"Mou! Dumb husband." Kyouko sighed, closing the door. "Maybe this is why Haruki's copying how his father treats women..."
She exhaled heavily.
He's been like this since Haruki was born. We never kiss, even when I ask for a hug he just ignores me. And not to mention our anniversary! Has he already forgotten it?
And now Haruki's following in his father's footsteps! Ignoring girls and everything. This is all Satoshi's fault!
Kyouko moved back toward the kitchen, glancing at Haruki sitting there eating his meal.
I wonder... is Haruki really following his father's way, or is he just shy around girls?
Maybe I should ask him.
Kyouko paused mid-step.
No... I shouldn't keep asking directly. But how else can I find out why he doesn't have a girlfriend? If I keep pushing, he'll just shut down more.
Her eyes lingered on her son.
There has to be a better way to understand what's really going on with him...
"Haruki?"
"Hmm? What now, Mom? You want to check my room too?"
Kyouko narrowed her eyes and glared at him.
"Don't you dare try to disrespect your mother here."
"Huh? I'm not. I'm not even raising my voice or anything..." Haruki said calmly, continuing to eat.
Kyouko exhaled. "You're not going anywhere after this?"
"Hmm? No, Mom... I think I'll just stay and play games."
Kyouko shook her head. "Is that all you think about, playing games? Why not hang out with someone?"
"Huh? I don't want to. And what for? If I call Kajima and the others, they're busy with their girls anyway."
"See! Even your childhood friend already has a girlfriend!" Kyouko exhaled, facepalming. "And yet you still don't have any. How am I going to get a grandchild from you if you keep going like this?"
Haruki shook his head. "Mom... can we stop talking about girlfriends already? I'm sure one day I'll have one. Don't worry about it."
"And when is this 'one day,' hmm?" Kyouko crossed her arms, glaring at Haruki.
"Don't know, Mom." Haruki lifted his empty plate and grinned. "Mom..."
"What?" Kyouko kept glaring.
"I want fried egg... sunny side~"
Kyouko exhaled and started babbling. "If you had a girlfriend, she could cook for you, you know." She headed to the kitchen and started the stove.
Haruki rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah... if that girl can cook like you. If not?"
"She can learn, you know?" Kyouko cracked two eggs into the pan.
"Hah! If only~ What if they focus on their phone only? Hmm?"
Kyouko shook her head and continued cooking.
This son of mine.
Always has excuse after excuse.
Why can't he be like other boys his age?
"Anyway, if you don't have anything to do, you accompany me to the supermarket."
"Hah? No way! I want to play games or... sleep?"
"If you say so... then this evening we just eat rice, natto, and miso soup I guess." Kyouko side-glared at Haruki.
"W...what? Why?" Haruki glanced at Kyouko.
"Hmm? It's because the fridge is empty. And if I go to the supermarket alone, I'll have to carry all those heavy bags by myself."
"Can't you just order online as usual?"
"Yeah I can... but there's a lot I need to stock up on. And besides, you don't have anything to do." Kyouko placed the plate of eggs in front of Haruki and sat nearby, her palm resting on her cheek and elbow on the table.
"Ugh... I just want to..." Haruki exhaled in defeat.
"Suit yourself... I believe you can start learning to cook for yourself because I'm not going to the supermarket alone to carry all those heavy bags. I'm sure you can survive on instant noodles or something."
"Ughh... fine..." Haruki said while scooping more fried noodles and placing the sunny-side-up egg on top before starting to eat.
"You shouldn't eat too much, you know. What if you gain weight?" Kyouko glared at Haruki.
"Heh... no way I'm going to get fat. Besides, your cooking is balanced. And I also exercise every day."
"So you will accompany me to the supermarket, or you just eating instant noodles?" Kyouko looked at Haruki, waiting for his final answer.
"Fine... I'll go." Haruki exhaled and continued eating.
"Mm... we go after you finish eating~" Kyouko stood up and was about to walk away but paused. "Put the dishes in the sink, I'll wash them later."
"I know how to wash dishes. Don't worry, Mom."
"Mm... if you say so." Kyouko walked away while Haruki glanced back, watching her swaying hips as she moved toward the living room.
He exhaled slowly.
Haruki finished eating and gathered all the dishes, bringing them to the sink. He looked at the pile of dirty plates and cups.
"I guess I'll help her wash these dishes."
( End Of Chapter )