Altogether, with all the big and small cats combined, there were now eight cats living in Ichin's apartment—a rather sizable clan.
But since Ichin and Utaha weren't home, only the cats were there, it didn't feel crowded at all.
Other than George, who had just joined the family, the rest of the cats were all related—three full generations. Judging by how well George and Peppa had been getting along, there wasn't likely to be any trouble.
After resting for a while at the shop, the four of them set out again, driving toward Ichin's home.
Originally, Haruno and Yukino had planned to stay at a hotel, but once Ichin's mom heard the two sisters were coming over, she immediately decided they should stay at the house.
"Two young girls staying in a hotel isn't all that safe. We've got guest rooms here, so just stay at our place!"
And just like that, the lodging problem was settled. Ichin's mom had even cleaned up the guest room the night before, ready for them to move right in.
As the car pulled into the neighborhood, Haruno suddenly grew a little nervous.
"My Chinese still isn't that great… what if I embarrass myself?"
Yukino replied softly beside her, "If it were anywhere else, you really might embarrass yourself, but both senpai's parents know a bit of Japanese, so you don't need to worry."
"Oh, that's right, I almost forgot. Then I'm fine."
Looking toward Utaha in the passenger seat, Haruno smiled. "In this respect, even I have to envy you, Utaha. Ichin's family treats you so well."
Utaha nodded with a smile. "Yes. Whether it's uncle and auntie, or the other relatives in the family, they're all very kind to me."
"Ahh, I really wonder what my future partner will be like…"
Hearing Haruno's musing, Yukino couldn't help but glance at her, thinking: With my sister's personality, I doubt many men could handle her.
Even though the atmosphere at home had improved lately, Yukino knew their parents were already starting to worry about Haruno's marriage. Once she graduated from university, there was a high chance they would arrange blind dates for her.
They couldn't possibly force her into marriage without asking, but blind dates? There was no way Haruno could escape those.
Thinking of this, Yukino's lips curved into a small smile.
"Say, sister, what kind of man do you think you'll meet on a blind date? You won't end up in the same situation as Hiratsuka-sensei, will you?"
"Eh—Shizuka?"
At the sudden mention of Hiratsuka Shizuka's name, Haruno's expression faltered.
She knew full well how many times Shizuka had been through blind dates. The men weren't all terrible, but given Shizuka's qualities, they never matched up. Some lacked height, others were too old, and others had personality issues.
As Haruno herself often said, not a single one even scored eighty-five points in her eyes, and yet they always came with endless demands. Of course Shizuka wouldn't be impressed.
As for Haruno herself…
She hadn't thought about it much before, but now that Yukino brought it up, her mind couldn't help but wander.
Hopefully, mother wouldn't stick her with some bizarre guy for a blind date. Otherwise, she really wouldn't be able to hold back her temper.
Yes—her temper.
But unlike most people, Haruno never showed her anger directly. She would quietly bide her time and then express it through all sorts of other means later.
In short, if her blind date turned out to be someone ridiculous, that person was going to suffer.
Pulling the car smoothly into his parking spot, Ichin chuckled. "I think, with auntie's personality, she wouldn't set you up with some lousy blind date, Haruno. After all, your family would never just 'marry you off.' More likely, they'll be looking to bring a son-in-law into the family."
"Well, that's true."
Given her own nature, Haruno wasn't too worried about her future blind dates. She certainly wasn't without her own methods.
They got out of the car, grabbed their luggage, and finally arrived at Ichin's house.
Ichin's dad was still at work, but his mom was home, waiting eagerly for their arrival.
"Utaha!"
The moment the front door opened, Ichin's mom completely ignored her son and threw her arms around Utaha.
"You're finally here!"
Utaha, equally happy, hugged her back. "Auntie, it's been a while."
After holding her for a bit, Ichin's mom let go and turned to Haruno and Yukino. "Haruno, Yukino, welcome! Please, come in."
Ichin, carrying luggage, pulled a face at his mom. "Mom, aren't you even going to say hi to your own son?"
She shot him a glare. "You're a grown man already. Stop acting spoiled and get inside!"
"I wasn't acting spoiled…"
Exhausted, Ichin gave up arguing, quickly went to change into slippers—only to find he had to fetch his own from the shoe cabinet. Meanwhile, Utaha and the sisters already had theirs neatly laid out, courtesy of his mom.
Great. Her son had absolutely no standing in this house.
Once inside, Ichin's mom led Haruno and Yukino to the guest room.
Though she had prepared in advance, when Yukino saw there was only one room, her expression stiffened for a second before smoothing over again. Their relationship was much better than before, and she no longer minded sharing a bed with her sister.
"There's only one room," Ichin's mom explained. "There used to be another, but my husband converted it into a study. I hope you don't mind."
Haruno laughed and shook her head. "Not at all, auntie. This room is perfect—and spacious too, right Yukino?"
Yukino nodded. "Yes, this will do just fine. We really troubled you."
"It's no trouble, no trouble at all."
Ichin's mom waved happily. "You're all Ichin and Utaha's friends, and even shareholders in his company. Of course I should treat you well. Just relax and stay here a few days—I'll cook plenty of delicious food for you!"
What a completely different style from their own mother.
They had seen her briefly at the Toyogasaki sports festival, but Haruno never imagined the difference would be this striking.
After Ichin finished putting away the luggage, everyone gathered in the living room. His mom brought out some fruit, including summer's essential—chilled watermelon.
While they ate, Ichin said, "Mom, later I'll take Haruno to the studio for a look around. Utaha and Yukino won't be coming, so could you keep them company? After a short rest, maybe you could take them out shopping. Haruno and I will be back before dinner."
His mom accepted the task with a smile. "Of course, leave it to me. I'll drive them around the neighborhood."
*