193: First Meeting
This was an absolutely unexpected situation.
The urban beauty who suddenly appeared before her was wearing a long-sleeved T-shirt and plain trousers—a very common combination, but it looked completely different on her.
Should he say it's her temperament or her appearance, which is no less impressive than that of Kazusa?
In short, just standing there, she exuded a sense of elegance and sophistication, radiating a charming and laid-back vibe along with a tempting scent.
It wasn't until the woman made a half-joking comment that Chisato realized what she was doing.
She put down her bowl and chopsticks, stood up, and bent down to greet her formally.
"Hello, I am Touma's friend, Suzumiya Chisato."
Kazusa was still surprised that her mother would return home at this time. According to the original schedule, she should be abroad now, busy with preparations for a piano concert.
Therefore, she kept her gaze steady and chose not to speak immediately.
"Hello, Suzumiya-kun! What a surprise! Kazusa can actually make friends! But how did you two meet?"
The beauty blinked and stepped forward, taking Chisato's hand without hesitation.
Kazusa, who usually maintained a calm poker face, suddenly had sharp eyes.
Chisato didn't react rudely. From the moment this woman appeared, he had noticed some vaguely familiar features that resembled Kazusa's.
Since she was Kazusa's mother, it was only natural that she would also be his mother in the future.
Chisato wanted to leave a good first impression.
"We are classmates and sit next to each other. I usually receive a lot of help and care from Touma."
"Are we really classmates? Are you sure you're not an artist or an idol?"
"You're exaggerating. I'm really just a high school student, like anyone else. You, on the other hand, must be Kazusa's sister. And as for your profession, you should undoubtedly be a model."
"Hahaha, you kid! What kind of sister am I? I'm an old aunt, Kazusa's mother. But don't call me aunt; just call me Miss Youko."
It was clear that this beauty was very pleased with Chisato's compliment.
Good-looking women are a tonic for men, and the opposite is also true. Young, handsome, and polite boys are equally irresistible to older women.
If you don't believe it, just look at the young idols and their supporters; the liaisons in those groups are usually older sisters.
The instinctive allure of beauty and youthful charm is hard for anyone to resist.
"!"
Seeing the two chatting happily, Kazusa's resentment gradually grew.
She had finally mustered the courage to say those words, but at the most critical moment, the most unexpected person had suddenly broken in and interrupted her.
Her mother didn't even greet her beforehand, and her willful style remained unchanged, which truly complicated matters!
"Bang!"
The sound of hands slapping the table stopped the conversation between Chisato and Youko.
Kazusa approached angrily, her eyes reflecting none of the previous shyness and timidity, instead restored to their usual cold and hostile demeanor as she questioned her mother.
"Why are you back at this time?"
"Hey, Touma."
From the perspective of a bystander, Chisato sensed something was off about her mother's tone and softly called her name, trying to catch her attention with subtle gestures.
But Kazusa completely ignored her, while Youko chuckled indifferently. The mother and daughter seemed accustomed to such exchanges.
"Of course, I came back to see you. I haven't seen you in such a long time. It's great to see you're still in such good spirits. Well..."
Youko stood in front of her daughter, nodding happily as she noticed Kazusa had grown taller than her.
"Your body is developing quite well. It seems that Suzumiya-kun takes good care of you."
"Cough!"
Chisato softly muttered "I'm sorry" and turned her head to mask his mistake.
Kazusa's reaction was even more pronounced. Her mother's words shattered her mask, revealing her true feelings.
"What... what are you talking about?!"
"Hey, did I make a mistake? The meal on the table was indeed cooked by Suzumiya-kun. You, like me, have never been in the kitchen since childhood."
Youko explained so easily that Kazusa was left speechless.
With a mischievous smile, she walked past her daughter, grabbed some chopsticks, and took a piece of potato, popping it into her mouth.
By the time Chisato reacted, it was too late to stop her.
Sweet food isn't to everyone's taste, and this might leave a negative impression of her cooking skills in her future mother-in-law's mind.
However, she had clearly underestimated the power of genetic traits.
"You're lying; this is delicious!"
Youko's eyes sparkled like a little girl encountering something exciting.
Chisato felt relieved, concluding that this aunt was a fellow sweet tooth.
"Don't use my chopsticks!"
"I don't mind; why don't you get your own pair? Oh, by the way, I came back directly after getting off the plane and haven't eaten yet, so please serve me two bowls of rice."
"Whoever wants to serve you a meal can do it themselves!"
"I'll do it, Miss Youko."
"Thank you, Suzumiya-kun."
Chisato walked into the kitchen, secretly wondering if Kazusa's mother had such a big appetite to order two bowls of rice.
Why didn't she finish her own meal first before serving herself?
Her doubts were answered the very next second.
"President, please help me with some things—"
Another woman carrying large and small bags appeared in the living room.
"Sorry, Miyoko, I missed my sweet daughter so much that I forgot about everything else."
"..."
Kazusa crossed her arms and let out a small "tch."
Youko walked over to help her assistant with the items, leading her to the table and introducing her to Chisato, who was bringing the food.
"This is Kudou Miyoko, my secretary and friend."
"Hello."
Chisato glanced at the food on the table. What had originally seemed like more than enough for two people now appeared rather sparse with the increase in guests.
"I'll add some more dishes."
"No need."
Kazusa quickly interjected.
"Wouldn't it be troublesome?"
Youko looked at him expectantly.
"No trouble; it'll be ready soon."
After a quick glance at Kazusa, Chisato returned to the kitchen.
Kazusa's mood worsened with each passing moment, and she silently gritted her teeth.
_______
20+ advanced chapters on patreon.com/SenatusTheta
_______
If any of you noticed an error, please point it out in comments!