...
"I'm digging in." x2
While Tina ate with great relish, Special Week proactively picked up distant dishes for Lucian. "Trainer-san, I'll get these for you."
"Okay, thanks, Spe-chan."
Tina slowly stopped chewing, quite surprised inside.
She had only given a few pointers, and her daughter had already caught on? And it didn't look like the first time—otherwise, her daughter would definitely be shy.
But what was Trainer Lu's attitude?
Tina buried the doubt in her heart and decided to ask Special Week tonight. "Spe-chan, how come you're not picking any dishes for Mom?"
"Huh? Um, what does Mom want to eat?"
"The one right in front of you—I can't reach it."
"Oh, oh oh." Special Week picked some for Tina.
But Tina always felt the food lacked flavor and had a hint of vinegar... She even had to ask to be served.
Also... It was good that Spe-chan was brave and worth praising, but being too forward might not be right either.
...
After dinner, the three chatted briefly in front of the TV, then Lucian prepared to return to his room.
"Mom, I-I'll walk Trainer-san back." Special Week stood up.
"Huh? Okay." Tina's brow furrowed imperceptibly, but she still nodded. "I'll wait for you in my room."
"Mm!"
It was just a few steps—did she really need to walk him? Her daughter's thoughts were written all over her face. Could Trainer Lu see it?
If he could, what was his attitude toward Spe-chan?
Watching the two leave, Tina's gossip... flame of concern burned fiercely.
...
Special Week followed Lucian toward his room.
"Trainer-san, walk slower." Special Week jogged a bit, finally walking shoulder-to-shoulder with Lucian.
Mom wasn't following. Even if they couldn't kiss, they could at least hold hands in the hallway... If Trainer wanted to, she wouldn't refuse.
She wanted to as well.
But Trainer showed no intention of holding hands...
Special Week glanced at Lucian's hand several times and unknowingly reached the door to his room.
She looked away. "Trainer-san, I hope you'll be comfortable staying here."
"It's like Spe-chan is saying the place is terrible." Lucian slowly lay down. "The pillow is soft too. I'll sleep fine, don't worry."
"Oh... mm."
Special Week secretly glanced toward the door.
No one.
He knew—her heart might be pounding out of her chest right now.
She didn't know—he liked pretending not to notice, quietly observing her embarrassment.
"Spe-chan, anything else? If not, good night?" Lucian looked at Special Week standing still and blinked.
"Oh.... mm... good night." Special Week left the room, instantly closing Lucian's door, then let out a deflated breath.
She patted her cheeks.
Cheer up, Spe-chan. There's still a whole day tomorrow.
Lucian watched her back with amusement. His thoughts were actually the same as Special Week's—there was still a whole day tomorrow.
And by holding back a bit with Special Week, Lucian would always get the version of her he liked more.
...
After Special Week left, she opened Tina's door. "Mom, I'm here."
"Finished walking Little Lu back to his room?" Tina asked with a smile.
"Mm." Special Week nodded and closed the door.
But in reality, she had only walked partway and left, and Lucian didn't seem to need the escort.
"Good. Walked Little Lu back, but don't walk yourself out too."
"Mom, what does that mean?"
Tina sat up straighter. "Spe-chan, Mom hasn't found a partner now, but I dated when I was young."
She took out a photo she had prepared. "This is what Mom looked like when I was young."
"Wow—so pretty." Special Week looked at the youthful, beautiful blonde in the photo and exclaimed.
Hearing her daughter's praise made Tina happy; she beamed. "Of course. Back then, many handsome boys chased me, but none were as handsome as Little Lu."
Special Week pulled her gaze back, leaned back slowly, and said warily, "Mom isn't really trying to make Trainer-san my dad, right?"
"You kid, why still don't believe me?" Tina couldn't help laughing. "Mom is helping you solve your worries tonight. If you don't believe me, fine."
She pretended to stand up, but Special Week grabbed her wrist. "I believe you. Mom, can you teach me more..."
"That's right." Tina sat straight again. "Spe-chan, Mom asks you—does Little Lu know you have special feelings for him?"
"Or do you feel he treats you differently from others?"
Special Week thought about it. After all, she had kissed Trainer-san, so she nodded. "Yes... but Trainer-san also gets along well with Suzuka and the others."
"Then normally, does Spe-chan act this forward with Trainer Lu like today?" Tina asked again. "It's just a few steps, and Spe-chan insisted on walking him."
"Trainer-san is a guest. I-isn't that normal..."
"Is it because Trainer Lu is a guest, or does Spe-chan want the chance to talk more with him? Including tomorrow when you two go to the ranch alone."
Special Week fell silent. Her already shallowly hidden thoughts were dug up by Tina and exposed to daylight. "Because... I want to talk more with Trainer-san."
"Mom understands Spe-chan's feelings, but being too forward might backfire. It could make Little Lu take your kindness for granted." Tina explained clearly. "Spe-chan, understand?"
Special Week nodded. "I don't understand at all."
"Sigh, anyway, Spe-chan needs to maintain some reserve. Being forward isn't about boys or girls—it needs to be mutual."
"If, as Spe-chan says, Trainer Lu can sense your feelings, then after you're forward, Trainer Lu should respond, right?"
This part Special Week understood. She also thought Trainer-san should be more forward! Forward with kisses and hugs... touching was fine too.
"Mom, I got it! I can't be too forward!"
Tina nodded satisfactorily. "Mm-hmm, that's right~ Good that Spe-chan understands."
"Mom, thank you!" Special Week inexplicably felt fired up. Tomorrow she would definitely make Trainer-san take the initiative.
Actually, Tina's insight wasn't wrong, but she overlooked that Lucian and Special Week's relationship had long advanced by leaps and bounds.
Her precious daughter had long since... gnawed Lucian to pieces—being too forward might not work, but being excessively forward would.
...