Itsuki Akazawa and Chitose Shirakawa, who had been Mihuru and Amane's friends throughout their journey, were deeply affected by Amane's supposed death. They had supported Mihuru through her hardships and had stood by her side as she made the decision to care for Izumi, Amane's child.
In a cozy café, the three friends sat together, their conversations filled with a mix of sadness and determination. Mihuru's frustration with DG's constant presence was palpable, and it weighed heavily on her.
**Mihuru (agitated):** I can't believe he keeps following me around. Doesn't he understand that I need my space?
Itsuki and Chitose exchanged knowing glances. They had been through so much together, and they weren't about to let this situation break their resolve.
**Itsuki (calmly):** Mihuru, we've been with you through thick and thin. We know how much DG's presence irritates you, but don't let it get to you. You're a successful businesswoman, and you can handle this.
**Chitose (supportively):** Remember, we're here for you. You're not alone in this, and your father, Uncle Jake, is here too. Most importantly, you have Izumi to take care of.
Mihuru's anger began to subside as she realized the truth in their words. She nodded, a sense of gratitude and determination washing over her.
**Mihuru (grateful):** You're right. I can't let DG's antics affect me. I have responsibilities and a bright future ahead, and I won't let anyone jeopardize that.
The three friends clinked their coffee cups together, reaffirming their unbreakable bond. They knew that together, they could face any challenge that came their way, including the persistent presence of DG.
Izumi, the son of both Mihuru and Amane (DG), had grown up without knowing his father's identity. His classmates at school were often cruel, taunting him for not having a father and for being overweight. He ate a lot because his mother's demanding job as a businesswoman often kept her away, and he worried about her well-being.
**Classmate 1 (mocking):** Hey, Izumi, where's your dad? Oh right, you don't have one!
**Classmate 2 (teasing):** Look at him, always eating. No wonder he doesn't have a dad!
Izumi felt the sting of their words every day. He endured the taunts in silence, not wanting to burden his hardworking mother with his problems.
But amidst the teasing, there was one classmate, Michan Shikimori, who always stood up for Izumi. She found him cute and secretly had a crush on him, but she had never mustered the courage to confess her feelings.
**Michan Shikimori (defiantly):** Leave Izumi alone! Can't you see he's a great person?
Izumi, although touched by her support, worried about her getting involved.
**Izumi (concerned):** Michan, don't do this. If you keep defending me, they'll target you too.
His words hurt Michan, but her feelings for Izumi were too strong to ignore. She continued to protect him, even if it meant facing the bullies alongside him.
One day, after school, when Izumi returned home, he found his mother, Mihuru, buried in her work once again. She seemed exhausted, and her dedication to her job troubled him.
**Izumi (worried):** Mom, why are you working so much? You're already so successful.
Mihuru looked up, her tired eyes meeting Izumi's concerned gaze.
**Mihuru (weary):** It's because I want the best for you, Izumi. I want to provide you with everything you need, a good education, a comfortable life...
Izumi couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions – gratitude for his mother's sacrifices and worry for her well-being.
**Izumi (gentle):** Mom, I appreciate everything you do for me, but I'm worried about you too. You need to take care of yourself. We can manage with less if it means you'll be healthier and happier.
Mihuru smiled, touched by her son's maturity and concern.
**Mihuru (smiling):** You're right, Izumi. I'll try to find a better balance between work and taking care of us. You're my top priority, after all.
Their conversation was a reminder of the strong bond between mother and son, and the realization that love and family should always come first, no matter the circumstances.Izumi's life at school was a mix of challenges and perseverance. The constant teasing and bullying about his absent father and his weight had made him a target. However, he always approached his studies with determination, earning good grades despite the distractions.
**Classmate 3 (mocking):** Izumi, you'll never be as good as your dad, whoever he is!
Izumi clenched his fists but tried to remain composed, not wanting to show weakness.
Amid the taunts, Izumi couldn't help but worry about his mother. Her demanding job and frequent business trips left her little time for rest or relaxation.
**Izumi (concerned, talking to himself):** Mom works so hard, and I don't want her to get sick or exhausted. She's all I have, and I need to make sure she's okay.
His determination to protect his mother and provide her with a comfortable life pushed him to excel in his studies. Despite the challenges he faced at school, he knew that doing well academically was one way he could ease her burden.
Every night, he would study late, ensuring he was prepared for exams and assignments. He wanted to make his mother proud and ensure that her sacrifices weren't in vain.
**Izumi (whispering to himself):** I'll work hard, Mom. I'll make sure you have everything you need, and you won't have to worry about me.
One day, a guy named Logan crossed a line, making a hurtful comment about Izumi's mother. The anger that had been simmering within him finally erupted, and he rushed at Logan, determined to stand up for his mother.
**Logan (tauntingly):** Your mom must be too busy with work to care about you. Probably doesn't even remember your face!
Izumi's fists clenched, and he charged at Logan. However, he was unprepared for what happened next. Logan, bigger and stronger, easily overpowered him, leaving Izumi battered and bruised.
But then, like a guardian angel, Michan Shikimori, the most beautiful girl in school, arrived on the scene. She'd always had a soft spot for Izumi and couldn't bear to see him hurt.
**Michan Shikimori (intervening):** That's enough! Leave him alone!
She helped Izumi to his feet, shielding him from further harm. But this time, instead of gratitude, Izumi's anger and frustration got the best of him.
**Izumi (shouting at Michan):** Why do you keep doing this, Michan? Do you think you'll become great by helping a loser like me? Let me tell you, Shikimori, you're just like everyone else! What's in it for you?
His words stung, and Michan's eyes welled with tears. She couldn't believe what she was hearing from the person she cared about.
**Michan Shikimori (teary-eyed, hurt):** You're an idiot!
In a moment of frustration and sadness, Michan slapped Izumi across the face and turned to leave.
As Izumi watched her walk away, he couldn't help but feel that it was better for her to hate him. He didn't want her to get involved in his battles with Logan and his friends, knowing they would only make life more difficult for her.