Chapter 74: It's not the end yet
I yawned as another day in the cottage with Hello Happy World began. Only two days left until the new year, and yet, I found myself caught in the midst of the band's energetic antics.
As I opened the door to the hallway, I was greeted by the sight of Kokoro running with Misaki hot on her heels.
"Hey! Come back here! Give me that!"
"Hahaha~ Catch me if you can, Misaki!~"
It was still early in the morning, and the two were already engaged in a lively game of tag.
Sighing, I closed the door, intending to retreat back to my room for some peace. However, the inviting aroma of croquettes lured me toward the kitchen. There, I found Hagumi cooking and couldn't resist approaching her.
"Good morning!" I greeted.
"Oh! Good morning! Did the smell of my croquettes give you a bit of energy?"
"How'd you know that?!"
Not gonna lie... it smelled really good.
Hagumi widened her eyes and chuckled, "Kyo-kun, you still have bed head, you know? Also... you're drooling."
"Hey, don't blame me. I want to eat already!"
"Really? That's great!"
We exchanged smiles, but our moment was interrupted by Misaki, who gave us a blank stare.
"Why are you two acting like newlyweds?"
Silence ensued until I jokingly dropkicked Misaki in the head – metaphorically, of course. Hagumi and I immediately looked away, and I cleared my throat.
Hagumi and I immediately looked away, clearing our throats. "How about we eat now? I'm seriously hungry."
I stole a glance at Hagumi, and she, too, seemed a bit flustered, her attention fixed on the croquettes.
"Uhm... Kitazawa-san? Is it just me, or are your croquettes turning black?"
Hagumi noticed it and was immediately startled.
Hagumi's eyes widened as she turned her attention to the croquettes sizzling in the pan. A tinge of panic crossed her face.
"Uhm... Kitazawa-san? Is it just me, or are your croquettes turning black?" I pointed out.
Hagumi gasped and hurriedly flipped the croquettes, revealing their slightly burnt undersides. She let out a nervous laugh, trying to play it off.
"A-Ah, well, a little crispy is good, right? Adds a unique flavor!"
I chuckled, "Yeah, a bit of crunch never hurt anyone."
Misaki, who had now joined us, raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure about that?"
Ignoring her comment, I grabbed a plate and loaded it with the croquettes. The slightly charred aroma mixed with the enticing scent of the filling. As I took a bite, I couldn't help but appreciate the unexpected twist in flavor.
As expected... Nothing beats Hagumi's croquettes.
Hagumi grinned, clearly relieved. "Phew! I'm glad you like them, Kyo-kun!"
Misaki, still skeptical, cautiously picked up a croquette. After a moment's hesitation, she took a bite and her expression softened.
"Hmm, not bad, but doesn't it taste the same always?" Misaki remarked.
"What the hell are you talking about?! It's CHEESE! MY FAVORITE!" I defended, a bit too passionately.
"O-okay..." She sighed, "You don't have to shout." She continued munching on the croquettes until the other three joined.
Kokoro, bursting with energy, joined in, "Ohh! I see that you guys are having a meal! I'm in!"
Kaoru, adopting her flamboyant persona, commented, "That looks really good."
Kanon, with her usual shyness, walked over to me and whispered, "G-Good morning."
"Good morning," I replied with a friendly smile.
The cottage kitchen was now filled with the lively chatter of Hello, Happy World! members as we enjoyed Hagumi's unique take on croquettes.
The burnt edges didn't seem to bother anyone, and soon enough, the table was bustling with activity.
The afternoon sun cast a warm glow as we left the cottage, packing our belongings and gathering everything to head out. I wasn't aware that today was the day to leave.
Inside the limo, everyone seemed occupied with their own conversations. Misaki was talking to Kokoro, while Kaoru, Hagumi, and Kanon engaged in their own discussions. I found myself alone, and for a moment, the prospect of peace seemed within reach.
With a sigh, I closed my eyes, intending to rest a bit.
A few minutes later, my unintended nap was interrupted by a bright voice.
"Oh? You're awake?" Kokoro's cheerful face greeted me as I looked up. "Good afternoon, Kyo!"
"Kokoro-chan? Where am I?"
"Hm? We're still here, you know? Right in front of your house. But it seems you fell asleep, so I put your head in my lap!" she said with a grin.
How cute...
That explained the unexpected comfort.
I stretched as the limo came to a stop. "I'm leaving now," I said, slowly sitting up and stepping out of the car.
"Bye-bye, Kyo-kun!" Kokoro waved with her trademark bright smile as the limo drove away, leaving me alone in front of my house.
Finally, home, I thought, anticipating a much-needed scolding for my sister for not accepting my calls. As I approached the gate, someone halted my progress.
"Wait, Nakasone Kyo-san."
I came to a stop, turning to the voice. It was the mature woman I had met on the helicopter, the one who had scrutinized me carefully.
"Hello? Uh... Why are you here?"
The woman bowed respectfully, expressing gratitude and an apology. "I came here to thank you and apologize."
My eyes widened, and I quickly interjected, "W-Wait! Please don't bow to me?! I didn't do anything!"
"But you were forced, right?"
I scratched my head, realizing that I had, in fact, been kidnapped. "Look, I'll let it slide, but please don't bow yourself to a peasant like me."
She looked up and nodded, then handed me a briefcase she had been holding. "Here you go."
"Hm? What is this?"
"100,000 yen... If it's not enough, please let me know."
I stared at her in silence, a mix of confusion and curiosity on my face. "Uhm... Why? What? How?"
"It's a thank-you for staying with Kokoro till the end."
"Eh? Till the end? What do you mean?"
Why do I feel like she's gonna tell me a very sad backstory?
She looked down but shook her head. "Do you know that... Kokoro's parents were away until her childhood. She was all alone despite having wealth but... She always tries to find something fun to do to keep herself occupied, it doesn't even have to be because she's sad. Maybe it's because she's just been really bored most of her childhood and tries to use every second now that she's old enough to do things on her own."
The revelation struck me. Kokoro's almost obnoxiously happy demeanor was a coping mechanism for her parents' absence.
The woman continued, "It hurts us, as her bodyguards as well as for her maids and butler, that she hasn't received a single loving parent. That's why, please take this as a thank-you."
I remained silent, my gaze dropping as I absorbed the unexpected truth. The weight of the situation lingered in the air.
"Don't tell me... You want to spend New Year with us, huh, Kokoro-chan," I mumbled under my breath.
The woman stayed silent, allowing the realization to sink in.
"Ma'am... I'll be taking the 100,000 yen... also... do you mind if you call Kokoro for me?"
"Eh? What are you planning to do?"
A mischievous smile spread across my face. "Don't worry about it!~ I'll be handling it!"
I could see the curiosity in her eyes, but she nodded and took out her phone to call Kokoro. While she made the call, I contemplated how to make this surprise special for Kokoro. The idea of using the money for my own guitar crossed my mind, but the joy of giving Kokoro a memorable moment took precedence.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone