The Kawasaki family was just an ordinary household, yet with three children in school, expenses piled up quickly.
Kawasaki Saki worked part-time jobs, not just for daily living, but because she hoped to one day go to college. If she let her parents shoulder the full burden of tuition, it would be an enormous strain. As the eldest daughter, she wanted to ease their pressure as much as possible.
But today, after seeing her father fall and injure himself, Saki realized something: maybe she could change her parents' line of work into something easier, something more sustainable.
She voiced this thought aloud.
Takumi Yuuya listened quietly, then took her hand gently.
"Use the money however you like. When you run out, I'll transfer more."
"Yuuya-kun…"
[Affection from Kawasaki Saki +50]
"It would be best if you bought a small shop—open a restaurant, hire a chef. Your father could handle food sourcing, and your mother could manage the register."
"You… you'd really come and meet them?"
"Of course. Let's go now. Your father must be worrying about work—we'll surprise him."
"…Thank you, Yuuya-kun."
[Affection from Kawasaki Saki +50]
The two of them changed clothes and headed out together.
Inside the hospital ward, a middle-aged man sat staring at his plastered leg. Beside him, his wife gently patted his shoulder.
"You work yourself ragged every day. Maybe this is a good chance to rest."
"Keiko…"
"It's all right. We still have Saki at home."
"…That child works so hard too."
He knew well that his daughter had been juggling jobs outside of school.
Click.
The sound of the door opening drew their eyes.
A young man entered carrying a fruit basket, with Kawasaki Saki standing by his side.
"Saki?" both parents blurted out in unison, wide-eyed.
Takumi walked into the ward, setting the basket on the cabinet.
"Good evening, sir. I'm Saki's boyfriend."
"You… hello," Saki's father managed, caught off guard.
Her mother turned toward Saki for confirmation.
Saki gave a small nod.
Takumi began introducing himself.
"My name is Takumi Yuuya. I'm an exchange student. I own a house here in Chiba, as well as a small game company. Saki and I are classmates. At first, I only hired her to cook for me and help with my studies. But little by little, our relationship deepened. I've always wanted to visit, but Saki said you were too busy with work.
"We just finished dinner earlier, and when she told me about your fall, I came right away."
Kawasaki Daigo's expression softened into a smile.
"Thank you for visiting. It's just a small injury, really."
"Actually," Takumi continued, glancing at Saki, "there's also something I'd like to discuss with you."
Saki passed her phone to her father.
When Daigo checked the balance, his eyes flew wide.
Eighty-seven million yen?!
"I pay Saki a salary of ten million yen per year. We hadn't signed a formal contract before, but since you're here, please take a look at it."
Takumi handed over the document. Daigo carefully read it.
The terms were straightforward: Saki would cook, tutor Takumi in his studies, and help with cleaning. The contract would last until she graduated from university.
When he reached the end, Daigo looked up.
"Yuuya-kun… this is far too much."
"It isn't. Once she graduates, my current house will be hers. I'll buy a new one closer to campus."
"Yuuya-kun…"
"There's no need to refuse. I never knew my parents growing up. Saki is my girlfriend now, and in the future, she'll be family. Treating her well is only natural."
[Affection from Kawasaki Saki +50]
Takumi turned his eyes toward Saki, then spoke again.
"If you're comfortable with it, please let Saki sign."
"…Saki, the choice is yours," Daigo said, handing the contract to his daughter.
Without hesitation, she signed her name and pressed her seal.
Takumi carefully collected the papers.
"Now then, let's discuss opening a shop. Saki wants you both to have easier work, and I think it's a good idea. Out of the 85 million, you could use at least 60 million toward this."
Daigo looked at Saki, who met her parents' eyes.
"I know how hard you've worked, supporting the three of us with tuition and living expenses. I want to go to university, change my future—and change this family's too. Now I finally have the power to make that happen. I hope we can do it together."
Daigo and his wife exchanged a glance. Keiko nodded.
Daigo gave a faint smile.
"Since it's your money, we'll follow your lead. Once I'm discharged, we'll look for a place."
On the way home, Saki walked with a lightness in her step.
When they reached her house, she stopped in front of Takumi, rose up on tiptoe, and kissed him.
Takumi accepted the kiss without hesitation.
After a long moment, they parted.
"…Do you want to stay over?" Saki asked softly.
"No. If I stay here, I still can't really rest with you. I'll head back tonight."
"Then… be careful on the road."
"Yeah. See you tomorrow morning."
Takumi hopped onto his bike and rode off.
Saki watched his figure disappear into the night before finally turning back inside.
At the entrance, her younger sister came running.
"Big sis."
"Were you waiting for me?"
"Mm. Is Dad okay?"
"He's fine. I just saw him at the hospital."
"…With Yuuya-oniisan?"
"How do you know that?"
"You don't have other friends. When you're not home, you're usually at his place. That means… you two are dating, right?"
"…Yeah."
"Then it makes sense you'd go see Dad with him."
"You're sharp."
Saki gently ruffled her sister's hair.
Kyōka grinned, following her into their shared room.
After changing into pajamas, Saki switched off the lights.
"Once you marry Yuuya-oniisan, will you have to live overseas?" Kyōka asked in the dark.
"He owns a company here, and a house. We won't be going abroad."
"…Good. I was afraid if you left, I wouldn't see you anymore."
"Don't worry. That won't happen."
"…You're happy, right? Being with him every day?"
"Mm. He treats me really well."
"Then… will I meet someone as good as Yuuya-oniisan someday?"
"You will. Now sleep. We have school tomorrow."
At that, Kyōka fell quiet and closed her eyes.
Saki lay with her back to her sister, staring out the window.
Minutes later, she shut her eyes too, letting her thoughts drift away.
The life she had long wished for was finally within reach. And that was enough.