Chapter 99
"Ryosaku-kun, when you were sleeping with Lisa last night, did you hear her talking in her sleep?"
"Yes...? Yes, I did. She was moaning and groaning quite a bit. Her body was wet with sweat..."
"Right? Actually, Lisa started talking in her sleep a long time ago. Well, I guess it started when she was in elementary school."
"......."
"That actually happened soon after we came to Kamishihoro. At first, when she was helping us with the work, she would casually say things like, 'Hey, Dad, how is Ryo-chan doing?' or 'Mom, can I call Ryo-chan over?' Then Lisa would say things like, 'Dad, Ryo-chan isn't here, so can I sleep with you tonight?' and she would come into my and Yuuko's bedroom in the middle of the night and we would sleep together."
(I see... So Lisa-chan missed me that much and was relying on Kenichi-san and Yuuko-san. I'm sorry, Lisa-chan. I couldn't be by your side at such an important time...)
"At first... she just kept calling Ryosaku-kun's name, 'Ryo-chan, Ryo-chan,' and then she was mumbling something that I couldn't hear... that's what it was like."
"......."
"But then Lisa started saying in her sleep the name 'Mieko', probably an old classmate of hers or something. I didn't know who it was or how to write the name in kanji, but I somehow knew that it was someone who had a deep relationship with Lisa. Then, one day, out of nowhere, she started saying things like, 'Mieko-chan, go over there!' and 'Stay away from Ryo-chan!' We were so surprised that we woke her up and asked, 'Hey, Lisa. Who's Mieko?' But she just looked down in embarrassment and wouldn't tell us anything."
(I see... Kenichi-san and Yuuko-san had heard the same thing that Lisa-chan had said in her sleep last night. Lisa-chan was still thinking about Mieko-chan...)
"I already know that. Sorry, Ryosaku-kun. I asked such a pointed question... It was a bit of an insensitive question. Ryosaku-kun, even though you were in that state, you still helped Lisa with her homework and welcomed her kindly when we came to play at your house, so thank you. Lisa is really a spoiled brat... When Lisa was in kindergarten, she would fuss and not go to sleep unless we slept next to her. Even now, she's still clingy to you, Ryosaku-kun. Hahaha."
"Kenichi-san... Mieko-chan and I..."
"Yes, yes. I know. She's your precious girlfriend, right? I know. That's why we refrained from letting Lisa contact you. It would be bad to interrupt you with a phone call when you and your lady are meeting, right? It would be awkward... But, Ryosaku-kun, Lisa still loves you, and even now, she thinks that maybe, one day, you might notice her... so she waits patiently. She doesn't even have a boyfriend, she only loves Ryosaku-kun... I feel sorry for Lisa being so brave... I feel sorry for her... Ah, I... it looks like I've got some dirt in my eye. I'm going to go wash it off with the tap."
With that, Kenichi disappeared into the washroom.
Before he knew it, tears were shining in Ryosaku's eyes.
"...Oh, sorry, sorry. I think I've said something strange. But, Ryosaku-kun, I have a favor to ask of you."
"...Yes."
"Just while you're here, could you please be Lisa's 'lover'...? I know it must be very tiring for you to deal with that clinging girl...Please! Just like this."
"Okay...I love Lisa-chan too...As for Mieko-chan...Kenichi-san, ah... It's just as you imagined. I'm sorry."
"It's fine, Ryosaku-kun. This kind of thing is a common episode for adolescent boys and girls. It's a common occurrence. In fact, there were many "battle scenes" between me and Yuuko as well. Taking and being taken, being dumped and so on. I'll give Lisa a good explanation after the internship is over and Ryosaku-kun returns to his hometown, so don't worry. But while you're here, I... at least for this internship period, I want Lisa to be able to indulge in Ryosaku-kun to her heart's content until she's satisfied. Sorry for asking such a selfish request... "
"Kenichi-san... thank you so much for your consideration. I think I'll be able to work comfortably! I'll take good care of Lisa, just like before..."
"... I hope that you'll take a bath with Lisa and sleep next to her, and that it will be a precious memory for Lisa...but it's a lot of work for you, hahaha."
"I'm having a lot of fun too. Lisa-chan is a little naughty though."
"Lisa and Ryosaku-kun are at an age where they're going to get married... But I trust them. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to leave my precious Lisa in their care."
"Leave Lisa-chan to me! I'll be Lisa-chan's emotional support until the very end... Now it's my turn to support Lisa-chan!"
