Chapter 53 The Giver and the Giver

The Giver and the Giver

There are people like Takeshi who can only receive.

There are also people like Hana-san who can prioritize giving.

As a result, the giver is taken advantage of by the receiver…On the other hand, when a giver is involved with a giver…he/she can even be “given” by the other person.

The more you receive a favor, the more likely it is that the other person will try to return it.

The receiver then becomes even more eager to return——creating a virtuous cycle.

This is why it’s said that more successful people in the world are givers than receivers. When I think about it, I realize that there really is such a thing as cause and effect.

If you do bad deeds, bad results will come back to you.

Conversely, if you do good deeds, good results will come back to you.

It’s the same with Hana-san.

I think she was able to receive the “love” left behind in this way because she had a good relationship with my grandparents.

“…”

When Hana-san received the bank book and seal, she bit her lip hard.

She looks like she’s going to cry, but she’s holding on desperately, maybe because of my presence.

Now that I think about it…Hana-san became a little childish in front of my grandparents, even though she tried to be an adult in front of me and Ichika. Even now, with that “love” from my grandparents, she seems to be losing her strength.

However…Hana-san still seems hesitant.

“But, but…! I think Takumi-kun and your relatives should get this money.”

It’s a good thing and a bad thing——that Hana-san is trying to give to someone even at a time like this.

“No, Hana-san should receive it.”

But, I’m going to refuse it.

“I have enough for myself…Besides, my uncle is such a rich person that he has never had any money problems, so don’t worry about it.”

My uncle, who lives comfortably with his family in the city, makes a lot of money because he has his own business. He has told me before not to worry about money. That’s probably why he told me on the phone to give that bank book to Hana-san.

“Besides…this is something that Grandpa and Grandma left for Hana-san. It’s sad if you reject their love.”

“No, no. That’s——!”

At my words, Hana-san shook her head in panic.

Of course, I know she didn’t mean that.

But I thought Hana-san would get stubborn if things continued like this, so I said it that way on purpose.

I’m sure Hana-san knows that.

“Mooo~…Takumi-kun, you are so mean!”

She gave me an angry look, but I just shrugged it off.

Then Hana-san gave a small smile as if she had given up…and clutched her bank book and seal in both hands.

“…That’s right. This is the precious money your grandfather and grandmother left me.”

“Yes. I think that’s why my uncle never touched it.”

“——Thank you.”

These words were not addressed to me.

They were addressed to the altar, and Hana-san expressed her gratitude as she closed her eyes.

Yokatta…Finally, Hana-san received my grandparents’ will.

“I was so sad at the time of the funeral that I didn’t care about the money. But…now I finally understand how you both feel. Thank you very much——I will treasure it and use it.”

Saying that Hana-san claps her hands together at the altar.

She tried not to let me see it…but tears were streaming from her eyes. I am sure her feelings for my grandparents are overflowing.

I pretended not to see and joined in with Hana-san praying.

(Grandpa. Grandma. Thank you…I hope you are watching over me, Hana-san, and Ichika in heaven.)

I thanked my late grandparents and prayed.

Then Hana-san and I prayed together in silence for a while.

…According to what I heard from my uncle, there is a good amount of money in the bank book.

With that, at least for the time being, there would be no problems with living expenses, moving expenses, and Ichika’s tuition.

Yokatta…this seems to have solved one problem——