After finishing our meal and eating dessert, an emergency news flash came across the television that had been left on.
“This is a news flash. A heavy rain and wind warning has been issued for the entire Kanagawa Prefecture. Please refrain from unnecessary outings and ensure your safety—”
“Eh?”
H-Heavy rain and wind, it says!?
Now that I think about it, the news this morning did say it would rain tonight, but... eh, warning level!?
Riran-san's mother slightly opened the storm shutters to check outside.
“Uwa. This is terrible. If Karura used an umbrella, she’d probably fly away.”
“Mary!? Can I become Mary!?”
“You’ll die, so don’t.”
“Aai.”
While saying that, Karura-san gulped down her whiskey on the rocks. This person is really strong with alcohol.
...Wait, this is no time to be so relaxed!
“H-How am I going to get home...?”
“Even if we wanted to get the car out, we've already been drinking.”
True. Between both parents and Karura-san, they have already emptied a considerable amount of beer, sake, whiskey, wine, and cocktails.
I can’t let them drive under the influence.
I guess I’ll have to do my best to walk home.
“Then, I’ll be taking my leave soon. If the rain gets any stronger, I really won’t be able to get back...”
“Wouldn't it be fine if you didn't go home?”
“...Eh?”
Riran-san's father sipped his sake and crossed his arms.
“It’s already past 20:00, and we can’t drive. Besides, there’s this heavy rain. If something were to happen on your way home, I wouldn’t be able to face your parents, Akito-kun. Stay over tonight.”
“That’s right. Akito-kun, you should take it easy here today.”
“Yay! A sleepover, a sleepover~!”
With those words from the father, the mother and Karura-san are all for it.
That would be a help, but... is that really okay?
“It’s fine, isn't it, Akito? Just stay over.”
“...Is it okay?”
“Well, we can’t exactly send you home in this rain. Since Papa and Mama say it’s fine, there’s no need to be formal.”
No, well... that’s true.
But this means, unintentionally, I’ll be staying at the house of the person I love? That means, that... uuuuh. Don’t think about it, me! Discard those wicked thoughts! Worldly desires, begone!
“I-In that case... I’ll be in your care today.”
“““ (Just as planned) ”””
“Eh?”
“““ It’s nothing. ”””
I felt like I heard something ominous just now... was it my imagination?
As I tilted my head, the mother stood up with a “Well then.”
“Then, I’ll go prepare the futons. We have a guest room. Oh, if you want to sleep with Riran, her room is fine too.”
“The guest room, please!”
“You don’t have to be so shy.”
“I am shy!”
On top of a sudden sleepover, being alone with Riran in her room would make my tension hit the ceiling! Even the mother must have been joking, as she laughed and left the living room.
Being teased is honestly exhausting...
“I’ll lend you my pajamas. They might be a bit small, but please bear with it.”
“A-Thank you very much.”
This time, the father left the living room. Karura-san didn’t care and was now drinking vodka. Is this person’s stomach bottomless?
“Somehow, I feel like I’ve been skillfully trapped.”
“What a coincidence. I was thinking the same thing.”
The weather forecast had said for a while that Saturday would have heavy rain. If the parents had planned this day anticipating that, and everyone drank so they couldn't drive... then the heavy rain and wind arrived to force a stay... No, surely that's overthinking it.
“In times like this. Hey, Cal-oneesan. Did you perhaps foresee this happening?”
“I don't kno—w.”
“I’ll give you the ice cream in the freezer.”
“That is exactly how it was! Ice cream—!”
That person flipped her attitude in an instant.
“...Sorry, Akito.”
“Don’t worry about it. Besides... even if it was sudden, I get to be with Riran until tomorrow. If anything, I’m grateful.”
“Au... d-don’t say things like that so suddenly, stupid.”
Riran blushed and downed the rest of the juice in her glass. Looking closely, she was shaking slightly, perhaps from nervousness.
Well, that makes sense. Even if it's separate rooms, she's suddenly staying over with her Fated Person. To be honest, I’m nervous too.
Anyway, I have to contact my family.
Akito: I can't get home because of the rain and wind. I'm staying over tonight. Dad: K Mom: K Kotono: Ohoooooooooooo! A sleepover! ! ! ! Kotono: Give me the details later! ! ! !
My parents are as blunt as ever. Kotono seems to be in her usual mode, which is a relief.
“I contacted my family. They said it's fine.”
“I-I see. ...Umm... h-hey, Akito—”
“The futon prep is done. Akito-kun, you can go take a bath first.”
“Eh? Ah. Y-Yes. Then, I’ll take you up on that offer...”
Riran was about to say something. I wonder what it was.
Led by the mother, I headed to the bathroom, and as I was taking off my clothes in the changing area—Suddenly, my smartphone vibrated.
Who is it... hm? Riran? About what happened earlier...?
I casually opened the phone.
Riran: I’ll come to your room after everyone is asleep.
............
Fwah!?!?