Chapter 33


    Matsuda-kun, just sit next to me.


    Following Miyukis guidance, I sat down somewhat nervously and looked at the


    dining table.


    A feast was spread before me. The main dish appeared to be sukiyaki?


    Judging by the simmering pot, it seemed like they had turned on the induction


    stove right when I arrived.


    There was also saba miso-nimackerel cooked in miso. The side dishes mostly


    consisted of home-cooked meals like spinach and lotus root, but they were all


    beautifully ted. It was evident that a lot of care had gone into the


    preparation.


    So Miyuki was right.


    Compared to this, I havent been eating well indeed.


    Perhaps, thats why she prepared all of this?


    As everyone took their seats, Wateru, who sat at the head of the table, spoke.


    Firstly, I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to you, not only for


    graciously epting our invitation but also for being the esteemed benefactor


    who saved our Miyuki.


    The atmosphere suddenly became solemn. I sensed that showing difort with a


    simple no need to thank me wouldnt be appropriate here.


    I looked at Wateru and slightly bowed my upper body.


    Thank you for inviting me as well.


    In the Japanese custom of Ojigi, or bowing, my gesture was the lightest form


    known as Eshaku.


    We had exchanged pleasantries at the door several times, so I thought a simple


    bow like this would suffice now.


    After all, since Im here, I should aim to get closer to them or at least earn


    some points.


    And as expected, smiles blossomed on the faces of Wateru and the rest of


    Miyukis family.


    To spare you the lengthy talk, shall we eat now?


    Upon hearing Waterus words, Midori, Miyuki, and Kanna all chorused their


    agreement, saying they would eat well.


    Matching the timing as their words came to an end, I spoke in a


    straightforward voice, devoid of any pretense.


    Ill also eat well.


    Wow... Just listen to that nice voice...


    That was Kanna, who couldnt help but exim.


    Wateru, who nced at her with stern eyes, turned to look at me and broke


    into a slight smile.


    Eat a lot.


    Yes, sir.


    I wonder what dining etiquette is like at Miyukis house.


    I had a rough idea from ying Tokiaca, but this is the first time Sukiyaki


    has been served, so I decided to figure it out first.


    Everyone naturally held the rice bowl while eating.


    When serving Sukiyaki, everyone scooped a fair amount into their own bowls.


    It seems you dont immediately dip the beef from the Sukiyaki into a raw egg;


    first, you let it drain.


    When eating the side dishes, you also pick up a bit of the ted ingredients,


    like the sliced onions on top. I did the same.


    Midori kept refilling the water when it ran low. If I were to reach for the


    water myself, it mighte across as intrusive, and Midori could feel


    burdened.


    Better to just graciously ept what is given, as a guest should.


    My expression and my consistent sampling of the side dishes served as my


    unspoken praise for the meal.


    In response, the corners of Midoris mouth arced upward.


    Is the food to your taste?


    I chewed and swallowed the food in my mouth before answering.


    Yes. Its so good it makes me want to live here.


    The family, starting with Midori, burst into a sincere yet light-hearted


    previous meal that they take even my hyperbolicpliment in stride.


    Feel free toe by whenever youre hungry. Ah, peel the skin off the fish


    before you eat; it can be a bit oily.


    A helpful assist from Midori.


    I promptly used my chopsticks to peel the skin off the mackerel.


    Yes, maam.


    With that, the floodgates of conversation opened.


    Matsuda, do you drink alcohol?


    At Waterus question, I respectfully nodded.


    Yes.


    Do you enjoy it?


    To be honest, I do. Although I havent been drinking muchtely.


    Miyukis lips twitched immediately.


    Judging by the way her lips twitched even without food in her mouth, it seems


    Miyuki is itching to bring up something about my past.


    Pretending to adjust my clothing, I subtly lowered my hand and discreetly


    poked her near the hip.


    Startled, Miyuki quickly regained herposure and shed me a yful smile


    before giving a slight nod. She understood my gesture as a sign to refrain.


    Unaware of our silent exchange, Wateru posed another question.


    So, how about a casual drinkter tonight?


    My dear, Matsuda-kun drove here today, remember?


    Caught off guard by Midoris chiding, Wateru replied.


    Ah, right...


    Given that he even considered offering me a drink, it seems Wateru holds me in


    high regard.


    While its mentally exhausting to be so constantly aware of my actions, the


    rewards seem to be worth it. I can see myselfing back here often.


    ***


    Ahem... Matsuda-kun, have some fruit.


    While seated on the living room sofa and chatting with Wateru, I turned my


    head upon hearing Miyukis voice from behind.


    Fruit? Id love to...


    But my response was cut short in surprise.


    It was because Kanna, wearing a wide grin, was holding out a te of fruit to


    me.


    She had imitated Miyukis voice, just like at the Itshiki Beach.


    Is teasing me that fun?


    Quickly regaining myposure, I stood up from the sofa and took the te.


    Thank you, Hanazawa-san.


    Were you startled?


    A bit. But why do this...?


    Its fun. Matsuda-kun is quite amusing to tease.


    Seems youre overflowing with yful mischief.


    Having two sisters with the same voice together... Itll be quite


    challenging to handle.


    Kanna, is it always jokes with you? You even do the same with Tetsuya...


    At Waterus reprimand, Kanna responded with a bright smile.


    Tetsuya-kuns reactions are boring. Hes so shy, he doesnt know what to do.


    If hes shy, doesnt it mean Tetsuyas reactions are betterpared to


    Matsudas?


    No, Matsuda-kun is more fun to tease.


    Why though?


    Right in front of the person in question, the family suddenlyunched into a


    discussion.


    As I was listening to their conversation while peeling an orange, I quietly


    got up from the sofa when Miyuki, who had silently approached, tugged on my


    sleeve.


    Leading me out to a small flower garden, Miyuki asked,


    Is the house too noisy for you?


    No, I like that its lively.


    Im relieved to hear that. I was thinking of taking a walk to help digest,


    but...


    Miyuki trailed off at the end.


    She seemed anxious that Tetsuya, who lives in the same neighborhood, might


    spot us.


    If you were that worried, you shouldve hidden my car too. Or you couldve


    just told me to walk here in the first ce.


    You keep trying to deceive Tetsuya, but wont that just deepen the pain hell


    feelter on?


    Though to be honest, I like what youre doing.


    No, the cars fine.


    Um. But, Miyuki dont you want to go on a walk? I mean you must be full. You


    ate a lot...


    What full? Are you underestimating me?


    At my yful jab, Miyuki chuckled and deftly changed the subject.


    Are you heading back right away?


    Yeah, I dont want to overstay my wee... Maybe I should go meet up with


    Takashi?


    Thats definitely not happening.


    Quite firm, arent you?


    Why not? Hes been remorseful.


    Hes worse than even the old Matsuda-kun. Thats why I really dislike him.


    How about other friends, then?


    Thats also a no-go. A lot of your friends are bad people, you know.


    Why are there so many restrictions? Are you my guardian? Are you my mom?


    Wasnt I listed as your guardian at the hospital? And you did call me Mom


    once before, didnt you?


    So you were conscious of it. Or maybe youre just getting sensitive now that


    weve grown so close.


    Whatever the case, her reaction was a positive development.


    But now that shes said that, Im at a loss for words.


    Scratching the back of my head awkwardly, I looked out over the fence and shot


    a question at Miyuki.


    So what should I do, then? Meditate?


    Just stay here. Its fine to stay for a while.


    I slowly turned my head to stare directly at Miyuki, as her voice carried a


    hint of shyness.


    Was my gaze making her ufortable?


    She cast her eyes downward and softly said, I dont mean anything by it...


    Just stay here, andter, lets go out... just you and me.


    This is the first time Miyuki has initiated a date. And she said Just you and


    me, conspicuously leaving out Tetsuya, who she always tried to include. She


    didnt even seem to hesitate while doing so.


    Why so forward all of a sudden?


    Its both unfamiliar and heart-fluttering.


    After watching her for a moment, I asked.


    Where are we going?


    Just... anywhere... You decide, Matsuda-kun.


    How about a love hotel, then?


    Should we go inside and think about it?


    Mm-hmm...


    Judging by the situation, it doesnt seem like Miyuki will invite me to her


    room first.


    If thats the case, then Ill make the first move.


    Can we think it over in your room?


    My room...?


    Miyukis eyes roll around, big as saucers. She looks like shes contemting


    multiple thoughts.


    After a moment of consideration, her response was...


    Itll be hot in there...


    Not bad. Time to push a little more.


    I want to take a look, though.


    Theres nothing to see...


    Shes nervously fidgeting with her fingers. Cute.


    Still, I want to go.


    When I say this with a sly expression, Miyuki bursts into disbelieving


    eptance fall from her lips.


    Fine, wait for me on the second floor...


    Why? Making the bed?


    No, thats not it...? I did it as soon as I woke up


    I saw her shoulders twitch. Whats she denying? Ive hit the nail on the head,


    havent I?


    ***


    Following Miyukis directions, I headed to the second-floor bathroom and took


    a mouth-freshening tablet from my pocket, popping it into my mouth.


    As I chewed it with my lips tightly closed, the solid tablet transformed into


    liquid, tingling my tongue.


    Thoroughly freshening my mouth, I stepped out of the bathroom. Then I went to


    the door of Miyukis room and pushed the doorknob right after knocking twice.


    Swoosh.


    The door opened smoothly. Miyuki, who was adjusting her bed covers, looked at


    me, startled enough to jump out of her skin.


    Ma-Matsuda-kun! Youre supposed to open the door when I tell you toe in,


    what are you doing...!


    Sorry. Should I close it and ask again?


    ...Forget it. Youre such an idiot... Juste in.


    Walking in with unhurried steps, I quietly closed the door behind me.


    Tap. Tap.


    Then I heard the sound of something hitting the middle of the door. It was


    unmistakably the Maneki Neko ne that Tetsuya had given her.


    Ill have to get rid of itter, and hang something new. And I should also


    rece all those star stickers on the ceiling, the ones Miyuki and Tetsuya


    put up when they were kids.


    Not just that. Illpletely change everything in this room that holds


    memories of Tetsuya.


    Fueled by a ming resolve, I looked around the room.


    The scent of plum fills the air.


    While I was using mouthwash in the bathroom, she must have sprayed some air


    freshener, as the smell was rather strong.


    Books of all sorts were neatly lined up on the bookshelf built into her desk.


    On the desk itself, a notebook and pencil case were arranged tidily.


    Its exactly as I had expected. Just like Miyuki.


    Dont just stand there... Um, sit down over there for now...


    Following Miyukis gesture toward the desk, I crossed the center of the room


    and quietly pulled out the chair to sit.


    Then Miyuki, who had delicately perched herself on the bed, asked,


    Isnt it super cramped?


    It may be small, but I like the room.


    The beds a single, so it seems perfect for holding you tight as we sleep.


    Its cozy and nice. Have you made the bed?


    I told you, I made it as soon as I got up, okay?


    Then why were you straightening the cover just now?


    Thats because... it was just a little rumpled...


    Fine, lets go with that. What time did you wake up today?


    Um, eleven oclock...


    Sleeping inte, huh?


    Its the weekend, isnt that allowed? That can happen, you know...!


    Im not criticizing; why are you getting defensive?


    Miyukis lips jut out in a pout. Perhaps irked by my cheeky demeanor, shes


    grumbling and ring at me.


    I find myself wanting to pinch those fluffy-looking cheeks and stretch them


    out long.


    Ignoring her gaze, my eyesnd on the notebook ced on her desk and I call


    out to her as if something just came to mind.


    Hey, Miyuki.


    What...!


    Did you do something interesting at school recently?


    Something interesting?


    Like doodling in your notebook.


    .... What are you... Ah...!!


    She looks bewildered for a moment before her eyes go wide.


    Her ears turn red in an instant, and she barely holds back a choked voice.


    I have no idea what youre talking about...?


    Really? Then what was that Ah just now? By the way, you drew really well.


    Is that supposed to be you and me?


    I dont know... what youre talking about... Did you snoop through someone


    elses notebook? You shouldnt do that... Its bad behavior...


    She begins to fan herself, her eyes restless as if she truly doesnt want to


    discuss the matter.


    I should drop it for now. Theres always time to tease herter.


    The atmosphere in the room is somewhat subdued right now.


    Miyuki seems different than usual today as well.


    Is she vaguely aware? That something important might happen today?


    Alright.


    From now on, I shouldnt act too nonchnt.


    If I do, Miyuki could misunderstandthinking that Im behaving this way


    because I see her as just a friend.


    Of course, given our history, Miyuki is unlikely to jump to such a drastic


    conclusion.


    Still, its important to maintain a certain level of tension and let her see


    that side of me.


    Even if we dont go as far as a kiss today, Ill at least aim for a peck on


    the cheek.


    Thats why I took extra care with my mouthwash and pretended to look around


    the room...


    If I just leave without making a move, the regret will keep me up all night.


    *