For Ryuichi, this reunion was very unexpected. He hadnt expected to find the beautiful, charming woman with whom hed once spent a steamy night to be Shizunas mother. No, there was no way he could have thought that far in the first place.

I see. I thought I had some sort of dj vu when I saw Rindo, but it turned out I was remembering Sakie.

Seeing Sakie here now finally affirmed Ryuichis suspicions when hed first seen Shizuna. Nevertheless, this situation made Ryuichis stomach churn in knots.

Mom?

Shizuna So this is where you were eating out?

Yes You, too, Mom?

Well, Ive been here once before.

It was likely that both Shizuna and Sakie were utterly baffled.

Setting the matter of Sakie aside, Shizuna must never find out about how Ryuichi had had sexual relations with her own mother.In the worst case scenarioif she does find outwho knows what kind of expression shed make?A few moments ago, Ryuichi wouldnt have cared at all, but now that he knew they were mother and daughter, it was an entirely different story.

It was likely that both Shizuna and Sakie were utterly baffled. Setting the matter of Sakie aside, Shizuna must never find out about how Ryuichi had had sexual relations with her own mother.

In the worst case scenarioif she does find outwho knows what kind of expression shed make?

A few moments ago, Ryuichi wouldnt have cared at all, but now that he knew they were mother and daughter, it was an entirely different story.

Man, Ryuichi. Youre in deep shit right now, arent ya?

Just shut up.

The manager, whod been quietly watching the entire time, seemed to be desperately trying to hold in a laugh at the unexpected turn of events.

Shishido-kun? Whats wrong?

Ah, err, its nothing.

Ryuichi shook his head like never before, and since Shizuna was currently facing him, she couldnt see Sakies expression. Sakie was intently staring at Ryuichi, seemingly having clearly sensed his panic.

Shizuna, could you introduce me to the young man beside you?

Sakie finally opened her mouth, and out came those words. She was trying to make it seem like their very first meeting, which was an act of consideration for Ryuichi and Shizuna. Shizunas expression of bewilderment changed and she introduced Ryuichi to Sakie.

This is my classmate, Shishido Ryuichi, and he saved me from a malicious playboy on a previous occasion. After that, he and I became friends And, well, hes the one whose house I went to to make dinner the other day.

Ryuichi was surprised that she had told her that much, but Sakie on the contrary had a rather understanding expression on her face. Perhaps Shizuna still wanted to talk about Ryuichi, but the words coming out of her mouth didnt stop there.

I was going to cook dinner at his house again today. Then I heard that he was coming here today so I followed him to make sure he didnt drink alcohol! Yes, thats right; I came here to supervise him. So theres nothing for you to worry about, Mom.

It seemed that Shizuna really wanted to drive the point home to Sakie that she was hereonlyto supervise Ryuichi. It was also likely that shed included the fact that shed come here not by force from Ryuichi, but of her volition to avoid Sakie harboring any negative thoughts towards him.

It seemed that Shizuna really wanted to drive the point home to Sakie that she was here

only

to supervise Ryuichi. It was also likely that shed included the fact that shed come here not by force from Ryuichi, but of her volition to avoid Sakie harboring any negative thoughts towards him.

I see. So thats how you met himI totally get it,Shizuna.

I see. So thats how you met him

I totally get it,

Shizuna.

Huh?

Sakie put her hand over her mouth, giggled, and looked again at Ryuichi.

It seems youve been of great help for my daughter during her time of need. Thank you, Shishido-kun.

No I just happened to be passing by, so I just did what I could.

Even so, that was very kind of you to help her.

Get off of him, Mom!

With a terrifying look on her face, Shizuna pulled Sakie away from Ryuichi. She seemed frantic and desperate, which was a rare sight, and Sakie laughed as if she found it truly amusing. Then, Shizuna, who perhaps felt a sense of rivalry with Sakie, suddenly closed the distance between her and Ryuichi.

What? Why?

Just wanted to do this.

She left those few words before closing her mouth. Ryuichi and Shizuna had already finished their meal. Having achieved their initial goal of filling their stomachs, they stood from their seats.

Ill be heading home first, Mom.

Alright. Ill make sure to get home before it gets too late, too. Ryuichi-kun, please take care of my daughter.

Kay.

?

Shizuna tilted her head in confusion at Sakies words, but when Ryuichi started to walk away, she quickly rushed over and made her way next to him. As for Ryuichi, he found todays reunion chilling, but he was relieved that nothing strange happened.

He breathed a sigh of relief, but once they left the bar, it hit him that the crisis wasnt over just yet.

Shishido-kun, are you perhaps acquainted with my mother?

Why do you think that?

You called each other by your first names Plus, I could sort of tell from the atmosphere between you two.

Shes got me there.Ryuichi scratched his head.It seems that in addition to being a woman of impulse, shes also one of sharpness and intuitionor should I say one ofobservationin this case?

Shes got me there.

Ryuichi scratched his head.

It seems that in addition to being a woman of impulse, shes also one of sharpness and intuitionor should I say one of

observation

in this case?

Well, we first met each other a while back and went to that bar together. But I didnt know that Sakie I mean,she, was your mother, yknow?

Well, we first met each other a while back and went to that bar together. But I didnt know that Sakie I mean,

she

, was your mother, yknow?

I see. You did seem very surprised.

It seemed Shizuna was satisfied with that explanation. However, she wasnt done yet. Shed mentioned that Sakie had called Ryuichi by his first name earlier, so in light of that, she said

Can Icall you by your first name, too?

My first name?

Yes. I want you to call me by mine, too Please?

Calling each other by their first name. There was no need for Ryuichi to spare the matter a second thought.

Got it. So Shizuna?

Ah Yes ! Ryuichi-kun!

Hearing him call her by her first name, Shizuna gave a radiant smile. The two then walked side by side through the brightly lit streets. Although Shizuna was quite close to Ryuichi, Ryuichi was in a relieved state of mind and did not mind at all.

So thats why Mom seemed so happy at the time. That mustve been

Shizuna muttered under her breath and naturally, it wasnt heard by Ryuichi.

HamletJr's notes:

Back to regular schedule tomorrow.