In the context of the history project, both of us performed exceptionally well, and we received an outstanding grade from Mrs. Hinoshi, who awarded us an A+ on the project. While some of us received good grades, others received satisfactory grades, and a few of us received poor grades, which we all hoped to avoid but desired to achieve a good grade to pass. As the minutes passed, the leaves began to fall from the tree. I observed the leaves falling as they descended, and I wondered what the tree leaves felt and what they meant. Naturally, I anticipated another season, but I had learned that plants possess emotions. I pondered whether the falling leaves conveyed any negative emotions.
I was momentarily distracted from my thoughts when my childhood best friend, Fuuto, smiled at me and inquired,
"Would you like to do something this afternoon? Perhaps we could have ramen?" He had his hands resting on the bottom of his neck and maintained a smile.
Honestly, I had not consumed ramen in months and was now craving it.
"Certainly, why not?" I replied. "Let's have ramen after school."
"Excellent! You will pay for the food," Fuuto said with a smile. He was delighted and eventually expressed his gratitude to me.
"What?" I was surprised by Fuuto's request that I pay for the food. I had not anticipated that he would expect me to cover the cost. As I was about to respond, Ayu arrived on our way and interrupted me.
"Hello, Daisuke," Ayu smiled at me, expressing her excitement to engage in conversation and maintain our friendship.
Everyone was astonished by the unexpected camaraderie between the charming and intelligent Ayu and a person like me. Even Fuuto appeared perplexed by the sudden turn of events. He recalled the phone call I had made to him that night, expressing my apprehension about Ayu being present at her residence while working on the project. However, I was relieved that I was not nervous about seeing her, not anymore, as we were now friends. Ayu approached a vacant chair and placed it next to me,
Causing the other boys in class to harbor feelings of jealousy and anger. In my mind, I contemplated the situation.
"What is the matter with them? We were just friends."I express that sentiment internally.However, I suppose there is nothing I can do about it, as I reflect on Ayu.
"Hey, Ayu. It is good to see you again." I was delighted to see Ayu.
We have been friends for the past two weeks, and it has been the best time with Ayu. There have been some instances when I have had to leave Fuuto and have lunch with Ayu. We were talking and laughing, just as we would do as friends. However, Fuuto made an unpleasant face at me, as if he was somewhat upset with me. I suppose he has come to understand why I leave him at lunchtime sometimes.
"Ahem." Fuuto made a throat-clearing sound to draw my attention and wanted me to introduce him. I did not want to be rude, so I introduced my friend to Ayu.
"Ayu, this is my friend, Fuuto Kobayashi. I have known him since we were children."
"Oh hello, I am Ayu Takahashi." She was being courteous as she extended her hand to shake Fuuto's. As they shook hands,
"Hello, and yes, I am aware of who you are. Everyone here in high school knows you, but it is nice to meet the most intelligent person in high school." Fuuto introduced himself to Ayu.
"Aww, come on. I am not the only intelligent person here. There are many others around us." Ayu responded.
Ayu expressed discomfort with being referred to solely as the most intelligent student in high school. She felt that this perception diminished her efforts and the efforts of her peers. While her sentiment was understandable, she simply wanted to be treated equally.
After some contemplation, I approached Ayu with an idea. I inquired if she would be interested in joining Fuuto and me for ramen after school.
"Hello Ayu, I have a question for you. Would you like to join us for ramen after school?"
"That sounds delicious, especially the satisfying end of the meal. I would like to go."
"Great! We will have ramen after school."
I recall a previous conversation with Ayu, during which I mentioned her fondness for ramen. It had been approximately three years since she had last enjoyed a bowl.
"Alright, then that settles well. We can go together after school."
"Indeed, we will." Fuuto, as usual, engaged in playful banter.
"No, we are not on a date!"
"No, we are not!" We both exclaimed in unison, but this was quickly forgotten as we headed to the ramen restaurant after school.
It was an afternoon when the school bell rang, signaling the end of classes. As we exited the school, we walked together towards the ramen restaurant. During our walk, Ayu and Fuuto were engrossed in conversation, which I found heartwarming. It was evident that they were enjoying each other's company.
One day, Fuuto expressed a desire to be friends with anyone who was friends with me. He had initiated the conversation with Ayu, despite already knowing her in school. He genuinely wanted to know her better. However, as he conversed with her, he noticed my awkward expression and anticipated that I would respond with embarrassing remarks or questions.
"So Ayu,Did you know that Daisuke mentions you during our lunch breaks?"
"Fuuto, please be quiet!" As I covered his mouth, it was too late for him to utter his words. However, Ayu was giggling, and we both shared in her amusement.
"Aww, I didn't realize I was too good a friend for you, Daisuke," she smiled at me and continued walking.
"Yeah, hehe, friends," I feigned laughter, then placed Fuuto's head on my shoulders to prevent Ayu from noticing my intentions.
"You never cease to talk, Fuuto," I whispered, slightly upset. Fuuto gently removed my hand as I covered his mouth.
"Sorry, sorry. This is incredibly enjoyable. Come on, let's keep walking. She's walking too quickly."
We both attempted to catch up with Ayu, who was walking at a brisk pace. Occasionally, I find Fuuto's behavior rather irritating, as he has exhibited it since our childhood.
While he can be goofy and annoying, he is also a good friend of mine.
As we arrived at the ramen restaurant, we all settled down, ready to order our meals.
The chef's cooking style was captivating. He skillfully prepared our ramen right in front of our seats, not only showcasing his culinary expertise but also enticing us with the enticing aroma emanating from the dish. Ayu, who had not consumed ramen in three years, expressed her excitement with a radiant smile.
As the chef completed his work, he divided the ramen into three bowls and presented them to us. We eagerly began our culinary journey, savoring the rich broth, tender noodles, and delectable toppings such as naruto and bowling eggs. The ramen was a symphony of flavors, each ingredient contributing to its unparalleled taste.
As I relished the final bites of the ramen, it transported me back to my last ramen experience. The memory of that perfect dish, with its harmonious blend of flavors, lingered in my mind, evoking a sense of nostalgia and contentment.
The chef who prepared the ramen was delighted to observe our enjoyment of his creation. When a customer expresses satisfaction with a meal, it serves as a testament to its quality, and the chef finds joy in witnessing such positive reactions from his patrons. One aspect of his job that brings him immense fulfillment is witnessing the happiness of his customers and crafting his signature ramen.
As we savored the ramen, Fuuto expressed a desire to learn more about Ayu. As they engaged in conversation, it became evident that they were developing a rapport. This was particularly gratifying for me, as Ayu's ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds is a remarkable trait.
"What about you, Fuuto? What can you share about yourself?" Ayu inquired.
"I am uncertain if you are interested in learning about me, as I tend to be drawn to enigmatic individuals."
"Come on, I have already shared my personal information. It would be fair if you reciprocated."
"Alright, I will tell you about myself. Where do I even begin?"
Fuuto pondered before eventually finding a topic to discuss.
"I was born in Tokyo, naturally. My father is Japanese, and my mother is from Paris."
"Wait! Your mother from Paris? That is extraordinary!" Ayu exclaimed, interrupting Fuuto as he spoke. She was surprised to learn that her mother was from a foreign country.
"Yes, she is. My mother can be quite strict at times, but I have grown accustomed to her discipline. However, I have a passion for cooking and aspire to become a chef, just like my grandfather."
"That is incredibly impressive, Fuuto!" Ayu was genuinely impressed by Fuuto's aspirations.
"I was inspired by my grandfather, who lies in a grave and is no longer physically present with me. Fuuto's expression became somber as he looked down, recalling the passing of his great-grandfather.
"I am sorry for your loss, Fuuto," Ayu offered her condolences, patting Fuuto's back as she felt a sense of empathy for his grief.
I recall Fuuto's deep affection for his grandfather. He was a renowned chef who owned a five-star restaurant in Paris. Fuuto cherished the opportunity to cook alongside his grandfather and found him to be a strict mentor, unlike his mother. Fuuto's primary desire was to learn his grandfather's exceptional culinary skills.
In one memorable instance, Fuuto expressed his admiration for his grandfather's knife, which belonged to his father. He promised to pass it down to Fuuto when he was ready. During their summer vacations, Fuuto would spend time with his grandfather, whether it was learning to cook or simply seeking companionship. However, the past four years had been marked by Fuuto's battle with lung cancer, and his condition progressively worsened.
As Fuuto's grandfather passed away, his grandmother sought solace in Fuuto's presence. Fuuto approached her grandmother's room with respect, placing his knee on the ground. As they spoke about his grandfather, Fuuto's grandmother presented him with a rectangular box in black, adorned with a red ribbon. Upon opening it, Fuuto discovered a photograph of his grandfather, holding a knife that Fuuto used in the kitchen.
A small note was attached to the photograph,
As Fuuto read it, He expressed his pride in Fuuto as a great son, encouraging him to persevere in his culinary pursuits despite the challenges they posed. Fuuto also shared a cherished memory from his birth, expressing his gratitude for having a grandson like him.
Fuuto's eyes filled with tears as his grandmother embraced him. From that moment forward, Fuuto dedicated himself to further honing his culinary skills.
"Don't be sad," Fuuto said with a smile. "I will always cherish the memories we shared with him."
As the evening drew to a close, Fuuto and his grandmother bid farewell, acknowledging the late hour. Despite the bittersweetness of the occasion, Fuuto remained steadfast in his pursuit of culinary excellence.
Despite having a satisfying meal, Fuuto inadvertently forgot about his dinner with his parents and their grandmother visiting. Consequently, he will likely be much fuller than he was after enjoying a delicious and worthwhile ramen. As we were walking home, Fuuto separated from Ayu and me.
"Goodbye, guys," Fuuto waved as he continued his walk home.
"Hey, Fuuto!" Ayu called out to him. Fuuto turned around and saw Ayu.
"Your grandfather would be proud of you," Ayu smiled. Fuuto smiled back.
Fuuto expressed a desire to spend more time with Ayu and the three of us. Perhaps we could plan to hang out when we have free time. Ayu seemed to enjoy the idea and suggested making plans during school breaks. After school, Fuuto waved goodbye and continued his walk home. I walked with Ayu.
"You have an amazing best friend like him, Daisuke," Ayu said.
"Yes, he is. He is like a brother to me," I replied, scratching my head.
"I hope I can talk to him again," Ayu said with a smile.
"Um, do you have any feelings for him by any chance?" I asked, feeling a bit concerned.
"What! No, I see him as being friends with him. He is just an interesting person to talk to. Besides, he looks like he can talk to anyone," Ayu said, maintaining her serious demeanor.
"Oh, I meant, I was observing that you seemed to be interested in him talking a lot,"
"Hey Ayu, If you were in a relationship, what type of person would you like that person to be? What is your ideal partner?" I ask this question with a touch of nervousness.
"Why do you ask? Are you trying to ask me out?" Ayu inquires, her gaze fixed on mine as she inched closer.
"It's just a question!" I exclaim, my voice slightly shaky.
"I'm just teasing you," Ayu responds her playful demeanor momentarily fading.
"I want someone authentic, someone who knows their desires and values, and most importantly, someone who loves themselves and is there for their partner. Someone who will not leave them alone." Ayu expresses herself, her eyes reflecting the sky.
Her beauty is undeniable, with her radiant eyes and captivating smile. This feeling in my chest is akin to a rapid heartbeat, a palpitation of my heart as if it is warming up in anticipation of being with Ayu, showing her how much I care. She is an angel, and I am fortunate to have her as a friend.
As time passes, the adage "time flies when you're having fun" holds. Two months have passed since I spent my days with Ayu and Fuuto, filled with laughter, shared experiences, and mutual support. We were there for each other through thick and thin, and I cannot imagine my life without them.
After school, students return home or participate in extracurricular activities such as soccer, acting, or other clubs. We typically meet at the front gate, waiting for Ayu to arrive. Fuuto had a family reunion and could not be late, as his mother would be distressed if he were tardy.
"I'll see you next week, Daisuke," Fuuto says.
"Yeah, same thing. Be careful on your way home," Fuuto and I exchange a handshake and bid each other farewell.
Fuuto proceeds home, and I remain searching for Ayu. I have checked the classroom, the library, and the gymnasium, but she is nowhere to be found.
As I was observing a group of students near the gymnasium, I overheard a student exclaim,
"AYU, WILL YOU BE MY GIRLFRIEND?"
It was as if he were expressing something a man would say in a romantic context.
I was peeking into a pit, and there she was, Ayu, in front of a gentleman bowing respectfully. I was looking down, touching my chest, and my anxiety was rising with worry that Ayu would reciprocate the gentleman's advances.
"This is it, it's all over. I'm so foolish not to ask her out. If she says yes, I will respect her decision. I am uncertain, but at the same time, I do not wish for this to transpire. Please cease." I was internally expressing these thoughts to myself.
In response to Ayu's response, I abruptly left the situation, disinclined to learn her further. I continued running to my orchestra class, which I had been eagerly anticipating. As I entered the room, I found myself drawn to the piano, a place. where I felt a profound sense of peace. Playing the piano had always brought me solace, and I had been playing since middle school.
Reminiscing about the piano and my mother, I gently touched the keys, exercising my fingers as I prepared to begin playing. As I played, I closed my eyes and felt her presence beside me, holding my hands. While playing the piano for approximately ten minutes, someone entered the hallway, heard the music, and gradually opened the door. I continued playing, fully engrossed in the music.
Unaware of the door opening, I remained oblivious to the presence of someone entering the orchestra room. As I played, Ayu entered, listening and watching me with an emotional expression that mirrored my own. Slowly, I finished playing, wiping away tears and feeling a mix of sadness and happiness.
"Mom..." I mumbled, sniffling and wiping away my tears.
"That was beautiful," Ayu replied, smiling behind me.
I turned around to face her, startled to discover her presence.
"I apologize for startling you," she said. "I didn't intend to frighten you. I was hoping to find you walking home together."
"How did you locate me here?" I asked, trying to calm my racing heart.
"First, I received a text message from Fuuto informing me that he had already left and that you were searching for me. I attempted to call you, but you were unresponsive. I then proceeded to our classroom, but you were not there. I inquired with Fuuto if you could have been in an orchestra class, and I also noticed you running away on the side of the gymnasium earlier." Ayu explained her actions.
As I paused, I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me as she revealed that she had observed my presence and noticed my interest in the incident.
"So, um, are you going out with him?" I inquired, averting my gaze.
Ayu fell silent, momentarily taken aback by the possibility that I had overheard and witnessed her actions.
"Well, I rejected him," she confessed, her cheeks flushing. She glanced at the side as well, as if seeking solace in the shadows. I, too, looked at her, but I was perplexed by her sudden blush.
"Because I have feelings for someone else," she repeated, her blush intensifying.
"Ah, I see," I thought to myself, a hint of sadness creeping into my thoughts as she shared this news.
"A-anyways, I don't wanna talk about it anymore," she said, reluctantly taking a seat next to me. We both fell into a comfortable silence, and slowly, she turned to face me.
"So, where did you learn how to play the piano? It sounds beautiful," she asked, her fingers gently touching the piano keys. "It even evoked a sense of emotion within me when you were playing. It was quite moving."
"My mother is the one who taught me how to play the piano," I explained. I continued to recount my past experiences of learning the piano to Ayu, but it occurred when I was a child, at the age of seven.
Even though it happened a long time ago, my mother still enjoys playing the piano whenever she has free time. My mother's passion for playing the piano began when she heard a beautiful noise emanating from the living room.
I was peeking in when I saw the enchanting sound, which instantly brought me peace. She noticed me and asked if I would like to join her. I nodded eagerly and ran beside her. She played the beautiful melody of the piano, and I felt as though there was no one else in the world, just the piano, my mother, and me in this peaceful sanctuary. I inquired if she would teach me to play as beautifully as she did, and she smiled at me.
"As long as my child is happy, I will teach you Daisuke," she replied. As my mother patted my head, she began to teach me.
During my seventh-grade year in middle school, there was a talent show at school where students showcased their exceptional talents. I was eager to participate and particularly wanted to demonstrate my proficiency on the piano to my mother. I rushed to the kitchen and informed her about the talent show, but she informed me that she had work that day. I was disappointed that she would not be able to attend, as I would feel nervous if she were not present.
"There is no need to be afraid, my sweetheart," she reassured me. "When you step onto that stage playing the piano, feel
the peace that envelops you.
You will not only experience peace, but you will also sense my presence beside you. I promise to do my best to attend." My mother's embrace dispelled my sadness and filled me with happiness. I cherish my mother deeply, As she consistently comprehends my emotions, particularly when I am experiencing sadness.
She consistently finds solutions to make me happy and comprehends my emotions. As the time arrived, several students showcased their talents, including dancing, magic tricks, singing, and more. I was searching for my mother, but she was absent. Only my aunt Yumi and my younger sister Ren were present, eagerly anticipating my performance. My father had a work trip and would not be able to attend, but he assured me that he would watch the video recording sent by Aunt Yumi.
My anxiety gradually rose, reaching a peak as I attempted to calm myself down. The counselor announced my name, signaling my turn to perform. The audience erupted in applause as I slowly made my way to the stage, preparing to showcase my talent. I exercised my fingers, ready to play.
Meanwhile, as the rain began to fall, my mother excused herself from work early and drove to school as quickly as possible.
I played the piano with a serene and beautiful expression, captivating the audience and creating a sense of tranquility. I felt as though I was playing the piano with my mother by my side, her presence filling me with a sense of peace and comfort. It was as if she were there with me, guiding me through the moments she had taught me to play the piano and instilling in me the importance of cherishing life.
As my anxiety subsided, I felt a sense of tranquility enveloping me, accompanied by my mother's presence. It felt tangible, as if she were truly there with me, just as she had been during those moments of guidance and joy. My mother was approaching school, and my aunt began calling her. She heard the phone ring and struggled to reach it as the rain intensified and thunder rumbled. Her phone slipped from her seat as she attempted to grasp it, and she looked down to retrieve it.
The traffic light turned red, and she continued driving, searching for her phone. However, as soon as she had it in her hand, she noticed a bright light beside the car. The car was obstructing her path and honked at her.
In a harrowing incident, a car accident occurred, resulting in severe injuries to my mother. A truck, a grey-colored vehicle, collided with her car, causing it to turn over repeatedly. Despite her efforts to free herself, she sustained significant injuries, including limited mobility and a broken arm. Tragically, a semi-truck blocked her path, leading to her demise in the accident.
Amidst the chaos, I continued playing the piano, unaware of the unfolding tragedy.
As thunder rumbled, the crowd applauded my performance, bringing a sense of joy to me. However, I was unable to locate my mother.
The counselor announced the winner of the talent show, revealing that there were three talented individuals, two girls and one boy, from the same grade. As the counselor prepared to announce the winner, both the other two contestants were offering monetary prizes, while I remained uninvolved. My primary motivation was to showcase my piano skills and express my love for music, particularly for my mother.
Suddenly, the counselor called my name, proclaiming me the winner of the contest. The crowd erupted in applause, and the counselor presented me with a trophy. However, an unsettling sensation lingered on my right shoulder, as if someone had placed a hand on me. Turning around, I found no one in sight, not even the counselor. This peculiar occurrence left me puzzled and unsettled.
Upon returning home, we were met by a police officer in front of our house. My aunt instructed us to remain in the car and observe the situation. She exited the vehicle, and I could not comprehend the conversation due to the ongoing rain. At that moment, my aunt gently lowered both knees and began to cry. Later, she informed us of my mother's untimely death in a car accident.
The news shattered me, leaving me devastated and bereft. The once cheerful and lively me was now consumed by sadness and depression. I was unable to smile again, and the absence of my mother left an indelible void in my life. I was unaware of my father's whereabouts during this difficult time. I recall Aunt Yumi informing us that my father had left us, and she had assumed the role of our guardian, along with my younger sister, Ren.
In retrospect, I question whether I felt anger towards my father for abandoning us during this tragic time. Indeed, I am grateful for the presence of Aunt Yumi in our lives. However, I must admit that I was initially perplexed by my father's decision to leave us.
Despite our deep love and affection for him, similar to our mother's, it appears that he did not reciprocate those feelings. Consequently, a week after his departure, my sister, REN, and I began spending our days at Aunt Yumi's residence. During this time, we both grappled with the profound sadness of our mother's absence. I found it challenging to interact with Aunt Yumi, and I avoided social interactions at school, seeking solace in solitude.
However, a few months later, I had the pleasure of meeting Fuuto. He is a remarkable individual who relocated from France with his father, who is from Tokyo, Japan, while his mother is from France but possesses proficiency in Japanese due to her father's upbringing. Despite our diverse backgrounds, Fuuto and I quickly formed an unbreakable bond. His infectious energy and ability to bring joy to others made him an invaluable companion. He possesses a genuine listening ear and a compassionate spirit, qualities that I deeply appreciate.
Ayu felt remorseful about my past experiences and my mother's passing. I firmly believe that if my mother were still alive, my life would have taken a different trajectory. I was holding his hand and squeezing it tightly, feeling a sense of inadequacy after her mother's death.
"I no longer feel worthy of playing the piano because of my mother's passing," I confessed to her, tears welling up in my eyes.
"Daisuke, please do not say that. Your mother would have wanted to see you play the piano, regardless of the circumstances. She believed that playing the piano was a way to bring joy, peace, and happiness to others, allowing you to create cherished memories with her and keep her spirit alive." This is Ayu's unwavering belief.
As she spoke, holding my hand to provide warmth and comfort, not in a sexual manner, but out of concern for my well-being, I noticed the sadness in her eyes. I gently wiped away her tears and looked into hers.
"Don't cry, Daisuke. Everything will be alright. You don't need to worry. I know that my mother would not want me or Ren or anyone else to be sad."
I smiled reassuringly, trying to alleviate her distress.
"Besides, I still have people who care for me deeply, such as Fuuto, Ren, my aunt Yumi, and of course, you, Ayu. You are the reason that keeps my days going and what it means to be alive. I will never forget my mother, but I must move forward and find happiness."
As I looked into Ayu's eyes, feeling a sense of solitude, I realized that it was time to confide in her about my feelings for her. I was ready, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves. It was his first time asking a girl, and I knew that if I did not tell her now, someone else might take her, especially that person who harbors feelings for her. I wanted to make this moment special and cherish it with her.
we have spent two wonderful months becoming friends. We have shared countless memories and have grown to know each other quite well. However, I yearned to delve deeper into her life and discover more about her. If she reciprocates my feelings, I am eager to embark on this new journey with her, knowing that I have gained a deeper understanding of her.
Regardless of the outcome, I would proceed with this path and confide in her.
"Ayu, we have known each other for two months, and it has been one of the best experiences of my life. I want to spend the rest of my life with you." I was as nervous as I was excited.
"Daisuke, what are you trying to say?" Ayu asked.
"Ayu, I was wondering if you would like to be my girlfriend. Please go out with me." Daisuke nervously looked at Ayu. She was looking directly at me with a smile.
"Remember when I mentioned to you that I like someone from this school, Ayu? I want to be with him. I like him."
"Oh...yeah, I'm sorry for asking Ayu." I looked down, feeling sad. I had to respect her decision.
"Gosh, Daisuke, it's you silly!" she playfully scolded me.
Ayu held my face and kissed me on the lips. I was shocked. Just kissing Ayu's lips felt soft.
"Since when did you like me, Ayu?" I asked, curious and shocked.
"Well, I'll tell you later, but there are so many things that make me happy about you. You are different from anyone else. You don't look at me like I am in school. You just look at me as a normal person talking to me normally and making me laugh. And honestly, I want that."
With all due respect, I genuinely do not perceive that from her. Ayu is an intelligent and popular girl in high school. However, I genuinely view her as a normal individual and desire to engage in a conversation with her as a normal person.
"I solemnly promise you that I will not fail you and will unwaveringly support you in any endeavor, no matter what, as your boyfriend." I gently kissed her soft hands, and Ayu blushed with joy at the words I had spoken. I smiled, rose to my feet, and noticed that it was growing late. I intended to take Ayu home.
"Come on, let us depart and prepare to go home," I said as I rose. I assisted her to her feet as I stood up.
"Okay," Ayu smiled.
We both exited school and were prepared to return home, with great happiness. However, at that moment, as we exited the front gate from school, a mysterious individual was observed inside the school on a second-floor window, gazing into the distance. Ayu held my left arm and walked towards the gate. I failed to notice the individual observing us. However, the individual who was staring at us had long, black hair and glasses, suggesting that he was intelligent. We had never noticed him watching us from a distance. I left Ayu at the train station and proceeded home, feeling content with the events that transpired after school.
"Daisuke, I was deeply concerned about your whereabouts, young man. Have you ascertained the time? It is quite late," Aunt Yumi exclaimed, expressing both worry and upset.
I had been late returning home, had not called her, or informed her of my plans after school.
"I apologize, Aunt Yumi," I said. "I was playing the piano because I wanted to remember my mother and not forget how remarkable she was. I wanted to see her beside me while I played."
Aunt Yumi fell silent and embraced me.
"I understand, my child," she said. "However, please inform me in the future that I am responsible for you and Ren. Just because your children are older does not entitle you to act as you please. You and Ren are the only things that truly matter to me, okay, Daisuke?" As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes. I approached Aunt Yumi and embraced her.
"Oh, Daisuke, I miss your mother every day," she said.
"Me too, Aunt Yumi," I said. "I miss my mother every moment of my life, but that is not the reason for my tardiness."
"Daisuke, please refrain from engaging in actions that you may regret in the future."
"What? No, Aunt Yumi. Well, the fact is that I have finally reached the opportunity to ask my crush to be my girlfriend." I exclaimed, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
"What?!", Ren exclaimed, overhearing the conversation and startling Daisuke.
"Hey, when did you?" I abruptly ceased my inquiry to Ren, who was engaged in gossip.
"Oh my goodness, Daisuke! What wonderful news, my dear! Congratulations!" she patted my head. In the end, I explained the circumstances and how I had the opportunity to become your boyfriend.
"Ren, what did you say about getting rejected?" I reminded Ren of what she had told me previously.
"Oh, please," Ren responded, momentarily embarrassed that I was now with Ayu. She was upset that I had to bring up the past.
Regardless of the outcome, I hope that things turn out well. Time heals all wounds, and I am confident that nothing will go awry.