Chii and Hana

Upon arriving in front of the Harada household, the front gate opened revealing Chii’s mother standing there, smiling warmly as she welcomed her daughter home.

Her eyes then quickly shifted to me, within it was a curious gleam. "Kii-kun, it’s been a while. Hasn’t it? We haven’t seen you around much lately. Is my daughter troubling you?"

Her tone was gentle, but the subtle undertone of curiosity didn’t escape my notice. Much like Auntie Kasumi, she seemed to wonder why I hadn’t been visiting or escorting Chii these days.

I exchanged a quick glance with Chii, and we smoothly fell into our usual excuse.

"Yeah. I apologize Auntie. I’ve been pretty tied up with my duties as part of the Student Council," I explained, rubbing the back of my neck, acting embarrassed. "It’s been keeping me busier than I expected."

Chii nodded in agreement, backing me up effortlessly, "That’s right, Mom. Kii has been busy with council work. But don’t worry, he’ll make it up soon."