chapter 11

"It's really delicious, Anti," I said, my eyes shining with gratitude.

Kaito's mom beamed, her warm smile illuminating the room. "I'm glad you like it, Mei. Really, you're so sweet."

She turned curious, her brow furrowing slightly. "So, Mei, how old are you?"

"I'm 18, Anti," I replied, my voice laced with a hint of shyness.

Kaito's mom's gaze softened, her eyes misting over. "No wonder you look so young, like a child. I always wanted a baby girl," she whispered, her tone wistful.

"Do you have siblings?" she asked, her voice gentle.

I hesitated, memories flooding back. "No, I'm the only child. My mom died when I was 5... and Dad never remarried," I said, my voice cracking.

Kaito's mom's expression crumpled, empathy etched on her face. "Oh, dear Mei, I'm so sorry about your mom," she said, her voice trembling.

I forced a smile, trying to lighten the mood. "It's okay, Anti. You didn't know."

Kaito's mom's eyes sparkled with determination. "Mei, my dear, don't call me Anti. Call me... Mom," she said, her voice filled with emotion.

I paused, surprised. "Mom?" I repeated, uncertainty lacing my tone.

Kaito's mom's face lit up, her smile radiant. "Yes, sweety! Call me Mom. I always wanted a daughter. Hearing 'Mom' from your mouth is... it's so sweet," she whispered, her eyes shining.

"O...k... Mom," I stammered, my heart swelling.

Kaito's mom's face glowed, her eyes brimming with tears. "Aww, hearing 'Mom' from your mouth feels so good, my darling."

After devouring my lunch, Kaito oppa turned to me with a warm smile. "Mei, shall we head to my study room? We have a math lesson to tackle."

I nodded enthusiastically, and he led the way. As we entered his study room, I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. The room was immaculate, with every book and paper neatly organized. "Oppa, your study room is so clean and awesome! You know, Dad's study room and bed are always messy, no matter how much the servants clean."

Kaito chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Well, someone has to set a good example, right?" He pulled out a chair for me, and as I sat down, he gently pushed it in, his manners impeccable. "Thank you, oppa," I said, feeling a little shy.

Kaito smiled and took a seat beside me, his expression turning serious. "Alright, Mei, let's get started on that math lesson. We have a lot to cover." He opened his book, the sound of turning pages filling the air, and began to explain the concepts in a clear, concise manner.

As we delved deeper into our studies, time slipped away unnoticed. Before we knew it, the sky outside had transformed into a warm orange hue, signaling the approach of night. I stretched my arms, arching my back in a languid motion. "Anmmmm... I'm so tired today, oppa. What's the time?"

Kaito glanced at his watch. "It's 6:30, Mei."

I shot up in surprise. "What? 6:30? I should be going now!"

Just then, Anti walked into the room, a warm smile on her face. "Sweety, you should eat dinner here, okay?"

I hesitated, feeling a bit awkward. "No, thanks, Anti... I'll just head home now."

But Anti was insistent. "No, Mei, mom is right. You should eat dinner here. Besides, you live alone, so you'll have to buy or make dinner anyway. Why not eat here?"