Chapter 47: The Shiina "Sisters'" Plan
"Onee-san, I'm done eating. Let's head back first..."
After finishing her cake, Shiina Kaede couldn't wait to leave. There was no helping it; Aragaki Takiya's concern earlier had truly dealt her a heavy blow. Even now, thinking back on it gave her a heartache. He was clearly her father, but now... Shiina Kaede didn't think any further, instead quietly waiting for Shiina Mahiru's reply.
"Mm, alright."
Hearing Kaede's request, Shiina Mahiru agreed almost without hesitation. She had noticed earlier that Kaede's expression wasn't right. She had already planned to take her back early today, so having her bring it up was even better.
"Then, Aragaki-san, we'll be heading off now."
After responding to her daughter, Shiina Mahiru didn't plan on staying any longer. After all, her goal for today had been achieved. Romance wasn't something to be rushed; it could be developed slowly later on.
"Oh right, Aragaki, I have to go home too. I need to redraw Tomoya's drafts, so I won't be playing with Moeha today."
"Alright, be careful on your way back then."
Hearing that all three were preparing to leave at the same time, although Aragaki Takiya felt a hint of curiosity, he didn't say much.
"Eriri-oneesan, Shiina-oneesan, and Kaede, see you tomorrow~"
Hearing the news that they were leaving, although Aragaki Moeha felt a bit reluctant, she didn't say it directly. Besides, there was plenty of time ahead; Eriri and Shiina Kaede could come play with her anytime. Thinking this way, her reluctance faded a bit.
"See you tomorrow, Moeha."
"Hehe, I'll come see Moeha another day. I'll bring you some delicious snacks then~"
Compared to the Shiina Sisters' simple farewell, Eriri's was much more elaborate. She really liked Aragaki Moeha; if it weren't for the pressure of the drafts, she would have been happy to stay for another hour or two. Of course, if Aragaki Takiya were a girl, she might even consider staying the night... "Kaede, were you feeling unwell just now? Your face didn't look very good..."
Downstairs at the apartment building, Shiina Mahiru recalled what happened and asked with some concern.
"No, Mama, I'm fine. It's just that earlier..."
After thinking it over, Shiina Kaede decided to tell Shiina Mahiru what she had seen. Since they were no longer at the Aragaki Residence, she wasn't worried about her mother doing anything out of line.
"Are you saying that Aragaki likes Sawamura-san?"
After hearing Kaede's description, Shiina Mahiru asked somewhat uncertainly.
"It should be. Moeha's action of bringing the cake was hinted at by Papa; I saw his expression at the time..."
At this point, Shiina Kaede felt a tightness in her chest. He was clearly her father, yet now he had fallen for another girl; this feeling was truly unpleasant.
"But that might not necessarily be the case. According to usual hospitality, isn't it normal to give the guest cake first?"
Shiina Mahiru said after a moment of thought.
"..."
As the words fell, Shiina Kaede stopped in her tracks. Not for any other reason, but because she felt her mother's words made a lot of sense.
"But about the time I almost disappeared, Mama, you know about that too, right? Even if today's event might have just been Papa's hospitality, the feeling of almost disappearing back then was real."
Speaking of this, Shiina Kaede remembered that terrifying sensation again. No one knowing her, everyone ignoring her—that feeling was easily the most terrifying experience she had ever had.
"Kaede, don't worry yet. At least there's still a solution now."
Shiina Mahiru soothed the Little one's emotions and spoke softly.
"Ah? Mama already has a solution?"
Hearing her mother's words, Shiina Kaede's heart was instantly filled with confidence again.
"I just thought of it; I don't know if it'll work..."
Shiina Mahiru was a bit hesitant, but seeing the expectant look on her daughter's face, she decided to give it a try.
"Kaede, do you remember? According to what you said, Aragaki and I met in high school, and we started dating in high school too, right?"
"Yes, you told me that yourself, Mama. I remember it very clearly."
"Although I don't know what happened in between, we can be sure of one thing: at least for now, Sawamura-san has no feelings for Aragaki..."
Shiina Mahiru spoke softly, while the scene from earlier surfaced in her mind. Someone with Eriri's personality indeed found it hard to hide her thoughts, especially since she couldn't go more than a few sentences without mentioning Aragaki Moeha. Thus, Shiina Mahiru could easily reach this conclusion.
"So, is Mama going to take the initiative?"
After hearing Shiina Mahiru's conclusion, Shiina Kaede asked with her eyes lighting up.
"Let's forget about taking the initiative. After all, I've never dealt with romance, and I don't even know the process for a confession..."
Hearing her daughter's words, although Shiina Mahiru was no longer blushing like at first, she still felt a bit embarrassed.
"Then what is Mama going to do?"
"Then I'll just have to strike first. Tomorrow, I'll prepare more food and build a relationship through cooking. Also, I'll handle things on Sawamura-san's side at school..."
Shiina Mahiru pursed her lips and spoke these words. In truth, she wasn't the type to take the initiative; she was quite clueless about romance. However, now that the trajectory of fate involved her daughter, no matter how much she hesitated, Shiina Mahiru didn't intend to sit idly by. And if all else failed, she had one last resort..."],
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