The moment the brief interaction with Fujibayashi Kyouko ended, a familiar voice called out to them.
"Rito! Mikan!"
Before either of them could react, a blur of motion closed the distance between them. Ringo Yuuki, their ever-energetic mother, wrapped both of them into a tight hug, pulling them close.
"Ahh! My adorable children! It's been way too long!" She exclaimed, squeezing them in her arms.
"M-Mom! Too tight!" Mikan protested, her voice slightly muffled as she struggled against Ringo's firm grip.
Rito, too, was struggling, though for an entirely different reason. His mother's assets were pressing a little too much against him, making it difficult to focus on anything other than the sheer softness surrounding him.
"Cough Mom, we get it; you missed us, but... oxygen is kind of important," he said, patting her back as a silent plea for release.
Ringo finally let go, though not before ruffling both their heads. "Hmph! You two always act so mature, but you're still my little babies!" she said, pouting slightly.
Mikan sighed, fixing her slightly messy hair. "Mom, you act like we haven't seen each other in years. It's only been a few months."
"A few months is too long!" Ringo countered dramatically, placing her hands on her hips. "Especially when I hear my poor baby boy got sick and didn't even tell me!" She gave Rito an accusing look.
Rito chuckled awkwardly. "I didn't think it was that big of a deal."
Ringo clicked her tongue and flicked his forehead. "Dummy! Of course, it's a big deal!"
He winced slightly. "Alright, alright. Sorry, Mom."
"Hmph. You better be," she said before suddenly grinning. "But I'll forgive you if you let me spoil you two today!"
Mikan crossed her arms. "You always spoil us."
"And what's wrong with that?" Ringo shot back playfully. "Come on, I booked a suite for us! And I made sure it's got everything—big beds, a hot spring, and plenty of good food!"
"Wait… suite? Mom, just how much did you spend on this?" Rito asked, narrowing his eyes.
Ringo waved him off. "Oh, don't worry about the details~."
"That's exactly what worries me," Rito muttered.
Kyouko, who had been watching the interaction with a grin, finally chimed in. "As lively as ever, I see."
Ringo laughed. "Of course! I may be a fashion designer, but being a mother is my true job."
Mikan shook her head with an amused sigh. "I guess we should just go with the flow."
Rito, meanwhile, was still internally processing everything. Seeing his mother's usual energetic self was comforting, but with Kyouko involved, he knew there was way more to this trip than just a simple family reunion.
For now, though, he decided to enjoy the moment.
"Alright, Mom. Lead the way," he said, smiling.
Ringo beamed. "That's my boy! Let's go!"
The elevator ride up to the suite was smooth and silent, aside from Ringo humming to herself while standing between Rito and Mikan. Fujibayashi Kyouko had stayed behind, saying she had some matters to attend to, but the brief interaction had already left a lasting impression on Rito.
However, his thoughts were soon interrupted as the elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, revealing an extravagant hallway lined with golden sconces and polished marble flooring. The air smelt faintly of lavender, and the ambient lighting added a warm, luxurious touch.
"Whoa…" Mikan muttered, slightly taken aback by the elegance of the place.
Rito was just as surprised. This wasn't just a normal hotel—it was a five-star luxury one.
Ringo grinned at their reactions. "Hehe, impressive, right? I made sure to book the best suite available!"
"You really went all out, huh?" Rito said, raising an eyebrow.
"Of course! Only the best for my precious babies!"
They soon arrived at a massive double door with an intricate golden design. Ringo pulled out a keycard, swiped it against the panel, and pushed open the doors with an exaggerated flourish.
"Welcome to paradise!" she announced.
The suite was nothing short of breathtaking.
The first thing that caught Rito's eye was the sheer size of the place. It was practically a penthouse rather than just a hotel room. The floor was covered in a plush, cream-coloured carpet that felt soft underfoot. The walls were decorated with tasteful paintings, and the lighting was perfectly balanced—bright yet cosy.
A massive living area occupied the centre of the suite, featuring a set of luxurious white leather sofas arranged around a glass coffee table. A large floor-to-ceiling window took up one entire wall, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the cityscape and the distant ocean, where the sunset painted the horizon in hues of orange and purple.
A flat-screen TV, easily over 70 inches, was mounted on the wall, with a state-of-the-art entertainment system underneath it. A small bar area with a marble counter and an assortment of drinks was positioned in one corner, making it look like something straight out of a celebrity's home.
Mikan took a step forward, looking around in awe. "This... is way too much, Mom."
Ringo waved her off. "Nonsense! You both deserve the best!" She then pointed towards one of the doors. "That's the master bedroom, but I'll let you two pick which one you want! Each has a king-sized bed, a private bathroom, and even a jacuzzi!"
Rito's gaze shifted to the doors leading further inside. The suite wasn't just one room—it had multiple bedrooms, private bathrooms, and even a personal hot spring attached to it.
He let out a small whistle. "Mom, this is some serious VIP treatment."
Ringo puffed out her chest proudly. "Well, I am a top fashion designer, you know. Gotta enjoy the perks of success!"
Mikan crossed her arms. "Still… isn't this too expensive?"
Ringo waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, don't worry about money! I have plenty! Besides, I'm using my special connections to get us a huge discount!"
Rito narrowed his eyes. "Define the special connections."
Ringo winked. "A lady never tells her secrets~."
Mikan sighed in defeat. "I swear, you're impossible sometimes, Mom."
Ringo giggled before suddenly clapping her hands. "Alright! Enough chit-chat! Go pick your rooms, freshen up, and then we'll head out for a fancy dinner! I made reservations at a very exclusive restaurant!"
Rito and Mikan exchanged glances before shrugging. There was no arguing with Ringo when she was like this.
"Fine, fine," Rito said, rolling his shoulders. "I guess I'll check out my room."
Mikan nodded. "Me too."
As they both walked toward their respective rooms, Rito couldn't help but feel that this trip was just getting started. And with his mother's usual extraordinary way of doing things, he had no doubt that even more surprises were waiting for them.