Chapter 229: Return Home, and Welcome (1/2)

After karaoke, Amane left Itsuki and the others, and dragged his somewhat tired body home.

Shuuto and Shihoko were already at his place as he had agreed beforehand, and they welcomed Amane and Mahiru with smiles.

“Welcome back. You’re not going to continue celebrating with your friends?”

“I’m worried that we’re stay too late. I don’t want Mahiru to be out there so late at night even though I’m with her, and she did prepare dinner.”

It was a little unnatural that his mother welcomed him home even though he lived alone. The same scenario happened back at his hometown however, and it felt nostalgic.

Mahiru was seemingly accustomed to this for some reason, and accepted this situation. Perhaps it was because she was grateful for what happened over summer vacation, but she seemed elated to see Shihoko, and that was enough to justify his parent’s trip here.

She spoke with Shihoko with a calm expression, and Amane passed her by, headed to his room to get changed. Mahiru had gotten changed in her own house beforehand, and returned to Amane’s place. After he passed through the entrance, Mahiru removed her shoes as usual, and went to the living room with Shihoko.

Amane randomly chose a shirt from the closet, got changed, and went to the living room. He could not see Mahiru there, and the flax-colored hair dangled at the living room.

“Anyway, how about your dinner, mom?”

“We had dinner outside. It was a sudden visit, and I did inform Mahiru-chan ealier.”

“We wanted to stay at a hotel and not disturb you two.”

“Thanks for the concern. I’ll be staying over at Mahiru’s place though.”

There was one more activity for him, to stay over at Mahiru’s place. This might be more important to him than the cultural festival. It was normal for them to not be disturbed, since they were usually alone together.

Shihoko seemed enthused once she heard that he was staying over.

“Oh yes, you did mention that in the day. Staying over tonight?”

“…That’s right. You can sleep around at home.”

“Oh my oh my, heheheh.”

“…What’s with this laugh?”

“Nothing. I’m just guessing that Mahiru-chan will be looking forward to it.”

“Nope, impossible. And don’t poke your nose into your son’s relationship.”

Even if they were going to spend the night together, Mahiru might be all the more anxious if he did anything. Amane did not show it, but he was being more tense than her. He never entered a girl’s room before, let alone his girlfriend’s.