Chapter 106: Sasha's Enthusiasm
To Yuta, Sasha always seemed like a lively and spirited person. However, if one word could truly capture her essence, it would be passionate.
Whether it was her devotion to family or the strength she showed in the face of hardships, Sasha's passion was undeniable.
Even when Miu treated her coldly and sometimes with open hostility at the beginning, Sasha maintained her warm and caring attitude.
She never argued back, nor did she pressure Miu to accept her. Instead, Sasha continued to treat Miu and the rest of the family with the same enthusiasm and kindness.
Sasha handled things with Yuta in much the same way.
She gave him space to think about their relationship, never once using their shared past as leverage to push him.
In her view, Yuta was still young, just starting to shape his own life. Sasha didn't want to burden him with responsibility or pressure that could interfere with his future or his studies.
She didn't want Yuta to feel like he'd lost his choices because of their relationship. Sasha wanted to make sure Yuta had the freedom to pursue a path he wouldn't regret later.
Though the difference in their ages sometimes crossed her mind, Sasha didn't see their relationship as a mistake.
She was confident in herself and believed that, compared to someone like Raika, she could be a better partner for Yuta, supporting him in ways only an experienced adult could.
Sasha was committed to taking responsibility for her choices and actions, both now and in the future.
What she wanted from Yuta wasn't responsibility for what they'd shared physically, but rather a commitment to family. She deeply respected Yuta's independence and decisions.
Sasha's optimism had always been her guiding light. Each day, life seemed to be improving for her—both at work and at home.
"We can keep looking for a house over the next few days," she thought to herself on her way home. "This place is nice, but if Yuta wants a bigger place for us to live in, then I should honor his wishes and make sure he feels comfortable."
Due to the war in her homeland and her recent family losses, Sasha's savings were modest. Otherwise, she'd have readily put her savings toward buying a home with Yuta.
As she entered the house, Miu stood at the entrance, waiting for her. After gathering her courage, Miu lowered her head and said softly, "I'm sorry, Mom. I was being selfish before."
"Miu?!" Sasha hadn't expected this moment to come so suddenly, and the happiness hit her without warning.
Sasha's handbag slipped from her hands and fell to the floor as she rushed forward, dropping to her knees in front of Miu and pulling her tightly into her arms. "Miu, my precious child! I've dreamed of this day for so long. I love you—I've never once forgotten you…"
"I know. I'm sorry. I was selfish before and said some terrible things to you. I'm sorry," Miu replied, feeling a weight lift off her chest as she returned her mother's embrace.
Realizing that Miu was holding her back, Sasha began to cry softly. Embarrassed, she quickly wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.
"Miu, did Yuta say something to you?" Sasha asked, a hopeful smile forming. "I need to thank him properly!"
Sasha was certain that Yuta must have had a hand in this change. After all, Miu had been distant just this morning—what could have led her to accept Sasha so suddenly?
"He went to pick up Raika-nee," Miu replied. Even in this emotional moment, just thinking about Yuta shifted her attention away from tears. "We also have a guest here. Let me introduce you."
"A guest?" Sasha released her hold on Miu, though her focus remained entirely on her daughter. "Miu, can we sleep together tonight? I have so much to tell you."
"Yeah, I have lots to talk about too, Mom," Miu said, then added with a blush, "but please don't ask me why I changed my mind. It's… too embarrassing to say."
Sasha beamed, thrilled to finally have Miu's acceptance. She didn't mind the mystery, cherishing the bond with her daughter more than anything else.
Just then, Sasha noticed the other woman standing nearby. She was dressed in elegant, unusual clothing, her long, light-brown hair flowing freely. Her pure blue eyes and innocent expression radiated an almost ethereal kindness.
"Hello, I'm Belldandy." With a warm smile, Belldandy greeted Sasha, sensing the kindness in this family.
Sasha studied Belldandy, feeling an unexpected pressure. There was something about her—her smile had an infectious warmth, making it clear she was a good person.
But that only made things more complicated.
"I'm Sasha. Are you one of Yuta's classmates?" Sasha couldn't help but compare herself with Belldandy, noting with a touch of relief that she had a slight advantage in… certain areas.
Catching herself in that thought, though, Sasha felt uneasy. Belldandy didn't exude anything flirtatious; she radiated a natural warmth that could easily capture a man's heart.
And it wasn't about her figure—Belldandy's was practically flawless in its own right. Sasha might have a slight advantage in certain areas, but Belldandy's appeal wasn't physical. She had a presence that could soothe and uplift anyone.
"No, I'm not," Belldandy replied honestly, though a bit uncertain. She didn't want to say too much, as Yuta had asked her to keep some details quiet.
Miu jumped in to explain, "Mom, Onii-chan and Belldandy-nee are very close friends, and he's planning to have us all move into Belldandy's place for a while. She lives alone, so it'll be nice to have some extra company."
"Yes, I would love for us all to live together," Belldandy added. She could sense the close bond between Miu and Sasha, though she was most concerned about her connection with Yuta.
Sasha felt increasingly challenged—this "opponent" seemed flawless, without any obvious weakness.
Belldandy, meanwhile, could feel Sasha's gaze, so she asked gently, "Is there something wrong?"
Caught off guard, Sasha hesitated, then heard the sound of the front door opening. She quickly shifted, "No, nothing's wrong. It sounds like Yuta is back. Let's go welcome him! Greeting family when they come home is so important."
Sasha emphasized "family," making it clear she intended to be there as Yuta's family to greet him.
Belldandy nodded happily, truly grateful. "Is that so? Thank you! I didn't know that!"
With a cheerful expression, she headed toward the door, while Sasha clenched her fists, her enthusiasm unshaken, and quickly followed.
Belldandy knew she was supposed to welcome Yuta but wasn't entirely sure what to say. When Yuta and Raika stepped inside, Sasha warmly greeted him, "Welcome home, Yuta."
"Welcome home, Yuta," Belldandy repeated, trying to get it just right.
"Welcome home, Onii-chan!" Miu smiled and joined in.
Yuta looked at the three of them with a gentle smile. "I'm back. Thank you all."
Raika, a little out of place but determined to join in, cheerfully called out, "And I came along too! Woohoo!"
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