Apparently, Reiji-kun's real name was Shimizu Reiji. He was four years old and currently living alone with his mom, Shizuku-san in a room for employees at Shimizu Inn.
He told us that he was Okamoto Reiji when he first met us, because Okamoto was his dad's surname. In the winter two years ago, Shizuku-san had a divorce and decided to return to her parent's home. Naturally, she brought Reiji-kun along with her. In any case, the child was simply too young to understand the whole ordeal about his name change.
"I'm really sorry about this, Umi-chan, Maki-kun. I told him to stay in his room, he's usually very obedient, but…"
While waiting for dinner, Shizuku-san was apologizing to us about this matter.
Earlier, Reiji-kun, who was currently sleeping in his room, told us how he got lost. Long story short, the cause was our car.
When Shizuku-san was busy with her work, Reiji-kun happened to see our car from the window in his room. Out of curiosity, he left his room and immediately headed toward the parking lot.
"He thought his dad was picking him up because the car looks similar to his car… Well, I understand how he feels, he hasn't seen his dad for a long time, of course he would act like that…"
"…Yes… That child loves his father a lot… That man was especially soft on him, after all…"
I wouldn't dare to ask her about the cause of her divorce, but something big must have happened between them.
Besides, I went through the same thing with my parents. It was hard for me to listen to this kind of talk since I would get unnecessarily emotional.
"Then when he got there, he realized that it wasn't his dad's car. After that, he was distracted by a tanuki and ended up chasing after it up the mountains…"
A typical lost child case. To be fair, he was four. It was normal for something like this to happen. Of course I didn't mean to generalize all the four year olds, I was just saying that something like this would happen from time to time. Children at that age would disregard their parents' instructions when they got distracted by something they found interesting.
In fact, I used to act that way when I was that age… Well, let's not talk about that.
"In any case, Umi-chan, Maki-kun, thank you very much for finding Reiji for me. I want to give something to the two of you to show my gratitude, is that okay with you?"
And so we decided to have our dinner earlier than planned and she added more dessert to our portion as a thank you.
Honestly, I was going to refuse her offer at first, but I felt like Shizuku-san would feel uncomfortable if I did, so I decided to ask her for more desserts.
"Also… Thank you, Rikkun… You went out of your way to look for him with me even though you're exhausted…"
"Ah, don't mind it… I mean, if the situation is like that, of course I would help you out… I was surprised that you had a child though."
"I'm sorry… I was going to tell you, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it…"
"Does the old woman know about this?"
"Mhm, she knew about everything. She had been supporting me ever since I came back here. She was also the one who took care of Reiji whenever I was unable to… Ah, the reason why she didn't tell you about this is because I told her not to, so don't blame her, please…"
"I see. So that's how it is…"
Well, even if she didn't tell Mizore-san, I doubt that she would bring it up since I, a total stranger, was there too.
In any case, Riku-san was probably shocked by this turn of events.
Finding out that his childhood friend was already married, divorced and gave birth to a child that was already four years old? That was a lot to take.
He had stopped moving his chopsticks for a while now, even though he was so eager to eat his dinner.
"Shizuku-san, can I have more rice? The food is so tasty, I can't hold myself back."
"My, is that so? Thank you, please eat to your heart's content, okay? What about you, Umi-chan?"
"Since Maki is doing that, then I won't hold myself back either. Weight gain be damned, I'll leave that problem to the future Umi."
"Hehe, that's a classic high school girl problem right there, huh?"
"I know right? I was concerned about this, but do you know what Maki said when he touched my belly back at the mountain? He said that it felt soft and pleasant to the touch. Also–"
"The mountain? What the hell were you two doing up there?"
"…Ah."
Umi realized that she slipped up and downright self-destructed.
"Hehe, Umi-chan?"
"…Yes?"
"That conversation didn't happen, okay?"
"…Sorry."
Umi's face turned red as she hung her head in shame. When it happened, we didn't think much of it, but now that our mind was clear, I guess we went a little overboard with our flirting.
…Now my face felt unnaturally hot. Should I get some ice cream to cool down?