Chapter 246: [Expanding The Family!]

Chapter 246: [Expanding The Family!]

"Did, did you see that livestream, Mom!?"

"No, I was busy with work, and it's called ESMR,' right? I don't really understand those things, so I didn't watch it, but a clip came up."

"I see!? Is that so!? I'm grateful!?"

There's nothing to do but cry and thank Cutout-san!

Goodness, what an unnecessary fuss!

"By the way, have you always been uninterested in men and liked girls?"

"Cough cough!? W-where did that come from!?"

"Well, it was on the livestream."

"That's not it!? That, yes! It's just a performance! It's for the viewers!"

"Oh, acting, huh?"

Being stared at so intensely, I averted my gaze.

Why do mothers occasionally have eyes that seem to see through everything?

No, there's nothing to see through!

Wait, who am I even trying to justify myself to?

"Anyway, Mom umm."

Trying to change the subject to divert attention.

What came to mind was

"Are you busy with work again lately?"

"Mm, well, kinda~"

Mom brought work documents home from the office and was working at home.

I proposed to her with a "Hmm."

"If work is tough, you can quit anytime. I'll support you."

The situation has changed since we had a similar conversation before.

With the promise to Ogu Mama and my determination to continue as a VTuber for a while longer.

Not for free, though; she'll help with some behind-the-scenes work.

But Mom returned my proposal with a bewildered look.

There was something familiar about its fur.

[[What's up? Food? Is it dinner time? Are you giving me food?]]

"Aww~! You're being so affectionate! How cute~! Let me pet you~!"

"I think it's the child of Mana-nee's cat that we looked after before, right?"

"That's right~! We ended up adopting it. The manager and I are cat buddies now!"

I can tell how Mom feels about the kitten.

Words are a mirror to the heart.

Anyway, I thought she'd be lonely in America.

Turns out, not at all.

Honestly, I was quite worried, so this is a relief.

[[Hey, kitten. Remember, I'm your boss here, okay? Remember that well!]]

"You're really good at mimicking cat sounds."

I poke the kitten's forehead while Mom holds it.

"Don't grow up to be as mischievous as your father.", I say.

The next time I come back will probably be in six months.

By then, this kitten will have grown a lot.

"Hey, Iroha."

"What?"

"Mom has enough savings to support you. So, if anything happens, feel free to come back."

"! Thank you."

Maybe Mom isn't quitting her job just for herself.

It might be to keep a place where I can always return a last resort.

If that time comes, I won't hesitate to ask for help.

And so, the last week of summer vacation passed by

***

The last day of summer vacation.

At the airport, I was about to be seen off by Irena and others.