95 - Ayaka Tojo's Struggles①

RAW

The first weekend after summer vacation started, Haruto came to visit my house.

Haruto’s grandmother, Kiyoko, would begin working as our housekeeper. Today, we were holding a family meeting to finalize the terms of her employment, with both Haruto and Kiyoko present.

The discussion about Kiyoko’s work arrangements went smoothly. Soon, the conversation shifted to whether Haruto would also be staying at our house.

To me, having Haruto here would be a dream come true.

Not being able to spend much time with him at school, I wished we could share those moments together at home instead.

Seeing him every day at school but being unable to talk to him was heartbreaking.

It’s partially my fault, though, for blurting out on the first day back that I had someone I liked...

I regret it, but there are moments when I just can’t hold back my feelings for him. They overwhelm me, and I lose control.

Since he hosted a mini-festival at home just for me, it feels like there’s another version of me inside, demanding to be closer to him.

If I can’t be near Haruto at school, I might come down with some kind of “Haruto deficiency” illness!

Having him stay at our house could be the perfect remedy.

However, Kiyoko seemed hesitant about letting him stay.

It felt like she was worried about what might happen with both of us under the same roof.

W-Was she afraid I might do something to Haruto...?

I admit I love him deeply, and my feelings might sometimes run wild. But I’d never act recklessly! That’s something for the future when we’re both ready.

For now, just having him by my side would make me happy. I don’t need anything more. I just want to live together peacefully.

As I contemplated how to express these thoughts, my dad escorted Kiyoko outside to the garden.

What were they discussing?

Haruto and I exchanged puzzled glances, tilting our heads in unison.

Was Dad trying to convince her? Or was she still against the idea of us living together?

Whether I could spend more time with Haruto or less was up to Kiyoko’s decision.

I kept glancing toward the garden, my untouched slice of apple pie forgotten on the table.

Through the living room window, I could faintly see Dad and Kiyoko. Their voices were inaudible.

Haruto seemed equally curious, stealing glances toward the garden just like me.

Meanwhile, Ryota was the only one who seemed completely carefree, happily devouring his apple pie.

“This apple pie is so good, Mom!” Ryota exclaimed.

“Yes, the crust is so flaky and delicious,” Mom agreed.

“Yeah! So crunchy!” Ryota said, taking another big bite.

Then, he turned his sparkling gaze toward Haruto.

“Big brother, can you make apple pie?”

“Huh? Well, I know how to, but I haven’t made it much, so I’m not sure how good it would turn out,” Haruto admitted with a sheepish smile.

“Really? Even you have something you’re not confident in?” Mom said, her eyebrows raised in surprise.

I was just as surprised. Haruto had cooked all kinds of dishes—Japanese, Western, and Chinese—and they were always amazing.

“I’m confident in most cooking, but sweets are a bit different. Western-style desserts, especially, feel like they require a different skill set,” Haruto explained.

“Oh, I thought you could make anything!” Mom said with a laugh.

“I’d like to give sweets more of a try someday, though,” Haruto replied.

Mom’s eyes lit up as she turned to me. “How about you make desserts with Ayaka?”

That suggestion filled me with excitement.

“That sounds fun!” I said enthusiastically.

Imagining us baking cookies side by side, sharing the finished treats with each other, sent my heart racing.

I could almost hear him saying, “A little too sweet, maybe?” after taking a bite. And then I’d apologize for using too much sugar, only for him to smile and say, “Anything you make is delicious.”

The thought alone made me grin uncontrollably.

Trying to keep a straight face, I heard Ryota’s voice break through my daydreams.

“I want to eat the desserts you two make!”

Looking between us with eager eyes, Ryota made Haruto chuckle softly.

“Alright, let’s try baking together sometime,” Haruto suggested.

“Yes!” I replied enthusiastically.

Baking with Haruto sounded amazing! What should we make first? I couldn’t wait to plan it out with him.

Just as my excitement peaked, Dad and Kiyoko returned from the garden.

Mom offered Kiyoko a slice of apple pie.

“Thank you very much,” Kiyoko said, accepting it politely.

“How was the garden?” Mom asked.

“It was lovely,” Kiyoko replied with a warm smile, prompting Mom to glance happily at Dad.

“Looks like your efforts paid off, dear,” Mom said.

“Yes, I’m glad Kiyoko liked it,” Dad said, visibly pleased.

Sitting back at the table, Dad turned to Haruto.

“Now, let’s discuss how often you’ll stay with us, Haruto.”

Wait, what? Wasn’t Kiyoko against the idea?

Surprised, I looked at her. Haruto, equally stunned, glanced at her as well.

Kiyoko nodded slowly and said, “Thank you very much for taking care of Haruto.”

Her calm demeanor reassured us.

“G-Grandma? Are you sure about this?” Haruto asked, bewildered.

“They’re not children anymore,” Kiyoko said simply, turning to me. “Ayaka, if Haruto does anything you dislike, tell me immediately.”

“Yes, but Haruto is always so kind to me,” I replied earnestly.

Ever since we became a couple, he had been nothing but considerate.

Thinking about living together with him filled me with so much joy I felt like my heart might burst.

Smiling warmly, Dad began outlining Haruto’s schedule, balancing his time between the Otsuki and Tojo households.

We settled on a plan: weekdays at his house when needed, weekends at ours, ensuring family time for everyone.

As discussions wrapped up, Ryota’s excitement overflowed as he shouted, “Big brother’s staying tonight?!”

Although Haruto hesitated, my heart secretly fluttered at the prospect.

And thus began a new chapter in our shared lives, filled with hope, laughter, and the occasional fluttering heart.