"You two haven't had dinner yet, right? I'll get it ready in no time," said Megumi.
"I'll help," I offered.
"No need, you should relax for now. Mai, why don't you find something for you and Kaya to do?" Megumi suggested.
"Okay, let's go back to my room and keep playing. Come on," Mai said, ushering me along.
"Alright," I replied, following her.
We resumed our game, and with Mai's tips, I started getting the hang of it. Mai was so encouraging, praising me when I improved and helping me when I struggled. At first, I was too distracted to fully enjoy myself, but as time passed, I found myself engrossed in the game, genuinely having fun. Just as we reached a good stopping point, Megumi called us down for dinner. We put away the game and headed to the dining room, where the delicious aroma of curry filled the air.
"Is that curry? Nice!" Mai exclaimed.
"Yes, yes, take your seats and let's eat," Megumi responded with a smile.
The three of us sat down, said "Itadakimasu," and began our meal.
"It shouldn't be too spicy, but let me know if it's too much for you, Kaya," Megumi said.
"No, it's perfect. Thank you," I assured her.
"Good, I'm glad to hear that. If you have any dislikes or preferences, don't hesitate to tell me. Mai was a picky eater when she was younger, so I'm used to accommodating different tastes," Megumi added with a chuckle.
"Mom, don't say that! And forget what I just said!" Mai blushed, clearly embarrassed.
It was endearing to see this side of Mai, who usually seemed so confident.
"Fufu, and here you've been trying to say 'mom' instead of 'mama,'" Megumi teased.
"Mama works just fine, doesn't it?" I asked, curious.
"Hmm, well, I don't mind either way, but I guess it might be a bit embarrassing if your classmates hear you," Megumi mused.
"Is that how it is?" I replied thoughtfully.
"Don't analyze it so calmly!" Mai groaned, making us all laugh.
"Maybe you should just stick with 'mama,' Mai," Megumi suggested.
"Ugh, fine, it's out now anyway," Mai sighed in defeat.
It was charming to see Mai so relaxed and vulnerable in front of her mother. Clearly, this was where she felt most at ease.
"Kaya, do you have any foods you dislike?" Megumi asked.
"I don't have any particular dislikes," I answered truthfully.
I'd been raised to eat whatever was given to me, and food had never been something I cared much about.
"See, even Kaya doesn't have any dislikes. Maybe it's time you tried overcoming yours, Mai," Megumi teased.
"I don't know, I just don't like what I don't like," Mai replied stubbornly.
We continued chatting as we ate. I mostly listened, only chiming in when asked something directly, while Mai and her mother exchanged stories about their day. It was such a contrast to my usual dinners, which were quiet and perfunctory, more like business meetings than family meals. I couldn't help but wonder which way was the "right" way, but one thing was clear—I'd never enjoyed a meal like I did tonight. It was a strange but pleasant feeling.
After dinner, we were relaxing in the living room when the doorbell rang. "Who could that be at this hour?" Megumi wondered aloud as she went to answer it. A moment later, she called out to me, "Kaya, could you come to the door?"
I hesitated, half-expecting my parents to have sent someone to bring me home. But when I reached the door, I was surprised to find my sister standing there instead.
"Is this Kaya's sister?" Megumi asked, looking at me for confirmation. I nodded, and she invited Yuu inside. We moved to the living room, where Mai was asked to give us some privacy.
"What are you doing here, Yuu? And what's with the big box? Did you run away from home too?" I asked, half-jokingly. Yuu was carrying a large box, which made me wonder if she had decided to leave home as well.
"Of course not," Yuu replied with a sigh. "First, let me apologize for showing up unannounced. I'm Yuu, Kaya's sister. I'm sorry for any inconvenience."
It felt strange to see Yuu in such a formal mode; it had been a while since I'd seen her like this.
"I'm Megumi, Mai's mother. How did you know Kaya was here? I don't recall mentioning our address during our call."
"I found it through the phone number and the name on the mailbox," Yuu explained.
"So, are you here to take me back?" I asked.
"No, I'm not here to take you back," Yuu said, setting the box down. "You left home with nothing, right? I brought some things you might need. Here's your phone—you'll need this to stay in touch. Make sure you keep it with you at all times."
"Thank you," I said, taking the phone from her.
"Promise me you'll keep it on you, no matter what. As long as you have this, we can reach each other," Yuu insisted.
"I promise," I replied, tucking the phone away.
"And don't worry about our parents—I'll handle them. You just focus on taking care of yourself. Now, I need to have a word with Ms. Megumi. Could you give us a moment?" Yuu requested.
"Why? I want to be part of the conversation," I protested.
"This isn't about you right now. Go check out what I brought for you," Yuu said, gently but firmly.
"That's right. I'll show you to the guest room, where you can go through everything," Megumi added.
Reluctantly, I followed Megumi to the guest room and began unpacking the box Yuu had brought. It was filled with clothes, school supplies, and other personal items. Everything I needed to continue my life as usual without having to return home. As I was going through the items, Yuu came to say goodbye.
"I'm leaving now, Kaya. Don't worry about anything on this end. Just focus on yourself and take things one day at a time. If you ever feel like coming back or if anything happens, call me first. And—"
"I get it, I get it. You don't need to say any more. But what did you talk about with Megumi-san?"
"We discussed your situation and what comes next."
"I see… Well, it's late, so be careful on your way home. I assume you're not staying the night?"
"No, I'm heading back. But I'll be fine. Take care, Kaya," Yuu said before leaving.
After she left, I asked Megumi about their conversation. "It was about what comes next," she said, echoing Yuu's words. "Oh, and I've already received some funds to cover your living expenses, so don't worry about anything."
I hadn't even thought about the cost of staying here, but it seemed Yuu had taken care of everything.
Later that night, I took another bath, changed into the pajamas Yuu had brought, and slipped under the covers. It had been a long, exhausting day, but finally, it was over.