Lunch slowly came to an end. The sound of chopsticks clinking against bowls was heard for the last time, then a brief silence enveloped the large dining room. The servants quickly entered, lifting plates and leftovers with neat and calm movements. The aroma of warm green tea replaced the lingering scent of food.
Raku carefully put down his chopsticks, bowing slightly. "Thank you for the meal… everything was really delicious." His voice was soft, but sincere.
Issei exhaled in relief, leaning back in his chair. "Hahaha, you're getting more and more used to eating here, Raku. Even back then, every time you ate, you always said that."
Raku turned to him with an innocent look. "Really? It seems like… my body still remembers the habits from before, even though my mind doesn't."
Ryunosuke gave a small smile while covering his mouth with a fist, as if holding back a laugh. "Bocchan is always like that. Even this morning when helping in the kitchen, his hands were so skillful as if he had never forgotten how to cut vegetables. It seems Bocchan's body is more honest than his mind."
Mafuyu, who was sitting beside Raku, sipped her tea slowly, then glanced at Raku for a moment. There was something different about this student—something that made her a little impressed yet also confused. She finally spoke in a soft tone, "It's not strange. Sometimes body memory is stronger than the memory in your head. That's why, even if you lose your memories, your instincts still work."
Raku nodded slowly, his expression serious yet warm. "Maybe… that's why I don't feel too afraid. Because even though I don't remember who I used to be, I can still do these little things."
Issei looked at his son with gentle eyes, completely different from the hard Yakuza aura he usually displayed in front of others. He then stood up slowly, patting Raku's shoulder. "Good job, Raku. With that kind of spirit, I'm sure you'll be able to go through school without problems. Your private teacher has seen it too, right?"
Mafuyu blushed slightly, realizing all eyes were on her. She quickly straightened her back. "Y-yes. To be honest, I was quite surprised. Even though it's only the first day, Raku-kun caught the lessons very quickly. No real obstacles, it was even too smooth for a new student."
Issei chuckled. "Hahaha, I already expected that."
The atmosphere eased again, though Mafuyu still hid her flushed face slightly toward the teacup.
After that, Ryunosuke closed the conversation in a light tone, "In that case, it's best if we rest for a while before starting the afternoon session. Bocchan, Sensei… I'll prepare the small living room for you to relax a bit."
Issei nodded in agreement. "That's right. Don't force yourself to study right away. Leisure time is important too."
Raku nodded obediently. "Alright, Father. Thank you."
And so, lunch ended with a warm atmosphere. Not only were their stomachs full, but their hearts also felt lighter—for Raku who was still searching for his identity, and for Mafuyu who slowly realized how different her student's life was compared to her initial expectations.
The small living room felt calm with the afternoon sunlight filtering through the shoji, casting soft shadows on the tatami. Raku sat cross-legged on a cushion, his face looking calm yet his eyes reflecting pure curiosity. Meanwhile, Mafuyu sat a bit stiffly across from him, still not used to being in the large Ichijou residence that carried the aura of yakuza, even if the atmosphere now was relaxed.
Raku turned to her, his voice gentle yet sincerely curious.
"Kirisu-sensei… what is school like? Is it fun?"
That simple question made Mafuyu pause for a moment. She glanced at her teacup, then gave a small smile, though a little awkward.
"School… hmm, how should I explain it." She took a slow breath, trying to arrange her words. "It's a place where students and teachers meet to learn. Not only about lessons, but also about life. You can make friends, help each other, compete with each other… and sometimes even argue."
Raku rested his chin on his hand, his eyes sparkling a little as if imagining something unfamiliar.
"Making friends… competing… so it's like a small world inside one building, huh?"
Mafuyu gave a faint smile. "More or less. There are students who are diligent, there are lazy ones. Some are popular, some like to be alone. But all of that is part of an experience that's… fun, and also tiring."
Raku lowered his head for a moment, then raised his face with an innocent yet hopeful expression.
"If I go to school later… will I be able to feel that too? To have friends… like you said, Sensei?"
Mafuyu was slightly taken aback. There was something in his voice—such pure sincerity, without a mask. A gentle smile appeared on her face, warmer this time.
"Of course you can. If you try, you'll definitely make friends. Don't worry… I believe in that."
Silence briefly filled the room, only the sound of wind brushing the leaves outside could be heard. Raku nodded slightly, then smiled faintly with a gaze full of determination.
"In that case… I'll do my best."
Mafuyu lowered her gaze slightly, her heart beating faster than usual without her realizing. For some reason, even though she was a teacher who had to remain professional, seeing Raku so innocent and full of spirit made her feel… warm.
Raku looked at Mafuyu with shining eyes, his curiosity growing. He leaned forward slightly, resting against the small table between them.
"Sensei," he said softly, "if school… after New Year, is there something special? Is there some kind of event?"
Mafuyu raised her eyebrows for a moment, then nodded slightly. "Hmm, usually after New Year, schools hold the opening ceremony of the semester. All the students gather in the large hall, listen to the headmaster's speech, then return to their respective classes. That moment marks the beginning of the new semester."
Raku nodded, taking in the information seriously, as if etching it into his still-blank mind. "Then… what is the school festival like? I've heard of it, but I still can't imagine it."
A small smile appeared on Mafuyu's face, though slightly embarrassed since she rarely spoke of such things in a light tone.
"The school festival… is usually very lively. All the students work together to prepare various things. Some turn their classrooms into cafés, some hold drama performances, music concerts, or even game stands. Many visitors come, not only students but also outsiders."
Raku was slightly amazed, his eyes shining brighter. "So it's like a big party, huh? Everyone can laugh, play, eat together…"
Mafuyu nodded. "Yes, like that. And don't forget the sports festival. That's also one of the big events. All students are divided into teams, then compete in the field. There are running races, tug-of-war, relays, even club competitions."
Raku smiled faintly, but there was a strange longing in his eyes. "It sounds… really fun. To sweat together, cheer together, and experience all of that…"
He fell silent for a moment, then lowered his head, his voice softer. "I wonder… what it feels like to be in the middle of everyone. Will I… be able to feel it too later?"
Mafuyu quietly looked at him. A strange feeling slipped into her chest—a mix of sympathy and the urge to reassure. She finally answered softly, her voice gentler than usual.
"If you truly want to feel it, I'm sure you will. Don't be afraid. Everyone starts from the beginning, and I think you'll find your place too."
Raku lifted his face, smiling sincerely. "Thank you, Sensei. I'll do my best… even though I forgot many things, I want to try all of that."
Mafuyu lowered her gaze slightly, hiding the faint red on her cheeks. She never expected that her first day as a private tutor at the Ichijou household would make her feel… connected to her student in a way she hadn't anticipated.