After washing the dishes, Kyouko glanced up again at Haruki.
"Haruki?"
"Yes, Mom?" Haruki glanced down and looked at her smile.
"Make sure you really commit to it. Don't just go through the motions, really try to see me as a different person tomorrow. Immerse yourself in the character, just like I will." Kyouko smiled and turned, wiping the counter with smooth, practiced movements.
"Mm... I'll try... but I can't promise." Haruki smiled at her.
Kyouko, who was still focused on cleaning the kitchen, spoke softly. "Since this is an important step for you, I'm doing this because I really want to see you happy. I want to see you confident and comfortable around women, able to find someone special who makes you smile."
She paused, looking out the window. "I want to know that when I'm not around anymore, you'll have someone who loves you and takes care of you."
Haruki's smile softened. "Mom..."
Kyouko turned to face him, her beautiful face earnest in the afternoon light. "So please... take this seriously. For me?"
Haruki nodded slowly. "Alright, Mom. I will."
Kyouko's smile returned, warm and genuine. "Good. Now go rest or do whatever you want. I'll handle the rest here."
Haruki was about to leave the kitchen when Kyouko called him.
"Haruki?"
"Yes, Mom?" Haruki turned and looked at her.
"The phone you gave me earlier, I'll return it to you when you... graduate from our teaching session. Before you go back to college, okay?"
"No, Mom. You keep it."
"Why?" Kyouko tilted her head and looked at him. "I don't need a new phone. It's just for our session."
"No~ Even if you give it back, it'll be second-hand already, so the value is down~" Haruki grinned and wiggled his eyebrows playfully. "No one wants to buy a phone used by a nagging, short girl like you~"
Kyouko puffed her cheeks and grabbed the spatula, trying to hit Haruki, but he ran away, wiggling his hips in a ridiculous dance as he retreated.
"Ahahaha! You won't get me, Mom!!"
"Haruki!!"
She ran toward Haruki, and Haruki easily evaded her, then suddenly lifted her up, placing her over his shoulder in a fireman's carry. Kyouko let out a surprised yelp as he spun around in a circle, her legs kicking in the air.
"Put me down, Haruki!!" she protested, but there was laughter in her voice.
"Not until you promise to keep the phone!" Haruki chuckled, continuing to spin slowly.
"Alright, alright! I'll keep it! Just put me down!"
Haruki gently lowered her back to her feet, both of them laughing and slightly breathless from the playful struggle.
Kyouko's hair was slightly messy from the spinning, her cheeks flushed pink.
"You're such a cheeky boy," Kyouko slapped his arm while let out soft laugh.
Haruki let out a soft laugh and was about to walk away with a smug walk.
"Haruki?"
"Hmm? Yes?" Haruki glanced over his shoulder.
"I think we should start today~" Kyouko crossed her arms over her chest and smiled.
"Eh? Why? You said tomorrow!" Haruki glared playfully at her.
"No... tomorrow is tomorrow. This evening we're going to start, and I'll be the girl you met at the library. So..." Kyouko's smile turned mischievous. "You have to come downstairs in an hour, approach me like a stranger, and try to get my number."
Haruki rubbed the back of his head and exhaled. "Fine... if you say so, Mom."
"Alright~ We start in..." Kyouko glanced up at the clock. "In an hour. So use your time to research about it~"
"Heh... you're being unfair here, Mom~"
"Well, that's what you get for calling me short. Now go. And come downstairs after an hour. I'll be there."
"Right... whatever." Haruki smiled and walked away smugly.
"Don't you dare fall asleep!"
Haruki turned, pulling down the skin under one eye with his finger while sticking out his tongue, then wiggled his hips in a ridiculous dance before disappearing up the stairs.
Kyouko shook her head, a fond smile on her lips.
This boy...
Kyouko smiled, a warm, genuine expression that softened her beautiful features.
It's been so long since I was this happy.
We rarely talked much after Haruki graduated high school, but we're still close like this. It's just... he was always in his room studying or on his computer, and when he went to college, he only came home during long holidays.
He sometimes comes home once a month, or twice if he doesn't have lectures or classes. Those weekends are the highlight of my month. I always count the days until his next visit.
I wish he came home more often. Since his father only comes home late at night, we barely talk. He goes out early and comes home late. And when he's on business trips... it's just me alone in this big, quiet house.
Kyouko's smile faded slightly as she looked around the empty kitchen.
Sometimes the silence feels so heavy.
But today... today feels different. Today, I have a purpose. I'm helping my son, and we're spending time together. Even if it's just roleplay, it's better than sitting alone.
She took a deep breath, letting her determination return.
Alright… time to prepare. I need to get into character.
Kyouko glanced at her outfit, the long-sleeve blouse and dark skirt. She checked for any stains or wrinkles, smoothing the fabric over her hips.
She lifted the collar of her blouse and smelled it.
I'm not smelly, right?
She turned in a slow circle, checking her reflection in the glass of the microwave. The outfit looked modest and elegant, the way Haruki said he liked. The blouse hugged her curves without being tight, the skirt flowed gracefully when she moved.
Hmm... I think this is good.
Kyouko walked upstairs and reached her room, heading inside. She reached for the glasses she'd chosen that morning and put them on.
Heading to the mirror, she adjusted her high ponytail, making sure every strand was perfect.
She applied a light, floral perfume to her wrists and neck, then added a touch of clear lip gloss to her full lips.
I don't think I need any makeup. My skin is clear enough, and the glasses give me that studious look I want.
Kyouko glanced at her face in the mirror, puckering her glossy lips. The glasses gave her a studious, intellectual look that felt appropriate for a "college girl."
Alright... I think I'm ready. Time to head downstairs, stay in the living room, and read my favorite story.
And let's see if he knows how to approach a girl properly. If he fails... well, he'll just have to try harder tomorrow.
Kyouko took both phones, the new one in her hand, the old one in her pocket and headed out of her room.
( End Of Chapter )