"I'm home."

The moment Ayumu Genya opened the door, Eina Genya rushed over and hugged him. Hina Mizuno, standing quietly behind Ayumu, instantly stiffened upon seeing her.

"Ayumu, are you alright? Any injuries?" Eina asked anxiously, her hands swiftly checking him up and down.

"Mom, I'm fine. You can let go."

After confirming no signs of harm, Eina released his shoulders—and only then noticed Hina lingering behind him.

"Ayumu, who's this?" she asked.

Ayumu turned to introduce Hina, but found her completely shrank back behind him. Gently taking her arm, he guided her to his side. "She's my classmate. Some delinquents hassled her tonight—I went to help. She has nowhere to stay these days, so I thought she could stay with us temporarily."

As head of the household, Eina held final say on such matters. Ayumu knew he needed her approval. After finishing his explanation, it was Hina's turn—but when Ayumu tugged her arm again, she didn't react. He glanced over: her face flushed crimson, eyes fixed on where his hand held her arm, utterly lost in thought.

*Ayumu-kun actually held my hand! It stings a little… but I'm so happy! Him introducing me to his mom like this… It feels like we're… Eep, so embarrassing…*

Ayumu had no clue his simple gesture—just trying to ease her shyness—had sparked such a whirlwind in her mind. Oblivious as he was, Eina caught the subtle shift. She even began sizing Hina up with the quiet scrutiny of a "future family member."

"Ayumu, what's her name?" Eina asked.

"Auntie—no, I mean, Auntie! I'm Hina Mizuno!" Hina snapped back to reality and answered before Ayumu could. She bowed nearly ninety degrees, her excessive politeness startling Eina—though the surprise quickly softened into a knowing, faintly mischievous smile.

"Hina, 'Auntie' is perfect. Don't stand at the door—come in and eat. You must be starving. We'll chat over dinner."

"Thank you, Auntie. Sorry for the intrusion."

Though they'd just met, the two fell into warm, familiar banter—so seamlessly that Ayumu felt oddly sidelined.

"Hina, sorry our place is small. Hope you don't mind," Eina said as she led her inside.

Having lived in internet cafes for months, Hina found this home spacious. She immediately shook her head. "Not at all! It's wonderful."

Since Ayumu had asked Eina to prepare dinner earlier, a hot meal awaited them. Even with an extra guest, the portions looked plentiful.

"Forgive the simple spread, Hina," Eina said.

"Not simple at all! I'm truly happy to taste your cooking, Auntie," Hina replied warmly.

Ayumu had barely sat down when their polite exchange resumed. Though strangers moments ago, they chatted like old friends. True to Ayumu's dread, over dinner Eina gently guided Hina to share everything—her family background, why she'd run away.

"Mom, are you grilling her like a police interrogation?" Ayumu grumbled.

"Ayumu, I'm vetting for you," Eina replied with mysterious pride.

Utterly baffled, Ayumu didn't grasp "vetting"—nor why Hina seemed secretly delighted. He dared not ask, so he just listened… until the conversation swerved squarely onto him.

"Hina, how is Ayumu at school? Does he bully others?"

*Oh no.* Ayumu's stomach dropped. He absolutely did *not* want his "glorious past" aired before his mom.

"Mom, that's ancient history. I've quit delinquency. I'm studying hard now—aiming for a top university," he cut in hastily.

But Eina wouldn't budge. She wanted Hina's verdict. Helpless, Ayumu shot her a pitiful, pleading look—*please go easy on me*.

Unbeknownst to him, that deliberately vulnerable glance read as pure, deliberate cuteness to Hina—a stark contrast to his usual calm maturity. Her heart went *thump-thump*, racing wildly. *So this is "every tough guy has his soft spot."* Even reliable Ayumu had this rare, endearing side—only visible before his mother.

*If I win Auntie's approval… does that mean I've also won… Ayumu-kun's heart?*

A plan clicked into place—a clever move, like "besieging Wei to rescue Zhao."

"Ayumu-kun… well, he *might* have been a little… excessive before. But he's truly changed—I swear! Today's Ayumu-kun is gentle, strong… he even protected me from other delinquents. I… I'll be grateful to him for my whole life!" Hina declared, voice trembling with sincerity.

Eina's shoulders relaxed. A quiet weight lifted. *My child… has really grown up.*

She felt deep peace about Ayumu's path now. If one worry remained—his future partner—today offered a hopeful glimpse. Alone though Hina was, she felt like a suitable match. Someone who'd endured hardship would cherish kindness deeply, loyalty unwavering. Add her gentle nature and sweet demeanor… Eina's heart whispered: *Ideal daughter-in-law.*