Regarding Eina Kurohara’s subtle hint, Hina Mizuno only half-understood. She gave a slightly hesitant nod.

“Hina, let’s keep what just happened our secret. Don’t tell Little Ayumu.”

“Mm, I know.”

Even without Eina’s reminder, Hina wouldn’t have spoken up. After all, no matter how much Eina helped her, winning Ayumu’s heart ultimately depended on herself.

Poor Ayumu Kurohara—he had no idea his own mother had “sold him out.” He didn’t shower long; just a quick rinse before stepping out. Dressed, he found Eina and Hina still whispering softly in the kitchen.

“What are you two discussing?” Ayumu asked casually.

His question was offhand, yet both women flinched as if startled. Ayumu wondered—what had them so absorbed they didn’t notice him standing right behind them?

“N-nothing…” Eina stammered.

To Ayumu, her reaction was a dead giveaway. It only deepened his suspicion they’d been talking about something meant for his ears alone.

“Hina, what were you and Mom just saying? Can you tell me?”

Ayumu tried coaxing the truth from Hina, but he’d get no answer. Both women held hidden agendas—and neither would let him in.

“Aunt Eina just asked how I slept last night,” Hina replied with an utterly innocent expression. “I said I slept soundly, but woke up on the floor for some reason. Something like that.”

Eina’s encouragement had clearly shifted something in Hina. With her formerly timid, insecure nature, she’d never have dared joke so boldly with Ayumu before.

Since Hina answered like that, what could Ayumu do even if left speechless? In matters like this, the girl always held the upper hand—or so Ayumu believed. He felt cornered. Certain she wasn’t being truthful, he still couldn’t press further.

Watching Ayumu’s dejected look and recalling Hina’s words, Eina pieced it together: the two likely shared a bed last night. Of course, “slept” here meant just sleeping—nothing more. Honestly, Eina felt a flicker of regret, yet also relief. Torn: hoping Hina would win Ayumu over, yet fearing carelessness might make her a grandmother too soon.

“Let’s have breakfast first,” Eina smoothly changed the subject.

“Ugh, forget it. Hurry up—we’re almost late,” Ayumu grumbled gloomily.

“Ayumu, what are you thinking? Today’s Saturday. No school,” Hina gently reminded him.

“Ah—Mom, I forgot too. I even packed three bentos.”

Eina, working daily, barely registered weekends. Plus, Ayumu had never needed her to make bentos before. She’d only just started the morning habit and overlooked it was Saturday.

Hina’s reminder jolted Ayumu: he was in Japan. Even third-year high schoolers had weekends off. He’d set an alarm, rushed out for a run, hurried back to shower—all worried about being late.

Though it was Saturday and neither had school, the breakfast table fell into awkward silence. All three ate distractedly, each lost in thought.

Ayumu had already dismissed the earlier whispering. His mind was on Hina’s future. School was manageable—he’d protect her. After teaching Ryuta Inoue and Yohei Takagi a lesson, they’d keep a low profile. The real issues were Hina’s family and her own situation.

Last night, Hina had briefly shared her background. Ayumu knew her parents were no help, yet he couldn’t abandon her to wander internet cafes. Temporarily sheltering her was fine—but long-term? Problematic.

Two concerns: Eina’s approval, and his own comfort. It wasn’t dislike or stinginess—their apartment was simply too small. If Hina stayed, they’d likely share a room again. Honestly, two teens of opposite genders sharing a room long-term… and nothing happening? Unbelievable. Ayumu didn’t care; no girlfriend, no plans for one. His reputation was already shot. But Hina? Timid, non-confrontational. Malicious rumors at school would crush her again.

Truthfully, those were just excuses. Ayumu’s real struggle was his own awkwardness around women and old-fashioned values. To him, sex meant responsibility; meant marriage; meant family. He couldn’t guarantee that living closely with a sweet girl, he wouldn’t act on impulse and regret it forever.

Ayumu had clear goals: he’d return to China someday. Deep down, he was Chinese—understood Mandarin, thrived on rice. Life there would feel like home. But Hina? Raised in Japan, she’d struggle abroad. He’d face a painful choice either way. To avoid that, Ayumu avoided serious relationships, let alone intimacy. Hence his turmoil.

“Mom, after Hina’s parents divorced, no one cared for her. She’s been working multiple part-time jobs alone. I found her at an internet cafe last night—living there. I couldn’t leave her like that. Can she stay with us temporarily?”

Ayumu simplified the story, explaining Hina’s situation and why he brought her home. He hoped Eina would agree while he figured out a proper solution.

Last night’s excuse was “delinquents harassed her,” backed by his bruised appearance. Today’s version differed. But Eina wasn’t naive—she knew both held truths. Ayumu just spared her worry. She didn’t pry; piecing it together gave her the gist.

“Hina, you’ve suffered enough. From now on, live with me and Little Ayumu,” Eina said warmly.

Feeling their genuine care, Hina was overwhelmed by a sudden warmth—like family. Emotion swelled; she readily accepted.

“Th-thank you… Aunt… Eina,” Hina stammered, tears welling.

“Yesterday I told you to call me Auntie. Forgot already?”

“Yes, Auntie!”

Eina and Hina were immersed in a touching reunion, completely excluding Ayumu. No one asked his opinion. He no longer needed to persuade his mother—Hina could stay indefinitely. Probably forever. Ayumu felt he’d truly shot himself in the foot. His worst fear had come true.

“Hina, we’re family now. You must work hard too,” Eina added, then playfully winked—a clear hint. Hina caught it, wiped her tears, and smiled brightly. “I’ll work hard to become family with Ayumu and Auntie!”

Only Ayumu stood frozen, utterly clueless about their unspoken pact. It dawned on him—they weren’t pretending. They’d genuinely become family.