振り返り：落とし穴１６２堀～落とし穴１６５堀＋α (Part7)
Well, this situation is certainly something I should be happy about, but how do I go about maintaining it?
I can’t exactly just blurt out, "Sudo-san, why don't we live together?" It would sound like a straightforward marriage proposal, and I’d likely just creep her out.
Should I be honest? Tell her I know the circumstances?
Yeah. That might be the best approach.
Trying to hide it poorly would only make things more troublesome for both of us.
"Sudo-san. I’d like to talk to you for a moment, if that’s alright?"
"Hm? What is it, Torino-kun?"
"It’s a bit of a complicated matter, so please, just hear me out. If you don't like what you hear, I’ll stop immediately."
"What is it? You’re being awfully formal."
"…Doesn't it seem strange to you that two of our relatives' children just happened to move here at the same time during a period like this?"
"Well, I suppose it is a bit odd, but I heard you were both from around here originally. What’s this? Is there some kind of secret?"
She doesn't seem to realize she’s involved in this herself, leaning over the table to listen.
"Yes. I’ve heard that your parents were in an accident at home and are currently hospitalized."
"……"
As expected, it’s a forbidden topic; her expression vanishes.
"So, this is a proposal from our parents as well: if you find it difficult to stay at your house, why not spend this time at one of ours?"
"…Eh?"
Well, it was so sudden she seems dazed, unable to process what she’s just been told.
I’ll break it down for her once more.
"Since your parents were in an accident at home, we’re worried about whether you’re feeling uneasy. We heard you were having trouble staying there, so why not come live with us? Oh, and if you’re uncomfortable with a man and a woman under the same roof, I or Taiki-kun can vacate our place—"
"Living together is fine! Yeah, I want to live together!"
I thought persuading her would be a chore, but she jumped at the offer.
And she specifically requested to be under the same roof.
"…Yeah, you’re right, Torino-kun. Whenever I’m at home, I can’t help but remember the scene where my parents collapsed. That’s why I haven’t been going back lately, staying in capsule hotels and such. I guess your aunts knew about that, didn't they?"
"I imagine so."
In reality, I’m certain my parents have no clue about any of this.
Luna is so flighty, I doubt she’s given it a second thought.
Still, I’m not about to pour cold water on the situation by telling the truth, so I stay silent.
"But are you sure you’re okay with us?"
"I’m sure. Oh, what? Are you going to get all cute and try to attack me? You might not be able to stay in school, you know? I am the student council president, after all."
"No, I would never do that!"
She’s even replying to Taiki-kun’s confirmation with a lighthearted, joking tone, so her mental state seems to be holding up for now.
Well, Sudo Naoko’s instability won't truly manifest until school starts later.
Most likely, the school had already told her she needed to return home.
These days, teachers can’t just let a student stay over, and from an outsider’s perspective, it just looks like her parents were in an accident.
Well, saying "just an accident" might be underselling it, but it’s hardly a convincing reason to be unable to go home.
After all, she looks perfectly normal to anyone else.
…If she told them she couldn't go home because she was afraid of ghosts, no one would believe her anyway.
Now, I’ve secured the point that Sudo Naoko will be staying here.
The next hurdle is how to get to her house, but that’s not much of a problem.
"Well then, you probably have some belongings, so shall we go pick them up?"
It’s the perfect, logical suggestion.
A matter of absolute necessity.
"Eh?"
However, at those words, Sudo Naoko freezes completely.
Stiff as a board.
Returning to that house, even for a fleeting moment, clearly wasn't an option in her mind.
Still, suggesting we just go buy new clothes instead might be a bit of a stretch, right?
No, let’s try being gentle about it.
"Ah, I’m sorry. You remember the incident with your parents when you go back, don't you? In that case, shall we go buy some extra clothes? We can still make it to the shops before they close."
The shopping district in the center of town is connected to the station, so it’s surprisingly lively and stays open late into the night.
Though, most shops do close by nine, so we don't have much time.
I wonder how Sudo Naoko will take to this option?
"…Ah, yeah. You’re right, even if I’m staying here, I definitely need some things. But the sun has already set, so let’s go get my necessary things tomorrow, and for today, just what I need to wear… though, money is an issue."
As expected, the woes of a student’s wallet.
Some characters in gal-games seem to have an endless supply of money, but it seems this game is different.
Well, that works in my favor.
Because…
"Ah, you don't need to worry about that. I’ve been entrusted with some money for when you came over. Actually, my parents said it was a token of gratitude for what your parents did for them."
"Ah, I feel a bit bad about that, but I can't be picky when I'm in a bind. I’ll thank them when I see them."
With that, Sudo Naoko accepted my proposal, looking apologetic.
Well, the part about the money coming from my parents is a complete lie.
If I hadn't said that, she never would have agreed to me just handing her cash.
By the way, as for my own savings, I checked the bankbook during the town tour earlier and found several million yen in it, so I don't think I’ll be struggling for funds here.
I took the money from there.
…Well, it’s money that will disappear once I wake up from this dream anyway.
"Then, let’s go shopping right away."
"Yeah, let's."
And so, we headed out into the night town…
"Whoa! January nights really are freezing, aren't they?"
"They certainly are."
As the wind whistled by, the cold air bit into our exposed faces.
It truly felt like the dead of winter.
"…Yuki-san, we’re supposed to be in our futons, so what is this cold?"
"Who knows. Maybe you’re kicking off your blankets?"
Besides, Luna has been doing all sorts of things to us. It’s a bit late to question it now.
However, catching a cold in a dream is a hassle, so I’ve taken precautions.
"I’m glad I drew the bath. Please, take the first soak when we get back."
"Oh, thank you for everything. It’s good to have a cousin you can rely on."