I followed Yamamoto as we climbed the stairs.
"Kuaaaah..."
He let out a long, tired yawn.
I’d noticed it earlier, but he seemed completely relaxed today—a far cry from how he usually acted back at our Tokyo apartment. I suppose that was just a testament to how comfortable he felt here.
I’d been worried about him right up until we arrived. No matter how you looked at it, he’d seemed genuinely loath to set foot in his family home. Seeing him so uncharacteristically sullen had made it hard not to worry.
But after hearing his actual reasons for staying away, I realized I’d completely misunderstood the situation.
He was always so typical of himself. Part compliment, part sarcasm. That was the only way to describe him.
I felt like I’d closed the distance between us just a little bit more.
Honestly, someone really ought to give me some credit. The man was obtuse, eccentric, and far too good at compartmentalizing. The fact that I’d made it this far was a feat in itself.
But I didn't want to stop here. I wanted more.
I could never say it to him out loud, but I wanted so much more.
This might be my chance.
I realized something: Yamamoto’s mother and Shiho-chan both seemed to be on my side. With them as allies, he would probably tolerate a bit of boldness from me. Knowing how much he cared for his family, if I won them over and "filled the inner moat," he might finally cave.
This was my chance to push for something more—I was sure of it!
I cleared my throat, making sure he heard me.
"You look sleepy."
"Hmm? Oh... I guess the thread of tension finally snapped."
"What? Were you nervous?"
"Yeah. I suppose I was."
His voice was slow and drawn-out, unlike his usual self. He really was exhausted. My heart skipped a beat at his sudden honesty. It was refreshing to hear him speak so candidly.
"I'm glad. They welcomed you back like it was nothing."
"Yeah..."
Yamamoto let out another sigh that turned into a yawn.
Finally, we reached his room.
It was strange. My chest had been tight ever since we stepped into the hallway. Even though we’d shared a room countless times back in Tokyo, the change in scenery made my heart pound uncontrollably.
I was nervous. Nervous because this was a rare opportunity. This was like a game of shogi where the final checkmate was finally within reach—a situation where I couldn't afford a single blunder.
"Good work today, Yamamoto," I said, trying to steady my voice. "You really did your best."
I kept talking, weaving my feelings into words.
"You managed to come home properly."
I looked at the man I always relied on.
"I was worried yesterday. I thought you might cancel at the last minute. But you came back, and you even introduced me to them."
I took a step closer.
"...Thank you."
My face felt hot as I looked up at him.
"Hey, Yamamoto?"
I peered up at him through my lashes. He looked sleepier than ever.
"Do you want a reward?"
He seemed almost childlike in his drowsy state, and the sight made my heart ache with affection.
"Do you want me to... sleep beside you tonight?"
There was only one bed in his room. I was sure this was exactly what his mother and Shiho-chan had intended when they insisted we share the room.
Yamamoto looked at me.
"No thanks. I'm sleeping."
He dived face-first onto the bed.
"...Wait, what?"
Was that it? My once-in-a-lifetime gamble, defeated by a nap? He really chose sleep over me?
A moment later, the sound of steady breathing rose from the bed where Yamamoto lay sprawled out, already dead to the world.