Please Tell Me How to Remember Love - Chapter 1 Part 4

Chapter 1 Part 4

 

“This place has a great vegetable hot pot. I have a feeling that you’ll get an upset stomach if you were to eat heavier food, so eat some of these instead, Kuramori.”

“…I appreciate the concern.”

 

Takayuki and Karin went to a restaurant not too far away from school. It was a small restaurant, but every corner of it looked neat and clean. There wasn’t a single stain on the table.

 

However, the restaurant looked like the place where businessmen would love to visit after work. It was an intimidating place for students to enter.

 

“I’ll tell you this. If you’re trying to fix my eating habit by bringing me here, then don’t bother. I can’t eat as much as other people even if I want to. That’s the kind of constitution I was born with.”

“That sounds annoying. You must have a lot of troubles whenever lunch break comes around, huh?”

“Pretty much. Lunch break is hell for me. It’s the toughest thing I have to endure in my whole life.”

“It’s that bad?”

 

Being brought to a place she was unfamiliar with, Karin was in a state of alert. Her words were curt and she didn’t let herself lean her back on the chair.

 

“Relax, Kuramori. The restaurant isn’t open yet, there’s still a full hour before it opens, so just relax and enjoy your meal.”

“I see. So that’s why they hung the ‘closed’ sign in front of the building. But, if it’s closed, how could you barge in and order like normal?”

“It’s the power of ‘connection,’ middle schooler. This is how the world works. Hahaha!”

“Don’t tell me such a distasteful thing with that smug face, high schooler.”

 

Seeing Takayuki let out a dubious looking smile, Karin sent him a glare.

 

“Well, I’ve already talked to the owner, so don’t worry about it. She lets me come here anytime as long as I give her a word beforehand. It’s nothing dubious, she just let me do it because I’ve been taking care of her children a lot.”

“…Then, if I were to leave without ordering anything, I’d become the bad guy here, huh?”

“Don’t worry about the money, it’s my treat.”

“I’m not worrying about that. I have more money than you, I have no reason to worry about it. Also, unlike you, I even paid my taxes properly. Getting a meal or two here is nothing.”

“Really? I can’t relate with paying tax or whatnot. That sounds amazing, though.”

 

Facing Takayuki’s gaze that was filled with respect, Karin’s nose twitched a little.

 

She was still glaring at him, but his words made her feel proud of herself.

 

“I-It’s nothing much… Anyway, we have some time until the food arrives, so I’ll give you some tips on how to get more money and how to manage it properly.”

 

Despite her glare, she started talking happily about money making experience.

 

“Understood? People who complain that they’re unable to save money are usually people who don’t understand the importance of bookkeeping.”

“Bookkeeping, huh?”

 

Being experienced in the field, Karin shared her knowledge without any hesitation. Meanwhile, Takayuki listened to her words intently while giving her brief replies here and there.

 

“Ah, the food is here. Why don’t we talk while eating? So we can finish the food before it cools down.”

“Good suggestion. It’ll be rude to the cook if we were to let the food cools down, so I’ll follow your suggestion”

“‘Kay.”

 

Perhaps because they had been internet buddies for so long, their conversation was smooth. It seemed like as long as the topic of her being his fiancee wasn’t brought up, they could have an amicable conversation.

 

“To summarize, the key is on how to manage your spending. Do you understand?”

 

Eventually, as they were close to finishing their meals, their conversation came to an end.

 

“I see. I learned a lot today. Thank you very much…”

“Don’t mention it. This much is just common sense.”

 

Perhaps because she was satisfied with her meal, Karin’s complexion had returned to normal.

 

Of course that didn’t mean she became healthier in a heartbeat. It was more like, after eating a proper meal, she finally managed to release some of the strain in her body.

 

“If there’s something else you want to ask me, just ask away. Whether I’ll answer it or not, it’ll depend on your attitude, though~”

 

Because she was feeling better, Karin unknowingly let those words slip out of her mouth. Completely forgetting the possibility that Takayuki would ask her about the matter of her declaring herself as his fiancee.

 

“I see. Then, can I ask you a question? …No, can I ask you a favor?”

“A favor? Do you want me to lend you some money?”

“No. It’s related to your guardian, Himuro Reina.”

“…Hmph.”

 

However, after hearing Reina’s name being brought up, she became alert once again. Karin then asked Takayuki about the intention behind his words.

 

“Let me tell you this first. I can’t tell you much about Reina-san. Especially to you, someone who’s somehow able to remember her… By the way, I’m just making sure. Do you remember what Reina-san looks like?”

“A beauty with big racks. White hair, pretty red eyes.”

“You could get away with it if you only mentioned the second half of your sentence… Whatever. So, what exactly do you want to know about her? I won’t answer if you ask me about her circumstances, though.”

 

Seeing Karin’s curt attitude, Takayuki responded with a wry smile.

 

“No, I’m not asking about that. You see, my friend said that he fell in love at first sight with someone, but he couldn’t remember the person’s appearance. I’m just wondering if that person is Himuro or not.”

“Hm… Reina-san’s beauty is otherworldly, so it isn’t far-fetched for someone to fall in love with her at first sight… In a circumstance like that, it’s hard to think of anyone other than her to be involved…”

 

Karin complimented her guardian, not in jest, but sincerely.

 

“Mhm. That’s why I want to make the two of them meet each other.”

“I see. But, you realized that Reina-san has special circumstances, right? It doesn’t affect you for some reason, but people tend to forget everything about her. Honestly, I don’t see the point of making them meet each other since no matter how strong his love is for her, he’ll end up forgetting about her anyway.”

“Logically speaking, you’re correct. But, he’s my friend…”

 

Takayuki let out a soft smile as he shook his head after hearing Karin’s words.

 

“I always thought that he’s just a simple-minded guy who only has painting in his mind. This is the first time he talked about something like this, you see? Even if he’ll end up forgetting about her in the end, I want to do my best to help him.”

“…Even though all your efforts will be wasted in the end?”

“Maybe so, but we don’t know what the future holds, no?”

 

At Takayuki’s comeback, Karin wrinkled her brows. She muttered her answer not long after.

 

“Fine, I’ll help you out, but under one condition. Let me meet this friend of yours. I can’t decide whether it’s okay for me to help you out or not before I meet the person in question first.”

“Got it. ‘I’ve already made some arrangements, come over quickly’ …Alright, done.”

“Done?”

“Ah, I was texting him– Woah, he replied already. ‘I’m on my way, wait for me,’ he said.”

“Now? I haven’t even prepared myself, you idiot!”

 

Due to the unexpected development, Karin became flustered. However, it was part of Takayuki’s plan all along.

 

This restaurant was well known because of its vegetable hot pot. Why was it so popular? Because the quality of the vegetable used for the hot pot. And the ones who supplied those vegetables were the family of Takayuki’s dear friend, Kashiki Minoru. Since they were friends, Takayuki knew that around this time, Minoru would be helping his parents out to deliver their vegetables to the restaurant.

 

Takayuki managed to time it right as the moment he struck a deal with Karin was the moment Minoru finished doing his errand.

 

“Don’t you think this is too sudden?”

“You don’t need to worry, Kuramori. I’ll accompany you, so no matter how shy you are, you should be okay.”

“I’m not shy.”

“Then, you’ll be okay.”

“Grr…”

 

Karin, who had to eat her own words, was clearly upset. Though, she didn’t try to run away, much to Takayuki’s surprise. At that time, both of them heard the sound of the door being opened.

 

“I saw your text, Takayuki. Was it true? No, that was a stupid question. There’s no way that you’d lie to me at a time like this.”

 

Minoru, who had just finished his errand, entered the restaurant.

 

He was still dressed in his work clothes as it had only been a few minutes since he had done helping out to deliver the vegetables. Despite that, there was no dirt or dust on his work clothes. It was proof of how meticulous of a person he was as he made sure that he was in a presentable state before he entered the restaurant.

 

“I’m not lying, yes, but don’t put that much trust in me… Anyway, this little fella over here…”

 

So far, everything had gone according to Takayuki’s plan. He managed to make Karin and Minoru meet.

 

“Huh?”
“Eh?”

 

However, that was the end of it.

 

Things went outside of Takayuki’s expectations as both Minoru and Karin saw each other’s faces. They muttered a question in a low voice.

 

“Rin? What are you doing here?”

“…That’s my question, Minoru-onii-chan.”

 

It appeared that those two had already known each other.

 

*   *   *

 

A few days later. Takayuki, together with Minoru, Karin and Aoi, was walking together from school.

 

The time was a little before dusk. The four of them were walking together to a certain place. All of them had left their schedule open for the day. Minoru took a day off from his club. Takayuki and Aoi went home like usual. Karin skipped her club like a delinquent. 

 

“Hehehe, I really can’t take my eyes off you, huh, Satou-kun? I left you off for a day and you already created another mess.”

“Please, don’t give me that angry smile of yours, Miyama. Besides, I didn’t do anything this time. Things just somehow ended up this way…”

 

Walking next to Takayuki, Aoi was giving a clear ‘I’m mad’ vibe.

 

“Haven’t I already explained it to you over the phone yesterday? I didn’t know that those two knew each other.”

“But, how? Surely he has heard the rumors about Kuramori-san once or twice before this?”

“It would be weird if he was aware of those rumors. That guy had zero interest in anything other than his painting.”

 

Takayuki and Aoi were talking to each other, but their gazes wandered to a certain pair of people, walking a short distance away.

 

Minoru and Karin. The two people, a boy and a girl, with a considerable age gap, were talking to each other as if they were siblings.

 

“You got even thinner than the last time I saw you, Rin. Are you sure you’re eating properly?”

“I’m on a diet, Minoru-onii-chan. Also, asking a girl about her weight is bad manners, so, reflect on your actions.”

“Stop talking nonsense. You’re like a little sister to me. It’s normal for me to be concerned about your well-being.”

“…Ngh…”

“Anyway, I understand your feelings. What they said was right, love blinds people. Since you’re gunning for Takayuki, you’d have to fight for his affection against a lot of people. I’ll do my best to support you.”

“Wrong. You came to a completely wrong conclusion.”

 

Minoru seemed to be lecturing Karin, meanwhile the latter was retorting to every word that came out of his mouth. It was easy to mistake those two as actual siblings. Though there seemed to be something going on between the two.

 

“Are you thinking about the same thing as I do, Satou-kun?”

“Maybe. But, unless that brat is actually asking me for help, I won’t do anything about it. I don’t feel like actively trying to help out someone who isn’t even my friend.”

“You said that, but you treated her to a meal just the other day.”

“I didn’t even get to do that. That brat insisted on paying for the food herself.”

 

Hearing Takayuki saying those words, Aoi turned her gaze to his face.

 

“Satou-kun, you might not realize this, but you’re more good-natured than you think. Just the other day, I had a chance to talk with Takayama-san. I heard from her that you’ve caused her a lot of troubles and most of them came from the fact that you tried too hard to help out someone who isn’t even your friend.”

“I can’t say anything to that. If that’s what Takayama said, then it’s definitely true. Actually, there’s one thing I can say. ‘I’m sorry.’”

 

With his eyes downcast, Takayuki uttered those pathetic words. He wasn’t trying to crack a dry joke. To him, Yui’s remarks and complaints were never wrong despite how much they annoyed him.

 

“Then, Satou-kun, what would you do if Takayama-san is doing something bad?”

 

The reason why Aoi asked him that question was to confirm Yui’s words.

 

“Something bad, huh?”

 

At her question, Takayuki pondered for a few seconds before answering in a light tone.

 

“There’s nothing that she does that is bad. I’m not calling her a good-natured person, not at all. It’s just, she’s aware how inefficient it is to do something that is deemed as immoral by society. Doing that will only earn her ire from her surroundings, which is pointless. That’s why she’s always acting in a straightforward manner to achieve her goals. In short, whatever it is that she’s doing, she’ll never do anything that could be perceived as ‘bad’ by other people.”

 

Despite the light tone, the trust that he had toward her was heavy.

 

“But, if there’s a moment when she’s actually doing something bad, then that must be because there’s something she has to accomplish no matter what the costs are. If that time were to come, before doing anything else, I’d want to hear the reason why she’s doing that.”

“…I see.”

“Oi, what’s wrong with you? You were the one who asked me the question, why do you look so grumpy?”

“Hmph.”

 

Looking at Aoi’s reaction, pouting and turning her head away, Takayuki seemed confused.

 

However, Aoi wasn’t doing it involuntarily. She actually made sure that she looked cute while she was at it. The fact that she had such lenience meant that she wasn’t really in a bad mood. She was just jealous over the fact that Takayuki held Yui in such high regards.

 

“Minoru-onii-chan, are those two dating?”

“No they aren’t, Rin.”

“…Why is she acting like that in front of someone she isn’t going out with?”

“There are rumors about the two of them going out and there is clearly something going on between the two of them.”

 

Karin, a middle schooler, sent an exasperated look toward Aoi, a high schooler.

 

“We’ve arrived. This is my house. The extremely pretty girl you fell in love with lives here, Minoru-onii-chan.”

 

The four of them arrived at an ordinary looking house. Some parts of the house looked old, but there were parts of the house that looked like they had been renovated just a few years ago.

 

“Here? Really, Rin? I’ve visited your house often, but I don’t remember ever meeting that person here.”
“People have their own life, Minoru-onii-chan. You guys just miss each other often, that’s why you two haven’t met each other until recently.”

“Is that how it works?”

“Yes. That’s how reality works.”

“…Really? Uh, I don’t know…”

 

Minoru tilted his head in confusion, but Karin managed to talk him out of it.

 

Seeing the situation made Takayuki feel conflicted. However, there was no reason for him to interject here. So, he just watched their sibling-like interaction.

 

“Let’s put all the trivial matters aside. Minoru-onii-chan, it’s finally time to meet her. Are you ready?”

“Yes. I’ve come up with a line to propose to her.”

“Jeez, calm down!”

 

‘It can’t be helped.’ Karin’s sigh seemed as if she was saying that. She then urged him to go inside.

 

“You worry too much, just go in. Reina-san, I’m home! Today—”

 

Then, just as Karin entered the house, rushing footsteps could be heard from inside.

 

“Welcome home, Rin-chan!”

“Mgh!:

 

Being buried in between two huge mounds, Karin had difficulty breathing.

 

That hug was like a surprise attack. As soon as the footsteps were heard, a pretty white haired girl, Himuro Reina, appeared and hugged Karin.

 

“Hehehe, how was your day? Did it go well? Were you able to talk to your friends at school today? Was everything going well with Takayuki-kun? If things get tough, you can talk to me, okay? Seriously, you are always pushing yourself!”

“Mmph! Ngh!”

“Oh my, what’s wrong? Usually, you’d always hug me back despite your complaining.”

“Mmph!!”

 

Reina proceeded to pat Karin’s head. At this moment, she finally noticed the presence of the other three people.

 

““…H-Hello.””

 

Takayuki and Aoi greeted her, albeit they were feeling a little awkward after seeing that scene. Meanwhile Minoru was standing there, frozen. His eyes were wide open and he couldn’t mutter a single word.

 

“Oh my, hello! It’s rare for Rin-chan— Ahem! Karin-chan to bring someone home!”

 

Seeing the reaction of the three people, Reina let out a soft smile.

 

It was as if her previous silly mannerism didn’t exist.

 

“Rei-onee-chan! I told you to stop doing this when we have guests! Stop making me feel embarrassed, jeez!”

 

But Karin, being in the middle of her puberty, couldn’t hold the same composure as Reina did. Up until this point, she had been putting on a mature facade, but as soon as her guardian ambushed and pampered her at the door, that facade crumbled away. This scene looked more natural if anything though, as in the first place, it was rare for a middle schooler to act maturely.

 

“Sorry, Karin-chan. I’ll make you some ice cream later to make up for it, okay?”

“I-I’ll accept that— Wait, that isn’t what I’m talking about, Reina-san!”

“Sure~ Anyway, what’s the occasion for everyone’s visit today?”

 

After she was released from Reina’s embrace, Karin fixed her posture and explained.

 

“Satou-san and Miyama-san are just tagging along. The one who’s having a real business here is Minoru-onii-chan. He wants to meet with you.”

“Oh my, really?”

 

When Karin sent Minoru an urging gaze, Reina turned her attention to him.

 

However, Minoru had been freezing on his spot since a while ago. There were so many emotions going through his mind to the point that his brain couldn’t keep up.

 

“Oi, Minoru, are you okay? Is she the one you’re looking for?”

 

Calling out to him, Takayuki grabbed his shoulders. After a rough shake, he finally came together. Minoru shook his head before turning his gaze toward Takayuki.

 

“…I just remembered. Yeah, she’s the one I’m looking for. Sorry, I was out of it for a second, Takayuki.”

 

Minoru acted as if his memory had come back again. This confirmed Takayuki’s hypothesis. As long as he hadn’t completely forgotten about Reina, his memory of hers could come back if he were to meet with her again.

 

But, Takayuki didn’t say what was on his mind. Instead, he gave Minoru a slap in the back.

 

“I see. Then, what are you waiting for? Tell her what you have in mind.”

 

What Takayuki needed to do right now wasn’t to solve the mystery behind Minoru’s lost memory, but to give his friend the push he needed.

 

“Oww… Seriously, did you really have to hit me that hard? …Well, thanks to that, my mind is clear now…”

 

Minoru frowned because of the pain he received, but he was still able to give Reina a resolute look.

 

“We…met again. Do you remember me?”

“You are Kashiki Minoru, right? It’s hard to forget a weirdo who suddenly asked me to become his model on our first meeting.”

“W-Weirdo? W-Well, I guess you could call me that. Though, compared to an urban legend like you, I’m nothing.”

“I guess so, huh?”

 

In contrast to Minoru who was tense, Reina looked relaxed. She looked like an older woman trying to tease a younger child.

 

“You should understand everything now. For some reason, it’s easy for people to forget about me. That’s why I can’t be a model for your painting. Because you’ll end up forgetting about me before you could finish your painting.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t forget about you.”

“Hehehe, what a liar.”

“I’m not lying. I will never forget you. If you agree to be my model, I’ll be able to finish the painting… Because…”

 

Minoru closed his eyes for a moment. Then, with a determined look, he told Reina about his feelings.

 

“I love you. I’ll never forget you because I’ll love you.”

 

TL: Iyo

ED: Iyo

 

 

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