"We are truly, deeply sorry for the trouble our son has caused! We don't even know how to begin to apologize!"
"Please, accept our sincerest apologies!"
"…'m sorry."
The day after I'd humored my lackey until his fighting spirit broke, the Bakugo family arrived at our doorstep in full force. To my surprise, the parents immediately dropped into a full dogeza—foreheads to the floor—right there in the entryway. The son, the actual perpetrator, merely gave a small, curt bow. You brat… letting your parents do the heavy lifting? I don't mind his pride, but one should know when it is time to lower one's head. Though, I suppose I am hardly in a position to talk.
The truth is, this incident was my fault. I was the one who neglected his education. Last night was the direct result of my failure. Therefore, the one who should truly be apologizing is me.
And so, I too dropped into a dogeza in the entryway, facing the Bakugo family.
"The fault is mine as well. I failed to properly guide your son. For that, I am sorry."
"Wh—no! You have nothing to apologize for…!"
"It was my own incompetence that allowed this to happen. Even though I was a student preparing for exams, I neglected my duty to my lackey… to Katsuki. I humored him last night until he was satisfied, but allowing it to escalate until there were injuries was a failure on my part. I am sorry. I hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me."
A strange, heavy air filled the entryway. I suppose it was only natural. From an outsider's perspective, the lackey was the aggressor and I was the victim. Yet, here I was, taking the lead in apologizing.
But I knew the truth. This was on me. Therefore, this was something I had to do. Whether they would forgive me or not, I didn't know. But as long as I held a share of the blame, an apology was required.
"…Why is Madoka-chan bowing her head?"
"Himiko, stay quiet."
"Bakugo-kun is the one who should be apologizing, isn't he?"
"Himiko."
"Why can't he lower his head properly?"
"Himiko, be silent."
"…Why?!"
"Because I am at fault here. Go back to our room. Please."
My parents, standing behind me, said nothing. They were simply watching the situation unfold. Perhaps that was why Himiko was the first to let her anger boil over. It was only natural; I would have done the same if our positions were reversed.
I'd caused them all a great deal of worry last night—Himiko and my parents alike. I had healed my injuries before returning, but my kimono was ruined. On top of that, I didn't get home until after nine. Being scolded and lectured was only my due. If there is a "next time," I must be more careful to keep my clothes clean. It's not just about looking presentable, but at the very least, it won't cause them such alarm.
"From now on, I shall strive to keep a closer eye on Katsuki. If he tries to do something foolish, I'll stop him even if I have to beat him to do it. I am sorry for the unnecessary worry I've caused you all."
"…Why the hell are you the one apologizing? Dammit…"
"You have some nerve…"
"Wait, Himiko. Calm down."
I told her to go back to the room, but she just won't listen.
As Himiko moved to charge at my lackey, I extended my right arm while still in my bowing position to block her path. If this didn't stop her, I'd have to resort to physically clinging to her to keep her back.
"I said, why…! Let me go! I can't NOT stab this person!!"
"Do not stab him, you fool. Don't be so angry. I understand how you feel, but please, calm yourself. And whatever you do, do not take out that utility knife you have hidden in your pocket."
This was bad. I needed to end this quickly. There was no telling what Himiko might do if this dragged on.
"Bakugo-san. Katsuki. Please, take your leave. As far as Madoka Mawari is concerned, this matter is settled. I have accepted your apology. I was also in the wrong, so let us call it a draw and put this behind us peacefully."
"…No, but that's…"
"Madoka-chan, Katsuki is the one at fault here. There's no need for you to be so considerate and apologize…"
"I was the one at fault, Mrs. Bakugo. And this is the result. I am truly sorry."
I wanted this over with. The Bakugo parents weren't satisfied. Neither was Himiko, nor my parents. The one least satisfied of all was Katsuki, but he is my subordinate. I wouldn't let him have a say in the matter.
"…Madoka, lift your head."
"..."
"Madoka."
…Father. I understand. Please, don't raise your voice like that. I'm lifting it now.
"Bakugo-san. Since my daughter is being like this, I'll have to ask you to leave for today. We, the parents, will discuss this matter privately at a later date. And, Katsuki-kun… Madoka is being lenient, so I won't say much. I'll keep it to one thing: you will properly take responsibility for laying a hand on my daughter."
"…Yes, sir."
"…Please, excuse yourselves for today. We will arrange a time to talk again soon."
And so, the Bakugo family left. Afterward, I had a hell of a time trying to get Himiko back into a good mood. But for once, I couldn't complain. I had no choice but to serve her with the utmost sincerity.
Please, Himiko, look at me. Don't just sit there pouting and refusing to speak. When you're like this, I haven't the faintest idea what to do…
Himiko… won't you forgive me…?
◆
Night came. Himiko, who had spent the day sulking, was still in a foul mood. Nothing I did worked. I apologized over and over, but every time I spoke, her mood seemed to worsen. If I tried to start a conversation, she simply turned her head away. I was at my wit's end. I had no idea what to do. The intricacies of a woman's heart are far too difficult for me.
My only saving grace was that she still clung to me from behind every now and then. While I was laying out the futons in the heavy silence, she wrapped her arms around me again.
But she still wouldn't speak. If I opened my mouth, she would immediately pull away. So, I decided to stay silent while she held me. When I placed my hand over hers where it rested against my chest, she gripped it tight. When I gripped back, she nipped at my ear. Usually, that would make me let out an embarrassing sound, but right now, the mood was far too grim for that.
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
The silence was crushing. I wanted to say something, but… I had to endure. If I spoke, she'd pull away. I didn't want that. Yet, I didn't know what else to do.
Someone, tell me. Someone, save me.
"…Madoka-chan."
"…Yes? What is it…?"
Ah. She finally spoke, for the first time in hours. And she didn't pull away when I replied. Had her mood improved even a little? No… the aura I felt behind me was the unmistakable chill of an upset Himiko. If I made a wrong move here, there was no telling what would happen.
"Why… why did you shield Bakugo-kun…?"
"…He is my lackey, after all…"
I hadn't intended to "shield" him, exactly… but I suppose it wasn't surprising that it looked that way.
"Toga is angry because that lackey of yours misbehaved. And I am sulking more than I have ever sulked before."
I know. Today, Himiko has been incredibly difficult. She hasn't been this upset since that time I mentioned the ring… though, in both cases, I was the one at fault. I'd made her sulk again. I really must be more careful…
"…What do you think of him? Of Bakugo-kun?"
"I like him. He's quite a favorable fellow, in his own way."
I don't like his lack of actual strength, but his eyes are good. He has a strong desire to improve himself. Aside from that, however, I think his head is completely screwed on wrong. Especially his attitude. It was abysmal today.
"…Whose fiancé am I?"
"You are my fiancé."
"…And whose fiancé is Madoka-chan?"
"I am Himiko's fiancé."
"…If you understand that, then tell me you love me."
"..."
How did it come to this? Do I really have to say it in this situation? Truly…?
…No, I have no choice. I have no right to complain. But, but… it's just so embarrassing to say "I love you" out loud…
"If you don't say it, I'll never speak to you again. I'll hate you forever, Madoka-chan."
That would be a problem. I'd hate that. Please, don't.
"…I… I l-love you…"
"One more time."
Guh…
"…I love… you…"
"One more time."
Ngggh…
"I love… you…"
"…More."
E-Enough already…!
"I love you…"
"Do you really?"
Why would you doubt me now?!
"I truly, honestly love you!"
"…I'll give Madoka-chan a special pardon. But I won't forgive Bakugo-kun. I'm going to stab him one day. I'm definitely going to stab him."
No, do not stab him. That is out of the question. Don't you dare do it. Not ever. If you stab him, I won't forgive you, do you hear me?!
"And one more thing."
"Oof."
Hey, what was that for? Don't tackle me from behind. My face is buried in the futon; I can't breathe!
"Right now, Toga is veeeery jealous, so you'd better be prepared."
"…For what? Wait, hang on! Preparation for what, Himiko?!"
"I'm absolutely not letting you sleep tonight."
…! Hey, stop that. Don't say things like that and then bite my neck! Don't lick me! Stop sucking on it!
And for heaven's sake, you wretch! If you were jealous, why didn't you just say so sooner?! Why on earth would you be jealous of a brat like him?! How was I supposed to know that was the problem?!
And that is how she was burdened with the habit of begging for it yet again.
Today is just one update since I did four yesterday.
Himiko was jealous of Bakugo because she knows that once Madoka decides to look after someone, she will never abandon them. You could say she was genuinely terrified of a "Bakugo-fiancé route." She's cute like that.