It was about an hour after I started studying alone that Kanade and my mother called me, saying dinner was ready.
“And then, what do you think Atsushi said at that time?”
“Eh—, what did he say—?”
“Well, you see. ‘Shut up, idiot. Idiot,’ he started throwing a tantrum just like a child.”
“Eh—, how cute—.”
When I headed to the living room, Kanade and my mother were enjoying their conversation, looking very close.
“…Is it really cute?”
“Yes. Every single thing Ak-kun does is cute.”
“Oh my—...”
Looking at the two of them in such a harmonious state, I realized that a small flicker of something like jealousy was dwelling deep in my chest.
...I shouldn't be feeling jealous of Kanade, who stopped her own studies to cook, or my mother, who is busy day and night with work and housework for my sake.
“...Oh, Atsushi. What's wrong, standing there blankly in front of the door?”
“Thanks for everything.”
“Oh my—...”
I expressed my gratitude honestly, but my mother had a slightly troubled look on her face.
Apparently, my father’s work was going to run a bit late today, so he had sent a message to my mother’s phone telling us to go ahead and eat.
“Well then, let’s eat.”
“Let’s eat.”
“Itadakimaasu!”
We gathered around the table and began eating dinner.
“Are you both studying properly for the tests?”
“Of course.”
“Yes. I’m having Ak-kun teach me.”
“I see. Atsushi, even you’ve become able to teach people how to study...”
“I’ve been taking first place in the academic tests since my first year of middle school, you know?”
I had been holding the top rank in my grade for over three years.
Teaching someone was no trouble at all.
“No, I meant in terms of communication skills.”
My optimistic thinking was split right down the middle by my mother.
I see, so that's how it is.
The point my mother was concerned about regarding whether I could teach others wasn't my academic ability, but my communication skills.
That’s quite rude.
“Mom, I’m sorry. You’re right, I probably can’t teach people anything.”
Really, what a rude person I am, failing to meet my mother's expectations like this.
“You give up too fast.”
“That’s one of Ak-kun’s good points.”
“But from a parent's perspective, I’d like my son to make a few more friends.”
“Having few friends is also one of Ak-kun’s good points, isn't it?”
Kanade is being unusually affirming toward me today.
Wait, was she always... this much of an 'all-affirming' type?
“By the way, Kanade-chan. You’ve been eating dinner at our house all the time lately; aren't your parents worried?”
My mother seemed to ask this casually, but after speaking, she added more as if a bit flustered.
“No, it’s not that I dislike you hanging out here, okay? In fact, I’m really grateful that you’re being friendly with Atsushi, who has few friends. Seriously.”
Mother strongly emphasized the 'seriously' part.
“But... that’s for our convenience, and I wondered how your parents felt about it.”
In other words, she was asking what Kanade’s parents thought about her constantly hanging out at our house.
Well... it would never happen, but if I were to hang out at Kanade’s house all the time, my mother would definitely tell me not to take advantage of their kindness too much.
Continuing to rely on someone's kindness can lead to both parties feeling constrained, and my mother likely dislikes that.
“Obasan. I’m sorry for always intruding.”
“No, sorry. There’s really no need to apologize...”
“But please don’t worry. My parents actually seem happy that I’m coming to Ak-kun’s house.”
“Oh, is that so?”
“Yes. ...I couldn’t really make friends when I was in France.”
I didn't know that.
“So, partly because of my illness, I used to be quite depressed... but lately I seem energetic, so they are very happy.”
...Kanade’s smile was dazzling.
“I see. That’s good to hear then.”
Mother also smiled happily.
“Well then, we’ll have to make Atsushi take responsibility soon.”
...A cold sweat ran down my spine.
What on earth is my mother saying?
“Oh? Weren't you two dating?”
“Yes.”
Kanade answered instantly.
“We aren't dating yet!”
“I see. So you aren't dating *yet*.”
Today's miso soup has a strong flavor and feels even more delicious than usual.
“Atsushi, everything is already ready on this side.”
“That kind of joke isn't funny, Mom.”
I let out an exasperated sigh.
“That’s something involving another person, so you shouldn't just say it so easily.”
“Ak-kun. I’m also ready and waiting, you know?”
“See, Kanade is saying so too.”
Truly, they say things that aren't funny even as a joke.