"Welcome home, Mom. Things must be hectic right before Obon."
"I'm back, Dear. Honestly, I wanted to be here to welcome Haruka-san with the rest of you... but even with the printing office's scheduling issues, it would have been even more of a headache if I'd let things slide until after the holiday."
Mom answered Dad’s words of appreciation with an exhausted expression.
Hearing their conversation, Haruka tilted her head slightly.
"The printing office... Um, Natsuki-san, your job is...?"
"Mom is an editor at a publishing house," Yui cut in, puffing out her chest. "And as it happens, she’s also Dad’s editor-in-charge!"
"Heh, really? Does that mean the two of you met through work?"
"Seems that way," Yui replied. "I haven't heard the full story myself, though... What about you, Big Brother?"
"I haven't heard the whole thing either, but... well, I’d met Stepmother a few times before they got remarried."
Haruka voiced her admiration at Yui’s proud explanation and my brief follow-up. On the other hand, Dad wore a bitter smile and shook his head slightly.
"Yeah, it’s not quite as romantic as it sounds. You can never truly separate work from home. It’s more like the deadline takes on a physical form and stalks me through the house..."
"It makes meetings convenient for me, at least," Natsuki countered. "I won’t complain as long as you hit your deadlines. Speaking of which, I’d like you to start working on the plot for your next project soon."
"Ah, ah, I can't hear you! Let’s stop talking shop for Obon. Besides, I was just in the middle of gathering material from our guest."
With a sharp wink, Dad looked my way. It was a painfully clumsy attempt at a wink.
The subject change was just as graceless, but for my Stepmother, who had been dying to talk to Haruka from the moment she walked in, it was remarkably effective.
"Oh, that sounds wonderful! I want to hear everything too. Shall we start with how the two of you first met?"
"Ah..."
Faced with Mom’s blatant look of expectation, I hesitated.
I had almost forgotten it lately, but the way Haruka and I met was more than a little dramatic. Even if it was family, it was the kind of story that felt awkward to share with others.
Yui, who knew the circumstances, wore a look of mild concern. Dad and Stepmother seemed to sense the shift in the room's energy.
"Haruka-san, if it’s difficult to talk about..."
"Thank you for your concern. But it’s okay."
Contrary to our worries, Haruka’s expression was as calm as a still lake as she looked straight ahead.
"Haruka..."
I whispered her name, and she responded with a gentle smile and the warm pressure of her hand softly touching mine.
There was no trace of fear or anxiety in her gaze; only firm resolve and unwavering trust. I felt the tension that had gripped my body melt away. All I could do was support her decision.
And so, in a calm, steady voice, Haruka began to tell the story.
Everything from that day in June—our meeting Behind the School Building at Dusk, sharing our pasts, slowly deepening our bond... all the way to the moment we finally became a couple.
She spoke with simple, unadorned words, yet the care with which she wove them together radiated her signature sincerity.
I’ll ignore the fact that I ended up turning beet red because she even included her rawest feelings—things she’d kept hidden even when we spoke to Yui before.
Hey, stop it, Yui. Don’t look at me like that. This is a serious conversation, so pay attention.
While softening her expression at us as we sparred with our eyes, Haruka finished her story without stumbling once.
"And that is the story of how Tatsumi-kun and I met, up until now."
As she finished, silence fell over the living room. It wasn't an awkward or tense silence, but a warm one. It was broken by a soft, wet sniffle.
Reaching for the tissues on the table, Stepmother—the source of the sound—finally spoke.
"I’m sorry. I’ve just become so sentimental as I’ve gotten older... sniff. I know that couldn't have been an easy story to tell. Thank you so much for sharing it with us, Haruka-san."
"No, it’s all right. I’ve already moved past it... because Tatsumi-kun was there for me."
Haruka murmured happily, her cheeks flushed. I couldn't look directly at her radiant smile and had to avert my eyes.
I happened to make eye contact with Dad and braced myself for a joke, but to my surprise, he didn't tease me.
"You did good, Tatsumi. I’m proud of you."
"Yeah... thanks."
Being praised so directly by my usually flighty father was incredibly embarrassing.
And Yui, seriously, stop looking at me with those 'look at the lovebirds' eyes. I’m going to lose it.
Ignoring our silent exchange, Stepmother—who was apparently too moved to stop reaching for tissues—nodded deeply.
"Tatsumi-kun, Haruka-san... I’m just so glad things worked out. It might be a bit complicated for the two of you, but it’s like something out of a novel... sniff. I’m truly touched."
"I feel the same way," Haruka said. "Sometimes I even think it feels like a dream... but every time I do, I feel Tatsumi-kun’s presence beside me and I feel so happy."
"Oh dear, my tears won't stop...! It’s a cliché, I know, but you two really were destined for each other!"
This was becoming incredibly uncomfortable. Isn't that a bit of an exaggeration?
It wasn't that I didn't feel there was something destined about our meeting, but I wondered if it was right to summarize everything with that one word... Wait, who am I even arguing with?
Dad looked immensely entertained by my internal writhing. I felt like he was seeing right through me. I gave him a flat stare, but he just turned away, pretending to wipe his eyes.
"A boy and a girl, both carrying scars from their past, drawn together to overcome their hardships and find love... It’s a classic, moving tale. My creative juices are practically overflowing."
"Hey, you aren't seriously planning to use your son’s love life as a model, are you?"
"I’m not that tactless. Well, I might use it as a bit of a reference."
"Then I’m demanding the right to censor it."
"Of course. In fact, I’d be grateful if you’d help me improve the quality. I’d love to hear your honest opinions, along with Haruka-san’s."
"Yes, I’d love to help!" Haruka chimed in.
"............"
Beside an enthusiastic Haruka, I could only give a reluctant, sour-faced nod.
Honestly, I was terrified to read it, but I was just as terrified to let it go to print unchecked. It wasn't that I didn't trust Dad’s professional ethics, but my own sense of shame was a different matter entirely.
After that, the conversation around the table continued in a relaxed atmosphere. It mostly consisted of Stepmother and Yui asking questions, Haruka answering them, me filling in the blanks, and Dad occasionally interjecting with a query of his own.
In contrast to me, who was left physically and mentally drained from being grilled about every detail, the three women—Haruka included—seemed to be having the time of their lives.
I wasn't sure if I should be happy that my girlfriend and family were getting along so well or if I should be worried. I remembered having a similar thought when Haruka and Yui first met.
Dad sent a look of sympathy my way. Don’t try to act like we’re in this together; you’re part of the problem.
Perhaps sensing my internal grumbling, Dad finally stood up and spoke.
"Well, it’s getting late. Let’s call it a night. You two haven't finished unpacking yet, have you? Tatsumi, show her around the house while you’re at it."
"Got it."
As I stood up, Mom checked the time and let out a surprised "Oh!"
"Is it that late already? I completely lost track of time. I’m sorry, Haruka-san."
"No, not at all! I had a wonderful time. Let’s talk more later—with Yui-chan and Shintaro-san too!"
"Definitely!" Yui cheered. "It’s a sleepover, so we have to talk all night."
"I’m glad you’re including me," Dad said. "I look forward to more 'research' sessions."
Haruka gave a polite bow, and I led her out of the living room toward the second floor. On the way, I pointed out the bathroom and the toilet. When we finally reached the guest room where she’d be staying, Haruka let out a small, long sigh.
Even if she said she’d moved past her trauma, it wasn't the kind of thing anyone enjoyed digging up. Even though Mom and the others had kept the mood light, the mental toll on her must have been significant.
"If you're tired, we can save the unpacking and the rest of the tour for later. You should rest."
"Hmm... I guess I am a little tired. I came here prepared to tell your parents everything, but still..."
"Thank you, Haruka."
I told her how much I appreciated her courage and resolve. The girl named Haruka Akise would always be my greatest love, and someone I deeply admired.
Haruka tilted her head slightly, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
"Hey, Tatsumi-kun. Sit down here for a second?"
"Hmm? Sure."
I sat against the wall as she asked, and she immediately sat down with her back to me, sliding between my legs. I reflexively raised my arms in surprise, and she grabbed them, pulling them around her waist like a safety bar on a ride.
It seemed my weary princess wanted an "Asunaro Hug"—an embrace from behind.
I tightened my hold slightly, and she let out a satisfied breath. It seemed I’d passed the test.
"My Lady, what are your further commands?"
"Pfft, what's with that voice? ...Well then, I want you to stroke my head. Keep hugging me, but be gentle, okay?"
"As you wish. How is this?"
"Mmm... that’s perfect."
As I gently stroked her fine, flaxen hair, I continued the play-acting, and she leaned into it with a regal tone of her own. This was actually pretty fun. Haruka seemed happy, so maybe we should do this more often. Although, if we did it every day, my heart probably couldn't take it, and the novelty would wear off.
"Hmph. Tatsumi-kun, your petting has become sluggish."
"My apologies, My Lady. I shall return to my duties at once."
I’d gotten distracted by my thoughts and earned a scolding. I was a failure as a servant... not that I was a servant.
As I kept stroking her hair, I felt the tension leave Haruka’s body. We were pressed together even tighter now. I tried to clear my mind and ignore the frantic thumping in my chest.
"Nn..."
Haruka suddenly turned her face toward me. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of her flushed cheeks and her dazed, heavy-lidded expression.
Her glossy lips parted slightly, and in her eyes, I saw a desperate, flickering light—as if she were pleading for something. Before I realized it, the hand that had been combing her hair was cupping her smooth cheek.
Haruka didn't pull away; she leaned into my palm. I swallowed hard as the atmosphere in the room shifted. My hand moved from her cheek to her mouth, then to her chin. I tilted her head slightly and began to lean in—
"Haruka-saaann! Mom wanted to know if there's any food you can't—ea... h...!?"
The sound of frantic footsteps and a startled shriek made us both jump apart.
"Y-Yui-chan!? U-Um... I don't have any allergies! Everything is fine!"
"I-I see! I'll tell her... And, um... if you're going to do that, it would be great if you could, you know, close the door..."
"Right! S-Sorry! Sorry you had to see that!"
"Sorry, Yui," I added. "We'll be careful."
"I-It's fine! You're a couple, so I guess you do that stuff! I'll come get you when dinner's ready! Take your time!"
Yui scrambled away without ever showing her face from behind the doorframe. Haruka and I looked at each other, faces burning.
"Anyway... let's unpack."
"Yeah... let's."
The very first thing I did was close the door.
Dinner that night was prepared by Stepmother and Yui. The table was covered in vibrant dishes, and the meal was filled with laughter and lively conversation.
When Dad started bragging about the past, Stepmother would shoot him down with a witty remark, sending Yui and Haruka into fits of giggles. I was probably the quietest person at the table.
And then, night fell.
After my bath, I returned to my old bedroom. It still smelled like home. As I sank into my bed for the first time in months, I felt a strange mix of relief and restlessness. I stared up at the ceiling, but sleep wouldn't come.
As I searched for the reason, it finally clicked.
Lately, I had been holding Haruka every single night as I fell asleep. In just two weeks, my body had become so dependent on her presence that I couldn't even sleep properly without her.
I let out a soft, self-deprecating laugh.
"I've got it bad."
Falling asleep was going to be a struggle, but I had to force myself.
Because tomorrow, Haruka and I were going to visit my mother’s grave.