The Love of My Childhood Friend, Who Has Overcome a Terminally Ill Diagnosis, Is Overwhelming
The day after the incident with Takagaki had finally been resolved, I was on my way to Kanade’s place to keep the promise we’d made the other day to take turns studying at each other’s homes.
“Kanade, are you there?”
Upon arriving at the high-rise apartment building where Kanade lived, I rang the intercom for her apartment from the lobby.
After a few rings, she answered, so I asked her that.
“Ah, Akkun!”
…The voice I heard through the intercom was, as always, a cheerful female voice.
However, the tone was slightly different from Kanade’s.
“A-auntie. Good morning.”
“Hehe. Good morning, Akkun.”
It seemed the one who answered the intercom was Kanade’s mother.
Speaking to Kanade’s mother for the first time in a while, my voice cracked slightly.
It’s only natural that Kanade’s mother would answer the doorbell at their home, so why was I so nervous?
Some people might think that… but there’s a valid reason for this.
“Hehe. I finally get to see you, Akkun!”
The thing is, I hadn’t actually seen Kanade’s mom since the other day when my whole family visited the Kanade household.
Kanade’s mom is currently running around giving lectures all over the country to share the story of Kanade’s life so far.
She’s probably the busiest person among all of us—my parents, Kanade’s parents, and everyone else.
“Whoa, Mom! Why did you answer the door?”
From behind the doorbell, I could hear Kanade’s panicked voice.
“Huh? But I want to talk to Akkun, too!”
“Oh, come on. …I’ve been trying my best to make sure you two didn’t run into each other.”
Wait, really?
“…Kanade, why don’t you let Akkun in now?”
“Oh. …Ah, Akkun. Sorry, I’ll open the door right away.”
“U-un…”
…Kanade, did you really not want me to meet your mom that much?
I felt a little lonely.
“Excuse me.”
As the automatic doors opened, I said that into the intercom and hung up.
After that, I took the elevator and arrived at Kanade’s floor… then I rang the doorbell.
“Akkun! Long time no see!”
“Whoa!”
When she opened the door, her mom practically threw herself at me.
“Ugh! Mom!”
With my face pressed against Kanade’s mom’s chest… I could hear Kanade’s angry voice in the distance.
“Hehe. Kanade, don’t interrupt this emotional reunion between me and Akkun.”
“The emotional reunion is between me and Akkun!”
You and I saw each other just yesterday, didn’t we?
“Hehe. It seems like things haven’t progressed much between the two of you.”
“N-no, that’s not true!”
“Hehe. Since we’re here, maybe I should help out?”
“Ugh. Mom, go away!”
“Hehe. Well then, Akkun. See you later.”
Kanade’s mom let go of me and disappeared into the back of the room.
“……What was that?”
“……Akkun.”
“What? …Whoa!”
Kanade suddenly sprayed deodorant at me twice.
“It’s c-cold… What’s wrong?”
“……”
“……”
“…………”
“…………”
“Mom’s perfume smells too strong. I thought you might not like it.”
“Oh, well, I guess that’s understandable.”
I thought it smelled nice, though… Well, I guess that’s just a matter of personal taste.
“Well then, A-kun. Let’s go to your room and study!”
“Okay.”
Kanade’s earlier mood was nowhere to be seen; she invited me to her room with her usual beaming smile.
…Kanade really does look best when she’s smiling!
Maiasa