Ōtsuki Haruto Under the pleasantly vast blue sky. A gentle breeze flowed across the school rooftop, as if to soften the hot summer sun. In a corner of the rooftop bathed in sunlight, a perfect spot for eating lunch. From a place in the shadow of the water tower, Tomoya’s surprised voice echoed. “For real!? Huh!? Isn’t that basically living together!?” Spraying bits of the yakisoba bread he’d bought at the convenience store from his mouth, Tomoya was floored by the shocking confession. “Hey, don’t spray your yakisoba. That’s gross.” “You idiot! After hearing such mind-blowing news, it’s only natural for a bit of yakisoba to fly out!” “Don’t make a habit of it, it’s bad manners. Swallow what’s in your mouth before you talk.” Haruto said, sounding like a scolding parent. Tomoya ignored Haruto’s nagging and asked excitedly. “Living with Tōjō-san is the dream of every guy here! Isn’t that just the best!?” “Hey, you’re being too loud!” As Tomoya’s voice grew loud with excitement, Haruto quickly glanced around and put his index finger to his lips, shushing his best friend. If any other students overheard them talking about ‘living with the school’s idol’, Haruto would, no joke, likely get ganged up on and beaten by the other guys. Fortunately, since Haruto and his friend were in the shadow of the water tower, there were no students nearby who might overhear their conversation. However, a little ways off in the sunlight, two other groups were also eating lunch. Those two groups were cheerfully chatting among their friends and didn’t seem to have heard Tomoya’s voice. Haruto let out a small sigh before he started talking.
“You call it ‘living together,’ but isn’t that a little different?” “How is it different?” “Well, because ‘living together’ gives me the image of a couple living by themselves, just the two of them.” “Hmm? Now that you mention it, that’s true…” At Haruto’s words, Tomoya crossed his arms with a somewhat serious expression. The proposal from Shūichi to hire Haruto’s grandmother as a live-in housekeeper. And the invitation for Haruto himself to also stay over at the Tōjō residence. When he told Tomoya this, he had excitedly exclaimed, “You’re living together!” But according to the Tōjō family’s proposal, Ayaka’s parents, Shūichi and Ikue, her younger brother Ryōta, and even his own grandmother would all be living under the same roof. This situation felt a little different from Haruto’s idea of ‘living together’. “The whole Tōjō family is there, and on top of that, my own grandma will be there too. You can’t really call that ‘living together,’ can you?” “Hmm. But… isn’t that situation actually a higher level than just living together?” Tomoya, still with his arms crossed, tilted his head slightly and then slowly opened his mouth. “That’s a complete step up from just living together, isn’t it? Living with your girlfriend’s family… All that’s left is for you two to become adults and stamp the papers, and you’re married.” “No, no. That’s way too soon. We only started going out a week ago, you know?” “Hmph, Haru. Time has no meaning when it comes to true love, you know?” Tomoya said the cheesy line while mysteriously brushing back his bangs and putting on an overly dignified expression. Haruto made a sour face at his best friend’s words, “Ugh.” “When you say it, it just sounds creepy.” “That’s harsh. Oh, wait, I got it! What you’re doing isn’t ‘cohabitating,’ it’s more like ‘moving in’.” “Moving in… Is that… what it is?” “Yeah, probably.” Tomoya nodded once at Haruto’s question, then pulled his phone from his pocket and searched for the definition of ‘moving in with someone’. Then, he showed the search results to Haruto.
“See! It says ‘moving in’ means a married couple or family members living together in the same house!” “No, no, but right below that it also says it can mean a non-family member living together in a family’s house, doesn’t it?” “Huh? So, isn’t that your current situation?” “Eh? Ah… I guess so…” Haruto found himself unwittingly agreeing with Tomoya. “So does that mean I’m going to be moving in with Ayaka… or rather, moving in with the Tōjō family?” “Guess so, right? I’m so jealous, you bastard!” As Tomoya nudged him with a smirk, Haruto once again tilted his head slightly. “But it’s not like I’ll be living there all the time. I can’t leave my own house empty forever.” When they say ‘moving in’, it feels like you’re constantly living in that house. In contrast, Haruto wouldn’t be staying at the Tōjō residence all the time; his lifestyle would involve going back and forth between his current house and the Tōjōs’. His parents’ and grandfather’s portraits and the family Buddhist altar were at his house, so he couldn’t leave it empty for long periods of time in order to clean and take care of them. “They do say a house goes to ruin quickly if no one’s living in it.” “But, hey? When your grandma is working as a housekeeper at Tōjō-san’s place, you’ll be home alone, right?” “Well, yeah.” It was out of concern for that fact that Shūichi had suggested Haruto come live with them as well. “So, you get to experience moving in with Tōjō-san, and at the same time, experience living alone?” “That’s putting too much of a positive spin on it.” Haruto gave a wry smile to his best friend, who was looking a little excited. “In reality, we still have to discuss how my grandma will work and how much I’ll be staying at the Tōjō residence, so I don’t know how it will turn out.” “Hmm. When are you having that discussion?” “This Saturday, my grandma and I are planning to go to the Tōjō residence to greet them.”
Since Shūichi and Ikue both have the day off work, everyone—Haruto, his grandmother, Ayaka, and Ryōta—is scheduled to discuss what the work arrangement will be and to what extent Haruto will stay over at their house. After listening to Haruto, Tomoya muttered, “I see,” and slurped down his carton of orange juice. Haruto wondered about the combination of yakisoba bread and orange juice, but he also drank the café au lait carton Tomoya had treated him to. “Oh yeah, the postponed fireworks festival is this Sunday, right? Are you going with Tōjō-san?” Tomoya crushed the empty orange juice carton in his hand. “Yeah, that’s the plan.” “Living together means you don’t have to arrange a meeting place. That’s nice.” “Now that you mention it… but like I just said, it all depends on the discussion on Saturday.” Unless we have the discussion on Saturday and I end up staying over that very same day, it won’t be like Tomoya says, where we’re together from the moment we leave the house. “I don’t think it’ll turn into me staying over right away on the day we talk about it, you know?” “You think so? From what I’ve heard, Tōjō-san’s family really likes you, right? I’d say the chances are high, aren’t they?” At Tomoya’s words, an image of an ecstatic, hyper Ryōta popped into Haruto’s mind. The young, pure-hearted Ryōta might, the moment he heard Haruto was moving in, plead with all his might for him to stay over starting that very day. Haruto, who could vividly picture that scene, gave a small, wry smile. “Well, there’s a… possibility, I guess.” “Right? I’m so jealous.” Tomoya clasped his hands behind his head, looked up at the sky, and repeated, “I’m so jealous.” “You know, when you’re living with a girl, you can’t go without some ‘happenings,’ right?” “What do you mean, ‘happenings’?” “Well… like bumping into her in the changing area and seeing Tōjō-san naked?” “This isn’t a manga. A ‘happening’ like that is not going to occur.” Haruto gave his best friend an exasperated look.
“Also, what about a half-asleep Tōjō-san mistaking your bed for hers and climbing in with you?” “Even Ayaka isn’t that airheaded… probably.” Haruto denied this one too, but he sounded less confident than he had about the changing-area happening. Having spent summer vacation with her, Haruto had come to the conclusion that Ayaka was, if anything, on the airheaded side. Plus, her views on romance were a little off-kilter, so while the possibility of her sleepily climbing into his bed was infinitesimally small, he couldn’t completely deny it. Imagining Ayaka climbing into his bed, Haruto’s face flushed red. Seeing that, Tomoya’s lips curved into a grin. “I’m so jealous~ Living with Tōjō-san. If Kaitō-senpai heard about this, he’d surely cry tears of blood, you know?” “I wouldn’t do something that cruel. Besides, we’re keeping the fact that we’re dating a secret for now.” “In the current situation, if you were to announce that you’re her boyfriend, things would probably get crazy.” Ever since Ayaka’s ‘I have someone I like’ declaration after summer vacation, not a day had gone by without that topic coming up.
Of course, this happened in the classroom, but even when walking down the hallways, he would occasionally overhear conversations about it. “I guess I can’t get too close to Ayaka at school for a while…” “Hey, hey, my dear friend. Don’t be so down. Once you’re home from school, you can spend all your time with her.” Tomoya said in a teasing tone to a slightly crestfallen Haruto. Just as Haruto was about to reply to that, he heard approaching footsteps and closed his half-open mouth. Tomoya noticed it too, and his smirking expression tightened back into a straight face as he listened to the approaching footsteps. The two of them were sitting with their backs against the base of the water tower, which was in a blind spot from the rooftop entrance. Because of this, they couldn’t see the person approaching. The footsteps grew louder and louder, and eventually, a single person peeked out from behind the base of the water tower. “Well, well? If it isn’t Akagi-kun and Ōtsuki-kun. What are you two doing in a place like this?” The one who called out to them was Saki. She looked at the two of them sitting cross-legged with a slightly surprised expression. Haruto looked a little relieved that the person who had appeared was Saki. She knew about his and Ayaka’s relationship, so it wouldn’t be a problem even if she had overheard their earlier conversation. “I was just talking to Tomoya about Ayaka.” “Ah, so that’s why you’re in a deserted place like this.” Saki nodded as if she understood Haruto’s words. “And Aizawa-san?” “I was also looking for a deserted place with Ayaka—” “Haruto-kun!?” In the middle of Saki’s sentence, another person appeared from behind her. It was Ayaka, her face filled with a bright, happy smile that rivaled the summer sun. Peeking out from behind Saki, she was about to run towards Haruto with a huge grin the moment she saw him. She looked just like a puppy who had found its owner. If Ayaka had a tail, it would surely be wagging furiously. But, Saki grabbed the back of Ayaka’s collar, stopping her charge. “Ayaka, stay!”
Saki said, as if giving a dog “stay” command. Ayaka, with the scruff of her neck grabbed, leaned her upper body back slightly and let out an adorable “Fugyu!” as she stopped. She immediately turned around and gave Saki a dissatisfied look. “Muu!” “Don’t you ‘muu!’ me.” Saki said, as if brushing off her complaint, and quickly glanced around. On the rooftop, two other groups of students were eating their lunches. After glancing at each of them, Saki pulled Ayaka’s arm, moved closer to Haruto and his friend, and once they were completely in the shadow of the water tower, she admonished Ayaka. “What would you do if other people saw you? Have you already forgotten the trouble you went through on the first day back from break when you declared you had someone you like?” “I-I’m sorry…” Scolded by Saki, Ayaka apologized with a downcast expression. The two groups of students eating their bento in the sun were both engrossed in conversation with their friends, and didn’t seem to have noticed the appearance of the school’s idol. However, if someone had seen Ayaka just now, it would be easy to imagine who the person she liked was. After apologizing to Saki, Ayaka turned to Haruto as well. “I’m sorry, Haruto-kun.” “No, well, no one’s noticed yet, and I’m happy to see you too, Ayaka.” The moment she heard his words, Ayaka’s slightly downcast expression bloomed into a radiant smile. At this sight, Saki let out a small sigh as if to say, “Oh, for goodness’ sake,” and looked around once more to confirm no one was watching. “Ayaka, good girl!” “S-Saki! I’m not a dog!” Ayaka puffed out her cheeks and protested against her best friend, who had been giving her commands like a dog owner. “Even though you were about to charge at Ōtsuki-kun like a dog just now.” “Th-that’s… because when I found Haruto-kun unexpectedly, my body just moved on its own.” Ayaka said, making excuses shyly.
Seeing her like that, Tomoya narrowed his eyes and asked Haruto, who was sitting next to him. “Hey, Haru-san. What on earth did you do to Tōjō-san? She’s completely head over heels for you.” “I didn’t do anything. I just confessed normally and we started dating.” “You have a surprisingly natural talent for charming people. Did Tōjō-san fall victim to that too?” “What’s that supposed to mean? Don’t say such misleading things.” “The fact that you’re unaware of it is the worst part.” While Tomoya and Haruto were having this conversation, Ayaka timidly interjected. “Akagi-kun. Is it alright if I sit next to Haruto-kun?” “Of course! Please, go ahead!” “Thank you.” Hearing Tomoya’s reply, Ayaka sat down, snuggling right up next to Haruto as if she couldn’t wait. Seeing her beaming smile at that moment, Tomoya quietly closed his eyes, placed a hand on his chest, and looked up at the sky. “A goddess has descended…” “What kind of nonsense are you spouting?” “Haru. For now, just go explode.” “Like I would.” “Damn, I’m so jealous~” Tomoya gritted his teeth, his face a mask of jealousy. Saki then spoke to him. “Akagi-kun, is it okay if I sit next to you?” “Eh? Yeah, sure.” As Saki smoothly sat down next to him, Tomoya gave her a slightly curious look. Saki met his gaze with a wry smile and looked at Ayaka, who was sitting next to Haruto. “When Ayaka is in ‘maiden in love’ mode, being next to her gives me some kind of heartburn.” “Ah, I see.” Tomoya nodded at Saki’s words. Ayaka, sitting next to Haruto, was practically radiating an aura of happiness, her face constantly in a wide, beaming smile. “Hee hee, I’m so happy I can be next to you at school too, Haruto-kun.”
As Ayaka said this shyly, Haruto’s lips also curved into a happy smile. Seeing the two of them right next to him, Tomoya grimaced as if a block of milk chocolate had been shoved into his mouth. Then, he snatched the café au lait Haruto was holding. “Hey, that’s my café au lait!” “Shut up!” Haruto protested, trying to snatch back his café au lait. Tomoya brushed his arm away and gulped down the rest of the café au lait. “Damn, this café au lait is too sweet. I need black coffee, this won’t do.” After chugging the café au lait, Tomoya complained, completely ignoring his best friend’s glare of disapproval. “Aizawa-san, let’s go get some unsweetened coffee together later. My treat.” “Thank you. That’d be a great help.” Saki nodded with a wry smile at Tomoya’s invitation. Haruto then asked a question. “So, why are you and Ayaka here? You were about to say something about looking for a deserted place.” “Ah, well, we’re just a little tired. Whenever there’s even a little bit of free time, everyone bombards Ayaka with questions.” Saki explained to Haruto and Tomoya with a slightly weary expression. Ever since Ayaka declared on the first day back from summer vacation that ‘there’s someone I like’, she has been relentlessly questioned about who that person is. The target of these questions was not only Ayaka herself, but also her best friend, Saki, who was apparently also being hounded for any information she might have. “It’s hell having the same question repeated over and over again every break time…” “I-I’m sorry, Saki. For getting you involved…” “Well, as your best friend, I’m just happy to see you so happy now that you have a boyfriend.” Saki said with a smile to the apologetic Ayaka, though a hint of exhaustion was visible in it. “I see, so that’s why you were looking for a deserted place.” Tomoya nodded at Saki’s explanation.
“That’s right. I don’t think this situation will last long, so we just have to bear with it until it dies down.” Saki said, letting out a “phew” as if completely exhausted. “By the way, I heard from Ayaka, Ōtsuki-kun, are you going to be living at the Tōjō residence?” “Ah, well, not exactly living, more like I’ll be staying over frequently.” Since nothing was set in stone yet, Haruto gave a vague reply. A smiling Ayaka then spoke up cheerfully. “We’re going to discuss it this Saturday, right? Ryōta is already super excited, saying ‘Onii-chan is staying over!!’” “I-I see… So in Ryōta-kun’s mind, it’s already decided that I’m staying over…” “Haru, looks like it will be the ‘leaving for the fireworks festival from home together’ route for you.” Tomoya said with a teasing smirk. At his words, Saki looked at Haruto and Ayaka as if she had just remembered something. “By the way, are you two planning to go to the fireworks festival together?” “Yeah. That’s the plan, why?” Ayaka nodded at Saki’s words, then looked at Haruto. Haruto met her gaze and nodded back. At their replies, Saki looked worried. “The fireworks festival is insanely crowded, so the chances might be low, but wouldn’t it be bad if someone from school saw you two heading to the venue together from the start?” “Ah… that’s true.” “You know, Ayaka stands out.” “True…” Haruto nodded deeply, agreeing with Saki. Ayaka already attracted the gazes of passersby with her beauty. If she were to dress up in a yukata, it would be impossible to avoid becoming the center of attention. An image of Ayaka in her beautiful yukata from the home festival the other day flashed through his mind. Then, from beside him, came Ayaka’s sad voice. “M-maybe it’s better if we don’t go to the fireworks festival…?” A wave of guilt washed over Haruto at her dejected, faint voice. Just then, Tomoya made a suggestion.
“Why don’t you pretend you came with friends and just happened to run into each other?” “That might work.” Saki also nodded at Tomoya’s suggestion. “It’s unavoidable that it’ll be troublesome if we’re seen, but that way we’ll at least have an excuse.” “So, I’ll go to the fireworks festival with Tomoya first, Ayaka will go with Aizawa-san, and we’ll pretend we bumped into each other at the venue.” If they set up a situation where they, as best friends, went to see the fireworks and happened to meet by chance, even if they were seen by a student from school, they would have more of an escape route than if they were seen as just a couple. Tomoya grinned and clapped Haruto on the shoulder. “At just the right time, I’ll pretend to get separated and disappear.” He said, giving Ayaka a thumbs-up as well. “Thank you, Akagi-kun.” “Then I’ll leave you two alone at that time as well.” Following Tomoya, Saki also smiled and said. “Sorry, Aizawa-san. For making you go through the trouble.” “It’s fine. Ayaka, you couldn’t have a love life until now, so I want you to enjoy this time to the fullest.” “S-Saki~” At Saki’s words, Ayaka couldn’t help but move from beside Haruto and hug her best friend. Saki patted her head, saying “There, there.” “Thanks! This is quite a treat!” Seeing the two girls interact, Tomoya put his hands together and bowed solemnly. “Stop it, you pervert.” Haruto’s exasperated retort was swallowed up by the summer blue sky. ※※※ “Grandma, this is Ayaka’s house.” “Oh my, how magnificent…” A mansion loomed before them. On the first weekend after summer vacation ended, Haruto and his grandmother stood side-by-side in front of the Tōjō residence, her mouth
slightly agape as if she’d been taken aback. They had come to the Tōjō house in the early afternoon to discuss the terms of the live-in housekeeper position offered by the Tōjō family, such as the work style and frequency. Glancing at his stunned grandmother, Haruto pressed the intercom with a practiced hand. “Yes, is that Ōtsuki-kun?” “Yes, hello, Shūichi-san.” Shūichi’s calm voice came through the intercom. “I was waiting for you. I’m opening the door now.” Immediately after those words, the front door opened and Shūichi appeared from within. When he saw Haruto and his grandmother, he greeted them with a friendly smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Tōjō Shūichi. Welcome.” “Thank you for your kind welcome. I am Haruto’s grandmother, Ōtsuki Kiyoko.” Haruto’s grandmother, Kiyoko, bowed deeply to Shūichi. “Thank you for taking such good care of Haruto during the summer vacation.” “Not at all! It is we who were indebted to him! Haruto-kun’s housework, especially his cooking skills, were truly wonderful.” As Kiyoko bowed deeply, Shūichi praised her grandson with a smile. “Well now, let’s not stand and talk at the entrance. Please, come in.” He opened the front door wide to welcome Haruto and Kiyoko inside. Upon entering the Tōjō residence, Kiyoko eyes widened in admiration at the mansion-like interior. “What a magnificent house…” “Thank you. Please, use these slippers.” Shūichi bowed with a smile at Kiyoko’s praise and then prepared a pair of slippers for her. Incidentally, Haruto’s slippers, which he had used during his part-time housekeeping job, had been kept at the Tōjō residence for his regular use. Kiyoko’s gaze fixed on her grandson as he changed his shoes with a natural ease, as if he were putting on his own slippers at home. “Hmm? What’s wrong, Grandma?” “No, it’s nothing.” “Hm?”
As Haruto tilted his head slightly, Kiyoko gave him a soft smile. “It seems the Tōjōs treated you very well during the summer vacation.” “Yeah. I’m truly glad that my part-time job was at Shūichi-san’s place.” “That’s a nice thing to say, Ōtsuki-kun. We also think it was great that you were the one who came for the housekeeping service.” At Shūichi’s words, Haruto gave a shy smile and said a small “thank you.” “Then, I’ll show you to the living room.” Shūichi said, and walked slowly down the hallway. Following behind him, Kiyoko looked around the hallway, seeming to be constantly impressed by the Tōjō residence. Seeing this, Haruto remembered his own first visit to the Tōjō residence and felt a bit nostalgic. It felt like a long time ago that he first came to the Tōjō residence for housekeeping and met Ayaka. That’s how dense and full the summer vacation he spent with the Tōjō family seemed to be for Haruto. While he was thinking about such things, Shūichi opened the door at the end of the hallway and went inside. “This is the living room.” In the living room he introduced, the members of the Tōjō family were already gathered. Shūichi introduced them to Kiyoko one by one. “This is my wife, Ikue.” “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am his wife, Ikue. Thank you for coming today.” “I am Haruto’s grandmother, Kiyoko. It is we who will be in your care from now on.” Ikue and Kiyoko exchanged polite bows. Next, Shūichi introduced Ayaka. “You’ve already met my daughter, Ayaka, haven’t you?” “Thank you for having me the other day.” At Shūichi’s introduction, Ayaka smiled at Kiyoko. “The pleasure is all mine, Ayaka-san. Haruto is always in your debt.” As if drawn in by her smile, Kiyoko also smiled back and bowed her head. Finally, Shūichi introduced Ryōta. “This is my son, Ryōta. Come on, Ryōta, greet Kiyoko-san.” “…I’m Tōjō Ryōta. Nice to meet you.” He, being a bit shy, introduced himself with a slightly nervous expression. Kiyoko responded to Ryōta with a gentle smile and a soft demeanor.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ryōta-kun. I’m Haruto’s grandmother, Kiyoko.” “Yeah… ‘sobo’ means ‘Obaa-chan’?’, Onii-chan?” TL/N: Kiyoko uses the word ‘sobo’, that is a formal way of ‘grandmother’, meanwhile Ryōta uses a more casual ‘Obaa-chan’. Ryōta looked at Haruto and asked. “That’s right, Ryōta-kun.” “Then… when Onii-chan becomes my real Onii-chan, will grandma become my grandma too?” “Ah… I guess… that would be the case?” “I’ll have three grandmas!” As Ryōta’s eyes sparkled with delight, everyone around him smiled. Haruto had already given up on denying Ryōta’s ‘Real Onii-chan Project.’ In reality, he didn’t know what the future held for him and Ayaka, but if he tried to explain that, Ryōta’s ‘why?’ attacks would begin, so now he just smiled and let it slide. There’s nothing more troubling for an adult than a small child’s innocent ‘why?’ After the introductions of the Tōjō family were finished, everyone moved to the dining table and took their seats. “Well then, if you don’t mind, I’d like to start discussing Kiyoko-san’s work as a housekeeper. Is that alright?” “Yes, please.” Kiyoko bowed politely at Shūichi’s words. From there, they began to discuss how Kiyoko would work as a housekeeper for the Tōjō family. The discussion went much more smoothly than expected, and they reached an agreement in about thirty minutes. Kiyoko would work as a live-in housekeeper at the Tōjō residence five days a week, from Tuesday to Saturday. Then, on Sundays and Mondays, she would return to the Ōtsuki residence. In case of bad weather, Shūichi or Ikue would drive her. Also, if Kiyoko’s back was in poor condition, they would also drive her. Furthermore, Shūichi also presented the very generous condition that she could take a day off from her housekeeping duties anytime she had something to do. They also discussed and decided on other important details such as financial matters and working hours.
“Then, is it settled that Kiyoko-san will be coming to our home starting next Tuesday?” Shūichi, pleased that the discussion had concluded to his satisfaction, confirmed with Kiyoko with a happy expression. “Yes, I look forward to working with you from now on.” Kiyoko bowed deeply and politely to the entire Tōjō family. As the Tōjō family members also bowed in unison, Ikue smiled brightly. “The pleasure is all ours. I’m looking forward to eating your cooking, Kiyoko-san. Right, Ayaka?” “Yes. Haruto-kun’s cooking is also very delicious, so I’m really looking forward to Kiyoko-san’s cooking.” “I want to eat hamburger steak!!” “Ryōta, Ōtsuki-kun just made you hamburger steak the other day, didn’t he?” Ikue gently chided Ryōta, whose eyes were sparkling with anticipation, but a smile remained on her face. At the Tōjō family’s reaction, Kiyoko’s expression turned cheerful. “I will do my best to meet everyone’s expectations.” As Kiyoko replied with a gentle demeanor, Ayaka let out a small smile and whispered to Haruto, who was nearby. “Kiyoko-san’s way of speaking is just like yours was in the beginning.” “Eh? Really?” “Yes. Exactly the same.” Ayaka said with a small laugh, “Families are interesting, aren’t they?” and looked happy. At her reaction, Haruto felt a little embarrassed and scratched his head with one hand. Once the discussion about Kiyoko was settled, the topic shifted to Haruto. Shūichi clasped his hands on the dining table, leaned forward slightly, and began to speak. “Now then, next I would like to talk about Haruto-kun’s living situation.” He turned his gaze to Haruto’s grandmother and continued. “As for me, it pains me to think that Haruto-kun will be alone at home while Kiyoko-san is working at our house. It’s lonely to be alone at home when you have family. Therefore, I would like Haruto-kun to stay with us at our home as well.” Saying that, Shūichi watched for Kiyoko’s reaction. Kiyoko showed a thoughtful expression. “I’m very grateful for your consideration, but…”
Her expression, to Haruto’s eyes, seemed to show some reluctance. “I feel it would be a bother for you to take care of not only me, but Haruto as well. I’m truly sorry… That’s not possible at all.” Ikue spoke up with a smile in response to Kiyoko’s reply. “We know from his part-time housekeeping work that Haruto-kun is a very good boy, we would be delighted to have him come to our home. We don’t think it’s a bother at all.” “I would be very happy if Haruto-kun were at home.” Following Ikue’s words, Ayaka also conveyed her own feelings, her cheeks slightly flushed. Despite the Tōjō family’s warm welcome, Kiyoko’s expression remained troubled. “Thank you. However, Haruto is still young, and considering his relationship with Ayaka-san, for them to live together is…” Kiyoko said with a worried tone. Her biggest concern seemed to be Haruto and Ayaka. Kiyoko approved of Haruto and Ayaka’s relationship and welcomed it. She was sincerely happy that her grandson had found such a wonderful girlfriend. However, it seemed that this was a separate issue. Precisely because she wanted them to build a solid relationship and cherish it, she was worried that a mistake due to youthful indiscretion might occur. Sensing Kiyoko’s concern, Shūichi nodded once, then smiled and began to speak. “Let’s take a short break. Kiyoko-san, we have a wood deck in our garden, would you like to see it?” Suddenly changing the topic, Shūichi stood up to show Kiyoko the courtyard. At the same time, he also glanced at Haruto and the others. “That’s right. I recently received a very delicious apple pie from a business partner. Ikue, could you serve it to Haruto-kun and the others?” “Of course, dear.” Ikue nodded with a smile at Shūichi’s words and headed to the kitchen. Ryōta, who had gotten a little bored with the discussion, perked up at the word ‘apple pie’ and followed his mother with his gaze, looking restless. “Kiyoko-san, please, this way.” Shūichi guided Kiyoko to the wood deck. Kiyoko, who had initially been a little bewildered by the sudden change of topic, seemed to have sensed Shūichi’s intention and obediently followed
him. Haruto watched the backs of Shūichi and Kiyoko as they moved to the courtyard, then quietly met Ayaka’s gaze. When she met his eyes, she tilted her head slightly with a somewhat puzzled expression. It seemed Ayaka also didn’t know what Shūichi was going to talk to Kiyoko about. As he accepted the apple pie offered by Ikue, Haruto’s mind was filled with the thought ‘What on earth is Shūichi-san going to talk about with my grandmother?’ ※※※ Shūichi and Kiyoko emerged from the living room onto the courtyard’s wood deck. The glare of the sun pouring down from above made them both squint a little. “My, how lovely.” “I was too busy to do anything this year, but next year I’m thinking of putting some planters here and planting various flowers.” “I think that’s a wonderful idea.” As Kiyoko said this, nodding, Shūichi gestured to the sofa set up on the wood deck. “Please, have a seat there.” “Excuse me.” After confirming that she had sat down on the sofa, Shūichi also sat down on the sofa right next to her. The comfortable feeling of sinking slightly into the soft, enveloping sofa brought an irrepressible smile to Shūichi’s face. This wood deck and sofa were his favorite spots, something he had insisted on when building the house. “This is very comfortable.” Kiyoko, sitting next to him, also relaxed her expression, looking comfortable. Even though summer vacation was over, the sweltering heat continued. However, it felt as though the sunlight had softened somewhat after noon. A gentle breeze, also blowing lightly, flowed pleasantly over skin warmed by the sun. “This is perfect for sunbathing.”
“I’m glad you like it. Kiyoko-san, from now on, please don’t hesitate to use it when you want to rest at home.” “Thank you.” Kiyoko gratefully bowed her head at Shūichi’s words. Slowly, the two of them enjoyed the summer sun and air, leaning back deeply into the sofa. Eventually, Shūichi casually started a conversation. “Kiyoko-san. Haruto-kun is a very wonderful boy.” “Thank you. But I think Ayaka-san is also a very cute and wonderful girl, you know? More than anything, I think Ayaka-san has a beautiful heart. She’s a pure and kind-hearted girl.” “Hahahaha. Thank you.” Praised for his daughter, Shūichi’s smile overflowed with genuine happiness. “You might think I’m a doting parent, but Ayaka has truly grown up to be honest and straightforward. She can be a little ditzy and clingy at times. But even so, I believe she’s a kind girl who understands people’s feelings.” “You’re not a doting parent at all. I think Ayaka-san is exactly the kind of girl you describe.” “I’m very happy to hear you say that.” Shūichi bowed to Kiyoko with a friendly smile, then looked her straight in the eye and spoke. “I may not know Haruto-kun very well yet. It’s only been about a month since I met him. But I’ve watched my daughter, Ayaka, for seventeen years, from the day she was born until today.” Shūichi sat up from the sofa’s backrest, turned his body towards Kiyoko, and continued to speak. “That daughter of mine chose Haruto-kun. As a father, I want to respect my daughter’s decision. Also, if Ayaka were to make an obviously wrong choice, I believe it’s my duty as a parent to correct that mistake. But from what I’ve seen of Haruto-kun’s character, he’s very likable.” Shūichi paused here, narrowed his eyes slightly, and looked up at the summer sky. “With him, I believe Ayaka can be happy. I think Haruto-kun has something that makes me feel that way.” “I’m very grateful that you think so highly of Haruto. However…” Kiyoko still showed hesitation about Haruto staying at the Tōjō residence. To her, Shūichi lowered his gaze from the sky and, now looking at the courtyard, opened his mouth.
“I heard from Haruto-kun that it was you, Kiyoko-san, who taught him all about housework, is that right?” “Yes, that boy is very smart and dextrous. He can do anything I teach him right away.” Kiyoko’s expression, as she boasted about her grandson with a hint of pride, was very gentle and happy under the summer sun. “I see. Yes, I truly think Haruto-kun’s life skills are very high.” Shūichi nodded in agreement with Kiyoko’s words. Then, he asked her a question. “The reason you taught Haruto-kun housework so perfectly was so that he could live on his own without any problems in the future, right?” Why was Haruto, who had never even lived alone, so well-versed in housework? Shūichi, who had guessed the reason, spoke in a quiet, considerate tone. Kiyoko lowered her gaze slightly and nodded. “I’m getting old. Someday, I’ll have to leave Haruto behind. When that happens, he’ll have no family left. No one to rely on. But he has to keep living. So, I wanted him to at least be able to take care of himself without any trouble.” “Even though he’s still young, he has no family. That must be very lonely and unsettling.” Shūichi’s parents were still alive, and he was surrounded by family: his wife Ikue, his daughter Ayaka, and his son Ryōta. The mere thought of all of them being gone sent a chill down his spine, a coldness that felt like it would freeze him to the core. Haruto and Shūichi’s circumstances were completely different. He might not feel the same way about losing family as Haruto did. Even so, the mental burden, the feeling of his heart being torn out, would be the same. Shūichi thought so. Perhaps Kiyoko was also imagining the inevitable parting, as her expression was shadowed. “If I could, I would want to be by Haruto’s side for as long as a normal parent would with their children. But that’s a wish that cannot be granted…” “Time is equal for everyone… is that what you mean?” And precisely because it is equal, it also has a cruelly unforgiving side. A slightly dark atmosphere hung between the two of them. As if to change that atmosphere, Shūichi spoke in a bright tone. “For Haruto-kun, the passage of time may be something that takes away his family. But you can also add new family members, you know?”
“Eh? Th-that’s…” Shūichi smiled cheerfully as Kiyoko, sensing what he was implying, was at a loss for words. “Of course, it’s up to them to make that decision, and I believe parents shouldn’t interfere unnecessarily. Ultimately, it’s their own lives to decide.” While saying that, Shūichi continued with a slightly amused expression. “However, it’s a parent’s nature to wish for their child’s happiness. We want them to have a life with as much happiness as possible. To that end, I think it’s okay to guide them a little.” While his expression was cheerful, his eyes held a serious light. “I don’t know what choices Haruto-kun and Ayaka will make. They’re still young. Whatever their choice may be, I intend to respect it. However, if Haruto-kun and Ayaka’s chosen paths are the same, we will gladly welcome it.” As Shūichi finished his speech with a broad smile, Kiyoko’s eyes widened in surprise and she froze. “Y-you were thinking that far ahead…?” “I’ve only discussed it lightly with Ikue, but she shares my opinion.” Kiyoko couldn’t hide her surprise at the fact that the Tōjō family liked Haruto more than she had thought. Then, Shūichi delivered the final blow, speaking softly but insistently. “Kiyoko-san. Do you find Haruto-kun cute?” “Eh? Y-yes, of course.” Though bewildered by the sudden question, Kiyoko nodded firmly and clearly. To her, Haruto was so precious and adorable that she genuinely believed he wouldn’t hurt even if she put him in her eye. “I see. Well, of course you do.” “Yes.” “If your grandson is that cute, what about your grandson’s child? How cute would your great-grandchild be?” “A g-great-grandchild…” At the unexpected word, Kiyoko’s mouth fell open in a daze. “Haruto-kun has a handsome face, doesn’t he? I’m sure his child will inherit that handsomeness. But if it’s a girl, I wonder if she’ll look like my daughter Ayaka? Ah, just imagining it makes me smile.” “H-Haruto’s… child…” At that moment, a familiar sensation returned to Kiyoko’s arms.
It was the feeling of holding the newborn baby Haruto. The small Haruto sleeping in her arms was so light, yet so heavy that it made her feel the preciousness of life. The overwhelming happiness that made her feel as if her heart would burst with a purifying, loving feeling just by holding him to her chest. Seventeen years had passed since Haruto was born. Despite the long passage of time, she could still remember it clearly. And that sensation she thought she would never be able to feel again. That, once more. Maybe, while she was still alive… Imagining that time, Kiyoko suddenly realized her arms were trembling with emotion. Then, Shūichi spoke with a gentle smile. “Even if they live under the same roof, I also want them to be aware of their positions as students. And I believe they will both think and act responsibly. I believe Haruto-kun and Ayaka are both children who can think for themselves about such things.” In the first place, the reason Shūichi suggested Haruto stay with them was because he judged from his character that even if they lived together, he would cherish Ayaka. “They’re not little children who act without thinking anymore, after all.” “That’s… true.” At Shūichi’s persuasion, Kiyoko finally nodded in agreement. “I don’t know what choice Haruto will make, but if he wishes to make Ayaka-san happy, please welcome him as family.” With those words, Kiyoko bowed deeply, deeply to Shūichi. “Of course. With pleasure.” Shūichi also bowed to Kiyoko and smiled cheerfully.