Hachiman's Perspective
"That was truly delicious," I said, setting my chopsticks down. "Thank you for the meal. It's clear your confidence was well-placed; you had every right to be proud of that cooking."
"I'm just glad it was to your liking," Rice's mother replied with a beaming smile. "And Rice, seeing you eat with such an appetite always makes the effort worth it. It's a joy to cook for you."
"Ehehe... sorry," Rice murmured, her cheeks dusting with pink. "It's been so long since I had your cooking, Mother... I just couldn't help myself."
I can relate to that, I thought. My hand seemed to move on its own. It's a different world from the stuff I make for myself. It tastes... well, it tastes exactly like her mother's personality. Warm, gentle, and a little bit overwhelming.
"I'm happy to hear it," her mother chirped. "Now, Rice? I'm going to start on the dishes. Would you mind helping me?"
"Of course!"
"I'll... just stay out of the way, then," I said. "I feel like I'd only cause a traffic jam in the kitchen."
"Oh, you wouldn't be a bother," Rice assured me, "but there probably isn't much for you to do. Just wait here, okay?"
"Right. Will do."
I leaned back, my mind drifting. If I remember correctly, the Arima Kinen is next week. Is Teio going to take it? His win at the Japan Cup was dominant, but Mejiro Palmer is hitting a growth spurt lately—he's a threat. And then there's Nice Nature; he took third last year, so he's definitely got a shot at the podium.
Click.
I blinked. Did the front door just open? I looked toward the kitchen, but neither of the women seemed to notice. Did I imagine it?
Click-clack.
"I'm home! Oh, Rice! You're back!?"
"Father! Welcome home!" Rice called out, dropping her towel and rushing to the entryway.
So, that's the man of the house. I watched as they greeted each other. I see. He's got the same gentle soul as the mother, but Rice definitely inherited her hair color from him. Yeah, that tracks.
"I noticed a pair of shoes I didn't recognize," her father said, his voice warm. "Do we have a guest?"
"Father, look behind you! My Trainer is right there!"
"Eh!? Oh! I walked right past a guest!? My goodness, I am terribly sorry!"
The man spun around, finally spotting me. Just like the mother, he practically radiated a "kindly neighbor" energy.
"Please, forgive me for walking right past you! I was just so excited to see my daughter again... I'm Rice's father. I've heard my daughter is in your care—thank you for everything you do for her."
"No, please, don't apologize," I said, standing up and giving a polite bow. "My name is Hikigaya. I'm Rice Shower's Trainer. I'll be staying here for a few days; I hope I'm not too much of an imposition."
"Not at all! Any Trainer of Rice is more than welcome here," he said with a genuine smile. "Please, make yourself at home."
"Thank you."
"Dear," the mother called from the kitchen. "We've already finished dinner, so I'll heat yours up for you. If you'd been just a little earlier, we could have all sat together, but I didn't want to keep our guest waiting."
"No, no, you did the right thing! I'd feel much worse if I knew the Trainer was waiting on me to eat."
"Have a seat then," she said. "Rice helped me with the cooking today, so I'm sure it tastes a hundred times better than usual!"
"Oh? Well, I don't doubt that for a second!"
"F-Father...!" Rice squeaked, embarrassed.
Looking at the three of them together, the "Rice-ness" of the family was undeniable. It was like the room was being flooded with negative ions. If I squinted, I could almost see sparkling, fluffy orbs of healing energy floating around them.
"Ah, I hate to ask this so soon," her father said, turning back to me, "but Trainer? If you have the time later, would you mind telling me a bit about how Rice is doing at the Academy? She's my only daughter... I can't help but worry about how she's faring."
"I don't mind at all," I replied. "But keep in mind, it'll just be my subjective view as her Trainer."
"That's quite alright. You see, Rice has always had a knack for bad timing, ever since she was a little girl. I worry if those little misfortunes are following her to Tracen Academy as well..."
"Ah... well," I started, thinking of the shoe-to-the-forehead incident. "They aren't exactly non-existent."
"Oh... so it is my fault," her mother sighed, looking dejected.
"N-no, Mother! That's not it!"
"If you ask me," I interjected, "it really is just a matter of bad timing, exactly like your husband said. Even the things that happened today—the wallet, the front door—were likely just because my presence threw off your usual rhythm. If it happened in your everyday life without a guest around... well, then I might have to admit it's a hereditary trait."
Rice looked at me, her eyes shimmering. "Big Brother...!"
"Sniff... Rice! You really did find the most wonderful Trainer!" her mother cried, clutching her hands together. "I'm so happy for you!"
"He really is a good man," her father agreed, nodding solemnly.
"Mm-hm! He's the best Trainer ever! He made me so much stronger!"
The three of them turned those sparkling, appreciative gazes toward me simultaneously.
It's too bright... I looked away. Please, stop looking at me like that. I'm just stating the obvious. Don't point those weapons of pure, unadulterated goodwill at me. I'm not built for this.
"Rice," her father said, his voice thick with emotion. "I truly believe you'll be able to get along well with this person. I'm sure she'll continue to be a handful, Trainer, but please, continue to teach her well."
"I will, Father!" Rice chirped.
"Good girl." He smiled warmly.
It seems the "kindness" gene is strong in this family, I thought. But honestly, I'm just glad they're such peaceful people. If her dad had been some hot-blooded, gym-teacher type... yeah, I'd probably be checking into a hotel or fleeing back to the Academy right about now.
The Rice family... they're something else.
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 30 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[pat*eon*com/DaoistRoeoNQ]
Thank you so much for your support!!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"