Lonely Me And The Lonely Caring Goddess - Chapter 279: Mayumi-san, as Teasing as Ever.

Mayumi-san, as Teasing as Ever.

Today marked the weekly dinner gathering at the Satsukawa household.

However, with the school festival preparations in full swing, the student council duties had grown exceptionally demanding, inevitably pushing our return time later than usual.

In such circumstances, it was only natural that Mayumi-san would go ahead and prepare dinner on her own…

“Sara-chan, we’re short a few items. Could I trouble you to run to the store?”

“In that case, why not have Mother go shopping instead? I can take over the cooking in her place.”

“Oh, come on now. I’ve already done most of it— that’s hardly fair, is it?”

“I believe I made it clear that I would be the one preparing Kazunariu-san’s meals.”

“If you started cooking only after getting home at this hour, Kazunariu-kun would end up starving, wouldn’t he?”

“Since we’re at home, I could have prepped everything in the morning, so there would be no issue.”

“Haa… But that would mean we couldn’t have our family dinner at all…”

Mayumi-san let out a deep, weary sigh as she gazed at Sara-san.

This was something I’d felt for a while now, but as expected of a real mother and daughter, Sara-san held nothing back. She spoke her mind bluntly and without reservation.

It was a side of her quite different from her usual demeanor, and in its own way, I found it rather enjoyable.

Yet for Sara-san, who harbored an extraordinary attachment to preparing my meals, her true feelings remained consistent: she didn’t want anyone else to do it—not even her own mother. This wasn’t mere jest; it was genuine, which was precisely why Mayumi-san couldn’t simply laugh it off.

“Goodness… Fine, I understand. So, what exactly do I need to buy?”

“Let’s see…”

Mayumi-san quickly listed the necessary items for the yielding Sara-san while preparing the money. From the sound of it, they were mostly seasonings—nothing particularly significant.

To be perfectly honest, it struck me as quite unusual for Mayumi-san to forget something while shopping. At least from what I knew, I’d never heard of such a thing happening, and imagining “that Mayumi-san” making such a mistake simply didn’t fit her image.

Well, that might just be my own preconceived notion.

“Kazunari-san, please forgive me. I’ll have to step out for a short while.”

“Huh? No, I’ll come with you.”

I knew it wasn’t far, but given that I hadn’t helped with anything at all, leaving Sara-san to go shopping alone felt utterly unacceptable.

If anything, I could go in her stead.

“No, that really won’t be necessary. I’ll be back in no time.”

“Kazunari-kun, just relax and stay here.”

Pressed by both of them in a persuasive tone, the atmosphere left me with little choice but to comply. It was only a quick errand for a few items—insisting on going along might come off as odd.

That said… though I hated to put it this way, it was rather convenient. There was something I wanted to discuss with Mayumi-san…

I’d originally thought contacting RAIN would suffice, but this presented a perfect opportunity.

In that sense, perhaps I should graciously accept their kindness and stay put.

“Understood. Sorry about this, Sara-san.”

“Not at all—I’ll truly be back shortly, so please make yourself comfortable, Kazunari-san. I’ll be off, then.”

With a gentle smile, Sara-san gave a polite bow before heading out the door.

Whether to the shopping district or the convenience store, it was close enough that she could return in about ten minutes… Which meant I should hurry and…

“Now then, we don’t have much time, so shall we get to our talk?”

“…Mayumi-san?”

Hmm?

Could it be that Mayumi-san had something she wanted to discuss with me as well?

If so, my matter could wait until I contacted RAIN, and I’d prioritize hers…

“Nfufu~ You have something to talk about with your mother-in-law, don’t you?”

“Eh!?”

“We’d better hurry, or we’ll run out of time. It’s about Sara-chan, isn’t it? Something you wanted to ask?”

This… No doubt about it—she’d deliberately sent Sara-san shopping to make it easier for me to speak.

That explained why she’d suddenly claimed to have forgotten items, something so uncharacteristic of her.

I couldn’t help but nod in understanding at that part, but how on earth had she noticed that I had something to consult her about? That part eluded me completely.

“Come on, come on—we don’t have time for unnecessary thoughts. If it’d help you talk more comfortably, your mother-in-law could always hold you in her lap? No, actually, talking while being held might be far more efficient…”

“No, this is fine. In fact, it’s easier to talk like this.”

“…Honestly, Kazunari-kun, you’re such a tease.”

With that, Mayumi-san adorably puffed out her cheeks.

To think she was nearly the same age as my own mother back home—it was nothing short of astonishing. Though it was hardly news at this point, she was far too youthful…

Still, her perpetual love for jokes—or rather, her delight in teasing me—remained unchanged.

…It was a joke, right?

She couldn’t possibly be serious, could she?

“Nfufu~♪”

Mayumi-san responded to my suspicion with a meaningful smile.

What exactly did that mean…? No, dwelling on it would only lead to defeat. Time was short—I’d ignore it and press on with the conversation.

………………..

……….

…

Given how late we’d returned, it wasn’t long before Masomi-san arrived home.

He’d apparently just heard from Mayumi-san that “since the two of them are coming today, Masomi-san, you absolutely mustn’t work overtime,” so it was truly a case of “speak of the devil.”

“Dinner will be ready very soon.”

“I’ll at least prepare one dish myself.”

“Yes, yes. Really now… You get so worked up the moment it involves Kazunari-kun. If you don’t learn to relax a little, he’ll have a hard time, you know?”

“No, I’m happy about it, so it’s no trouble at all. In fact, knowing Sara-san cares for me that deeply makes me feel truly blessed.”

“Yes♪ I’m glad you’re willing to accept it, Kazunari-san.”

This was no empty flattery—it was nothing less than my honest feelings.

When it came to Sara-san’s affection, I had no response other than happiness and gratitude. No matter what others might think, we were simply ourselves.

“Oh my, oh my—we’re being treated to some lovey-dovey talk. You two are as close as ever… aren’t you, Masomi-san?”

“W-Well, it’s good that things are going smoothly between them… yeah.”

There was no lie in his words, I’m sure, but Masomi-san’s smile seemed somehow forced. Stories of fathers struggling with their daughters’ relationships were common enough online—this wasn’t something I should pry into.

Besides, I had no intention of flaunting affection in front of Sara-san’s parents, but somehow things always flowed that way. It was unavoidable—pure force majeure.

………………..

……….

…

The warm, harmonious dinner concluded pleasantly. Sara-san and Mayumi-san cleared up in the kitchen while I sat side-by-side with Masomi-san on the sofa, enjoying a relaxed post-meal tea time.

Tea time alone with her father… Under normal circumstances, the tension might have been unbearable, but for me now, it posed no issue. In fact, I felt closer to Masomi-san than to my own biological father.

“Kazunari-kun, I’m sorry to ask again, but would you mind helping with some part-time work? It shouldn’t be too much yet, so it won’t take long.”

I’d sensed Masomi-san wanting to bring something up for a while.

I’d briefly braced myself, wondering if there was new trouble regarding the engagement… but it was just the part-time job. I felt a quiet relief.

“Roger that. Actually, I’d help even without it being paid work. Leave it to me.”

Though it was merely organizing documents, being asked by someone I respected like Masomi-san didn’t feel bad at all. Knowing I could be of some use brought a subtle sense of joy.

“No, I’m glad you say that, but these things need to be done properly. Besides, I’d like to keep relying on you in the future. That’s why I insist you accept compensation.”

“…Understood. Thank you. In any case, I’ll take the job.”

If Masomi-san felt that way, further refusal on my part would only be rude. I’d graciously accept. Plus, with plans to shop for the Miss Contest, and Christmas and New Year’s approaching, the extra funds would be genuinely appreciated.

“Thank you. I’m counting on you.”

“Masomi-san, have you finished talking with Kazunari-kun?”

It seemed the cleanup was done; Mayumi-san and Sara-san returned to the sofa, carrying a tray with fresh teacups.

Sara-san glanced over with something on her mind… No, she was looking at Masomi-san, not me.

“Ah, yes—he agreed to the part-time work. By the way, Sara… why exactly are you glaring at me?”

“That’s my designated seat, so Father, please return to your own?”

Ah, I see.

I hadn’t consciously chosen this spot, but the seat to my right was Sara-san’s reserved place.

Knowing this, Masomi-san stood with a slightly forlorn expression and moved, only for Sara-san to swiftly take his place. Watching the exchange, Mayumi-san let out soft, amused giggles.

…Hmm. How peaceful.

“Kazunari-san, you’re taking on part-time work? If you need money, I have some set aside that I could—”

“Eh!? No, that’s not—”

“Sara-chan.”

“…My apologies. I spoke out of turn. In that case, on the days you work, I’ll come here as well.”

Phew, saved.

It was clichéd, but the money was for a separate purpose—including a gift for Sara-san—so I couldn’t exactly say that. Coming up with a casual excuse was tricky; I didn’t have anything personal I desperately needed to buy, and for a moment, I panicked over how to explain it.

Mayumi-san’s single interjection had quieted Sara-san in a rather telling way, but for now, I was simply grateful.

“Yes, yes! Sara will be coming home too!! In that case, I’ll adjust my schedule around those days—”

“Father, please keep to your usual routine. My returning is solely to care for Kazunari-san.”

“Sara-chan, you really don’t have to push yourself that hard. You can leave Kazunari-kun to me this time as well.”

“No, thank you! In any case, I have no intention of entrusting the care of Kazunari-san’s daily needs to anyone—not even to you, Mother.”

These exchanges between Sara-san and Mayumi-san had gradually become something of a tradition—a part of everyday life.

Sara-san aside, Mayumi-san still loved teasing us, or perhaps it was simply her playful nature… Yet there was something subtly unfair about how easily she earned forgiveness. It was probably quite troublesome for Sara-san in particular.

“Speaking of which, Kazunari-kun—I’m borrowing Sara-chan this coming Sunday, all right?”

“Eh? Uh… Ah, yes! Of course. Understood.”

The sudden shift caught me off guard, and for a moment I didn’t grasp what she meant.

But when Mayumi-san gave me a quick wink, I immediately realized she was following up on the matter I’d consulted her about earlier.

I hadn’t gone into that much detail, but she was kindly reading the situation.

“I’m sorry, Kazunari-san. Mother can be quite persistent, so we’ll be going out for some shopping.”

“Not at all. You always handle everything around the house, so please take the chance to relax a bit with your mother.”

“The time I spend caring for you, Kazunari-san, is when my heart feels most at ease… To be honest, being with this mother of mine is—”

“Honestly, Sara-chan, that’s awful. Besides, we’re going to buy things for you, aren’t we?”

Hearing her say that being with me was best made me incredibly happy, but the casual dig at Mayumi-san was rather telling. Still, if I weren’t around, Mayumi-san probably wouldn’t tease so much, and the two seemed to get along just fine as parent and child.

“I don’t particularly think I need anything. And if something is truly necessary, I can buy it myself…”

“No, that’s not acceptable. Your sizes are starting to not fit anymore, aren’t they? And we have to consider Kazunari-kun’s preferences too.”

“That’s why you say things like that!?”

Sizes!?

No, I had no idea what they were talking about… yeah.

So please, whatever you do, don’t bring the conversation over here…

“A woman should pay attention to elegance even in the unseen details. Unlike before, the current Sara-chan should understand that much, right?”

“Well… I suppose.”

“And that’s why… Kazunari-kun, which do you prefer—cute ones, bold ones, or simple ones? Or perhaps something more daring…”

“Mother!!!!”

Sara-san’s face flushed faintly as she grew flustered, trying to cover Mayumi-san’s mouth.

Seeing that expression made my heart skip a beat for an instant… but calm down, stay calm.

…Alright, I’m fine.

In any case, I genuinely had no idea what this conversation was about. So I couldn’t possibly answer whatever was being asked, nor could I imagine anything at all.

…That said, though it was probably to distract Sara-san, I wished she wouldn’t steer toward such risqué topics… I was trying my best here…

“Doesn’t Sara-chan want to match Kazunari-kun’s tastes?”

“That… well… I do want to…”

Sara-san murmured softly, then glanced at my face—her own cheeks crimson—before shyly looking down.

So cute!!!!!

Way too cute!!!!!

But please spare me from this topic!!!!!

And Masomi-san is terrifying, so I can’t even look at him!!!!!

“Good, that’s honest of you. So, Kazunari-kun, tell us your preferences?”

“N-No, I…”

This was bad. Even though I supposedly didn’t know what was being asked, mysterious heat was rising to my face…

“Ufufufufu… Kazunari-kun is adorable… Ah, no, I mustn’t. I have to hold back…”

Mayumi-san muttered something ominous while subtly squirming. Why did I suddenly feel a twinge of danger?

“Mother.”

“Nn, y-yes, Kazunari-kun. This is also for Sara-chan’s sake, you see. So please answer without holding back.”

“Ehhh…”

This had escalated beyond mere joking.

Mayumi-san showed no signs of stopping until she got an answer, and despite her protests, Sara-san seemed to be waiting for my response in her own way.

What should I do…

***

“Nfufu~… Then it’s settled for Sunday.”

In the end, unable to go against the flow, I was forced to give my own answer.

And what did I choose, you ask?

That’s obviously a secret.

No, but thinking about it carefully, I still didn’t know specifically what the conversation had been about.

Sara-san had merely murmured “Understood” with a slightly embarrassed air.

So surely, this had been about casual clothes. It had to be.

“Ahem!! Well… you know, Kazunari-kun… I trust you, okay?”

Haa… This was exactly why I hadn’t wanted to bring it up.

I couldn’t help resent Mayumi-san’s evident amusement.

But at least this secured time on Sunday…

In any case, now that it was decided, I needed to contact them tonight without delay. The ones who’d agreed to accompany me shopping were Hayato and Yūji… I’d actually invited Natsumi-senpai too, but she had a practice match. And… one more person.