Rice's parents had just returned to Japan, and somehow I was invited to dinner with them.
I braced myself for a fancy, intimidating restaurant—but to my surprise, we ended up at the same cozy conveyor belt sushi place we'd gone to after the Grand Live. Familiar, casual, and slightly chaotic.
"There's hot water coming out of the faucet, so don't wash your hands."
"That's right."
Rice-chan explained the basics to her mother, sounding oddly authoritative. Maybe she was trying to prevent her mom from repeating the same mistake I nearly made—or maybe she was just at that age where kids want to boss their parents around.
"Come to think of it, Viola-chan…"
"What is it, Mother?"
"You became Rice's lover?"
"How..."
"I heard it from Rice."
"Rice-chan?!"
"?"
Why did she tell her parents before telling me?
Rice just smiled and gave a thumbs-up. Not helping.
"So Viola-chan is now my daughter too, right?"
"No, I don't think so…"
"Rice is quiet, but stubborn and doesn't pamper me, so I'm glad a cute girl like Viola has joined the family."
"No, I really don't think so…"
"Let's go out in frilly clothes!"
"Fri-Fri—spare me!"
Rice's mom was on a roll. Her enthusiasm was unstoppable. And her husband? Completely silent, offering no resistance.
"Excuse me, menu—everything from here to here."
"Help, Rice!!"
"?"
"Don't look strange!!"
Rice ordered boldly, unfazed. I was still trying to figure out how to survive this dinner.
Her parents were kind, clearly. But their warmth was probably amplified by their affection for Rice—and now, by extension, me.
Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that this relationship wasn't permanent. Parents and children don't always stay close. Lovers don't always last. So maybe I should keep some distance.
But then again… maybe I should just enjoy being pampered while it lasts.
When Rice reached for her sushi plate, I snatched it and switched seats with her.
"Ah!"
"Rice, take responsibility!"
"Moo!"
Her vocabulary was deteriorating. Was she okay?
"Should I take responsibility and get married?"
"Why is that the conclusion?!"
"Maybe because I want to take responsibility."
"There is still a legal age. You can't marry until you're 18."
"Nearly 10 more years."
I was stunned by the conversation.
And completely missed the moment her parents started scheming something in the background.