Chapter 22: Capture, Raise & Keep! (+Notes)

Today is the first day that I'll be walking to school with Luke! This morning, however, started a little strange…

I mean… I suppose he saw my vulnerable side yesterday. And I feel awkward about it. But when I woke up, I was alone in his bed. It felt lonely, and I felt somewhat betrayed.

It was a simple reason, really.

I-I just wanted to wake up beside him… reminding myself that yesterday really wasn't a dream.

As it later turned out, Luke had just gone for a jog and came back. His hair was a little wet still, and he smelled kind of nice from here…

UGHHH!

What are you thinking, Lilly!?

…now that I think about it, I also smell like him, don't I? We used the same s-shampoo and all…

I was wondering what brand he used since he smelled kind of nice whenever he walked past me.

But now I know…

…should I perhaps ask Mom to buy it too…?

And later that morning, yes, I'm not going to mention the incident since it'd be too embarrassing to even look him in the eyes after having him witness th-those underwear…

W-Wait!? Aren't I mentioning it now!?

A-Anyhow… I'll have to scold Mom when we meet in person!

— :::: —

After changing into my school uniform, Luke and I headed downstairs together.

I messaged Mom a 'good morning' on the way down, and I could smell something nice from the kitchen.

And despite us getting teased, it didn't feel awkward during breakfast—sure, he teased us, and Miss Celia would tease me by winking…

But…

I felt fluffy and warm. It may perhaps be a stretch to say this, but it felt like they'd welcomed me in—not as a guest, but as his girlfriend.

Even if Miss Celia acts like she's really devastated about losing her son to another woman, she would also secretly encourage me and tell me things I didn't previously know about Luke.

And there was one more thing that lingered in my mind when Luke and I exited the house.

"Lilly, you can always stay over whenever you want," Miss Celia said.

"Yeah, just be responsible and not rush things," Mister Andros said.

"…T-Thank you, and…"

I glanced at Luke, who had gone to open the gates, waiting for me with a still expression.

"I… I think Luke is very responsible for his age…" I said.

My heart was pounding, and my body was hot. I was probably blushing profusely.

"Hmm, what about you then?" Mister Andros curiously asked.

"…I was a little rash yesterday. But I promise to treasure him!"

"Oh? You're the one asking for his hand?" Miss Celia asked while she giggled.

*Poff*

I could feel something come out of my ears, and my heart was racing.

Perhaps I am…?

"W-we're not like that yet… and, besides… as much as I want to be with him until then… I'm a realist as well, you know?"

"My, my? Meaning that you'll be strategic and not rely on current emotions?" Miss Celia queried.

Her expression was quite sly and unlike her somewhat childish behaviour from earlier. It was mature and captivating.

*Ba-dump*

"I-Is that bad…?" I asked.

But Miss Celia just giggled and said, "No, no, no, of course not! But don't just rely on strategies. Use these emotions to elevate those strategies!"

"…dear… what are you teaching her?"

"How to capture and keep a man like you~?"

"….."

"Anyhow, Luke is pretty similar to his dad, this honeybun right here~ so I don't believe a future like that is impossible! After all, Andros and I are high school sweethearts~!"

I was surprised, and I glanced at Mister Andros. Usually, he'd have an inexpressive look, but I could see that he was trying to keep his composure rather than it being natural.

"Anyhow, Lilly, sweety. Luke's waiting for you!"

"…thank you… and can I call you Mom…?"

Suddenly, Miss Celia became tense, and she hugged me, "Aww~ you're so cute! Of course you can! Oh, Luke's waiting, though!"

"Y-Yeah…"

I then nervously glanced at Mister Andros.

"I don't mind," he said.

"…okay… I'll be off to school then, Mom, Dad…"

They both smiled and waved Luke and me goodbye and so we headed to school for the first time as a couple, approved by our parents.