My Sweet Roomies Re-Written (Tegemi Mikahara/ Misaki Fujinaga Route

Chapter 44 - Complaints

(Darn it...I can't sleep...)

The idea I had today keeps rolling around my head.

As I worry about it alone...

(Hm? A sound from the living room... is someone there?)

As I go to the living room in curiosity...

"T-Tegemi?"

"Huh...Mina?!"

She's in the living room, cheeks slightly flushed her hand is gripping a glad and a bottle of wine near her.

"What's the matter Tegemi, having trouble sleeping?"

"Oh! Caught red-handed huh?" she smiled awkwardly.

"I was thinking, I can enjoy some wine alone from time to time."

Drinking alone in the middle of the night...doesn't seem like her...

And she hurriedly stands up...

"B-but, drinking at night like this, is bad for your body."

"I-I'm going back to my room."

She says this, and starts to pass in front of me.

(She's forcing a smile,)

"W-wait a second...'

As I unconsciously grab her arm, and stop her...

(Tears?! I knew it...)

Abruptly...tears start pouring from her eyes,

"Sorry...showing you such weakness..."

"Since earlier, I've been thinking about things..."

"I got somewhat fatigued...ad drank to try to forget..."

Grabbing her arm, and pulling her close to me.

"I know you're worried, and this is difficult for you, but crying is not a weakness Tegemi it only shows you care so much."

"I can't do anything...I'm selfish rejecting my dad's offer because of my pride, talking big and all that but I can't still do anything about the orphanage closing..."

"I hate how pathetic I'm being, so..."

"Tegemi..."

She holds me with frailty that could disappear at any moment.

"W-what's wrong Mina?"

"Don't say that, you're not pathetic at all..."

"You're giving it all you have, carrying the problem on your own without depending on your father, proves just how important the orphanage and the children to you it's admirable."

I'm the pathetic one...

When I'd promised to be with her and support her...

(I cornered her like this without noticing...)

"Mina..."

"At this rate, the children will be separated."

"We absolutely can't let that family be separated..."

"How...can I protect everyone..."

( A way to protect everyone...)

The truth is, I had a flash of idea today,..

I was thinking I absolutely couldn't suggest that method...

(But she's in so much pain...)

This is no time to hesitate.

I should do everything I can.

"Tegemi."

"About saving the orphanage..."

"I...have just one idea."

Wiping away her tears, Tegemi leans forward.

"What is it?, that idea?"

"T-that is..."

At the last moment...I hesitate about how to say it.

But, I shake off my indecision, and say...

"Give the Famille' up to the orphanage children."

"Huh?!"