"Mom… I told you to rest. Leave all the work to me and Aunt Sumi," I said with a pout, doing my best to look angry. But judging by how she smiled, I must've just looked even more adorable.
"Yes, Miss," Aunt Sumi chimed in, her tone polite and gentle. "Only two weeks are left until your due date. Being less active will help avoid any unwanted accidents."
She stood tall and graceful in her classic black-and-white maid outfit, hands folded neatly in front of her like always.
"Ugh… You two are ganging up on me now," Mom huffed playfully, but she couldn't hide her fond smile. "Fine, fine. I'll just go watch some drama or something."
She waddled toward the living room, rubbing her belly slightly.
It's been over eight months since our first family meeting. Things didn't change much at first—except I started helping Mom more in the kitchen. But around the fifth month, she began feeling tired more often, so Dad insisted and forbid her to work till the baby is born.
Since then, Aunt Sumi, who's been working with our family for years, started helping in the kitchen too—along with Kura-nee and Tsuri-nee. Before, the three of them handled everything around the house except cooking. That was always Mom's domain.
All three maids came from my grandparents' house in Izu—Grandpa and Grandma Isshiki's estate. They're like extended family by now.
Aunt Sakura, Mom's little sister, visited a few months ago after hearing the news. She brought so many sweets and hugged Mom so tightly she almost cried. Aunt Sakura has always been bubbly and warm—it was fun having her around.
'Let's see… I've met Grandpa and Grandma from Dad's side, and Grandma from Mom's side. Aunt Sakura—Mom's sister, Aunt Yuma—Dad's sister… and some of Mom and Dad's friends from high school too. The only one I haven't met is Uncle Sora, Dad's older brother. He's always busy overseas…'
Lately, I've been trying my best to help Mom in little ways, even if I'm small. About a month ago, I started being more persistent—keeping her from lifting heavy things, fetching her water, and reminding her to rest.
But… there's only so much a kid like me can do.
'Ahh… I wish I could grow up faster. I want to help Mom more.'
So one day, I asked Aunt Sumi for advice.
"Auntie… I want to help Mom too," I said, tugging at her skirt and looking down. "But I can't do much. I'm too small."
She turned and knelt down in front of me, resting a gentle hand on my head.
"Master Ritsu, you're such a thoughtful boy," she said warmly. "I'm sure you'll grow up to be a wonderful big brother too. But for now, instead of big chores, you can help your mother in small, meaningful ways. Like watering the plants, bringing her what she needs… or simply staying by her side. That alone will make her happy."
"…Okay," I replied, eyes still low—until suddenly they lit up with an idea.
Aunt Sumi noticed. "Looks like someone thought of something!"
I smiled and beckoned her closer. "Come here, Auntie. But don't tell Mom—it's a surprise."
She leaned in, and I whispered my plan.
Her eyes widened, and she giggled. "That's a wonderful idea. I'm sure Miss will love it."
"I should start preparing right away!" I clenched my tiny fists with determination.
"Good luck, Master Ritsu," she said with a proud smile as I ran off.
---
The Next Day
'Ugh… Why are all of Mom's songs so hard to sing?' I groaned, lying on the floor in a giant T-shape, arms stretched out and legs wide apart, staring at the ceiling in defeat.
I had spent hours trying to memorize the lyrics of her favorite songs, but all os them are either so long or fast or have so many grown-up words.
Mom walked in and tilted her head, concerned. "What happened, sweetie? You look so down… Are you feeling sick?"
"I'm okay, Mom," I said quickly, sitting up. "Just thinking."
She came and sat beside me, stroking my hair gently. "Wanna tell me? Maybe I can help?"
"No, Mom," I replied, shaking my head. "It's a secret."
"Oh my, my son's all grown up—he's got secrets now," she said dramatically, pretending to wipe away tears.
"Mom!" I whined. "Please don't ask. I'll tell you soon, I promise."
"Okay," she chuckled, squeezing my hand. "Promise?"
"Promise," I nodded seriously.
She didn't say anything more, but I saw the tiny knowing smile she tried to hide. She already knew what I was up to, didn't she? Maybe Aunt Sumi told her… or maybe she just saw me singing out in the yard.
'Alright… time for Plan B. I'll ask Dad. He might be useful for once.'
---
That Night
"Dad," I whispered, making sure no one else was around. "I need to ask you something."
Dad turned to me with a sparkle in his eye. "Oh? Finally realized your old man's brilliance, huh? Go ahead—ask anything."
'Why do I already regret this…?'
"…I want to surprise Mom with a song," I whispered into his ear. "But all her favorite songs are so hard to sing… Can you teach me something easier that she'll still like?"
His eyes widened. "A surprise gift for your mother? And what do I get, huh?"
"…We'll see," I muttered, avoiding eye contact.
He rubbed his chin dramatically. "Hmm… easy songs… Ah! I got it!"
He snapped his fingers. "How about the Dango Daikazoku song? It's from a visual novel called CLANNAD. Super simple and super sweet!"
"…Dango what?" I tilted my head.
"Don't worry, son," he grinned. "I'll teach you. In a few days, you'll be the Dango Master."
"I only want to learn the song, not become a Dango Master, Dad," I frowned.
"Details, details!" he said, already grabbing his keys. "Let's go get some dangos. You need to feel the spirit of the song!"
And just like that, he carried me in his arms and strolled down the street, humming that strange tune.
---
For the next three days, every night after dinner, Dad took me for a walk. We'd practice the song while strolling under the stars, holding hands and laughing together.
He'd sing, then I'd echo. He'd point to the moon and say, "you pronounced that wrong" or "you forget that part", it was kinda annoying but at the same time fun.
By the third night, I could sing the entire Dango Daikazoku song without messing up once.
'Perfect. I'll surprise Mom this weekend!'
---
"Ritsu! Let's go!" Dad called from the front door.
I put on my shoes and hurried over. Today was the big day—my final rehearsal before the performance.
He crouched down and placed his hands on my shoulders. "Son, today's your final test. I've taught you all I can… Now, you must find your own path."
"…You're so weird, Dad," I said, laughing. "But thank you and I love you."
Then, I hugged him tightly, burrowing my head in his chest.
He froze for a second… then hugged me back even tighter.
"Haha! I love you too, buddy," he said with a chuckle, lifting me into the air and planting a big kiss on my cheek. "But you better prepare a gift for me too. Otherwise your Mom will keep teasing me forever."
I chuckled and said "Mm... Sure will"
---
Saturday – Evening
I turned to Dad, a little confused and nervous.
"Dad… why are Taki and her family here?"
Naoya chuckled. "Hehe… I called them. Thought this might motivate you—and maybe your singing will impress your childhood friend."
Ugh… Motivate? Now I'm more nervous! And what does he mean by 'impress'? We're only three years old… I knew it. Dad is a lost cause.
"Dad… I hate you."
"Huh? Why…" Naoya whined, but I didn't let him distract me. Taking a deep breath, I walked out of the room and into the living room—facing the first audience of my life.
Facing everyone like this was really nerve racking, but seeing Mom smiling and Dad goofy face...I calmed down a little. Using a hairbrush as a mic I started my first performance, one I will remember forever.
"Before I begin singing, I wanted to tell something to Mom...Ahem… Mom, before the baby comes, I wanted to help you feel less burdened. Carrying a baby must be painful… But I couldn't really help you, because I'm still so small. Still, if I can't help you now, I promise I'll help you when I grow up. Until then, I'll do what I can to make you happy… and being small doesn't stop me from that. So, I prepared a surprise—a song for you. Um… Dad helped a little. But just a little."
"Aww… Ritsu… I love you so much," Mom whispered, already tearing up before I even began singing.
Taki and Maki clapped their hands excitedly, cheering me on.
"Rii-chan, good luck!" Maki called out.
"Risu~ good luck!" Taki echoed, smiling brightly.
Everyone joined in clapping as I took a deep breath and began:
"Dango, dango, dango, dango, the big dango family
The mischievous grilled dango
The gentle sweet bean dango
All together, they make a family of a hundred…"
My voice was soft, a little shaky, but the warmth in the lyrics still came through. I made a few pronunciation mistakes, but somehow that only made it more adorable.
By the time I finished, everyone was smiling from ear to ear. Taki was jumping up and down, gleefully clapping her small hands.
Mom's face was wet with tears, but her smile never faded. As soon as the song ended, she stood up with Shiirai's help and pulled me into a tight hug.
"Sweetie… you sang so beautifully...Ritsu, just seeing you growing up cheerfully and healthy is already enough to make me so happy....Thank you Sweetie...."
"Thank you, Mom… I'm happy too." I whispered, sniffling as I hugged her back.
---
After the surprise, we all had dinner together. But even while eating, I found myself drifting into thought—something about the performance lingering in my mind.
'What was that feeling? When I saw everyone's happy, cheering faces… I felt warm in my chest, like something trapped inside me was trying to break free… but it vanished before I could understand it.'
---
[A/N]
Hey, this your green husky here..... So, I have been planning our MC's elementary school days and so far have confirmed 4 characters to introduce.... 2 from Horimiya and 2 from Saekano (sorry.... If my spelling is wrong). There are alot of emotional development I have thought so far for Taki.
Reawakening of system is coming closer as well....I have been tired off from reading all fanfics of MC gaining skills with a click or systems controlling MC's life.... So, this here I tried to make system as a tracker instead of all powerful existence, it does have some pretty nice features but you have to find out in upcoming chapters.
Next, As said in synopsis... There will be no harem....I have already thought of main female lead... You can try to guess... She will be introduced later in the story or has already been introduced.... You can guess.
Be sure to support the fanfic.... As this is my first time writing a novel... If you find anything not to your liking... You can leave a comment.... If I can I will try to incorporate your suggestion.
Thank you for reading.... Have a great day.