When I stepped into the living room, the air was thick with the sweet scent of vanilla. It wasn't the artificial fragrance of a candle or perfume; it was that unmistakable aroma of cookies or cake baking in the oven. I had a feeling Mayumi-san was preparing some tea sweets for us.
I headed straight for my fixed position on the sofa and sat down. Sara-san followed immediately, taking her usual spot to my right. For some reason, however, Mayumi-san decided to sit on my left...
"They should be done soon. I decided to bake cookies today♪"
"Ah, I knew it. I had a feeling that’s what it was."
"Nfufu~, I’m so glad you like sweets, Kazunari-kun. It makes it so rewarding for Mother to bake for you."
I’d heard that Mayumi-san’s baking was just a hobby, but the results were far beyond amateur level. Her treats were easily on par with those from a specialty store; it wouldn't have been surprising at all to see them sitting behind a professional display case.
"I wish our oven would arrive sooner... It's so frustrating that I can't make any sweets for you, even though I know you love them, Kazunari-san..."
Sara-san let out a regretful sigh.
She used to make me sweets often before we started living together, so I was well aware of her talent. Having been trained by Mayumi-san herself, her skills were second to none in my eyes. However, since things like freshly made desserts or delicate pastries are hard to transport, I had really wanted to get an oven for our place.
"Did you pick one out during your shopping trip the other day?"
"Yes. Kazunari-san chose a slightly larger convection oven just for my sake."
Sara-san emphasized the "for my sake" part, sounding incredibly happy as she reported this to Mayumi-san.
I’d heard that an oven would broaden her cooking repertoire, so I’d planned on buying one soon regardless. Thanks to Mayumi-san's advice, we were able to get a high-quality model, for which I was truly grateful.
A convection oven is essentially a versatile appliance that combines the functions of a toaster oven and a microwave. Beyond standard cooking, it’s perfect for making sweets or baking bread.
Since I knew it was a necessity for someone as dedicated to cooking as Sara-san, I’d stepped in when she tried to settle for a cheaper, simpler model and insisted we buy the best one.
"Oh, how wonderful. By the way, Kazunari-kun, did you buy anything for yourself?"
"I'm fine. Sara-san will be using that oven to make delicious things for me, so it benefits me in the end anyway."
"Yes! I'm going to make so much delicious food and so many sweets for you, Kazunari-san♪"
Seeing her this happy made me wonder if I should have bought it even sooner... but on my personal budget, I probably could have only afforded something very basic.
"Kazunari-kun, you really are such a good boy. You're so considerate; Sara-chan will have nothing to worry about in the future~"
"Fufu... I’ve known from the very beginning that Kazunari-san would become a wonderful husband."
"............"
I kept quiet to avoid ruining their mood, but listening to this conversation was incredibly embarrassing. Being praised so openly was one thing, but hearing Sara-san call me her "husband" made my face heat up.
"Oh, are you blushing, Kazunari-kun?"
Mayumi-san had clearly spotted it. She leaned in, peering into my face with a mischievous glint in her eyes. This was the last moment I wanted someone staring at me so intently...
"Mother, stop it. Here, Kazunari-san, come here."
Sara-san wrapped her arm around my head and pulled me toward her, pulling me into a firm embrace against her chest to hide my face. While this did provide an escape from Mayumi-san, it was a different kind of predicament entirely...
"Hey, Sara-chan, that’s cheating. Now I can’t see Kazunari-kun at all."
"Kazunari-san is shy. He’s so adorable when he’s embarrassed that I don’t want to show him to Mother."
"Ehh, but I want to see him too..."
Just being told that was embarrassing enough. I wasn't sure how a guy was supposed to feel about being called "adorable," and knowing they wanted to gawk at me only made me more determined to stay hidden. At this point, it felt like a humiliation play...
As that thought crossed my mind, the arms hugging me tightened ever so slightly.
"Yes... just stay still like this... It’s okay. My cute Kazunari-san belongs only to me. I won't show you to Mother, or anyone else."
"Sara-chan, you're so selfish!! ...Fine, I’ll just have Masaomi-san comfort me."
Beep beep beep... Beep beep beep...
A loud alarm cut through the air.
It wasn't a wake-up call, but a timer. Since Mayumi-san mentioned she was baking cookies, it was likely for those.
"You should have done that from the start. Look, the timer is going off."
"Yes, yes. Sara-chan, your possessiveness really is something else."
With that, I felt Mayumi-san stand up. She must have gone to check on the oven.
Honestly... Mayumi-san was incredible in so many ways. I could never tell where the jokes ended and the truth began. I knew she was genuinely fond of me, but I had the feeling that if I ever actually tried to act spoiled with her, she would wholeheartedly accept it—which, ironically, made me hesitate.
"Haa... honestly. Now then, Kazunari-san, since Mother is gone, it's my turn..."
I had a pretty good idea of what Sara-san was going to say based on the flow of the conversation. Because I knew, I really wanted to be spared from the humiliation play. But I also knew Sara-san wasn't the type to force anything if I genuinely disliked it. To show her I was okay with it, I leaned into her embrace a little more.
"Are you still feeling shy? Fufu... Kazunari-san, you really are such a shy boy♪"
After saying that, Sara-san looked delighted as she reached up and brushed my bangs aside.
My heart hammered against my ribs, wondering what was coming next.
"For such a cute Kazunari-san... I’ll do this... mmm..."
Chu.
I felt the soft touch of her lips against my forehead. The gentle, ticklish sensation made me squirm slightly.
"Fufu... does that make you happy? Then, once more... mmm..."
Chu.
Defeated by Sara-san's relentless affection, my face had undoubtedly melted into a grin I could never show another living soul. This was only going to make it harder to ever leave her side.
In the end, Sara-san continued to literally dote on me until Mayumi-san returned with the tea and everything else prepared.
Since we had some time before Masaomi-san got home, I decided to start on my review for the day.
Whenever I felt my grasp on a lesson was a bit shaky, I’d make sure to mark it in my notebook so I could have Sara-san explain it again during our review sessions. I had decided to make this a part of my routine, working hard every day rather than just relying on last-minute cramming.
Plus, studying hard came with the reward of being praised by Sara-san.
"Yes, that’s correct. Is there anything else you’re unsure about?"
"No, I’m good. That’s everything for today."
The rest I could handle on my own after I got back home.
Last year, for a few reasons, I had spent every day doing nothing but studying at home, but I’d become completely soft after starting high school. I never imagined I’d see the day when I’d be studying this seriously again. Not only that, but I had a teacher who taught me with nothing but candy, candy, and more candy.
"Yes, you did a great job with your studies again today. There, there♪"
Pat, pat...
Since this was my reward, I didn't hold back and let her stroke my hair. Just then...
Click.
"I’m home, just got ba—........."
The moment Masaomi-san walked in and saw us, he froze mid-sentence.
It wasn't like we were doing anything particularly strange... Sara-san was just smiling while patting my head. It wasn't exactly shocking footage... right?
Still, I wondered how the scene looked through Masaomi-san’s eyes.
"Ha, haha... it’s, uh, good to see you’re getting along as well as ever... yeah."
Having undergone a mental reboot, Masaomi-san forced a slightly awkward smile. Since pointing it out wouldn't do any good, I decided to play along.
"Welcome home, Masaomi-san. Sorry for the intrusion."
"Father, welcome home."
As expected, being greeted by his daughter seemed to be what he wanted most, and his expression finally shifted into a genuine smile.
"Yes, I’m home."
"Welcome home. Thank you for your hard work today. You’re back earlier than I expected."
Mayumi-san, who had returned from the kitchen unnoticed, walked up to Masaomi-san and gave him a light kiss on the cheek. Watching such an affectionate couple always made me smile. I knew my parents were close too, but they couldn't quite compare to a couple as picture-perfect as these two.
"Once again, welcome, Takanashi-kun."
Since our first greeting had been cut short, Masaomi-san tried again, greeting me properly this time. I was about to respond, but...
"Honestly... Masaomi-san. Our darling son is home, you know? Why are you saying 'welcome'? And 'Takanashi-kun'? How long are you going to keep standing on ceremony?"
It seemed Mayumi-san didn't approve of his greeting, and she interjected with a sharp tone. Personally, I didn't mind since it was how things had always been and my status hadn't officially changed yet, but...
"I-I see. In that case... Kazunari-kun, welcome home."
Masaomi-san seemed a little hesitant to say it, but it wasn't out of any ill will. If anything, he looked a bit shy as he corrected himself. Since Masaomi-san had said "welcome home," I figured I should follow suit, even though it was a little embarrassing.
"Yes, Masaomi-san. I'm home."
"Kazunari-kun, you can call Masaomi-san 'Father-in-law,' you know?"
Now the fault-finding was directed at me. She was probably suggesting it based on how she had me call her "Mother-in-law," but I figured that would still be a bit much for Masaomi-san. Actually, it was definitely too much for me...
"Um, maybe in a little while..."
"Mother, that's enough. Come on, let's finish getting dinner ready."
Seeing my predicament, Sara-san stepped in. she dragged Mayumi-san toward the kitchen, leaving us two men alone.
"Hahaha, sorry about that, Kazunari-kun. Mayumi has really taken a shine to you."
"No, I’m just happy she feels that way."
As Masaomi-san sat down on the sofa, I took my usual spot as well. My study tools were still spread out on the table, and he looked at them with interest.
"Were you studying?"
"Yes. Just some homework and review. Now that my future path is decided, I want to keep working at it."
"If you start putting in the effort now, aiming for a recommendation is well within your reach. I have high expectations for you."
Masaomi-san nodded approvingly at my response. While I was doing this for my own sake, it was still heartening to see him so pleased.
"By the way, how was the Student General Meeting today?"
"Sara-san’s presidential inaugural address was incredible. She really had the aura of a Student Council President; everyone was completely captivated by her..."
It was frustrating not being able to express my feelings better. I tried to convey just how moved I was using plenty of hand gestures.
Even after that, we never ran out of things to talk about, discussing school life and things at home until, before I knew it, it was time for dinner...
While being comforted by the peaceful dining scene, I was currently focused on devouring the roast beef salad. The homemade roast beef Mayumi-san had made was exquisite, and I literally couldn't put my chopsticks down.
"Nfufu~, it makes Mother so happy to see you enjoying it that much~"
"Kazunari-san, have some of this too... here, say 'ah'..."
Sara-san picked up a piece of rolled omelet with her chopsticks and held it out to me.
Chomp... munch munch
"Mmm... you made this one, Sara-san?"
"Fufu... correct."
The perfect balance of sweetness and that fluffy, tender texture was something neither my mom nor even Mayumi-san could replicate. After all, this was the Kazunari-exclusive rolled omelet, perfected by Sara-san specifically for my tastes.
"...Seeing you eat that with such relish makes me want some too, Kazunari-kun."
Unlike me, Masaomi-san was eating a standard, savory rolled omelet, and he seemed to have grown curious. Sara-san had made his as well, and he’d been happily eating it until now.
"Here, Darling... say 'ah'..."
Mayumi-san cut a piece of her own portion and held it out to Masaomi-san.
"...Yeah, the occasional sweet rolled omelet is nice too."
"You're only saying that because Sara-chan made it, aren't you?"
"That’s not true. I’m just happy when Mayumi feeds me."
Since they were busy flirting over there, I didn't hesitate to keep accepting Sara-san’s taking care of me.
Thinking about it, it was a strange dining scene with both couples flirting across the table from each other, but I suppose this was fine in its own way. A happy meal is the best kind of meal.
"I see. In that case, I’m leaving Father’s meals entirely to Mother from now on. I will only be cooking for Kazunari-san."
"What!? N-no, that’s a separate issue. I want the food Sara makes—"
"Oh, well then, I’ll leave Masaomi-san’s meals to Sara-chan and I’ll cook for Kazunari-kun..."
"That won't be necessary. As his wife-to-be, it is my duty to prepare Kazunari-san’s meals."
"Wife!? S-Sara, isn't it a bit early for that..."
"Father, please be quiet."
GAAAN—!
As Masaomi-san slumped over in visible shock, looking truly pitiful, Mayumi-san and I couldn't help but laugh.
If every meal was this much fun, I wouldn't mind having them more often. But at the same time, I cherished the quiet dinners with just Sara-san. It was a luxury to be torn between the two, I realized.
"Sara-chan, I’ll be the one attending the Parental Observation Day this time."
"I really wanted to go as well, but work just won't let up..."
As we enjoyed tea time after the meal, the conversation turned to the Parental Observation Day coming up this weekend. Mayumi-san would be attending for Sara-san, though it was clear Masaomi-san had desperately wanted to go too. He kept muttering about how unfortunate it was that his schedule wouldn't allow it.
As for my side, I’d already heard from Mom that she would be the only one coming.
"To be honest, it’s rare for both parents to show up anyway, so it would only embarrass me if you did."
Masaomi-san took another hit from Sara-san’s blunt words. I wondered if the relationship between fathers and daughters was like this in every household?
"It looks like my mother is coming as well."
"Yes! I already received a message from Mother-in-law on RAIN the other day. I’m really looking forward to seeing her..."
I knew how much Sara-san wanted to see Mom, so I’d been trying to figure out a time for them to meet. I wondered if they could get together if she waited in the student council room or by the flowerbed until the social gathering after school ended.
"Oh yes, I’ve already spoken with Kazunari-kun's mother about meeting up that day. Since we’re all going to be there, why don't we all have tea together after the social gathering?"
It seemed the parents had already coordinated their plans without me even needing to think about it.
In that case, waiting for them as planned was the best move.
"Understood. I'll wait until then."
"Yes. I’m so excited!"
Personally, I’ve never been a fan of Parental Observation Day, but seeing Sara-san so genuinely happy about meeting Mom made me hope the day would come quickly for her sake.