Chapter 135: The Old Scenery (1/2)

“Have you locked the door and windows?”

“I did that while you’re looking, right?”

Amane heard Mahiru remind like a teacher at his own corridor, and smiled wryly.

Mahiru usually would not talk this much, but she probably reminded him out of worry, since they would not be home for a long time.

They would visit Amane’s hometown for two weeks from so, starting from this day. Mahiru was worried if anything would happen during this period.

“I did, but I am asking just in case.”

“Right right right. You didn’t forget anything, right?”

“No. I have delivered the necessary luggage, and I did check through my handheld items this morning. I have locked my door and windows, and checked through everything from your trash to the freezer. Please do not worry.”

“Thank you for going all out with this.”

It was almost impossible to carry two weeks worth of luggage over, so they had them delivered by courier, and did not omit anything. Mahiru did drop by to clear Amane’s house, and the latter really could not lift his head towards her.

Feeling grateful that she would notice such minor details, he took Mahiru’s bag off her hands, and held her palm.

She blinked, “This is what I like about you.” and said bashfully, holding his hand.

Amane’s hometown was an hour’s ride on the Shinkansen.

They sat on the seats they booked,  chatted happily as they enjoyed the scenery, and soon after, the Shinkansen arrived at its destination.

It had merely been a year since he last saw the scenery that was the train station, but he felt strangely nostalgic. At the same time, he held Mahiru’s hand, and went to the gathering spot they agreed of.

“So this is your hometown, Amane-kun.”

“Yeah. We need to take another train ride though, or a car. I’m still not home yet.”

The Shinkansen was merely a major station for them to alight at. In fact, the journey would require a little more time.

Shihoko, who had time, would be the one to welcome Amane back, so he accepted her goodwill. One could say that she had a simple reason of wanting to meet Mahiru as soon as possible though.

He went over to the big pillar by the ticket gantry, where most people would gather, and spotted his mother far away.

It was still embarrassing for them to hold hands in front of his mother, so he let go of her hand. Mahiru seemed a little disappointed, and so he hastily patted her back.

I haven’t told them we’re dating yet. Please forgive me.

It was already a habit for them to hold hands, and they would always unwittingly do so. He had to take note of this at his old home.

Mahiru seemed a little reluctant, but appeared to understand once she saw Shihoko, and regained her usual expression.

Shihoko too appeared to have noticed them; she made a cheerful, likable smile as she approached.

“It has been been a while.”

“Well well, Mahiru-chan, welcome! You really came here!”

Well, that’s mom for ya. Amane noted wryly, for the first thing Shihoko did was to greet Mahiru.

Mahiru was a little taken aback by Shihoko’s vigor as they had not met in a while, but she bowed her head with a graceful smile and gesture.

“Thank you for your invitation. It is rare to have a family reunion, and I am intruding…”