The next day finally arrived. It was just before noon.
I sat alone, rattling along on a bus after leaving my house, my expression as grim as a warlord riding into a decisive battle.
My destination was, of course, the Akase residence. From yesterday through this morning, I had checked the name of the bus stop with Haruka a dozen times, and now I listened intently to the announcements so I wouldn't miss it.
As I waited, I checked my outfit once more—something I had already done countless times before even leaving the house.
I was wearing a cool, blue, short-sleeved chambray shirt paired with beige chino pants that had a bit of stretch. It was a simple, refreshing outfit Haruka had picked out for the season. Both the shirt and pants were crisply ironed without a single wrinkle in sight—a task I had managed myself, albeit while Haruka coached me on the technique.
There was something slightly pathetic about needing my girlfriend's help just to prepare for a visit to her own home.
However, today was the day of the "first meeting with her parents," a monumental event. I had to clear every hurdle and approach this with absolute preparedness.
Nobuyuki-san had already given us his blessing in person, and Haruka had told me her mother already had a favorable impression of me. Even so, I couldn't afford to be complacent. I had to maintain that good impression.
In the worst-case scenario, I could still incur their displeasure today and be ordered to end the relationship. The thought alone was terrifying.
"My stomach is starting to tie itself in knots..."
I let out a heavy sigh and sank back into my seat.
I was sure that, just as Haruka said, my anxieties were merely groundless fears. But even knowing that, I didn't have enough self-confidence to truly believe everything would be fine. I had been working hard on my studies, my housework, and my social skills to become a man worthy of standing by her side, but still...
"Stop it. My thoughts are heading in a dark direction."
This wouldn't do. I couldn't greet them with such a gloomy face. I slapped my cheeks to snap myself out of it just as the bus announcement indicated my stop was coming up.
I pressed the button and stepped off the bus a minute later. My feet felt heavy as I hit the pavement.
"Good morning, Tatsumi-kun!"
"Haruka... were you waiting for me at the stop?"
"Well, you sounded so nervous when we talked this morning. I was worried you might collapse before you even reached the house."
Haruka laughed as she spoke, and she seemed to glow under the summer sun. The stiffness in my face finally began to melt away.
"I wasn't quite that bad... but thank you. You saved me."
"Hehe. Come on, let's go!"
Haruka took my hand and led the way. As she pulled me through the quiet alleys of her residential neighborhood, the warmth from her palm seemed to dissolve the last of my nerves.
"Are you sure I shouldn't have brought a gift? Maybe I should go buy something now..."
"I told you yesterday, didn't I? Papa was very firm about it. He told me to tell you, 'Tatsumi-kun is still a high school student, and since we're the ones inviting him, he doesn't need to worry about that.'"
"I know, but... between the daifuku and the cake, I feel like I'm constantly taking and never giving back."
Haruka giggled at my groaning.
"You really don't need to worry. If it bothers you that much, why don't we make some sweets together next time and give those to Papa? If they’re handmade, it won't cost much, and it'll be easier for him to accept."
"I see... that might work. Though I'm a bit hesitant to have someone eat the first thing I ever make."
"I'll teach you properly! I'm sure Papa and Mama would be absolutely delighted!"
If she was that confident... I nodded, feeling equal parts excitement and anxiety. Haruka smiled happily and immediately began to ponder what we should bake.
Regardless of the gift, the idea of making sweets with Haruka sounded genuinely fun. Making those cookies a few weeks ago had been surprisingly enjoyable, after all.
As we chatted, Haruka stopped in front of a house.
"We're here! This is my home!"
Before me stood a tidy, two-story house with a refined air. The exterior was a mix of white and beige with a calm brown roof, giving off a sense of warmth even under the harsh summer sun. The stone-paved path to the entrance was lined with pots of vibrant flowers.
A familiar car was parked in the driveway, and the nameplate clearly read "Akase."
I had heard they moved into this newly built house when Haruka started high school, and it already felt comfortably lived-in.
"It’s... a very warm-looking home."
"Ehehe, thanks! Tatsumi-kun, are you okay?"
Haruka looked back at me with a smile, and I swallowed hard. It was time. I was about to face her parents as "Haruka's boyfriend."
As my body involuntarily tensed, Haruka's slender hand gave my shoulder a few reassuring pats.
"I told you, you don't need to be that nervous! Come on, deep breaths! In... and out..."
I followed her lead, matching her rhythm as she used her hands to guide me. Even though I felt a little embarrassed, the exercise worked. The tension drained from my shoulders.
I had come too far to turn back now, and I had no intention of doing so anyway. My appearance was perfect. I had rehearsed the conversation. I was ready.
"Alright. Let's go."
"There we go. You've got your usual cool face back. Don't worry, Papa and Mama are both waiting for you."
With a gentle, reassuring smile, Haruka walked briskly toward the door. I followed close behind, my steps still a little stiff.
Haruka opened the door and ushered me inside. For the first time, I crossed the threshold of the Akase residence.
"Excuse me..."
"Welcome! Papa! Mama! Tatsumi-kun is here!"
I stepped into the entryway, giving a light bow and marveling at the spaciousness of the interior. A few seconds later, I heard the rhythmic slap of slippers against the floor.
"Welcome to our home, Tatsumi-kun. I'm glad you could make it."
"It’s good to see you again, Nobuyuki-san. Thank you for inviting me today."
I gave him a crisp, polite bow. Seeing the nerves written all over my face, Nobuyuki-san let out a small, wry chuckle.
"I’d like to tell you to relax... but as a man myself, I think I understand your anxiety better than Haruka does."
He placed a hand on my shoulder, encouraging me to look up. His gaze was filled with deep empathy and genuine kindness. Then, he looked over at Haruka.
"Haruka, your mother is finishing up lunch. Go give her a hand. She’s been itching to talk to Tatsumi-kun all morning."
"Okay! Tatsumi-kun, see you in a bit! Papa, Tatsumi-kun is my boyfriend, so don't get too chummy with him, okay?"
Haruka puffed out her cheeks and hurried deeper into the house. Nobuyuki-san gave me a playful shrug, and I found myself at a loss for words.
I changed into slippers while Nobuyuki-san spoke with a hint of nostalgia.
"Truth be told, I was incredibly nervous when I first went to meet my wife's parents. Especially since they didn't exactly approve of me at first."
"Is that so?"
"It is. There's a bit of an age gap between my wife and me, you see. They looked at me quite severely... Ah, sorry. I didn't mean to dump my problems on you. I just wanted you to know that I understand how you feel. There's really no need to worry. My wife has been looking forward to this all day."
Nobuyuki-san narrowed his eyes with pure affection as he looked down the hallway.
"She’s pouring her heart into the cooking right now to give you the best welcome possible."
"I can certainly smell it. It’s making me hungry."
"Fufu, isn't it? I've been smelling it all morning, and I'm starving."
I was having lunch with the Akases today. I felt a bit guilty about the imposition, but I couldn't refuse Haruka's mother's earnest request. The delicious aroma filling the house was certainly making it hard to regret.
I followed Nobuyuki-san down the hall. He opened the door at the end—the dining room—and as I stepped in after him, the world seemed to brighten.
"Oh my! So you're Tatsumi-kun? Welcome, welcome!"
Standing in the living room was a woman who looked like a version of Haruka from a few years in the future. She had soft, flaxen hair and bright, clear eyes. Her beaming smile was enough to warm anyone's heart.
Wearing an apron and holding a plate, she set the food on the table and scurried over to us.
"Nice to meet you! I'm Haruka's mother, Kayo Akase. I've heard so much about you from Haruka, I’ve been dying to finally meet you! Thank you for coming today, I'm just so happy!"
"N-Nice to meet you... My name is Tatsumi Yanagida. Thank you for the invitation. Your daughter is... always such a great help to me."
"Oh, what a polite boy! I can't believe Haruka brought home such a wonderful boyfriend! I'm so touched... I think I might cry!"
She pressed her hands together in front of her chest, her voice full of emotion. She looked so youthful it was hard to believe she had a teenage daughter.
While Kayo-san and I spoke, Haruka—who had been helping Nobuyuki-san set the table—spoke up with a frown.
"Mama! Calm down, you're embarrassing him."
"Oh, Haruka, are you jealous of your mother? You really do adore him, don't you? You can flirt with him all you want later, so let Mama have her moment now."
"Muu."
Embarrassed by the call-out, Haruka fell silent with a cute groan. Kayo-san watched her with a fond smile before turning back to me.
"But please, don't be so stiff. It's not like you're here to ask for her hand in marriage. I want you to relax and let us host you as our guest. ...Ah, wait, could it be?"
Kayo-san gasped as if she had just realized something.
"Has the conversation already progressed that far?! What should we do, Papa? We're going to have a new son all of a sudden!"
"Mama, Papa already made that joke."
"Oh, how disappointing."
At Haruka's exasperated reply, her mother playfully stuck out her tongue. The gesture was perfectly charming and matched her soft, airy personality.
I see. This was the source of Haruka's brightness and her playful nature.
Nobuyuki-san laughed warmly and cut in.
"Let's not keep our guest standing all day. I'll finish up here. Kayo, Haruka, why don't you sit down and keep talking?"
"Okay. Thanks, Papa. I'll go ahead and start enjoying myself!"
"Go ahead. I've already had a chance to talk to him before. It's your turn today."
"Oh! Tatsumi-kun, make sure you get along with me too, not just Papa, okay?"
"Ah, yes, certainly..."
"He's my boyfriend, though—"
"With Haruka too, of course! Now, everyone, sit down. Let's eat and talk."
Guided by a smiling Kayo-san, we took our seats around a table overflowing with delicious-looking food. Haruka and I sat side-by-side, with her parents across from us. Having her mother directly in front of me was a bit daunting, but I did my best to look natural.
"This is... incredible."
I stared at the spread in genuine awe. Karaage, kushiyaki, hamburg steak, cabbage rolls... it wasn't just one or two main dishes; they were dominating the entire table. Colorful salads and caprese were tucked into the gaps. The steam rising from the platters carried an irresistible mix of savory and sweet scents.
It was a feast fit for a party. It looked amazing... but it was definitely too much for four people.
"Mama got a little carried away when she heard Haruka's boyfriend was coming! Please, eat as much as you like!"
"Y-Yes. Thank you very much..."
Kayo-san gave me a cute wink, and my cheek twitched. As a former member of the go-home club who didn't exercise much anymore, this amount of food was terrifying. But I didn't want to hurt her feelings by leaving too much.
As I began a mental negotiation with my own stomach, Haruka leaned in and whispered to me.
"Sorry, Mama loses all sense of proportion when she's excited. You don't have to force yourself to finish it all. If you want, I can pack some up for you to take home."
"Thank you. That's a relief."
We shared a small, private smile. Across the table, Kayo-san’s grin grew even wider.
"Oh my, sticking so close together right in front of me! You two are so lovey-dovey I’m going to get a heatstroke. Papa, were we like this back in the day?"
"We went to different schools, remember? Don't tease them too much."
"Okay~."
Even when scolded, her smile didn't waver.
After some light chatting, Nobuyuki-san finished the final preparations and joined us. Once everyone had a drink, Kayo-san raised her glass.
"Since we’re all together, let’s have a toast!"
"Good idea. Though I wish it were something stronger than juice."
"No alcohol during the day. You promised to cut back this month, remember?"
"I know, I know. Well, I’ll look forward to a real drink in a few years."
Nobuyuki-san gave me a playful wink, and I smiled back.
"I look forward to it too. Please invite me when the time comes."
"Tatsumi-kun! You have to drink with me first! Promise!"
"Hmm... I don't know, Haruka. It’s in your genes to be a lightweight. You might show him a side of yourself you'd rather keep hidden if you drink in front of him."
"What!?"
"That actually sounds like something to look forward to."
"Tatsumi-kun!?"
Haruka puffed out her cheeks and gave my arm a light swat. It didn't hurt a bit. Her parents watched us with warm, fond smiles, making me feel a little self-conscious.
"The food will get cold, so let's toast. To our meeting today, and to the bright future of these two... Cheers!"
"""Cheers!"""
The glasses clinked together, and the room was filled with the sound of laughter. Amidst the delicious smells and the warm atmosphere, I realized the knots in my stomach had completely untied themselves.
And so, my afternoon at the Akase residence began.