“This is incredible...!”
I took a piece of karaage onto my small plate and popped it into my mouth, letting out a cry of pure admiration.
As I bit through the crispy coating, a flood of hot, juicy meat juices overwhelmed my senses. I winced slightly at the heat, but a moment later, my face relaxed into a blissful grin at the rich, savory flavor.
I savored it slowly before swallowing, following it with a sip of tea. Almost immediately, I found my chopsticks reaching out again as if driven by a mind of their own. I decided to try it with some rice this time. Or maybe... no, the karaage wasn't the only thing on the table. The Hamburg steaks and cabbage rolls looked just as appetizing.
There was no need to rush. I told myself to take my time and enjoy everything properly.
Seeing me eat with such singular focus, Kayo-san laughed happily.
“My, my, look at that appetite! I’m so glad it’s to your liking.”
“Mmph... gulp. It’s amazing. I feel like I could eat this forever...!”
As expected of the woman who taught Haruka how to cook. Since everything was freshly prepared, every single dish was absurdly delicious.
My chopsticks didn’t stop. Any lingering anxiety had vanished as I began packing the feast into my stomach with unprecedented momentum.
I worried for a moment that I might look like a glutton, but the parents sitting across from me seemed genuinely satisfied.
“Wow, it’s refreshing to see someone enjoy their food like that. Ah, to be young again.”
“Papa used to eat like that until about ten years ago, didn’t he?”
“Old age is a persistent thing... Tatsumi-kun, you should enjoy it as much as you can while you're young. Once you hit thirty, it all starts to catch up with you at once.”
There was an indescribable sense of melancholy in Nobuyuki-san’s eyes as he slowly chewed on a piece of kushiyaki, looking off into the distance.
It must be tough to have to hold back on a meal like this because of your stomach. I felt a wave of genuine empathy and sympathy for him.
Taking his sage advice to heart, I turned my attention back to the table, determined to enjoy the moment without another thought. It was then that I realized Haruka, sitting right next to me, had gone unusually quiet.
When I glanced over, she was staring at me, her cheeks puffed out in a clear pout.
“...Is Mama’s cooking really that good?”
“Yeah, it’s great.”
“Better than mine?”
“Ah—”
A dry smile escaped me at her grumpy expression.
I could see a faint tint of jealousy in her narrowed eyes. It was an incredibly endearing display of pettiness.
“...It might sound a bit presumptuous for me to say, but I think your mom’s skills are definitely a level above yours, Haruka.”
“Muu... well, that’s true, but...”
“But the food I love most is the food you make for me.”
“Really?”
“Of course,” I said, nodding as I looked her straight in the eyes. “I mean it. You’re the person I love, and you make those meals specifically for me. To me, that makes them more special than anything else, regardless of the taste.”
Hearing that, Haruka’s face turned bright red, and she quickly looked away.
Seeing her look so adorable brought a smile to my face—until I remembered we weren't alone.
I timidly shifted my gaze and found her parents watching us with sparkling eyes, looking for all the world like they were witnessing a scene from a heartwarming romance drama.
“Oh, looking at you two makes me feel all bashful. It’s wonderful to see you so close.”
“I don’t think we were quite that intense even when we first started dating.”
“............”
As I lapsed into an awkward silence, Haruka protested, “Geez! Stop it, you two!”
The Akase dining table was filled with the sound of warm laughter.
“By the way, Tatsumi-kun? Could you call me by my name instead of ‘Mother’? I’ll feel so left out and lonely~”
“...I understand, Kayo-san.”
“Well done♪”
“Thank you for the meal. It was truly wonderful.”
“You’re very welcome♪”
“Goodness, I can’t believe you ate more than half of it yourself. Are you alright?”
“I’m not so full that I can’t move, so I’ll be fine. Thank you again.”
The lively meal finally concluded once I reached my limit.
As I pressed my hands together in a gesture of thanks, Kayo-san beamed at me, and Nobuyuki-san let out a sound of genuine impressed.
I offered to help Nobuyuki-san with the dishes, but he turned me down immediately, saying, “I can’t let a guest do chores.”
Taking him up on his kindness, I sat back down and let out a long breath.
...I’d acted tough, but I had definitely overeaten. I leaned back against the chair, trying to ease the pressure in my stomach.
Haruka peered into my face with concern.
“Are you really okay? You look like you’re in pain.”
“I’m right at the limit, but I’ll be fine. I just need to rest for a bit.”
“Don’t push yourself. Do you want some more tea?”
“I’ll take some.”
I usually had a decent grasp of my own capacity, but the food was so good that I’d completely failed to pace myself.
I took the tea Haruka brewed, thanked her, and took a long drink.
As I let out a satisfied sigh... a hand gently tapped my stomach.
“...Haruka?”
“You looked like you were hurting, so I thought I’d rub it for you. Hehe, it’s all round.”
“Well, I just finished eating. ...Look, it’s embarrassing, so could you stop?”
“Hmm~?”
She brushed me off with a cute, mischievous smile.
It didn't seem like she had any intention of pulling her hand away. In that case...
“Hyah?!”
“Payback. It’s only fair, right?”
“Wait, Tatsumi-kun?! Not there, that’s—!”
Haruka tried to push me back in a panic, but she was no match for my strength.
As I moved my hand slowly against her, Haruka’s body gave a little jump, and her grip on my hand tightened.
“Seriously, you can’t...!”
“...!”
Her cheeks were flushed, her lips were trembling, and her eyes had gone soft and hazy. Suddenly, it hit me—I might have done something incredibly suggestive in the middle of her living room.
My optimistic thought that it was fine because she was clothed and my playful desire to see her flustered evaporated instantly. A moment later, a sharp throat-clearing sound froze me to the bone.
“Ahem! ...You two, have you had enough?”
“...I’m sorry. Sorry, Haruka. I got carried away.”
“Y-Yeah... me too. Sorry, I was just... playing along.”
““............””
I apologized to Haruka, but when she looked back at me with slightly watery eyes, I found myself stumbling over my words.
As if to dispel the awkward, stifling atmosphere, Kayo-san clapped her hands together.
“It seems you two really lose track of your surroundings when you're together. You have to be more careful in front of others, okay?”
“I’ll keep that in mind...”
“Okaay.”
We both slumped our shoulders, thoroughly humbled by the very reasonable lecture.
...This felt like a recurring pattern. Maybe I really needed to reflect on my self-control. I supposed I was just a bit giddy because summer vacation had started. I’d be able to handle things more maturely soon... probably.
Fortunately, Kayo-san didn't look angry; she actually seemed to be finding the whole thing amusing. That was embarrassing in its own way, though.
“I’ve put the leftovers in some Tupperware for you. You can just have Haruka bring the containers back later, alright?”
“I really appreciate that, but are you sure?”
“Of course. You’re living alone right now, aren't you, Tatsumi-kun? I’m sure it’s a lot to manage, so you should accept help when it's offered.”
As Kayo-san spoke with motherly conviction, Nobuyuki-san nodded from the kitchen.
“That’s right. There’s no shame in letting people help you. We’d be happy if you just accepted it.”
“...Thank you. I’ll gratefully take them.”
They really were warm, kind people.
As I sat there moved by their consideration, Kayo-san returned to the table and placed several large volumes in front of me.
Are these... albums? While I tilted my head, Haruka let out a panicked cry.
“W-Wait, Mama! Why did you bring those out?!”
“It’s a special occasion! I wanted Tatsumi-kun to see how cute you used to be♪ You want to see them, right, Tatsumi-kun?”
“Eh, ah...”
Put on the spot, I hesitated for a fraction of a second.
I weighed Haruka’s pleading, teary eyes against my own curiosity and—...
“I’d love to see them.”
“Tatsumi-kun?!”
Sorry, Haruka. I’m doing this out of love.
After justifying it to myself with a plausible excuse, I leaned in to look at the opened album.
The first thing I saw was a photo of a very adorable baby sitting on the floor, sucking on her thumb.
“Is this Haruka as a baby?”
“Yes! She was barely a few months old there. She was so, so precious from the very start~”
“She really was... she’s incredibly cute.”
“Uuu~...”
Haruka let out a pained groan. There was no need for that; she really was a cute baby.
“I took so many photos, actually. These are just the ones I hand-picked as being especially darling.”
“...There are over ten photos just from this one stage, though.”
“They’re all cute, aren’t they?”
“Definitely.”
There was no doubt about it. Kayo-san beamed at my unhesitating agreement.
Looking at cute baby photos really was soothing. I felt so relaxed that I was starting to lose my filter.
Nobuyuki-san, having finished with the Tupperware, joined us at the table. He looked at the spread-out photos with nostalgic, softened eyes.
“Looking at these brings back memories. Oh, look, that’s when she first managed to stand on her own while holding onto the furniture.”
“And this one is from the first time Haruka called me ‘Mama’!”
“You were so thrilled that you carried her around all day, weren't you?”
“Well, she was so happy, squealing ‘Mama, Mama’ over and over. Don’t you remember that, Haruka?”
“How could I possibly remember something from before I was one?!”
I continued through the pages, reading the little notes detailing each milestone.
“Is this the first time she used a spoon?”
“That’s right! She couldn't quite aim it yet, and she ended up with yogurt all over her face and hair.”
“Haha, even her clothes are covered in it... how cute.”
“Gmuu...”
Haruka pouted and poked me in the ribs with her elbow. It didn't hurt at all; it was just more cuteness.
Next came the toddler years. A tiny Haruka in a preschool smock, laughing at a sports day and a school play.
As my expression softened at the photos, Haruka started leaning in beside me. It seemed she couldn't help being curious about her own past, even the parts she didn't remember.
By the time we reached the kindergarten graduation photos, she had cheered up completely and was chatting along with us.
“This is elementary school. The Entrance Ceremony.”
“That was the first time she walked outside with her Randoseru. It was so heavy she almost tipped over several times. I was a nervous wreck...”
“I didn't actually fall, though, did I?”
“Oh, did you forget? After the ceremony, you tried to run over to us, tripped, and cried your eyes out.”
“Wait, really?! I don’t remember that at all...”
“I think we have a photo... ah, there. You cried yourself to sleep on Papa’s back. Look, Tatsumi-kun, isn't that the cutest sleeping face?”
“Don’t show him that!”
Another battle broke out between Kayo-san, who was determined to share everything, and Haruka, who was desperate to maintain some dignity.
Personally, I really wanted to see the photo, but I knew better than to get involved.
I stayed quiet and happened to catch Nobuyuki-san’s eye. He gave me a knowing, wry smile and a silent shrug, confirming that I’d made the right choice.
The viewing party continued in a cheerful atmosphere until we finally finished the albums Kayo-san had brought.
As the last one was closed, Haruka tilted her head in confusion.
“Huh? Is that all? I thought you had albums for middle school too.”
“...Oh, dear. It looks like I forgot to bring those down.”
“I’ll go get them, then. They’re in the study on the second floor, right?”
“Oh? You're quite eager now, considering how embarrassed you were a minute ago,” Nobuyuki-san teased.
Haruka gave a little huff. “He’s already seen this much, so it’s not like it matters now... besides, Tatsumi-kun wants to see them, right?”
“Me? Yeah, I do. I want to know everything about you, Haruka.”
“...! Geez!”
At my words, Haruka’s ears turned a bright shade of pink.
She stood up, avoiding my gaze, and hurried out of the living room as if she were making an escape.
I watched her go, and once the pitter-patter of her footsteps faded away—
“Tatsumi-kun, truly... thank you so much.”
“Eh...?”
Kayo-san had stood up and bowed her head deeply toward me.
The sheer sincerity in her voice made me sit up straight.
“The truth is, I didn't forget the middle school albums. I purposefully didn't bring them. For her... and for us, that time is filled with many painful, difficult memories.”
“...!”
“But to see her offering to show them herself... that’s something I never could have imagined before she met you. So, Tatsumi-kun... thank you for saving her!”
Kayo-san’s voice trembled as she forced the words out. I could only begin to imagine how much she had suffered alongside her daughter, and how much she had worried for her.
Nobuyuki-san put a comforting hand on his wife’s shoulder and spoke softly.
“I feel exactly the same way. If you hadn't been there when she was being threatened by those classmates... I don't know if she ever would have recovered. Thank you for being there for Haruka.”
“I didn't really do anything...”
“...Our words were always going to be a burden to her, no matter how much we tried. I won't say we did absolutely nothing, but we weren't the ones who could truly help her stand on her own again. It was your honest, straightforward words that saved her heart.”
“...!”
Looking at Nobuyuki-san’s gentle smile and hearing his profound gratitude, I was at a loss for words.
I wanted to insist that I hadn't done anything special.
But looking at these parents who had watched over her all this time, I couldn't bring myself to brush off their heartfelt thanks with empty humility.
“If my clumsy words helped ease her pain even a little... then nothing would make me happier.”
As I spoke, choosing my words carefully, they both nodded with deep appreciation.
A moment later, the sound of footsteps returned, and Haruka burst back into the living room with another album.
“I got it! ...Huh? Did something happen?”
“No, nothing. I was just saying I can’t wait to see you in your sailor uniform.”
I tried to lighten the mood with a bit of a joke, but Haruka just gave me a flat look.
“...Tatsumi-kun, you sounded like a total creep just now.”
“............”
I was well aware.
We spent the rest of the afternoon looking through the middle school albums while sipping tea and chatting.
As we looked back on those years, stories came up that even Haruka had forgotten, and we even uncovered a few "truths" about certain events for the first time.
Laughter never left the table, and time passed in a warm, peaceful blur.
For the record, Haruka in her sailor uniform was incredibly cute. I almost wanted to ask her to wear it for me sometime... but I decided that really would be too creepy, so I kept that thought to myself.
Before I knew it, the sun was beginning to set.
The three of them stood at the entrance to see me off.
“Thank you so much for coming, Tatsumi-kun. ...You really could have stayed for dinner, you know?”
“I couldn't possibly impose any more than I already have... and you’ve already given me so much food to take home.”
“Now, now. Don’t push him, Kayo. It’s not like this is the last time he’ll be here.”
I felt a little overwhelmed by Kayo-san’s hospitable sighs, but Nobuyuki-san’s gentle intervention settled things. I was holding a tote bag full of Tupperware—that was going to be my dinner tonight.
I turned back to the family and bowed deeply.
“Thank you so much for the wonderful meal and the great time. I look forward to seeing you all again!”
“Likewise! I’m so glad we got to talk. Come back whenever you like; you're always welcome here.”
“Don’t just hang out with Haruka and Papa, though! I want to get to know you better too. Let’s have dinner together next time♪”
“Yes, I’d love to.”
As we finished our goodbyes, Haruka slipped her shoes on and stood beside me.
“Okay, I’m going to see him off!”
“Alright, alright. Just don’t be out too late~”
I gave one final bow and left the Akase residence with Haruka.
When I looked back, the couple was standing in the doorway, waving at us with smiles on their faces.
I watched them for a moment before turning to Haruka, who was walking beside me in a great mood.
“They're wonderful parents. I can see why you’re such a great person, Haruka. They’re so kind and cheerful.”
“Hehe, what’s with that all of a sudden? But... yeah, I’m really proud of them. I’m just so glad you two got along!”
“Me too. I’m glad I got to meet them. Thanks for inviting me today.”
In response to my thanks, Haruka smiled happily and clung to my arm.
The neighborhood was quiet, filled with the cozy atmosphere of a residential area at dusk. I could smell spices wafting from a nearby house, and my stomach, having finally processed lunch, gave a tiny growl.
Haruka giggled at the sound. I couldn't help it; I was a growing guy.
To hide my embarrassment, I decided to bring up something that had been on my mind.
“So, Haruka. Your birthday is next week, isn't it? Is there anything you want?”
The sudden question made her blink her large eyes in surprise.
“It is my birthday... but wait, did I tell you that?”
“I saw it in the album. Honestly, you should have told me sooner. I barely have any time to get something ready now.”
“Sorry, sorry! I just didn't really have a chance to bring it up...”
She gave me a sheepish smile. I suppose it wasn't the kind of thing you just blurt out. To be fair, I hadn't told her mine either.
“It’s very like you to ask me directly instead of trying a surprise.”
“Maybe. But I don’t exactly trust my own taste. This is my first time celebrating a girlfriend’s birthday, so I want to make sure it’s something you’ll actually be happy with.”
“Hehe, I see. That’s even more like you, Tatsumi-kun♪ Hmm, as for what I want... oh.”
Haruka had been thinking it over, but suddenly her face lit up. She looked up at me with a mischievous, plotting grin. I knew that look—it meant she was up to something.
“...Just for the record, make sure it’s something I can actually do, okay?”
“It’s fine, it’s fine! It’s nothing too difficult! But it’s going to take some preparation... so I’ll tell you what I want on the day itself!”
Preparation on her part? And she wasn't going to tell me until the day?
I was suspicious, but she was already in high spirits, humming to herself. I really hoped this wasn't going to be anything too crazy.
I wanted to press her for more info, but we reached the bus stop just in time—or perhaps at the worst possible moment. Haruka let go of my arm and started walking away with a spring in her step.
“Tatsumi-kun, thank you so much for today! Look forward to my birthday! Bye-bye!”
“Wait—oh, okay. See you later! Get home safe!”
“You too!”
I stood there, tilting my head as I watched her wave and walk away.
That didn't sound like someone who was expecting a gift... it felt like she was the one setting up a surprise for me.
“Well, it’s Haruka. I’m sure it won’t be anything too bad.”
I boarded the bus and muttered to myself. “Still, I shouldn't just leave it all to her. Maybe I’ll ask Yui for some advice and pick something out anyway.”
I rested my chin on my hand and stared out the window as the bus started moving. I had no idea what she was planning, but between the slight anxiety and the overwhelming sense of anticipation, I couldn't wait to find out.