The White Room Dropout - A CotE Fanfic

Part 29: Motherly Teasing

I stepped through the front door, the familiar phrase "I'm home" escaping my lips instinctively. But as the words lingered in the air, I couldn't help but feel a sense of surprise wash over me. My mother, who usually remained soundly asleep at this hour, stood before me, her eyes bright with wakefulness.

"Welcome back," she greeted me, her voice warm and tender. The usual exhaustion that clouded her features in the mornings was replaced by a gentle smile that lit up the room. It was an unexpected sight, one that made me pause in the doorway, momentarily taken aback.

I couldn't help but let my curiosity get the better of me, and I voiced my question, "Mom, is it unusual for you to be awake already?" The words slipped out, tinged with a mix of surprise and intrigue.

She chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, well, look who's finally caught me in the act," she teased, playfully emphasizing the word finally. "I guess it's a rare sight for you to witness me in the land of the living, considering I usually work through the night."

"Now that you mention it," my mother added with a knowing smile, "I've noticed you've been coming home later than usual lately. A little love in the air, perhaps?" Her playful tone hinted at her awareness of my growing connection with Kiyotaka.

A blush deepened on my cheeks as my mother's teasing words registered in my mind. It was true, ever since I had started dating Kiyotaka, my days had taken on a different rhythm. Engrossed in our conversations, outings, and stolen moments, time seemed to slip away effortlessly, often extending until late in the evening. I hadn't realized just how noticeable my late arrival home had become.

Noticing the deepening blush on my cheeks, my mother couldn't resist teasing me further. She playfully raised an eyebrow and a mischievous grin tugged at the corners of her lips. It seemed she was determined to unravel the secret I had been trying to keep.

"Oh, come on, Kei," she persisted, her tone lighthearted. "You can't fool your old mom. I know there's someone special in your life. Is it that Ayanokouji-kun?"

Surprised by her directness, I stumbled over my words. "How did you...? I mean, yes, it's Kiyotaka," I admitted, my embarrassment growing.

My mother chuckled, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "Well, Kei, a mother knows these things. He seems like a wonderful young man. You have good taste."

I blushed even deeper, feeling both relieved and mortified that my mother had already figured it out. "I... I didn't mean to keep it a secret," I mumbled, my voice barely above a whisper. "It's just that... things happened so suddenly, and I wasn't sure how to bring it up."

She placed a comforting hand on my shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Oh, my dear, there's no need to apologize. Love has a way of catching us off guard. I'm glad you found someone who makes you happy."

A mix of emotions washed over me — relief, gratitude, and a lingering sense of vulnerability. I knew my mother was accepting and supportive, but it still felt overwhelming to expose the depths of my heart. I took a deep breath, gathering my courage.

Her words of understanding and acceptance eased the tension within me, and I couldn't help but smile gratefully. However, before I could fully regain my composure, my mother's mischievous nature took over once again, and she continued her playful teasing.

"Well, since I have the day off today and it seems like you've been spending quite a lot of time with your newfound boyfriend," she said, raising an eyebrow suggestively, "how about we go on a date, just the two of us?"

I blinked in surprise, not expecting her proposal. The corners of her lips curled into a playful grin as she continued, "I mean, I miss having my lovely daughter all to myself. Besides, it's been a while since we've had some quality mother-daughter time, especially since you've been occupied with your studies and now... love."