89 - Ayaka’s Inspiration

RAW

As Haruto walked through the residential streets leading to the Tōjō family’s home, his grandmother's earlier words lingered in his mind.

Considering her age, finding a new job seemed practically impossible. The only feasible option was leveraging her exceptional cooking skills, but Haruto lacked the connections to make that happen.

"Looks like I’ll have to take on the work myself..."

He knew his grandmother would fiercely oppose the idea, but there were no other viable options.

Lost in thought, Haruto realized he had arrived at the familiar mansion. After frequent visits during the summer break, his body seemed to have memorized the way to the Tōjō estate.

Haruto pressed the intercom with practiced ease.

"I’m here."

"Haruto-kun! I’ve been waiting for you. I’ll let you in right now!"

Ayaka’s lively and excited voice came through the intercom, momentarily easing Haruto's troubled mind.

The front door quickly opened, and Ayaka appeared, beaming brightly. She gently tugged on Haruto’s sleeve, inviting him inside. Together, they headed to the living room.

"Are Shūichi-san and Ikue-san at work today?" Haruto asked, glancing around the empty living room.

"Yeah, both of them are working late. I’ll need to pick up Ryōta later."

"Want me to come with you?"

"Really? If you come, Ryōta will be so happy!"

As they chatted, the two sat down side by side on the living room sofa. The moment they sat, Ayaka snuggled up to Haruto, happily wrapping her arms around his.

"Finally, I can recharge with Haruto-kun."

"Recharge? I’m not a nutrient or something."

"To me, Haruto-kun is one of the essential nutrients," Ayaka said, rubbing her cheek against his shoulder while holding his arm tightly.

Haruto glanced at his arm, practically buried against her chest, and let out a wry smile.

"Today at school, it was hard to even approach you," he remarked, trying to keep his composure.

"I know. It’s tough not being able to talk when you’re so close by," Ayaka said, lowering her well-shaped brows with a sigh.

Haruto gently patted her hair, causing Ayaka to relax and lean further into him with a blissful expression.

Though her contentment warmed Haruto’s heart, the weight of his family’s situation continued to gnaw at him.

Should he let his grandmother endure more strain, or should he give up on university and start working right after high school?

His grandmother was his only family. Making her push herself further was painful for Haruto, but working instead of pursuing university might leave her with a lingering sense of guilt.

"What should I do...?"

Haruto let out a small sigh without realizing it.

Noticing this, Ayaka, who had been resting her head on his shoulder, raised her face and looked at him with concern.

"...Haruto-kun?"

"Ah, sorry, it’s nothing," Haruto said hastily, trying to mask his unease with a smile.

But Ayaka’s worried expression didn’t waver.

"I’m sorry... It’s my fault, isn’t it? Because of what I said at school..." she murmured, looking dejected.

Haruto gently pulled her closer and replied in a soft tone to reassure her, "No, Ayaka. My sigh wasn’t about that."

"Then... is there something else bothering you?" Ayaka asked, concern evident in her voice.

Haruto hesitated. Should he involve Ayaka in the struggles of the Ōtsuki family? Wouldn’t that only make her worry unnecessarily?

"Uh... it’s just a minor issue, nothing major," he said evasively.

"Really?"

Ayaka tilted her head slightly, her gaze fixed intently on Haruto. Her captivating beauty at such close proximity made Haruto feel restless, and he averted his eyes.

"Haruto-kun, if it’s something you don’t want to talk about, I won’t push. But if sharing it with me could ease your worries, I’d really like to hear it," Ayaka said carefully, choosing her words with evident thoughtfulness.

Her genuine concern stirred a sense of gratitude in Haruto’s heart. Even so, he couldn’t shake his hesitation.

Ayaka pressed on, her words gentle but firm.

"Right now, you look so anxious. I don’t know if I can help, but if talking to me might make you feel even a little better, please tell me."

After a moment’s hesitation, she added with a bashful yet earnest smile, "After all, I’m your girlfriend. I want to be there for you."

Her heartfelt words deeply moved Haruto. Realizing that he would eventually have to share his dilemma with Ayaka if their relationship continued, he exhaled lightly and confessed his concerns about his grandmother’s situation.

Listening intently, Ayaka’s expression grew more serious.

"So that’s what’s been worrying you..."

"Yeah. University is expensive, and relying solely on scholarships has its limits."

"But you’re at the top of your class, Haruto-kun..."

"Even so, my grandmother insists I go to university. But she’s not young anymore, and I can’t let her overexert herself."

The memory of his grandmother collapsing from heatstroke flashed through Haruto’s mind, sending a shiver down his spine.

"Haruto-kun, I want your grandmother to stay healthy and happy for a long time," Ayaka said, leaning closer.

"Yeah. She’s my only family..." Haruto replied, his voice tinged with vulnerability.

Ayaka held his arm more tightly, her concern and determination palpable. Haruto smiled faintly, feeling a little brighter.

"Thank you, Ayaka."

"You’re welcome. If there’s anything I can do to help—oh!"

Ayaka suddenly gasped, her eyes lighting up with an idea.

"Hey, Haruto-kun, would it be okay if I talked to my parents about this?"

"Huh? Shūichi-san and Ikue-san? I don’t mind, but... why?"

Instead of answering directly, Ayaka quickly typed a message on her phone, her fingers moving at lightning speed. Haruto, unsure of what she had in mind, watched her in silence.

Moments later, her phone buzzed with an incoming call.

"Hello? Dad? Yeah... Right. Uh-huh," Ayaka said, nodding along as she spoke.

"What? Haruto-kun? Yeah, he’s right here. Okay, hold on."

She turned to Haruto with a smile.

"Dad wants to talk to you. Is that okay?"

"Uh, sure..."

Taking the phone, Haruto spoke nervously.

"Hello, this is Haruto speaking."

"Ah, Haruto-kun. Ayaka told me everything. It sounds like you’re going through a tough time."

"Yes... Thank you for your concern."

"No need for apologies. Now, do you have any plans today?"

"No, nothing in particular."

"Good. I’ll be heading home soon. Could you wait with Ayaka until I arrive? I’d like to discuss something."

"Wait, but aren’t you working today?"

"I’ll head back to the office after our talk. It’s a business matter," Shūichi said cryptically.

After ending the call, Haruto returned the phone to Ayaka.

"What did Dad say?"

"He’ll be back in 30–40 minutes. He wants us to wait here."

"What exactly did you tell him?" Haruto asked, still puzzled.

With a shy smile, Ayaka replied, "I’m not sure how it’ll turn out yet, but... I think it’ll be good for both you and your grandmother. And for me too."

Her cheeks turned pink as she added softly, "Because helping you makes me happy."