Chapter 132: Unchanging Things
After finishing our conversation with Souta, we returned to the living room.
"...So, you've finished talking? Then let's head home."
Confirming just that with Souta, Hisui gave a polite goodbye to my family and left.
Hisui’s attitude toward Souta seemed even colder than usual. She was always rather curt, but there was a subtle difference—something only I would notice.
…Did Souta do something to upset her?
After the two left, we talked again as a family.
"There's still no change in the plan to have a child in order to save Alicia, right?"
"Yeah."
I responded to Dad’s question without hesitation.
There was no doubt in my mind.
"Then, what do you think about Hisui-chan’s proposal?"
"...I want to go along with it. Souta also said he'd help. Of course, that’s assuming Uncle Mitsuhiro gives the okay."
"I see..."
"We feel more at ease with that too. We've known both Souta-kun and Hisui-chan since they were babies, after all."
Both Mom and Dad looked somewhat relieved.
I understood how they felt. Even I could feel the tension inside me starting to loosen.
"But... the idea of marrying Hisui still doesn’t feel real. I keep wondering if someone like her is really good enough for her."
"Well... I don’t think you need to rush into a decision about Hisui-chan just yet."
"Huh?"
I couldn’t help but let out a surprised voice at Mom’s unexpected words.
"It’s not that I’m against your relationship. But you're both still young. You’re going to see and experience so many things from now on. Through that, you might become irreplaceable partners for each other… or, the opposite might happen."
"But then... what about Hisui…?"
I understood what Mom was trying to say.
But would it really be okay to leave Hisui—who’s willing to dedicate herself to me—without giving her an answer?
"If you stay together out of obligation, it won’t last. Forcing something like that will only end up hurting both of you."
I couldn’t argue with Mom’s opinion.
"That’s why, until you both become adults, just stay engaged. That way, it won’t feel like you’re betraying Hisui-chan, right?"
"Y-Yeah..."
"And during that time, face Hisui-chan properly, take the time to truly get to know each other. If, after you both come of age, you still feel like being together, then let’s have a family-only wedding ceremony."
"Then we’ll have to get two wedding dresses ready!"
Yuna chimed in excitedly.
No, I’d rather wear a tuxedo… is what I nearly said, but stopped myself.
When I pictured myself in a tux next to Hisui in a wedding dress, it just felt... ridiculous.
Honestly, Hisui would probably look better in a tux than I would.
...Besides, if I’m going to wear a tuxedo, I’d want Alicia standing next to me.
"Alice… whatever you decide, think it through carefully. No matter what you choose, our family will support you with everything we’ve got."
Dad looked me straight in the eyes, speaking sincerely.
"Let’s save her… Let’s save Alicia."
"Yeah!"
...Thank you, Dad.
After that, I took a bath with Yuna.
There wasn’t really a need for me to be supervised anymore, so there was no obligation to bathe together. But somehow, it had become a habit.
After we washed each other’s backs like usual, I slipped between Yuna’s legs and sank into the tub. She wrapped her arms around me from behind over my shoulders and hugged me tightly.
I didn’t resist and just let my body lean into Yuna’s embrace, letting myself be wrapped in her warm, soft touch.
...If I marry Hisui, would this count as cheating?
It’s just sisterly skinship, so it’s fine.
It’s fine… right? Probably?
"...Onii-chan."
As I was absentmindedly enjoying the warmth, lost in thought, Yuna suddenly called out to me in a strained voice.
"What’s wrong, Yuna?"
I switched into big brother mode and responded.
"Why is it that you’re the only one who has to go through all this pain, Onii-chan?"
"...Pain?"
I wasn’t sure I heard her right, so I asked again.
"Exactly!"
Yuna raised her voice in frustration.
"You suffered so much in the other world, and when you finally made it back, you were turned into a girl. Then you had to part ways with the person you love… and now, even though you found a way to save Alicia, you have to get pregnant and give birth… How is that fair!?"
When she laid it out like that, I realized just how chaotic my life had been.
...But still, I never thought of myself as unlucky.
"...I think I’m pretty fortunate, Yuna. Honestly, I should’ve died a long time ago. But even so, I’m still alive now. I got to see you again."
I gently touched Yuna’s cheek.
"I thought I had to say goodbye to Alicia today and that I’d never see her again... So when I heard there might be a chance to meet her again, I was really happy."
"B-but… still! Alicia’s not your girlfriend anymore!"
"Alicia lived her whole life bound by duty. That’s why I wanted to show her there’s another way to live. …It’s not how I imagined it, but if I can live with her as family, then I’m happy with that."
...Even if our child is destined to leave us one day.
"Onii-chan…"
And I also have a family who worries about me like this.
Souta, Hisui—they care too.
So I’ll be okay.
"Thanks, Yuna..."
She hugged me tightly, enough to almost hurt, and I found comfort in her warmth.
After getting out of the bath, we separated, and I returned to my room alone.
Maybe she thought it’d be better to leave me alone so I could think clearly.
As I lay in bed, all I could recall were the happy memories I’d shared with Alicia.
"Wait for me, Alicia. I’ll save you… no matter what."
I closed my eyes and focused, and I could faintly feel the presence of Alicia’s soul still lingering inside me. Placing a hand over my chest, I made a silent vow.
Then I began thinking about what comes next—but since I hadn’t slept at all the night before, I drifted off almost immediately.
I didn’t dream.
The next day, I told my family that I had decided to accept Hisui’s proposal.
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