It took nearly two hours—one train transfer and a bus ride later, we arrived at our destination: a hilltop residential area just outside the center of the city neighboring our own.
As we climbed the gentle slope from the bus stop, a familiar tiled roof finally came into view. It was a two-story Japanese-style house defined by the sharp contrast between its black roof tiles and white walls. Well-kept shrubs stood sentry by the entrance, and flowerpots filled with seasonal blooms were lined up neatly beneath them. Wind chimes hanging from the eaves swayed in the refreshing breeze, sending clear, resonant notes through the air.
Seeing my childhood home for the first time in months... even though only a short time had passed, I felt a surprising wave of nostalgia. Beside me, as I stared at the nameplate engraved with "Yanagida," Haruka let out a soft sound of admiration.
"Wow... so this is your family home, Tatsumi-kun."
"Yeah. It’s been about four months, but it doesn't look like much has changed... wait, are there more flowerpots?"
Those shrubs and flowers were all my father’s handiwork. I just hoped he hadn't added more on a whim and gotten lectured by my stepmother again.
Regardless, I cut off my wandering thoughts and turned to Haruka. We had planned this Obon visit for a while. It had all started with a message from my father back when the stayover first began, but of course, we only moved forward after getting Haruka’s consent and her parents' permission.
Since she had to stay overnight to match my schedule, she’d discussed it with her family beforehand, and I’d met with them again to offer my formal greetings before we left. She had even tried to prepare a souvenir gift, but since we were the ones hosting, I’d politely declined. The whole exchange had reminded me of when I first visited the Akise residence.
Clutching her overnight bag as she stared at the house, Haruka looked stiff. When we’d set out, she was excited to see Yui and meet my parents, but now that we were actually here, her anxiety had clearly resurfaced. I gently took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze, offering a smile.
"No need to be so nervous. Yui and I are right here, and my parents are really looking forward to meeting you."
"...Right. You’re right. Thanks, Tatsumi-kun."
Her expression softened, and a mischievous glint returned to her eyes.
"The roles are reversed from last time, aren't they?"
"True enough. Do you finally understand how I felt back then?"
"I understand perfectly! I’m incredibly nervous!"
"Good... And thank you, for encouraging me back then."
"You’re very welcome. And thank you for doing the same for me just now."
"Yeah. Well, shall we?"
"Yes!"
We shared a nod and walked toward the entrance, hands still clasped. I rang the doorbell next to the glass door and waited.
"Coming! Who is it?" a bright voice called out.
The moment I stated my name, the intercom cut out. A few seconds later, the sound of frantic, heavy footsteps thundered toward the door. I reflexively stepped back just as the door was flung open with explosive energy.
"Welcome, Haruka-san!"
It was Yui, looking unusually high-spirited. Her typical "downer" vibe was gone; she grabbed Haruka’s hands with a beaming smile. Haruka returned the greeting, looking delighted.
"Hello, Yui-chan! We’ve talked a lot on LINE, but it’s been a while since we’ve seen each other in person. How have you been?"
"I’m doing great! But what about you, Haruka-san? Are you okay? Living under the same roof as my brother... you haven't felt uncomfortable or had him do anything weird to you, have you?"
"Every day is fun, and nothing’s been unpleasant at all. As for weird things... well, personally, I feel like he could be a bit more proactive with me, you know?"
"My brother is such a coward... Don't worry, I'll give him a piece of my mind!"
"I’m counting on you!"
"Hey..."
They were talking trash right in front of me. I wasn't sure if I should be happy they got along so well or depressed that I was being completely ignored. When I interjected with a scowl, Yui made a theatrically surprised face as if she’d only just noticed I was there.
"Oh, you’re here too, Brother? Welcome back."
"I’m home... You little..."
Just as I was about to complain about her attitude, a light laugh echoed from the hallway.
"Hahaha. Don't be so hard on her, Tatsumi. Yui-chan has been pent up because she couldn't see the brother she loves so much thanks to her tests and summer seminars."
"Wait... Dad?! What are you saying...!"
"A brother’s character is measured by his ability to laugh off his sister’s cute venting... or am I wrong?"
"Totally wrong! It’s not like I love him, and I definitely didn't want to see him!"
"Haha, sorry, sorry. You’ve been staring at your phone looking lonely lately, and you were clearly restless as Obon got closer, so I just assumed... Ow, ow! Stop, sorry!"
Yui turned beet-red to the tips of her ears and started pummeling him with her fists. I watched her, genuinely surprised. Come to think of it, we didn't have the usual stayover last month, and I’d been so busy I barely even talked to her on LINE.
"Yui."
"...What?"
"Sorry for neglecting you. I’ll make sure to message you more often from now on."
"...Knowing you, Brother, you’ll probably just send stuff that looks like a formal business report."
"You know me too well..."
I scratched my head in concession, and Yui’s expression finally softened.
"You don't have to force yourself. I’m not saying you should prioritize me over your girlfriend. But... I’d like to talk to you more, too."
"...Yeah. Me too."
"Really?"
"Really."
She claimed she didn't believe me, but she looked happy enough, so I figured I was forgiven. Feeling Haruka’s warm gaze on my back, I turned to the man who had just been "downed" by Yui’s fists.
"I’m home, Dad."
"Ow, ow... Yeah, welcome back, Tatsumi. Did you get taller again while I wasn't looking?"
The middle-aged man stood up, rubbing his stomach with a carefree smile. This was Shintaro Yanagida—my biological father and the head of the household. With his lanky build, his blue jinbei, and his thick-rimmed glasses, he looked exactly like a literary master from a bygone era.
However, his stubble was neatly shaved and his hair was styled. For a man who usually couldn't care less about his appearance, he’d clearly put in effort for my girlfriend’s arrival. Or, more likely, Natsuki had forced him to.
"I wouldn't change that much in a few months."
"They say you should look at a man with new eyes if he’s been away for three days, right? Your face, your aura, your posture... I can tell. I am your father, after all."
"............"
Despite the teasing tone, I could feel the genuine affection in his words. As I fell silent, he laughed and turned to Haruka, giving her a polite bow.
"Now then... you must be Haruka Akise-san. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Tatsumi’s father, Shintaro. Welcome to our home. I apologize for leaving our guest standing at the door while we bickered."
"No, not at all! Seeing how close your family is makes me very happy. It’s nice to meet you, I’m Haruka Akise. I’ve been dating Tatsumi-kun for about two months. Thank you so much for having me!"
Haruka’s response was cheerful and perfectly polite. My father let out a soft breath of admiration.
"My, my... I’d heard the stories, but you truly are a well-mannered young lady. Anyway, let’s not stay in the entryway. Please, come in. We have tea and snacks ready in the living room. Let’s talk properly there."
"Thank you very much! Excuse me for the intrusion!"
"Haruka-san, this way!"
Urged on by my father and pulled by an energetic Yui, Haruka stepped inside. I followed her, feeling a strange sense of fulfillment at having her in my childhood home, the familiar scents of the house triggering a wave of peace.
"I’m sorry for dragging you out during Obon. Was your family okay with the timing?"
"We don't really do relative gatherings, and my parents gave me their full permission! I’ll be in your care for the next three days."
"How polite. Since we’re looking after someone’s precious daughter, we’ll make sure you’re well-entertained."
After dropping our bags upstairs, we were now gathered in the first-floor guest room, chatting over tea. My father’s formal tone was still creeping me out—I guess even he felt the need to act dignified in front of his son’s girlfriend. We sat at a low square table: Haruka and I on one side, my father opposite us, and Yui to the side.
While they were talking, I leaned toward Yui. "Is Natsuki-san working today?"
"She was supposed to be off, but some trouble came up and she had to go in. She said she’d be back as soon as it was settled."
"I see... that’s rough."
"Tell me about it. Mom was so excited to meet Haruka-san. She looked devastated when she had to leave."
Considering Natsuki was the one who came up with the idea for this visit, that wasn't surprising. My father must have overheard us because he cut in with a chuckle.
"I have plenty to ask you two, but I suppose we should wait until Natsuki gets back for the big stuff. In the meantime, Tatsumi—hand it over."
"Huh? Hand what over?"
"Your grade report. I need something to talk about."
"Don't use my grades as a prop... Just wait a second."
I had intended to show him anyway for the guardian signature, so I headed upstairs to my room, grabbed the report, and brought it back down. My father opened it with visible excitement, and Yui peeked over his shoulder. Both of them froze.
"Whoa... I’d heard about your test scores, but seeing them on the final report is something else. I feel like an idiot for worrying if you could handle a prep school."
"Brother, this is amazing! This has to be the result of Haruka-san’s love-filled tutoring, right?"
"Yeah, whatever..."
I ignored the comment to save face, but my father wasn't about to let it go.
"Ho-ho. I heard from Yui-chan that Haruka-san was quite the scholar, but it looks like you really owe her one."
"It was nothing like that. I only helped a little; the rest was Tatsumi-kun’s hard work. Plus... we had that bet on the line, remember?"
Haruka gave me a mischievous look. I didn't want her to dig that up, but of course, my father and sister pounced on it. Haruka gleefully spilled the details, and my embarrassing motivation became public knowledge within the family.
"Hahahaha! You’re a man of focus, Tatsumi! Hahahaha!"
"Yikes... I’m actually a little grossed out."
"Shut up..."
My father was howling with laughter while Yui looked genuinely repulsed. My mental state was taking a beating. I knew I hadn't been thinking straight back then, but it got results, so I felt I deserved a pass. My father wiped tears from his eyes and looked at us.
"Man, that’s good. Give me more of that newlywed-style fluff. The sweeter, the better!"
"Since when did you like that stuff, Dad? Wait... are you gathering material for your next book?"
"Bingo. I’ve written romance before, but never with student leads. It’s best to hear from the source when it comes to the youth of today."
I gave him a cold stare. I couldn't believe he was trying to turn his son’s love life into a plot point. When I demanded a "model fee," he shut me down by reminding me he’d already increased my allowance for date money. I couldn't argue with that.
Seeing Haruka look confused, I realized I’d never actually told her the specifics.
"I didn't mention it, but my father is a professional novelist. He writes a lot of different genres and apparently makes enough to keep us fed."
"Wow, that’s incredible! You’re a real author?"
"Oh, it’s nothing special. Really, Tatsumi? You never told her? A father’s heart is broken."
"There just wasn't a reason to bring up my parents' jobs."
When my father told her his pen name, Haruka’s eyes widened. "Oh! I’ve seen that name. If I remember right... Tatsumi-kun’s room has a whole shelf dedicated to that author..."
"Wait, Haruka, don't—!"
"Oh ho?"
I tried to stop her, but it was too late. My father’s grin stretched wide. Today was turning into a disaster.
"My, my, Tatsumi! When I offered to give you signed copies, you said you didn't want them. But you were buying them yourself this whole time? Is this what they call a 'tsundere'?"
"Shut up! I’m not a tsundere!"
"Don't be shy! Tell me your favorite parts! Want me to write a special request for you?"
"Seriously, shut up!"
I was red-faced and yelling, but he didn't care. While I was busy fending off my annoying father, Haruka and Yui were off in their own world.
"Haruka-san, what kind of books do you like?"
"Hmm, lately I’ve been into romance. I feel like I can relate to them more now."
"That’s nice. It sounds so mature."
"Not really. What about you, Yui-chan? Any boys at school catching your eye?"
"None at all. I’m not in any clubs, and I’m drowning in exam prep anyway..."
The chaotic atmosphere was suddenly broken by a loud "I’m home!" from the entryway. Yui’s face lit up, and my father looked up as well. I used the opportunity to bolt toward the door. I wasn't running away—I just really wanted to welcome the final member of the family.
By the time I reached the entryway with Yui and Haruka in tow, a woman in a sharp suit was already kicking off her shoes. She looked up and smiled warmly at us.
"Mom, welcome back!"
"Welcome home, Natsuki-san."
"I’m home! Yui... and Tatsumi-kun, it’s been a while!"
This was Natsuki Yanagida—Yui’s biological mother and my stepmother. She stepped up into the hallway and looked at me. I was 180 centimeters tall, so she had to look up just slightly. She tilted her head, her short hair swaying.
"...Have you gotten even taller? Boys really do grow up fast."
"Dad said the same thing. Something about my aura changing."
"He’s right. You’ve softened up... you look more composed. You’ve become quite the handsome man."
She patted my shoulder affectionately. The gentle gesture made me a bit bashful, so I looked away. We’d been a family for less than a year. While things were better than when we first met, I still felt like I was learning how to navigate the distance between us.
Natsuki chuckled and turned her attention to Haruka.
"I assume this change in Tatsumi is thanks to you? Would you introduce her?"
"Right... you’ve heard from Yui, but this is Haruka Akise. My girlfriend."
"It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Haruka Akise. I’m dating—"
"I knew it! Nice to meet you, I’m Natsuki! I’ve heard so much from Yui; I’ve been dying to talk to you. I’m so glad you could come!"
Natsuki cut off Haruka’s polite greeting by grabbing her hands with a massive smile. Haruka was a bit overwhelmed by the intensity but quickly recovered, shaking her hands back with a smile of her own.
With that, the entire Yanagida household was present. I looked at Haruka and felt it was finally time to say it.
"Haruka—welcome to the family. We’re glad to have you."
"Yeah!"