Hayashi Megumi and the Man Fresh from the Bath
Listening to Shiho-chan’s words, I decided to take my time and think things over.
Why did Yamamoto put in so much effort at that culture festival back then?
Why did Yamamoto leave his parents’ home to move to Tokyo?
Why was Yamamoto so reluctant to return to his family home?
Indeed, I thought there was some truth to what Shiho-chan was saying.
From Yamamoto’s perspective, it’s only natural he wouldn’t want to force himself to come back to a house where he feels alienated, right?
Yamamoto, so that’s what happened in your past.
I thought to myself.
The fact that Akari and Yamamoto were dating, for one.
And this whole incident, too.
In the end, I realized I didn’t know Yamamoto at all.
To be honest, it was a bit of a shock to realize I knew so little about a guy I thought I liked so much.
But I shouldn’t be feeling this way.
If it were Yamamoto, he’d probably say something like,
“That’s a good thing, isn’t it?
You realized you didn’t understand at all. And now that you know that, don’t you also know what you need to do to get the best outcome?”
…Something’s off.
I put a hand to my chin, frowning.
“…Meg-chan, what’s wrong?”
“It’s just… something feels weird.”
“What do you mean?”
When she asked what, well…
If I had to say, it’s about Yamamoto.
I mean, right now, I’m feeling this sense of unease.
Up until a moment ago, I was convinced by what Shiho-chan said, factoring in Yamamoto’s situation and all, but now that I think about it, something feels off.
…Because, you know.
Yamamoto’s the kind of guy who’s insanely meticulous and particular, but he’s also surprisingly straightforward.
Would a guy like that really refuse to come back home just because he’s not blood-related to his father?
No, of course, it’s not a trivial matter by any means… but still, it’s Yamamoto.
After all, Yamamoto told me once.
To me, someone struggling with domestic violence… someone with problems most people wouldn’t dare touch, he said, “Face it head-on.”
Change your mindset.
That’s like Yamamoto’s catchphrase, his golden rule, something he holds dear.
Would a guy with that kind of mentality really distance himself from his family and avoid coming home just for that reason?
That’s the unease I was feeling.
…That guy, he’s easily misunderstood.
And at the same time, he’s the kind of guy who finds it a hassle to clear up misunderstandings. If someone misunderstands him, he’s quick to think, “Well, that’s just how shallow our relationship was,” and move on.
So, maybe…
Could it be that right now, Shiho-chan is misunderstanding him?
But if that’s the case, it’s strange.
If everything Shiho-chan said is a misunderstanding, then why didn’t Yamamoto want to come back home?
…I don’t get it.
It’s probably something only Yamamoto would know.
I want to know.
It’s a sensitive topic, but I want to know.
I’ll find out.
Even I’m a woman who can be considerate of others.
Sure, back in high school, I might’ve been a bit thoughtless at times, but fundamentally, that’s who I am.
But there’s just one person…
When it comes to him, all my restraint goes out the window.
That’s because I want to know more about him.
That’s the only reason.
And one more thing.
If it’s him, I’m sure he’ll answer all my questions.
I have complete trust in him.
“That was a good shower.”
Just then, Yamamoto stepped out of the bathroom.
“Yamamoto.”
“Hm?”
“I want to go to your room. Just the two of us.”
Yamamoto’s mouth hung open in surprise.
But after a moment, he replied, a bit hesitant, running a hand through his wet hair.
“Alright.”
“Then let’s go.”
When I turned around, Shiho-chan was standing there.
Shiho-chan had both hands covering her mouth, her cheeks slightly flushed.
“Sorry. I’ll catch up with you later.”
“Oh… y-yeah.”
Shiho-chan’s response sounded a bit absent-minded.
The subtitle’s starting to sound like a Doraemon movie title.
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