kscans

Chapter 9 - Let’s get a puppy

In order to recover a little from the immense mental damage I suffered, I headed to the movie theater. Before the incident with Rika-chan, I had been hesitant, as interacting with people was difficult for me, so I opted to enjoy a movie alone. Well, I watched a movie about animals. I chose it randomly, and to be honest, I didn’t have high expectations. Those heartwarming, emotional movies often feel like they’re saying, "See, aren’t you crying?" and I can’t get into that. But I was completely mistaken. My mental state recovered rapidly. I even seriously considered getting a puppy. I had been visiting pet shops earlier, you see.

And so, the promised night has arrived.

(My mental state has recovered, and I’ve properly prepared what to discuss… Go for it, me!)

I told Chika-san that I’d like to talk at her place, and she agreed immediately. From her response, I could sense an immoral delight, so her husband is probably not home. … If he were home, that would have been fine too. After all, it’s about their daughter. But if he’s not home, there’s no need to call him over unnecessarily. Still, this is a private matter, so I should just talk to Chika-san and let her decide what to do next.

"Whew… She sure lives in a nice mansion. As expected of the president."

I couldn’t help but use a western expression as I looked up at the mansion. In terms of total assets, mine are higher, but the money I’ve earned through underground connections doesn’t feel like the fruit of hard work. It’s like a different world for me. The money I’ve earned in the aboveboard world is what really matters to me.

"Chika-san? It’s me."
<"Okay, I’ll open up now.">

The automatic lock is released, and the door opens. I head straight for the elevator and press the button for the top floor. When I ring the doorbell of the apartment I was directed to, Chika-san promptly greets me.

"Good evening, Hiro-kun."
"Good evening, Chika-san."

As for the change in how we address each other, I made some flimsy excuse. Honestly, I can’t bring myself to call her that way anymore. Chika-san seems to have interpreted it in a way that’s convenient for her, but I didn’t bother correcting it. I have no desire to stir up trouble.

"Sorry, I’m dressed casually."
"What’s wrong with being comfortable at home? Don’t apologize."

Even in casual wear, she doesn’t look sloppy. Rather, knowing her usual sharp, suit-clad appearance, the contrast is quite striking. … She used to be so unaffected by such things.

"Thanks. By the way, Hiro-kun, what kind of clothes do you wear at home?"

As she served me tea, I couldn’t help but notice… when she leaned forward, I caught a glimpse of her bra. Even though she claims to be casual, she’s ready for battle underneath. My recently recovered mental gauge was totally depleted. Why am I taking damage in an area completely unrelated to the main topic?

"Oh, you know, the classic old man style – fundoshi* and a belly band." (t/n: loincloth, or boxer in western culture)
"Ahaha, what’s that? Hiro-kun, didn’t you used to complain a lot about that kind of thing?"

Yeah, I did. Back then, as a high school student, I was trying to be fashionable.

"Yeah. In fact, I still think the visual aspect leaves a lot to be desired."
"But you still wear it?"
"The thing is, once you try it, you realize why it’s been loved for so long. It’s incredibly comfortable. Unbelievably so. Am I… maybe just comfortable in my own skin?"

Relaxation-wise, I’d say only being completely naked could rival it.

"In the face of it’s overwhelming functionality, I had to admit defeat. I’m a man who can acknowledge his losses."
"That’s a bit dramatic over just clothes. But still, I’d kind of like to see Hiro-kun in fundoshi…"

Stop with the suggestive looks, okay? Don’t invite me over to your place or anything like that. … I should bring up the important matter soon. If I keep putting it off, it’ll just go in an awkward direction.

"Maybe another time. Anyway, I have an important matter to discuss."
"…Yeah."

It’s not what you think, you know?

"A little while ago, I met your daughter – Rika-chan."
"! … I see. I can understand that."
"Yeah, she was the spitting image of the old Chika-san. Though her personality was a bit different."
"Well, back then, I was out of sync with kids my age. Rika grew up normally. So, what happened with Rika?"
"… The way we met was a bit problematic. To put it bluntly, it was an invitation to ‘papa activity’."
"—–"

She was speechless. Well, that’s understandable. But this isn’t the main topic, you know. You might think I should have skipped this part, but I can’t. I need her to know this in order to explain the rest. And while I’m at it, I’d like to help improve their relationship.

Chika-san turned pale, but then snapped out of it and immediately prostrated herself.

"No, it’s not her fault! It’s my fault, because I haven’t been taking good care of her…"

She’s aware of it, huh. I felt a bit happy about that. The fact that she can immediately defend her child shows that there is love there. And the words she uses indicate that she truly understands her daughter’s feelings. Chika-san herself knows that her current family situation isn’t good. You might think I should tell her to do something about it, but Chika-san herself doesn’t know what the right solution is.

"It’s okay, I understand. Rika-chan is a good kid."
"Hiro-kun…"
"I know Chika-san is aware of the problem, so I have nothing to say. Lift your head. There’s more."
"… Okay."
"Honestly, I thought I should tell Chika-san right away."
"Ah, yes, I understand. If I were in the same position, I’d be too awkward to say anything too."
"Thanks. But still, I can’t just do nothing. So for the time being, I introduced her to a place to stay and some money."

When I mentioned the lodging used by underground people, she made a slightly bitter expression, but she must trust me. Since I was the one who introduced it, she seemed to accept that it would be okay.

"I’ve been getting regular reports, and it seems there haven’t been any problems. Fortunately, it seems she hasn’t run into anyone who knows Saionji Chikage."
"… I see."
"Well, even if she had, they wouldn’t be able to do anything."

Knowing about Saionji Chikage means they know about my past self. And if they know about my past, they must also know about my current self. Not only am I a formidable individual, but the people I’m connected to would be troublesome enemies to have. In fact, if anything were to happen, I’m prepared to mobilize all the connections I can.

"Alright, let’s get to the main topic."
"Huh?"

Sorry about that.

"While there’s been no one approaching with malicious intent, the blood that runs through her has unfortunately attracted some unwelcome coincidences."

Let me be direct.

"She’s gotten involved in the underground world."
"――――"

…It looks like stress might do her in.

(I’m starting to feel like I need to seriously consider getting a puppy.)