Today was the weekly Satsukawa Family Meal Gathering.
However, since we were currently in the middle of the school festival preparation period, the Student Council was swamped with work, meaning we inevitably arrived late.
Naturally, that meant Mayumi-san had already taken the lead in preparing dinner...
"Sara-chan, we’re missing a few things. Could I ask you to go shopping for me?"
"If that is the case, wouldn't it be better if you went yourself, Mother? I will finish the cooking in your stead."
"Oh, goodness. I’ve already done this much; you can’t just take over now, can you?"
"I believe I stated quite clearly that I would be the one to prepare Kazunari-san's Meal."
"If you start cooking after coming home at this hour, Kazunari-kun will end up starving, won't he?"
"At our house, I can prepare everything in the morning, so it isn't an issue."
"Haa... then we wouldn't even be having a meal gathering, would we?"
Mayumi-san let out a deep sigh while looking at Sara-san.
I had felt this for a long time, but perhaps because they were actually mother and daughter, Sara-san held nothing back. She said exactly what was on her mind, quite bluntly.
I got to see a side of Sara-san that was different from her usual self, which was entertaining in its own way.
However, considering Sara-san’s extraordinary obsession with making my meals, her desire to prevent anyone else from cooking them—even her own parent—was consistent. She wasn't saying this as a joke, which was precisely why Mayumi-san couldn't just laugh it off.
"Honestly... I understand. What is it that I need to buy?"
"Let's see..."
As Mayumi-san quickly listed the necessary items for the relenting Sara-san, she began getting the money ready. Based on the list, it was just some seasonings and nothing major.
To be honest, though, I thought it was quite rare for Mayumi-san to forget something. At least as far as I knew, I had never heard of her doing that, and I couldn't even imagine "that Mayumi-san" making such a mistake.
Well, that was probably just my own personal assumption.
"Kazunari-san, I am sorry. I will be stepping out for a moment."
"Eh? No, I’ll go with you."
I knew the shops were close by, but since I wasn't helping with anything anyway, I couldn't just let Sara-san go shopping alone. That wasn't even an option for me.
If anything, I was willing to go in her place.
"No, that won't be necessary. I will be back shortly."
"Kazunari-kun, you just stay here and relax."
Being persuaded by the both of them, the atmosphere made it feel like I had no choice but to comply. It was just a quick trip for a few items, so it might have been awkward to push the issue any further.
However... I didn't want to put it this way, but I actually had something I wanted to consult Mayumi-san about.
I had thought about just using RAIN, but this was the perfect opportunity.
In that sense, I decided to take them up on their offer and stay put.
"I understand. Sorry about this, Sara-san."
"No, I really will be back soon, so please take your time and relax, Kazunari-san. Well then, I'm off."
Leaving a soft smile behind, Sara-san gave a polite bow and left through the entrance.
Whether she went to the Shopping Street or a convenience store, she’d be back in about ten minutes. I should quickly—
"Now then, since we don't have much time, shall we talk?"
"...Mayumi-san?"
Huh?
Did Mayumi-san also have something she wanted to talk to me about?
Well, if that was the case, I could have just used RAIN, so I should prioritize whatever she had to say...
"Nfufu~ You have something to talk to Mother about, don't you?"
"Eh!?"
"If we don't hurry, we'll run out of time, you know. There's something you want to ask regarding Sara-chan, right?"
It wasn't just a possibility—she had definitely done this on purpose. She had sent Sara-san out so that it would be easier for me to talk.
No wonder Mayumi-san had claimed to forget something, as rare as that was.
I was convinced on that point, but I couldn't quite accept how she had realized I wanted to talk to her in the first place.
"Come now, we don't have time for you to be lost in thought. If it would make it easier for you to talk, shall Mother give you a hug? Or rather, it might be more efficient if we spoke while I was holding you..."
"No, I'm fine like this. It's actually much easier to talk this way."
"...Geez, Kazunari-kun, you're so mean."
Mayumi-san puffed out her cheeks cutely. Considering she was nearly the same age as my mom, it was beyond surprising. It was an old realization by now, but she really looked far too young...
However, as usual, she either loved joking around or she just loved teasing me.
...It was a joke, right?
She wasn't being serious, right?
"Nfufu~♪"
Mayumi-san let out a meaningful smile at my suspicion.
What on earth did that mean... No, if I thought about it, I’d lose. Since time was short, I ignored it and continued the conversation.
……………
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Perhaps because we had arrived late, Masaomi-san returned shortly after.
It was right after Mayumi-san had told me, "Masaomi-san definitely won't work overtime today because you two are coming," so it was a classic case of 'speak of the devil.'
"Dinner will be ready in just a moment."
"I will prepare at least one dish as well."
"Yes, yes. Honestly... you get so stubborn the moment it involves Kazunari-kun. If you don't relax a bit, it'll be hard on Kazunari-kun, won't it?"
"No, I'm actually happy about it, so it's not a problem at all. If anything, I'm just glad Sara-san cares about me that much."
"Yes♪ I am also happy that Kazunari-san accepts it."
This wasn't flattery; it was my honest feeling.
I had no answer for the affection I received from Sara-san other than happiness and joy. No matter what those around us thought, we were who we were.
"My, my, look at them flirting. You two are as close as ever... isn't that right, Masaomi-san?"
"W-Well, I suppose it's a good thing that they are getting along so well... yes."
While there was likely no lie in his words, Masaomi-san's smile looked a bit forced. I often heard about how fathers felt about their daughters on the internet, so I didn't think it was my place to point it out.
Besides, it wasn't like I was trying to flirt in front of Sara-san's parents, but it just naturally ended up that way. It was practically an act of God.
……………
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Our lively and enjoyable meal ended, and while Sara-san and Mayumi-san were cleaning up in the kitchen, I sat with Masaomi-san on the sofa for a relaxing post-meal tea time.
Having tea with my girlfriend’s father... normally, I might have been so nervous I couldn't function, but it wasn't a problem for me now. I felt like Masaomi-san was more of a true father to me than my biological one.
"Kazunari-kun, I'm sorry to bother you, but could I ask you to help with a part-time job again? It shouldn't be much yet, so I don't think it will take very long."
I had sensed Masaomi-san wanted to say something to me for a while.
I had been slightly on guard, thinking perhaps some new trouble had come up regarding the engagement... but it was just a part-time job. I felt relieved.
"Of course. Or rather, I'd help you even if it wasn't a part-time job. Please, leave it to me."
Even if it was just document filing, being asked for help by Masaomi-san, whom I respected, made me feel good. It was nice to feel like I was actually being useful.
"No, I appreciate the sentiment, but these things must be handled properly. Besides, I'm hoping to be able to rely on you in the future as well. That is exactly why I want you to make sure you receive fair compensation."
"...I understand. Thank you very much. In that case, I’ll accept the part-time job."
If Masaomi-san was going to insist, then being any more reserved would be rude. I decided to take him up on it. Besides, with the shopping for the Miss Contest coming up, securing extra funds for Christmas and the end of the year was a huge help.
"Thank you. I'm counting on you."
"Masaomi-san, are you finished talking with Kazunari-kun?"
Mayumi-san and Sara-san returned to the sofa area, with Sara-san carrying a tray of teacups.
Sara-san looked like she wanted to say something... no, she wasn't looking at me, but at Masaomi-san.
"Ah, he agreed to the part-time job. By the way, Sara... um, why are you glaring at me?"
"That is Sara-san's Designated Seat, so please move to your own seat, Father."
I see, so that was it.
I hadn't sat in this spot with any specific intention, but the spot to my right was Sara-san's fixed position.
Masaomi-san understood that well enough, so he stood up and moved with a slightly dejected expression, and Sara-san immediately took his place. Watching them, Mayumi-san let out a little giggle.
Everything was very peaceful.
"Kazunari-san, are you doing a part-time job? If you require money, I have my own savings that I've been pooling..."
"Eh!? No, that's not it."
"Sara-chan."
"...My apologies, I spoke out of turn. In that case, on the days of your part-time job, I shall also be here."
Phew, I was saved.
It was a bit cliché, but since I needed the money for things like a present for Sara-san, I couldn't exactly tell her. But since I didn't have anything I personally wanted to buy that badly, I had panicked for a second about how to explain it.
The way Sara-san backed down at a single word from Mayumi-san felt meaningful, but for now, I was just grateful.
"Yes, yes! So Sara is coming home with you too? If that's the case, I should adjust my own schedule—"
"Father, please proceed as usual. I am only returning for the sake of taking care of Kazunari-san."
"Sara-chan, you don't have to push yourself so hard. If it's about Kazunari-kun, you can leave him to me this time as well."
"No thank you! Regardless, I have no intention of leaving the task of taking care of Kazunari-san's everyday needs to anyone else, not even you, Mother."
This back-and-forth between Sara-san and Mayumi-san was becoming a regular part of our daily life.
Setting Sara-san aside, Mayumi-san was as fond of teasing us as ever... but I felt it was a bit unfair how her personality made it so easy to forgive her. It was probably a real pain for Sara-san, though.
"That aside, Kazunari-kun. I'm borrowing Sara-chan this coming Sunday, okay?"
"Eh? Uh... ah, right! I understand."
The topic was brought up so suddenly that I didn't catch on at first.
But Mayumi-san gave a quick wink, and I realized she was following up on what I had consulted her about earlier.
I hadn't asked her to go that far, but she was being very considerate.
"I am sorry, Kazunari-san. My mother is being persistent, so we will be going shopping for a bit."
"No, it's fine. I’m always leaving everything to you, so you should go out and enjoy yourself with your mother once in a while."
"For me, taking care of Kazunari-san is when my heart feels most at ease... honestly, being with this mother of mine is quite the opposite."
"Oh, Sara-chan, how cruel. Besides, we're going so we can buy things for you, aren't we?"
It made me happy that she preferred being with me, but she was quite harsh with Mayumi-san. Although, if I weren't around, Mayumi-san probably wouldn't be doing anything unnecessary, and they'd likely get along as a normal mother and daughter.
"I do not think they are particularly necessary. Besides, if I truly needed them, I would go buy them myself..."
"That won't do. Your size is already starting to change, isn't it? Besides, you have to consider Kazunari-kun's preferences, too."
"I told you, why do you say things like that!?"
Size!?
I had no idea what they were talking about... yeah.
I really hoped she wouldn't try to pull me into this conversation...
"Paying attention to fashion for parts that aren't seen is a woman's etiquette. You should understand that much by now, Sara-chan."
"That's... well."
"And so... Kazunari-kun, which do you prefer: cute, flashy, or simple? Or maybe you’d like something more..."
"Mother!!!!!"
Sara-san was getting desperate, trying to cover Mayumi-san's mouth while her face turned bright red.
That expression made my heart skip a beat... maintain composure, maintain composure.
...Okay, I'm fine.
In any case, I didn't know what this talk was about. Therefore, I had absolutely no clue what was being asked of me. I couldn't answer it, nor could I even imagine anything.
...Or rather, while I knew she was trying to divert Sara-san's attention, I wished she wouldn't talk about such risqué topics... I was doing my best over here.
"Sara-chan, don't you want to match Kazunari-kun's preferences?"
"That's... um... I do, but..."
After Sara-san muttered that, she stole a glance at my face, her own turning crimson, before looking down in embarrassment.
She was so cute!
Way too cute!
But this topic was rough, so please give me a break!
And I couldn't even look at Masaomi-san because he was terrifying right now!
"Yes, it's good to be honest. So, tell me your preference, Kazunari-kun?"
"N-No, I..."
This was bad; even though I was supposed to have no idea what was being asked, my face was burning...
"Ufufufufu... Kazunari-kun is so cute... ah, this is no good. I have to control myself..."
Mayumi-san began to writhe slightly while muttering something ominous. Why did I suddenly feel a sense of physical danger?
"Mother."
"Ahem, Kazunari-kun. This is Sara-chan's wish, too. So, don't be shy and give her an answer."
"Eeee..."
This was no longer a situation I could laugh off.
It didn't seem like Mayumi-san would stop until she heard an answer, and I got the feeling that Sara-san was waiting for my response, too.
What was I supposed to do...
……………
"Nfufu~ Then it's settled for Sunday."
In the end, I was unable to resist the flow of the conversation and ended up giving an answer.
And what did I choose?
That’s a secret, obviously.
Besides, if you think about it, it hadn't actually been specifically revealed what the conversation was really about.
Even Sara-san had only muttered "I understand" while looking embarrassed.
So, surely it was just a conversation about casual clothes. It had to be.
"Ahem! Well... Kazunari-kun... I am trusting you, all right?"
Haa... this was exactly why I hadn't wanted to talk about this.
I really resented how much Mayumi-san was enjoying this.
But at least I had secured the time for Sunday...
Since it was decided, I had to get in touch with everyone tonight. The ones who were supposed to accompany me for shopping were Hayato and Yuji... I actually invited Natsumi-senpai, too, but she said she had a practice match. And... there was one more person.