Mayumi & Decisions: Part Four Point Five

“Really?” Makoto sounded genuinely surprised.

“Well she is ‘publicly presentable’ but when she isn’t in public she sure as hell doesn’t act like an adult.”

“How do you know her?”

“Arata’s aunt.” Katsumi said curtly.

“So you’d be going on this trip with some middle-aged woman and her niece?”

Katsumi raised an eyebrow. “I guess.” He said this in a tone that made it seem like he didn’t see the issue with it.

“I don’t like the sound of that…”

“W-why? I wouldn’t do anything, what're you talking about?” Katsumi started to get a little heated.

“No-no, not you. Them.”

A wave of confusion washed over Katsumi’s expression.

“The media never reports on this but it happens all the time!” Makoto started to get excited. “Older women going after really young guys, and they just get their way because of the age difference. The kid doesn’t know any better!”

“I’m not stupid, that wouldn’t happen.”
“That’s what all of them think. They think it’s their dream and the best thing ever, but in reality, you’re just being used.”

“Holy shit, really?” He might be exaggerating a bit, but all that does sound frighteningly true… “Wait… Then isn’t this the same thing? Like between me and you?”

“Katsumi… how old do you think I am?” Makoto sounded like Katsumi just stabbed him in the heart. “I’m only twenty-five.” He sighed. “We’re getting off topic. My point is, I don’t know if it’s the best idea to go with them, or at least with her Aunt.”
“Then who do you suggest I go with?” Picked up his head from his hand.

Makoto looked from side-to-side like he was making sure the coast was clear.

“Makoto?”

“Katsumi… This is a very important question.”

“Y-yes…?”

“This girl’s Aunt, she’s in her early forties, yes?”

“Yeah… why?”

“Is she cute?” Makoto’s questioning was intense.

Katsumi hesitated for a long moment. “She is…”

“...I’ve decided. I’ll be putting everything on hold to come with you on this trip. For your sake. To protect you from what could possibly happen with her Aunt coming.”

“Huh? What? If you’re coming doesn’t that mean she doesn’t—”

“It means the complete opposite! She has to come!”

A part of me is really telling me to stop Makoto from going for Hirano… But I honestly don’t care. “Sure Makoto… Thank you for sacrificing yourself like that for me. You’re too kind.”

“No need for the sarcasm Katsumi, I’m just doing my part as a friend.”