Things were going so well, how could I stumble upon something like this so suddenly?
We hid ourselves as quickly as we could. Maybe it was thanks to the lack of lighting where we were, both my dad and Minato-san hadn't noticed us.
I didn't want them to notice me and I didn't want to call out to them either.
"That's your dad and his subordinate? …Your dad aside, how did you know about his subordinate?"
"He introduced me to her… Actually, before dinner last night, I bumped into him and we talked for a bit…"
"…I see… So that's why you were acting strange last night…"
"…I'm sorry I didn't tell you about it last night…"
"Well, Yuu was with us, so I understand… But seriously, we came across something troublesome…"
If those two were wearing their suits and Minato-san referred to my dad as 'Chief', then I would approach them and introduce Umi to them.
But seeing them right now, I didn't have the slightest desire to do so.
Umi and I crouched down and watched the two of them talking from a distance.
If only they were holding some documents, I would approach them to say hello, but both of them were empty-handed.
Minato-san was even embracing dad's arm.
"…They seem close…"
"…Yeah…"
I could only see Minato-san's expression from here, but the way she looked at dad… She seemed really happy.
Her smile looked gentle and peaceful, unlike the serious expression she wore yesterday.
She looked like a maiden in love.
"Umi, quick, let's get on the train before they notice!"
"…Are you sure, Maki?"
"Mhm. I don't want to be a bother to both of them. Besides, we're in the middle of a date ourselves, aren't we?"
This wasn't something I was supposed to see, but even if they got into a relationship, it shouldn't matter to me.
It had been almost a year since mom and dad divorced. Dad was good looking and his career was good enough. It wouldn't be surprising if he were to find a new lover.
I had no justification to stop him from getting into a relationship.
…Yeah, this doesn't concern me at all…
"Maki, sorry!"
"Eh?"
I was in the middle of convincing myself, but Umi suddenly hugged me.
My face was squeezed between her glorious cleavage.
"U-Umi?"
"Don't move… Those two are coming…"
"…"
While I was busy convincing myself, it seemed like they walked away from their previous spot. I saw them from the corner of my eye, walking toward the station's entrance.
Thanks to Umi, they wouldn't notice that it was me. My clothes were brand new and I worked quite hard on my hair and such. They would probably mistake us as a random high school couple.
"Sorry, Maki… I know it's hard for you to breathe, but please stay that way for a bit longer…"
"…"
I responded to her with a slight nod.
I'm burying my face inside the chest of the girl that I love. I should be happy, but I can't feel even the slightest happiness from it.
I wish that those two would pass by without noticing me… I prayed as I hugged Umi tightly.
"Maki, hide your face."
Then the couple passed by us.
"Ah, Maehara-san… Over there…"
"Hm? Ah, a high school couple… They're enjoying their youth to the fullest, aren't they?"
"Yes, but doing that kind of thing in a public place like this…"
They were talking about us. We were hugging each other in the shadows, of course we would make a good topic of conversation.
"You guys are the reason why we are doing this… Seriously, adults like them should just mind their own business…"
Umi cursed them in a low voice before tightening her embrace.
I understand her frustration. Normally, we wouldn't be hugging each other in this kind of situation after all.
"…Sorry, Umi."
"Why are you apologizing? This isn't your fault. Rather, it's their–"
"Umi, no. It's not their fault either. We're just unlucky to stumble upon them like this, okay?"
If I didn't bump into him yesterday…
If we didn't extend our karaoke session and went home at the planned time…
We were unlucky…
"Let's go home Umi… We don't want to make Sora-san worry…"
"…Sure, but Maki, are you okay? …Isn't it shocking to see your father…"
"Yeah, of course, but… I'm just glad that he looks well. I was worried that he might feel lonely living by himself…"
"If you say so… But, if anything happens, make sure to talk to me, okay? I might not be able to help, but I'll listen to all your worries…"
"Mm."
After making sure that those two were out of our sight, we quickly got on the train and hurried home.
I was able to make some fun memories, like my first karaoke session with Umi. But in exchange, I had to witness that scene. I guess this was what they called, karma.
* * *
After that, I dropped Umi off at her home. I had to decline Sora-san's invitation for dinner and came back home as soon as I could. I was greeted by my mother who was smoking while drinking coffee in the living room.
"Welcome home. Ah, sorry, I did this again…"
"It's fine, mom, just smoke if you want to. You look so tired, are you okay?"
"Ngh~ Well, since it's the end of the year, I've been really busy… But, there's another matter that I have to take care of…"
Mom always looked energetic even when she was exhausted from her work. But since the beginning of the month, she always seems distressed. The dark circles under her eyes seemed to get darker each day and she was smoking more often.
"By the way, how was your day? Did you have fun with Umi-chan?"
"Yeah, we went to watch a movie, then we had a karaoke session for the first time. It was fun."
"I see. Then, try to keep it up until Christmas, okay? Don't forget to use protection when you both decide to do it, even if it's the holy night, you two–"
"Mom, please, before I kick you out the house again."
Well, she was still meddlesome. I was worried for nothing. If I were to leave her alone, she'll get back to normal eventually.
I'll just have to help her with housework for the time being.
"Ah, by the way, Maki, do you have plans next Friday?"
"It's the first day of the final exam, so no."
We were going to hold a study session before that day, but after that the only plan I had was to study together with Umi on the weekend.
"As expected… Jeez, I've been telling him that he should pick another day, but he just won't listen… I know he is busy with work, but still…"
"Him?"
I had a bad feeling about this.
A certain person came to my mind.
"Sorry, Maki… He wanted to meet you next Friday… Your father…"
"…I see…"
It was about time for us to meet up properly, but his timing couldn't be worse.
I guess I was out of luck today…