Haruki slumped in his chair, running a hand through his hair.
She's really persistent... does she not realize what she's getting herself into? This roleplay thing... if she keeps pushing me like this, I might not be able to hold back.
Haruki looked at the phone still in its box on his desk and smiled faintly.
I was planning to give it to her on her birthday before summer ends. A surprise gift to show her how much I appreciate everything she does for me. She's been using that old phone for years, always saying she doesn't need anything fancy.
Haruki smiled again, lifting the phone box and turning it over in his hands, his fingers tracing the sleek packaging.
At least she accepted the phone and will use the new one. That makes me happy.
Haruki slowly removed the thin plastic wrap from the box, the crinkling sound filling the quiet room. He opened the box carefully, revealing the glossy black phone inside. He powered it on, the screen lighting up with a soft glow.
He smiled, thinking about how they'd have matching phones now. The same model, the same features.
Maybe this won't be so bad. She's trying to help in her own way, even if she doesn't understand what she's really doing. I guess I'll just have to follow along. At least this way I get to spend more time with her this summer.
Meanwhile, inside Kyouko's room.
Kyouko was humming softly, a happy little tune as she sat on her bed.
Now with a new phone, I can start this teaching session seriously.
Now... how do I open it? Kyouko glanced at the new box, still in its plastic wrap. She opened her drawer and searched for a small cutter, finding one with a delicate floral handle.
She carefully cut the plastic wrap, the sound crisp and satisfying. Removing it slowly, she opened the box and saw the beautiful phone inside, a sleek champagne gold color that caught the light beautifully.
Wow... this looks so elegant. Haruki really has good taste.
Kyouko lifted the phone from its packaging, feeling its smooth, premium weight in her hands. She powered it on, watching as the screen lit up with a soft glow.
This feels nice... much better than my old phone. I'll have to thank him properly later. Maybe make his favorite dinner tonight.
She smiled to herself, already imagining how the roleplay sessions would go with their new phones.
This would make everything feel more real, more authentic.
After a while...
Kyouko bit her lower lip, feeling annoyed.
She removed her glasses and walked out of her room toward Haruki's room.
And knocked on the door, while her other hand held the new phone.
"Haruki!"
The door opened wide and Haruki narrowed his eyes.
"What now, Mom?"
"This LINE app... it needs phone verification!" Kyouko pouted, her full lips forming that irresistible frown.
"Hmm? Just use your current phone number to do it."
"No! If I do that, it's the same as my old LINE! Is there no other way?" Kyouko glanced up at him, her eyes pleading.
Haruki exhaled. "Don't know. Buy a new number?"
Kyouko's eyes widened and she smiled, pulling Haruki's arm. "Let's go!"
Haruki glanced down at her. "Where?"
"To buy our new numbers!" Kyouko smiled, tilting her head.
"Eh? You serious, Mom?"
"Of course! We have to make this as realistic as possible! If I'm going to be a new girl you just met, I need a new number too!"
Haruki exhaled again and shook his head. "I don't know why you want to take this lesson so seriously, Mom." Haruki went inside while Kyouko tilted her head in confusion, wondering why he suddenly left, and followed him.
Haruki opened the drawer and handed her a SIM card pack. "Here."
"Eh? When did you buy this?" Kyouko glanced at his hand, taking the small package.
"Huh? It came with the phone. And here." Haruki reached for another drawer and pulled out a huge box containing a fluffy white bunny headset with long floppy ears and pink accents. "This too."
"Kyaa!! So cute!! For me?" Kyouko's eyes gleamed and she jumped in excitement, her ponytail bouncing.
Haruki smiled, seeing her acting like this, genuinely happy and beautiful when she smiled like that. Her excitement was infectious.
"Yeah, for you."
"This is so cute!!! So... how much?"
"Huh? Why are you suddenly asking for the price?"
"I'm going to pay for it, of course~" Kyouko smiled as she took the fluffy headset and checked it, running her fingers over the soft bunny ears.
"If you're going to pay, I won't participate in your lesson." Haruki crossed his arms, a playful but firm expression on his face.
Kyouko's smile softened, her eyes warm with gratitude. "Thank you, Haruki. You're always so thoughtful."
Haruki exhaled softly, a warm feeling spreading through his chest as he watched her excitement. Seeing her this happy made him feel calm and content.
"Alright, Mom. I'm going downstairs now."
"Okay~ I'm going to put this in my room and will come downstairs after that~" Kyouko smiled and waved the new box. "And don't forget to register the new LINE app~"
"Alright, Mom. If you say so." Haruki smiled as Kyouko left the room, her ponytail swaying with each step. He watched her go for a moment before heading downstairs with his new phone in his pocket.
After reaching the living room, he sat down on the long couch and took out the phone, starting to set it up.
Haruki shook his head, a small smile touching his lips. I wonder if she'll really be able to stay in character? Knowing her, she'll probably break character the moment I say something funny.
He started setting up the LINE app, creating a new account with a simple profile picture of himself.
Hmm... I should set the name as Haruki?
Yeah... let's just go with that. No need to overcomplicate things.
He finished setting up and stood, heading toward the kitchen while putting his new phone inside his pocket. He filled a glass with water and took a long sip, leaning against the counter as he waited for Kyouko to come downstairs.
( End Of Chapter )