Tetsu Watanabe smiled lightly.
"It's just a monthly test. Even if I don't do well, it's no big deal."
"That's right." Mrs. Yoshida nodded in agreement.
"Auntie has always thought confident men are the most charming. Here, Tetsu—have some apple."
She picked up a slice with a toothpick and held it to his lips.
"Thank you, Auntie."
"Oh yes, why don't you stay for dinner tonight? Auntie's making beef curry and pork cutlets."
"This… it's too much trouble—"
Tetsu had just opened his mouth to refuse when Mitsuhiko and Genta drowned him out.
"Wow! Really? Curry is my favorite!"
"Then we'll be in your care!"
Tetsu cleared his throat pointedly.
"Then… tonight's Masked Rider—"
"Masked Rider isn't airing today, you didn't know?" Mitsuhiko blinked at him.
How would I know? I don't watch that childish garbage.
The corner of Tetsu's mouth twitched.
"Tetsu, are you worried Auntie's cooking won't taste good?" Mrs. Yoshida asked with a gentle smile.
"N-no, not at all." He denied it immediately. "I just…"
He suddenly realized that other than "Masked Rider," he had no suitable excuse ready.
"It just feels like imposing too much," he finally said.
Mrs. Yoshida laughed softly.
"Nonsense. Tell you what—I'll bring the landline over. Call your families first; otherwise your parents might worry."
"Okay~!" Mitsuhiko and Genta agreed happily.
"I'll get it, Mom!" Ayumi volunteered.
"You go start dinner—I'm starving!"
"Alright, I'll leave it to you, Ayumi."
As expected of a skilled homemaker, Mrs. Yoshida's cooking was exceptional.
The rich aroma of curry and the savory scent of freshly fried pork cutlets filled the dining room, making the children's stomachs rumble.
Genta had long been swallowing drool; even his round belly let out a loud growl on his behalf.
Mrs. Yoshida untied her apron and smiled.
"You're all hungry, right? I made plenty of curry, so eat as much as you want. Come, everyone sit down."
"Should we wait for Uncle to come home?" Tetsu asked.
Her expression stiffened for a split second, then returned to normal.
"No need. He has a business dinner tonight. Let's eat on our own."
"I see."
Tetsu had noticed that brief moment of tension clearly, but he didn't pry.
He simply sat down beside Ayumi.
The clock hit eight by the time the three boys finally left Ayumi's home.
When they reached the lobby, the elevator doors slid open.
A man in a well-fitted suit, handsome and sharp-featured, stepped inside carrying a briefcase.
Tetsu glanced up—
That face, with its sharp lines… it resembled Ayumi's quite a bit.
The man passed them and entered the elevator.
Tetsu suddenly asked, "Genta, Mitsuhiko—have either of you met Ayumi's dad?"
"No," Mitsuhiko shook his head.
"Ayumi said her father is a department head at some company and travels a lot. Even she rarely sees him."
"But whenever he comes home, he brings her the newest toys," Genta added, full of envy.
"Tetsu, why'd you ask all of a sudden?"
"Nothing, just curious… Come on, let's head home before our families get worried."
Mouri Residence
Kogoro Mouri was lying sideways on the tatami, resting his head on one hand while watching an entertainment gossip show.
When Tetsu opened the door, Kogoro tilted his head.
"Back already? Did you have fun at your friend's place?"
"Yeah, it was fun. Ayumi's mom even made beef curry and pork cutlets for us."
Tetsu put down his schoolbag and looked around.
"Where's Ran-neechan?"
"She's in the shower."
"Oh."
Tetsu sat beside Kogoro and watched TV with him.
When the gossip show ended, Kogoro grabbed the remote to switch channels—but suddenly, Yoko Okino appeared in a ramen commercial.
Kogoro's eyes lit up instantly.
He practically launched himself toward the TV, staring dreamily.
『This is my favorite ramen! You have to try it~』
Yoko said sweetly on screen, holding a steaming bowl of noodles.
"Yes! I'll eat Yoko-chan's favorite ramen tomorrow!" Kogoro declared passionately.
Tetsu's mouth twitched.
He silently shook his head.