Chapter 32 – Human Malice

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“Haa… that was so much fun…”

“Fufu. It seems that way, Inori-sama.”

After a whirlwind four days, we were now being driven back home.

Next to me sat Shizuku. Across from us, Kazuki and Toudou were fast asleep—clearly exhausted.

I was the only one still awake, chatting with Miyabe-san in the passenger seat.

“School starts again after the break… ugh, I really don’t wanna go.”

“This was my first time having time off without the young lady in quite a while, so I enjoyed myself as well. Though I do feel a bit reluctant for it to end.”

“What did you do during the break, Miyabe-san?”

“I went back to my family home for two days, and spent the rest visiting various restaurants. I found a really good ramen place—I’ll let you know about it later.”

“Thanks.”

…That’s surprisingly normal. Knowing Miyabe-san, I’m sure she already knows that Shizuku and I are dating.

While I was fidgeting a little, she caught my eye in the mirror and smiled.

“Is something bothering you?”

“Ah, no, it’s just…”

“You find it odd that I haven’t asked about your relationship with the young lady… is that it?”

“…So you did know.”

“Yes. The young lady called me sounding absolutely delighted.”

She’s like a cat proudly bringing its prize to show its owner.

“Congratulations, Inori-sama.”

“Thank you.”

“…You have a rather anxious expression, though.”

As expected of her. I can’t hide anything from this woman.

I glanced at Shizuku beside me.

She was drooling peacefully in her sleep, looking all kinds of happy. If only she knew what I was going through.

“…Shizuku proposed to me.”

“Congratulations.”

“That’s it? ‘Congratulations’? I mean… is it really okay for it to be me? I’m just… average. My grades, athletic ability, popularity—everything’s normal. Can someone like that really be a good match for Shizuku?”

For someone like me to be with someone as perfect as Yukimori Shizuku… it honestly feels arrogant.

Sure, our relationship started because we were physically compatible, but even so, we’re worlds apart.

How could I not be anxious about this?

“I see… It’s true that marrying into the prestigious Yukimori family would naturally bring some anxiety.”

“Exactly…”

“If it truly worries you, how about living together at the Yukimori estate?”

“Living together, huh. ………………………………… Wait, what?”

I almost glossed right over that—wait, live together!?

“Is that even allowed?”

“If the young lady approves, you could move in as soon as tomorrow.”

“B-but what about her parents…?”

“The Master and Madam have both said that if he’s someone the young lady has chosen, then they have no objections.”

“A-anyone? Even like… a total delinquent?”

“We would simply run them through the Yukimori Rehabilitation Program and make a proper person out of them. It’s a minor issue.”

Rehabilitation Program!? The Yukimori family is running something that intense!?

“All we do is welcome the person the young lady chooses.”

“R-right…”

“If you’d like, we can assign you a private tutor. Or even a sports trainer.”

“…Let me think about it.”

“Understood.”

It’s all too perfect, and honestly kind of terrifying.

What kind of good karma did I rack up in a past life to deserve this?

But if I just accept all of this without hesitation… is that really okay?

I looked out the window, thinking about a million things.

And then… ah, I’m suddenly really sleepy… I guess the fatigue’s finally caught up to me.

“Sorry, Miyabe-san. I think I’ll nap for a bit.”

“Of course. Sleep well, Inori-sama.”

Hearing her calm voice, I closed my eyes.

As exhaustion peaked and the gentle motion of the car lulled me further, my consciousness sank into darkness…

◆

We arrived home at around 4 p.m.

The sun was already tilting westward.

As I stepped out of the Yukimori family car, I looked up and locked eyes with Shizuku, who was gazing out the window with a lonely expression.

“Uu… I’m going to miss you…”

“We’ll see each other once school starts. Just hang in there until then.”

“Uuu…”

No need to look at me like a puppy being abandoned…

I gave her a wry smile and patted her head.

Truth is, I didn’t want to part either.

…Maybe I should take them up on that offer?

“Geez, quit rubbing it in, Inori.”

“Seriously. You two were flirting way too much.”

“Yeah? Look who’s talking?”

And quit it with those smug grins, you bastards. You’re annoying.

As reluctant as I was, we couldn’t stay like that forever.

Once I stepped away from the car, it slowly pulled off and disappeared from sight.

“…Haa, it’s over…”

It was a fun trip. Nothing but happy memories.

Is it really okay for me to be this happy?

…Anyway, time to bring my stuff in. Then I’ll relax and—

“Inori.”

“…Huh…?”

Wh… what…?

A sudden female voice called my name, and from the shadow of the apartment building stepped a figure that froze my thoughts.

She was beautiful—not on the same level as Shizuku or Miyabe-san or Toudou, but still attractive. She looked at me with a gentle smile.

Why… why is she here…?

The last time I saw her was a year ago… the day I left that house.

She was my mom’s younger sister—my aunt, who took me in through middle school.

The woman I remembered never spared me a glance. Even if she did, it was with cold, emotionless eyes.

But now she was standing there, smiling warmly at me…

And honestly, it felt disgusting.

“Inori, welcome home. I’ve been waiting for you.”

“W-waiting…? Why…?”

“We’re family. Isn’t it natural to want to see your face?”

…Family? Did she just say family…?

There was no such bond between us.

Sure, they fed me. Gave me a place to sleep. But that’s all. That’s not what you call family.

“…What do you want?”

“I told you. Just wanted to see your face—”

“You people never cared about me. And now you think I’m just going to believe that?”

At my words, the smile on her face faltered slightly.

There it is—that same look of disdain I grew to hate so much. That cold, dismissive gaze.

“…Fine. You’re right. I do have a little reason for coming. I happened to check your bank account for the first time in a while. Wow—you’ve saved up quite a lot, huh? Part-time job?”

“…Why do you even have access to my account…?”

“Just a coincidence. I’m still your legal guardian, after all. Gotta keep tabs, right?”

She pulled a passbook out of her bag and showed me the balance.

Close to three million yen.

That’s serious money.

“So, Inori. Here’s the thing—your aunt is in a bit of a financial pinch right now.”

“…What are you trying to say?”

“So—could you tell me your PIN?”

………………………………What?

What did she just say?

She gently stroked the passbook while smiling.

But behind that smile… her eyes swirled with greedy, money-hungry desire.

“We raised you until junior high. Even let you go to high school. We’re your foster parents—so it’s only natural you pay us back, right? That money is ours too. Now, tell me the number, won’t you?”

……………………

It was so ridiculous, I couldn’t even speak.

She’s completely out of her mind.

She stepped closer, arms open like she was about to embrace me, smiling in a grotesque way.

“You did so well, Inori, earning all that for us. Let me give you a big hug. Come on now, come here.”

…Disgusting.

So disgusting so disgusting so disgusting so disgusting so disgusting so disgusting so disgusting so disgusting so disgusting so disgusting so disgusting so disgusting so disgusting so disgusting so disgusting so disgusting…!

I had never felt this much revulsion at someone’s malicious intent.

Someone… please…

Help me…!

Shizuku—!!

“Inori-kun!!”

“…A-ah… Shizuku…?”

Suddenly, a small girl dashed in between me and my aunt.

It was my beloved girlfriend—

Shizuku Yukimori.