The Kansai Villain’s Rebirth: I Accidentally Ended Up With a Harem. - Chapter 60: A Kansai Boy—Bowing His Head To Ask For Forgiveness.

A Kansai Boy—Bowing His Head To Ask For Forgiveness.

I hurried down to the living room with Mio-chan. Her mother was waiting for us with an almost terrifyingly cheerful smile, giggling “Ufufufu…” like something straight out of a horror movie.

“Come, come, sit down! Tonight’s a feast〜♪”

“Whoa…”

Incredible. A mountain of karaage. Potato salad. And for some reason—nikujaga too. Everything looked insanely delicious. My eyes locked especially onto the nikujaga. When I sat down, Mio-chan slid into the seat right beside me, flashing a cheerful smile the moment our eyes met. Too cute. Way too cute.

“I’m back〜”

Mio-san’s father arrived home. H-holy… he’s handsome. But he gives off this calm, gentle aura.

“Welcome home, Dad!”

“Dear, you must be tired. I’ll serve dinner right away, okay?”

“Ah, thanks. Oh? Do we have a guest?”

“Nice to meet you! My name is Tennouji Daiki!”

“How polite of you. I’m Akitani Keigo. Pleasure to meet you, Tennouji-kun.”

“He’s my very important person!”

“Ahh, I see… Darling, could you make some tea, please?”

Her father’s hand shook so violently while holding the teacup that it rattled. Uh… maybe I really shouldn’t be here. But after being welcomed this far, leaving without eating would be rude to her mother…

“Oh my, forgive me. I’m Kaede. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Daiki-kun♪”

“Daiki…-kun? Even you Kaede…?”

Her father’s hands were trembling even faster. The tea was about to spill.

“Itadakimasu…”

“Eat as much as you like!”

“Mom’s cooking is the best!”

I took a bite of karaage. Delicious!? The outside crisp—inside unbelievably juicy… the more I chewed, the more flavor poured out… I wanted beer—wait, I’m underage. Nope. Not allowed.

“This is amazing…”

“I’m glad〜! Come on, eat up!”

“Daiki-kun, this piece looks big and tasty! Here, say ‘ahh’!”

“A-ahh…”

“Oh my♪”

“Hahaha… young love is something else.”

So good. I could eat these forever. But Mio-chan feeding me in front of her parents… embarrassing. And now she’s feeding me potato salad too. Ah—this is good. Fluffy potatoes, crunchy onion… perfect.

“Ohhh…”

But the thing that had my heart the most… the nikujaga. It had been so long. My mom used to make it often in my past life. During my rebellious phase, I gave her such a hard time—pretending I didn’t want food she made, even though I did. Later, I tried cooking it myself but could never recreate her taste. I stopped trying… and I hadn’t eaten nikujaga since. Until now.

“Daiki-kun?”

“Ah… yeah. I’ll try it.”

I braced myself and took a bite. Soft potatoes steeped in broth. Sweet onions that melted on my tongue. Shirataki noodles… tender beef that filled each bite with flavor… Nostalgic… It tasted just like my mom’s nikujaga. Mom… are you doing okay? I… probably died. What happened to you? I’m sorry, Mom…

“Daiki-kun…!”

Mio-chan hugged me tight. Without realizing it, tears had fallen. The nostalgia… and the flavor… it all overflowed. And Mio-chan’s kindness made it hit even deeper.

***

“Oh dear, this won’t do. I can’t be the one to win over his stomach. Mio should be the one to do that properly.”

“Mom…”

“Sorry, the food was just so good I ended up crying.”

“No no, it’s just like Mio said. Crying because it’s delicious… how adorable! Maybe I should run for girlfriend too?”

“Mom!? No way!”

“Haha, dear, your mother’s jokes are lethal.”

Sir, the tea is spilling.

“Mom! Teach me how to make nikujaga in detail! Please!”

“Of course, dear〜! Make sure you keep a firm hold on Daiki-kun!”

“Okay!”

Why do both Mio-chan and Kaede-san look like predators locking onto prey…? I focused on eating to distract myself. But they were both smiling happily.

***

“Thank you so much for the meal… It was truly delicious.”

“What a wonderful appetite, dear. It felt good just watching you eat.”

“Daiki-kun, did you eat too much?”

“No, I’m fine. But I’m definitely full.”

“Hehe, I’m glad♪”

“Daiki-kun, come eat with us anytime. You’re always welcome♪”

“Thank you very much.”

“You’re already like a son to us! Truly, no need to hold back here!”

“Mom…!”

Kaede-san is really intense… but since she said I shouldn’t hesitate… maybe I’ll visit again. At the same time…

“Keigo-san. Kaede-san, may I have a moment?”

“Daiki-kun?”

“Hmm? What’s on your mind?”

I prepared myself to be punched or scolded. This was about Mio-chan.

“A little earlier, Mio-chan and I had a talk… and we discovered that our feelings are mutual. We’d like to start dating.”

“Oh my!”

“Ohh…?”

“Daiki-kun!”

“I believe being invited here tonight is also a sign of fate. So please… allow me to properly ask: may I have your permission to date Mio-san? I will protect her from any harm. I will make her happy. Please—grant me your blessing!”

“Daiki-kun! Mom, Dad! I’m asking as well! I want to be happy together with Daiki-kun! I love him! I don’t just like him—I love him with all my heart!!!”

As I bowed deeply, Mio-chan bowed with me. Her feelings made me incredibly happy. That’s why I wanted her parents’ approval.

“Daiki-kun, Mio… lift your heads.”

“Yes…”

“Dear?”

“Yes… Daiki-kun. Your feelings for Mio came through loud and clear. Since Mother is already this fond of you, I don’t have anything to object to. All I ask is… make our daughter happy.”

“Oh my! My heart skipped a beat! Daiki-kun, take good care of our daughter.”

“…th-thank you very much!!!”

“Daiki-kun! Thank you…! Let’s be happy together!”

And just like that, we became an officially approved couple — recognized by her parents. I guess I should tell my mom and dad too…

“Hehe♪ You reminded me of Keigo back in the day! My heart fluttered! Hey, Keigo… how about we take a bath together later?”

“K-Kaede-chan… We can, but… remember the children are still here…”

“Fufufu! Mio! Go all-out, okay? But be sure to use protection! You’re still students!”

“Eh!? I-I will…!”

This mom… is terrifying. Is that also considered “approval”…? Did she just casually talk about nighttime activities!? Hopefully Mio-chan didn’t hear that…

The Akitani household… would be terrifying to make enemies with. But maybe that’s exactly why, in the original story, they would’ve disowned her if she was mistreated. They’re kind, but firm. That’s why Mio-san grew up so well. I need to make sure I never do anything careless.

***

“Thank you again for today. Please give my regards to your parents.”

“Mm! Thank you too. Daiki-kun, let’s keep taking care of each other from now on.”

“Yes. I’m counting on you.”

I hugged Mio-chan. She looked so happy and leaned in for a kiss. So I kissed her back. This adorable, affectionate girl… And Shina-chan too — I need to make sure they both stay happy.

“Well then, I’ll get going.”

“Yeah! See you tomorrow, Daiki-kun!”

“Right. See ya tomorrow.”

We hugged once more. I stored the memory of Mio-chan’s softness firmly in my arms. She waved with a bright smile as I headed home.