Me and Reika-san arrived at home.
As I opened the door, Mom was waiting in the living room with my little sister, Nishi.
My adorable little sister ran up to me and hugged me tightly.
AHHH.
Being welcomed back by such a cute face—it felt like a blessing after a long day.
"Mom, we're here…"
"Oh, hello, Ren. And this is your visitor?"
"Ah, yeah. This is Reika-san—one of my friends."
Reika-san stepped forward and introduced herself politely. She looked a little nervous but stayed composed.
"Onii-chan, is this woman the Lyra-san from Celestia?"
As expected of my lil sis. Sharp as always.
Reika-san smiled warmly. "Yes, that's me. How did you know?"
"Because I figured Lyra-san had to be an adult. So when I saw you, I kinda just knew."
Reika-san chuckled softly, then leaned down to whisper something to Nishi.
I couldn't hear what she said, but Nishi's eyes widened before replying, "No, he didn't have any before."
Reika-san's eyes sparkled with quiet satisfaction.
…I had no idea what they were talking about. It was probably better not to ask.
"Mom, is dinner ready?" I cut in, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere.
"Yes, it is. Reika, would you like to join us?" Mom asked warmly.
"O-Okay," Reika-san stammered, her cheeks slightly flushed.
While Mom and Nishi headed to the kitchen to set up dinner, Reika-san and I stayed behind in the living room. She looked around curiously, taking in the family photos and modest furniture, but didn't say much.
Then, out of nowhere, she asked, "Ren-kun, where's your father?"
A heavy question—so casually dropped.
"He's not here… Why do you ask?"
"No reason. I was just curious," she said quickly, almost apologetically.
I sighed. "He left us seven years ago. Nishi was only two at the time… I was ten. It hurt. Still does."
"…Did he cheat or something?"
"Yeah. Something like that." I looked away. "It still stings when I remember it."
Before I could fall deeper into that memory, she gently pulled me closer, resting my head on her shoulder and stroking my hair. Her hand was soft. Warm. Steady.
"Don't worry, Ren-kun. I have my own problems too... but we have to keep moving forward. That's just how life works," she said gently.
"You… have your own struggles?" I asked, turning to look up at her.
She nodded slowly. "I've always been introverted. Terrible at socializing. I never had friends in school. My parents divorced when I was little, and neither wanted to take care of me. I ended up living with my grandmother… but she passed away last year."
A bitter smile crossed her face. "Now, I'm completely alone."
Hearing that made my chest tighten. She always acted cheerful—but behind it, she'd been carrying so much pain.
"Are you living alone now?"
"Yes. Just a small apartment a few streets from here," she said with a soft smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
Guilt struck me hard. I'd gotten mad at her for being clingy when she was just scared of losing her only connection. I really was heartless.
Ahh forgive me Reika-san!
At least now… I understood why she turned out the way she did.
"Well, Reika-san, we're friends now. You're always welcome here. Eat with us whenever you want."
"Is that… really okay? I don't want to be a burden," she said softly.
"Of course. Just, uh, make sure no other students see you coming here."
She giggled. "In that case, I'll bring groceries and cook for you sometimes."
Before I could respond, Mom called us to the table. Reika-san sat next to me.
While we ate, Mom looked her way. "Ara, you're such a beauty, Reika-san. Thank you for keeping my son company."
Reika blushed and smiled. "It's my pleasure."
"You seem like a sweet girl. That uniform—are you a teacher?"
"Ah, uh… yes. I'm also Ren-kun's homeroom teacher," she admitted, fiddling with her chopsticks.
Mom raised an eyebrow. "Ara. Is this allowed by the school? Won't you get in trouble for hanging out with a student?"
"W-We'll just call it an off-the-record house visit," she said, trying to sound confident.
"Then let me ask: how is my son doing in school?"
Oh no.
If Mom found out I was behind on assignments, I'd be six feet under.
Reika smiled. "Ren-kun is hardworking. He participates actively in class and is quite popular, actually."
"You're amazing, Onii-chan!" Nishi said, beaming.
I let out a breath of relief. I thought she will sacrifice me.
"My son really is a talented and sweet boy," Mom added proudly.
I wonder what will happen if she knew I gaslighted Reika-san to be quiet about my assignments.
When we finished, I invited her up to my room. It was only 7 PM. We could play until 10.
I also reminded Nishi to log into her Celestia account. I'd promised her a match this morning.
"Reika-san, let's play until 10. I'll walk you home after."
"Eh? But… I didn't bring a sleeping bag," she said, looking genuinely surprised.
"No, you're not staying here. I'm walking you back"
She looked disappointed.
…Was she planning to sleep over?
"By the way, are you playing on your phone?"
"Yes. I… accidentally broke my laptop last night. After you unfollowed me."
"Accidentally, huh…"
I logged into my PC and re-followed her immediately. But then I noticed something unpleasant.
"Sigh… Sorry, Reika-san. Our affinity's reset to zero. We'll have to grind together again before we can remarry in-game."
Her face dropped. I quickly added, "If you want, we can pull all-nighters on weekends."
Her expression brightened instantly. "Did you just invite me for a sleepover?"
Her ability to twist anything into a romantic manga tropes was really something. Still, I couldn't bring myself to reject her.
"…Fine. Let's do a sleepover on weekends."
And just like that, I had somehow invited a beautiful, clingy teacher to spend the night at my house.