Snippet #2689163

Kazuo listened attentively to every word that Hikari got to said about the what had happened between him and his sister, Akari. And it could only get more and more surprising by the minute. Apparently Akari is pregnant now and the father of the baby inside her had abandoned her, as if he doesn't wanted to take responsibility for what he did. That's also the reason why she had returned to Japan. But it seems things will become a lot more complicated from now on in the Osawa family, with a high chance that Akari might be have her inheritance of the family annulled.

"I-I see..." Kazuo said, trying to to smile in assurance, "You two must have had it tough. But I'm pretty sure everything will turn out okay. I mean, your grandparents may be harsh and stuff but they couldn't possibly just turn their back on their grandchildren like that, right? You don't have to think too negatively about it, nothing bad will come in your way-"

Though before Kazuo could finish his sentence, Hikari looked up to him with a sad smile, while brushing some of his bangs off. He then proceeded to apologize for pouring his troubles onto him, and loathed himself for being a burden all the time. "Hikari-san, that's not-" He spoke up, only to be interrupted again by Hikari bidding goodnight to him, and retreated to his room. He stood quietly and gazed at the closed door for a few moments, before sighing. It has always been in his nature to take care and look after others unconditionally, no matter how things may be daunting for them. So even if he's being pushed away, he's not going to give up.

As usual when morning came, Kazuo had already gotten up and did his jogging and exercises. On his way, he saw a familiar face, who turned out to be Tsubasa. "Hey, Tsubasa-san." Kazuo called over to his club president as he catch up with him. "Ohayo, Nakajima-kun. Working out today too?" Both of them chatted as they jogged together to the park where Kazuo usually exercising every morning.

At the park, they did their usual exercises together and Tsubasa gives Kazuo a few useful tips on how to improve his hand movements, as well as maintaining his speed more stably when swimming. Of course, he might have made it to the nationals, but there's a lot he can learn from the other members of the club. They sat at a bench and drank their own bottles of water to rehydrate themselves, while chatting on.

"I must say, Nakajima-kun, you really are a nice guy." Tsubasa said with a smile, "You certainly had been a great help since the past month. Most of the guys like you right away, which was not something usual for a freshman."

"Thanks for the compliment, everyone had helped me a lot too." Kazuo grinned while scratching the back of his head.

"I'm pretty sure that if anyone having a bad day, they would certainly cheer up a bit whenever you're around. It's something that I'm really envious of you, y'know? Always remain a good guy like that and girls will fall for you like autumn leaves." Tsubasa said with another grin.

Kazuo pondered for a few moment at the statement, "You really think that?" He asked, and his senpai nodded. Both of them then parted way as they still got morning lessons to attend. When he returned to the apartment, he saw Hikari walking quietly, "Hikari-san? Have you been accompanying Akari-san to the station?" He asked, then noticing the look in his eyes that hadn't changed since last night, and smiled, "I just wanted you to know that you're not a burden to anyone. I might not be able to help you with your family affairs. But I'm your friend, and there's nothing wrong in relying on your friends whenever you have trouble. So please cheer up, okay? I'm sure both Taku and Miki-san will say the same. You don't want to be over pessimistic just before our trip to Akihabara, right?"