Ding dong, ding dong
"So everyone, don't forget to bring your assignments next week. You're all dismissed."
"Hey Tomoki, how about we do the assignment at your house?" — Ryuichi asked me as soon as the teacher left the classroom.
"Why so suddenly? And come on, compared to your places, my house must feel cramped."
"Not at all, Tomoki-kun. You have a beautiful home." — Ayame-san chimed in.
"Besides, you're moving out soon, right? I'm kind of curious what kind of place you grew up in." — Ryuichi added.
Well, he's not wrong. And I did tell Ayame-san I'd invite her eventually..
"Okay… then, Tachibana-san. Would that be alright with you?"
"Of course! This will be my first time visiting a boy's house."
It's been a while since I talked to Tachibana-san. I'm glad she seems better now.
"Just don't get your expectations too high." — I replied.
♦♦♦
Today, Ryuichi, Ayame-san, and Tachibana-san are coming over.
I've gotta admit, it's been a while since I invited friends over...
"Tomoki, help me here, now!"
"Mom, don't you think you're overdoing it? We already cleaned up four times."
"What are you saying!? Do you know who's coming!?"
"Mom... they know about our different social status."
"That's not an excuse to slack off. Okay, snacks are all prepared..."
[Notification Received]
[Tomoki, I'm here with Tachibana-san.] — Satou Ryuichi
"Mom, they're already here."
"Do I look weird? Did I mess up my makeup!?"
"Mom, calm down..."
"You're right. We can't keep our guests waiting."
We opened the front door.
"Hey Tomoki! What's up? Oh, madam, I'm Satou Ryuichi. I hope you'll accept this." — Ryuichi handed her a small gift.
"Hello Tomoki-san! Your casual clothes really suit you! Oh, madam, I'm Tachibana Himari. Nice to meet you! Here, just a small something." — She offered her own gift.
"Thank you, Satou-san, Tachibana-san. I hope my son isn't too much trouble."
"Oh, constantly, madam." — Ryuichi said with a grin.
"You—!" — I replied.
"Sorry, sorry. Just kidding. He's the one helping me, actually. Your son's a great guy."
"He's right. There's no student who doesn't know Tomoki-san." — Tachibana-san added.
"Now you two are exaggerating. Come on in — we'll wait for Ayame-san inside."
"Really? I totally thought Edomae-san would—"
Just as Ryuichi was talking, Ayame-san's car suddenly pulled up. Sasaki-san didn't get out, but she gave a slight bow when she saw me
Ayame-san stepped out and walked over to us.
"Good morning, Tomoki-kun. Oh! Satou-san, Tachibana-san... Good morning!"
"Good morning, Edomae-san," — Ryuichi and Tachibana replied together.
"Good morning, Ayame-san. Why the rush? You're all early."
"...Because I wanted to be with you alo—" she mumbled something too quiet to catch.
"Ayame-san?"
"Oh! Nothing! I just wanted to make sure I wasn't late." — Then she turned to my mom — "Good morning, madam. I hope I'm not too much trouble. Here, I brought a little something."
"Thank you, Edomae-san. Not just for the gift — thank you for helping my son. I really appreciate it."
"My pleasure!"
This kind of brought back memories — when I used to invite friends over, not for homework but just to hang out. Especially them...
No, I shouldn't dwell on the past. Gotta keep it together.
"Okay everyone, come in!"
"Excuse us for disturbing you," — they said in unison.
I gave them the tour: the first floor has the living room, kitchen, dining room, and a bathroom. There's also the garage, but they already saw that outside.
Then upstairs: my mom's room, my room, and the guest room.
Now, we're all gathered in my room.
"I was wondering what kind of house you lived in, but it's surprisingly... normal." — Ryuichi said.
"What did you expect? Of course it's normal."
"You have a wonderful house, Tomoki-kun. It feels really cozy," — Ayame-san said kindly.
"Haha, thanks Ayame-san."
"So this is a boy's room. I'm kind of nervous..." — Tachibana-san admitted.
"Relax, Tachibana-san. No need to be nervous," — I reassured her.
"Well, now that we're all here, let's get started." — Ryuichi was, as serious as ever.
The assignment is about the complexities of relationships between men, women, and families. I'm actually curious to hear their takes.
"My father is only married to my mother, and I'm an only child. Don´t have much to say so, what about you, Tomoki?" — Satou Ryuichi.
"Same here. My father's only married to my mother too, so I guess we're in the same situation, Satou-san. Tomoki-kun, sorry, but I'll rely on you again." — Edomae Ayame.
"My parents divorced. My mother didn't like how my father spent more time with his other wives. So now, it's just me and Mom. How about you, Tomoki-san?" — Tachibana Himari.
Come on, not this again.
"Well, right now I live with my mother. But in a week, I'll be moving in with my father, his wives, and my sisters. If the teacher could've waited just one more week, maybe I could've shared a valuable experience."
"And how do you feel about that? I mean… I can't even imagine my dad having more than one wife." — Satou Ryuichi.
"Same here… I don't even want to imagine how my mom would react if my dad ever took another wife." — Edomae Ayame.
"Mom never really talked much about Dad. Sometimes she brags about being friendly with some guy at her workplace. Well… there's not much to say about my family." — Tachibana Himari.
Everyone seems to have their own struggles when it comes to family. It sounds like Tachibana-san's mother is a single mom who's been raising her daughter on her own. Still, it's kind of sad to hear that she's never met her father.
As for Ayame-san… since I already know a bit about her family situation, I can't help but feel she'll have to face something much heavier.
And then there's Ryuichi… I kind of envy him. After all, I also couldn't imagine my father being with anyone other than Mom.
Anyway, I should focus on the assignment for now.
"After hearing about your circumstances, I think we already have enough information to share with the class."
"Tomoki? I'm pretty sure I didn't say anything worth mentioning." — Satou Ryuichi.
"He's right, Tomoki-kun. Only you and Tachibana-san shared something that really stands out." — Edomae Ayame.
"No, no, Edomae-san. Aside from my parents' divorce, there's really nothing else to say. I guess we'll be relying on Tomoki-san again." — Tachibana Himari.
"What are you all talking about? The teacher asked us to explore the complexity of relationships. Sure, polygamy is a major theme—but it's not the only one, right? Besides, I already have an idea for our presentation."
It seemed like no one believed me, so I went ahead and explained what we could do.
"As expected from the guy who got the scholarship. Sometimes I wonder how you even failed the test." — Satou Ryuichi.
"You're really amazing, Tomoki-kun!" — Edomae Ayame.
"I wonder how everyone will react. Hehehe... I'm looking forward to it." — Tachibana Himari.
"Come on, guys, you're overreacting."
"Then we'll be counting on you. If you need anything, just let us know." — Satou Ryuichi.
"What do you mean?"
"Hmm? You didn't know? Only one person from the group needs to do the presentation. And there's no one more suitable than you." — Satou Ryuichi.
"He's right, Tomoki-kun. But if you'd prefer, I can take your place. Still, I bet everyone—including the teacher—wants to hear it from you." — Edomae Ayame.
"I totally agree with them." — Tachibana Himari.
I kind of expected this. Well, if they're placing their hopes on me… I want to live up to them.
"Alright, I'll do the presentation. So, now that we're done—wanna play some video games?"