After I Saved Kirigiri San, a Cool, Sharp-tongued Gyaru, From a Pick-up, She Started Coming Into My House the Next Day
Then Mika san looked at me with serious eyes.
“What does that mean……?”
“Forgive me. You must’ve been troubled after being told something like this so abruptly…..”
I got the order wrong. She smiled bitterly and then sorted out the situation.
“I’m sure you’ve heard all about it from Misuzu, but Fumio san—my husband. He’s the one who asked for a divorce.”
I had heard about this from Kirigiri beforehand, but this was the first time I knew that her father’s name was Fumio.
The person who triggered her mother–Mika san’s depression and hospitalization, and who instilled in Kirigiri a hatred of men.
“I heard his remarriage was to someone in the nightlife business……well, that’s not important right now.”
Mika san seems to be sorting out what she needs to tell me. I wonder if it is because she is in such a dire situation.
“I don’t want to be with him anymore, and I don’t want to see his face if possible. So I don’t have anything to say about the divorce, but he’s taking advantage of my being in the hospital to get custody for himself……”
“I-I see…….”
“It’s hard to say. The custody is the right to take care of the child. Usually, it is decided through discussion……”
I was puzzled by the unfamiliar words flying around, and Mika san carefully explained them to me.
She told me that normally, custody is decided through discussion, but that a mediator can be appointed, and since Mika san was in this situation, a mediator will be appointed this time to decide.
The way custody is decided is financial ability and willingness to raise children. She says there are various criteria such as family environment, age and health of the parents, and so on.
“As you can see, I don’t have the financial ability. Besides, I’m in this situation. So I think the custody will go to the other side.”
“Isn’t there anything you can do about that?”
“I don’t think so.”
Mika san looked out the window with a sad expression on her face.
All she can do is watch in silence as Kirigiri leaves her…that’s just too much. Kirigiri will surely want to be with Mika san.
Then,
“You can report your husband now ! If you do that, I’m sure–”
If her father’s domestic violence is exposed, he will be considered to have a problem with the child-rearing environment, and this critical situation could be reversed.
I tried desperately to find a breakthrough, but Mika san’s expression remained gloomy.
“Of course I tried. That’s why I was in such a state. At the time, I was in a terrible state of mind, and no one believed me. Besides, that man was good only on the outside…….”
“No way.”
Then what now….
If her father were to win custody, Kirigiri might end up being subjected to violence like Mika san. This must be avoided at all costs.
“I’m so glad you’re trying so hard to help me. Thank you. I’m glad you feel that way.”
Mika san sensed that I had a pensive expression on my face and comforted me with a soft expression that seemed to envelop me.
“It’s really pathetic. I can’t stop my precious only daughter from going away…….”
“What should we do then……”
“I can’t save Misuzu the way I am now. That’s why I want you to save Misuzu.”
“Me?”
I don’t think Mika san’s suggestion would be a fundamental solution.
Even if I spend more time with Kirigiri, I’m nothing more than a third party. A complete stranger. It would be different if an adult were to intervene, but what on earth could I, a high school student and just a classmate, do?
“What can I do to save her….”
“By staying by Misuzu’s side.”
“Her side?”
“Yes, of course, it is not a fundamental solution. But now Misuzu is trying to fill her loneliness by being with you. So I think it makes sense.”
“But…..c-can I really do that…..”
“You can.”
Mika san said in a tone of voice without hesitation.
“Why me? There must be other people she can rely on…….”
I don’t think it’s good for a third party to stick their nose into something like this, and even as a mother, I think she should be uneasy about asking a man she only just met today and who may or may not be a complete stranger.
“She was all alone while I was in the hospital, but she finally found someone she could truly be close to.
It was you, Kinoshita kun.”
Mika san continued with a gentle expression on her face.
“When Misuzu talks about you, she seems to be very happy. You gave her a chance to change from that Misuzu who never let anyone come close to her–and I’m convinced of it after meeting you today. You are a kind and trustworthy person.”
Mika san’s words were not false.
I’m sure she is convinced that what Kirigiri needs right now is my presence.
“You are the only one who can fill Misuzu’s loneliness, Kinoshita kun.”
Mika san’s expression remained serious while she gently held my hand.
“If you leave Misuzu alone, she will break down one day…..and she definitely must not end up like me.”
Mika san felt responsible and her face contorted in disappointment at her own inadequacy.
“Will you please stay by my daughter–Misuzu’s side and support her instead of me?”
Mika san’s will to protect her daughter. And now, after thinking through what she can do for Misuzu, she is asking for my help.
I cannot ignore a favor from someone who cares about her daughter so much.
“I understand. Please leave it to me. I will protect Misuzu. So, please don’t worry.”
I gently squeezed Mika san’s hand back.
“Kinoshita kun…thank you so much. I can’t thank you enough.”
Mika san then bowed deeply as she sat on the bed.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel anxious, but I want to save Kirigiri as much as she does. Besides, I have enjoyed every day since living with Kirigiri, and I still want us to remain friends.
I don’t know how far I can go as a mere third party, but I’m determined to support Kirigiri in my own way.
Maigetsu