Chapter- 18

"I'm back! I've brought Mamoru-kun!"

　"...Oh, excuse me."

　"Welcome home, both of you. And please say I'm home, Mamoru-san."

　"...I'm home."

　"Yes, that's better. Welcome home."

　Rika-san welcomed me with those words. Even though it's not my house, greeting me like that makes me feel like I'm back home. Even though it's only my second time here. ...I'll leave aside the question of whether that's a good thing or not.

　After that, we moved to the living room. On the table was... sushi! Yesterday's fried chicken was delicious, but today's was even more luxurious.

　"...Sorry for showing up two days in a row."

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　"Oh my. I asked you to do it, so you don't have to worry about it. But, well, if it does bother you, could you do me a favor?"

　"Please? If there's anything I can do, I don't mind."

　I'll be treated to a meal, so if there's anything I can do, I'll help out. Should I pay for ingredients? Will 5,000 yen be enough?

　"Then, please call me Mother ?

　"…is that what you want ?"

　I was confused by Rika's unexpected words. But, if that's okay, then it's okay? Is it okay to call the mother of a classmate, and of the opposite sex, "Mom"?

　"Once in awhile would be fine, would you mind? I wanted to practice for the future..."

　"Not that I don't want to... Um, are you planning on practicing for the future? Is there something?"

　"Yeah, I guess it's possible. I can't tell you what the future holds."

　"That's true... I understand, Mom."

　That's right. It's natural that we don't know what the future holds. But I was too concerned about my reputation. Rika-san has taken the trouble to rely on me, so I have to live up to her expectations.

　"Hehe, I'm so happy. I hope you'll become my real son soon. Right, Rie?"

　"Mmhmm... Huh?"

　Rie-san, who was eating sushi with great concentration, responded like that when someone spoke to her. I didn't notice it yesterday, but Rie-san's eyes were sparkling as she stuffed her cheeks with sushi , and she was so cute.

　"...Sigh. Even though she's my daughter, she's so greedy, it's pathetic."

　"...Hmm. I want to say something back, but I can't. It's sushi after all."

　"Well, yeah, sushi is definitely delicious."

　"That's right! Eating delicious food is the best!!"

　Saying that, Rie laughed innocently. Does Rie like sushi?