Chapter 33

Chapter 33

Matsuda-kun, just sit next to me.

Following Miyukis guidance, I sat down somewhat nervously and looked at the

dining table.

A feast was spread before me. The main dish appeared to be sukiyaki?

Judging by the simmering pot, it seemed like they had turned on the induction

stove right when I arrived.

There was also saba miso-nimackerel cooked in miso. The side dishes mostly

consisted of home-cooked meals like spinach and lotus root, but they were all

beautifully plated. It was evident that a lot of care had gone into the

preparation.

So Miyuki was right.

Compared to this, I havent been eating well indeed.

Perhaps, thats why she prepared all of this?

As everyone took their seats, Wateru, who sat at the head of the table, spoke.

Firstly, I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to you, not only for

graciously accepting our invitation but also for being the esteemed benefactor

who saved our Miyuki.

The atmosphere suddenly became solemn. I sensed that showing discomfort with a

simple no need to thank me wouldnt be appropriate here.

I looked at Wateru and slightly bowed my upper body.

Thank you for inviting me as well.

In the Japanese custom of Ojigi, or bowing, my gesture was the lightest form

known as Eshaku.

We had exchanged pleasantries at the door several times, so I thought a simple

bow like this would suffice now.

After all, since Im here, I should aim to get closer to them or at least earn

some points.

And as expected, smiles blossomed on the faces of Wateru and the rest of

Miyukis family.

To spare you the lengthy talk, shall we eat now?

Upon hearing Waterus words, Midori, Miyuki, and Kanna all chorused their

agreement, saying they would eat well.

Matching the timing as their words came to an end, I spoke in a

straightforward voice, devoid of any pretense.

Ill also eat well.

Wow... Just listen to that nice voice...

That was Kanna, who couldnt help but exclaim.

Wateru, who glanced at her with stern eyes, turned to look at me and broke

into a slight smile.

Eat a lot.

Yes, sir.

I wonder what dining etiquette is like at Miyukis house.

I had a rough idea from playing Tokiaca, but this is the first time Sukiyaki

has been served, so I decided to figure it out first.

Everyone naturally held the rice bowl while eating.

When serving Sukiyaki, everyone scooped a fair amount into their own bowls.

It seems you dont immediately dip the beef from the Sukiyaki into a raw egg;

first, you let it drain.

When eating the side dishes, you also pick up a bit of the plated ingredients,

like the sliced onions on top. I did the same.

Midori kept refilling the water when it ran low. If I were to reach for the

water myself, it might come across as intrusive, and Midori could feel

burdened.

Better to just graciously accept what is given, as a guest should.

My expression and my consistent sampling of the side dishes served as my

unspoken praise for the meal.

In response, the corners of Midoris mouth arced upward.

Is the food to your taste?

I chewed and swallowed the food in my mouth before answering.

Yes. Its so good it makes me want to live here.

The family, starting with Midori, burst into a sincere yet light-hearted

laughter. Perhaps its because Ive garnered a favorable impression during the

previous meal that they take even my hyperbolic compliment in stride.

Feel free to come by whenever youre hungry. Ah, peel the skin off the fish

before you eat; it can be a bit oily.

A helpful assist from Midori.

I promptly used my chopsticks to peel the skin off the mackerel.

Yes, maam.

With that, the floodgates of conversation opened.

Matsuda, do you drink alcohol?

At Waterus question, I respectfully nodded.

Yes.

Do you enjoy it?

To be honest, I do. Although I havent been drinking much lately.

Miyukis lips twitched immediately.

Judging by the way her lips twitched even without food in her mouth, it seems

Miyuki is itching to bring up something about my past.

Pretending to adjust my clothing, I subtly lowered my hand and discreetly

poked her near the hip.

Startled, Miyuki quickly regained her composure and flashed me a playful smile

before giving a slight nod. She understood my gesture as a sign to refrain.

Unaware of our silent exchange, Wateru posed another question.

So, how about a casual drink later tonight?

My dear, Matsuda-kun drove here today, remember?

Caught off guard by Midoris chiding, Wateru replied.

Ah, right...

Given that he even considered offering me a drink, it seems Wateru holds me in

high regard.

While its mentally exhausting to be so constantly aware of my actions, the

rewards seem to be worth it. I can see myself coming back here often.

***

Ahem... Matsuda-kun, have some fruit.

While seated on the living room sofa and chatting with Wateru, I turned my

Still, I want to go.

When I say this with a sly expression, Miyuki bursts into disbelieving

laughter. As if admitting she cant deter me, she nods her head, and words of

acceptance fall from her lips.

Fine, wait for me on the second floor...

Why? Making the bed?

No, thats not it...? I did it as soon as I woke up

I saw her shoulders twitch. Whats she denying? Ive hit the nail on the head,

havent I?

***

Following Miyukis directions, I headed to the second-floor bathroom and took

a mouth-freshening tablet from my pocket, popping it into my mouth.

As I chewed it with my lips tightly closed, the solid tablet transformed into

liquid, tingling my tongue.

Thoroughly freshening my mouth, I stepped out of the bathroom. Then I went to

the door of Miyukis room and pushed the doorknob right after knocking twice.

Swoosh.

The door opened smoothly. Miyuki, who was adjusting her bed covers, looked at

me, startled enough to jump out of her skin.

Ma-Matsuda-kun! Youre supposed to open the door when I tell you to come in,

what are you doing...!

Sorry. Should I close it and ask again?

...Forget it. Youre such an idiot... Just come in.

Walking in with unhurried steps, I quietly closed the door behind me.

Tap. Tap.

Then I heard the sound of something hitting the middle of the door. It was

unmistakably the Maneki Neko necklace that Tetsuya had given her.

Ill have to get rid of it later, and hang something new. And I should also

replace all those star stickers on the ceiling, the ones Miyuki and Tetsuya

put up when they were kids.

Not just that. Ill completely change everything in this room that holds

memories of Tetsuya.

Fueled by a flaming resolve, I looked around the room.

The scent of plum fills the air.

While I was using mouthwash in the bathroom, she must have sprayed some air

freshener, as the smell was rather strong.

Books of all sorts were neatly lined up on the bookshelf built into her desk.

On the desk itself, a notebook and pencil case were arranged tidily.

Its exactly as I had expected. Just like Miyuki.

Dont just stand there... Um, sit down over there for now...

Following Miyukis gesture toward the desk, I crossed the center of the room

and quietly pulled out the chair to sit.

Then Miyuki, who had delicately perched herself on the bed, asked,

Isnt it super cramped?

It may be small, but I like the room.

The beds a single, so it seems perfect for holding you tight as we sleep.

Its cozy and nice. Have you made the bed?

I told you, I made it as soon as I got up, okay?

Then why were you straightening the cover just now?

Thats because... it was just a little rumpled...

Fine, lets go with that. What time did you wake up today?

Um, eleven oclock...

Sleeping in late, huh?

Its the weekend, isnt that allowed? That can happen, you know...!

Im not criticizing; why are you getting defensive?

Miyukis lips jut out in a pout. Perhaps irked by my cheeky demeanor, shes

grumbling and glaring at me.

I find myself wanting to pinch those fluffy-looking cheeks and stretch them

out long.

Ignoring her gaze, my eyes land on the notebook placed on her desk and I call

out to her as if something just came to mind.

Hey, Miyuki.

What...!

Did you do something interesting at school recently?

Something interesting?

Like doodling in your notebook.

.... What are you... Ah...!!

She looks bewildered for a moment before her eyes go wide.

Her ears turn red in an instant, and she barely holds back a choked voice.

I have no idea what youre talking about...?

Really? Then what was that Ah just now? By the way, you drew really well.

Is that supposed to be you and me?

I dont know... what youre talking about... Did you snoop through someone

elses notebook? You shouldnt do that... Its bad behavior...

She begins to fan herself, her eyes restless as if she truly doesnt want to

discuss the matter.

I should drop it for now. Theres always time to tease her later.

The atmosphere in the room is somewhat subdued right now.

Miyuki seems different than usual today as well.

Is she vaguely aware? That something important might happen today?

Alright.

From now on, I shouldnt act too nonchalant.

If I do, Miyuki could misunderstandthinking that Im behaving this way

because I see her as just a friend.

Of course, given our history, Miyuki is unlikely to jump to such a drastic

conclusion.

Still, its important to maintain a certain level of tension and let her see

that side of me.

Even if we dont go as far as a kiss today, Ill at least aim for a peck on

the cheek.

Thats why I took extra care with my mouthwash and pretended to look around

the room...

If I just leave without making a move, the regret will keep me up all night.

*