Telling me to get in the car probably means they'll take me home.
On the way there, I was prepared for Mei to give me a lecture in the car, saying, "How dare you deceive our lovely young lady."
"Tell your parents. They'll be worried."
"Eh? My house is close to here so I think I'll arrive soon."
"...Oh, maybe you're misunderstanding. I'm heading to the Hoshimiya residence now, so I won't arrive at your house by then."
To my surprise, I was taken away.
"...!?"
From the passenger seat, I couldn't help but look at Mei in the driver's seat and was dumbfounded. Naturally, she didn't even look at me while driving. She was concentrating on what was ahead.
He may look like a child, but his steering is so skilled that it still seems to confuse my brain. The seat seems a little low, so perhaps it's a custom-made seat, and I wonder if it's been adjusted to fit my needs - this brings my thoughts, which were starting to escape, back to reality.
"I didn't say that."
"I'm surprised."
"If you don't like it, I'll head home."
Even if you say that...
I'm a little scared of Mei-san, but I have no reservations about going to the Hoshimiya household.
Because the child is happy.
"Eh, Yohei-kun... are you coming?"
"It seems so. Ufufu, Hime-chan looks so happy."
"B-but... hehe."
Ah, no good.
Hime, seen in the rearview mirror, has soft cheeks. Who could say no to such a relaxed and adorable smile?
"No, no. I'm sorry to interrupt."
When I told Mei this, she nodded.
"Come on in. You can have dinner too. I've prepared some for you."
"...I'll enjoy having this"
In Mei's mind, inviting me may have been a decision she had already made.
It was all meticulously prepared. It's not quite right to say that she wanted to meet me that badly. I think she had something she wanted to tell me, which is why she was so meticulously prepared.
The sermon may be held at the Hoshimiya household.
I prepare myself mentally and first let my mother know that I don't need dinner and that I'll be home late.
The reply came quickly.
"So I don't have to cook for Yohei today. I'm going on a date with my dad for the first time in a while."
...I don't want my teenage son to see his parents being affectionate.
"What's wrong? Did your parents say something?"
Perhaps noticing that I was frowning while looking at my smartphone, Mei-san called out to me in a concerned tone. She doesn't seem to like me that much, but I think it's really mature of her to worry about me like this. Even though she looks like a child.
"No, well... it's difficult to say."
"...I guess that was a bit too sudden after all. It's fine, you can go home without worrying about me."
"Oh, that's not true. I don't mean it in a bad way."
It's embarrassing to tell you.
However, I decided that it would be better to say something, so I had no choice but to confess. Otherwise, I would have caused Mei unnecessary worry.
"She's taking advantage of my absence and going on a date tonight."
"...Isn't that wonderful? You two get along well."
"As a son, it's complicated."
"I see. It's complicated... hehe."
Mei said, laughing softly.
...Eh, that made you laugh?!
I always thought she didn't like me.
Maybe they don't hate me as much as I think they do?
Hmm, I'm starting to get confused.