V4: Chapter 44: Adolescent Girls are Complicated, Aren't They?

Chapter 44: Adolescent Girls are Complicated, Aren't They?

Shiranui Yutaro.

I realized that was the name of the Magical Girl Jane Doe...

Having realized this, I pondered her current situation.

She doesn't consciously think about those things...

Even without memories, perhaps habits ingrained in her body over a long period of time haven't disappeared.

Even if external factors try to erase it from her memory, it continues to haunt her...

Is it a long-standing obsession with "having to become a boy" that's become ingrained?

What exactly is happening? Only she knows... or rather, even she probably doesn't know.

The only thing that's certain is that even knowing "this," there's nothing we can do to help. At best, we can't treat her like a boy, but even that isn't necessarily the right thing to do.

"That's really a bad taste..."

"Judging by the name, it seems unlikely that this was something she wanted..."

I felt like I was going to throw up, and I was doing my best to maintain my composure. Knowing her so well made it even harder to forgive.

Why, why could someone do something that completely disregards a person's individuality?　

Even now, every time I hear the voice of that "something that resembles a person" drowning in alcohol downstairs, forgetting everything, my frustration grows.　

"I understand how you feel, but raging here won't solve anything."

"I know, I know, but... this is just... too much..."　

An act that shows no regard for human beings. In my case, as a child, my father and mother at least was always on my side. I thought that was only natural...

I searched for something that might reveal the cause, but... of course, I couldn't find anything. I certainly couldn't imagine her leaving anything in her room before her memories were erased that would reveal anything about her.

"It's pointless to continue like this... let's go home."

"Okay, thanks... I'm sorry."

"Why are you even apologizing, good grief..."

In the end, with no further clues, we left the room.

The residential area, bathed in the twilight, was ablaze with red, almost as if on fire.

A delicious smell wafted from the surroundings, presumably from dinner preparations...

For some reason, I suddenly had an overwhelming urge to see my mother.

★

It was nighttime, and I'd taken a bath and changed into my pajamas. All that was left was to sleep, just sleep...

"Mom... um..."

I couldn't quite fall asleep, so I spoke to my mother, who was looking at her phone in the living room. She was probably looking at webcomics, as usual. White steam was still rising from the teacup, which looked like it had just been brewed.

"What's wrong? It's unusual for Shizuku to hesitate like that."

"W-well... can we sleep together tonight? With Lux, too."

She widened her eyes slightly in surprise, then placed her hand on my forehead, as if to ask if I had a fever.

"I-I don't have a fever, you know?"

"I'd be more worried if you didn't... Oh well."

As soon as she realized I didn't have a fever, my mother, as if she could read my mind, stroked my head and hugged me tightly.

It's a little embarrassing, but I'm a middle schooler, so it's not that unusual, right?

R-Right??

"That's fine and all, but... don't go making out with Lux with your Mom in between you two, okay?"

"I won't!?"

What does she think of her own daughter?

I'm a pure and innocent beautiful girl..... pure and innocent...　

A truly pure and innocent beautiful girl wouldn't let her own mother drink her milk (literally), would she?

Ugh, just thinking about it makes me embarrassed... All these things are piling up and I'm about to fall into a bad mood, which is unusual for me.

It's possible for something to flow from parent to child, but it shouldn't be possible for it to flow from child to parent.

When I consciously confront this, I feel truly sorry, and the only thing I can do is take it to my grave to prevent further harm.

"I don't intend to interfere with my daughter's 'friendships', but... you better be careful not to get stabbed, okay?"

"I... I'll do my best..."　

As I hugged her tightly, the scent of fabric softener filled the air. It's such a comforting scent. I wonder if I smell the same.

"Come on, stop being so clingy and walk on your own."

"Huh? Carry me?"

"Can't be helped. Anyway, I think I've been in surprisingly good shape lately, do you know why?"

"I-I-I don't know!"

I was carried to the bedroom by my mother.

★

"Yes, did you call for me? Mother-in-law♡"

"It might be a little cramped, sorry, but our Shizuku suddenly wanted to be clingy..."

"Oh dear, it's alright. It's cuter when she's this clingy♡"

Once I calmed down, I felt incredibly embarrassed, but there was no way to pretend it never happened. I quickly slipped into bed, and Lux ​​followed, getting into the bed on my right.

Lux, dressed in her usual dorky T-shirt, and my mother were lying side-by-side with me. It was the first time we'd ever slept side-by-side like that.

The bed is a bit small, but... I feel happy even in that small space.

"She's my own daughter, but she's so pretty. I wonder if she's using that face to flirt with other girls?"

"Shizuku-chan is not only pretty, but she's also incredibly kind. She even cares about us, who are from other species...right?"

"Come on, you two, let's go to sleep now..."

"Hehe, maybe I've teased you too much."

Just moments ago, I was on the verge of disappearing from embarrassment, but as soon as she hugged me tightly, the warmth and sense of security made me instantly sleepy.　

"Mom... no matter what happens... you're my Mom..."

"Don't worry, I'm a mother who can accept your dreams, whether I fully understand them or not. I won't be surprised by anything."

"Hmm... Good night..."

My vision turned completely black, and my consciousness gradually faded.

In a pleasant slumber, I let go of my consciousness.

★

I can hear the chirping of birds. According to my internal clock, it's about 6 o'clock. It's time for my usual run.

"I'm revived!"

After a night of pampering, my mental state has recovered considerably. To recover in just one night just by being pampered by someone, my mental fortitude is quite strong. Now, let's get started...!

"You're being noisy, let me sleep a little longer on my day off."

"I-I'm sorry, Mom..."

My voice was definitely not at 6 AM; my mood might be a little off because of last night.

I get up as quietly as possible and leave the bed. Leaving my own mother and the Succubus in bed... When you write it down, it's a terrible image, isn't it...? Really.

My running shoes kick off the ground; today I'm running more as a daily routine than a patrol. And while running, I thought about yesterday.

I'd heard that refreshing onself and exercising are important when your thoughts are jumbled, so I've been thinking more often while running.

All I learned yesterday was Jane's name and that she was apparently raised as a boy.

Ideally, I'd like to ask them for details, but they all seem to have amnesia... Unfortunately, it's practically impossible to find anyone who knows about this.

If only I could get a glimpse into her inner thoughts... if she had left behind something like a diary or notes, I might understand the cause of this problem.

With that in mind, I searched her room... but unfortunately, I couldn't find anything like a diary.

I think—why did she have to become a boy?

I think—why does she act so cheerful?

I think—why does she unconsciously push people away?

It's no use, I don't know. It's probably impossible to know.

I increase the force with which I kick the concrete, adjusting to my body's growing accustomed strength. I feel the refreshing coolness of the early morning breeze on my shoulders, as if I could run forever.

Let's try a different approach.

If I were her...

If I were to forget everything up until now... what would I do?

I'm sure I'd leave a note or something somewhere.

If there's nothing, then I'm stuck... but it's worth searching. But it wasn't in the house where she lived, so the only other possible storage locations are...

That's right, if she took something from that room... it's obvious where it would be.

"The Magical Girl Association's... dormitory."

The problem is whether she'll let me in...

There might be a clue in where she's living now.