Auntie, can I ask about what happened after I left yesterday? Even though it turned out to be a misunderstanding, I also couldnt help but get worried when I heard it from Mina earlier.

To get a clearer view of what actually happened, I raised that to Auntie Yayoi moments after the call with Mina ended.

Feeling guilty over such a thought was kind of hilarious in a way but outside of my complex perspective wherein my girls accepted each other, its probably something to be guilty about. Its definitely fine to fantasize like that. For sure, the other girls were also thinking the same thing at times. The difference is Auntie Yayoi wore it on her face. Hence, Mina misunderstood.

It took a good while to hear her response. Shes confused by Minas last sentence, after all. But thats fine, we both had the time.

In the meantime, I used the moment to reorganize my thoughts. I started considering telling her about my whole past and the complex relationship she had gotten in.

Even though Ayu accepted it rather easily last night, the same couldnt be said for Auntie Yayoi. If she could be guilty of such silly thoughts, I fear that her reaction would be worse if she found out that I wasnt as great a guy as she made me out to be in her mind. Her tragic past was also a factor. She might just stop trusting men once and for all

My choice was between trying the slow approach, gradually telling her about it in a way that she could digest it properly, and dropping everything all at once, leaving her distraught by the revelation for days to come.

Right.

The latter would be the worst thing to do. As for the former, while its acceptable, it might still lead to the same conclusion

Thats why Ill stop the mindset of having to do it by myself. I will be needing Minas help. And together, we will try to convince her.

At the same time as I reached that decision, Auntie Yayois expression reverted to its previous state.

While there was still a hint of guilt from it, she lightly nodded. She then lifted her body to sit down next to me and lean her head on my shoulder. Following that, she took deep breaths and held my hand before starting.

Like I asked her, Auntie Yayoi began her recollection of what she did after I stepped out of the house.

Its actually within my expectation. She spent some time just thinking over what happened. Determining if that was a dream or not. Upon being convinced that it was real, she checked on Mina who returned to her bed to rest. There, the mother and daughter had another heart-to-heart talk but the core of it was me.

Minas understanding of her mother was naturally better than mine in certain aspects. Due to that, she managed to tackle the things that would trouble her mother the most. For example, she told her not to fret and act naturally around me. Because even if our relationship made a jump, theres no changing that shes Minas mother and I still respect her a lot.

Mi-chan said that shes a little jealous of me but at the same time, very happy. The smile she made was the same smile I saw years ago when she made a present for my birthday in the form of a written poem. Before our life turned upside down. Auntie Yayois voice cracked a little as she said that.

I checked on her and noticed her becoming teary-eyed while having her best smile. Even though the past still haunts her, Auntie Yayoi was already living in the present. And for her, its still Minas well-being first before hers.

So, yes. Thats the reason why she felt really guilty when the particular thought that she was better than her daughter made her feel guilty.

Its a little underwhelming but thats totally understandable.

Without interrupting Auntie Yayoi, I reached for her face and caressed it, wiping away the drop of tear that was about to fall. She appreciated that by kissing me on my cheek before continuing.

Soon, Auntie Yayoi finally arrived at what happened last night, the time she entered Minas room which brought about this situation. It was as she told me earlier.

She couldnt sleep last night so she joined Mina in bed. It was a mix of bad timing and overreaction on Auntie Yayois part that Mina caught her reeling in guilt.

And that continued until earlier before Mina left, Auntie failed to properly tell Mina the reason for her guilt. Hence, the girl turned to me for help.

I understand now Thank you for telling me everything, Auntie. Now let me just say one thing regarding that.

I put a little energy in my voice to lift our mood a little. And sensing that, Auntie Yayoi turned her head to me and put on a bright and lovely expression.

Being guilty is fine but lets solve the misunderstanding as soon as possible, alright?

Y-yeah. Thats my bad.

No. Its my bad. I shouldve checked on you again earlier. But hey, its all good. I got a proper reason to visit you. Although its in bad taste to own the fault again, I quickly changed the topic so her mind wouldnt linger on it any longer.

Auntie Yayoi became speechless for a moment before lightly slapping my arm. Oh You, naughty boy! I know what youre doing.

Really? I put on a straight face, acting oblivious. But thats ineffective.

Yes. Youre really too mature and maybe youre too much of an expert at handling a woman. You took another angle on how I can rest my mind, right?

Ah. I got caught, huh?

Since I couldnt deny all of that, I willingly played into it.

Red-handed. But Onoda-kun, this is what I like about you. I became attracted to you because of that trait.

After confessing that, Auntie Yayoi adorably stretched her arms out to me.

And using a sweet voice, she endearingly asked me, I heard Mi-chan is always pampered by you. Can I ask for the same treatment?

Maybe not the first time, but this was a moment where the woman couldnt help but act not according to her age.

Uh Im wondering if youre the same Auntie Yayoi that greeted me from the kitchen the first time that I showed up here. Do you have a twin, Auntie? I jokingly said.

Yeah. The Auntie Yayoi from back then might be a woman who loves to tease her daughter but she was too warm and graceful. Now, I feel like Im with the younger version of herself. The one that hasnt experienced that tragic past yet. A little playful on the outside but very sweet on the inside.

And yep, this wasnt bad in any way.

Auntie Yayoi pouted and said, Ive closed myself back for years. Not entertaining any men thats interested in me. Now that I have you, Im going to get back all of those years Will you allow me to?

Yeah. Looks like my guess was on point once again. Trying to get back on all those years that she ignored men, huh?

Obviously, rejecting that was out of my options.

Why wont I? Feel free to do so, Auntie. And I Ill make sure that you wont regret it.

It mightve sounded like lip service at the moment but I was still hoping that when I finally told her everything about me, she would be able to say the same thing she said today.

And with this, not only did I get a clear understanding of what was going on in her head after what happened yesterday, but we also got our first moment together. Outside of their bathroom.