The next morning.
Kyouko was still busy in the kitchen, exhaling softly while stirring the soup.
Satoshi had just stormed out of the house without even glancing at the breakfast she'd prepared, his car peeling out of the driveway before she could say goodbye. It was still too early, the sun barely rising.
I wake up early every day to cook healthy food for him, and today he just ignored my cooking like usual.
Kyouko bit her lower lip. Is there something wrong with me? Am I not pretty enough? Not interesting enough? Is that why he treats me like I'm just part of the furniture?
She shook her head and continued cooking until she noticed a figure slowly heading downstairs and approaching the kitchen.
Kyouko smiled. Here comes the lazy boy.
Haruki headed to the kitchen, took a glass, pressed it against the water dispenser, and drank deeply. He glanced at Kyouko after putting down the glass, then exhaled heavily with exaggerated drama.
Kyouko tilted her head, her brow furrowing in concern.
Why is Haruki suddenly exhaling like that? Did something happen?
"Haruki?"
"Mm? Yes, Mom?"
"Is something wrong? You look like you're worried about something."
"Ah... yeah... the girl I met at the 'library' yesterday." Haruki leaned against the counter, a playful glint in his eyes. "I got her phone number and already messaged her, but she hasn't replied. Perhaps because she was feeling 'awkward'... or maybe she's just not 'interested' in meeting up again."
Haruki smiled knowingly and walked away, leaving Kyouko blinking in realization.
I should have focused on helping Haruki!
What's wrong with me!? Kyouko turned off the stove and rushed out from the kitchen, heading upstairs.
She reached her bedroom and headed toward the side table where she'd put the new phone and checked it.
3 new messages.
She swiped the notification and noticed the times: 9:37 PM, 11:15 PM, and 12:39 AM.
He messaged "Kyouko" from last night?
If this were real, he would have moved on by now, thinking this girl had no interest in him at all. Most guys would send one message, maybe two, then give up if there was no reply.
She opened the messages.
9:37 PM
Hi... it's me, the guy from yesterday? We met at the library?
11:15 PM
Actually, while I was searching for new books, I found an interesting place. It's a little cafe near Ueno Onshi Park with a beautiful garden view. It might be a bit far, but if you don't mind, I could pick you up. (o^ ^o)旦 旦(´ω`*)
12:39 AM
Ah, sorry if I'm making a weird request. Since we just met today and I suddenly invited you out. Sorry (⋟﹏⋞) It won't happen again.
Kyouko's eyes widened.
He's been texting "Kyouko" three times?
H... how should I reply to this?
Think, Kyouko! Think!
If I were this girl, and I'm interested in him, since with three messages it shows the man is interested in me...
Kyouko began to tap the message.
Ah, sorry! I fell asleep early last night—I was too invested in reading and dozed off. I just noticed your message after I woke up. (-⊡ω⊡)
Kyouko sent the message.
Ting!
Hmm? Wow... he replies fast... This generation really can type quickly, huh?
Kyouko opened the message and read while sitting on the bed.
Oh... I thought I was being too forward and making this weird for you (TдT).
Kyouko chuckled softly. Where did Haruki learn these kaomoji? They're cute~ It's been so long since I used kaomoji too.
She typed her reply.
No (〃´∀｀). It's my fault for not noticing your message earlier. Sorry ₍₍ (ง ˙ω˙)ว ⁾⁾
Ting!
Another message came in. Kyouko checked again.
So... I was wondering about my invitation earlier (・_・;), if you would like, meeting up?
Kyouko smiled, started to lay down on the bed, and replied to Haruki's message.
Sure (* ´∀｀*), I would love to.
Another reply from Haruki.
So... about 9 in the morning? We could go for breakfast, or is it too early? ⊙˛̼⊙
Kyouko let out a soft laugh and began to reply again.
Sure... 9 in the morning seems good. ꒰´꒳`∗꒱
Another message from Haruki popped in.
So how about I pick you up? Or is it too weird? Sorry, this is my first time inviting someone out, especially a beauty like you o(-`д´- ｡).
Kyouko chuckled again. He's really good with words, huh?
Okay~ If you don't mind, you can pick me up at this address. (°◡°♡).:｡
After Kyouko sent the message, she heard Haruki call from outside.
"Mom!"
Mou! This big boy of mine. Already breaking his character.
Kyouko sat up and slipped off the bed after putting the phone in her apron pocket, then walked toward the door and opened it.
"What is it, Haruki?"
"Mom! I want to borrow your car."
Kyouko tilted her head, confused. "What for?"
"There's a girl I want to invite out, so I need to pick her up. We're meeting at 9, and she lives nearby, so I'm going at 8:30." Haruki extended his hand and glanced down at her. "So, Mom! Give me your car key."
Kyouko smiled, went to the bedside table where she'd put her handbag, reached for her car key and her wallet.
"Here's the key. Do you need money for it?"
"No. I have my own money. Don't worry about it, Mom." Haruki took the key, turned back, waved the key, and headed to his room.
"Haruki!" Kyouko called while puckering her lips. "You know bringing a girl out needs money. You sure you don't need any?"
Haruki chuckled. "Mom... I'm an adult already. And I'm a college student who also works part-time when I don't have classes. So I've saved enough money for anything I want to do."
"Hmm~ really?" Kyouko narrowed her eyes with a playful glare, her hands on her hips.
"Yes... don't worry, Mom. I'll fill the car's tank with gas too. So don't worry about it."
"If you say so~" Kyouko turned with a soft smile and glanced over her shoulder. "Come down for breakfast first."
"Eh?" Haruki narrowed his eyes while pausing at his room door. "I'll eat with this girl later. I don't want to be full."
"But I already cooked!" Kyouko glared at him, puffing her cheeks out. "I woke up early to make your favorite food."
Haruki rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm... I think you should put it in the refrigerator. 'I' can eat it tonight when I get back. That way, you won't have to cook dinner, and I'll have something delicious to look forward to."
Kyouko's pout softened into a smile. "Alright... but you better eat it all! No wasting food!"
"Wouldn't dream of it, Mom." Haruki grinned. "Your cooking is always the best."
( End Of Chapter )