Chapter 715 - Tell Me First

“… Lucky you, I’m this benevolent,” Mina said while shaking her head as if she did a blunder.

“Right. I expected a punishment but I got rewarded instead.”

“Because you’re a shameless guy. Anyway, it’s one of your traits … It can’t be helped.”

“Won’t you at least scold me?”

“Are you a masochist?”

“No. I think I deserved that. I… to your mother.”

Truthfully, even though I felt like I did something wrong, it’s worth it. Seeing Auntie Yayoi like that was something priceless.

Mina pushed a finger on my lips, preventing me from speaking further. Then after a few minutes, she pulled my head down and whispered in my ears. “Ruki… If one day, my mom also caught your eye, can you promise to let me know about it first?”

This…

“Huh? Why are you already jumping at that? Hypothetically, it really happened, won’t it be awkward for you?”

“Obviously, it will be awkward. But I told you, I was watching. And mom… it’s the first time in a while since I saw her like that.”

“Like that?”

“Genuinely happy.”

Was she genuinely happy? All I saw was me taking advantage of the situation to tease her.

“Wait. You’re probably jumping the gun right there. I didn’t see that at all.”

“It’s in her gestures, idiot. You see, she never opened up like that to anyone ever since that day. Until you.”

Eh? What about her suitors? There’s no way she won’t open up to them. But then again, we could also not confirm whether she opened up to them or not.

“Can’t it be that she’s just happy for her daughter?”

“Perhaps. But Ruki, I’m also factoring in your interest in her. You won’t tease someone like that without being interested in her in the slightest.”

Uh… this girl, I couldn’t deny it. But why is she opening up that route for me? Even if I really go after Auntie Yayoi, I don’t think her mother will even approve of the complex relationship we’re in. Worse, she’ll pull Mina away. Because in hindsight, what I’m doing is worse than that Iwasaki or her ex-husband.

Also, this is too early…

Ah. This might be because of that incident yesterday, this girl… She probably lost any faith in her mother’s suitors. She started lumping them into one and threw them in a trash bin.

“… Uh. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Mina. I respect Auntie. She’s your mother after all. But for being interested in her…”

My voice trailed… and I couldn’t finish my sentence. This honest trait of mine was striking at me…

“See that? You can’t say it. You can’t say that you’re not or you won’t be interested in her.” Mina poked my cheeks. And once more, she whispered in her most heartfelt tone filled with her concern over her mother. “If it’s you, I think I can rest assured that she won’t be treated badly.”

Our talk concluded at that. In the end, we concluded that if I really start seeing Auntie Yayoi in a different, sparkling light, I’ll tell Mina right away.

As for now… I don’t think I’m at that level yet… And Mina believed that.

Soon after that, to dispel that awkward air, I made use of our current situation and focused all of my attention on Mina.

This time, we didn’t just stop on kisses but at the same time, we also didn’t reach that final goal post…

It’s not because it’s not the time yet… But because we’ve run out of time…

Well, as long as I hear her say ‘I love you’ to me again, that’s more than enough to keep me energized for the whole day.

This weekend became somewhat dedicated to her. Despite the incident yesterday, I’m glad I managed to traverse that one last step to encroaching myself in her heart. I mean, that’s my goal, right?

That’s why all is well…

-

-

When we returned to the living room, all dressed up and without the trace of what we actually did, Auntie Yayoi was pacing around restlessly.

Upon seeing us emerging, her face brightened as she awkwardly laughed at us. She then circled around me, most likely trying to see what kind of punishment I received from Mina.

Well, we rewarded each other in the end. I could still vividly recall it and my lower body still felt that warmth and pleasure we shared. Obviously, Mina, as well. She’s holding onto my arm to keep her feet steady.

“Mom, he’s fine. I didn’t raise my hand against him but I scolded him for good. Ain’t I right, Ruki?” Mina playfully smiled as she winked at me.

Well, that’s what we agreed to do. Pushing back that slightly absurd thought, she squeezed into my head, it’s best to act normally.

“That’s right, Auntie. I’m sorry for teasing you. I already forgot those stories you told me.”

“R-really?”

“Un… By the way, this is also the reason why I came with her… Mina, is it fine for her to stay at our house? Only for today. And I promise I won’t do anything that will make you disappointed.”

I already did a part of that here, after all… Well, she’d probably be angry if we told her so it’s fine to be this vague.

“Your house? You promise?” And now, her worried eyes went back to her only daughter.

It’s a natural reaction, letting her daughter sleep at a guy’s house will be a dilemma for any mother. Furthermore, she’s aware of our relationship.

“Yes, Auntie. I will respect your decision. I’m perfectly ready for a refusal.”

“… If it’s my approval you’re looking. You got it. I trust Onoda-kun’s words. But Mii-chan, are you sure?”

That level of trust, I better live up for it…

“Un. But honestly, I want to stay here with you, mom. Can I?” Mina answered as expected.

“No… I want you to be somewhere you can be safe. After this gets resolved then… Can I sleep with Mii-chan again? Just like before when I read you fairy tales.”

When she mentioned ‘fairy tales’ I once again saw Auntie Yayoi’s face reddened in embarrassment.

Upon hearing that, Mina laughed and went forward to her mother, hugging her tightly once more. “Or in other words, your own amazing stories. Yes, mom, I promise. I miss your stories.”

Auntie Yayoi lovingly looked at her daughter and just like earlier, she dotingly patted her head while sporting a satisfied and relieved smile.

Following that, she met my gaze again and delivered the final decision on what I asked, “You heard it, Onoda-kun. Take care of my Mii-chan. Don’t disappoint me, alright? Nonetheless, you’re both at that age already… if ever it reaches that point, I can only remind you to be responsible.”

… That’s another approval over something I didn’t ask. Looking at Mina beside me, she’s covering her face but her ears betrayed her.

Before we left the house, Auntie Yayoi ran towards the kitchen and produced an exquisite-looking bottle filled with rare-looking tea leaves. “Ah! Right. Mii-chan, take these with you. You’ll be staying at Onoda-kun’s house. Knock his parents out with your best brew. “

Auntie Yayoi raised her hand in a fist as if saying good luck to her daughter. That smile she’s sporting now was a lot different than yesterday and… Mina, who noticed that, was thoroughly satisfied.

By the time we stepped out on the road, Mina stuck close to me and whispered one last time, “Thank you, pervert Ruki.”