“As usual, she’s early.”
Even though it was still 20 minutes before our appointment, she was already at the meeting spot. I thought I had arrived quite early myself... just how long has she been here?
Riran was fidgeting, checking her watch, and squishing her cheeks as if trying to hide a smile that was about to break out.
What is that? Isn't she way too cute?
Riran’s fashion today featured a white one-shoulder top she had bought when we went shopping together before. Paired with a light blue high-waisted skirt, she gave off a refreshing overall impression.
The way she stood under the clock tower, occasionally fixing her bangs while waiting, really reminded me of that time.
A crowd had gathered this time too... but it felt different from then.
“Riran.”
“Ah, Akito!”
When I called out to her, Riran smiled like a large flower blooming. She really has changed, hasn’t she?
She came trotting over toward me. But—
“Hah...! W-Wait a moment.”
“Eh? O-Oh, okay.”
She turned her back a short distance away and started kneading her cheeks for some reason. ...What is she doing?
I waited for a few seconds. When Riran turned back around, her expression had completely changed into a grumpy face.
“You’re late. How long do you intend to keep me waiting?”
“No, no, no, that’s clearly pushing it.”
“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Hey, look at me. I’ll forgive you because you’re cute, though. Seriously... Riran really has changed.
“W-What are you smiling for...?”
“No, it’s nothing. ...Sorry for the wait. Did anyone bother you today?”
“Of course. You’re my Fated Person... and I’m your, b-boyfriend, after all.”
“...Y-Y-Yes, that’s right...”
*Pshhh~.* Hey, steam is coming out of your head. Well, I’m probably in a similar state. My face feels hot right now.
What kind of embarrassing things are we doing in public...?
“L-Let’s just move for now.”
“E-Eh, ah, y-yes...”
With an unusually meek Riran in tow, we escaped from the onlookers who were watching us with eyes that seemed to be looking at something heartwarming. Stop it, seriously. It’s embarrassing.
“(Akito is worried... worried... fufufu. Worried... ♪)”
Um, I can hear you, so could you stop looking so happy?
◆
Having successfully obtained enough fresh cream strawberry daifuku for everyone, I was heading to the Kuonji house with Riran.
Even though I’ve made it this far, my stomach hurts from being way too nervous. It’s a sharp, stinging pain. Was I always this weak against tension and stress? Uuugh.
“Akito, okay?”
“I-I’m fine. No problem.”
“That’s the line people use when they aren’t fine, right!?”
Yeah, sorry. I didn’t think I’d be this nervous. Because if I think about it carefully, I feel like the situation between Riran and me right now has jumped ahead way too much in several ways.
I started dating Riran. Then, we promised to stay together forever in the future. Finally, it ended up being something like me wanting her to bear my children.
...The story has leaped too far ahead. I’m reflecting on it. Well, summarizing my relationship with Riran, that’s how it looks.
Being invited for a meal at the Kuonji house in that state... ugh. Just imagining it makes my stomach sting...!
“It’s okay, Akito. Papa and Mama will definitely like you.”
“I hope so...”
“Yes, it’ll definitely be fine.”
...Well, if Riran says so, then maybe... it’s fine?
As a way to at least stall for time, I took slow steps, one by one. And then—
“Here, Akito. We’ve arrived.”
“...As usual, it’s a huge house.”
I thought so when I came to visit Riran while she was sick, but it’s a size or two larger than the surrounding houses. Naturally, it’s incomparable to Neika’s or Rion’s houses. Still, there’s no doubt they are quite wealthy.
“Well then, I’m opening it.”
Ugh. I’m still not ready, but... Oh well, whatever happens, happens!
I nodded at Riran, and she opened the door and went inside.
Anyway, I need to be polite. I’ll try not to give a bad impression. I have to appeal with my sincerity.
“I’m home. I brought him~”
“E-Excuse m—”
*BOOOOOM!!!!*
Whoa!? The door swung open with a bang!? With that same momentum, three figures jumped out from the back of the room.
“Did you come, Akito-kun!? Ooooooooh, it’s Akito-kun in the flesh! Akito-kun in the flesh is right in front of us, Mother!”
“Father, you’re too loud. Hello, you’re Akito-kun, right? My, I can certainly see why Riran is so obsessed with you. You’re quite handsome.”
“Akito-kun, long time no see! Were you lonely because you couldn’t see your big sister? Big sister was lonely!”
“......”
“See? Nothing to worry about, right?”
“...I guess so...”
Suddenly, I felt mentally exhausted.
The father, who was shorter than me but had a sturdy build, came over with a massive smile and started slapping my shoulder repeatedly.
“Ahahaha! Hahahaha!”
“A-Ahaha... Um, it hurts.”
“Oh? Then I’m sorry! After all, you’re Riran’s Fated Person. I got carried away despite my age! Gahahaha!”
“As expected of Papa, you get it~!”
Karura-san and the father did a high-five. This person has the same vibe as Ryuya and Neika.
“Father. Karura. ——Be quiet.”
““Ah, yes.””
The two of them shut up at a single word from the mother. Ah, I get it. Karura-san takes after the father. Riran takes after the mother. I feel like I’ve seen a glimpse of the household hierarchy.
The mother, having silenced the two, wore a gentle smile. With blonde hair that seemed to be enveloped in a faint light and burning scarlet eyes. And with features so well-defined I could believe it if someone said she was the peak of British-style beauty.
This person is Riran’s mother... they really look identical. Genetics are amazing.
“Now, Akito-kun. Please come in.”
“E-Excuse me...”
But... I wonder, have I met her somewhere before? Hmm... well, whatever.
Prompted by the mother, we entered the living room.