Chapter 27: Tsubaki

Daikichi Sakoda hastily tried to correct Hanakumori Sakurazaki’s misunderstanding.

However, he realized that doing so might make her cry again, and he found himself unable to move.

Just when he thought everything would be settled, he never imagined that his words and actions would take such a turn… Well, reflecting on his past behavior, it’s clear that Daikichi is by no means perfect.

　Thinking he had to steer things back on track as best he could, Daikichi resorted to the desperate measure of leaving the matter vague.

“Um… let’s end this conversation here. I’m all mixed up with my feelings, and just recounting everything has left me completely drained—as if a wave of relief and fatigue hit me all at once.”

“I see. So does that mean you’ll later put it into clear words and start a new kind of relationship?”

“No, it’s not that—I mean, I’m determined to face you as an individual. It’s a very complicated matter. So, for now, let’s call it quits.”

“So, you need a bit of courage and time? I always answer right away, so there’s no need for you, Dai‑chan senpai, to muster any courage… It’s just a confirmation process, really.”

“No, uh, hmm… Well, I think that’s enough for today. There are so many things I need to think over.”

Daikichi repeatedly tried to steer the conversation toward an end, but each time, Hanakumori adjusted the course herself.

“There are so many things I want to consider… I’m even thinking about marriage in the future, and I’d like to include that in our plans. I know most people might find that a bit heavy, but for me, I’d be happier if things were decided sooner—it even helps me concentrate on my studies. So, thinking ahead, I’d really appreciate it if you could just tell me today, if possible.”

“…………”

“Ah, but that’s just what I want. And maybe, from your perspective, Dai‑chan senpai… it’s like in those romance novels, where day by day you build up to words that truly convey your feelings… or something like that? I guess if it were to happen immediately, it would be like animals in heat… isn’t that odd?!”

Seeing firsthand how Hanakumori interpreted everything as if it necessarily concerned matters of the opposite sex, Daikichi felt his escape route closing in. As a result, his face took on an expression reminiscent of the marmots he had seen at the zoo in the background.

“But, in return for all the support you’ve given me—and because I want to be the one to support you, Dai‑chan senpai—I really do want to hear you say it now… That’s all right, isn’t it?”

Hanakumori gently and softly squeezed Daikichi’s hand. Having listened to his past, she made it clear that she now wished to be the one to support him.

In a way, Hanakumori’s state was a vulnerability born of falling in love. She was seeking an answer from Daikichi.

Daikichi had to give some sort of reply right then and there.

He stared fixedly at Hanakumori. Hanakumori gulped and looked deeply into his eyes. Just as Daikichi was about to nod—swayed by the momentum and the atmosphere—he noticed that a gorilla in a cage near the entrance was watching them.

It was that handsome gorilla Daikichi had seen during a previous visit to this zoo. The gorilla had its arms crossed and let out a suave “ho.”

The sudden appearance of this comical onlooker made Daikichi burst out laughing. Naturally, his reaction confused Hanakumori, but she quickly noticed the gorilla as well.

“The gorilla is watching us…”

“Ahahaha!”

Daikichi even felt grateful to the gorilla. Thanks to Hanakumori shifting her focus to it, the atmosphere changed abruptly.

“Just when things were getting good… all because of the gorilla…”

With the arrival of this interloper, Hanakumori seemed to lose her venom; while grumbling, the fighting spirit she had just shown—『Right here and now, I will absolutely become Dai‑chan senpai’s lover』—wavered, and instead she pouted with an unamused expression.

Seeing Hanakumori’s momentum weaken, Daikichi felt relieved and lay down on the ground. Somehow, feeling both relaxed and utterly exhausted, he took the unusually bold step of deciding to sleep right there.

“Hey, Dai‑chan senpai!”

“I’m exhausted. I’m going to sleep.”

“Not here—outside! Even if you’re tired, you can’t sleep! If someone comes by, they’ll think you’re a weirdo!”

“…Even if they think I’m weird, I don’t care. I want to sleep.”

“No, you can’t! Look—someone’s coming over… Huh? That uniform—isn’t that a middle school girl…?”

“There! Kii‑kun… why are you passed out?!”

The last scene to enter Daikichi’s vision as he began to snore softly was that of Hanakumori shaking her shoulders vigorously and Sazanka Tsubaki hurrying toward him, panting.

Come to think of it, Daikichi recalled that he had immediately contacted Sazanka as soon as he saw Hanakumori.

――Uh, um… Kii‑kun, why are you passed out?

――Who…? And, by the way, Kii‑kun, what’s with that nickname…?

――Hanagumori senpai… that’s right, isn’t it? What’s going on here? I don’t suppose you hit Kii‑kun or anything, do you?

――N-no, I wouldn’t do something like that! You middle school kid, don’t talk back! And seriously, who are you?!

――Who do you mean? I’m your cousin. Daikichi Sakoda’s. I’m a third-year middle school student, Yamacha Sazanka Tsubaki.

――Eh?! You have a cousin?!

――That’s right. More importantly, it’s late, so Hanagumori senpai, you’d better head home. I’ll call my parents to take you home, and if necessary, I’ll even call an ambulance.

――I-If that’s the case, then I’ll… come along!

――Aren’t you worried your parents will be concerned? Kii‑kun is so kind, and if Hanagumori senpai were to fall out with your parents, you’d be utterly devastated. Judging by how flustered you are, it’s obvious you like Kii‑kun, isn’t it?

――I do like him… but…

――Even though you like him, can’t you consider Kii‑kun’s feelings? If you really like him, please go home quickly. That’s for the best. Since it’s coming from a relative, it can’t be wrong. Or are you just so emotionally unstable that you can’t listen calmly?

――That’s not true at all. Besides, clearly you like Dai‑chan senpai, no matter how you look at it.

――I do like him, you know? But still, please don’t stubbornly insist on staying. Kii‑kun doesn’t like that. I’m about to call a taxi for Hanagumori senpai. Oh, and I’ll cover the fare.

――…I-It’s fine! I can get home by myself! It’s just that I like Dai‑chan… no, I like him so much that I won’t be a burden!

Hanakumori and Sazanka exchanged prickly words. In times like these, a mediator is needed—but Daikichi, who could have filled that role, had fallen asleep.

Well, such situations are part of life’s pleasures. Even if relationships become somewhat tangled, it’s all part of the fun.

In other words, that’s just the way it is.

It can be repeated as often as necessary, but if you trace it back, it’s all Daikichi’s fault. Hanakumori, Sazanka, and even the sparks flying from their encounter are all the consequences of the choices Daikichi has made.

Karma—cause and effect—applies to both good and bad outcomes alike.