The Chosen Wife || Jibaku Shounen Hanako-Kun

Amane's Part 1 (3/5)

"I will return tomorrow."

'So, he didn't mean just dropping by to visit—he actually meant paying his respects to my mother when she's around?'

(Y/N) was still trying to make sense of his intentions. She hadn't agreed to be anyone's bride, much less Lord Amane's, and she certainly wasn't planning on changing her mind anytime soon.

"Excuse me, Mother, I... have something I'd like to say," (Y/N) started hesitantly.

Her mother, (M/N), turned to her with a warm smile and a curious tilt of her head. "What is it, dear?"

"Maybe... here's not the best place..." she said, throwing a cautious glance at Lord Amane. His gaze met hers, and she quickly looked away, feeling the heat of his stare linger on her. After a brief pause, he chuckled softly.

"Is something the matter? A secret, perhaps?" he teased.

"Er..." (Y/N) bit her lip, her words catching in her throat. There was no way she could say what she wanted to—not in front of him.

'Never mind,' she thought to herself. 'I'll talk it over with her in detail later. For now, I just need to get through this without causing a fuss.'

Suddenly, an enthusiastic voice echoed from outside the shop.

"I'M HOME!!"

Her brother, (B/N), came through the doorway with a bundle of shopping in his arms. Following him was none other than Lord Tsukasa, carrying two large sacks of rice with ease.

'Even Lord Tsukasa is here now?!'

"Shall I set these down here?" Lord Tsukasa asked her mother, flashing her a rare, genuine smile—one that didn't have the usual mischievous glint he showed (Y/N).

Her mother, clearly charmed, beamed back at him. "Oh, what a big help you are! Did you carry both of those all by yourself?"

(Y/N) watched the exchange, a little dumbfounded as her mother and Lord Tsukasa shared grins like old friends. "Um, Mother...?"

Her mother turned to her with a bright smile and explained, "The man we usually buy rice from threw his back out and can't do deliveries. I felt bad for asking, but they were kind enough to go out and pick it up for me."

(Y/N) blinked, then glanced at Lord Tsukasa with a soft, grateful smile. "Thank you very much, Lord Tsukasa."

Lord Tsukasa's eyes widened slightly in surprise before a smirk tugged at his lips. "Oh, really? You're thanking me? In that case, how about a kis—"

"Oof!" Before he could finish, Lord Amane's hand landed heavily on his shoulder, his polite smile looking just a little forced.

Her mother, oblivious to the tension, bowed slightly to Lord Tsukasa. "You really are a tremendous help, Lord Tsukasa. Thank you so much."

Then, with an approving smile, she looked at both Amane and Tsukasa. "What a fine pair of brothers you make."

Both Yugi brothers exchanged a quick glance and gave her matching smiles.

"Think nothing of it," Lord Amane said, bowing slightly. "I'll be in your care for the next little while, anyway."

"Indeed~ I hate to let Amane go, but I'm leaving him in your capable hands, little missy~" Lord Tsukasa added with a playful wink.

[To be continued...]