Knock, knock, knock—
Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle—
Sizzle—
The sound of a knife striking the cutting board, the gentle bubbling of porridge simmering over low heat, and the instant sizzle of fish hitting hot oil.
Listening to these familiar kitchen sounds, Kazusa felt as if she hadn't experienced this scene in a long time.
In her memory, the last time her mother had personally put on an apron and cooked a meal was back when she was in elementary school.
No—perhaps even earlier than that.
After all, she had already forgotten what her mother's cooking tasted like.
It had been a week since that day.
During her hospitalization for observation, Youko's health remained stable—completely normal, even.
Some of the minor ailments she used to suffer from, like neck and back pain caused by years of overwork, had also disappeared.
In short, all medical reports indicated that Youko had made a full recovery. There was no longer any need to worry—she was officially discharged.
Throughout the past week, Chisato had been trying to contact Kazusa, starting with text messages and later calling her directly. But every attempt ended in failure.
Kazusa either ignored his calls or simply hung up. She didn't know how to face Chisato after hearing the truth from him. She didn't know what to say if she answered.
There was now an invisible barrier between them. They were no longer as close as they had been, able to talk about anything without reservation.
The moment Kazusa realized she had been deceived—betrayed—their relationship had ceased to be as pure as before.
Eventually, Youko, unable to bear watching her daughter constantly staring at her phone with a look of sadness and frustration, decided to intervene.
She also worried that if Kazusa kept ignoring his calls, Chisato might get too anxious and come all the way to the hospital again.
So, at one point, Youko took the initiative to call Chisato herself.
She spoke with him while deliberately putting the call on speaker, making sure her daughter could hear everything.
With her acting as a mediator, at least there was still a channel for them to stay somewhat connected.
And so, things remained uneventful until Youko's discharge.
On Tuesday afternoon, mother and daughter completed the discharge procedures and returned home.
Now, it was Wednesday morning.
Youko had woken up early and was busy in the kitchen.
Kazusa, drawn in by this rare sight, sat at the kitchen bar, resting her chin on her hand with a dazed expression.
Once breakfast was ready, the two of them sat at the table to eat together.
"It's been a long time since I last cooked. How does it taste?" Youko asked.
"Mm…"
Kazusa slowly chewed a piece of fish.
"All I can say is… this is exactly what I'd expect from someone who hasn't cooked in a long time."
Youko chuckled.
At least all the advice and encouragement she had been offering these past few days hadn't gone to waste.
On the surface, Kazusa seemed to have recovered well. She was joking again and no longer looked like a pitiful, abandoned puppy in need of sympathy.
"Just make do with it. If it's really that bad, add some ketchup or something. Either way, my cooking can't compare to Chisato's."
At that name, Kazusa's hand froze mid-meal. She set her chopsticks down.
"You had to bring him up? Great, now my good mood this morning is ruined."
"You say that, but who was the one eagerly eavesdropping, holding their breath, every time I talked to him on the phone, afraid to miss a single word?"
Kazusa looked away.
"You were the one who put it on speaker. It's not like I had a choice."
"Well, let's just say that's true… Kazusa, I called your teacher. I told them you'll be back at school starting today. After breakfast, grab your bag and head straight there."
"I'm not going."
Kazusa's response was immediate and firm.
Going to school now would mean facing him.
And right now, without having sorted out her own thoughts, she had no desire to have any kind of interaction with him.
Youko sighed in mild frustration.
"Kazusa… I know I said that sometimes, when you don't know how to deal with something, time will give you an answer."
"But if you keep running away and waiting too long, you might miss something important. If that happens… are you sure you won't regret it?"
"..."
Kazusa kept her head down, focusing on her meal without responding.
Youko set down her chopsticks, crossing her hands under her chin.
"If you've truly decided that you never want to see Chisato again, then go to school today, meet him one last time, and tell him everything clearly.
"Tell him that you can't understand, nor can you forgive his deception and betrayal."
"That from this day forward, it's over between you two—completely and utterly, with not even the slightest possibility of reconciliation."
"And once you've said that, you should also thank him for the care he has shown you during this time.
"Once you've put an end to everything, if you feel that staying at this school would only make things awkward, I'll handle your withdrawal procedures."
"After that, if you have plans of your own, go ahead and pursue them. If not, then come with me—we'll move to Vienna and settle down there."
Hearing those words, Kazusa looked up in surprise.
She studied her mother's expression, trying to catch any sign of hesitation.
But unfortunately, Youko's eyes were like a still lake—calm, unwavering, devoid of any jest or warmth.
She was… serious.
Kazusa was certain of it.
Then suddenly, Youko's demeanor shifted. She smiled, her tone softening.
"But if you find that no matter what, you just can't let go of him… then stop suppressing your feelings."
"Give it your all. Beat out the other competitors who are in your way, and make your love unfold the way you want it to."
"I believe in my daughter. If you put your mind to it, there's no reason you'd lose to anyone else."
"…Mom…"
"So, have you decided? Will you go to school today?"
Watching the subtle change in Kazusa's expression, Youko felt a sense of relief.
It hadn't been easy.
Since Kazusa started high school, opportunities for Youko to truly fulfill her role as a mother had been rare. Just like cooking, this was something that felt long overdue.
"Mm."
Kazusa nodded, her mindset shifting.
She turned her head to glance at the clock on the living room wall.
Following her gaze, Youko understood what her daughter was thinking and chuckled.
"There's still plenty of time. You'll make it even if you finish breakfast."
"No need—I'm full. Take your time and eat, Mom."
With that, Kazusa stood up and hurried upstairs.
Hearing her footsteps thudding against the wooden staircase, Youko thought to herself that she should start keeping an eye on Kazusa's sugar intake.
If she gained weight, losing it wouldn't be an easy task.
Kazusa changed into her school uniform and slung her bag over her shoulder.
As she bent down at the entrance to switch shoes, Youko crouched beside her, gently smoothing out a few stray hairs.
"When you get to school, what do you plan to say to Chisato?"
"I don't know… but I think that once I see him, I'll figure it out."
Kazusa finished putting on her shoes and walked straight out the door without looking back.
"Be careful on your way."
Leaning against the doorframe, Youko watched her daughter leave.
"Got it."
At the very least, this should be enough for now.
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50 advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta
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