The Story of a Man Who Vowed to Not Let Any Man Come Between Yuri, Only to Find Himself Caught in Between Them - Chapter 18: It's okay if only I'm thought to be stupid

Chapter 18: It’s okay if only I’m thought to be stupid

“Ihomote-kun?”

“Hmm?”

“What’s with that voice? Wait, why are you looking a little red?”

“Is that so? I don’t really think so, though.”

It was during lunch break. I was just spacing out when Class Rep called out to me, but now that she mentioned it, I did feel a little warm.

Actually, I had been feeling a bit off since I woke up this morning, but since I had made it to lunchtime without anything unusual happening, I didn’t think much of it.

“Do you have a fever or something?”

“Nah, I don’t think so.”

I didn’t have a cough or runny nose, and I didn’t have any typical cold symptoms, such as a headache or stomach ache, so I assumed I was okay. Moreover, I had my part-time job as Tsukki after school, so if I started feeling worse, I could always leave early. For now, I just told Class Rep not to worry about me.

“Well, if you say so…”

“Sorry about that. But I’m really okay, I promise.”

I wasn’t trying to act tough or anything, so there was nothing else to do but reassure the class president. Nothing eventful happened until after school, when I met up with Yuka and Mai in front of the department store for our part-time job as Tsukki.

“Sakuya-kun?”

“…”

By the way, Yuka and Mai were a little worried about me too. Class Rep and Yorihito seemed to have noticed as well, but I was really just feeling a bit sluggish, so I told everyone not to worry.

“We can’t leave you alone like this.”

“Yeah, we have to keep a close eye on you!”

Despite their concern, I assured them that I was okay. However, my carelessness caught up with me soon after. Half an hour into my part-time job wearing the Tsukki costume, I began coughing and feeling feverish.

“… Kohon!”

I never expected to actually start showing cold symptoms, so I decided it wouldn’t be fair to inconvenience anyone else if something happened and I couldn’t continue working. I called out to my boss and told him I had to go home.

“Yuka and Mai.”

When I explained the situation to Yuka and Mai, they immediately expressed their concern and advised me to go home as soon as possible. Of course, they also scolded me for being careless as they had feared. After that, I went back inside the department store, took off the costume, and told the old man that I needed someone to accompany the two of them before leaving outside.

“…?”

At that moment, when I was about to say goodbye to the two of them, I noticed a woman with a parasol standing in front of Yuka and Mai. I sensed a dark atmosphere emanating from the two of them. The woman had black hair tied up and an elegant demeanor, reminding me of Yuka in some way.

“We should go…”

The children who were playing nearby seemed to sense the bad atmosphere and moved away. As I approached slowly, I could hear their conversation.

“What are you doing in a place like this?… It’s fine to have a part-time job, but why are you with this girl outside?”

“It’s none of your business, mom.”

“It is my business. Do you know how much I’ve suffered since you told me you liked girls? I’ve been thinking about where I went wrong in raising you and what made you change.”

“That’s why I’m telling you to mind your own business!”

Observing the situation, I realized that the woman was Yuka’s mother. While Yuka argued back, Mai seemed to be struggling to hold back her emotions as she was her partner’s mother. I couldn’t help but feel sympathy towards them both.

(It’s true that society has made progress in accepting homosexuality, but there are still those who struggle to accept it….)

As for me, I enjoy yuri, but I understand that not everyone feels the same way. It can be frustrating, but it’s the reality we live in.

“…But as a man, if you see that kind of face, you have no choice but to go, right?”

With a shake of my slightly fuzzy head, I gathered my resolve and headed towards the two of them.

“I’m sorry to leave you both behind.” 

“Ah…” 

“Sakuya-kun.”

Yuka and Mai looked at me with surprise and concern. Despite their sadness, their kindness still shone through, and I couldn’t help but smile wryly at them.

“Who are you?” 

“I’m their classmate. Nice to meet you.” 

“I see. Well then, excuse us—”

Suddenly, I felt an urge to speak my mind.

“I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation. Are you Yuka’s mother? I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you that your daughter is an incredibly kind and wonderful person. Despite only meeting recently, she has been very kind to me.”

“… Huh?”

Yuka’s mother seemed taken aback by my sudden outburst. I realized that it might seem strange for someone to approach her out of nowhere and say such things. So, I decided to continue speaking to ease any discomfort. 

“Mai, Yuka’s friend, is also a wonderful girl. Meeting the two of them has been a delightful experience, and seeing two beautiful girls like them getting along so well is truly a sight to behold!”

“W-wait…do you know about the two of them?” 

I nodded my head.

“Yes, I do. But that doesn’t change the fact that they are important friends to me. I support them and their relationship.”

“…Sakuya-kun.”

“Ah…”

We continued to talk, and I spoke at length about Yuka and Mai, their friendship, and their relationship. Although Yuka’s mother tried to interrupt me several times, I remained calm and kept talking. Finally, after a long speech, Yuka’s mother seemed to have had enough and walked away, clearly annoyed. I felt a bit embarrassed but also proud that I had spoken my truth.

“… Um, I’m sorry to interrupt. If it was too much trouble—”

But before I could finish my sentence, the two of them hugged me tightly.

“No need to apologize, Sakuya-kun. Thank you so much for helping.”

“I was at a loss for words, but I’m glad you came to our aid.”

Woohoo!

Feeling a sense of relief, I couldn’t help but let out a cheer inside my head. But I composed myself and tried to act like a wise man.

“At first, I was a bit unsure of what to do, but I’m glad everything worked out in the end.  I was feeling a bit overwhelmed myself, and I just didn’t want to see you both upset.”

“Did we really look that upset?”

I chuckled. 

“Yeah, you both seemed pretty distressed. But it’s all good now.”

The two of them didn’t seem to be separating anytime soon, so I gently patted their backs to calm them down and continued speaking.

“There’s still a lot to sort out, but I want you both to know that I meant what I said earlier. I’m on your side no matter what.”

“…”

“…Un.”

“I’m the knight who protects the Yuri Garden, after all!”

I joked, and finally, the two of them smiled.

As we began to part ways, I stumbled and almost fell. The two of them quickly caught me, looking concerned.

“Sorry…”

“That’s okay. But your face is really red.”

“Yeah. Um…”

The old lady rushed over, and they explained the situation to her. Without any hesitation, she nodded and they began to escort me home.

“It’s okay, I can go on my own.”

“Absolutely not. We have to make sure you get home safely.”

“Yeah. We can’t compromise on that.”

I couldn’t help but feel grateful for their concern as we made our way towards my house. It was an unexpected turn of events, but I was glad to have them by my side.