[ENG] Soshiki no Shukuteki to Kekkon Shitara Mecha Amai V1 Chapter 7

Chapter 7

"Ugh, what’s this gauntlet again? It’s nostalgic…"

I had been slowly cleaning the room, which is currently being used as a storage space. In the process, I discovered something sealed in a cardboard box: the black gauntlet I used to love.

(………Wait. I’m sure it had a name…)

— I’ve forgotten it. I haven’t used it in almost ten years, and after the disbanding of the "Shishima Agency," I’ve stayed away from combat, so I never had the need for it. It’s heavy, takes up space, and unlike a sword, it’s not useful as decoration. Honestly, it feels like throwing it away would be for the best.

(But... I just can’t bring myself to throw it out. It’s not like I have no attachment to it.)

"Hey, what’s that?"

Ritsuka, who had come to check on me, tilted her head at the gauntlet I was holding.

"Oh, this is a weapon I used back in the day… or maybe armor?"

"Ahh! I remember now! After you started using that, you got super strong, right? Everyone in the 'Organization' was always saying you were insane. You still have it?"

"Yeah, I couldn’t throw it away…"

"But it’s just in the way, right? Should we throw it away? Or sell it on an online auction?"

"That’s kind of cruel, don’t you think?"

"Well, you’re cleaning, right?"

Even I have a memory or two attached to this. Though, to be honest, it’s practically garbage at this point.

"By the way, this thing had a lot of functions, so I think it might cause trouble if we just throw it away or sell it."

"Yeah, that’s true. I remember you used to pull out wires from that glove all the time."

"It’s not a glove, it’s a gauntlet…"

"It’s like a bulky appliance you’re not sure what to do with. What should we do?"

"Hmm… Throw it away, sell it online, keep it… none of those sound great."

It’s hard to come to a conclusion right away. So, I decided to delay the decision.

"I’ll ask a friend tomorrow."

"Someone from the 'Shishima Agency'?"

"Yeah. They might have a good suggestion."

If it comes down to disposing of it, I’ll follow their advice.

"By the way, why do you suddenly want to clean out this storage room?"

"It’s just a mood. You know, you can’t leave a room as a storage space forever."

"Ah, I get it, it’s like... uh, dec... decl..."

"Decluttering."

"Yeah, that’s it!"

It’s true, I’ve been doing something like decluttering. But in reality, it’s part of the 'plan,' and I can’t tell Ritsuka the details right now, so she’s satisfied with the idea of decluttering.

"You’ve shoved a lot of stuff in this closet too, right? These are my things, so if we’re decluttering, I’ll have to throw them away."

Opening the closet, Ritsuka crouched down to check the contents. I set the black gauntlet aside and started looking at the closet too.

… It’s swaying. Not a peach, but Ritsuka’s rear end.

(I wanna touch it.)

My instincts whispered that to me. Ritsuka’s body is generally slim, not particularly curvy, but her butt is magnificent, and I’ve recognized that. It has a beautiful roundness to it, a perfect semi-spherical shape. Men’s butts can be called flat, but a perfectly shaped rear like Ritsuka’s deserves to be called a “butt” with love and respect. I want to touch it.

"Oh, this is the pouch I thought I lost! It was here?"

(If I play it off as an accident, maybe I could make a move?)

To clarify, I’m not the kind of pervert who goes around targeting anyone’s rear end. It’s just Ritsuka’s that has caught my attention. So it’s not that I want to touch her rear. I want to touch Ritsuka’s rear. That’s a big difference.

I quieted my presence. I’m used to sneaking around.

"This is the stuffed animal I thought I lost—ah!"

I gently touched Ritsuka’s rear with the back of my hand, pressing against it lightly before sliding my hand.

The softness, the slight resistance—it’s nothing short of demonic. If the back of my hand could talk, it would probably just say, "This is insane."

"Sorry, I was just opening a box. Did I bump into you?"

"U-Um, no, it’s fine."

Safe…! She didn’t notice.

(I might be able to get away with one more…)

Technically, I have touched Ritsuka’s butt before. We’ve hugged and kissed plenty of times. But that was more of an accidental brush rather than a deliberate touch.

I had never gone in with full intent like this. But it’s not like I’m doing anything bad. It’s just a bit of marital affection. I love butts. I’m a butt guy.

[Ohhh, what are you two doing in that cramped space? It’s so dusty here, nyah.]

"Oh, hey, Nyankichi! Come here, come here~!"

"Ugh. Gross."

Nyankichi appeared at the doorway, and I immediately put on the most exaggeratedly sweet voice possible. His blunt reaction was brutal, but I didn’t care. I pretended to focus on him while—using only my index finger—I gave Ritsuka’s butt a single, gentle poke.

"Eek!"

Oh… My fingertip is singing. I don’t know if it’s appropriate to describe a butt like this, but the word fresh popped into my head. Ritsuka’s butt was fresh.

"What’s wrong? A bug or something?"

"…………"

Ritsuka turned to look at me with a slow, suspicious glare. I pretended not to notice and kept petting Nyankichi—who, in return, kept smacking my hand away.

(I can still go for one more, right??????)

I made my decision. I could go again. There was room for seconds.

This next one was going to be the limit. Ritsuka was clearly suspicious. She knew something was up. But she hadn’t confronted me yet, which meant she wasn’t completely certain. If I moved quickly enough, I might be able to slip past her defenses one last time.

—I was going to grab it. Not dreams or glory. My wife’s butt.

No more subtle moves. No more half-measures. This time, I was going in with my whole right hand.

She would definitely catch me. I’d have no excuses. But at least, I’d be left with something—the memory of the sensation.

"Nyankiobuh—"

BOOM!

Like a horse delivering a devastating kick, Ritsuka’s foot slammed straight into my side.

Naturally, my hand met nothing but air. No treasured sensation remained.

"…You’re so obvious," she muttered, her voice carrying a dangerous edge.

It wasn’t like I’d forgotten, but Ritsuka was no ordinary woman. She was highly trained. I might have been good at erasing my presence, but her ability to detect things was on another level. That whole "I can still go for one more" thought? It was probably just a trap she set to catch me in the act…! Well played, my wife…!!

"Why do you keep trying to sneak in butt grabs? Huh?"

"N-Nyankichi… told me to…"

[Oh, I will end you.]

"Don’t blame Nyankichi! Just tell me the truth!"

"Because I wanted to!! Ritsuka’s butt!!"

"That’s way too honest!"

I shouted my confession, and Ritsuka just stared at me, dumbfounded.

Now that I thought about it… trying to sneak a grab probably did feel kind of gross for her. Even if we were married, ignoring her feelings and going straight for harassment was definitely not okay. Yeah… this was bad.

"I’m sorry… I won’t do it again…"

"……If you really want to, just say so from the start. Then… I’ll think about it."

She averted her eyes and mumbled under her breath. My expression instantly tightened, and I stepped closer.

"Ritsuka. Can I touch your butt?"

"No."

"Why not…?"

"I said I’d think about it. If you submit a proper request in writing, I’ll review it and send my response by postcard."

"What are you, the government?"

Soft yet firm—that was Ritsuka’s butt.

[Don’t act like that was a clever line, nyah.]

And so, with Ritsuka’s help, I continued cleaning the room.

＊

"‘Saika Saiten,’ huh? I never thought I’d be saying that name again."

"Right, 'Saika Saiten.' That’s what it was called."

"You forgot it... That was supposed to be your personal weapon, wasn’t it?"

The next day, I called up an acquaintance—my former superior and current boss, the department head—to consult him in a separate room.

His memory was probably better than mine, as he immediately responded with the name "Saika Saiten."

"Why do you suddenly want to dispose of it? You could have considered it earlier if that was the plan."

"Well, I found it while cleaning my room yesterday. Honestly, I don’t need it anymore, and it’s just in the way, but I wasn’t sure if it was okay to just throw it away. So, I decided to consult you, Chief."

"…Of course, you absolutely cannot dispose of it through normal channels. Selling it online, for instance, is out of the question."

"I-I know that much. (That was close….)"

"If you really want to get rid of it, I’ll handle the arrangements. It won’t be immediate, though."

"Really? In that case, please take care of it. I’ll keep it at home until then."

"…Let me make one thing clear. The decision to dispose of it is still yours, not mine, Rouji."

"Yeah, that’s obvious. I won’t complain afterward."

There was some reluctance, but it was no longer necessary. If the department head was willing to take care of the disposal route, I had no objections to letting go of Saika Saiten. It wasn’t needed anymore.

The department head seemed like he wanted to say something but swallowed his words and muttered, "Fine then."

"Alright, Chief. I’ll be heading out—"

"Wait, Saigawa. While you’re here, let’s talk about work."

"Huh?"

"The ‘Nendonguri’ merchandise proposal? It’s completely unacceptable. What’s the point of turning them into water guns and sword toys?"

"Well… since the content has a darker tone, I thought it could work."

As for the project we were working on, we were submitting proposals and reaching out to the other party—my brother-in-law—to see what might work. But right now, I was getting shot down by the department head. The Nendonguri gun... I had thought of it after seeing Ritsuka throw water on my brother-in-law’s clay earlier.

"…As expected, you’re still bad at coming up with things from scratch, huh?"

"I thought I’d gotten a little better…"

"Not nearly enough. You’re good at following instructions, but that’s a waste."

In tasks like paperwork or document preparation, I’d never been scolded. Honestly, I think I’m suited for that kind of work.

On the other hand, coming up with actual ideas for products—the whole concept of creating something new—was my weakness. The department head knew that, so he kept pushing me to think and act on my own. "Don’t become the kind of person who waits for instructions" was something often said when starting out in the professional world. And I still hear it from the department head all the time.

"I think—what you’re missing is a child’s heart."

"A child’s heart? That’s something you often say, Chief."

"Yes. It’s something we need most. Though, I can’t imagine you ever had it."

"Growing up in the Shishima Agency since childhood does that to you."

My childhood was full of bad memories. I lived a life completely different from most kids. Because of that, I have no clear understanding of what a "child’s heart" really is.

This man and I go way back, and he knows me better than anyone—probably better than my own parents.

"If you don’t have it, then you’ll just have to find a way to get it."

"A child’s heart…?"

"Yuna... Torachi Kurei is a tricky man. As his adopted brother, your power is necessary, but it's a shame. I don't want you to just stand there and do nothing. Understand? This project is your fight - Rouji."

"A child’s heart, huh? Well, I mean... I’d like to say I have one, but…"

After that, I asked Ikoma-san about the concept of a child’s heart.

"That’s a bit of a vague answer."

"Well, saying ‘I have one!’ outright feels a little odd, doesn’t it? Toys are things made by adults for children. And besides, I’m an adult."

"But that doesn’t mean you don’t have one."

"Yes. I can sort of imagine what it’s like for a child holding a toy they made."

"I can imagine it too, but..."

If there’s a difference, maybe it’s the difference in our experiences as children.

While I was at it, I asked Ootaka, who was looking sleepy, the same question.

"Ootaka, do you have a child’s heart?"

"Ah… I don’t have one."

"You don’t have one?"

"Come on, Ootaka-kun, try to have one."

"I’m just working with all these strict company rules that adults created. No time for some child’s heart nonsense. Anyway, I’m really sleepy right now, so if I take a nap, does that count as part of a child’s heart?"

"Of course not..."

"That’s not what a child’s heart is about."

While Ootaka dozed off, Ikoma-san spoke up, saying, "Speaking of which..."

"So, what exactly is a child’s heart? It doesn’t seem to mean having a heart like a child…"

"They don’t teach that kind of thing in training, huh? I wish a child’s heart would sprout in me."

"As for you, Senpai, it’s more like…"

"More like what?"

"…Like an animal’s heart."

"What’s that supposed to mean?"

"Maybe you’d be good at working in a pet shop!"

I’m not sure what an "animal’s heart" is, but I could tell Ikoma-san was teasing me. She laughed happily, and it became clear that, at that moment, Ikoma-san was acting with something like a child’s heart.

＊

"Child’s heart? I think you’re still a kid, so you’re fine just the way you are."

"No, I’m not a kid, no matter how you look at it. I’m actually older than you, Ritsuka."

I asked the same question to Ritsuka when I got home, and her response was different from anyone else’s, yet there was something oddly off about it.

"Is that so? But there are a lot of cute things about you, Rou-kun."

"I’m not cute… And does a child’s heart have anything to do with cuteness?"

"I don’t know… But children are cute. And if it’s a child’s heart, it’s cute, right?"

[Speaking of cute, I’m pretty cute too.]

"I wasn’t calling you, Nyankichi."

Had he been listening to us? Nyankichi had come up to me and when I reached out to pet his throat, he swatted my hand away, refusing. Not cute at all.

"Do you think Nyankichi was cuter when he was a kitten?"

"I don’t know…"

[People have a bad habit of clinging to the past. I’m always the latest, most adorable.]

"I don’t like cats who call themselves cute."

"Eh, Nyankichi wouldn’t say that! You’re humble, right?"

[More than you are, nya.]

For Ritsuka, Nyankichi’s words always ended with ‘nya’, so no matter what he was trying to say, she just thought it was whatever she wanted it to mean. I, however, couldn’t just let things slide.

Returning to the topic of child’s hearts, I felt like Ritsuka still had one. In fact, she seemed cooler and more blunt ten years ago. Now, though, she liked to play tricks on me, tease me, and when she wanted affection, she’d cling to me like a child wanting attention.

...Wait, could it be that Ritsuka is the one who could solve my problem?

"Hey, Ritsuka. Could it be that you actually understand what a child’s heart is?"

"...Heh heh. You finally figured it out?"

"Yeah. Ritsuka is... a child."

"Go, Nyankichi!"

[Since you said so! Since you said so!]

"Ow, ow, ow!"

With his newfound justification, Nyankichi scratched at my foot.

Ritsuka puffed up her cheeks, and I couldn’t help but think that might be what a child does.

"When I say 'child,' I don’t mean childish or anything like that, more like...!"

"Calling an adult a ‘child’ is an insult, both outwardly and inwardly, you know?"

Looking like a child or acting like one—yeah, that’s not a good way to say it.

Well, Ritsuka had just said that to me without hesitation, but still…

I realized that I had phrased it wrong, so I quickly apologized.

"Sorry. I meant someone who really understands a child’s heart."

"Mm. It’s fine, I’ll forgive you. Because if you don’t understand a child’s heart, you’re going to have a hard time later on. What I’m saying is, I’m not a child, but I’m becoming like one for children!"

"...Huh? What does that mean—?"

The word child can have many meanings depending on the context. But there’s one specific way I always avoided using it in conversation with Ritsuka. If I added "our" before it, the meaning would be clear.

I never expected Ritsuka to say something like that, and I couldn’t help but hold my breath in shock.

"Ah—no, wait! Forget that! I mean, not forget, but—!"

Ritsuka blushed deeply, shaking her head vigorously.

"It’s fine, you don’t have to force it."

"Yeah..."

It was probably something ahead in our married life. Ritsuka, in her own way, must have been thinking about that vision. The unfortunate part was that we were still far from reaching it.

(But, little by little… both Ritsuka and I are trying to change. That much is certain.)

[Could it be… is this about reproduction? Don’t be loud at night, nya.]

(That’s a cat with zero charm…!!)

"Anyway! I have a great idea to help you level up your child’s heart power, Rou-kun!"

"Child’s heart power…"

I had never heard of such a thing. But Ritsuka seemed completely confident. Could this work?

"The idea is—Rou-kun, you become a child…!!"

"I’m not really sure what you’re saying."

Exactly. Ritsuka sometimes has these silly ideas.

But I love that side of her. I love it. It’s wonderful. She’s cute.

"Then from now on, you have to call me ‘Mama’."

"Is this some kind of roleplay…?"

The direction of the conversation changed completely. No, it didn’t just change—it shifted. A grown man calling a woman younger than him "Mama"? It’s definitely not normal—and that’s exactly why some men find it appealing. Wait, Ritsuka, you’re not going to charge me a fee or anything at the end, right?

But Ritsuka seemed genuinely pure, tilting her head and asking, "Roleplay…?"

"Ah. I get it. Rou-kun, you’re more of the ‘Mom’ type, right? That’s fine too, but no ‘Okan’! Kids don’t call their moms ‘Okan’! ‘Okachan’ is also borderline!"

(T/N: In Japanese, "okan" (おかん) is an informal or affectionate way to refer to one's mother, especially in the Kansai dialect (spoken in Osaka, Kyoto, and surrounding areas). It is similar to saying "Mom" or "Mama" in English.)

"I feel like your actions themselves are borderline, Ritsuka."

"I’ve been thinking this for a while… Rou-kun, you let me be pampered, but you never really cling to me. I think that’s because you don’t have a child’s heart!"

"I don’t think that’s really related…"

"It might be! Come on, hurry, call me ‘Mama’~♡"

I couldn’t help but think she might just want to be called that for her own satisfaction. But, logically speaking, making such a remark about a child’s heart would probably be off-limits. However, if, hypothetically, we were to have children someday, how should I address Ritsuka in front of them? Calling her ‘Mama’ might be better for our future son or daughter’s upbringing. Maybe I should get used to it now?

With that excuse running through my mind, I steeled myself to go along with this little "play."

"Well… Mama."

"What is it, dear? Hurry up and do your homework!"

"So it’s about the educational side?"

It wasn’t quite the “Mama” I expected. But, well, that’s one of the many forms of being a mom, I guess.

Ritsuka looked satisfied with a “I did it!” expression, while I was rather dissatisfied.

I probably wouldn’t have to pay any fees even if this was over.

"If you’re going to call me shyly, I won’t be ‘Mama.’ A kid doesn’t get embarrassed when calling their mom, you know!"

"Is that…?"

"Since it’s already night, we won’t practice any more today, but on the next day off, we’ll get serious about it!"

"Seriously?"

"Seriously."

It seemed that some strange fire had ignited in Ritsuka. A fire to teach me about the child’s heart.

Or perhaps, teasing me like this was Ritsuka’s true child’s heart.

[Do your best, nya—Mom.]

"Shut up."

＊

And so, on the next day off, Ritsuka and I went out without any particular plans.

We do this occasionally, but this time, there’s a condition.

"Alright, let’s go, Rou-kun. Be sure to call me ‘Mama’ when we’re outside, okay?"

"I’m a little hesitant to do that in public…"

[Hurry up and go already! I paid for this, nya!!]

(You didn’t pay for anything.)

I could hear Nyankichi’s voice coming from my back. It was the cat carrier backpack. Unlike dogs, we can’t take him on walks, but Ritsuka insisted on letting him get some fresh air from time to time.

It was a pleasant autumn day with clear skies. After walking a bit from our house, we came to a riverside. There’s a walking path, a multi-purpose field, and even a barbecue area, making just strolling around kind of fun.

"Nice weather, huh?"

"Yeah."

[The pleasure of having humans carry me! Can’t get enough of it, nya.]

(You’re still an animal, aren’t you?)

That’s the kind of thought a fat cat would have. I wonder if Nyankichi will get round and fat one day.

Since it was a holiday, there were quite a few people walking along the riverside.

"Hey, look, look, Rou-kun!"

"What’s up, Ritsuka?"

"Huh?"

"………… What’s up, Mama?"

Scary... I was glared at with such a serious face… This is like something out of a strict mom scenario...

"It looks like something’s happening over there! Let’s go check it out!"

Ritsuka suddenly took off running. There was a small crowd up ahead. I quickly followed her.

[Hey! Stop shaking me around, nya!]

"Just hang in there…"

As we got closer, it seemed there was a performer putting on a show. The crowd was mostly made up of children, who were watching with intense focus. Behind the kids were what appeared to be their parents or guardians.

"Wow, it’s a magic show!"

"Wow. It’s not even on the street, though…"

The foot traffic wasn’t as heavy as in the city, but the riverside was wide with a good view, and the people passing by here were more relaxed. There was even a can for tips placed in front of the performer.

The young performer, who seemed to be a magician, opened and closed his right hand several times. Then, before anyone knew it, countless flower petals flew out of his hand, drifting in the wind.

"That’s amazing! How did he do that?"

"Well… It was pretty smooth, so it’s clear that person’s experienced—"

"…………"

"Huh? What?"

I was absentmindedly watching the magic show when Ritsuka glared at me with half-closed eyes.

"What's wrong, Ritsuka—... Mama?"

"Kids! They watch stuff like this and get super excited and playful!"

Ritsuka pointed at the children in the audience. Indeed, every time the magician performed a trick, the children were cheering and laughing as if they had just witnessed magic firsthand.

"That’s why you shouldn’t say weird things like ‘That was a refined move...’!"

"I didn’t say that…"

"Don’t talk back!"

"Sorry."

I was being scolded. Some of the guardians around us glanced at us, which made me embarrassed.

Still... Ritsuka was right. The kids and Ritsuka were honestly enjoying the magic itself, while I was only watching the magician’s movements, trying to figure out how the tricks were done—acting like a rebellious middle schooler. This was definitely not the behavior of someone with a child’s heart.

"Alright, now let’s see if there’s anyone here who wants to help with the magic!"

The magician smiled and spoke to the kids. I see, by involving the audience like this, he was adding credibility to his tricks.

One by one, the children were raising their hands. It was a heartwarming sight...

"See...?"

"Huh?"

Ritsuka nudged me in the ribs with her elbow. This... was it?

"You have to go. You’re a kid, right?"

"Is this... blackmail...?"

I wanted to gain a child’s heart, not become a child.

I couldn’t possibly inconvenience the actual little kids...

"Alright, alright, alright, alright, alright, alright!!"

—Well, I’m going, though. If that’s what Ritsuka wants, I guess I have no choice.

My low voice pierced through the high-pitched voices of the children. The guardians looked at me with expressions of 'Is this guy for real?' The magician, taken aback by the sudden appearance of a monster in the audience, froze. The kids, sensing instinctively that something was off, fell silent all at once, as if thinking, "This guy is a bit too much."

"Uh... okay, then... um, the unusually energetic young man over there, please come over here…"

"Yo."

[You... really? I don’t even know what to say anymore…]

Nyankichi seemed to be in disbelief. Just leave me alone.

All the eyes of the children and their guardians were on me. Is this what it’s like to be looked at like some kind of rare animal?

"Alright, then, sir... um, could you wrap both of your hands around my right hand like this?"

"Yo."

The magician opened his right hand and showed it to me and the audience. There was nothing in his hand, a clear indication. My role was to cover the clenched fist the magician had made with my hands.

In other words... I was supposed to create a situation where nothing could be hidden. Got it.

"I’m going to seal it so tightly that not even a thin piece of paper can pass through."

"I don’t need that much pressure, just a light grip..."

"But there’s always the possibility, right?"

"And you’re trying to create that possibility yourself..."

Would a weak grip like this, that looks suspiciously like a fixed setup, work...?

(This feeling—does he already have something in his hand?)

It seemed that the magician’s claim of having nothing in his hands was a lie. When he showed his palms, the trick was likely hidden in the back of his hand, and when he showed his fists, the trick was probably hidden inside. It appeared that I was covering his hand after he had already prepared the trick.

"Alright! Now, sir, please let go of my hand!"

Thinking from a child’s heart perspective: Kids can be honest sometimes, but they can also be tricky. So, if that’s the case—

"What if I don’t let go...?"

"I’ll call the police."

"I see..."

I guess I’ll let go honestly, then. When the magician opened his hand, there were several miniature animals in his palm.

"Thanks to this gentleman’s power, the animals appeared!"

It seemed that was the explanation for the trick. From a child’s heart perspective, this was definitely a moment to be impressed.

"So, this is my... power?"

"Your child’s heart seems like it’s about middle school level..."

For some reason, Ritsuka looked exasperated. Huh? But if the trick succeeded because of my "power," isn’t playing along with that part part of having a child’s heart?

After watching a few more tricks, the magician, whose smile had become a bit strained, thanked us, and we left the scene.

"Rou-kun, you’re good at making comebacks, but deep down, you’re more of a fool, huh?"

"If Mama says so, then maybe it’s true."

[The most dangerous are the idiots who don’t even realize they’re idiots, nya.]

I was just trying to understand a child’s heart, but somehow, I’m being dissed by both my wife and the cat...

"Hey, look, Rou-kun. They’re playing softball over there. Should we watch for a bit?"

"Sure, let’s do that."

It seemed like the multi-purpose field was already being used for a game of softball, so we moved to a nearby bench to watch.

"Sports are nice, huh? They have this refreshing vibe to them!"

"Neither you nor I... I mean, Mama, have really done any sports."

More accurately, we didn’t have the time or energy for it. Both of us have had our fair share of difficulties.

Ritsuka, while watching the softball game, muttered quietly.

"I wish I could see it... Rou-kun hitting a home run in a game of softball..."

"Huh? No way, that’s impossible. This isn’t a batting center."

"Child’s heart…"

"Are you seriously thinking I’ll do what you want just because you say that?"

The game had already started, so there was no way I could just join in like I was asking for one turn at bat.

It seemed Ritsuka knew that as well—just as a foul ball came flying toward us.

"Whoa."

"Woah."

Ritsuka tried to dodge with minimal movement, but I was quicker and caught the ball with my bare hands.

"Are you okay, Ritsuka?"

"Yeah. Are you okay? Did your hand hurt?"

"I’m fine. But this foul ball really flew a long way, considering the distance."

"Not bad, kid."

"Whoa!?!"

I hadn’t noticed the presence behind us, focused on the ball and Ritsuka. Nyankichi, who was asleep on my back, remained unresponsive. We turned around, and a woman in a tracksuit was staring at us.

"Excuse me, ma’am. Are you with the softball game over there? Here, I’ll return the ball—"

"That build of yours… you’re no amateur. Your reflexes are good. I like you."

"Uh, excuse me?"

"You’d be perfect as a pinch hitter for my old folks’ team! Kid! Do you have time right now...?"

"The sudden politeness is creepy…"

"Grandma knows her stuff! Rou-kun’s a genius hitter!"

"Hey, Ritsuka—"

"Well then—... Come on!"

The mysterious old woman forcibly dragged me along. I couldn’t be rough with an elderly person, so I handed Nyankichi to Ritsuka and followed the old woman for now. She was an unexpectedly powerful old lady...

And suddenly—before I knew it, I was standing at the plate with a bat in my hand.

(Is this allowed by the rules? Well, it’s just casual softball, so I guess there are no strict rules…)

"Hey, you’re a rookie, huh?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah."

The catcher from the opposing team called out to me. He must’ve figured it out immediately just from my stance with the bat.

"Interesting," the catcher muttered, sending some sort of signal to the pitcher.

(Guess they’ll go easy on me…)

"Go for it, Rou-kun!"

Ritsuka cheered from behind the net. I waved back, but then suddenly a ball came flying straight for my face.

"Wha—?!"

I swung the bat like a sword, deflecting the ball. It rolled into foul territory.

"Guess you’re not just any rookie after all—looks like old Pachii really knew what they were doing."

"Are you trying to kill me?! That was a dangerous pitch! Isn’t that a rule violation?!"

"In our league, dangerous pitches are self-defense. Otherwise, we’d get hit."

"What kind of baseball is this?!"

That pitch was incredibly fast too. It wasn’t exactly casual softball. In fact, this whole game felt off. I had somehow ended up in a weird situation.

Still, I wanted to show off in front of Ritsuka. Fortunately, no matter how fast the pitch, bullets still travel faster. My eyes were fully tracking the ball’s path. Now it was just a matter of swinging and hitting it.

(I’ve been through enough of this. A pitch like this? I can hit it easily…)

"Strike! Batter out!"

Before I knew it, I was out on three strikes. Oh, right. Unlike a bullet, the speed of a pitched ball changes with each throw. Not every ball is fast. Some are curveballs that throw off my stance. I got caught.

"Not bad, man. Even though you’re a rookie, you were able to track the ball well."

"Haha... Well, it didn’t matter, since I struck out..."

The catcher praised me, but I returned to the bench, feeling down. I bowed my head to the old woman.

"Die."

"Not holding back, huh..."

"…There’s a drink over there. Take one for your wife too. You may have failed today, but you’ve got potential. Come back when you have time. I’ll let you hit next time."

"Thank you. If it works out, I’ll be back."

This was definitely casual, no-frills softball. While I was distracted, a brawl had broken out on the mound. It seemed like there were a lot of hot-headed guys around here... Wait, do brawls really happen in casual softball?

"Good job, Rou-kun! You weren’t... exactly cool, though!"

“Fail”

Since Ritsuka and Nyankichi were waiting for me, I left the field.

"Baseball was surprisingly fun. If I had played it when I was a kid, I might've gotten really into it."

"That's great! I think you’ve gained some of that child’s heart, huh?"

"Not sure about that."

In the end, I still didn’t really understand what a child’s heart was. I couldn’t help but feel like I was just being teased by Ritsuka, but since it was fun, I wasn’t too bothered by it.

Sitting on the bench, I relaxed and looked at the river. I quietly spoke to Ritsuka beside me.

"...I’m not sure if it’s really a child’s heart, but..."

"Hm?"

"I think the world is full of all kinds of fun things. Kids are more sensitive to that. What adults think is boring, kids can still find interesting. I think child’s heart is that ability to still perceive those things sharply, a sensitivity that adults lose as they grow up."

Though I wasn’t completely sure, this was the conclusion I had come to. The things I took for granted were met with wide-eyed wonder by the children, and adults like Ritsuka, who still had a child’s heart, reacted the same way. Maybe a child’s heart could also be called sensitivity. Ritsuka chuckled softly.

"Kids don’t think about complicated stuff like that, so you’re disqualified~"

"Seriously?"

"...But maybe you’re right. Adults lose interest quickly. I think it’s scary, realizing that the warmth you once had can eventually turn cold."

"So, like how things you were passionate about as a kid lose their appeal as you get older?"

"Yeah, something like that~"

It was a somewhat half-hearted agreement from Ritsuka. Maybe she didn’t fully understand it herself.

Everyone was once a child. You just grow up. Having a child’s heart doesn’t mean you don’t have it anymore—it’s just that you can’t remember it.

"Child’s heart is deep... But thanks to you, Ritsuka, I feel like I understand it just a little bit."

"Really? Well, it’s getting close to evening. How about we head home? I need to start preparing dinner!"

[I’d rather sleep at home, so I’m on board.]

"Yeah. Let’s go—Mama."

"You’re getting pretty good at saying that naturally..."

It was Ritsuka who had set this up, but now that I had gotten used to it, she seemed a little shy about it.

Ahem, Ritsuka exaggeratedly cleared her throat.

"...For now, can you call me Ritsuka?"

The "for now" made it clear she probably wanted me to call her that eventually, but not yet.

Still, it wasn’t going to happen right away—at least not today or tomorrow.

So, I made a deliberately mischievous face and showed it to Ritsuka.

"Huh? I actually kind of like calling you Mama, though. Don’t be so distant, Mama."

"Geez! Was Rou-kun always like this?!"

"I’m going to say it! Kids always call their moms Mama, you know."

We started walking hand in hand. It wasn’t always that Ritsuka had the upper hand with me. Right now, I just really wanted to tease her—that might be my own child’s heart at play.

[Ugh, I’m so done with kids already…]

(What the hell is he saying now…)

The day when my relationship with Ritsuka would change was fast approaching.

—Just a few days until our wedding anniversary.