"..."
Junko's pleading gaze quickly darted toward Shouko, who was chatting by the pool while leaning against a warm rock.
The only response she received was perfect, wordless understanding. The two blinked almost in sync, then shrugged slightly, their helplessness obvious.
Shouko subtly shifted to a recessed part of the pool, letting the warm spring water rise to cover her shoulders and neck, leaving only her nose and above exposed.
She knew Ajitani-chan's persistent enthusiasm for this so-called "subject research" and had no intention of becoming the next observation sample.
As for the only remaining bit of psychological comfort…
Compared to Junko-nee's full figure, which still drew attention even when partially submerged, her own side, though it managed to create a faint curve thanks to the buoyancy of the hot spring, felt entirely unconvincing in the face of this particular "subject."
Move closer? That would be like voluntarily lighting up a signal beacon right inside radar range.
Takagi's gaze swept over the suggestive "scenery" in the pool before settling on her own calm waters.
Her fingertips seemed to move of their own accord, slowly sinking beneath the surface, leaving only faint ripples as they traced slow, circular motions.
The softness beneath her thumb was gently pressed and kneaded, as though futilely searching for a nonexistent resonance.
Or perhaps trying to prove, through silent persistence, that this quiet valley had once held an echo.
---
"Cousin, it sounds pretty lively on the girls' side. What do you think would happen if we secretly took a peek?"
Mitoi Iori leaned against the edge of the pool, turning his head toward Tsuna, who had a towel draped over his eyes.
Before Tsuna could respond, Mitoi shifted his attention to Nishikata, who was sitting one spot away.
"Nishikata, what do you think of my suggestion?"
Peeking?
The moment those light words entered his ears, Nishikata felt his head buzz.
Takagi-san's graceful silhouette, shrouded in mist rising from the adjacent pool, uncontrollably surfaced in his mind.
Almost at the same instant that image took shape, Tsuna's voice cut in coldly, severing the thought with brutal precision:
"What would happen? I would beat you to death in front of Grandfather."
Before Mitoi Iori could protest, Tsuna pulled the towel off his eyes and added flatly:
"If Grandfather knew why, he would probably dig up your corpse and flog it. Uncle would join in too."
"And Uncle and Aunt are still young. Even if the main account is disabled, there's still a chance to create a sub-account."
"..."
Mitoi Iori stared at him speechlessly. In the end, he could only let out an awkward laugh and hastily change the subject, muttering under his breath as he turned away:
"How could it be that serious?"
"It is."
Tsuna, with his sharp hearing, caught the mumble. Draping the towel over his shoulders, he said irritably:
"You need to remember who's in that pool. Your Junko-nee is still in there. Just hearing you say something like that out loud, I wouldn't even need to lift a finger. Your Junko-nee would kill you."
"..."
---
"Ding-a-ling!"
The crisp ring suddenly shattered the quiet of the morning dining room.
Almost the moment the sound rang out, Tsuna's voice followed decisively:
"Mine."
Before he finished speaking, his hand was already reaching for his pants pocket.
The sudden declaration froze everyone else at the table. Several hands, which had nearly moved in unison toward their own phones, halted halfway, hovering awkwardly over pockets and tabletops.
"Who's calling, Tsuna?"
Shouko asked indistinctly, her mouth full of bread. She unconsciously tilted her head closer, her small face nearly brushing Tsuna's phone.
Tsuna smiled. His long fingers gently rested against her cheek, still puffed slightly from chewing, soft and warm to the touch, and gave it a fond press.
"Your mom."
His amused gaze lingered on her puzzled expression for a brief moment before he raised his voice to the others:
"You all keep eating. I'll step outside to take this call."
With that, he stood up lightly and headed toward the dining room exit.
He was completely unaware of the small tail behind him, clutching a baguette nearly as long as her forearm, taking quick, determined steps to follow.
Mitoi Iori opened his mouth to warn him, but Junko's heel landed squarely on the front of his foot first, applying just enough force to make his toes curl instantly.
The warning died in his throat, and he could only look at Junko with a confused expression.
---
The courtyard in the morning was cool, shrouded in a thin mist.
The flames in the stone lanterns still flickered faintly, and guests were already strolling out in pairs. The air carried the soft tap of wooden clogs and a damp, sulfur-tinged scent.
"Moshi moshi?"
"Mom, what's wrong?"
"The cute little Yuan you picked up half a month ago is now bringing her parents to repay your kindness. Do you have anything you'd like to say?"
Shizuka's voice, filled with barely restrained laughter, came through the receiver.
"..."
Just from that line alone, Tsuna was already certain that Little Yuan and her parents were definitely not with Shizuka.
"All I can say is that it's very unfortunate. Little Yuan brought her parents to visit, but her favorite onii-san happens to be away on a school trip."
Listening to his mom's uninterrupted commentary, Tsuna hesitated for precisely 0.01 seconds before preparing to hang up.
"Mom, if there's nothing else, I'm hanging up."
"Wait."
Before Tsuna could speak again, Shizuka's knowing chuckle flowed through the phone:
"I've seen the photo of the necklace. That's your grandmother's token of approval for her future granddaughter-in-law. Let Shouko accept it with peace of mind."
Her voice was gentle but firm.
"This old item carries feelings far more precious than its material value."
"The elders hope that this recognition can be accepted and passed on."
"Then why don't you have one, Mom?"
"You've been talking too much lately, kid."
"Beep. Beep. Beep."
"..."
Tsuna stared helplessly at the darkened phone screen after the call ended.
Behind him, the unmistakable sensation of a small head persistently rubbing against him with her forehead was all too clear.
He turned slightly and asked with an amused, helpless tone:
"Shouko, did you hear everything?"
She did not answer.
Instead, lips still faintly glossy with breakfast grease from her hurried escape, gleaming in the morning light, moved closer and closer,
Until they carried an undeniable warmth and sealed all his unfinished words and questions completely.
...
"Idiot." His thumb brushed over her lower lip, which seemed even fuller and glossier after the kiss.
"Did you get dizzy? You even stuck out your tongue, but you held your breath and forgot that you can breathe through your nose."