The Love of My Childhood Friend, Who Has Overcome a Terminally Ill Diagnosis, Is Overwhelming
“No, I don’t have time.”
“What!?”
As a result of answering Kanade’s mother’s question honestly, I ended up surprising her.
I was supposed to have a three-hour study session with Kanade today, and even though Kanade had fallen asleep, we’d only been studying for about an hour and a half.
There was absolutely no way I had time to hang out with Kanade’s mother.
“……Hehe. I see. So Kanade’s not the type to fall for that easily, huh?”
Kanade’s mother muttered something to herself, but there was no sparkle in her eyes.
“Akkun. Are you really too busy right now?”
“Yeah. We’re studying right now, so I think I’ll be able to spare a little time after we’re done.”
“Hehe. Are you sure it’s okay to talk to me like that?”
“Huh?”
“If you upset me, you might never be allowed to set foot in this room again, you know?”
“……Well, I guess I have no choice.”
“Hehe. I suppose that won’t faze you.”
As always, there was no sparkle in Kanade’s mother’s eyes.
“In that case…… if you’re going to be so stubborn, I won’t let you see Kanade ever again.”
“Huh……”
“If I were to say that, would you change your attitude?”
If I prioritize my studies over Kanade’s mother’s request, will I no longer be able to see Kanade…?
That’s, how should I put it… quite the high-handed move.
I wanted to protest, but for some reason, when faced with someone whose eyes, like Kanade’s, held no light, my words of complaint got stuck in my throat and wouldn’t come out.
……Instead, overwhelmed by her intensity, I decided to think it over for a moment.
Should I accept Kanade’s mother’s demand?
Or should I prioritize my studies?
……The answer came to me immediately.
“Even so, I’ll prioritize my studies.”
“Huh…”
“Because… the way things are now, sooner or later, the day we’re separated from Kanade is bound to come, isn’t it?”
“……Hm?”
“I’m powerless right now. For someone like me, who lacks any personal charm, standing beside the incredibly charming Kanade requires making some tough choices.”
“Oh……”
“As things stand, studying is essential for me to even stand by her side. So, I can’t accept your request. I’m sorry.”
Kanade’s mother looked completely taken aback.
“Besides… even if you urge me to cut ties with Kanade for now, I can always make you take that back in the end.”
“…Huh?”
“I’m determined… this time, for sure, to become the kind of man who can save her. Once that happens, I’m sure you’ll have no choice but to accept me.”
“……”
“……”
“…………”
“…………”
“Hehe. Hehehehe. A-kun. I’ve fallen even more with you.”
Kanade’s mother looked at me with a dreamy expression.
“Hehe. Well, I suppose I have no choice. For today, please make your studies a priority.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Of course. Don’t worry—there’s no cutting ties with Kanade, and you’re still welcome to visit this house.”
“I’m sor… Huh?”
Then why did she bring that up with me in the first place?
“Hehe. Well, I’ll let it slide for today.”
Kanade’s mother arranged some snacks on the table.
“Actually, there were a lot of things I wanted to talk to you about regarding Kanade’s condition… but we’ll save that for another time…”
“W-wait a minute! Auntie!!!”
I slammed my fist down on the table and leaned forward.
It’s weird, considering how virtuous I was just a moment ago… but the moment I heard “Kanade’s condition,” the blood rushed to my head.
“Th-that topic… if possible, I’d like to know right now.”
“Oh my? Wasn’t A-kun supposed to be studying so he could be on the same level as Kanade?”
“……That was my intention.”
“Well then, you’d better get studying.”
“……I don’t care about studying.”
“Hmm? What?”
“I don’t care about studying. Has something happened to Kanade?!”
Just as I said, in my mind… studying, my own helplessness—
I didn’t care about any of it anymore.
“Hehehe. Hehehehehe.”
Kanade’s mother was laughing suspiciously.
“Akkun. You’re way too into my daughter.”
“……Auntie. Enough with the jokes—just tell me.”
“……”
“……”
“……I’m sorry.”
Kanade’s mother gave a slightly awkward, wry smile.
“Well then, it wouldn’t be fair to Kanade while she’s sleeping to talk here, so shall we talk in the living room?”
“Yes.”
“Let’s take our time. Just the two of us. Let’s talk… about Kanade.”
“Yes.”
I stood up.
“Let’s go, Auntie.”
“Hehe. Perfect, Akkun.”
Kanade’s mother smiled with satisfaction.
Maiasa