Thanks to Hanas persuasive abilities, her aunt lent us her ear for the next few minutes without interrupting us. Although I wouldnt claim that we told her every detail about ourselves, we provided her with a version of our story that highlighted the positive aspects of our relationship. Its like we pruned the tree that I grew and only left behind one branch which was my time with her.

For example, instead of claiming that I was driven by my desire to steal her when I first approached her, I omitted it and only told her aunt how I first approached Hana by slipping letters in her bag. Hana then made it sound romantic as if Id written a love letter professing my admiration for her. She might be great at expressing herself properly in front of her relatives considering she also often wore a mask in front of them but at this juncture, she profusely blushed while leaning closer to me like a girl deeply in love.

From that opening alone, I noticed her aunt reacting quite positively. Her hard stance earlier softened up and her gaze turned a little gentler than before. The pressure was abated and despite still being wary of me for her nieces well-being, she kept her silence until we finished.

However, as we continued with narrating our story, Hanas aunt would stare at her niece occasionally, her eyes filled with wonder. Befuddled even.

Like I previously pointed out, Hana used to or was still putting on her angelic mask in front of her relatives. Hence, listening to this fairy-tale-like love story that briefly ended because of our separation, a different version of Hana unraveled before her eyes.

Who wouldve thought, right? Being mature for her age, Hana is forced to cover up her real feelings by being this mature girl who pleases everyone with her bedazzling smile. Shes kind of perfect in their eyes and has never been swayed to do anything wrong.

But today, her aunt found out that her niece was just like any other girl Her eyes trembled and became watery in an instant as she pulled Hana into her embrace

Hana I apologize on behalf of everyoneNo one noticed and everyone expected you to be the obedient girl who will never do wrong. It mustve been hard holding it in, right? Being separated from him for years, youve done your best to endure it.

In between those words, Hanas aunt started sobbing as she hugged the girl tightly. Hana glanced at me with an awkward smile as she also didnt expect her aunt to act like this

Well, its also outside my expectations that it would be this effective. As it turns out, shes this softhearted. And she cared a lot for her niece.

Hana had no choice but to return that embrace and tried to calm her aunt down.

Aunt, you dont have to apologize to me. I have also committed a mistake for keeping this from you and my parents. And for you to find out about Ruki in this way our story wont discount what we did wrong here.

Uh-uh Its fine. I understand now why you did not introduce him to me right away. Youre afraid that I will be against you two, am I right? Well, let me tell you right now. Im not You also deserve someone who can wait for you like this She continued sniffling as she delivered all those with emotion.

And when they separated, Hanas aunt looked at me with renewed light. She was about to grab me by my shoulders but then suddenly stopped as if she remembered something.

Her brows slanted and clashed once again as she put her hands on her hips, scolding me.

... Ah. But kisses are still too early! And the way you put Hana on your lap, thats too obscene! You two should practice not to be overly intimate or youll get tired of each other right away!

I Ill take that advice. Thank you, Maam.

At this point, its pretty much over. What I thought to be a hurdle had been taken care of like this.

On the side, I saw Hana amusedly watching this at the side as a triumphant smile once again peeked from her lips.

I guess in her eyes, this can also be considered a win, huh? I mean, weve just introduced ourselves to her close relative as a couple Even though she would still attempt to get another win from me, she wouldnt mind taking this one as a trophy.

Drop the maam, you can call me Aunt too. Iadmire your dedication to each other. Do not ever let it fade out

We will not. I assure you, Aunt I confidently smiled which finally earned me an encouraging tap on my shoulders from the woman.

Following this, Hanas aunt stood up fixing herself and wiping the tears that stained her eyes. She still looked like a stressed office lady but relief had washed her expression anew.

Of course, we couldnt continue what we were doing anymore with her Aunts presence here. And so, for the next few minutes, while we finally got her approval and she promised not to tell Hanas parents yet, she laid out some rules for us.

And the most notable of all was she wanted to be informed about my visits. It would probably be a way for her to monitor us. Because shes a busy person, she couldnt always check on Hana.

It just so happened that when she went out to throw away her full garbage bag outside, she spotted us coming out of that convenience store.

Her house was only a few blocks away from it.

It made me realize that we were lucky back during our first visit. Her timing didnt coincide when Chii and Hifumi were with us.

After another round of assuring her that wed follow her guidelines, the conversation shifted to how our day went. Eventually, they shared the snack I bought for Hana and it became pretty comfortable that we ended up watching a variety show on the TV ironically, it was the show Yue often appeared as a guest.

Hana hadnt met her yet, however, she probably already heard about her from Akane and the others. She pinched me on my side when she caught me too focused on the girl as Yue performed her song again, wowing the live audience there and Hanas aunt.

Yep. Shes a fan.

Well then, see you tomorrow. Have a good night, Hana. And Aunt Tomori, thank you for your understanding once more. Next time, Ill make sure to bring a gift.

Uh. Dont bother. Youll be visiting Hana. Not me. I dont live here but if your visit coincides with one of my off days, Ill have Hana bring you to my house and treat you two for lunch.

Aunt I have a request, Hana came to her side and raised her hand. Understanding what she wanted to say, I found myself feeling pleased with her initiative.

Finally, huh?

Hmm?

Teach me how to cook And how to do my chores.

Oh? Sure, no problem! You want to impress him, huh?

Yeah. He was worried when he found out that I was terrible at household chores and cooking. Thats also the reason for his visit. To check on my living situation. Maybe if we hadnt eaten dinner with the others outside, hed be cooking for me.

I see. I see! How wonderful. Onoda-kun, you dont have to worry anymore. Ill whip her up to shape. Soon, youll be eating her handmade lunchboxes.

Also pleased with her nieces motivation to make a change, Hanas aunt enthusiastically declared.

Mhm. Ill be looking forward to it.

After saying my farewells again and sneaking another kiss to Hana when her aunt wasnt looking, I went on my way to go home.

We successfully averted the crisis. Not only that, we seemed to get a powerful supporter. But how long will it last, I wonder? Well, its too early to think about that. For now Im satisfied with my progress with Hana.