Haruki wiggled his eyebrows playfully with a cheeky grin.
"Someone was talking about 'don't break character'" he mimicked her earlier serious tone perfectly, his voice rising in a playful imitation. "But who was the first one to drop the act, hmm?"
She bit her lower lip, her cheeks flushing pink, and started slapping Haruki's arm repeatedly, while Haruki defended himself with his other arm, laughing as he tried to block her attacks.
"Not fair! You're using both hands!" Haruki chuckled, still trying to shield himself.
Kyouko kept swatting at him, leaning forward in her assault until she lost her balance. With a surprised yelp, she tumbled forward, landing right on top of him on the couch, her body pressed against his.
She started pinching Haruki's chest repeatedly while biting her lower lip hard in frustration, though his solid chest muscles made it difficult for her to get a proper grip. "Cheeky! Brat! Making fun of your mother!"
"Ow ow! Mom!!!" Haruki tried to gently swat her hands away while laughing, his body shaking beneath her. "That tickles more than hurts!"
Kyouko finally stopped, breathing slightly heavily from the exertion, her cheeks flushed and her hair slightly messy from the struggle. She was still straddling him, her skirt riding up her thighs.
"You... you cheeky boy..." she huffed.
Haruki grinned up at her, his hands coming to rest lightly on her hips. "You started it~"
Kyouko quickly scrambled off him, smoothing her skirt. "Hmmph! Just... just remember to message properly later!"
Haruki watched her head to the kitchen and smiled.
I will... don't worry. Since I want you to be happy.
She already made a hint about the places. Little cafe near the park with the garden view, huh?
So she really wants to go there... if I'm not mistaken, I did hear her mention it once to Father, but Father said he was busy with work. And she never went there at all.
But I do wonder, if Father doesn't want to bring her there, why not go alone?
Haruki rubbed his chin... and then his eyes widened as he realized.
Ah... she always gets lost in new places, perhaps because of what happened during the summer festival when I was 11, when she got lost and I had to find her crying. After that, she never wanted to go anywhere unfamiliar without someone to accompany her.
Haruki glanced at Kyouko, who was tucking her hair behind her ear while cutting ingredients for dinner.
Why not just ask me to accompany her before? If she really wanted to go, she could have just asked me.
Ah... right... I was always at college and only came home once or twice a month, depending on my class schedule and whether I had group projects or exams. And when I was home, she probably didn't want to "bother" me, thinking I needed to rest or wanted to spend time with my own friends.
Haruki's expression softened. She's always thinking about not being a burden to anyone, even when she wants something so simple.
Well... now I get to bring her there. And everywhere else she's ever wanted to go.
Even if we weren't doing this roleplay, I want to bring her anywhere she would enjoy.
This is the reason I came home the moment summer holiday started. While other students stayed in their dorms or went traveling with friends, I packed my bag right after my last exam and took the first train home. I didn't even wait for the closing ceremony.
Since Kajima is busy with his girl. But I do wonder why he never wants to introduce his girl to me? We've been best friends since we were small.
Haruki shrugged. Well... perhaps he's shy, or scared I'll take his girl~
Haruki smiled, opening his new phone and starting to check online for places she'd mentioned to his father before.
Hmm... there are so many events happening this summer.
I could take her to Karuizawa to see the Shiraito Waterfall. Or to Kamikochi in the Japanese Alps, where we could walk trails with breathtaking views of the Hotaka mountains reflected in crystal-clear rivers.
Maybe the art islands of Naoshima and Teshima, where modern installations blend with traditional landscapes. She'd love the quiet beauty there, and we could rent bicycles to explore together.
Hmm? Oh! Jogasaki Coast in Izu, with its suspension bridge over crashing waves and coastal walking paths through lush greenery. Hehe... can't wait to see her reaction! Though she might be scared of heights... I'll have to hold her hand tight on that bridge.
And of course, the summer festivals. The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival in Tokyo, where thousands of fireworks paint the sky over the river. The Nagaoka Festival with its legendary phoenix fireworks. Cant wait to see her in those kimono.
If we had time, we could even go to Kyoto for Gion Matsuri or Osaka for Tenjin Matsuri, though those would require overnight trips. Well... I wonder how I could take her there without raising suspicion. Maybe I could say I won a trip through a university contest or something...
Haruki's fingers scrolled through photos and reviews, his mind already picturing Kyouko's face lighting up at each place. He bookmarked hotels with good reviews, noted train schedules, checked which places would be less crowded on weekdays.
She's been looking at travel magazines for years, pointing at photos and saying "isn't this beautiful?" while Father just grunted and turned the page.
There are so many places I could bring her. For me, money isn't a problem.
This summer, I'll take her to every place she's ever dreamed of seeing.
"Haruki?"
Kyouko called for him from the kitchen and looked at the living room where Haruki was too focused on his phone.
"Haruki!?" Kyouko called again, but no response.
Mou! This son of mine!
She turned off the stove and gracefully walked toward Haruki, who was too focused on his phone.
"Haruki!!!" Kyouko raised her voice a bit, huffing and puffing her cheeks with both hands on her hips.
Haruki glanced up and saw her adorable mad face, her eyes narrowed and her full lips pursed in a pout.
"Yes, Mom?"
"I've been calling you! What are you so focused on that phone!? Hmm?" Kyouko tried to peek, but Haruki pulled his phone away.
"I'm researching how to chat with the 'girl' I met at the 'library' earlier."
"Oh? Really? Hmm? Not watching porn?"
"Heh... do you think I'm that kind of pervert?" Haruki chuckled and closed his phone, looking at her. "What do you want, Mom?"
"Come to the kitchen and help me get some spices from the upper cabinet." Kyouko turned and walked toward the kitchen.
"Uhu~ shortie~"
"Haruki!!!!" Kyouko chased him again. Haruki laughed as Kyouko managed to catch him and pinch him again, enjoying her playful anger and the way her eyes sparkled with life.
I'm really happy to see her like this~
( End Of Chapter )