Mayu's heart was still racing, her cheeks burning with a mix of embarrassment and excitement. The almost-kiss in Kyle's room lingered in her mind, making her feel both flustered and… happy. But before she could even process what had just happened, they were stepping out of the room and into the living area, where Kyle's mother was waiting with an expectant look on her face.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" Kyle's mom said, raising an eyebrow and folding her arms. A wide, playful smile spread across her lips. "Did I just walk in on something, or should I say someone? My son and his lovely girlfriend, perhaps?"
Mayu froze, feeling like a deer caught in headlights. Her eyes widened in horror. **Girlfriend**? That word echoed in her head, and she immediately panicked, waving her hands in front of her. "N-No! It's not like that! We're just—"
"Mom," Kyle interrupted smoothly, stepping closer to Mayu and putting a casual arm around her shoulder. "You know once you decide on something, it's impossible to change your mind."
Mayu shot Kyle a flustered look. What was he doing? His arm was warm against her, and it made her even more nervous. She opened her mouth to protest again, but Kyle's mother laughed heartily, completely ignoring her.
"Exactly! And I've decided," Kyle's mom declared with absolute certainty, "you two make the perfect couple! I mean, look at you! Just adorable together!"
Mayu's face was turning an alarming shade of red. She could feel Kyle's arm tighten around her as if he was holding her in place, preventing her from escaping the whirlwind his mother was creating.
"R-really, it's not like that!" Mayu insisted, her voice squeaking slightly as she glanced nervously at Kyle. Why wasn't he saying anything to correct this? "We're not—"
"Oh, nonsense, Mayu! You don't have to be shy around me!" Kyle's mom waved her hand dismissively. "I've known Kyle for all his life, and I can tell when he's serious about someone. He's never brought a girl over before, you know? You must be special!"
Kyle chuckled softly beside her, and Mayu shot him a glare. He was enjoying this way too much. He turned to his mom with a smirk. "See, Mom? I told you she was amazing."
Kyle's mom clasped her hands together, her face beaming with excitement. "I knew it! I knew it from the moment I saw you two together!" She rushed forward and grabbed Mayu's hands, holding them in her own. "Oh, sweetie, welcome to the family! You don't know how happy this makes me. Kyle's always been so closed off when it comes to relationships, but I knew someone like you would come around eventually!"
Mayu's jaw dropped, completely flustered. How did things spiral out of control so fast? She felt like she was in a runaway car, and no one was willing to hit the brakes.
"Mom, I don't think—" Mayu began, but Kyle cut her off again.
"Yeah, Mom. Mayu's been a great influence on me," Kyle said, his tone teasing. He shot Mayu a playful wink. "She's really helped me come out of my shell, you know?"
Mayu's face burned. This was getting worse by the second. "Kyle!" she hissed under her breath, but he just grinned at her, clearly enjoying her discomfort.
Kyle's mom wasn't letting up either. "Oh, this is just too perfect. We need to have a family dinner soon! You know, one where you officially introduce Mayu as your girlfriend." She turned to Mayu, her eyes twinkling. "What do you think, Mayu? Any favorite dishes? I'll cook anything you want!"
Mayu stared, speechless, her mind spinning. How had this innocent visit turned into an impromptu meet-the-parents moment? And worse, Kyle wasn't even denying any of it!
"She likes ramen," Kyle chimed in with a laugh. "Make your best ramen, Mom. She'll love it."
Mayu gave him a mortified look, mouthing, **Ramen? Really?**
Kyle's mom clapped her hands. "Ramen it is! I'll make it happen. You two can have a proper date while I prepare everything."
Before Mayu could protest any further, Kyle's mom was already bustling off to the kitchen, humming happily to herself. Mayu turned to Kyle, her face flushed and flustered.
"Kyle," she whispered fiercely, "what did you just do?"
Kyle chuckled, giving her a casual shrug. "Well, once my mom sets her mind on something, you really can't change it. Might as well roll with it, right?"
Mayu groaned, burying her face in her hands. This was not how she imagined their first "official" relationship talk going. But, despite her embarrassment, there was a tiny part of her that didn't entirely hate it.