Chapter 42: Worry? Not at all.
Eriri never revealed her exact career plans for the future. However, Kaede could tell that Eriri was seriously considering them.
It was past four in the afternoon, and their Akihabara trip for the day was nearing its end. Kaede and Eriri took the train back to their morning meeting spot.
After exiting the station, it was time for them to part ways. Eriri looked at Kaede standing before her, and a hint of reluctance welled up in her heart.
She could honestly say that today had been the happiest outing on a day off she'd had in years, and it was with someone her own age.
More importantly, when she was with Kaede, Eriri felt very relaxed. She didn't have to hide her hobbies like she did when she went out with some classmates before; she could say whatever she wanted.
Looking down at her toes, Eriri's cheeks flushed slightly as she whispered, "Today... thank you, I had a lot of fun."
Kaede smiled back at Eriri and said, "You're welcome. I had a lot of fun today too. If we have time in the future, we can arrange to go out again."
Eriri clasped her hands nervously behind her back, nodded slightly, and said, "Well... I'll get going then. See you at school on Monday."
"Okay, see you at school."
After watching Eriri leave, Kaede cheerfully rode his bicycle home.
"I'm home!"
The sound of the door opening and Kaede's shout drew his father from the living room, while his mother, in the kitchen, quickly dried her hands and came out.
"Kaede, you're back? How was your day?"
Asakura Reiko looked at her son, smiling as she asked, "I thought you'd be back after dinner."
"I've been out all day. I don't mind, but for a girl like Eriri, it's better to be back on time."
As he spoke, Kaede went to the kitchen fridge, took out a bottle of barley tea, and after taking a sip, said, "I think I forgot to call and say I'd be back for dinner."
"It's fine, it's fine."
Pulling her son by the hand to sit on the sofa, Asakura Reiko asked, "So, how was it? Did you win her over?"
"..."
Kaede nearly choked on his tea and said, exasperated, "Mom, is there really such a rush? Today was only our first time out."
"Because a girl like that is very rare!"
Asakura Reiko said seriously.
By chance, she had met Eriri's mother, Sawamura Sayuri, today. During their afternoon shopping, Asakura Reiko learned a lot about Eriri from Sawamura Sayuri. She also found out that Eriri had a childhood friend, but due to some issues, they had fallen out.
However, a childhood friend is still a childhood friend, and Asakura Reiko was still a little worried about whether her son could seize the opportunity.
Seeing that his mother seemed genuinely fond of Eriri, Kaede scratched his cheek helplessly and said, "Feelings are something that need to be nurtured little by little. Mom, don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Besides, look, Dad isn't worried at all, is he? He hasn't said a word from beginning to end."
Hearing this, Asakura Reiko looked at her husband.
Asakura Kiichi smiled, his expression calm, and said, "Kaede is our son. When I was in college, facing so many competitors, I managed to win you over, Reiko. Kaede couldn't possibly be too bad, don't worry."
He thought he was going to say something profound, but it sounded like he was praising himself?
Kaede realized he had underestimated his father's thick skin and could only take his drink upstairs: "I'm going to rest for a bit."
Watching his son go upstairs, Asakura Kiichi looked at his wife and asked, "Why didn't you tell him that you met the girl's mother?"
"There's no need."
Asakura Reiko chuckled and said, "I asked before, but I discussed it with Sayuri this afternoon. We won't interfere too much with the children's matters in the future; let them develop freely. We both know each other's children's personalities, and if it works out, we'd certainly be happy to see it. And looking at the current trend, that child Eriri definitely has a good impression of Kaede."
Asakura Kiichi was also aware of these things and nodded, "But at least you should tell Kaede about Eriri having a childhood friend, shouldn't you?"
"You said 'before,' and after hearing what Sayuri said about that matter, I don't think our son would be inferior to that kind of boy."
Asakura Reiko stood up and walked towards the kitchen: "Honey, want to make a bet? Within this year, Kaede will definitely win her over?"
"I thought you'd bet on three months."
"Hehehe, I understand Kaede. He's not the type to rush things."
Asakura Reiko said confidently, "I'm putting it out there. Want to bet?"
"Bet what?" Asakura Kiichi wasn't flustered and asked with a smile.
Tapping her chin, Asakura Reiko said, "If I win, then for our wedding anniversary next year, how about we go on a trip?"
"Sounds good, that's what I was planning anyway."
Asakura Kiichi agreed with a smile, looking at his wife and saying, "But from what you're saying, it sounds like it'll just be the two of us, right?"
"Of course! If our son really falls in love by then, we, as parents, shouldn't be too much of a third wheel. Let's give him some space at first. But, Kaede will also have to put in some effort himself."
Kaede, who had already returned to his room, was naturally unaware of his parents' conversation downstairs. He was currently lying on his bedroom bed, chatting with Eriri on his phone.
Eriri: [Safely home! Figures are put away!]
Below that was a photo Eriri had sent of her bedroom bookshelf, lined with figures, showing her joyful mood.
Kaede: [I'm home too. You played all day, are you tired?]
Eriri: [Yes! I didn't notice while shopping in Akihabara, but after sitting down when I got back, my legs are so sore!]
At this moment, Eriri was also sitting on her bed, gently swaying her legs, clearly a bit tired. She wasn't like Kaede; she didn't exercise much. Even though girls generally like shopping, she couldn't handle that much activity in one day.
After chatting with Kaede for a few moments, Eriri put down her phone and began to ponder what Kaede had said before they parted ways.
She went to her computer desk, opened the folder where she stored her fan art, and murmured, "Manga artist... ah."