Nyanta & Pomeko

Chapter 40: House

"You know, Tanaka san and Yamada san are really good together."

"Is that so?　That dull Yamada?"

"That's how it is!　Makoto, you're dull too, you know that?"

"Oh, I believe I'm not .......that. U-uhm.....Come to think of it, Tanaka-san really likes Tetsuro."

"Hey!　There was a Tetsuro key chain on her bag."

When Anri and I are alone during the school day, we can't stop talking.

　Of course, there are times when we don't talk. But it's never an awkward silence.

　It's a peaceful atmosphere that I like very much.

　I love it when we have dinner together at home, or when I see Anri off at her house.

Fufu ...... So you're going to your parents' house today. ...... Makoto, if anything happens to me, please call me right away."

"Haha, I'm just going to get my stuff. It's only ...... slightly awkward, so it shouldn't be a problem."

　I walked Anri off to her house.

　We're already at the door, but we're still standing around talking to each other, as if we haven't talked enough.

　Speaking of which, I've been spending a lot of time with Anri lately. It's rare that I don't spend time with Anri after school.

"If you go home unexpectedly, they will be suprised so you have to call them. Oh, t-that's right. Hey, Can I......call you tonight?"

　I have contacted my stepmother via message.

"I understand. I'll be waiting." I couldn't read any emotion in the text.

"C-calling me. ...... Y-yeah, I never talked to you on the phone. ...... Okay, I'll definitely call you today. What time–"

　We promised to call in the evening, and Anri finally went into her house.

　I watched her until the door closed.

"Alright—-"

　I gave myself a little pep talk. I had to do this, otherwise I didn't feel like I could go home.

　...... I'll go back to my grandfather's house, drop off my bag, and get that thing I bought at Destiny's.

　I walked quickly into action.

　I'm standing on the doorstep of my parents' house.

　I was wondering if I should press the intercom in this case.

　...... The last time I saw my stepmother, she was crying.

　I don't know what kind of look I should give her.

　...... Yeah, I have a key to the house, so let's just go in like normal.

　I opened the front door.

"...... I'm home."

　...... There was no response.

　I looked at the shoes and saw that Haruka had already come home.

　The front door looks the same as it did when I left. That's understandable. It hasn't been that long since I left.

　I took off my shoes and went to go upstairs, wondering why there was no answer.

　Maybe my stepmother doesn't want to see me.

　...... Let's get my stuff and get out of here.

　My bankbook, personal seal, and insurance card are stored in the back of the living room.