The argument between Ailany and Kaori had lasted much longer than I ever imagined. Just when I thought everything had spiraled out of control, the calm voice of Mr. Kazuo called us from the living room.
We sat down on the tatami, facing the low table. The air was tense, though at least no more insults were flying around… for now.
"Haruki," Mr. Kazuo began, his voice firm but composed. "I thought you and Kaori were like siblings. That's why I didn't mind you sharing a room. But I didn't expect things to turn into something like this."
"It's not what you think, Mr. Kazuo!" I rushed to explain. "This is all just a misunderstanding. Ailany saw Kaori wearing my shirt and jumped to conclusions."
"Ailany," Mrs. Miyako added, her tone a blend of disappointment and gentleness, "when I told you they had slept in the same room, I never thought you'd react like this."
"I'm sorry, Grandma," Ailany replied, not meeting their eyes. "But that girl knows exactly what she's doing. She's a manipulator. She knew that if she stayed with him, she'd try something. She controls him like a puppet… and the worst part is, he doesn't even realize it."
"Ailany…" Mrs. Miyako said softly, "We didn't raise you to speak like that. Those words don't suit you."
"I'm just saying the truth! She's a—"
"That's enough, Ailany," Mr. Kazuo interrupted, his voice stern. A faint frown creased his brow. "I won't tolerate any more insults. Not in this house."
"You're really scolding me? Your own granddaughter? And not them, after they took advantage of your hospitality?" she snapped, her fists clenched tight.
"This isn't about scolding you—it's about setting boundaries. I don't want you speaking that way about Kaori," he replied calmly.
Ailany stared at him, stunned.
"You're a master at manipulating without saying a word… You surprise me, Kaori," she spat with quiet fury.
Kaori lowered her gaze slightly, but her tone remained clear and composed.
"I'm not manipulating anyone. I just… I can't sleep without my pajamas. It's something I've had since I was little. But I'm truly sorry for all the trouble since last night. Mr. Kazuo, Mrs. Miyako… and you too, Ailany. I'm really sorry."
"Don't worry, Kaori. We understand," said Mrs. Miyako with a kind smile. "Ailany's just jealous. She's always been very close to Haruki, and now that you're here, she feels pushed aside."
"Jealous?" Ailany scoffed. "She just puts on that sad little face, and everyone falls for it!"
"Ailany, that's enough," Mr. Kazuo said, more sharply now. "You're too old for tantrums. Kaori is apologizing, and the least you can do is show a bit of respect."
He paused, letting out a sigh.
"I remember once, at Hiroshi's house, he told me about that peculiar habit of Kaori's. At the time, I thought it was an exaggeration… but now I see it was true."
"You're really defending her, Grandpa? She's not even family!" Ailany snapped before storming to her feet. "I'm going to my room. I've had enough."
"Excuse me," said Mrs. Miyako with a regretful smile. "I'll go talk to her."
Her silhouette drifted away with a calm but purposeful stride, leaving behind a silence that hung heavy in the room. I didn't know if I should speak… or vanish into thin air.
"…I just think…" I finally said, breaking the oppressive stillness, "maybe you should support your granddaughter a little more. I mean… we're just strangers to you."
Mr. Kazuo looked at me with a tired smile, the kind that comes after many similar conversations.
"That's what you think," he murmured, lowering his voice. "But I was good friends with Hiroshi—your grandfather. And I also knew your…"
He trailed off, his eyes drifting somewhere into the past.
"You knew who?" I asked curiously.
Kazuo chuckled faintly.
"Let's just say… an old friend," he replied evasively.
"I see…" I nodded, even though I didn't. But I didn't push.
He stretched slightly and then stood up.
"Well… it's been quite a morning. How about coming with me to check on the crops? You can tell me what really happened… and how Kaori ended up with your shirt."
"Y-yeah… sure," I answered nervously.
"She can come too," he added, glancing at Kaori.
"Eh? Me?" Kaori blinked in surprise.
"Of course. But if you'd rather stay, you can wait here for Miyako to return."
"No, I'll go. Though… I doubt I'll be much help," she replied with a shy smile.
And so, after all the drama, we headed out to the fields with Mr. Kazuo. While he inspected a row of tomatoes, we tried to explain what had happened… or rather, a version that wouldn't cause more chaos. Kaori was shockingly convincing. I had no idea she could lie so naturally. Even Mr. Kazuo nodded along with an "Ah, I see," that eased my nerves a little.
I'm not sure if it was the right thing to do… but for now, at least, things seemed calm.
Eventually, we returned to the house. A delicious aroma wafted through the window slats, welcoming us back. As soon as we entered, I saw Ailany and Mrs. Miyako setting the table for breakfast.
I looked at her… but she quickly turned away. As if I weren't even there.
"Smells wonderful, doesn't it?" Mr. Hanabira commented, trying to lighten the mood.
"It really does, Mr. Kazuo. I don't know what I'll do when I leave… I'll miss your cooking so much, Mrs. Miyako," I said honestly.
"Kaori, is something bothering you?" Mr. Kazuo asked, noticing her expression.
"…It's just that the smell of the food reminds me of my mother," Kaori murmured.
"I'm glad you like it. Go wash your hands so we can eat," Mrs. Miyako replied with a warm smile.
We ate in silence. The food was delicious, but the atmosphere was… tight. When we finished, Kaori offered to help clear the table with Mrs. Miyako.
That was my chance.
"Ailany…" I said softly, gently taking her hand. "Can we talk? Please. I'm not trying to upset you… just give me a moment. If you still want me gone after that… I'll disappear from your life."
She looked at me. I couldn't tell if it was sadness, anger, or something else in her eyes… but she nodded.
"…Alright. Let's go to my room."
To my surprise, before we left, she walked over to Mrs. Miyako and said:
"We're going to check the greenhouse."
I looked at her, puzzled. Without a word, she gave me a serious look. One that clearly meant: Haruki, don't say a thing. So I obeyed. Honestly, she's kind of scary when she's mad.
Kaori, having heard everything, stepped forward too.
"I know you're upset with me… but could you tell me where the greenhouse is? I want to come find you later and clear up this misunderstanding. I don't want things to stay this way between us, Ailany," she said, sincerely.
"Don't worry. Once you're done, you can go to them. I'll tell you where the greenhouse is," Mrs. Miyako added with a calm smile.
"Alright, then we'll be going. He's got a lot to explain to me, doesn't he?" said Ailany, gripping my arm tightly. Her eyes, though proud, still shimmered with a quiet, unresolved resentment.
And so, at last… the moment I had been waiting for finally arrived.