As I expected, Hana's Aunt, Tomori, waited for us when we arrived at her house. She's still in her oversized shirt, as if she doesn't care about being mistaken for a NEET. This time, though, she had thick-rimmed glasses that somehow amplified that image of a woman who's staying in her room all day.
Of course, she's not exactly a NEET but to think she's comfortable to wear this kind of outfit outside, while waiting at the door of her niece's house no less, was kind of baffling.
"Good evening, Tomori-san." I politely greeted her. Instead of calling her Aunt and feeling older than she truly was, she requested for me to address her by her name the last time I met her.
She subtly nodded, her gaze alternating between Hana and me.
"Good job escorting her, Onoda-kun. Do you want to stay for dinner? I figured you'd be coming tonight when that girl told me she'd be late." She said as she pointed at the girl still tightly clinging on my arm.
I maintained my polite smile as I responded while bowing slightly. "Thanks for the offer, Tomori-san. I'd love to stay but I should probably head home tonight. It's been a long day, and I don't want to impose."
Hana's grip on my arm tightened subtly, her fingers pressing into my sleeve as she shot me a quick, sidelong glance.
She didn't say anything, but the faint pout tugging at her lips told me she wasn't thrilled about me leaving so soon. She's still not satisfied with our time together and wanted another extension. I know this is her trying her best to continue competing against my girls to steal me from them. Stealing a minute or even a second is already considered a win for her.
Tomori-san adjusted her thick-rimmed glasses, peering at me over the top of them with a look that was equal parts scrutiny and amusement. "Impose? Hardly, Onoda-kun. I'm grateful Hana has you now. You're a great influence on her. But don't worry. If it's truly impossible, I won't force you. I just thought you needed a short break. Look at her..."
Her tone was dry, but there was a flicker of warmth in it. It's like she'd already accepted my presence in Hana's life as a given.
Pausing for a moment, she stepped aside, gesturing toward the open door with a lazy wave of her hand. "Come on. At least come in for a minute. I've got some tea brewing, and you can grab a pastry to go. Hana's not the only one who gets to spoil you."
She wants to spoil me, huh? Well, she's kind that way. She's truly grateful to me for taking care of Hana.
I chuckled and glanced at Hana, who rolled her eyes but didn't protest. "Alright, just for a minute then. Hard to say no to tea, pastries, and an invitation to be spoiled."
Tomori-san laughed at my answer while Hana pinched my side, probably taking that as me trying to flirt with her aunt.
We stepped inside, the familiar scent of Hana's house washing over me. The previous had already disappeared and even the light in the hallway had been changed to something brighter.
The cozy warmth of the living room welcomed me as we stepped in. At this point, we already have a lot of memories here. And we're going to make more in the future.
Tomori-san's oversized shirt hung loosely on her frame as she shuffled toward the kitchen while muttering something about "kids these days" under her breath. Even though she's the one who invited me in, she still couldn't help but grumble over our closeness.
Hana tugged me toward the couch as she plopped down and pulled me with her.
She didn't let go even as she settled in, her head tilting to rest lightly against my shoulder.
"You didn't have to say yes to her, you know."
"You say that when you're pouting as if you're about to lose your favorite purse." I teased, brushing my fingers against her hand. "Besides, I get tea, pastries, and you. This sounds like a win to me."
The girl rolled her eyes but her flustered expression betrayed her attempt to lie, "Foolish Ruki…"
"Well, you love this foolish guy anyway." I shrugged as I leaned in to nudge her forehead with mine. "You're getting soft, Hana. Or is it because you're becoming more comfortable? Will I one day see you keeping up your angelic smile?"
Her cheeks tinted pink and she shoved me lightly before instantly pulling me back again. "Maybe one day. When it's not troublesome to become the envy of all anymore."
Right. That's the reason why she put on that angelic mask. However, I could tell she already knew that it wouldn't matter anymore if she took it off. After all, the way she was competing with the other girls had already unmasked her. However, she's still choosing not to because it's quite a hard habit to break, and there's a certain fear in her that things might change if she truly went mask off.
She's afraid to disappoint those admiring her.
"Alright. For the record, though, I love you, with or without that mask. So don't worry too much. My Hana is a wonderful person."
"Tuck your glib tongue, or I'll pull that out with mine," Hana warned, yet she did it anyway, locking us in a passionate kiss until we heard footsteps returning from the kitchen.
Tomori-san returned carrying a small tray with a steaming teapot, a couple of mismatched mugs, and a plate of pastries. She set it down on the table with a thud, eyeing us with a not-so-subtle smirk.
"Flirting in my living room now? You really are shameless, Onoda-kun." While shaking her head with a smile, she poured the tea, the faint aroma of jasmine filling the air and pushed a mug toward me.
"Thanks, Tomori-san," I said, taking the mug and a pastry. It was a flaky, buttery treat with a hint of jam peeking out. Clearly handmade, and it seems to be something she plans to teach Hana to make.
I took a sip of the tea, chasing away the lingering chill from the night air. "This is great. You're spoiling me now."
She waved it off, settling into an armchair across from us with her own mug.
"Someone's got to. Hana's too busy clinging to you to remember basic hospitality."
"Auntie!" Hana snapped, sitting up straighter. "I didn't forget it. You just went and did it first. And I can take care of him just fine."
"Sure you can," Tomori-san said with a wide smirk widening as she took a sip of her tea. "That's why he's the one walking you home and not the other way around. You're hopeless, Hana."
Hana groaned, burying her face in her hands, but I could feel the faint tremble of laughter in her frame. I grinned, taking a bite of the pastry, sweet and rich, just the right kind of pick-me-up after the night we'd had.
To think I'd see Tomori-san teasing Hana … accepting their invitation is more than worth it.
"She's not wrong," I said, nudging Hana with my elbow. "You've got me wrapped around your finger and I'm still the one doing the heavy lifting."
Hana peeked out from behind her hands, glaring at me through her fingers. "You're not helping, Ruki. Whose side are you on?"
"Of course, yours," I said, leaning over to press a quick kiss on her forehead. "But Tomori-san's got a point. You're lucky I like taking care of you."
Tomori-san snorted, setting her mug down with a clink. "See? Hopeless. By the way, Hana. Your parents called me. They wanted to check on you. Are you going to tell them about Onoda-kun?"
"I will. Maybe next time."
Tomori-san facepalmed, but she didn't push it anymore. Instead, she switched the topic to our school as we finished the pastry and tea. She's curious about how Hana is settling in our class.
Eventually, I set the empty mug down and stood, offering Hana a hand to pull her up. "Alright, I should get going. Thanks again, Tomori-san. This was a nice pit stop."
She waved me off, already reaching for a book from the pile on the table. "Yeah, yeah. Don't make a habit of it. And take care of my niece, or I'll hunt you down." Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on novelꜰire.net
"Of course. You know me already, Tomori-san. The last thing I will do is hurt her," I said, giving her a mock salute as Hana escorted me to the door.