Chapter 158: Outmaneuvered by the Little Blonde
Sasuko looked at the little blonde sitting beside Yu with a completely flushed face, then at her gently smiling mother, vaguely feeling something wasn't quite right yet unable to put her finger on it.
Seeing her daughter still hesitating, Mikoto immediately put on a hurt expression. "Has Sasuko grown up and doesn't want to sit with Mother anymore? You used to make me feed you spoonful by spoonful when you were small." Speaking, she even pretended to wipe her eye corners.
Sasuko felt these words sounded familiar somehow, but thinking of being separated from Mother for years, she still obediently sat beside Mikoto.
This reunion dinner proved exceptionally lively.
The usually silent Fugaku talked particularly much tonight, chatting about everything under the sun. After a few cups of sake, he even began reminiscing about the past.
Sasuko kept glancing toward Yu, wanting to say something to him, but thinking how she'd just thrown a tantrum yesterday, making up today seemed too unprincipled. Plus the shock from her parents' sudden resurrection—she'd barely spoken with Yu all day.
Fugaku and Mikoto simply assumed their younger daughter had grown up and no longer clung to her brother as she had when small.
Meanwhile, Naruko was currently so nervous she didn't know what to do with her hands and feet.
This was her first time sitting this close to Yu since growing up. Her body was rigid as a board, sitting properly on her knees, not even knowing how to hold her chopsticks.
Yu seemed unusually relaxed, watching this warm reunion scene with satisfied amusement in his eyes.
Mikoto watched anxiously from the side—they'd started eating a while ago already. Yu only focused on serving himself food while Naruko kept her head lowered.
How could this girl be so shy? How could little Yu also act like a blockhead?
She couldn't help standing to serve Yu a piece of grilled fish. When Yu looked up, she quietly cast a glance toward Naruko.
Yu followed Mikoto's hint, only then noticing Naruko had barely touched her chopsticks.
He pondered briefly before naturally picking up a piece of teriyaki chicken and placing it in Naruko's bowl. "Try this. It's Mother's specialty."
Naruko looked up with honored surprise, meeting Yu's gentle gaze directly. Her cheeks immediately flushed redder. "Th-thank you, Yu!"
"Just treat it like your own home." He said softly, also ladling her a bowl of soup. "Don't just sit there. Eat more."
Mikoto watched her finally enlightened adoptive son, smiling with relief.
Though Fugaku still spoke eloquently about the past, knowing amusement also flickered through his eyes.
Sasuko observed the table's movements unobtrusively, gaze sweeping back and forth between Mother's smiling lips and Naruko's crimson cheeks.
No matter how slow she was, she could now see the signs—Mother was clearly deliberately matchmaking Yu and Naruko.
But this made no sense.
Today was clearly Mother's first time meeting Naruko. Even as an old friend's daughter, there was no reason to be this eager to play matchmaker right after meeting, right?
Unless...
Sasuko narrowed her eyes slightly, gaze falling on Naruko.
Had this little blonde taken advantage of helping in the kitchen to say something to Mother?
She recalled the faint laughter she'd vaguely heard from the kitchen earlier. Thinking back now, Mother's intimacy toward Naruko did seem somewhat unusual.
"Naruko," Sasuko suddenly spoke, voice calm yet carrying inquiry. "What did you chat with Mother about in the kitchen? You seemed so happy."
Naruko, who was taking small bites of the chicken Yu had served, suddenly raised her head. "N-nothing! Just cooking matters..."
Seeing this, Mikoto naturally took over. "Naruko is such a thoughtful child, constantly praising how sensible you are." Speaking, she cast another glance at Yu. "Little Yu, don't just focus on eating yourself. Take care of Naruko more."
Watching Mother's maneuvers, Sasuko grew more certain of her speculation.
She gently set down her chopsticks, gaze turning between Yu and Naruko before finally fixing on Naruko's guilt-written face.
Sasuko raised her soup bowl for a light sip, gaze lingering momentarily on Naruko's reddened ear tips.
"I see." Her lips curved slightly. "Seems Mother really likes Naruko."
Mikoto smiled as she served Naruko a piece of tamagoyaki. "Who wouldn't like such a cute child?"
Yu sensed the subtle atmosphere at the table, speaking to smooth things over. "Naruko does often take care of Sasuko."
"Indeed." Sasuko set down her bowl, tone bland yet meaningful. "Not only taking care of me, but now even caring for my family so thoughtfully."
Naruko nervously twisted her fingers under the table, looking toward Mikoto for help.
"Sasuko." Mikoto gently grasped her daughter's hand under the table, fingertips pressing slightly, eyes carrying gentle warning. "Mother is just very happy to see you both have such good friends."
Fugaku cleared his throat lightly, timely changing topics. "Today's miso soup is very authentic. Reminds me of the taste I had during missions before..."
Sasuko glanced at Mother before ultimately saying no more.
She didn't want to make things unpleasant on this day when her parents had just returned, but when picking up her bowl and chopsticks, she still couldn't help inwardly scoffing.
Before coming, the little blonde had sworn "we're sisters" and "won't steal him away," yet turned around to team up with Mother for this scheme.
She glanced at Naruko sitting beside Yu, so nervous she'd practically curled into a ball, silently complaining inwardly: Is this how you treat your good sister?
Yu keenly sensed the low pressure emanating from Sasuko's vicinity yet only assumed she was still angry about yesterday's matter.
He considered his words before speaking. "Sasuko, try this..."
Sasuko looked at the trace of apology in Yu's eyes and immediately felt displeased.
Hmph, why didn't you serve me first earlier?
This feeling was like:
A husband goes out briefly, returns to find his wife brought home a blonde guy, acting all lovey-dovey. When the husband suddenly opens the door, the wife shows an apologetic expression.
Thinking this, Sasuko's fists clenched!
But having finally gotten to eat Mother's cooking again today, Sasuko couldn't very well make a scene. She could only silently accept the food Yu served.
"Thank you." She said in a low voice, chopsticks lightly stirring in her bowl.
Sasuko quietly finished the remainder of dinner without revealing any further emotions. She tasted each dish with proper decorum, occasionally showing shallow smiles to her parents.
When the final dessert was enjoyed, this long-anticipated reunion dinner finally concluded in warm atmosphere.
Naruko actively rose to help clear dishes. Mikoto patted her hand affectionately while Fugaku sighed with satisfaction.
Yu watched this complete scene, relief showing in his eyes.
He'd understood his adoptive mother's intentions and concern for him. Yu didn't want to make things difficult for her, so he'd gone along with her wishes. He wasn't entirely oblivious to Naruko's feelings—she truly was a sincere, kind-hearted good girl.
Only...
He unobtrusively glanced at the arm hidden beneath his sleeve, gaze darkening.
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