Chapter 14 – At Megumi’s Home and the Bouncing Distraction

The sun was still high but beginning its slow descent, casting a warm amber glow over the quiet neighborhood. Shinichi and Megumi stood before the modest yet welcoming Nakamura residence. The air held the gentle warmth of a lingering summer afternoon, and the soft hum of cicadas filled the silence between them.

Megumi unlocked the front gate with a casual twist and nudged it open

"Come on," she said. "You've been here before. No need to act like a guest."

Shinichi chuckled softly. "Still… manners."

They stepped through the entryway, the door clicking shut behind them.

"I'm home!" Megumi called out, kicking off her shoes in the genkan.

Shinichi followed suit, bowing politely. "Pardon the intrusion."

From deeper inside, a muffled voice floated out. "Mmm… welcome back?"

A moment later, a woman emerged from one of the side rooms—steps soft, slightly unsteady—clearly not expecting company.

It was Minako Nakamura, Megumi's mother.

Even in her drowsy state, there was an effortless elegance to her. She was in her early thirties, with shoulder-length dark brown hair that curled slightly at the ends, framing a face that was both graceful and warm. Her features resembled Megumi's—especially the sharp cheekbones and expressive eyes—but softened by age and a calm aura.

She rubbed one eye, yawning lightly. She wore a black, semi-transparent nightgown with thin satin straps resting on her shoulders, and a silk robe loosely tied around her waist. Though clearly meant for comfort, the fabric clung gently to her curves, hinting at a figure that had aged like fine wine

Shinichi blinked—and immediately turned his gaze to the wall, a deep blush rushing to his cheeks.

Megumi stiffened. "Mom!"

Minako blinked again, then tilted her head with a sleepy smile. "Oh… Shinichi's here too?"

"Uh—yes! Hello, Minako-San." Shinichi tried not to sound panicked, still not daring to look.

Minako chuckled softly, stretching her arms over her head. "Hello, dear. Sorry you had to see an old woman like this…"

Shinichi's hands fidgeted awkwardly at his sides, his eyes still focused away—but his mouth moved before his brain could stop it.

"N-not at all! You're… really beautiful. Honestly. You look… um, elegant. Graceful. Very youthful. There's nothing to be sorry about. Really."

There was a beat of silence.

Then Minako giggled. "Oh dear, you're making me blush now."

And right then—

Thud!

A sharp kick landed on Shinichi's ankle.

"Ouch! What was that for?"

"Shinichi!" Megumi hissed, glaring at him. She leaned in and whispered through clenched teeth, "I don't want my best friend trying to become my stepdad."

Shinichi nearly choked. "Wha—?! N-no! It's not like that!"

Megumi's eyes narrowed. "Yeah, right. Like I believe that."

Megumi folded her arms. "And how long were you planning to stand there half-naked?"

Minako giggled again, clearly amused. "You two are cute," she said, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "But Megumi does have a point. Maybe I should throw on something a little more… proper."

"That would be great, Mom," Megumi said, deadpan.

Minako waved a hand breezily. "Sorry, sorry. Shinichi, make yourself at home, alright?"

"S-sure. Thanks, Minako-San," he stammered.

With a wink, Minako turned and padded back toward her room, robe swaying gently with each step.

Shinichi's gaze, completely involuntarily, drifted downward.

Her hips moved in perfect rhythm—each step a subtle, hypnotic bounce. The robe, thin and smooth, did little to hide the soft, round curves beneath it. He was so caught in the sway of her butt that he forgot Megumi was still standing right beside him.

"Ahem."

Megumi raised an eyebrow, arms crossed. "What exactly are you staring at?"

Shinichi's entire face turned bright red. "N-nothing! I wasn't—totally wasn't!"

"Sigh… are you into older women or something?" she asked, deadpan.

"No! I mean—not that there's anything wrong with that, but—no, I'm not!"

"So then you're only interested in my beautiful mom?" Megumi asked, mock-offended.

"N-no!"

"So she's not beautiful?"

"She is! But I—uh—"

Megumi cracked a grin, unable to hold it in anymore. "Relax, I'm just messing with you."

Shinichi pouted. "Aghhh! You're the worst…"

"Yep. And that little embarrassment? Consider it punishment for ogling your best friend's mom."

She turned toward her room, calling out over her shoulder, "Come on, let's go."

Still flustered, Shinichi followed. But deep in the back of his mind, one awkward little truth clung to him—

He really had said she was beautiful.

And he really had meant it.