Time passed, and then it was time for dinner. When I heard mom calling for dinner, I got out of my room, and Rika, who was in the room next to me, left at the same moment.
We locked eyes, but she ignored me as usual, heading for the stairs—or perhaps this was due to the incident that had occurred earlier in the afternoon.
I moved toward the kitchen as well. It seemed like most days, everyone had dinner together while looking the same—Mom had her usual happy expression, Rika and Tatsu, or dad, seemed upset like always.
Since I knew that schools started early, I thought about going to my room after dinner. Just as I was about to leave the kitchen, something unexpected happened.
"Izumi, how about we get something to drink?
Is he asking me to tag along with him? I assumed he disliked me because whenever I spoke with him, he seemed angry with me for some reason.
It's a request, so I can decline it, right?
"Ok"
I accepted his request because I felt like it was going to be fun.
"You guys want anything?"
"I want orange juice."
"Me too"
"You too?"
"Rika likes it, so why not me?
"Ugh, ok"
We left the house, and the roads were nearly empty, with only one or two vehicles passing by from time to time. I just followed him, wondering what kind of unexpected thing might happen.
"Why are you walking behind me? Come walk together."
He came to a halt and looked in my direction before gesticulating for me to walk alongside him.
"Ok."
We just walked for a while, and neither of us started a conversation but then.
"What caused the swelling on your face?"
"Oh this, Rika punched me for some reason."
"Hahaha, our house is full of scary women."
I can't disagree with that.
"Hmm"
"You know, I am really glad you two are getting along. I was really worried about you when you started avoiding everyone."
I believe he is talking about the previous owner of this body.
"Hmm."
Why is he acting in such a different way than usual?
After that, he said nothing and we continued to walk in that direction. Eventually, he stopped in front of a machine that looked familiar.
I have seen Rika use this machine from time to time. She placed coins inside and proceeded to press the buttons, causing the drink to drop out of the machine for her to take.
What was it called...hmmm, oh, bending machine or was it pending machine?
"Ugh, I forgot my wallet haha, maybe I am really getting old."
"Here, I have brought my wallet."
Thanks to Rika, I now always carry my wallet with me, even in the bathroom.
I took out my wallet from my pocket and passed it to him. Instead of taking the wallet from my hand, he simply watched me without saying anything.
"...Thanks, I will repay you at home."
He asked what I wanted, but since I did not know what to get, I, too, chose 'Orange juice'. I noticed him thinking about something before clicking the orange juice button again.
Once we resumed our walk home, he abruptly struck up a conversation with me once more.
"Izumi you're a good kid. I sincerely apologize for that day. I think what I did that day was wrong, and I should have taken a moment to listen to you calmly first."
What exactly is he talking about?
He continued.
"I did something when I was younger that felt right, but looking back, I realize how bad those things were. I thought you were doing the same thing as me, which is what caused me to act that way—I didn't want you to regret it when you were older."
His words drew my attention, and I tried to think of what kind of bad behavior he was referring to, but nothing came to mind.
"What kind of bad thing did you do?"
"Didn't Mom tell you?"
"I don't think so."
"Oh, perhaps I shouldn't tell you."
How would I be able to understand what you are talking about if you refuse to tell me?
"But I don't think I should keep it a secret from you."
"Ok"
"You see, your grandfather, my father, runs a shady organization, so when I was younger, I idolized him and did a lot of bad things, but as the saying goes, you reap what you sow. Just as I stole important things from others, karma took the most important person out of my life. Ha ha, it took losing my other half to realize that my actions were incorrect. To ensure Rika had a safe life, I severed all ties with my father and moved away. I never thought anyone would be able to fill the gaps in my life, but then I met you and Misaki—I am so glad I have such a lovely family, even though I know I don't deserve it."
Even though he was grinning slightly while he was facing me, but I could feel his aura getting darker.
I considered getting rid him because it felt like he was a problem for me, but I may have been mistaken. So he is trying to live a normal life, just like me.
"So, your schools are starting tomorrow."
That's what everyone is saying.
"Yes, they are."
"Is anyone bullying you at school?"
Bullying?
"No."
"All right, well, but come talk to me if you feel that someone is trying to make you do something against your will or is requesting money from you without cause."
He leaned in toward my ears.
"Your dad may have changed for the better, but that doesn't mean anyone can harm my kids at will."
Then, he moved away from my ears and remarked, "only when it's not your fault," with a little laugh.
So he'll only help me if it's not my fault. What if I told him Lilith was pressuring me for money without cause? Would he still assist me?
"Okay, I will keep that in mind."
We arrived home, and after drinking our orange juices, I went to sleep in my room because I had school the next morning.
*Ring* *Click*
I got up in the morning, put on my uniform, and took my bag, just as Rika had instructed me yesterday. Last night, while I was in my room, Rika knocked on the door and came in to see if I was ready for school tomorrow. When she saw that I wasn't, she first badmouthed me, but then I took hints from whatever help she gave me, such as when she asked if my uniform was ready, making me understand that it is something I have to wear in the morning and bring the bag with the books in it.
After my dressing, I went to the kitchen and ate my lunch, after which my mother gave me a box containing food. I was not sure what it was for, but then I noticed Rika had it in her bag, so I copied her and did the same.
"You both have a nice day."
After putting on the shoes, Rika and I left the house and headed to the station, as I knew our school was in the nearby city.