final boss | kenma kozume

a new name

"You mean, a girlfriend? Kenma has a girlfriend?" his mother whispered to his father as they stood outside the dining room.

"It's the first time he brought home a girl, but how did she even get here?" his father murmured.

"Did he manage to sneak her in? I still don't get it," his mother said.

"But it's a good thing, right? He finally has a girlfriend," she added.

"No, it's not a good thing. What is she doing in his room?"

"Oh, right. She's wearing his clothes too," she said and nodded.

"You don't even look concerned," his father pointed out, looking at her even smiling.

She sighed and clicked her tongue, "He's a growing boy. Of course he'd have a girlfriend."

"But, but she's," he tried to protest but sighed instead. "As his father, I'm concerned."

His mother peeked in the dining room where the same thing was happening, Kenma and the unknown girl were murmuring just like them.

"Can you just go along? For now at least. I told you we'll talk later," Kenma spoke in an annoyed tone. Nothing was making any sense.

"Who are those humans? And I don't even know you. I'm left in the dark here," she said.

"And I don't know anything either."

"Um, Kenma," they heard his father's voice, followed by the sounds of their footsteps approaching. His parents walked back to the dining room.

"Ahem," his mother cleared her throat.

"Do you, do you mind explaining?" his father spoke, quite awkwardly as they sat down in front of the two.

"Mom, dad," Kenma said.

"Mhmm?"

"So these two mortals are his parents. This boy is their offspring," the confused girl thought to herself.

"She's my," Kenma almost stuttered, "my girlfriend."

"I'm your what?" she mumbled, thankfully inaudible to the two elders.

"Haha, right, right," his mother let out a few chuckles. His father had no idea how to react. "Right, we guessed that much. And she is?"

They looked at each other.

"My name is Gru-" she said but Kozume cuts her off.

"Kokoe-san, that's her name."

"Ah, what a pretty name."

"What are you doing?" she mouthed. Kenma simply nudged her leg, hoping she'd just go along for now.

"Well, since you're here already, you should dine with us. I made Kenma's favorite," his mother invited her with a smile. His father was still unsure about how to react.

"Ah, no, no need for that, right?" Kenma tried to reject his mother's kind offer but 'Kokoe' had different thoughts.

"Surely."

"What?" Kenma was not expecting that.

"Ah, let me get a plate for you, Kokoe-chan."

"Let me help you with that," his father said.

"What? I don't need help with getting a plate," his mother said while they both stand up.

His parents walked to the kitchen to get a plate and utensils. "What is it?" his mother said, raising a brow. She kept her voice low, knowing her husband had something to say.

"Are you really okay with this? Kenma just bringing a girl home?"

"Why would I not be? I was worried Kozume was spending too much time playing games. It's a relief he even socializes with anyone other than Tetsuro-kun."

"Ah, you have a point. But still."

"Besides, Kokoe-chan's a beauty. She looks like she came straight out of a magazine," she added, in awe with her Kokoe's perfectly proportional face.

She had big almond eyes, a tall nose, and naturally rosy lips. After all, she did come from a video game. Her face is fully and literally customized by the game developers.

A few moments pass and his parents finally come back with utensils and a plate for Kokoe. "Here, let's eat."

"Itadakimasu!"

"Itadakimasu?" Kokoe repeated in a softer voice. That "chant" was new to her ears. She repeated it anyway.

"Kenma, give her a serving at least," his mother said and nodded to the food.

"Fine," he sighed and followed his mother.

"Here, Kokoe-san," Kenma said and placed a serving on her plate.

"So, um, how did you two meet?" his father asked, trying to get rid of the awkwardness.

"It's, it's nothing special," Kenma attempted to dodge the question. Kokoe was just staring, quite clueless.

"Ah, look at you, still so shy," his mother chuckled.

"Come on, just tell us the story. How long have you been dating our Kenma?" his mother asked, now looking at Kokoe.