Oh no! They all seem a bit off!

After interfering in someone's life, does Akizuki Makoto have the awareness to take responsibility for everything?

"Why don't you stay next door to me?"

"Eh?"

Shiina Maki was taken aback by Akizuki Makoto's suggestion.

Under her surprised gaze, Akizuki Makoto began his analysis, explaining in detail why he had suggested living next door to her.

"Think about it, if you live next door to me, you can come to Dongzi to learn how to make dolls, and it's also very close to the school."

"Also, if your mother keeps bothering you and finds your new address, I can help you."

"My apartment is a bit expensive, costing over 100,000 yen including rent, utilities, management fees, and other miscellaneous expenses, but you can afford it given your current financial situation."

After hearing what Makoto Akizuki said, Maki Shiina's heart suddenly started racing.

Living next door to...?
Does that mean we can go to and from school together every day?

Moreover, they would have a legitimate reason to visit each other, and could see Akizuki Makoto at any time.

"I...I think it's okay!"

Shiina Maki nodded excitedly, thinking that from now on she would be the person closest to Akizuki Makoto.

She's built a good relationship with Dongzi and lives next door to Qiuyue Cheng. With such a close connection, childhood sweethearts and Ji Yexue are all going to be crushed by her!

"I'll contact the landlord for you later."

After agreeing on this, Makoto Akizuki and Maki Shiina arrived at the station and boarded the train bound for Adachi Ward.

During the car ride, the two barely spoke—mainly because Shiina Maki was very nervous, her face subtly revealing unease.

After all, she was going to confront her mother and separate from her; she could imagine how furious her mother would be.

Seemingly sensing Shiina Maki's unease, Akizuki Makoto smiled and placed his hand on the back of her hand, saying, "Don't worry, leave it to me."

"Hmm... I believe you, Akizuki-kun."

Shiina Maki nodded gently, then couldn't help but lean her body against Akizuki Makoto's shoulder and whispered, "Akizuki-kun, can I hold you like this for a little while? Just a little while."

Although using cowardice as an excuse to act coquettishly seems despicable, she had already decided that in order to get closer to Akizuki Makoto, she would not hesitate to become a despicable woman who would stop at nothing!

When faced with Shiina Maki's coquettish request, Akizuki Makoto did not respond, which could be considered as tacit approval.

He could feel Shiina Maki, who was pressed against his shoulder, trembling anxiously.

In order to defy her mother, she must have shown great resolve and courage.

So, this little bit of capricious and coquettish request can be allowed, right?

"...The scent and warmth of Akizuki-kun make me feel very safe."

Shiina Maki closed her eyes, smelling the scent emanating from Akizuki Makoto and feeling the warmth emanating from his body, her heart filled with happiness and joy.

This, in turn, fueled her dissatisfaction, and a desire to acquire more gradually took over her mind.

She couldn't help but take the hand that was holding hers back and boldly interlock her fingers with it!
"Shiina-san..."

Akizuki Makoto's eyes widened slightly, looking somewhat taken aback. He hadn't expected her to become so proactive and bold.

"I'm sorry, Akizuki-kun, just for a little while."

Shiina Maki murmured softly, gripping Akizuki Makoto's hand tightly and stroking his fingertips.

Akizuki Makoto's hands were much larger than hers, and his fingertips were slightly rough and hard.

She savored the sensation of her fingers intertwined with Qiuyue Cheng's, her eyes moist and filled with affection, a dreamy look on her face.

"This……"

After hesitating for a long time, Akizuki Makoto ultimately said nothing and tacitly approved of Shiina Maki's actions.

This further fueled Shiina Maki's desire, causing her to rest her head on Akizuki Makoto's shoulder and bury her face in his neck.

"Hiss... Ha."

She took a deep, greedy breath.

"..."

Makoto Akizuki was completely stunned, thinking to himself, "How did Maki Shiina become so bold? She's openly getting aroused on the train!"
Fortunately, because it was a weekday and it was afternoon, there weren't many people on the tram; otherwise, their blatant flirting would definitely have earned them disapproving looks.

"...Almost, that's about right, isn't it?"

After about ten minutes, feeling uneasy, Akizuki Makoto couldn't help but ask.

"Wait... a little longer... okay?"

Shiina Maki pleaded softly, pressing her body tightly against Akizuki Makoto's shoulder, her full breasts even trapping his arm like a sandwich.

"Ten minutes have passed already, Shiina-kun."

Akizuki felt a chill run down his spine, and his voice carried a hint of restraint.

Shiina Maki was so close, and she kept dribbling and bumping into him, making him desperately try to endure it the whole way.

"No... just for a little while..."

"How long is 'a while'? My shoulders are getting tired from being so close to me like this."

"..."

Shiina Maki did not respond, seemingly intending to act shamelessly.

Lately, she has been really struggling to endure it, wanting to get close to Akizuki Makoto every day, to be close to him, and to have intimate actions with him.

However, she had already made up her mind not to use time stop on Akizuki Makoto anymore, so she had never been able to have physical contact with him.

Now that she finally has a chance, she naturally doesn't want to let it go easily.

Even if it would bother Akizuki Makoto, she wanted to satisfy her desires.

Sometimes, it's okay to be a little willful, just like how crying children get candy.

She understood Akizuki Makoto's personality; Akizuki Makoto was so gentle that he wouldn't actually get angry at her just because she wanted to act cute.

"……Why."

In the end, Akizuki Makoto could only sigh and silently endure this exquisite torture.

Just as Shiina Maki thought, how could he really bear to be angry with Shiina Maki who wanted to act cute towards him?

……

When the train arrived in Adachi Ward, Shiina Maki finally reluctantly let go of Akizuki Makoto.

At this moment, Akizuki Makoto's shoulder was in excruciating pain, so numb that it felt like it didn't belong to him.

"I'm so sorry, Akizuki-kun. I said I'd just rest my head on your pillow for a while, but I ended up using it the whole way."

Shiina Maki blushed and apologized softly, but her tone betrayed no remorse; instead, there was an undisguised glee.

It was only then that she realized how great it felt to be willful.

Sure enough, the approach to attack needs to be more forceful, so that Akizuki Makoto has no choice but to accept it.

She could finally understand why Ji Yexue was being so aggressive.

She used to think that liking someone shouldn't be a rallying cry, but only a triumphant song, so she always paid attention to maintaining a distance from Akizuki Makoto, not wanting to be a woman who would bother or burden him.

But this seems to only make the distance between them grow further and further.

Sooner or later, her dark and somber side will be revealed.

Rather than suddenly revealing it and scaring Akizuki Makoto, it's better to gradually reveal it through daily interactions.

"...Shiina-kun, you can be a little willful sometimes."

Akizuki Makoto wore a wry smile, his tone full of helplessness, wondering if Shiina Maki had suddenly unlocked her full potential because of what he said this morning.

The old Shiina Maki was very well-behaved, like a gentle and harmless little rabbit.

Now...

It seems to have a bit of a devilish side.

Shiina Maki asked somewhat uneasily, "Do you hate me?"

"No... I'm just a little bothered, not hated."

Akizuki Makoto shook his head and sighed softly, "No matter what, I'm a man. This kind of behavior that's so unreserved is still a bit inappropriate, isn't it?"

"If it's Akizuki-kun, then there's no problem."

At this point, Shiina Maki paused, tiptoed closer to Akizuki Makoto's ear, and whispered with a hint of seduction, "Hey, Akizuki-kun, you can do whatever you want to me, okay? Because I like you."

After saying that, she smiled shyly, her fair and tender cheeks turning crimson.

"..."

Akizuki Makoto didn't reply, but he was inwardly even more miserable.

Sure enough, Shiina Maki has undergone a super evolution, transforming from a harmless and docile little rabbit into a troublesome little devil!

However, he could understand Shiina Maki, since he had never responded to her feelings and had chosen to run away from them.

Perhaps Maki Shiina also understood that if she didn't become more proactive and bolder, their relationship would remain unchanged.

After that, the two walked for more than ten minutes and entered a dilapidated residential area, returning to Shiina Maki's home.

When Shiina Maki opened the door, she was greeted by bottles scattered all over the floor, but she did not see her mother.

Shiina Maki glanced at the shoe cabinet in the entryway and, after noticing that her mother's shoes were still there, said, "Mother should be sleeping in her room."

"Okay, let's go inside first."

Makoto Akizuki nodded and followed Maki Shiina inside. He then said, "Why don't you go back to your room and pack your things first? That way, no matter what happens, we can just leave."

"it is good."

Shiina Maki immediately went upstairs and returned to her room in the attic to start tidying up.

She didn't have much to take with her, since there wasn't anything of value in the room.

Besides the clothes, there was also the original manuscript that Akizuki Makoto gave her.

After packing for about ten minutes, Shiina Maki came downstairs carrying a large duffel bag.

Seeing this, Akizuki Makoto said, "Then go and wake your mother up now?"

He didn't have time to leisurely wait for Shiina's mother to wake up before talking to her; he and Shiina Maki had many things to do afterward.

"……it is good."

After hesitating for a moment, Shiina Maki finally took a deep breath, mustered her courage, nodded, and walked towards her mother's room.

The door wasn't locked; it opened easily with a slight push.

The bedroom was dark, with the lights off. A figure could be vaguely seen on the bed in the corner of the room.

Shiina Maki turned on the light, revealing the bedroom. The furnishings were simple, with only a dressing table and wardrobe. The bedroom wasn't large, but it was still twice the size of the attic room.

"Mother, wake up."

Shiina Maki came to the bedside, gently called to the sleeping woman, and placed her hand on her shoulder, gently rocking her.

But Shiina's mother was fast asleep, and she smelled strongly of alcohol, so she was obviously very drunk. She called out to her for a while, but still couldn't wake her up.

"Mother!"

So, Shiina Maki took a deep breath, mustered her courage, raised her voice, and increased the force of shaking her body.

"Um……"

This time, Shiina's mother reacted, opening her eyes with a frown.

When she saw that it was Shiina Maki who had woken her up, her face immediately darkened, and she said impatiently, "What are you yelling for? Can't you see I'm sleeping?!"

"I...I have something to say to my mother!"

Startled by the fierce look from Shiina Maki, her body trembled slightly, and her voice also trembled.

"If you have something to say, wait until I wake up. Get out and don't bother me!"

Shiina's mother finished speaking with extreme impatience, closed her eyes again, and turned her body away.

Because of a hangover and not being fully awake, she had a splitting headache and naturally had no interest in talking to Shiina Maki.

"No, no! You have to say it now!"

Even though she was terrified, Shiina Maki held on and shouted, "Mother, I want to separate from you!"

"One-tenth"

Upon hearing this, Shiina's mother opened her eyes instantly, sat up in bed, and looked at Shiina Maki in astonishment.

Then, she saw something, and her face suddenly turned sinister. She said in a cold voice, "So that's how it is. You really did try to harm my daughter after all."

Shiina's mother's gaze passed over Shiina Maki and landed on Akizuki Makoto, who was standing behind her at the door.

The moment she saw Akizuki Makoto, she understood everything.

My intuition from our first meeting was right; this guy really was going to take her daughter away from her.

“Shiina is about to become an adult, and she has the right to decide whether to separate from her mother.”

At that moment, Akizuki Makoto, who was standing at the door, also walked in, came to Shiina Maki's side, protected her behind him, and faced off against Shiina's mother.

“What’s more, you’re abusive, an alcoholic, and do disreputable work.”

"Given your current state, you are no longer able to act as Shiina's guardian, and it will be useless even if you call the police or use any other means."

Although prostitution is prohibited in island nations, buying prostitution is not prohibited... In other words, women cannot actively solicit customers; they can only stand on the street and wait for men to come and ask about prices.

If that's the case, then it doesn't involve breaking the law, which is why Shiina's mother has remained unharmed, even though the police have tried to prosecute her, it hasn't helped.

"Heh, heh heh..."

After hearing Akizuki Makoto's words, Shiina's mother sneered and immediately cursed, "You little brat, you're really arrogant! If you dare to take my daughter away, I'll cause trouble at your school tomorrow!"

"I'm not only going to expose that you took my daughter away, but I'm also going to say that you spent 100,000 yen to buy her from me!"

"I'm not afraid of losing face, but I don't know if you will be scared, you brat."

Faced with Shiina's mother's threat, Akizuki Makoto's expression remained unchanged, and he said calmly, "Go if you want, it's all in vain anyway, I'm not afraid."

He wasn't afraid of such a low-level threat at all. He had a clear conscience, so why should he be afraid?

"You—"

Seeing that threats were ineffective, Shiina's mother turned her gaze to Shiina Maki, who was hiding behind Akizuki Makoto, and said coldly, "Maki, can you really bear to leave me? I am your only family."

"This brat is deceiving you. If you really go with him, how will you live?"

"With your meager part-time job income? Or are you suggesting... that this brat should support you?"

Faced with her mother's questioning, Shiina Maki pursed her lips and whispered, "I'm sorry... Mother... I've... I've reached my limit."

She wasn't stupid; she had always known that her mother treated her badly and only used her as a tool for venting her frustrations.

When he was in a bad mood, he would punch and kick her, and then make her do housework while enduring the pain.

If she doesn't do well, she'll be met with another beating.

For a mother, her value lies in doing housework and providing a place for her to vent her frustrations.

But she had no choice; she wanted to live, so she could only silently endure it and constantly hypnotize herself, telling herself that her mother was hitting her because she had done something wrong and that her mother wanted to correct her.

As the saying goes, "Spare the rod and spoil the child."

She kept hypnotizing herself like this, to the point that she became the distorted person she is now.

Many McDonald's are not inherently bad, but rather a result of family misfortunes.

"Heh...hehe...okay..."

Shiina's mother seemed to be laughing in a fit of rage, her thin, bony body trembling violently.

"Since you want to leave, then get out of here! I've had enough of you, you little bastard!"

"Just like your damned father, you can't keep them all; they'll all abandon me and leave!"

"Get out! Get out right now! I'll never have anything to do with you again!"

Watching Shiina's mother gradually become agitated and eventually descend into madness, Shiina Maki couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness.

There was a time when her family was happy and harmonious, and her mother was not so terrifying, but a gentle and beautiful woman.

Until, the father was persuaded to gamble, lost all the family's savings, then started beating the mother to demand money, and finally incurred a large debt before disappearing without a trace.

Since the father had run away, the debt collectors naturally came knocking on the door, forcing the mother to repay the money.

Since then, my mother has gradually become the way she is now.

"I'm sorry, Mother."

Shiina Maki emerged from behind Akizuki Makoto, stood in front of her mother, and bowed deeply to apologize.

"roll!"

Shiina's mother glared at her and roared again at the top of her lungs.

"Get out! Don't call me mother anymore, I don't have a daughter like you!"

"It's incredibly stupid. Just like when I was young, I would give my heart and soul and everything if someone showed me a little bit of gentle care."

"And the result? The result is this: this is how it ended up, hehehe..."

As she finished speaking, Shiina's mother couldn't help but sob softly, as if she was thinking of her tragic past experiences.

Seeing this, Shiina Maki felt even more reluctant, but since she had already made her decision, she would not change it.

Moreover, she knew in her heart that these were crocodile tears.

If Shiina's mother really couldn't bear to part with her, didn't want her to leave, and would feel sad because of her departure, then she wouldn't have treated her this way before.

“Mother, I’m so sorry. In the future… I will still take care of you when I earn money.”

Finally, Shiina Maki bowed deeply to Shiina's mother one last time, then, suppressing her sadness, ran out of the bedroom without looking back.

Upon entering the living room, she picked up her already packed luggage and rushed out the door.

Akizuki Makoto silently followed beside her, walking side by side without saying a word.

Now, any words of comfort or other advice seem superfluous.

After walking side by side in silence for a while, Shiina Maki, who had been keeping her head down and remaining silent, suddenly stopped and looked up at Akizuki Makoto.

Her face was full of unease and confusion, and she asked in a trembling voice, "Akizuki-kun, is my idea of ​​separating from my mother really the right thing to do?"

"There is no right or wrong in this kind of thing."

Akizuki Makoto shook his head and said softly, "Everything has two sides, and everyone has a different opinion, but... I think it's correct."

After all, it was he who proposed the idea of ​​separation, and it was something he had always wanted Shiina Maki to do.

Staying in that house any longer would only continue to torment Shiina Maki's mind and body, leaving her feeling exhausted, numb, and in pain.

The misfortune of one's family of origin is like thorns, hindering one's progress.

Getting rid of it is painful, but we shouldn't stay trapped in thorns just because we're afraid of the pain.

"Woo..."

Shiina Maki pursed her lips, unable to resist throwing herself into Akizuki Makoto's arms and hugging him tightly.

From today onwards, she really only has Akizuki Makoto left.

Saying goodbye to her mother was tantamount to a complete break; she could never return to that home.

Fortunately, there is still Akizuki Makoto.

Gentle Akizuki Makoto will accompany her.

But she didn't know how long Akizuki Makoto would stay with her.

in case……

If Akizuki Makoto is taken away by someone else and falls in love with someone else, then she must live on alone and bear everything alone.

Whether it's the burdens of life or anything else, she will be all alone.

"Akizuki-kun, I'm so scared, so very scared..."

The thought that Akizuki Makoto might one day leave her made Shiina Maki tremble uncontrollably, her heart filled with fear and unease.

"If one day you fall in love with someone else, will you still be this gentle with me?"

Am I necessary to you? Can you take responsibility for my life?

"It was you...it was you who gave me the courage to become like this. You're all I have left."

At this point, Shiina Maki popped her head out of Akizuki Makoto's arms, looked up, met his eyes, and asked anxiously, "Hey, Akizuki-kun, will you abandon me? Will... stay with me forever?"

"..."

Faced with Shiina Maki's question, Akizuki Makoto only felt a gravitational force field like a black hole, making his body and mind feel extremely heavy.

Recently, he seems to have forgotten why he used to stay away from abnormal women and avoid having too much contact with them.

He also forgot why he didn't forcefully take Shiina Maki away last time, but instead borrowed her by negotiating with Shiina's mother.

Isn't this exactly what he was worried about?
Since he chose to interfere in Shiina Maki's life and save her, shouldn't he take responsibility for it?
You can't just kill and then abandon the person, right? That would be starting something and then abandoning it.
And Shiina Maki truly lived up to the ending her mother had predicted.

When someone shows them gentle care, they feel compelled to give their heart and soul and give everything, only to find that the person they're dealing with doesn't understand the consequences of interfering in their life, ultimately leading to the tragedy of being abandoned.

(End of this chapter)