Though she looked as young as a female college student, she had still been a mother once. Her daughter was already old enough to go out and buy soy sauce(live independently) by herself.
In terms of mature womanly charm, Togawa Mizuho even surpassed Suiren.
Faced with the hand she extended as a sign of goodwill, Mortis hesitated for a moment, but in the end, didn't take it.
The girl continued to hide behind her brother like a wary kitten nestled beside its mother, rejecting the closeness of outsiders.
'Hmm, is she the type that lacks a sense of security?'
'Also, isn't this kid a little too attached to her brother?'
Togawa Mizuho felt a little troubled, but after all, she was a mature lady who had weathered storms, and she soon relaxed again.
Lacking a sense of security was perfectly normal for the newly born Mortisrtis, who still didn't understand this world.
As for clinging to her brother?
Even her body had been created by Kaito's help. Nominally they were siblings, but calling them father and daughter wouldn't be a stretch, it's just that there was no blood relation.
A little girl who doesn't know better being attached to her "dad" was only natural, it was understandable.
Since Mortis couldn't accept her just yet, then it was time for a long-term strategy.
Having made up her mind, she naturally retracted her hand, still wearing a gentle smile, and changed the topic.
"This is Togawa Sakiko. In terms of age, she should be a bit older than you… Of course, if Mortis is willing, it's perfectly fine to just call her Sakiko."
Togawa Sakiko: "???"
'What did I do wrong to deserve such disrespect?'
'You don't even want Mortis to call me "Onee-san"?'
Somehow, ever since mom got better from her illness, her status in her daughter's heart as an adult just kept dropping.
Soft little Sakiko couldn't help but grumble inwardly, but when faced with Mortis's guarded gaze, she still greeted her kindly.
"Nice to meet you, Mortis-chan. Please take care of me."
Unfortunately, it didn't work very well.
Mortis shrank her head back, and her gaze became even more wary, like a puffed-up kitten clinging tightly to her brother's arm.
"If you're tired, just rest in the room for a while."
Seeing that Mortis was uncomfortable in front of strangers, Kaito patted the girl's head and didn't force her to accept the Sakiko mother-daughter pair right away.
Human relationships were complicated, and feelings took time to accumulate. It was hard to make quick progress overnight.
As her big brother, he hoped Mortis could develop healthy interpersonal relationships, but he wouldn't force her to make friends.
If Mortis eventually accepted Sakiko and Mizuho's presence, that would be great.
But if she strongly resisted, he'd still respect his little sister's wishes.
Although…
Why did his attitude feel strangely like a single dad considering remarriage while cautiously respecting his daughter's feelings?
Kaito shook his head, a little amused at his own thoughts.
———
No longer disturbing Mortis, and thoughtfully leaving her some personal space, Kaito returned to the living room and began entertaining today's guests.
Togawa Mizuho was a very sociable person.
Although she had hit a wall with Mortis, she didn't feel discouraged at all. In fact, she enthusiastically pried into every detail about Kaito.
"Kaito-kun, where are you from? Judging from the name, could it be from that big country to the east?"
"Do you plan to settle long-term in Japan? The Togawa Group has some influence here, if you need help with anything, just let me know~"
"And also, about your future partner—"
"Mom, it's already quite late. You should head home and get some rest, or Grandpa will be worried!"
Togawa Sakiko finally couldn't take her idiot mom's enthusiasm toward the president anymore, 'Ignoring me is one thing, but what is with that blooming-flower expression. Mom, you're almost forty years old already! Can you have some boundaries with younger boys?'
"Your grandfather wouldn't care about something like this. But Sakiko, interrupting your mother's conversation with others so casually… seems like you've forgotten what it means to be a proper lady."
Togawa Mizuho cast a light glance at her rebellious daughter trying to revolt. Instantly, the would-be Mordred-Sakiko who had just raised the sword of rebellion shrank back. After two seconds of puffing up, she instantly turned soft and fluffy again.
"Auntie Togawa, please have some tea."
At the critical moment, it was Mutsumi who couldn't stand it anymore and stepped in to save her childhood friend.
It wasn't anything fancy, just the ordinary black tea found everywhere, the kind that cost a few thousand yen and you could drink to your heart's content. It couldn't compare to the Togawa family's exclusive blends.
But Togawa Mizuho still accepted it with great delight. Then she glanced disdainfully at her idiot daughter, her whole face saying, "When will you learn to be as sensible as Little Mutsumi?"
'It's just making tea… I can do it too, you know,' Togawa Sakiko grumbled quietly in her heart but wisely kept it to herself.
Seeing the three of them enjoying each other's company and the warm atmosphere, Kaito hadn't planned to interrupt. But glancing at the time, he still made a customary offer.
"It's already getting late. If you don't mind, Miss Togawa, would you like to stay for dinner?"
Togawa Mizuho placed her hands on her knees and sat with a perfectly straight back, an elegant lady's posture.
The woman seemed to have been expecting him to say that and nodded without hesitation, smiling, "Then I'll be troubling Kaito-kun."
Kaito asked again, "Any dietary restrictions?"
He already knew Mutsumi and Sakiko's preferences by heart, but with a new guest, he had to pay attention.
"Anything is fine. I'm easy to feed." [T/N: 😏]
That reply really didn't sound like it came from a pampered young lady raised in luxury.
Kaito let out an "Mm" and was just about to head to the kitchen to prepare dinner when his sleeve was tugged.
"I'll help too!"
The woman's amber eyes, so similar to Sakiko's, sparkled brightly. Seeing him look over, she even bent her slender arm to show off her utterly non-threatening, fragile biceps and said confidently, "Don't look at me like this. I'm actually pretty confident in my cooking! I won't get in your way!"
Togawa Sakiko silently recalled her mom's culinary level in her mind… You couldn't say it was "delicious beyond words." It was more like… a chemical weapon. Even rats would have to say, "The most poisonous thing is a woman's heart."
Kaito didn't know about any of this. He had originally planned to refuse, but seeing Togawa Mizuho's expectant expression, he thought about it and, considering she was Sakiko's mother and also a guest, decided not to kill the mood.
"Then come with me."
———
[Three Minutes Later]
Unlike many Japanese homes that use a semi-open kitchen design, Kaito's kitchen was an enclosed private space. A frosted glass door separated it from the living room. The countertops were clean and spotless, the microwave, toaster, juicer… all kinds of kitchen appliances were present and arranged neatly.
If there was one flaw, it was that the space wasn't very big. But since he was the only one who usually cooked, it was more than enough.
"I always keep the kitchen very clean, there's no need to tidy up. Just handling the ingredients is enough. It's not much trouble."
While expertly putting on an apron, Kaito turned around, "Miss Togawa… Miss Togawa?"
"Mm… I'm here!"
Togawa Mizuho had frozen in place, her gaze glued uncontrollably to his tall figure in a blue Doraemon apron.
The evening sun gradually tilted, and the warm orange light filtered through the glass window, casting a soft golden glow on the beautiful boy at the stove.
At a glance.
Like a dream, like a fantasy moon. Like a fleeting flower, near yet far.
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