Episode 279: Mayumi-san Is the Same as Always

Today was the weekly Satsukawa family dinner.

But since we’re currently in the middle of school festival preparations, the student council work is busy, so it inevitably runs late.

When that happens, naturally, Mayumi-san goes ahead and starts preparing dinner…

「Sara-chan, we’re missing a few things, so could you go do the shopping for me?」

「If that is the case, wouldn’t it be better if Mother went shopping instead? I shall do the cooking in your place.」

「Gosh, I’ve already made this much, so you can’t mean that, can you?」

「I believe I told you that I would be the one to prepare Kazunari-san’s meals, did I not?」

「If you start making them after getting home at this hour, Kazunari-kun will end up going hungry, won’t he?」

「If it were at our home, I could have prepared everything in the morning, so there would be no problem?」

「Haa… then we wouldn’t be having our family dinner, would we…」

Mayumi-san let out a deep sigh while looking at Sara-san.

I’ve always felt this, but since they’re actually parent and child, Sara-san doesn’t hold back. It feels like she says exactly what’s on her mind.

Since I get to see a side of Sara-san that’s different from usual, it’s actually kind of fun for me.

However, from the perspective of Sara-san, who has an extraordinary fixation on making my meals, her honest desire to not let anyone else cook them… even her own parent… is consistent. In other words, she isn’t saying this as a joke, which is exactly why Mayumi-san can’t just laugh it off.

「Honestly… I understand. So, what should I buy?」

「Let’s see…」

Mayumi-san quickly told the relenting Sara-san what was needed and started getting the money ready. It sounded like it was just some seasonings, nothing major.

But to be honest, I think it’s quite rare for Mayumi-san to forget to buy something. At least as far as I know, I’ve never heard of it happening, and I just can’t imagine「that Mayumi-san」making a mistake like that.

Well, that’s just my own assumption, though.

「Kazunari-san, I am sorry. I shall step out for a moment.」

「Eh? No, I’ll go with you.」

I know it’s a short distance, but considering I’m already not helping with anything, the option of letting Sara-san go shopping alone is just impossible.

In fact, I should be the one going instead.

「No, that will not be necessary. I shall return shortly.」

「Kazunari-kun, you just relax here.」

Being told that by both of them in such a persuasive way, the atmosphere made it so I had no choice but to obey. It’s just a quick trip to pick up a few things, so maybe digging my heels in here would be weird.

However… I don’t want to say the timing is perfect, but there was actually something I wanted to consult Mayumi-san about…

I’d originally thought RAIN would be fine, but this is a good opportunity.

In that sense, I’ll just sit back and take them up on their offer.

「Alright. Sorry about this, Sara-san.」

「No, I really will be back soon, so please make yourself at home, Kazunari-san. Well then, I am off.」

Leaving a soft smile, Sara-san gave a polite bow and left through the front door.

Whether it’s the shopping district or a convenience store, it’s a distance she can cover and return from in ten minutes… I should quickly…

「Now then, we don’t have much time, so shall we talk quickly?」

「…Mayumi-san?」

Huh?

By any chance, did Mayumi-san have something she wanted to talk to me about too?

Well, in that case, my thing can wait for RAIN, and I can prioritize Mayumi-san’s talk…

「Nfufu, you have something to talk to your Mother-in-law about, right?」

「Eh!?」

「If you don’t hurry, we’ll run out of time, you know? You have something you want to ask about Sara-chan, don’t you?」

This is… did she intentionally send Sara-san shopping just so it would be easier for me to talk?

No wonder Mayumi-san brought up something as rare as forgetting to buy something.

I can’t help but be convinced on that point, but I can’t accept the fact that she realized I had something to consult her about.

「Now, now, we don’t have time to be lost in thought. If it would make it easier to talk, should Mother-in-law give you a hug? In fact, it might be more efficient to talk while I hold you…」

「No, I’m fine like this. Actually, it’s easier to talk this way.」

「…Gosh, Kazunari-kun, you’re such a meanie.」

Mayumi-san said that, cutely puffing out her cheeks. To think she’s almost the same age as my own mom is beyond shocking. It’s old news, but she’s just too young…

But as usual, she loves her jokes, or rather, she just loves teasing me.

…It is a joke, right?

She isn’t actually saying that seriously, is she?

「Nfufu♪」

Mayumi-san let out a meaningful smile at my suspicion.

What on earth does that mea… no, if I think about it, I’ve already lost. Time is short, so I’ll just stop worrying about it and keep the conversation going.

Since we got back late, Masaomi-san returned home without us having to wait very long.

It was right after Mayumi-san told me,「Masaomi-san definitely won’t work overtime today since you two are coming,」 so it was a case of speak of the devil.

「Dinner will be ready in just a little bit.」

「I shall at least prepare one dish as well.」

「Yes, yes. Honestly… you get worked up so easily when it comes to Kazunari-kun. If you don’t relax a bit more, it’ll be hard on Kazunari-kun, won’t it?」

「No, I’m happy, so it’s not a problem at all. In fact, I’m blessed that Sara-san cares about me that much.」

「Yes♪ I am happy that you accept me, Kazunari-san.」

This wasn’t flattery or anything, it was my unmistakable true feelings.

I have no answer for Sara-san’s feelings other than being happy and blessed. No matter what those around us think, we are who we are.

「My, my, talk about bragging. You two are as close as ever… aren’t they, Masaomi-san?」

「W-Well, it’s a good thing that their relationship is going smoothly… yeah.」

I’m sure there was no lie in those words, but Masaomi-san’s smile looked a bit forced. I’ve heard stories about fathers of daughters on the internet, and this isn’t something I should be butting into.

Besides, it’s not like I want to flirt in front of Sara-san’s parents, but since the flow naturally heads that way, it can’t be helped. It’s just out of my control.

The fun and friendly meal ended, Sara-san and Mayumi-san were cleaning up in the kitchen, and Masaomi-san and I were sitting side-by-side on the sofa for a relaxing post-meal tea time.

Tea time alone with her father… normally the nerves would be no joke, but it’s not a problem for me now. To the point where I feel like Masaomi-san is more of a real father than my actual one.

「Kazunari-kun, I’m sorry to ask, but could I have you do some part-time work again? I don’t think it’s quite at that level yet, so it shouldn’t take too much of your time.」

I’d felt an atmosphere from Masaomi-san for a while now, like he wanted to talk to me about something.

I’d even steeled myself a bit, wondering if some new trouble regarding the engagement had cropped up… but it was a part-time job. I felt a little relieved.

「Understood. Or rather, I’d help out even if it wasn’t a job. Just leave it to me.」

Even if it’s just organizing documents, being asked by someone I respect like Masaomi-san doesn’t feel bad at all. Knowing I can be of some use actually makes me feel kind of happy.

「No, I’m happy to hear you say that, but these things have to be handled properly. Besides, as for me, I’d like to be able to ask you for help in the future too. That’s why I really want you to accept the compensation.」

「…I understand. Thank you very much. Anyway, I’ll take the job.」

If Masaomi-san says so, it would actually be rude of me to refuse any further. I’ll just accept his kindness honestly. Plus, since I’m going shopping for the beauty contest soon, being able to secure extra funds for Christmas and the end of the year is honestly a help.

「Thank you. I’m counting on you.」

「Masaomi-san, have you finished your talk with Kazunari-kun?」

It seemed the clean-up was finished, as Mayumi-san and Sara-san returned to the sofa area, with Mayumi-san carrying a tray of tea cups.

Sara-san looked my way as if she wanted to say something… no, she was looking at Masaomi-san, not me.

「Ah, he’s agreed to the part-time work. By the way, Sara… um, why are you glaring at me?」

「That is my designated spot, so please move to your own seat, Father?」

I see, that was it.

I wasn’t particularly conscious of sitting in this spot, but the place to my right is Sara-san’s reserved seat, after all.

Masaomi-san knew that too, so he stood up and moved looking a bit sad, and Sara-san immediately swapped in. Watching the two of them, Mayumi-san let out a giggle.

Hmm… peaceful.

「Kazunari-san, are you taking on part-time work? If you find yourself in need of money, I have a portion that I have been pooling together…」

「Eh!? No, it’s… it’s not like that.」

「Sara-chan.」

「…My apologies, I spoke out of turn. In that case, I shall come here on the days you have your part-time work as well.」

Phew, that was close.

It’s cliché, but I’m in need of a separate budget for things like a present for Sara-san… so I can’t exactly tell her that. But even if I were to make an excuse, I don’t really have anything personal that I’d spend that much money on, so I panicked for a second about how to explain it.

Mayumi-san’s single word making Sara-san back down quietly was a bit mysterious, but for now, I’m just grateful.

「Yes, yes! So Sara is coming back with us!! In that case, I’ll have to adjust my own schedule—」

「Father, please proceed as usual. The only reason I am returning is to take care of Kazunari-san.」

「Sara-chan, you don’t have to push yourself that hard, you know. If it’s about Kazunari-kun, just leave it to me this time too.」

「That will not be necessary! Regardless, I have no intention of leaving Kazunari-san’s personal care to anyone, even you, Mother.」

This exchange between Sara-san and Mayumi-san has gradually become a standard occurrence, or rather, part of the everyday scenery.

Setting Sara-san aside, Mayumi-san still loves teasing us, or maybe she’s just a playful person… but the way her personality makes it easy to forgive her right away is a bit unfair, I think. Especially since Sara-san must find it quite a nuisance.

「Setting that aside, Kazunari-kun. I’m borrowing Sara-chan this coming Sunday, okay?」

「Eh? Um… oh, right! I see. Understood.」

Since she threw it at me out of nowhere, I didn’t catch what she meant at first.

But Mayumi-san gave me a quick wink, so I immediately realized she was planning to follow up on what I’d consulted her about earlier.

I hadn’t consulted her that far, but it seems Mayumi-san was being considerate.

「My apologies, Kazunari-san. Since Mother is being noisy, it was decided that we would go out for a bit of shopping.」

「No, no. I’m always leaving the housework to you, so please go enjoy yourself with your Mother once in a while.」

「I find that my heart is most at rest when I am taking care of you, Kazunari-san… but to be honest, being with this Mother is…」

「Honestly, Sara-chan, you’re so mean. Besides, we’re going so we can buy things for you, right?」

I’m really happy she says being with me is the best, but her casually dissing Mayumi-san is something else. But if I wasn’t around, Mayumi-san probably wouldn’t do anything unnecessary, and they seem to have a normal, good relationship as parent and child.

「I do not particularly believe it is necessary. Besides, if it were truly necessary, I would go buy it myself…」

「No. Your size is starting to not fit anymore, right? Besides, we have to consider Kazunari-kun’s preferences.」

「Like I said, why are you saying such things!?」

Size!?

No, I have no idea what they are talking about… yeah.

So please, whatever you do, don’t throw the conversation my way…

「Keeping an eye on one’s style even in invisible areas is a woman’s etiquette. Perhaps it was different before, but the current Sara-chan should understand that much, shouldn’t she?」

「That is… well.」

「And so… Kazunari-kun, which do you prefer: cute, flashy, or simple? Oh, or maybe something completely…」

「MOTHER!!!!!」

Sara-san was blushing a bit as she desperately tried to cover Mayumi-san’s mouth.

Her expression made my heart skip a beat for a second… but stay calm, stay calm.

…Alright, I’m fine.

Anyway, I have no idea what this conversation is about. So I don’t understand what I’m being asked at all, whatsoever, not even a little bit. That’s why I can’t answer, and I can’t imagine anything.

…I mean, I’m sure it’s to distract Sara-san, but I wish she wouldn’t bring up such suggestive topics… I’m working hard here too, after all…

「Don’t you want to match Kazunari-kun’s preferences, Sara-chan?」

「That is… well…… I do want to match them, but…」

Sara-san muttered that, then flicked a glance at my face with her own flushed red… and then looked down in embarrassment.

SO CUTE!!!!

WAY TOO CUTE!!!!

BUT THIS TOPIC IS ROUGH SO PLEASE GIVE ME A BREAK!!!!

AND I CAN’T LOOK AT MASAOMI-SAN BECAUSE HE’S SCARY!!!!

「Yes, a very honest answer. So, Kazunari-kun, tell me your preferences, okay?」

「N-No, I…」

This is bad. Even though I’m supposed to not know what I’m being asked, my face is feeling a mysterious heat…

「Ehehehe… Kazunari-kun is so cute… ah, no, bad me. I must endure…」

Mayumi-san began squirming slightly while muttering something ominous. I wonder why I felt a momentary sense of physical danger?

「Mother.」

「Ahem, Kazunari-kun. This is also what Sara-chan wishes for. So, don’t hesitate to give us your answer, okay?」

「Eeeeeeeeh…」

This has reached a point where I can’t just laugh it off or play dumb anymore.

Mayumi-san doesn’t look like she’ll stop until she gets an answer, and I get the feeling Sara-san is waiting for my answer too, despite everything she’s saying.

What should I do…

「Nfufu… then Sunday it is.」

In the end, unable to resist the flow of the room, I ended up giving my own answer.

And as for what I chose?

Well, that’s obviously a secret, right?

No, but thinking back on it, it hasn’t actually been confirmed specifically what the talk was about yet.

Sara-san only muttered a single「Understood」while looking a bit embarrassed.

So, I’m sure it was a conversation about private clothes. It must have been.

「Cough!! Well… you see, Kazunari-kun… I trust you, alright?」

Haa… this is exactly why I didn’t want to talk about this.

I resent Mayumi-san for looking so amused.

But at least I’ve secured the time for Sunday…

Anyway, now that it’s decided I have the time, I should send out the messages tonight. The ones who agreed to go shopping with me are Hayato, Yuji, and… I actually asked Natsumi-senpai too, but she said she has a practice match. And… one more person.