𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐒𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 [𝐓. 𝐊𝐞𝐢]

𝐨𝟐𝟑. 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬.

"Ms. Fukuda!" Pulling away as quickly as possible from Tsukishima, from far away you can see a growing sly smile on her face. "It isn't...really,"

"Ah, ah, ah, no need to deny it. You don't have to tell me anything." She carried the grocery bags into the house, struggling a bit with the gate.

"Let me help you Ms. Fukuda." He ran up to the elderly lady and grabbed the excess bags that were hanging off of her forearms. She exhaled with gratitude, but gave him a mischievous smile afterwards.

"Thank you, Kei. Say, why don't you stay for dinner hm? I heard your mother was going to be home late tonight and that your brother is back at his university." My heartbeat intensified.

'Tsukishima? Over for dinner?' Sure, every morning he was over at my place eating strawberry shortcake, but that was different!

"No it's okay, Ms. Fukuda." He assured, but by the time he rejected her, the shorter woman was dragging him by his shirt into the house.

"I insist! Please, stay for dinner."

'This woman will be the death of me.'

—

      "Eat!" Ms. Fukuda pushes a plate of okonomiyaki towards Tsukishima's way, making the boy grimace at even more food served to him. "You're too skinny! You need to eat!"

     It's been awhile since Tsukishima was invited for dinner, the both of you expected a normal dinner. Maybe a bowl of udon, or some teriyaki, or even some grilled salmon...but no.

     Ms. Fukuda decided to serve a full course meal.

     "I'm pretty sure he's full Ms. Fukuda —"

      "Saito, I know what I'm doing. You should eat as well, only forcing yourself to such minuscule portions."

      Ms. Fukuda has never acted this persistent before, at first it was amusing, but now it was down right annoying. Your emotions could be shown through your face since an uncomfortable scowl has been worn on.

       "Ms. Fukuda, please, I'm sure Tsukishima has to get home."

       "Actually, no, he doesn't. His mother called earlier saying that she is going to have to stay later than usual, so if it's okay with me, I can take care of him. And I said yes.'Now, eat."

      Steam seemed to be boiling out of your ears now, and Tsukishima seemed to take notice since he bowed his head in respect.