The Suzuki Household - Part 2

To recap everything, I won the word game against Amatsuka and company that's why I had to be the one to visit and check on Suzuki's condition. When I was on the way, I helped a woman because a couple of oranges fell from her shopping bag. I accompanied her up to her house and it turned out that she is Suzuki's mother, Suzuki Kanako.

Gosh, I didn't expect this meeting! I hope everything goes smoothly!

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Kanako-san actually welcomed me inside their house with a smile.

"P-Pardon for my intrusion...," I uttered.

"No worries! Please feel at home," said Kanako.

Wah, I'm feeling jumpier than a while ago!

"I'll prepare you a tea, Tanaka-kun. Please wait there for a while," said Kanako.

"I'm thankful for the hospitality, Kanako-san," I replied.

"No problem!" said Kanako. "While waiting, why don't you scan these photo albums of Kotori? She has a lot of pictures when we were in our family trip back then."

E-Eh?! A photo album of Suzuki?! A-Am I really allowed to see... Wait, there should be enough embarrassing photos of her in here to tease her when she's well already. Hehehe, I'm so brilliant!

"Here, Tanaka-kun," said Kanako. "I hope you enjoy this tea."

"Thank you so much, Kanako-san," I said. "By the way, may I ask something?"

"Hmm? What could that be?" asked Kanako.

"I looked through these photos and I noticed a certain boy who was in one of these images," I said. "Do you know who was this?"

"Oh, jealous of him?" asked Kanako.

"I-I-I am not!" I reacted.

"Hahaha! Kotori was saying the truth! You always have the best reactions," laughed Kanako.

Now I know where Suzuki got that teasing attitude, huh.

"C'mon, it's okay to be honest~," said Kanako.

"Y-You misunderstood!" I said. "It's just odd to see someone besides the three of you (Suzuki family) in this photobook."

"Hmmm, I couldn't remember the name of that boy but I recall that Kotori met him back when we were on a mountain trip and there were log cabins for tourists to stay overnight. That boy was on the other log cabin, much like a neighbor," said Kanako.

So she had a sort of a childhood friend, huh? Quite surprising.

"And it's not just one time that we met that kid," added Kanako. "His family was also fun of mountain trips that's why we often encounter them whenever we go on a trip to a certain mountain sceneries."

"T-That's amazing, having to meet a sudden playmate often," I said.

"Hmm, I wouldn't say Kotori thought of him as just a playmate only," said Kanako.

"What do you mean, Ma'am?" I asked.

"That boy is Kotori's first love if I am not wrong," revealed Kanako.

Eh? Suzuki's first love? Eh? She had that kind of thing? Eh? Oh....

"I-Is that so...," I uttered. "H-How come, though?"

"Well, it came from Kotori's mouth that she liked him because he liked the stars as well," said Kanako. "He often knocked at our cabin's door to get Kotori to watch the night sky with him. It's the mountains after all."

This is weird. I've learned vital information and yet, why do I feel like I lost for no reason? Emotions can be so inconsistent.

"However, that boy suddenly vanished for an unknown reason," said Kanako. "Anyway, isn't this a teasing material for Suzuki? Hehehe, I helped you to get back against her since you look like you always lose to my daughter!"

"T-That's not true!" I said. "S-She's just too smart."

"I know, right? Hahaha!" replied Kanako. "Enough with these photos. Let's go upstairs, she's the purpose on why you're here, am I right?"

"S-Sort of," I uttered.

J-Jeez, her mom is so active. Suzuki had this calm demeanor often though, maybe she got that from her father? Who knows.

"Kotori, are you awake?" asked Kanako. "Please open up. You have a visitor."

"A visitor?" said Suzuki. "Please tell her that I'm still feeling sluggish."

"It's Tanaka-kun," said Kanako.

Everything goes silent for ten seconds.

"For real?" asked Suzuki.

"Yes, I'm here," I said. "I'm just here to give you the handouts and some refreshments."

"Give me 30 seconds," said Suzuki. "I'm going to change."

"W-Welcome," said Suzuki. "Sorry, you had to see me in this state."

"I'm leaving you two, okay?" said Kanako. "You sure you'll be fine?"

"Yes, I'll just lie down if I feel dizzy," said Suzuki.

Kanako proceeds to leave the room and closes the door. Now, it's just the two of us in her room.

Wow, her room is so neat. Everything is organized. Does she clean this every day? Contrary to mine, it's often messy. It embarrasses me just to be here.

"Hmm, so you're staring at my room while having perverted thoughts?" asked Suzuki.

"I-I didn't!" I reacted. "I-I was just amazed at how clean your room is."

Teasing me even though you're sick, you never go out of character, do you?

"How are you feeling?" I asked.

"I'm still feeling sluggish a bit but I'm feeling better since I saw you," said Suzuki.

"W-What are you saying?!" I asked. "Y-You're gonna give me the wrong thoughts."

"Yes, I want you to get the 'wrong' thought you're referring to," smiled Suzuki.

G-Grrr! She got me!

"Hahaha!" laughed Suzuki. "Your reaction always makes me laugh, even though I'm so used to it."

"Don't use my expressions for your amusement!" I said.

"They say that laughter is the best medicine and yes, I have to agree since I feel much better every second right now because of your reactions," said Suzuki.

I don't know if I'll be glad or mad.

"You're ridiculing me so much that the color of your dress describes your personality," I said.

"Hmm, so you were paying attention to my dress this time, huh?" said Suzuki. "Tanaka, you perv."

"I-I-I'm not! You had the wrong idea!" I said.

I stepped on a pitfall! Damn it!

"I was about to wear a T-shirt but what's left in my wardrobe was the Extra Small sizes which I used to wear last year," said Suzuki. "The other ones were in the laundry."

"Why not just wear that shirt, then?" I asked.

"You see, my chest is starting to grow," said Suzuki. "Hmm, I might just have a slightly bright future judging from its growth. Probably C-cup at peak."

W-W-W-What?! T-Though, I'm aware a bit.

"A-Are you sure that you're uttering that in front of me?!" I asked.

I-I'm the one who's embarrassed for her!

"It's a natural process of the female anatomy, duh," said Suzuki. "Plus, you're the only boy that I have the courage to talk about this stuff."

"W-Why me?" I asked.

"Hmm, let's say that you're special to me," said Suzuki.

S-Special... S-She means it as a friend, right?

"Plus, I don't talk to other guys that much other than you," revealed Suzuki. "Feeling honored?"

"I-I'm not!" I said. "B-But, thanks."

I-I feel a little happy about that, to be honest. Just a little!

"Hahaha! Though, I think that there's another medicine that is effective as laughter," said Suzuki. "It also starts with the letter L when you translate it in English."

"L...?" I uttered.

"Want a clue?" asked Suzuki. "It's what I think and feel about you."

"L...L....," I uttered.

T-The only word that I think for L is Lo...v....- Wait! With how things were going against her, it must be.... L-Loser! Yes, that could be it! I don't understand how can it be medicine but it's the only word that makes sense.

"Fufufu, you underestimate me so much that you were lowkey into a trash-talking match, huh?" I asked.

Suzuki looks at me, visibly confused.

"Sigh, never mind," said Suzuki.

"Eh?" I reacted.

"You probably got the wrong idea again," said Suzuki. "Hmm, to spice things up, why don't we play a game? Just a mini-game?"

"Sure!" I reacted. "What's the mechanics?"

"We're just gonna ask each other a question starting with 'What if'," said Suzuki.

T-That's it?

"Just two questions, and if one couldn't answer a question within 10 seconds, he/she will shout his/her crush's name in the school window," said Suzuki.

C-C-Crush?!

"Deal?" said Suzuki. "You look so pressured, Tanaka. So that means, you have a crush on someone?"

T-This girl....!

"I-I don't have anything of t-t-that!" I replied. "But fine, agree!"

I'll make you know the taste of bitter defeat!

"You can go ahead, Tanaka," said Kotori.

I'll take it, then!

"Then...., what if you meet your childhood playmate again this time? What would you feel?" I asked.

She looks perplexed by my question.

"How did you know that?" asked Suzuki.

"Y-Your mom let me looked at your family's photo album and I saw a photo of you with a boy, maybe from when you were 7 years old," I said.

"W-What would I feel, huh?" said Suzuki.

Eek, why is the atmosphere feeling a little tense?

"I would be.... unhappy," said Suzuki.

"W-What are you saying?" I asked. "H-He's your first love, right?"

She stares at me after I said that. Her eyes are like, "Don't make me mention more things about my life.". S-Scary!

"I did answer your main question, right?" said Suzuki. "I think that's already enough."

I don't want to make things unwell for her, so I should stop. I know nothing at this point.

"S-Sorry," I said.

"Well, well, well, so it is my turn," said Suzuki. "Fufu, I wonder what I'll ask you."

She's back to her usual character that quick!

"Then, what if I got into a super, duper big trouble in the future, would you save me?" asked Suzuki.

I-It turned out to be something unexpected. Well, I should answer it honestly.

"Dummy, is that it?" I said. "Of course, I have your back no matter how big that trouble is."

"A-Are you sure? You're not just putting an act?" asked Suzuki.

"I-I'm not, don't worry," I said.

"I-I'm glad, then," said Suzuki.

S-She starting to cry a bit? W-Why? I-I don't understand. I'm seeing a side of her that I don't usually see outside.

"Will you promise me that you'll save me no matter what, when I get into a big, big trouble?" asked Suzuki.

"Yeah, I promise," I said. "I'll chop my pinky if I broke it."

"T-Thank you, Tanaka," smiled Suzuki.

I-Idiot, don't make that face... You're having me some unusual thoughts.

"It's your turn," said Suzuki. "Don't hesitate."

"Then, what if I finally and seriously won a game against you, what's going to be my reward?" I said.

Fufu, I want to know if it is worth it or not.

"Then, you can date me for real," said Suzuki.

W-W-What?!

"D-Don't joke like that!" I said.

"But I'm not kidding around," said Suzuki. "You can date me, only if you officially win against me."

"T-T-Tsk! Your turn!" I said.

I just have to answer her question in order to make this a draw.

"What if I told you that I like you since the moment we met? What will be your answer?" asked Suzuki.

T-That question....! Crap, I don't know what to answer!

"Hmmm... No answer, huh?" asked Suzuki.

"W-Wait....," I said.

W-What would I say?! Shoot, I'm not sure! I didn't even picture that situation once!

"Time's up!" said Suzuki. "You lose, Tanaka."

"Noooooo~," I reacted.

"Ahahaha, guess you have to shout your crush's name, huh?" said Suzuki.

"I-I don't have one!" I said.

"Take it easy. It doesn't have to be immediate," said Suzuki. "You can choose when, no pressure. Take note, I will not forget this dare."

"Y-Yes, Ma'am!" I reacted.

"Not that I am insisting you leave, but it's already dark, don't you need to go home?" asked Suzuki.

"Oh yeah, I forgot about the time!" I said. "Thanks for having me here, Suzuki."

"Oops, when you're at our house, please use my first name," requested Suzuki.

"T-That's...!" I reacted.

"Don't have the guts? Hehe," taunted Suzuki.

"Fine, next time!" I said.

"So you'll be back here again?" asked Suzuki.

"W-Well, if you invited me over, then sure," I said.

"Hmm, don't you have the initia-" said Suzuki but interrupted.

"A-And, whenever I feel like going here, then yeah," I added.

T-There's no malicious intent on that or what, okay?!

"O-Okay," said Suzuki.

I placed the Pocari and the handouts on her desk before leaving. I had another exchange with Suzuki before leaving.

"I'll be leaving, then," I said.

"Thanks for visiting me, Tanaka," replied Suzuki. "I feel good now, just a bit of rest later is just what I need."

"Don't overexert it, though," I said. "See you, then."

"Yep, see ya," said Suzuki.

I bid my thanks to Kanako-san before leaving of course. I'm glad it was a warm welcome all along.

While I am walking back home, someone calls me on my phone. It turns out to be Suzuki.

"Hello, what is it, Suzuki?" I asked.

"Nothing, I just want to hear your voice again," said Suzuki.

D-Dummy, you're putting on an embarrassing situation again....

"You'll visit me again soon, okay?" said Suzuki.

"Yeah, yeah, I did say that already," I replied.

"Well then, good night," said Suzuki.

"Yeah, good night to you," I answered.

The phone call ends.

Visiting her again, huh?

"Argh, guess I have to wear something nice next time," I uttered.

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