On Saturday morning, perhaps due to the early hour, the streets were somewhat quieter as the three of us—myself, Katsuragi, and Mizuki—walked side by side.
However, none of us said a word.
I’m not sure if they could sense my mood or if Katsuragi and Mizuki just couldn’t find common ground for conversation.
Hmph, it’s too late now.
My feelings aren’t something that can be easily summed up. I’ll just have to tough it out until I get home.
And so, almost effortlessly, we arrived at my house.
For some reason, my hand unconsciously reached for the doorbell.
“…”
…No, why did I to ring the doorbell to enter my own home?
Maya should know that I’m coming home today. There’s no need for any hesitation.
I corrected myself and inserted the key into the front door, then turned to Katsuragi and Mizuki.
“If you’d like, would you join me for some tea?”
Katsuragi seemed puzzled. Mizuki didn’t say anything.
“It’s fine. It’d be rude not to offer you something to drink after you’ve come all this way.”
“But…”
“Just come in. Go ahead.”
I ushered Katsuragi and Mizuki into the house, a place I’d bought with a thirty-five-year mortgage. It was absurd to see the three of us, each hesitating to enter.
Inviting Katsuragi and Mizuki into the house I bought with a thirty-five-year loan feels like a bit much. The three of us entering with restraint seems absurd.
Then…
“…Dear…”
Maya was standing at the entrance.
Why did I ring the intercom?
I couldn’t help but be dumbfounded.
Despite my confusion, Mayu suddenly began to bow deeply at the entrance.
“I deeply apologize for causing you such trouble.”
“Stop that all of a sudden. We have guests.”
Even though I admonished her like that, Maya didn’t attempt to lift her head.
I couldn’t shout at her in front of Katsuragi and the others. I wondered what to do when…
“Maya-chan. You’ve got the first words wrong for welcoming your husband back home after so long.”
Mizuki interrupted.
Finally, Maya seemed to snap out of it.
“That’s right. Maya-chan, if it were me, there’s a certain word I’d want to hear at a time like this.”
Katsuragi gently advised, not displaying his usual flashy demeanor. It seemed that Maya finally realized.
With some hesitation, she stood up.
“Welcome home… Congratulations on being discharged”
She forced a smile and offered the greeting again. At this point, I felt nothing about this charade.
“Yeah… I’m home.”
It wouldn’t be appropriate to ignore Maya or shout at her in front of our friends. With effort, I calmly replied, and Maya nodded with tears in her eyes.
She’s the kind of woman who can shed tears for a man who’s just a second choice. I won’t be fooled by her noble attitude anymore.