Volume 3 - CH 5

The day after I met Yuuri and Kanade, I was waiting for someone in front of a building.

“What’s that? Oh, it’s you, Hazuki. What are you doing here?”

“Kana-san, I’m sorry to disturb you. Actually, I have something I want to discuss with you.”

“Ara, what is it? Are you talking about Kouki?”

“Yes, it is. If possible, I would like to talk with you in a place where not many people are around…”

When I said that, Kana pretended to think for a moment and then said, “Hmmm. Then, wait a moment,” she went back inside the building.

This person’s name is Kana Kitajima. She is Kouki’s mother.

Kana-san is a young-looking woman who is so beautiful in my eyes that it is hard to believe that she has a son in his third year of high school.

Kana-san and I have known each other since I was a little girl, and recently I have been visiting Kouki’s house, so she understands my relationship with Kouki.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. I found an open conference room at the office, so let’s talk there for a while. It’s a private room, so we can talk in private without worrying.”

“Yes. Thank you very much.”

I followed behind Kana-san and was led into a plain, bleak room with a table and chairs. Kana-san said, “Wait here for a minute,” and walked out of the room. I had never been in a company conference room before, so I was slightly confused.

“So, what’s up?”

“A, actually…”

I was too scared to say the rest of the words. Then Kana-san gently placed her palm on my trembling hand and said kindly, “Just take your time.”

I don’t know how long it was after that, but I gathered my courage and stared firmly into Kana’s face.

“Actually… I have Kouki-san’s child in my belly.”

Kana-san stared at my face and gave me a stern look.

“Is that true?”

“Yes. I have tried several times with a pregnancy test, and each time the result was positive.”

“But why did you come to me? Shouldn’t you go to Kouki’s place first before coming to me?”

“I went to see Kouki the other day and talked with him.”

“I see. So what did Kouki say?”

“…He told me to get an abortion.”

When I realized I was talking, I turned my head over and stared at the scratches on the table.

Kana, who heard Kouki’s words, remained silent for a long time. But the palm she placed on my hand was very gentle.

“I see. He said that to Hazuki-chan… So what do you want me to do, Hazuki?”

“I want to marry Kouki-san and raise Kouki-san’s child together.”

“I understand how you feel, Hazuki. Because even Kouki was a baby when I was in my third year of high school.”

That’s right. Kouki’s parents were also married as students.

———

“Hazuki is going to go to Kouki’s mother tomorrow and talk to her about the fact that she’s pregnant.”

“To Kouki’s mother?”

“Yes, that’s right. Kouki’s parents also have a history of having Kouki in their midst as a student and getting married. Hazuki also knows that those two used to be bad, right?”

When I was in junior high school, we all went to Kouki’s house to visit him and he showed me old photos Kana-san told me many stories, so of course, I knew about them too.

“Those two are the type of people who really can’t tolerate crookedness. They were the kind of people who would mercilessly beat even the children in other people’s homes if they did something wrong.”

Yuuri said this with a slight smile as if reminiscing about the old days.

“If those two know about your heartfelt feelings and determination, and about Kouki’s wrongdoing toward you, they will definitely take your side. If you are persuaded there, you will have no choice but to have an abortion. So no matter what they say, you have to stick to your idea with all your willpower.”

———

“But, Hazuki. Student marriages are really a hardship. Just because you’re young, it’s going to be hard for you to make money.”

“Yes. I’m prepared for that.”

“Even so, raising a child brings with it a lot of responsibility. People will look at you with a cold shoulder just because you are young. And maybe even your newborn child will be bullied because of it. I don’t know if you can protect them.”

“I will protect you. I will support not only the child that will be born but also Kouki-san.”

Kana stared at me again and fell silent.

Then, she let out a loud sigh and muttered a single word, “I see.”

“Okay, I understand. Then let’s talk this time not only with me but also with his father and Kouki. I’ll check your resolve again there.”

“Thank you…”

“Well, I understand how you feel, Hazuki. When I found out that I was pregnant with Kouki, I was really worried too. It must have been hard to be alone.”

After saying this, Kana-san came next to me and hugged me.

“You have to take good care of yourself. Being stressed is the worst thing that can happen to you.”

———

The process moved very quickly after that, and Kana-san contacted me that evening, and the four of us agreed to discuss the matter tomorrow night.

Most of the discussion was about confirming our intentions.

Yoji-san, Mitsuki’s father, also told me that he was not opposed to us getting married and that he would do his best to support us if we were to have a baby.

At the park, Kouki had told me to get an abortion, but I was very happy that he was there for me that day.

Next, we were going to tell my mom that I was pregnant and that we were getting married, but the day’s discussion ended with Yoji-san saying that all four of us should go to greet her either on Saturday or Sunday.

When I was about to leave, Koki said, “It’s not safe at night, so I’ll walk you home.” This was the first time this had ever happened to me, so I stuttered, but I was very happy.

“Hazuki. I’m sorry I told you to have an abortion at that time.”

“No, it’s okay. It’s okay. Anyone would have been upset if they were told suddenly.”

“I was scared. I was scared. I thought student marriages would only be hard for me. But my parents were very angry with me and said, “How do you feel about Hazuki,” and “Is that okay with you, hurting her because you love her so much?”“

“I see…”

“I, I’ve done a lot of terrible things to get you…”

“No, it’s okay. Because you chose me in the end. I am happy to be able to marry you.”

———

Then on Saturday, the four of us, myself and Kouki’s family, went to my mom to tell her that we wanted to get married. But of course, Mom was against it.

We all got down on our knees and asked her for permission, but she wouldn’t budge.

From the next day, Kouki showed up at our house every day and together we made our request. Then, just in time for the abortion period, Mom finally allowed us to get married.

“Hazuki. I allow you to marry. I don’t know what will happen to you in the future, but you must only take care of the child you gave birth to.”

Mom was not happy about the marriage but had a look of resignation on her face.