"Poetry-sama is here! Welcome, come on in."
After ringing the doorbell, it was Takanashi Junko who opened the door, cradling little Chiyo in her arms.
Immediately, Minamoto Senya felt a wave of nervousness wash over her, an inexplicable sensation reminiscent of meeting a partner's parents for the first time.
Even though she and Senya weren't at that stage yet.
She straightened instinctively, forcing a polite smile despite her racing heart.
"Hello, Auntie. I'm sorry to intrude."
"Intrude? Nonsense! Just like Eriri, come by whenever you have the time. It's been a while since you've seen your parents, hasn't it? How are they doing? Work going well?"
Eriri came by often… Senya thought with a neutral expression, stepping into the entranceway with a slight bow, maintaining her courteous smile as she replied:
"They're both doing well, and work is going smoothly."
"That's good. I hear so much about you from Rokka and Senya. I heard your novel was even mentioned in the news as a positive example—young readers are enjoying it a lot. Congratulations."
"Oh, it's nothing. I still have a long way to go compared to Senya."
"Don't say that, Senya. You've done a lot, too. Thank you for supporting Senya and helping him with his writing all that time. And Eriri as well—you two deserve a proper thank-you from me…"
Takanashi Junko's warm, casual manner left no trace of the formality one might expect from an elder. She said whatever came to mind.
Yet, as Senya's mother, there was a chance this could one day be the woman she would call "mom."
So Minamoto Senya remained meticulously polite, nodding in small gestures of compliance, covering her smile lightly with her hand when she laughed, and speaking softly throughout their conversation as they moved into the living room—a display of refined ladylike composure far from the usual cool and detached facade she typically wore.
Once they reached the living room, Senya felt the tension ease considerably.
Takanashi Toka, busy in the kitchen, looked up and smiled as she greeted her.
Finding the moment right, Senya explained the reason for her visit.
"This was brought over by Saeko. She said it's very delicious, and she hoped you'd try it."
She placed the gift box she had brought on the table.
"Oh, Saeko is far too polite. By the way, why didn't she come with you today?"
"She's currently the captain of the kendo club, so after school she has to handle club matters and prepare for upcoming competitions. Her schedule is really tight, so she couldn't come."
"Wow, becoming captain as a freshman is impressive."
As they spoke, Toka finished in the kitchen and came into the living room.
She had become very interested in cooking. After officially quitting gymnastics, she spent more time honing her culinary skills.
Not just for personal growth, but primarily to make sure her family ate well.
Senya, in particular, had several responsibilities, often with barely enough time to sleep. Proper nutrition was critical.
Toka glanced at the gift box and accurately identified its contents.
"It's dried abalone from Aomori Prefecture. These aren't cheap."
Junko looked surprised, "Really? That expensive?"
"Depending on the quality, five hundred grams would be around 150,000 to 200,000 yen," Toka replied matter-of-factly, giving a rough estimate of the gift's value.
"Wow, that's pricey," Junko murmured, holding little Chiyo in her arms.
"That's normal. Dried abalone weighs only about one-eighth to one-twelfth of its original fresh weight. So to make 500 grams of dried abalone, you'd need over four kilograms of fresh ones. Considering the time, craftsmanship, and product value, it's worth the price."
Junko gently patted Chiyo's head.
"This is so precious. We must properly thank Saeko and consider a return gift."
"I'll take care of it," Toka nodded approvingly. Then she looked at Senya.
"Thanks for coming, Senya. Since I knew you'd be here, I prepared a little extra food today. Let's eat together later."
Senya thanked her and accepted without hesitation—the purpose of her visit was exactly that.
Still, she wanted to offer to help, so she said toward the kitchen,
"I can help prepare lunch too."
Toka smiled and declined: "No need. Guests don't help in the kitchen."
In reality, she remembered how clumsy Senya and Eriri had been before—spilling rice, dropping eggshells in bowls, making a mess. Asking her to help would only create chaos.
Senya wisely didn't insist further.
She then opened another paper bag she had brought, revealing several adorable little outfits.
She had bought them with her mother at a children's clothing store specifically for Chiyo before visiting.
Since she had brought Saeko's gift, it seemed inappropriate not to bring a little something herself.
The three of them laughed and chatted around little Chiyo for a while.
Soon, Chiyo began poking her fingers toward her mouth.
Junko immediately understood.
"I'll feed this little one. She didn't nap much today; after she eats, she'll probably sleep a bit. You two keep chatting."
Senya nodded politely. Once Junko left, she asked Toka,
"Where's Rokka today?"
"She went with Senya after school for an interview. That girl… soon she'll be in high school, but she still insists on tagging along, always causing trouble," Toka said with a sigh.
"Rokka's well-meaning. She probably just wants to help Senya in whatever way she can," Senya said, smiling reassuringly.
Toka looked at Senya, glowing with intelligence and charm, and felt a pang of something she couldn't quite name.
How nice—it must be freeing to speak about someone you like so openly.
Suddenly, from the entrance came Rokka's energetic voice:
"We're home!"
"Ah, long time no see, Senya-nee."
"Long time, Rokka."
"Oh~ being in high school really suits you, Senya-nee. You look so mature and beautiful."
"Must be your imagination. I haven't changed much. These clothes are old too," Senya said, covering her mouth lightly with a smile.
A small lie—she had bought the outfit specifically for today, showered to avoid any sweat, and even polished her shoes. Of course, she wouldn't admit that outright.
"Rokka, your skin looks so smooth and soft, even cuter than before."
"Really noticed that? I've been using my sister's face masks before bed these past few days!"
Senya had a good relationship with Rokka. The girl immediately sat close on the sofa, chattering away.
Senya wasn't as touch-averse as Senya, but even so, she didn't like physical closeness with others—except Rokka, one of the rare exceptions.
Probably because she had spent so much time with Senya, she subconsciously kept herself clean and tidy. And, of course, she was Senya's little sister.
Toka, a step behind, looked at Senya and said, "They're back. I'll prepare dinner while you entertain Senya."
Rokka immediately asked, "What's for dinner, sis?"
Toka lazily replied, "You'll see later. Eat after homework first; don't stay up too late."
"Got it~" Rokka dragged the syllable, protesting in a playful tone.
"Yes, listen to your big sister. Do your homework first," she told Senya.
Toka raised her ladle playfully from the kitchen: "What do you mean, 'my order'? You're doing it for yourself. Don't think you can just laze around after graduation."
Her tone was gentle, but Rokka understood—Toka was giving her face in front of the guest.
She stuck out her tongue, wisely said nothing more, and scampered upstairs with her bag.
Senya approached the sofa but didn't sit. He watched the kitchen.
"Want me to help?"
"No need. Keep Senya company. I'll call you when dinner's ready."
The warmth between this family struck Senya as deeply comforting.
Her own family was loving and complete, but only she was a child—certainly not as lively as the Minamoto household.
But that was okay. Soon, she would become part of this lively family~
Senya, unaware of her thoughts, invited Senya upstairs.
The Hayakawa Science Fiction Award had begun, and he wanted Senya's feedback on the first of four completed novels and the second, which he had just finished but hadn't revised yet.
He wanted the perspective of a fellow novelist.
His intentions were serious—at least for now.
The Minamoto residence wasn't a huge villa, just a slightly larger, well-finished house near the city center.
The staircase to the second floor wasn't wide, just enough for normal use.
Alone, going up and down was comfortable; side-by-side, it felt a little cramped, bodies brushing the walls.
"How's the new school?"
"Other than some initial adjustment and a lot of annoying boys, it's fine. I heard from Toka that you had an interview today."
"Yes, a written interview… probably for a newspaper."
Whether intentional or not, as they walked up the stairs, Senya suddenly quickened her pace and stepped onto the stair before him.
From his position behind her, he could clearly see her fitted dress flowing with each step, her lace-trimmed black stockings revealing glimpses of soft, fair skin.
Senya thought himself no longer easily distracted by such sights, but even so, his throat went dry.
His gaze couldn't be controlled—honest, direct, as if she weren't an outsider, but someone close.
Not the usual tights today… but it suited her.
Her legs were perfect, and the lace trim at the stocking's edge hugged her soft skin tantalizingly.
No wonder she was celebrated as a "new-generation beautiful light novel author."
Even her earlier struggles at school now seemed natural.
Until this moment, they had maintained restraint.
That changed once they entered the room.
Senya set his bag on the desk, loosened his tie, and unbuttoned two shirt buttons.
He swore to the ceiling that it wasn't anything suggestive—just the heat and the need to breathe.
"Senya, since you're here, can you take a look at my novel—"
Click.
As he sat at his desk, Senya opened his computer.
Senya quietly closed the door behind her, hands behind her back, retreating slowly until her back pressed against the door.
When he looked at her, she offered a soft, innocent smile, a subtle effort to restrain some hidden emotion.