Story of a Rhythm Game Couple

Chapter 19. In the evening

"Asahi-kun, did you make a little too much tonkatsu today?"

"I mean, my mom is here, so I suppose it doesn't hurt to have a feast once in a while. Or would you rather have the same old boring fare?"

"Those same old boring egg dishes are always my favorites, hehe. But for today, I'll be having this feast, just for you."

"Haizz, it can't be helped then."

It was time to eat.

In accordance with the menu that Asahi had prepared, the table was set with a large plate of tonkatsu, a massive bowl of cabbage soup, and several smaller bowls of different kinds of sauces. It was hard to believe that a university student could put in the effort for these delicious meals.

All three of them took their seats. Asahi and Sana sat next to each other, while Mia sat across the table.

At mealtimes, Asahi's mother used to be quiet, believing that one should focus on finishing the meal and not chatter too much. But tonight, Mia was exceptionally effusive, especially about how much she doted on Sana as if she were her real daughter, making "the daughter" feel very embarrassed throughout the dinner. To make Sana feel more at ease, Asahi was to stop his mother several times, but decided not to, as he could tell Sana was genuinely enjoying herself.

"Thanks for the food."

An hour later, the feastful dinner came to an end, and Sana quickly thanked Asahi for it. This was a habit that Sana had developed since the day they began eating together. She strongly believed that the lack of appreciation was a major contributor to human relationship issues, so she would express her thankfulness whenever she could. Besides, Sana was genuinely fond of Asahi's cooking, and she wouldn't risk losing the privilege of tasting his wonderful cuisine every day.

Mia returned to the living room while Asahi and Sana remained in the kitchen for post-meal cleanups. Usually, Sana would be the one to do all the cleaning, but today, Asahi volunteered to pitch in as well, since she had offered to assist with the meal prep earlier. Asahi was carrying dishes and washing them in the sink, and Sana was wiping off the table and the dining area.

"Where are you going, mom?"

Shortly after sitting down on the sofa to browse her phone, Mia suddenly stood up, grabbed her handbag, and zipped on her coat. It was becoming late, so that piqued Asahi's interest.

"I'm heading to my friend's place in the neighborhood for the night. It would be embarrassing for you if I stayed here, no? Or are you already missing me?"

"Well, not particularly."

"How rude!"

Despite his irritation over Mia's unannounced arrival, Asahi assumed that his mom would spend the night here because the apartment was spacious enough, and getting a hotel room elsewhere would be a waste of money. Now that his mom had revealed her plan to visit a friend, that might have been her original purpose for being here.

"Have a safe trip, Aunty Mia."

"I'll see you again soon, Sana-chan."

Standing at the doorway, Sana bowed to Mia as they exchanged goodbyes. While Mia gently smiled at her and gave her a shoulder pat, Sana couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness.

"Asahi." Mia then looked over at Asahi. "Keep taking care of my Sana-chan with daily tasty meals, will you? Just like today's."

"What the..."

Mia vanished as the door slammed shut, leaving both Asahi and Sana bewildered.

"How does she know that we share meals every day?"