"You know, our Amane really takes after you, Shuuto-san. Doesn't he?" Roughly two weeks had passed since Seijo High School's cultural festival, held at Amane's school, which happened to also be Shuuto's alma mater.
As a result of Amane talking about his part-time job, Shihoko softly muttered that line as she reminisced about spending time with her cute son and soon-to-be daughter.
Shuuto was at a loss for a moment, wondering which trait in particular she was referring to, but Shihoko was likely referring to Amane's determination and earnestness, so she must've been talking about that.
"Well, Amane does resemble me the most out of the two of us, Shihoko- san. He'd be more on the proactive side if he took after you a little more, I reckon."
"He's such a late bloomer even though he's my son. That must be how he managed to win Mahiru-chan's trust, I think."
"I think Amane's prudent nature is a good thing. While I do think it's also important to let loose and enjoy life as a teenager, Amane's approach in tackling that was correct."
They had heard from Mahiru that Amane tended not to act until he was certain, and that he was the type of person who would prepare until he was ready, and that attitude was, in fact, the beginning of her love for him. Mahiru had long since gotten used to his cautiousness, and was convinced that he would ensure that whatever he planned would be accomplished smoothly and efficiently, too.
Shuuto knew that as a woman, Mahiru may have felt impatient, but given Amane's personality, pushing the issue was absolutely impossible, he thought. If anything, they had become intimate faster than Shuuto expected.
Before Amane and Mahiru started dating, Shuuto's only chance to meet them was during New Year's, but even then, he was able to discern that Mahiru didn't think badly of Amane, and realized that Amane must also have taken a liking to her since he allowed a girl to enter his personal space, so he must have relaxed his guard, Shuuto thought. Therefore, Shuuto was not at all surprised when he heard that the two of them had started dating.
"You were a lot more assertive than one would expect, Shuuto-san, right~? I thought you were being nonchalant, but then you surprised me when you suddenly acted so boldly."
Presumably, Shihoko had been astonished at Shuuto taking the reins to—in a straightforward manner—advance his relationship with her, even settling quickly on their marriage. Shihoko had conducted attacks of her own, but thereafter, Shuuto pressed forward confidently, continuing to take the lead. In the end, this all appeared to have left a lasting impression on Shihoko.
"You know what they say. There's no time like the present, right? I truly believed that you were the only life-long partner for me, Shihoko-san, hence why I took action like I did."
"Fufu, that's true, too. Besides, you made your moves after you estimated it wouldn't go bad, right? How calculating."
"You think so?"
"I do. I still think that was also rather cheeky of you."
"But you adore that side of me, too. Don't you, Shihoko-san?" "...See? This is what I'm talking about. Seriously."
Shuuto flashed a tender smile at Shihoko, who sat beside him, and caressed one of her cheeks with the tip of his finger. Shihoko turned away, embarrassed, tapping his thigh once in retaliation. But it was clear that she wasn't averse to it as she let him do as he pleased, not brushing his finger away.
Unbeknownst to her son, Amane, Shihoko was also quite vulnerable to people's strong advances. In that respect, one could certainly say: Like mother, like son. While appearing assertive, when pushed, the tables would immediately turn with Shihoko easily giving in. However, this cute side of Shihoko was a secret just between her and her husband.
"But, well, how he only acts after building confidence really takes after you, Shuuto-san. Though it seems that Mahiru-chan's getting a little antsy nonetheless."
"Though in exchange, he properly takes action once he's reached that certainty, and I think Amane's a lot sharper than I was in regards to planning ahead and working hard to achieve those plans," Shuuto admitted. "He's my pride and joy."
They had heard from Amane about why he'd been wanting to work part- time. Even after contemplating the future, including studying for exams, he hadn't turned back on his decision. He asked for permission, instead, and had done so in a way that fully conveyed his determination. Despite knowing that Amane was not present in the room, Shuuto smiled, as if praising him for his efforts.
Needless to say, Shuuto informed Shihoko, with whom he shared the family's finances, of Amane's resolve and what Shuuto intended to grant him, which Shihoko then readily also approved. Shuuto also told her about Amane's part-time job, and she was moved by how much effort he was putting in for Mahiru.
"Fufu. I think our Amane takes after me in how once he's charmed by someone, he goes all in."
"Hey now, you don't suppose he also takes after me with that?"
Shuuto chuckled, saying that she ought to not leave him out of it, and Shihoko laughed strangely in response. "I'll allow it, this one time, that clearly he takes after both his parents here," she added, happily.