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Chapter 11: C-Cute!?

After the misunderstanding between Nakuru and her father was resolved...

"I am really sorry! Please forgive me, Nakuru!"

An older man, Shuichiro, was on his knees, apologizing to a sulking child, Nakuru.

(Should I go home now?)

The problem was essentially resolved, and I felt I wasn't needed anymore. 

Just as I was about to leave, another person appeared.

"Who has been making such a fuss—Nakuru, you're back? And Shuichiro-san, why are you bowing on the ground?"

A beautiful woman in traditional Japanese clothing stood there. 

She had the grace of a refined Japanese lady, and she walked with an air of elegance.

"Mom!"

Nakuru's expression softened into a smile. 

From her words, I guessed this was her mother.

(Wow, she's incredibly beautiful. She looks young enough to be a college student.)

It was hard to believe she had a child my age. 

The beautiful woman then turned her gaze towards me.

"That child over there... he's not one of our students, is he?"

"Oh, that boy is—"

Shuichiro explained my situation to Nakuru's mother.

"I see, so that's what happened. Thank you for taking care of Nakuru."

"N-no! I just happened to help. Please, raise your head!"

She did as I asked, and then looked at me with a slightly impressed expression.

"You speak very well. It seems your parents have taught you well."

I couldn't say it was just my manners from my previous life as a working adult.

"As I thought. Thanks to you, we could hear Nakuru's true feelings. I'm really grateful. I'd love to meet your parents."

"No, really, I didn't do anything significant."

It was true. 

All I did was what any adult would do: listen to a distressed child and encourage her to talk to her parents. 

Anyone could have done it.

"And you're humble too. Well then, how about joining our dojo?"

"Huh? Joining... your dojo?"

"Yes. I think you'd become a great warrior in our style!"

While I was interested in martial arts, I wasn't sure if I should decide so quickly.

"Uh, Nakuru-chan mentioned martial arts, but is it really okay to recruit students so casually?"

"Of course, I won't take in just anyone. I have confidence in my ability to judge people. I think you'd be a great warrior! My intuition is usually right!"

He was getting closer and closer, and his pressure was intimidating.

(I might be persuaded... I need Nakuru-chan!)

Hoping she would calm her father down, I looked at her... but instead,

"Can I train with Okinaga-kun? That would make me even more motivated!"

For some reason, I had gained another "enemy." 

Nakuru's innocent, sparkling eyes pierced through me. 

Desperate, I wondered if there was anyone on my side...

"Please, both of you, stop right there."

The mediator was Nakuru's mother.

"Shuichiro-san, Nakuru, you're troubling our guest."

The two of them snapped out of it and stepped back.

"Haha, I got carried away. Sorry, Satsuki-kun."

"Just call me Okinaga. Everyone gets passionate sometimes, don't worry about it."

"I'm sorry too..."

"Don't worry, Nakuru-chan."

"You don't hate me, do you?"

"Of course not. How could I dislike such an honest and cute girl?"

It was a mature response, and I patted her head with no ulterior motive.

"C-cute—!?"

Her face turned bright red, and she ran to her mother, glancing back at me shyly. Her reaction was adorable.

"Oh my, this child... fufu."

Nakuru's mother smiled warmly at her daughter. 

I realized I hadn't properly introduced myself, so I did. 

I learned her name was Yukina Hinobe.

Then, since it’s a special occasion, I was invited to their home, and we had tea and snacks together in their living room.