Suneo's Scheme

I'm back! I'm feeling a bit better, although still a bit dizzy. I thought I could provide an update today. Thank you to everyone for your understanding and concern.

...

Suneo was busy trying to persuade his mom to give their house a makeover, just like Ken's place.

His mother, too, couldn't help but see the stark contrast between their humble abode and the Hayashi Family's mansion. She was utterly astounded by what Suneo had described – elevators, a massive home theater (not so "mini," as Suneo insisted), and so much more.

It seemed absurdly extravagant. What's more, Ken's mom, Ruri, had even invited Suneo's mother to their impressive gym. She couldn't help but marvel at how every corner of the Hayashi house was perfectly designed and utilized, unlike their own Honekawa residence. It felt like they had too much unused space and too many idle rooms.

Jealousy began to consume Suneo's mother, and she was determined to convince her husband not to be outdone. However, their hopes were dashed as Suneo's father shook his head. Their finances were tight, and the company needed funds, making a grand renovation out of reach. Even if he could afford it, he'd still decline, given his strict financial management principles.

Suneo's father, in his younger days, might have gone to great lengths to outshine his friends, much like Suneo, who inherited his father's penchant for bragging. But there's always a difference in such matters. When it's a small victory or someone insignificant like Nobita's father, he'd boast endlessly. However, when pitted against a wealthier family like the Hayashis, it was a different story.

Perhaps he'd need to rally the entire Honekawa clan to compete with the Hayashis, but that notion was quickly dismissed as an extravagant and childish waste of resources by the whole family.

...

Suneo's heart sank when his father refused to agree. He couldn't shake the feeling that Ken and their friends might show up any minute, asking Suneo to host a party even grander than Ken's.

The thought was unsettling.

With no other option, Suneo decided to dial Nobita's number.

...

At the Nobi residence,

Ring, ring.

Ring, ring, ring.

The telephone kept on ringing.

Nobita's mother picked up and said, "Hello? Who could this be?"

"Ah, hello, Aunt Nobi. I'm looking for Nobita," Suneo's voice came through the line.

Hearing this, Nobita's mother called out, "Nobita! Your friend is on the phone!"

Nobita, engrossed in his manga, rushed downstairs.

Doraemon, who was also reading comics with Nobita, was momentarily left to his own devices.

Nobita took the phone and said, "Hello?"

"Hello, Nobita. It's me, Suneo," greeted Suneo.

"Oh? Suneo, what's up?" Nobita inquired.

"Well, um... I'd like to invite you and Doraemon over for some dorayaki at my place," Suneo's voice hesitated.

"Dorayaki? Why?" Nobita asked, puzzled.

"No reason! Just let Doraemon know, okay? Anyway, bye! See you later!" Suneo quickly said.

"Doraemon!" Nobita was bewildered but relayed Suneo's message to Doraemon.

"Dorayaki!?" Doraemon's nose started steaming at the mention of dorayaki.

"I'm in!" Doraemon nodded with excitement.

"Don't you find it suspicious?" Nobita questioned, deflating Doraemon's enthusiasm. "Why would Suneo, of all people, want to treat us to dorayaki?"

"Hmm..." Doraemon also snapped out of his doriyaki-induced reverie, realizing the oddity. However, he simply said, "It's free dorayaki! We'll figure it out later."

...

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