Chapter 139: Album (2/2)

“Stop kicking a fuss. You do have a good child who will accept you unconditionally, no?”

“…That is true.”

“But we’re a little sad that you didn’t inform us, Amane.”

“Ugh.”

It appeared Shuuto too knew that Amane and Mahiru started dating. One had to wonder if he heard from Shihoko, or that Mahiru informed him directly.”

“…Isn’t it shameful to report that we’re dating?”

“You should have told us beforehand. Well, I noticed it already.”

“You brought a girl back home after all, Amane. You two are so easy to read.”

“Shut up we’re dating already alright?”

“How dishonest you are. Mahiru-chan, are you fine with that kind of child?”

“Erm, Amane-kun gets embarrassed easily…but I like that about him.”

“Oh my.”

“I’ve relieved to see you two on such good terms.”

Amane’s parents looked towards Mahiru, looking encouraged as they then gave Amane a similar look, resulting in Amane’s fatigue levels increased. Amane really did not want to bother answering.

…It’s my house, but I really don’t want to stay.

Amane knew this would happen given his parents’ personalities, but as a son, he felt it awkward and unnerving. Mentally, he was restless about how Mahiru was more popular and more adapted to this household, rather than the actual son.

He sighed, gave up, and put the album on his lap, flipping through it.

The photos Mahiru had happily seen mostly contained Amane’s failures. Some were taken to commemorate, but most of them were photos of a child messing up.

He was peeved that there was a photo of him crossdressing.

Amane had a late development, and looked really childish even midway through his middle school. Once, Shihoko had him crossdress for fun.

It was in his second year that Amane’s height shot up, and that did not happen. It was a painful memory for him to eavesdrop that others said he had a feminine face though.

…That’s nostalgic.

Naturally, he thought of those he once got close, and then split from.

He left this land to hide from them, but at this point, for good or bad, he had a clean break, and was no longer side.

The most he felt was a slight unwillingness at the prospect of meeting them, who had graduated at this land.

He quickly closed the album, seemingly discarding his frustrations, and found Mahiru looking at him.

“…Er-erm, are you angry, Amane-kun…?”

“Why do you think so? I’m just feeling nostalgic.”

It seemed Mahiru was worried about Amane clearly looking displeased. The latter shrugged, and put the album back onto the table.

He could not let her worry. While he did not want to suffer the warm expressions from his parents, he reached out and patted her head.

Mahiru widened her eyes, but soon she narrowed them, and relaxed.

As expected, Shihoko clearly looked elated. Amane ignored her as he continued to coax the uneasy looking Mahiru.