"A light novel author, huh?" Akira stared at the ceiling, thinking of how to explain it so a five-year-old could understand. "It means someone who writes fun and interesting stories."
Shouko tilted her head, eyes curious. "Does a light novel author work with other people?"
"Maybe... an illustrator?" Akira replied, unsure.
"An illustrator?" she asked, sitting up.
"Yeah. Someone who draws the pictures to go along with the stories."
Shouko's eyes sparkled. "Then… then I want to be an illustrator in the future! That way, I can draw illustrations for Akira's books!"
Akira blinked. "You sure? I might be really picky."
"I don't care! I just want to be your illustrator!" she giggled, suddenly throwing herself at him, hugging him tight and rubbing her cheek against his arm. "Because that way, I can be with Akira even when we grow up!"
That memory rushed back to him now like a warm breeze. Akira turned to look at Shouko beside him on the couch, surprised she still remembered that promise from kindergarten.
"Hehe..." Miyamura Shizuka smiled knowingly from the couch nearby. "I thought so. It's because of that brat again."
She gave Akira a playful glare, then flung a sofa cushion at him. Shouko mumbled something under her breath, cheeks flushed.
"Hmm? What was that?" Shizuka asked.
"N-Nothing! You misheard!" Shouko waved her hands quickly.
With a smirk, Shizuka caught the cushion Akira tossed back and returned it to its spot. She then checked the time and stood.
"I'm heading out for groceries. Anything you two want to eat?"
Akira switched the TV to a variety show channel. "Anything's fine."
"What about you, Shouko?"
"Eh?" Shouko paused. "Same as Akira—anything is fine."
"Alright then." With a nod, Shizuka left.
Once she was gone, Shouko scooted closer to Akira, leaning gently against him. Together, they watched TV, laughing at the show's over-the-top comedy skits.
Later That Night…
"Akira, I'm going to bed now," Shouko said.
"Alright. Good night."
"Good night."
She closed the door behind her and made her way downstairs. In the living room, Miyamura Shizuka was mid-yoga pose when she heard the soft footsteps.
"Going back to your room already?"
"Mhm," Shouko replied softly. Then, as if remembering something important, she added, "Auntie, you don't need to make Akira's bento tomorrow. I want to try making it myself."
"Oh? What a wonderful surprise."
"It's something I want to do," Shouko said with a shy smile, then waved and headed off to her room.
Once she was gone, Shizuka chuckled to herself. "I swear… Did that brat save the world in his past life?"
A voice from behind startled her.
"Not quite right," said Miyamura Daiki, appearing suddenly by the door. "He's been with her since they were kids, always looking out for her."
"Jeez, you scared me!" Shizuka snapped. "Stop sneaking around like that!"
OUCH!!
The Next Morning
"Mom, where's my bento?" Akira asked, glancing at the empty table as he entered the dining room, hair still damp from his shower.
"I woke up late," Shizuka said, biting into a sandwich. "Didn't have time to make one. Just grab something at the school store."
"Alright," Akira replied, not making a fuss.
Just then, the front door clicked open.
"Shouko's here," Shizuka said.
"Good morning, Auntie," Shouko greeted politely as she stepped inside.
The moment Shizuka laid eyes on her in the new sailor-style uniform, her face lit up. "So cute!"
Akira also looked over and blinked. "Too cute. It's dangerous."
"W-what are you saying?" Shouko flushed, glancing sideways at him but clearly pleased.
"Look at him," Shizuka teased. "Totally stunned."
"I'm not stunned!" Akira muttered, returning to his breakfast.
"Where's Uncle?" Shouko asked.
"Still sleeping. No office today," Shizuka said, waving it off.
Shouko sat beside Akira, the soft scent of shampoo lingering in the air. He tried not to be too obvious as he shifted slightly away, heart beating a bit faster.
After breakfast, just as Akira stood up to grab his bag—
"Wait."
"What is it now?" he asked.
Shizuka peeked to make sure Shouko was in the bathroom, then pulled out a lunchbox from the kitchen.
"I thought you didn't make one?"
She didn't answer. Instead, she shoved it into his school bag without a word.
"Just take it. No questions."
Akira raised an eyebrow. He had a feeling this was Shouko's doing… or at least partly. He didn't press further.
Outside the door, Shouko rejoined him, and the two of them said their goodbyes.
"We're heading out, Miyamura-san."
"Be careful!" Shizuka called after them.
As the door shut behind them, Shizuka leaned against the wall, exhaling deeply.
"She wanted to surprise him. But her cooking's still… ehh…" she muttered, imagining him and Shouko skipping lunch for convenience store rice balls.
So, she'd woken early to prepare a secret backup plan—just in case. One big bento box for both of them to share.
A mother's intuition always came prepared.
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