Daiki Miyamura's gaze returned to the newspaper in his hands.
"Send me the address later. I'll have Hiroshi Ando go with you this afternoon to review the contract issues."
"Alright. Let that brat finish up first." Miyamura Shizuka continued eating breakfast calmly.
She hadn't expected Akira to have submitted his manuscript only yesterday and already have an editor calling first thing this morning.
When Akira came out of the bathroom and didn't see Shouko, he figured she was still asleep and didn't think much of it. Drying his hair, he went down to the dining room for breakfast.
During the meal, Miyamura Shizuka naturally asked plenty of questions. In the end, Daiki repeated what he'd told them earlier.
Akira agreed without hesitation. As for the "Hiroshi Ando" his father mentioned, he'd heard the name before — the firm's legal consultant. Since he wasn't familiar with Japanese law and contracts, having a professional accompany him sounded reassuring.
After breakfast, Akira cleared the table. Almost on cue, Shouko arrived.
"Morning, Akira."
"You want to sleep a bit…?" he asked, noticing faint dark circles under her eyes.
He chose not to mention the contract signing yet; if she got too excited, she wouldn't rest.
"What about you?" Shouko asked, hesitant.
"I'll be writing in my room. I can keep you company?"
"I didn't say I was going to sleep in your room," Shouko muttered, crossing her arms in classic tsundere fashion — then she headed straight upstairs.
Akira didn't have to say anything; her actions contradicted her words. He followed quietly.
Daiki was busy with firm matters in the study, while Miyamura Shizuka went next door to gossip with Yaeko Nishimiya.
"Akira, I'm only sleeping for an hour. Remember to wake me up." Shouko went to the bed, burrowed under the covers, and yawned.
"Got it," Akira replied.
She closed her eyes and drifted off. Akira sat at the computer and tried to recall famous light novels from his previous life — but soon drifted into a blank daydream.
"How is it already eleven? Akira, didn't you promise to wake me after an hour?" Shouko rubbed her sleepy eyes, bewildered rather than mad.
Akira stood, picked up his phone, and played a recording. From the speaker came Shouko's groggy voice:
"Let me sleep a little longer, don't shake me anymore, Akira…"
After a pause, the faintest mumble:
"Hehe… my Akira…"
The last bit was so soft it could only be caught if you listened closely. The room fell silent.
"Delete it."
"Wouldn't that be a shame?" Akira tucked the phone into his pocket.
Shouko's ears flushed when she removed her hearing aid. Suddenly she threw off the blanket and pounced on him.
Akira could've dodged, but he let her land — if he'd moved she would have hit the floor. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed close.
"Delete it," she demanded again, fierce and breathless.
"Can you get down first?" he said, feeling the weight against his chest.
After a moment's stubbornness she relented: "Give me your phone. I'll get down after I delete it."
"Here." Akira reached for his pocket, realized the angle was awkward with her still on him, and — selfishly — held her a little longer before handing the device over.
Once both were calm, Akira cleared his throat and told her about the editor's call that morning.
"Really!?" Shouko's eyes lit up.
"It's true. Let's not tell Takagi and the others yet, okay?" Akira put a hand on her shoulder.
"…Okay, I'll listen to you." She smiled, delighted.
Her first instinct had been to brag to Takagi and Atsuya about Akira's "amazing" news, but he'd seen straight through her.
"Can I come with you to the coffee shop this afternoon?" she asked.
"Sure. I heard their desserts are good. My treat." He grinned.
"I don't believe you. Auntie's going too, so she'll probably pay…" Shouko protested. "But it's a deal — wake me before we go."
Akira saved his work, followed her downstairs, and Miyamura Shizuka called them in for lunch — perfect timing. Shizuka closed her mouth mid-rebuke when she saw him appear.
"Tell your father lunch is ready."
"Okay." Akira started to go call Daiki, but Daiki stepped out of the study first.
"No need. Akira, check if your mother needs help in the kitchen."
"Okay, okay…" Akira moved toward the kitchen, and as usual was quickly chased away by Shizuka's efficient directions. He washed his hands and took his seat.
"Let's eat!" they chimed.
Early March in Tokyo still carried a bite of winter. Icicles shattered into starbursts along the bluestone path, and the westering sun cast long branch shadows across the coffee shop windows.
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