Chapter 9: An Unusual Life

Daiki tried to live a normal life.

He took a bath, ate dinner, chatted with his mother, and went to his room to sleep as usual.

From the next day, Daiki acted more cheerful than usual.

Good morning, mother!

Seeing Daiki like that, his mother could not hide her confusion.

Im fine!

Lets do our best together from today!

He was fine.

Although she didnt know what was going on, she felt it was best to act brightly.

His mother had no choice but to believe in him.

She was still anxious, but she decided to watch over Daiki so that he would gradually get used to this life and become happy.

Im sorry for what mother have done to you, Daiki.

Please dont just put up with it.

I will do whatever I can.

Is what she said to him

Im not forcing myself!

Ill tell you right away if theres anything wrong.

Is what he said

He ate his breakfast quickly, got ready, and waited for Wakaba.

The intercom rang and Wakaba arrived.

Good morning, Daiki!

As usual.

Good morning, Wakaba!

Daiki was brighter than usual.

His mother also came out and talked with Wakaba for a while, then they went to school together.

Daiki, today

you are more cheerful than usual!

Did something happen?

Wakaba asked.

Wakaba was the only one who knew about his parents situation, so he answered normally.

Yesterday mother told me all about the reasons for the divorce and everything!

She even told me about my real Dad!

Im glad I got to hear all that!

But I forgot to ask her what my real dad was like and what his name is!

Unlike yesterday, he talked a lot more than usual.

Wakaba listened to everything he said until they arrived at the school.

When they arrived at the school, they went to their own classrooms.

Then Wakaba said

Dont be too hard on yourself, Daiki.

I will never change!

So definitely dont push yourself!

She said.

Thanks, Wakaba!

But dont worry!

I am not pushing myself!

That was all he said and went into the classroom.

Wakaba looked worriedly at his back.

Even after entering the classroom, Daiki was brighter than usual, but no one was worried about his brightening.

On the contrary, all the people were happy to accept Daiki, who became easier to talk to than usual.

From that day on, Daiki became more cheerful and gradually became popular in class, and he found himself at the center of the class more and more often.

It was not a bad thing, but to Wakaba, who knew what was going on, it seemed as if he was pushing himself too hard.

Daiki was used to pretending to be something he was not in order to maintain a normal life, so he was fine with it.

Everyone would be happier if he acted cheerful.

Including his mother.

And Wakaba.

He tried to think that they must want that.

At that time, he really thought that he could keep his normal life by suppressing his true feelings.

These days continued, and at school and at home, he thought he was somehow able to maintain a normal life.