SWNOVELXO Chapter 44 - Call my Mother
After admitting to myself that I like Reina, a night has passed…
Finally, I’ve come to realize it.
As I have my morning meal, the events of yesterday come to mind…
“I didn’t sleep much… So, it means I really do like her.”
If it was just yesterday, I might think it was a moment of confusion…
“But if I still think so even after waking up… That means it’s true, right?”
The problem is…
“Now that I realize it, what should I do?”
Should I date her? My boss at work?
Although our company doesn’t prohibit dating… Depending on the situation, one of us could be transferred to another department.
Because it would mix personal feelings into work.
“Hmm… Oh!”
That’s it! That’s it!
“I’m meeting her today, I should consult with Ms. Morishima. If we both consult each other, there should be no problem.”
Just as I finish eating, a message comes in.
“Ah… ‘Can we meet at Shinjuku Station at 3 o’clock?’…”
Impressive… The cafe and the end time are also mentioned.
Does this mean I don’t have to do anything?
“Well, it’s easy, so it’s fine.”
The message also mentions breaking up at 6 o’clock.
Maybe she’s being considerate because it’s Golden Week…
She may really be a thoughtful person.
“In that case… First… Phew…”
It’s heavy on my mind… But I can’t keep running away forever.
Reina, the new job… The junior staff and guidance…
I’ve decided to change, even if it’s little by little.
I muster up the courage… And press the button.
“…Hello?”
“Yuma?… What’s the matter?”
Mom sounds startled…
I can’t blame her… It’s been years since I last called.
“No, I just… I just wondered how you were…”
“Oh, well… I’m fine. Your father has a bit of a backache… Do you want to talk to him?”
“No, it’s okay…”
I’m not ready to go that far yet… Sadly.
“I see… Are you okay? Are you eating properly? How about your days off?”
“Don’t say all that at once… I’m fine. I’m eating properly, and I have days off. I got into a good company.”
“Well, it’s unusual, isn’t it… But I’m glad.”
“…I’m sorry. I’ll contact you more often from now on.”
“…What’s wrong, I wonder?”
“No… I met my sister, and I’ve had a change of heart…”
“Oh, I did get a message that you met… A change of heart… Did you find someone you like?”
“What–!?”
It’s not like that… But it’s similar.
How did she know?
“Oh? Did I hit the mark?”
“Well… There is someone I like… Is it my sister?”
“No, she didn’t tell me anything. I’m your mother, after all.”
“Is that how it is… Well, that’s about it. I’ll contact you again.”
“Thank you for calling, Yuma. It made me happy… I won’t tell your father, okay?”
“Ah, I’d appreciate it. If it caused a fight, I’d hate it. It may take some time for my father… But I’ll go talk to him eventually.”
“…Okay, I understand. I think you should do what you like. Just…”
“I know. You don’t have to side with me. It would make my father upset… So, I’m hanging up.”
“Okay, take care of yourself.”
“Ah… You too, mom.”
And then I end the call…
Immediately after, I collapse on the sofa.
“Phew… I was nervous… I can’t believe I was nervous to talk to my parents… If it’s this bad with mom, what will it be like with dad?… Well, it’s fine. Little by little. I’m not that dexterous.”
In the work to come, I’ll gain more confidence in myself…
And stand before my father as a full-fledged adult.
To be treated as an independent adult…
After that, I spend time playing games and reading novels.
After finishing lunch, I change into casual clothes.
“Alright… Let’s go.”
I walk to the nearest station and get off at Shinjuku Station.
“Ah– Mito Senpai, over here!”
When I exit the ticket gate, I see Ms. Morishima waving her hand.
Her appearance is unexpected.
She’s wearing jeans and sneakers, and a shirt with a hoodie.
I thought she’d dress more girlishly…
Well, I suppose it means I’m not a guy she’s interested in.
“Hello, Ms. Morishima.”
“Hello. Let’s go.”
Ms. Morishima walks away with a lively step.
I quietly follow her.
“You seem… particularly cheerful?”
“Of course. I’m on a date with Mito Senpai.”
…Huh?
Huh? Is this a date?
I thought we were going to talk…
“When a man and woman of our age meet one-on-one– That’s a date.”
“Is that how it is…? Wh-what is happening…”
“Hehe… It’s okay. It’s not that uncommon these days. I’m sorry, I was just teasing you.”
“Spare me… I’m not used to this…”
“Ehehe… Mito Senpai, you’re cute.”
“…That’s the first time I’ve been told that.”
“Then it’s your lucky day. I’m the first…”
“What does that even mean… Tsk…”
…I’m not that nervous…
It’s easy to talk to her… Or rather, I can be myself.
Maybe Ms. Morishima is accommodating me…
That’s what I was thinking…