In the living room, both of the Yukinoshita parents wore warm smiles.
On the surface, Yukino appeared calm, but inside, she was nervous.
Mayu watched Makoto with curiosity, her mind also speculating about the true relationship between him and Yukino.
"This is a long story."
Under everyone's watchful gaze, Makoto remained exceptionally composed.
Mrs. Yukinoshita had already anticipated this, smiling: "If it's a topic you're uncomfortable talking about, I won't ask."
This tactic was one of retreat to advance.
Especially when an elder says something like this with Yukino present, it almost feels like a subtle reminder: I'm very interested in knowing more.
However, Makoto cheerfully nodded: "Thank you, Mrs. Yukinoshita, I'll talk about it next time."
Mrs. Yukinoshita:?
Yukino, who was sitting beside them, felt a bit awkward but managed to hold back her laughter.
I should've expected this. His personality is like that, and he's probably tried this a number of times in the time loop.
The girl naturally caught the brief look of surprise from her mother.
That was close, I almost laughed out loud...
At this point, Mayu gently said: "I just remembered, Makoto, you're quite busy normally. If you don't want to talk about this, it's fine to change the topic to something more light-hearted."
Well done, Matsukaze-sensei.
Makoto thought it was a good choice to bring Mayu here.
She was naturally gentle and considerate, and now that her heart was focused entirely on Makoto, everything she said or did came from his perspective.
And when she spoke, even if Mrs. Yukinoshita was still curious, she couldn't press further without seeming rude.
"Thank you," Makoto sincerely thanked her.
"No need to thank me~"
Mayu smiled happily.
She wasn't happy because of Makoto's thanks, but because she had managed to call him "Makoto," and he hadn't minded at all, accepting it naturally.
That was what truly made her happy.
Who says a gentle, soft, and cute teacher doesn't have her own little thoughts?
Mrs. Yukinoshita observed everything quietly, her thoughts subtly shifting.
But she said, "Since it's inconvenient, let's follow Matsukaze-sensei's suggestion and change the topic."
Then, with the special warmth of an elder, she asked, "Makoto, you've helped me so much this time, I must repay you. Is there anything you want?"
She had already decided beforehand that a reward was necessary.
This would not only help win over Makoto as a junior, but also strengthen his friendship with Yukino.
"Actually, I do have a favor to ask," Makoto said.
"Oh? Please, feel free to ask. If it's something I can help with, I'm very willing to assist," Mrs. Yukinoshita said gently.
Yukino instinctively looked over, also curious about what Makoto would say.
"Actually, I'm planning to start a club soon, and if all goes well, I'll be filming a few short films to practice."
"Filming short films to practice?"
"Yes, because I've written a few stories I'm quite satisfied with. I think I might submit them to a film or TV company in the future.
If they get made into movies or TV shows, that would be a real achievement."
Hearing Makoto's words, everyone except Yukino couldn't help but be a little surprised.
High school students were supposed to focus on studying or dating, right? Maybe even join the soccer or baseball club and dream of entering the professional leagues.
Yet, Makoto had taken a huge leap far beyond their expectations.
Only Yukino silently nodded. She had already considered that the stories Makoto wrote were very suitable for adaptation.
And she had heard him mention that he had nine more stories like that.
"Young people these days are really impressive," Mr. Yukinoshita remarked.
Mrs. Yukinoshita asked, "Would you like me to help you contact a film or TV company?"
Makoto nodded.
"No problem, let's exchange contact information. You can reach out to me anytime."
Mrs. Yukinoshita took out her phone and casually added, "Although I don't know much about the film industry, I've met some people in the business at events, including some current actors. I should be able to help."
Makoto: "I'll leave it to you, then."
"Do you have any other requests besides this?"
Mrs. Yukinoshita brought the topic back.
She had remained generous and approachable throughout, clearly trying to leave a good impression.
Makoto: "If possible, I have one small request."
"What is it?"
"I would really appreciate it if you could treat me as an equal peer, so I can feel more accomplished."
Treating me as a peer?
What is Makoto trying to do?
Yukino furrowed her brows.
Mrs. Yukinoshita laughed: "What kind of request is that?"
Mr. Yukinoshita chuckled: "Ever since we met, I've thought you were a bit too mature. But now, finally, you're showing the attitude of a young person."
Mayu also covered her mouth, chuckling.
Clearly, they all understood.
Many high school students at this age are the most sensitive and eager to feel mature.
This age group is on the cusp of adulthood, desiring to grow up quickly, while also feeling anxious and excited about the new world ahead.
Both Yukinoshita parents had been through this stage themselves.
To them, Makoto had the same youthful aspirations: he didn't want to be seen as a child.
That was why Mr. Yukinoshita had made that comment.
Only Yukino felt restless.
This guy has grown up in a time loop!
She absolutely didn't believe that Makoto still had the immature, "chuunibyou" side of a teenager, or that he longed to grow up.
"Makoto, I'm sure you don't want to be treated like a child, right?" Mayu asked with a gentle smile.
Makoto: "Yeah, I've always thought that way."
He's lying!
Yukino took a deep breath.
Mayu's gaze softened: "Then, privately, we can treat each other as friends."
Mrs. Yukinoshita smiled: "If it's just such a simple request, I'll treat you like a friend, as long as it's not in front of outsiders."
Mr. Yukinoshita joined in: "I'm fine with that too."
Wait!
Aren't you going to ask my opinion?
Yukino was starting to feel anxious.
"That's great," Makoto said, his face beaming.
Then, he looked at Yukino in confusion: "By the way, if we really treat each other as friends, what about Yukino?"
Yukino stared at him blankly.
That little expression seemed to ask: Is this another one of your moves?
Makoto pretended not to notice: "How about this, we'll each play our part. Yukino, you call me 'big brother,' and I'll call you 'classmate.'"
"I refuse," Yukino immediately responded without hesitation.
Mr. and Mrs. Yukinoshita exchanged smiles. They could feel the youthful energy from Makoto again.
Now, this felt right. Just now, his overly mature speech had made them feel like they were talking to someone their own age.
Makoto's unique charm made the Yukinoshita couple quite fond of him.
Everyone was happy about this meeting.
Except for Yukino.
The Yukinoshita couple even invited Makoto and Mayu to stay for lunch, as it was almost mealtime.
Neither Makoto nor Mayu refused.
Yukino watched as Makoto's relationship with her parents improved, and she suddenly thought of a term—"doing as one pleases."
Yes, exactly—doing as one pleases!
With the growth he gained from his time loops, Makoto could easily handle people and situations he had encountered before.
She even suspected that, today, Makoto had only done a few basic things in front of her usually intimidating mother.
If that was the case, then this guy could really get away with doing whatever he wanted in her house!
Yukino thought about it, then couldn't help but say softly, "Mother, I'd like to speak with Fushimi-kun alone."
"Of course," Mrs. Yukinoshita nodded.
Yukino gave Makoto a look, and he calmly stood up.
As the two of them reached the balcony, Yukino was thinking about how to start the conversation, but then she heard Makoto casually say, "Yukinoshita, what are you thinking? Tell me, and I'll help you figure it out."
Yukino's pretty face darkened.
Just as she was about to coldly reprimand Makoto, he said another sentence.
"In the future, your relationship with Aunt Yukinoshita will keep improving, and I'll help you with that."
Yukino froze.
The anger that had just risen in her heart instantly disappeared.
She looked at Makoto with a complicated gaze. "Didn't you say at the cat café that you didn't plan to win me over?"
Makoto replied, "That's right."
Yukino bit her lip. "Then why are you helping me like this..."
Makoto replied, "Because you won't even call me 'Onii-chan,' so I'll have to step up my efforts."
Yukino unexpectedly didn't argue, instead staring at his face with eyes full of emotions.
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