Chapter 5 Yuuki, Kotori, and Mina
A month had passed since Yui started coming to Yuuki’s house.
Yui was still a regular visitor in his room, but one thing had changed.
“I’m home.”
Yuuki returned late at night after another day of work.
“Welcome home.”
Kotori greeted him with a smile.
Seeing her in the jersey she used as pajamas gave off such a domestic vibe that it really made him feel like, Ah, I’m home.
When Yuuki handed his jacket to Kotori and went into the living room, Yui was on the bed, fiddling with her smartphone.
“…Welcome back.”
“Yo, I’m back, Yui.”
After greeting him, Yui’s gaze returned to her phone screen.
She didn’t make any particular conversation with him, but she also showed no signs of leaving.
Yuuki smiled to himself at the sight.
That’s right. Ever since that day they walked home holding hands, Yui had stopped leaving when he got back.
Still, she always timed her departure for her own home just right, waiting for the quiet moment before bed when he and Kotori would hold hands, which just went to show what a considerate, good kid she was.
Before he knew it, having Yui in the house had become the new normal for Yuuki.
Aside from occasionally playing video games with him, Yui mostly just played on her phone or did her homework. So she was never a distraction when he was studying.
Kotori, too, spent a lot of time quietly doing housework or studying by herself, so most of the time, the three of them were in the same room, each doing their own thing.
But it was a comfortable state of affairs. He was sure Kotori and Yui felt the same way.
Even though they were doing different things, the three of them were definitely together.
◇
—One night.
“Man, Yui was really struggling with the fish bones again.”
“Fufu, you were the same way at first, weren’t you, Yuuki-san?”
Yuuki and Kotori were relaxing as usual, holding hands in front of the bed.
Yui had gone back to her room a little while after the three of them had dinner, so it was just the two of them now.
Just the two of them, but…
“Come to think of it, Yui’s overnight school trip starts tomorrow, right?”
“Yes. It’s for two nights, starting tomorrow.”
“Speaking of which, how is Yui at school? I hope she’s not getting teased or bullied for not talking much.”
“I hear stories about school from her sometimes, and it sounds like she’s doing well. You know, Yui-chan may be quiet, but she’s very clear about expressing her will.”
“Ah, yeah. That kid isn’t afraid to speak her mind, even to people older than her like us… Hey, even when it’s just the two of us, all we talk about is Yui.”
That’s right.
Lately, even when he was alone with Kotori, the main topic of conversation was always Yui.
“We sound just like parents…”
Yuuki said, slightly exasperated with himself.
“Fufu. There are times when I feel like Yui-chan is my own child, too.”
Kotori laughed happily.
It was true. Lately, when he saw Yui trotting over to Kotori while she was doing housework, he found himself thinking things like, “How cute,” or “I hope she grows up big and strong.”
(Is this what it feels like to be a parent…? Not that I’d know, since I’ve never actually been one.)
Well, setting himself aside, he thought Kotori and Yui really were like mother and daughter.
Yuuki still hadn’t spent that much time with Yui, but Kotori was with her for quite a while after school.
So her feelings were probably stronger than his.
As they were talking…
Ding-dong.
The doorbell rang.
“Hm? Who could that be so late? I’m not expecting any packages.”
As Yuuki said this, Kotori smoothly stood up to get the door.
He had to admire how quick on her feet she was in these situations, a testament to her usual role of managing the household.
But.
“I’ll get it, Kotori. It’s late, could be someone suspicious.”
“Eh, ah, yes. Thank you…”
Kotori’s voice trailed off, sounding strangely embarrassed.
“Why are you blushing?”
“Well, um… I just thought it was cool how you were trying to protect me…”
“Oh, uh… thanks.”
Now he was getting embarrassed, too.
Yuuki went to the entrance, trying to cool his flushed face.
He looked through the peephole, but…
“…Huh?”
There was no one there.
A prank?
With that thought, Yuuki opened the door.
“Huh? Isn’t that Yui?”
Looking down, he saw Yui, who had gone back to her room just a few hours ago, standing there.
She wasn’t in her usual elementary school uniform from Kotori’s old school, but in a pair of polka-dot pajamas. In her hand, she held a matching polka-dot pillow.
“What’s up? Forget something?”
Yui shook her head and murmured.
“…Dream.”
“A dream?”
“…Had a scary dream.”
A scary dream?
Well, he had them sometimes, too…
“So, um…”
Yui hugged her pillow tightly, looking like she was having trouble saying what she wanted to say.
(…Ah.)
Right.
Yuuki finally understood.
(That’s right. She may be quiet and mature, but she’s still just a little girl.)
Yuuki’s lips curved into a small smile.
“Come on in. Kotori’s still here.”
“…”
Yui gave a small nod.
◇
“Yui-chan?!”
Seeing Yui in her pajamas, Kotori let out a small cry of surprise.
“What’s wrong, coming over so late at night?”
“She had a scary dream, so she wants to sleep with you tonight.”
“…Eh?”
Kotori’s eyes went wide as she looked at Yui.
“…(Nod).”
Yui gave a small nod.
Kotori seemed more surprised than he’d expected, and she sat frozen for a moment, but then…
“…Fufu, I see.”
A happy smile spread across her face. A truly, genuinely happy smile.
She sat up on the bed.
“Come on in, Yui-chan.”
She opened her arms as if to welcome Yui.
“…Yeah.”
Yui walked over and let herself be enveloped in Kotori’s arms.
“It’s okay. I’m here for you.”
Kotori said in a gentle voice, stroking Yui’s head.
“…Yeah. Sorry for being a baby.”
“Not at all. Everyone has days like that.”
“Thank you…”
Yui buried her face in Kotori’s chest. Kotori hugged her small body tightly.
(…They really are like mother and daughter.)
Yuuki thought to himself, a little exasperated, but also feeling a warmth spread through him.
(Alright then…)
Yuuki opened the closet and took out a futon.
It had been a while since he’d last used it. The last time was before Kotori moved in next door. It had been almost two months since then, he recalled, as if it were only yesterday.
As he was thinking this…
“…Yuuki, what are you doing?”
Yui lifted her head from Kotori’s chest and asked.
“Hm? What do you mean? I’m going to bed too, so I’m laying out my futon. You two can have the bed tonight.”
“…”
Yui’s brow furrowed slightly. Yuuki couldn’t tell what that change in expression meant. But then, Yui said one thing.
“…Yuuki’s not sleeping with us?”
“Eh?”
The unexpected question made Yuuki let out a dumbfounded sound.
“…”
Yui stared at him silently.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
Sleeping with his girlfriend, Kotori, was one thing, but sleeping with someone else’s young child… wouldn’t that be a problem in all sorts of ways?
“…”
But Yui just kept staring at him, not saying a word.
And her expression, he thought, looked just a little bit anxious.
“It’s fine, isn’t it, Yuuki-san?”
It was Kotori who spoke up.
“Kotori?”
“It’ll be warmer with three of us.”
Kotori said with a mischievous glint in her eye.
“…(Stare).”
And Yui was still staring at him.
“Oh, for crying out loud, fine.”
Yuuki sighed and closed the closet.
“But isn’t it going to be too crowded with three of us?”
“If we squeeze together, it’ll be fine.”
Kotori said, then flopped onto the bed and rolled over to the side against the wall.
“…”
Yui got onto the bed too, wiggling around to line up next to Kotori.
Kotori pointed to the empty space and said.
“Go ahead, Yuuki-san.”
She said with a smile.
Yui, getting into the spirit of things, was beckoning him over too.
“…Well, I guess this is okay too.”
Finally resigned, Yuuki turned off the room light. The moonlight cast a faint glow on the three of them.
He was already ready for bed, so all that was left was to sleep.
Yuuki lay down in the empty space.
“Yeah, it’s a little cramped after all.”
“Let’s get closer, Yuuki-san.”
“Yui, are you okay with this?”
“…Yeah. Warmer is better.”
“I see.”
Yuuki did as he was told and closed the distance between them. Kotori’s face was close, and he could feel the warmth of Yui’s body against his. Yeah. It was a little tight, but he could sleep like this.
“We only need one blanket.”
The body heat was already more than enough. Yuuki pulled the thinner blanket over the three of them.
In the process, Yui’s body was completely covered. She wiggled around under the blanket, then… pop, just her head emerged.
“…Yuuki, is it too tight?”
“Hm? Nah, I’m good.”
She was such a kind kid, always thinking of others even in moments like this.
Yuuki decided to ask.
“Hey Yui. Are you not scared anymore?”
“…”
At his words, Yui did the same thing she had done with Kotori earlier, burying her face in his chest.
“…Yeah. Not scared. It’s warm.”
“I see… That’s good.”
Yuuki couldn’t help but stroke Yui’s golden hair. Yui narrowed her eyes happily.
Then, as if reassured, she slowly closed her eyes.
Seeing this, a thought naturally came to Yuuki’s mind.
(Ah, so she feels safe even when I do it.)
He’d seen Kotori do this for Yui several times.
But since he worked late and still didn’t have much time with her, he hadn’t imagined that Yui would feel the same sense of peace if he were the one to do it.
…Apparently, that had been a needless worry.
In fact, Yui was now breathing peacefully in her sleep.
“…Maybe Yui trusts me more than I thought.”
Yuuki murmured, looking at Yui’s sleeping face.
“Of course she does.”
Kotori, on the other side of Yui, whispered so as not to wake her.
“Because you’re a kind person, Yuuki-san.”
“Kind… huh. I don’t really see myself that way.”
“You don’t?”
“Well, you know, before I met you, Kotori, all I did was work and study. I didn’t really think about other people.”
“Ah, I see.”
He really hadn’t had any room for anything else back then. He’d been like a machine programmed to work towards a single goal, living a sterile, inorganic life.
Honestly, he barely even remembered the faces of his classmates, aside from Ootani.
And now, here he was, sleeping in the same bed with Kotori and Yui.
It felt a little unbelievable.
“…But Yuuki-san.”
Kotori said, placing her hand over Yuuki’s as he stroked Yui’s hair.
“The only Yuuki-san I know is the warm one.”
“Kotori…”
“I’m sure Yui-chan feels it too. You’re a kind person, Yuuki-san. You should have more confidence.”
Kotori looked him straight in the eye and said.
Her expression was gentle, truly gentle.
(…Haha, well, I don’t think I can compete with Kotori when it comes to kindness, at least.)
As he was thinking this…
“…Nngh.”
A small sound came from beside him. Yui seemed to be having a bad dream.
“Yui-chan, is she having another nightmare?”
This time, Kotori also gently rubbed Yui’s back. After a little while, Yui started to settle down again.
“…Attagirl, Mom.”
“Oh, stop it. It was just a coincidence.”
Kotori replied to Yuuki’s joke with a small laugh. And then, Yui said one word.
“…Mommy.”
And with that, she fell back into a deep sleep.
“…”
“…”
Yuuki and Kotori looked at each other.
“…Come to think of it, what are Yui’s parents like?”
The question popped into his head, belatedly.
“Kotori, have you heard anything?”
“…No.”
Kotori shook her head.
“But she did say her father passed away.”
“…I see.”
It seemed this little girl, like Yuuki and Kotori, had also lost a parent in the past.
“…Parents.”
Yuuki murmured.
◇
For Yuuki, parents were beings who were constantly meddling.
Especially his father. From the time Yuuki was still in his mother’s womb, his father had been spouting anachronistic nonsense like, “This one’s going to be a pro baseball player.” And when Yuuki was born, he put that plan into action.
He was given his first toy ball at age one, and by the next year, he was swinging a toy bat. At four, his father started taking him to the local park for day after day of practice, practice, practice.
His dedication was so intense that when he saw Yuuki doing his homework, he would say…
“If you have time for that, read this instead.”
And hand him essays by pro baseball players, books on baseball technique, or sports science texts. Thanks to that, when he joined the Little League at age seven, the coach’s eyes went wide at his incredible agility and deep understanding of the game.
Fortunately, Yuuki himself didn’t dislike baseball, so while it was incredibly tough, it wasn’t exactly painful. But looking back now, his old man was pretty crazy.
In some countries, he might have been accused of being overbearing and infringing on his child’s human rights. Now, as for Yui’s mother…
She was, in a sense, the polar opposite of Yuuki’s father.
A parent who never came home. A concept far removed from Yuuki’s own experience.
So he couldn’t really picture what kind of person she was.
From what he’d heard, she was the president of some company, but…
However, Yuuki would come face-to-face with Yui’s mother sooner than he expected.
◇
It was the day after the three of them had slept lined up in a row.
It was Saturday, and Yui was away on her school’s overnight trip.
Yuuki was eating breakfast with Kotori, as usual.
There was no school, and Yuuki’s shift didn’t start until late morning, so he could enjoy a leisurely meal with Kotori.
Just then…
Ding-dong.
The doorbell rang.
“Who could that be? It’s so early.”
Yuuki put down his chopsticks and was about to go to the door, but Kotori was already on her feet.
“Ah, thanks, I’ll leave it to you.”
Kotori nodded with a natural smile and headed for the entrance.
It was the same as when Yui had come over yesterday. In these situations, Yuuki was no match for the quick movements of Kotori, who was used to being at home and receiving packages.
She did all the housework, too. He felt like he was turning into one of those patriarchal old men at home.
(…I should buy Kotori something she likes again soon.)
The sad recourse of a man with no time and no housekeeping skills.
As he was thinking this…
—Oh, ah, yes. The pleasure is all mine.
He heard Kotori’s deferential voice from the entrance.
Then, Kotori returned to the living room and announced.
“Yuuki-san, it’s Yui-chan’s mother.”
“…Eh?”
◇
“Hello. You must be Yuuki-kun.”
The blonde woman called his name in a husky, steady voice.
She was younger than he’d expected, probably in her early thirties.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Horii Mina. A pleasure.”
Yui’s mother, Mina, said, holding out her right hand.
“The pleasure’s all mine. I’m Yuusuke Yuuki.”
Yuuki shook her hand, taking in her appearance.
(…So this is Yui’s mother.)
Yui’s mother was, without a doubt, a foreigner.
She was taller than Yuuki, with long, slender limbs. Her red dress suit was stretched taut over a large bust, yet her waist was cinched tight, giving her a figure that was like a work of art. Her hair was a vibrant platinum blonde, long and wavy.
And her face, with its deep-set features and dignified air, radiated vitality and confidence.
She possessed a powerful allure and an unapproachable strength all at once.
If he had to sum up his impression in a single phrase, it would be “a high-powered foreign businesswoman.”
“I’ve heard from Hyodo that Yui is always in your care. Sorry for the late introduction. Anyway…”
Mina said with a smile, her gaze shifting between Yuuki and Kotori.
“Are you two living together? Kids these days move fast, huh?”
“No, Kotori’s apartment is next door.”
Though in reality, she spent most of her time in his apartment, except when she was sleeping, so it was practically like they were living together.
And since they’d started sleeping together a little while ago, they occasionally shared a bed.
He’d keep the fact that he’d also slept with her daughter to himself for now.
“That aside. Here.”
Mina produced an envelope from her pocket.
“What’s this?”
“Yui’s living expenses. She’s been over so many times, and you’ve been feeding her, right?”
“Ah, well, adding one more kid isn’t that much of a burden.”
He’d been working so much that even after covering his and Kotori’s expenses, he’d been able to save up quite a bit.
“Oh, not greedy, are we? Still, I’m not one to leave debts unpaid. It would make me feel better if you’d accept it.”
Mina said, once again thrusting the envelope towards Yuuki.
“…Well, if you put it that way.”
Yuuki reached for the envelope, but…
(Whoa, this is thick. This is more than a hundred or two hundred thousand yen.)
It had a solid weight in his hand.
“I’m sorry. I can’t possibly accept this much.”
“You really are modest. Well then, how about this much for this month?”
Mina pulled about five bills from the envelope and showed them to Yuuki.
“Yes, that would be fine. I’m sorry to be so presumptuous when I’m the one receiving it.”
Yuuki bowed his head and accepted the money.
“Not at all. I was the one being rude. You’re very mature for your age. Quite impressive.”
Mina waved her hand and laughed. She was a very frank person.
“Thank you from me as well.”
Kotori also bowed her head.
Then, looking at the money Yuuki had received, she said.
“But this seems like it will be quite a bit more than what we need for Yui-chan’s food… Oh, I know, Yuuki-san. Why don’t we buy some expensive meat and have sukiyaki with Yui-chan sometime?”
“Ooh, good idea. Yui likes hearty stuff like that. She’d be thrilled.”
“…Hmm.”
Mina looked at Yuuki and Kotori again and grunted in admiration.
“What is it, Mina-san?”
“Well… to hear you talk so happily about what would make Yui happy… You two really do care about her. I’d heard as much from Hyodo, but I’m truly impressed. You’re much more of a parent than I am.”
Mina crossed her arms and hummed thoughtfully.
“It’s pathetic to be so indebted to you…”
“No, you don’t have to worry about that.”
“That’s right. We’re doing it because we want to.”
“Alright, let’s do this!”
Mina clapped her hands together. Clap!
“When are you two free next? As a thank you for looking after my daughter and to deepen our neighborly friendship, I’ll treat you to dinner. You might feel hesitant to accept a large sum of money directly, but this should be fine, right?”
Yuuki was slightly overwhelmed by her energetic presentation.
A true businesswoman, perhaps?
“Yes, well, if that’s the case…”
Yuuki glanced at Kotori.
Kotori gave a slight nod. I’m fine with it, too, it seemed to say.
“Let me just check. When is my next day off…”
Yuuki opened the calendar app on his phone to check his schedule.
“Let’s see, I hope it lines up with a day I can make time… Whoa, this is incredible.”
Mina said, peering at Yuuki’s schedule from the side.
“Are you really a high school student? You don’t have a single proper day off this month.”
“Isn’t it the same for you, Mina-san?”
“Well, yes, but…”
Mina looked slightly taken aback.
“Looks like you’re free tomorrow evening. I can make time then, too.”
“But Yui won’t be back from her school trip yet.”
At Yuuki’s words, Mina tilted her head.
“Hm? Yui?”
“Yes. I was hoping the four of us could go together.”
“Ah… I see. Well, it’s a bit difficult for me to make time on other days. It’s a shame Yui can’t come, but it would be a great help if we could do it tomorrow.”
Mina said, her words suddenly losing their earlier crispness.
(…I see. Well, she must be busy.)
He felt a little bad for Yui, but it seemed it would just be him and Kotori this time.
“It’s settled, then. I’ll have to rush the owner a bit, but I’ll make a reservation right away.”
And so, it was suddenly decided that they would be treated to dinner by Yui’s mother.
◇
The next day.
Having finished his studies and work by the evening, Yuuki left his room with Kotori.
Mina had said, “Come in whatever you’re comfortable in,” but he had a feeling they were going somewhere quite fancy, so both he and Kotori decided to wear their school uniforms.
They arrived at the convenience store near their apartment, their meeting spot.
Their apartment building had a parking lot for residents, but it was a bit small and on a busy street, so this nearby convenience store was a more convenient meeting place.
After about ten minutes, Mina arrived by car, and…
“…Whoa, I’ve never seen a black luxury car like this before.”
It was one of those sleek, glossy black cars you see in movies and TV shows.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen one, too…”
Kotori murmured.
“A while?”
“Yes. My father used to drive a car like this. He stopped driving after my mother’s accident and sold it, I think.”
Right, of course. He was a pro baseball player who had been a star player in the major leagues.
“Hello, Yuuki-kun, Kotori-chan. Come on, get in, get in.”
Mina beckoned from the passenger seat window.
Yuuki, who had been staring dumbfounded, quickly got into the car.
(…The seats are so comfortable it’s making me uncomfortable.)
A thoroughly commoner-like thought.
The seats were so plush that they felt strange.
“Alright, I’m counting on you, Hyodo.”
“Understood, President.”
The person in the driver’s seat was the serious-looking woman he’d met with Yui in front of their building. Her name was Hyodo, he recalled. She was probably Mina’s secretary or something.
Still, a black luxury car, a secretary, being called “President”…
“…So, Mina-san, you’re really rich, aren’t you?”
“Reasonably so.”
Mina said with a grin.
From a commoner’s perspective like Yuuki’s, it felt like she was well beyond “reasonably,” but he supposed even among the rich, there were levels.
Yuuki decided to ask something that had been on his mind.
“Then why did you move into an apartment like this?”
The apartment where Yuuki and Kotori lived wasn’t exactly a rundown hovel, but it was modest enough that Yuuki could afford it with the rent assistance from his scholarship.
“It was the closest to my office and I could move in right away. Plus, it’s close to Yui’s school.”
“I see.”
“Besides, I’m rarely home, so I don’t really want to spend a lot of money on where I live. Though, I did consider a slightly more distant condo for security reasons, since Yui is with me, but she said, ‘…It’s close, so this is fine.’”
Mina shrugged and laughed.
Yuuki thought about Yui staring intently at her phone screen and figured she probably wasn’t the type to care about how big her house was.
“We will now be departing. Please fasten your seatbelts.”
With the driver Hyodo’s cool voice, the luxury car pulled away smoothly.
◇
Yuuki had been surprised by Mina’s luxury car, but he was in for another shock when they arrived at their destination. After a drive on the highway, they arrived at a hotel restaurant in a high-rise building.
“…It’s huge. My neck is going to hurt.”
Yuuki looked up at the hotel, so tall he couldn’t count the floors.
“It is.”
Kotori said, but she didn’t seem particularly overwhelmed.
When he asked her about it…
“Yes. When I was little, I used to accompany my mother to places like this.”
She said.
According to what he’d heard in the car earlier, Kotori’s father wasn’t the type to spend lavishly after marrying her mother, aside from buying a car, so maybe they had gone on a team victory trip or something.
“Hahaha, come on, you two, don’t just stand there. Let’s go inside. If you’re this surprised now, you won’t last until the food comes out.”
In contrast to Yuuki, the representative of the common folk, who was staring up at the building with his mouth agape, Mina walked towards the entrance with a practiced air.
Yuuki and Kotori hurried after them.
◇
“Whoa, we’re on the top floor. The cars look so tiny…”
Just a moment ago he’d been looking up, and now he was looking down.
High-rise buildings really were a strain on the neck.
“Welcome, Mina-sama.”
As they entered the restaurant, a man who appeared to be the owner came to greet them.
“Hello, Owner. It’s been a while. I see the event space on the third floor is doing well.”
“Yes. Thanks to your advice, Mina-sama.”
“Not at all. Anyone can come up with ideas; there’s no value in that. What has value is the action of actually making it happen.”
“To hear you say that gives us confidence. Please, enjoy your meal with your friends tonight.”
The owner said, bowing gracefully towards them.
Yuuki couldn’t help but bow back.
Come to think of it, as guests of honor, a simple nod would probably have been sufficient, but as a mere high school student, he wasn’t used to being treated like a VIP.
So he naturally found himself being deferential.
He glanced over and saw that Kotori had also stopped and was bowing just as deeply and politely as the owner.
The owner seemed a bit taken aback by their excessive politeness.
Even though she’d been in situations like this before, that was just like Kotori, and it made him smile a little.
They were led by the owner to a table covered with a pristine white cloth.
“Go on, don’t be shy. I guarantee the food here is excellent. I can’t serve you alcohol, unfortunately, but feel free to order any drinks you like.”
“Thank you… but, was it really okay for us to come in our uniforms?”
“Some people might mind, but I’m the type who doesn’t really care. I wouldn’t have minded if you’d come in loungewear or a jersey.”
“I think we would have minded that…”
As they were talking, the dishes began to arrive one after another.
(Okay, how do I eat this?)
The table manners in the Yuuki household consisted of saying “Itadakimasu” with gusto, enjoying the food, and saying “Gochisousama” with gratitude. That was about it.
The numerous forks and knives laid out neatly… he was pretty sure you were supposed to use them from the outside in, right?
While Yuuki was struggling, Mina began to eat with practiced ease.
“Well then, let’s dig in… Mmm. Delicious as always!”
Mina said with satisfaction, then downed a glass of red wine.
She really knew how to enjoy her food. In terms of the Yuuki family’s manners, she got a perfect score.
She probably looked boisterous, but her table manners were likely impeccable.
Looking next to him, Kotori, perhaps a little unsure of herself after so long, was also beginning to eat with elegant, if slightly stiff, movements.
(Ah, so that’s where Kotori’s graceful movements when she eats come from.)
Following Mina and Kotori’s lead, Yuuki also began to eat.
One after another, dishes with long, foreign-sounding names that he couldn’t identify were brought out.
As for the taste…
(I see. This is definitely delicious.)
To be honest, Yuuki had always assumed that restaurants like this prioritized atmosphere and service over the actual taste of the food, but that turned out to be completely wrong.
As he ate the dishes brought by the gracefully moving waiters, intricately calculated flavors melted on his tongue one after another.
It wasn’t just delicious; it was interesting to eat. Dining had become a form of entertainment. He looked over and met Kotori’s eyes.
She, too, had a look of wide-eyed surprise as she ate. It seemed that even among high-end restaurants, this one was on a whole other level.
Seeing their reactions, Mina looked pleased and happy.
“Fufufu. See? Delicious, right?”
It was the most obvious “I told you so” face he’d ever seen.
“Yes. This is delicious.”
“…Me too. I’m surprised.”
“Right? Right? I think the food here is the best in Japan.”
Mina’s voice was as excited as a child whose prank had succeeded.
The gap between her dignified, capable businesswoman appearance and this side of her was somehow endearing.
“This might be the most delicious thing I’ve ever eaten…”
Kotori said. As someone who could cook, perhaps she could appreciate the chef’s skill even more?
“Me too… well, it’s not the best, but.”
“Oh? You know a place better than this, Yuuki-kun?”
“Eh, ah, no.”
Oops, Yuuki thought, scratching his cheek.
He’d said something he shouldn’t have.
“What is it? I’m curious.”
“I’m a little curious too.”
Kotori chimed in.
“I would be very interested to hear about it for my own studies. What kind of dish is it, and from where?”
To top it off, the restaurant owner, who had been standing nearby, joined the conversation.
All three of them were looking at him. It seemed there was no escape.
(…Well, I guess it’s okay to say it.)
“Um…”
Yuuki looked at Kotori. She tilted her head, looking puzzled.
“…Kotori’s curry, and her stewed udon.”
“W-wait, Yuuki-san, what are you saying?”
Kotori’s face turned red as she covered her mouth, patting his shoulder with her free hand.
“Hey, it’s the truth.”
In fact, Kotori’s curry was a perfect match for all of Yuuki’s preferences. And her stewed udon was the first dish she had ever cooked for him. Even now, every time he ate it, the happiness of that moment came flooding back.
Yuuki looked at Mina.
For a moment, Mina blinked, looking back and forth between Yuuki and Kotori, then…
“Hahahahahahahaha!”
She burst out laughing.
“Well, I’ll be. I don’t think even this place can compete with that. My apologies for so casually declaring it number one. You hear that, Owner? You still have a long way to go.”
The owner, too, smiled as if watching something heartwarming.
“Yes, you are absolutely right. I must demand further research from my chefs.”
He said.
“No, that’s not it at all. It’s just that Kotori’s cooking is on another level. This place is a solid second, by a long shot.”
When Yuuki said this in a serious tone, Mina burst out laughing again and clapped her hands.
“…I don’t know you anymore.”
Kotori, her face bright red, turned her attention back to the hamburger steak with white sauce in front of her.
◇
“So, you used to live in New York when you were little?”
“That’s right. Watching the Yankees on TV was one of my childhood joys. Even when I started my company, I used to go to the local batting cages to unwind. I’d love to try hitting one of your pitches sometime, Yuuki-kun.”
After that, the conversation flowed surprisingly well, with Mina turning out to be a baseball fan, and Yuuki enjoyed his meal and conversation with her.
“…Phew. But the night view from here is beautiful, too.”
After the meal had settled down, he looked out the window again.
He’d been too overwhelmed by the height earlier to appreciate it, but the lights of the city buildings were brilliant.
“Isn’t it? It’s a busy life, but being able to eat here whenever I want makes me feel like all the hard work is worth it.”
Even as she said this, Mina looked happy talking about work during the meal.
She was probably a workaholic at heart.
“Thanks to that, I’m rarely home, so I leave my daughter alone. I have to hand it to all the moms out there raising kids. My work-life balance has been shattered to smithereens… I may be a good-for-nothing, but I hope you’ll continue to be good neighbors.”
She said, bowing her head jokingly.
“N-not at all. Of course we will, you don’t have to ask.”
It was obviously a joke, but Kotori, unaccustomed to people bowing to her, looked flustered. Yuuki, on the other hand, said casually.
“Well, you can’t make it in the competitive world with the amount of effort it takes to live a normal life.”
He said it without thinking.
“…”
“…”
“…What’s wrong? Why are you two so quiet?”
It was Kotori who answered.
“Well, um… that’s very you, Yuuki-san.”
“What do you mean?”
Yuuki tilted his head, confused.
He’d only stated the obvious…
“Hahaha, hahahaha! I wonder if I could have said that when I was your age.”
Mina, suddenly at peak excitement, started slapping him on the back.
“Ow. Mina-san.”
Mina looked at him with serious eyes.
“Yes… I like you, Yuuki-kun. Why don’t you come work for me after you graduate?”
“Eh? No, I appreciate the offer, but I want to be a doctor in the future.”
“Oh, really? That’s a shame.”
For some reason, Mina had taken a real liking to Yuuki.
◇
“Freedom is in our hands~, we’ll be back, we say bravely~♪”
In the car on the way back from the restaurant, Mina was singing cheerfully.
The song was the theme song for a game her company had recently released. Come to think of it, Yuuki thought he’d seen an ad for it while watching videos.
“You’re in a good mood, President.”
Hyodo, who was driving again, said in a flat voice.
“Hahaha, I got to see some youthful energy. At my age, that kind of thing makes me happy.”
Mina said in a buoyant voice, then started humming the song again.
Yuuki and Kotori listened as the car swayed, and before they knew it, they had arrived at the convenience store parking lot.
“We’ve arrived. Thank you for your patience.”
Hyodo said to them as she applied the parking brake.
“Thank you for today. It was incredibly delicious.”
Yuuki bowed his head to Mina.
“Thank you for driving, Hyodo-san.”
Kotori thanked Hyodo.
“It’s my job… Please don’t worry about it.”
Hyodo said, adjusting her glasses.
Mina said to Yuuki.
“No, no, talking with young, passionate people gives me energy too. I’ll invite you again when I have some free time.”
“Ah, yes. Thank you.”
“…Hm? What’s wrong, Yuuki-kun? If you’re not interested, you can turn down the next invitation, you know?”
Mina seemed to have sensed that he was thinking about something.
There was something that had been bothering him since the middle of the meal.
“Ah, no, it’s not that… but, yeah.”
Yuuki hesitated for a moment, then decided to ask.
“You said you go to that restaurant often.”
“That’s right.”
“Do you ever go with Yui?”
“Ah.”
Mina scratched her head, looking a little troubled.
“No, I’ve never taken Yui there.”
He’d had a feeling that might be the case, and it seemed he was right.
“Why don’t you invite Yui?”
So, even though he knew it was probably meddling, Yuuki asked Mina.
It might be a sensitive question. But when he thought of Yui murmuring “Mommy” in her sleep that night, he couldn’t suppress the urge to ask. Mina scratched her head, looking a little defeated, then…
“Well, it’s pathetic for a parent to admit, but…”
What Mina said next was completely unexpected.
“I don’t think Yui likes me very much…”
“Eh?”
Yuuki couldn’t help but say.
“I don’t think that’s true…”
“No, no, it’s true. I saw her looking at an amusement park brochure once, so I asked if she wanted me to take her, and she said no.”
“Really?”
Yui was generally easygoing. If she had refused, then maybe it was true? Mina clapped Yuuki on the shoulder and said.
“That’s why I’m so grateful to you two for being liked by Yui. It would be a great help if you could continue to look out for her.”
“Of course…”
“Well, I’m off. I actually have some more work I want to get done.”
With those parting words, Mina closed the window, and the car drove away.
◇
“…Phew.”
Yuuki let out a breath as he returned to his room.
“Are you tired, Yuuki-san?”
“Hm? Oh, it was amazing, but I’m not used to places like that.”
It was completely dark outside, but it was a little earlier than his usual return time. Normally, he would take a bath right after getting home, but today he decided to study a little first.
Yuuki took his study materials out of his bag and said.
“Still, Kotori, you seemed used to places like that. Your manners were perfect. Is it because you used to go to places like that often with Shimizu for his work when you were little?”
Meanwhile, Kotori was in the kitchen, making warm tea for the two of them.
“That’s part of it, but my mother was also very proper. I used to watch her a lot when I was little.”
She said.
Come to think of it, Yuuki realized he had never heard much about Kotori’s mother.
“Was your mother from a good family or something?”
“Um, I suppose you could say that? She was the daughter of a landowner in the countryside, I believe.”
“Huh.”
I believe was a phrase that seemed to hold a lot of meaning.
There was also the fact that when Kotori was being abused by her father, none of her other relatives had helped her.
“Here you go, Yuuki-san. Good luck with your studies.”
Kotori placed a cup of tea on Yuuki’s desk.
“Oh, thanks.”
…Well, he could ask about that some other time.
Kotori was happy now. That was enough.
So, Yuuki decided to ask about what was on his mind now.
“…Hey, Kotori.”
“Yes, what is it?”
“About what Mina-san said earlier, what do you think?”
Kotori said, placing her own cup of tea on the table.
“You mean about how Yui-chan doesn’t seem to like her?”
Yuuki nodded. Kotori fell silent for a moment, as if in thought, then sat down at the table.
“Let’s see… Neither Yui-chan nor I are very talkative, so we haven’t discussed it, but she’s an agreeable child, so if she turned down an invitation to an amusement park, I think there must be a reason.”
It seemed Kotori had the same thought as Yuuki.
“However, I don’t think Yui-chan is the type of child to dislike someone easily.”
“Yeah, I know. Mina-san can be a little pushy, but she didn’t seem like a bad person. I can’t imagine Yui disliking her enough to avoid her.”
It was becoming more and more confusing.
“Which is it, I wonder? Does Yui want to be with Mina-san, or does she not want to be with her?”
“You’re very concerned about their relationship, aren’t you?”
“Yeah. Well, you know…”
Yuuki looked off into the distance.
“Parents aren’t around forever. I’m sure there are some things that are irreconcilable, but if you can get along while they’re alive… I think it’s better to do so.”
He said.
Remembering the sound of his late father’s booming voice.
Yuuki took a sip of the tea Kotori had made him and let out a sigh.
“In that case, why don’t you ask?”
Kotori said.
“Eh, who?”
“Yui-chan.”
“Ah, right…”
That was indeed the quickest way.
Come to think of it, Ootani had said the same thing when he thought Yui was avoiding him.
“Yeah, I’ll ask Yui when she gets back. It might be none of my business, but… ah.”
This is a bad habit.
Yuuki thought, reflecting on his own words.
He’d had the same hesitation when he was about to ask Mina about Yui in front of the convenience store.
Because of his overbearing father, Yuuki had a habit of worrying, “Is this just me being nosy?” whenever he meddled in other people’s affairs.
If he was truly doing it for the other person’s sake, he should just do it without worrying about such things… It made him feel like he wasn’t very cool.
As he was thinking this…
“At least, your meddling has never been unnecessary for me.”
Kotori said, her lips curving into a happy smile.
“Your meddling is what saved me. You should have more confidence.”
“Kotori…”
Kotori smiled at him with honest, straightforward eyes.
The trivial anxieties he’d been holding onto just a moment ago seemed to vanish at the sight of her smile.
“Tomorrow, let’s have that sukiyaki we were talking about. It might be easier to talk while eating something delicious.”
Seeing Kotori say this happily with her hands clasped together, Yuuki thought.
(…Ah, I’m so lucky to have Kotori as my girlfriend.)
And so it was.
◇
The next day.
Yuuki got off his shift a little earlier than usual and hurried home. He unlocked the door and practically tumbled inside.
“…I’m home! Sorry, I’m a little later than I said.”
“It’s alright. Thank you for your hard work, Yuuki-san.”
Kotori came to the entrance to greet him.
“Everything’s ready. Yui-chan is waiting, too.”
“Oh, right, right.”
Yuuki took off his shoes, handed his jacket to Kotori, and headed for the living room.
There, he saw Yui for the first time in two days.
“…Welcome home, Yuuki.”
She was in her usual elementary school uniform from the prestigious girls’ school.
“Yo. Were you okay during the trip?”
“…Mmph.”
Yui said, making a muscle with her thin arm.
I was fine, it seemed to mean. Though there was no muscle to be seen.
She didn’t seem tired from the trip, and she looked healthy.
“Fufu… She said, ‘Welcome home,’ didn’t she?”
Kotori said happily, hanging Yuuki’s jacket on a hanger.
“Hm? What do you mean?”
“Doesn’t it mean she thinks of this place as a home to return to?”
Ah, right.
Yuuki nodded.
(That does make me a little happy.)
Still, he was impressed by Kotori’s ability to find joy in such small things.
“…Alright, let’s eat.”
In the center of the table sat a large pot, surrounded by vegetables, tofu, and other ingredients, as well as eggs. And standing out among them was beef, more marbled than what they usually bought.
Tonight was sukiyaki night.
◇
Perhaps it was to be expected, but Yui was initially bewildered by the communal hot pot style of eating.
When asked, she said it was her first time.
It was only after Kotori told her, “You can take whatever you want to eat. But let’s eat a good balance of vegetables and meat, okay?” that she finally reached her chopsticks into the pot.
But once she tried it, she seemed to like it, and she began to eat in silence.
Incidentally, Kotori’s sukiyaki was a very orthodox beef-pot style, but she made her own sauce, which was lighter and more refreshing than usual.
In short, it was incredibly delicious. The fatty, expensive meat went down smoothly. It was no wonder Yui was so engrossed in eating.
(…Still, though.)
Yuuki thought again.
The fact that this was her first time eating from a communal pot really showed how different her upbringing was from someone like him, who had grown up with parents at home.
He’d been surprised when he learned that Kotori had almost never eaten junk food before, but this, too, felt like a story from another world.
And Yui, experiencing it for the first time…
“…Kotori, how many eggs can I use?”
“We have plenty, so have as many as you like.”
“…!!”
She looked incredibly happy.
Kotori, too, had been smiling happily ever since. It was a heartwarming sight for Yuuki as well.
(…That’s why I’m so curious about her and Mina-san.)
Yui was, at the very least, a person who enjoyed being with others. So wouldn’t she want to spend time with her family, too?
He couldn’t help but think so.
“…Hey, Yui.”
“…?”
Yui looked up at him, a mouthful of shirataki noodles in her cheek.
“So, yesterday, Kotori and I had dinner with Mina-san… your mom.”
“…”
At his words, Yui stopped her chopsticks and stared at him.
Her expression was complex, and he couldn’t tell if she was surprised or sad.
“She told me that she invited you to an amusement park once, but you turned her down. Is there… some reason you don’t want to be with your mom?”
“…”
Yui put down her chopsticks.
After a short pause, she gave a small shake of her head.
“Is that so?”
“Yeah…”
Then why did you turn her down?
Just as Yuuki was about to ask…
Yui murmured.
“…Work.”
“Work?”
Yui looked down and said.
“…Mommy had work that day, too. I thought she’d be tired.”
At Yui’s words, Yuuki and Kotori looked at each other.
(…I see.)
In short, yeah. This kid was just a really good kid.
Yuuki reached out and patted Yui’s head.
“You’re amazing, Yui.”
“…?”
Yui looked at him with a blank expression, as if she didn’t understand why she was being praised.
“And you really are like Kotori.”
He said, looking at Kotori.
“I wasn’t this good of a child.”
Kotori also reached out and patted Yui’s head.
Yui, being petted by both of them, looked a little confused, but also happy.
“Hey, Yui-chan.”
Kotori said to Yui.
“Being a good and kind child is a wonderful thing, but sometimes, being a little more selfish can make not just you, but everyone around you happier.”
“…Selfish?”
“Yes, that’s right. It’s important. I learned that from my wonderful boyfriend right there.”
“…From Yuuki?”
“Yes. I still remember it clearly. I’ll probably never forget it. He said, ‘This is how you be selfish.’ He was so cool then, Yuuki-san.”
Kotori said with a slightly dreamy expression.
Yui looked at Yuuki.
(…This is kind of embarrassing.)
Looking back, he felt like he’d said some pretty cringey things back then. Well, it was all from the heart, so he had no regrets.
“Never mind me. The point is, Yui, if you want to go somewhere with Mina-san, I think you should just say so.”
Yuuki said. But…
“…(Shake shake).”
Yui shook her head.
“…I don’t want to get in the way of her work.”
“Ah, no, like Kotori said, I’m sure Mina-san understands that kids are selfish sometimes.”
“…Still no.”
Despite his words, Yui stubbornly shook her head.
She could be surprisingly stubborn when she wanted to be.
(I get that she’s a good kid, but this is a bit much.)
“…You really are like Kotori, Yui.”
Yuuki let slip.
“Yes, I suppose so…”
This time, Kotori agreed. When she first came here, she had been so apologetic about resting while he was at work.
“…Hey, Yui-chan.”
Kotori said with a gentle expression.
“You don’t want to get in the way of your mother’s work, do you?”
“…Yeah.”
“She works so hard, doesn’t she, Yui-chan’s mother? She seems so busy.”
Yui nodded, her head still bowed.
“What do you think of your mother?”
“…I think she’s amazing. I live off the money she earns.”
“Do you love your mother?”
“…Yeah.”
Yui nodded twice.
Hearing this, Kotori smiled.
“In that case, why don’t you try telling her just that?”
“…My feelings?”
Yui looked up at Kotori.
“Yes. ‘I love you, Mom. I respect you for always working so hard. Thank you for raising me.’”
“…I’ve never said that.”
“But that’s why you don’t want to get in the way of her work, right?”
“…Yeah.”
“But if you truly feel that way, your mother would be happy to hear it. At least, I’m happy when Yuuki-san thanks me and praises me every day. It’s what keeps me going.”
Hearing Kotori say that made Yuuki a little embarrassed.
He hadn’t been thanking her with the intention of making her happy, but if his words of gratitude brought her that much joy, he decided he would continue to do so.
“I’m sure it’s the same for your mother, Yui-chan. You won’t be a bother at all. In fact, it will probably motivate her to work even harder.”
“…You think so?”
“Yes. Don’t worry. Mina-san was clearly concerned about you, so I’m sure she’ll be happy.”
“…”
Yui was silent, staring at Kotori’s face.
Next, she looked at Yuuki.
Yuuki nodded silently. I feel the same way as Kotori.
Yui took out her phone and began to operate the screen.
“What are you doing?”
Yui answered Kotori’s question.
“…I asked Hyodo-san when my mom is free next.”
“Whoa. You’re quick to act once you’ve made up your mind, Yui.”
This kid really was quite bold and strong-willed, Yuuki thought in surprise.
Mina was like that too, so maybe she got it from her mother.
Just then, a notification sound came from the phone.
“Got a reply…”
“That was fast, Hyodo-san.”
Yuuki murmured.
“So, what did she say?”
At Kotori’s question, Yui showed them the screen.
The reply, written in a stiff, formal style unbefitting a conversation with a child, said, “The President’s schedule is free on the evening of the Friday after next. I do not know when her next day off will be.” Yuuki had been surprised by Mina’s busy schedule, but it seemed he was no match for her. The fact that they had been able to have dinner with her yesterday must have been a matter of very good timing.
“…That day is my mom’s birthday.”
Yui said.
“Is that so… Then why don’t we celebrate your mother’s birthday with us?”
Kotori suggested to Yui.
“Yeah, that’s a good idea. We owe her for that amazing meal, and as neighbors, we’d like to celebrate her birthday too. Could you ask Mina-san for us?”
Yuuki added his support.
Formally celebrating a parent’s birthday was something that would be difficult for even him to bring up. If it was framed as something they all wanted to do, it would probably be easier for both Yui and Mina.
“…Okay. I’ll ask Hyodo-san if my mom can come home for her birthday.”
She said.
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