Chapter 10: Wakaba’s concern

Wakaba couldn’t sit still in her room at the time when Daiki’s mother was supposed to be talking to him.

“I wonder if they’re talking to each other properly?

Is Daiki going to be okay?

I wonder if he is crying like that time?”

The more she thought about these questions, the more worried she became.

There was no way to contact his home, but she was so worried that she couldn’t calm down no matter what she did.

Despite being restless, she took a bath, ate dinner, and went back to her room.

When alone, the thoughts came back to her mind.

And so, before she knew it, she had fallen asleep.

Wakaba, still in junior high school, could not overcome sleepiness.

The next morning.

She quickly got ready, ate her breakfast as if she were pouring it down her throat, and ran to Daiki’s house.

In front of Daiki’s house, she caught her breath and rang the intercom.

As usual

“Good morning, Daiki!”

She greeted him cheerfully.

And then

“Good morning, Wakaba!”

It came back brighter than usual.

She was a little perplexed

“I’m glad to see you’re doing well!”

she also thought.

Daiki’s mother also came out and spoke with her.

“I told Daiki everything last night

Daiki says he’s embraced it, but I get the feeling he’s really pushing himself…

I feel like he’s trying to act cheerful on purpose.

It’s all our fault, but he doesn’t blame us at all…

He is forcing himself to smile without shedding a tear.

I don’t know what to say, but…

Would you please watch over him at school, Wakaba?

Please?”

The mother said.

Wakaba said.

“Don’t worry!

I’ll watch over him!

Please leave it to me!”

She responded.

“I’m really sorry for everything.

Please take care of him.”

They headed straight for the school.

While walking to the school, she said

“Daiki, today

you are more cheerful than usual!

Did something happen?”

Wakaba asked.

Wakaba knew about what they would talk about yesterday, but she pretended not to know, which is why she was worried about Daiki’s change.

“Yesterday mother told me all about the reasons for the divorce and everything!

She even told me about my real Dad!

I’m glad I got to hear all that!

But I forgot to ask her what my real dad was like and what his name is!”

Unlike usual, he talked a lot.

He talked all the way through the rest of the day.

Wakaba kept listening until they arrived at the school.

When they arrived at the school and came to the front of the own classroom.

Wakaba said

“Don’t be too hard on yourself, Daiki.

I will never change!

So definitely don’t push yourself!”

She said.

“Thanks, Wakaba!

But don’t worry!

I am not pushing myself!”

And then she went into the classroom.

Wakaba became even more worried about Daiki.

Staring at Daiki’s back, she said

“Daiki, you’re pushing yourself too hard…”

She said sadly to herself.

From that day on, Daiki became brighter and brighter.

“Are you all right, Daiki?”

No matter what the answer.

“I’m fine, Wakaba!”

He would always reply the same.

Daiki became more and more comfortable in the class, and before he knew it, he was seen at the center of the class.

Wakaba, too, grew accustomed to the scene and decided that if Daiki was okay with it, she would continue as usual.

“It’s also my role to watch over my little brother’s growth.”

She had an appointment with Daiki’s mother, so she decided to enjoy her time with her as usual.