.

“And then…” I was interrupted by a voice from behind.

“Hey. What a coincidence to meet you here.”

I turned around and saw Kanade-san and someone who looked like a bodyguard.

“Oh… long time no see.”

“Long time no see. Are you here to visit a grave too?”

“Yeah, sort of… Are you too, Kanade-san?”

“Yeah, something like that. The grave is a bit further in, but I saw a familiar face and couldn’t help calling out. Sorry about that.”

“…No, it’s fine with me.”

“…I see. Is this your mother? Then, let me pay my respects too,” she said with her usual charming smile.

And then, the next moment.

“…Onii-chan,” a voice called out, making me turn around.

There stood my two younger sisters.

“…You guys…” I instinctively looked away and started to leave.

“Huh? Are those your sisters? Hey, where are you going?”

“…I don’t have any sisters. They are… demons.”

◇

“Hey, are you listening?”

“Huh? What was that?”

“I said, my dad wants to meet you… He wants us to come over tomorrow. What do you think?”

“…Oh. Yeah, I’ll go.”

“…Did something happen?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

“…Something you don’t want to tell me?”

“It’s not that… It’s just…”

“I see. Sorry, I’m being annoying, right?” she said with a smile.

“No… Today… I met my sisters… That’s all.”

“I see. Your sisters, huh.”

“…Yeah, that’s all,” I said, my hand trembling.

“It’s okay. I’m here with you now,” she said, gently placing her hand over mine.

“…Thank you.”

You can never escape it.

Family, blood ties, they are a trauma and a curse that never fade.

◇ The Next Day

Meeting her parents.

I’ve met her mother twice, so I know her, but I’ve never met her father.

What if he’s a scary person…? What should I do…?

My heart ached as the time approached.

I’m getting really nervous.

I’ve been glancing at the clock repeatedly.

“…”

“Nervous?”

“…Well… yeah.”

“My dad is kind, so you’ll be fine.”

“…Is that so?” I say, smiling awkwardly.

I think this is the most nervous I’ve ever been in my life.

While I was thinking about all sorts of things, Marin-chan’s mother arrived to pick us up, and we headed to their house in her car.

“Are you both studying properly for your exams?”

“Yeah, somewhat.”

“Y-yes! I’m doing my best!”

“…I see. I’m relieved to know you’re not doing those bizarre activities every day.”

Oh no, I forgot!

I suddenly remembered that she saw us in swimsuits, streaming beach videos on the home theater, and having what we called a “home vacation.”

“…Also, you can keep up that persona in front of me, but I’d appreciate it if you could be yourself in front of my husband. It would probably make things easier for him.”

“Un-understood.”

With my heart beating even faster, we finally arrived at the house.

It was a luxurious mansion, increasing my nervousness even more.

We walked through the beautiful courtyard and entered the house.

The interior was immaculate, like a model home.

“…amazing.”

“Oh, thank you,” her mother said with a smile.

Then, I noticed a man with messy hair, wearing casual clothes and glasses, meticulously cleaning the windows.

Wait, could he be a servant? Or maybe a butler?

“…Sigh. Dear… I told you to dress properly since Marin’s husband is coming today, didn’t I?”

“Huh? Oh, what? He’s already here? Uh, nice to meet you… I’m her father… Uh, Aoi-kun, right? Let’s talk over here,” he said, leading me away.

“Well, we’ll be talking over there,” said Marin-chan’s mother, taking Marin-chan with her and leaving us alone.

Seriously… Just me and her father?

And so, the one-on-one conversation began.