Wait a second...
Why is the woman who interviewed me back then here? Oh… maybe she's Ayame-san's private tutor or something—
"Mom!?"
Wait… what!? She's her mother!?The woman who interviewed me was actually her mother!?More than that—she's her mother, not her sister!?
"What? You're not going to introduce your friend?"
"Of course! Tomoki-kun, as you already know, this is my mother—Edomae Akane."
"Nice to meet you, madam."
I'd seen her name mentioned as the president of the Edomae company in that article, but I never looked at her photo. I really should pay more attention to these details.
"And Mom, this is my classmate and friend, Morikawa Tomoki."
"Thanks for taking care of my daughter, Morikawa-kun." — she said, offering her hand for a handshake.
"Actually, she's always the one taking care of me. It's an honor to meet you again, madam." — I shook her hand and looked her straight in the eyes.
"Before you two get started with studying, why don't you rest a little after such a long trip? Sasaki, please."
"Yes, madam."
Then, Ayame-san's mother—no, Edomae-san—guided us to a guest room.I don't think I even need to mention that all the furniture looked ridiculously expensive. It felt more like walking into a museum.
"Feel free to sit."
Edomae-san sat across from me, while Ayame-san sat beside me. Sasaki-san and the other maids brought out tea and a spread of fancy snacks.
"So, Morikawa-kun, how are you? Are you enjoying the school?" — she asked with a warm smile.
"I'm doing fine. I really like the school, and everything there has gone far beyond my expectations."
"I'm glad to hear that. Oh, how rude of me—please, help yourself. I had all of this prepared just for you."
They made all this for me? I feel kinda guilty… but it would be even ruder to not eat.
"So, do you like it?"
"Yeah! It's delicious!"
Honestly, I've never had anything this fancy before.
"Excuse me, Tomoki-kun." — Ayame-san gently wiped something off my cheek with her white handkerchief.
"Fufu~ I'm glad you liked it."
It was a bit embarrassing. I felt like a big baby who made a mess.
God, I really hope I don't disappoint her parents.
But now I'm wondering... why isn't she using the handkerchief I gave her?
"Thank you, Ayame-san."
"So, Morikawa-kun… What do you think about my daughter?" — Edomae-san leaned in slightly.
"Mom!"
Of course, she'd ask that. She's probably worried about Ayame-san hanging out with someone like me. Just like during the interview, I bet she's trying to figure out whether I'm a good influence. And let's face it—I've got no background, no career plans, no club activities… and I'm literally the student with the worst grades in school.
Honestly, in every way, I'm not worthy to be her friend.But that's no excuse to run away—not unless she says so.
"She's a kind and admirable person. From the moment I met her, she's helped me more times than I can count."
"Tomoki-kun~"
"Hoo... I see."Then her eyes narrowed slightly.
"So, what kind of intentions do you have with my daughter?"
Oof. I felt the pressure behind that question.
"Mom!?"
"Madam, I believe that's a bit—" Sasaki-san stepped in, clearly uncomfortable.
Everyone was clearly caught off guard.
Now I knew for sure: she was testing me. Trying to gauge how serious I was. And to her, I must seem like the worst possible match.
But still…
"I want to be her friend. I want to be someone she can rely on, someone who'll help her when she needs it. I know how amazing Ayame-san is… and maybe I'll end up causing her more trouble than anything else—but even so, that's how I feel."
Silence.
I kept my eyes on Edomae-san, so I couldn't see anyone else's reactions. Maybe to her, my words meant nothing. Just empty talk.
And yet, suddenly—
Clap.
She clapped her hands lightly, breaking the tension in the air.
"I see, Morikawa-kun. Sorry if I made you uncomfortable. You came here to study, didn't you? I'll leave you two to it. Wishing you both a productive session~ See you later!"
With that, she left the room, a few maids following behind.
"Sorry about my mom's rudeness…"
"Madam doesn't have ill intentions, but still, I apologize for her behavior." — Sasaki-san added.
"No, it's fine. I understand. She's just worried about you, Ayame-san."
For a moment, Ayame-san and Sasaki-san exchanged glances… then Ayame-san stood.
"Well then, shall we begin? Let's head to the study room."
"I'll be taking my leave. Wishing you both a good study session." — Sasaki-san said with a bow before exiting with the other maids.
Ayame-san guided me through the mansion, and man… this place is huge. I wouldn't be surprised if someone got lost in here.
When we finally arrived at the study room, we got started.
She asked me to read her notes first, and wow—they were incredibly neat and easy to understand. It made me painfully aware of just how far behind I was academically. Honestly, I felt kind of embarrassed claiming I'd one day surpass her.
"Okay, time's up! Now I want you to solve these questions before we take a break."
"Got it!"
It took me a good amount of time, but I pushed through.She really put in the effort to prepare all this… there's no way I can slack off.
"Well done! Now take a break. If you need anything, just ask one of the maids. I'll check your answers now."
"Alright, I'll rest on that huge sofa over there."
As I sat, I glanced back at her.This was a new side of Ayame-san—focused, serious, hardworking.
Now that I think about it… I need to use the bathroom.But I don't want to interrupt her. I'll ask one of the maids.
"Excuse me, where's the bathroom?"
"It's at the end of the corridor, turn left. I can guide you if you'd like."
"Thanks, but I'll be fine on my own."
I followed her directions. The mansion was like a maze, and I really hoped I wouldn't get lost. Thankfully, I found it—and unsurprisingly, the bathroom was massive. Probably bigger than my entire bedroom.
As I made my way back to the study room, a tall man with blond hair and green eyes appeared in the hallway.
Oh no. Please don't tell me...
"Greetings, young man. If I'm not mistaken, you must be Morikawa Tomoki?"
"Yes, sir. And you are…?"
"Ah, forgive me. I'm Edomae Elian. It might be easier to just say—I'm Ayame's father. A pleasure to meet you."
...I'm doomed.
If I couldn't leave a good impression on her mother, what chance do I have with him?