Eriri was soaking in the hot spring alone.
She was originally supposed to be with her mother, sharing the same luxury suite.
But what happened?
Her mother had waited in the room for half an hour before slipping away, leaving behind a knowing smile.
That smile...
Eriri understood it perfectly, and she understood it instantly.
Because she was a manga artist!!
Having drawn that type of manga, how could she not understand?
Even without practical experience, her theoretical knowledge was extensive!!
At least she wasn't the type of novice female artist with strange notions, like drawing a banana completely wrong.
"Sigh..."
Eriri leaned against the edge of the hot spring, covering her forehead with a small towel.
Looking up at the night sky, she vaguely thought she heard something.
Even though she couldn't actually hear anything, she still had that feeling.
And...
Various ideas for manga panels were already forming in her mind.
Well, what could she do? She was a manga artist; overthinking was normal!
"Really... I was the one who told Mom to go after Kaito-nii..."
"But..."
"Why do I feel so uncomfortable inside?"
Eriri moved the towel over her eyes, not wanting to think anymore. She slipped beneath the water and held her breath.
After a while, she surfaced, her mind drifting back to the manga she had drawn, especially the second female lead.
She thought, maybe this manga needed a sequel!
'No, a sequel would be boring. Better to start a new story, with a new identity... with some modifications...'
Elsewhere.
Misuzu and Mikoto were also enjoying the hot spring. Misuzu had added some pearl salt and scattered several cherry blossom petals for fragrance.
But...
Mikoto was genuinely enjoying the hot spring.
Misuzu, however, was not.
She really wanted to go find Kaito.
But she knew this wasn't the right time.
Because Sayuri was already there...
"What a shame..."
Thinking this, Misuzu decided not to go. She would wait for another opportunity.
"Mom? What's a shame? Why do you say that?"
Mikoto heard her mother's mutter and looked curiously from the sky to Misuzu.
Then...
Her face couldn't help but blush a little more.
Not for any other reason. Misuzu's figure was even better than it seemed when she was dressed.
And her own?
Too tragic.
Especially when she thought about that woman, Shokuhou Misaki, who always antagonized her. Comparing herself...
It felt like she was losing on all fronts!
But her own mother?
She's definitely not inferior to that woman!
'No, I'm still young. I have potential!'
Mikoto internally argued.
With a mother like that, she would surely turn out well when she grew up!
"It's nothing. I was just thinking of inviting Kaito to join us."
"???" Mikoto was stunned.
"Mom, that's not appropriate!!"
"It might not be appropriate for you, but it would be for me."
"Well..."
'Was this really my biological mother?'
'Wasn't she basically saying that when me, her daughter wasn't around, it would be perfectly appropriate for her and Kaito to be together!?'
'So...'
'Was I being kicked out?
"Mom... do you like Kaito-nii?"
"Hehehe, you noticed? Yes, I'm pursuing him!"
"You're not joking, are you?"
Mikoto asked, unsure.
Knowing her mother's personality, she was often joking or teasing.
Saying she liked someone might just be for fun. She was so carefree, it was hard to imagine her truly falling for someone.
If she was serious, she would have found a new boyfriend when Mikoto was very young, right?
But...
If it was Kaito...
Mikoto could understand. Even she felt her heart race and blushed, unable to meet Kaito's eyes.
In fact, that was precisely why Mikoto rarely spoke to Kaito.
"I'm not joking. What, does my daughter like him too?"
"What a shame, though. He can only be your father~"
"Hmm..."
The comfortable, relaxing soak suddenly felt uncomfortable.
Wasn't this her mother's way of telling her that Kaito was hers, and as her daughter, she shouldn't entertain any other thoughts?
But she...
Well, okay, she had entertained some thoughts, but wasn't that normal!!
"Cough, Mom, about this... I approve."
Yes, she wasn't opposed to Kaito being her father.
A stepfather, really. Mikoto had long thought this day might come.
After all, Misuzu was single and would eventually need a partner. Especially once her daughter grew up and possibly moved away, Misuzu would be truly alone.
Having a companion would be better!
"Good, that's my good girl! Once I win Kaito over, you can spoil him all you want too~ You've hardly ever spoiled anyone since you were little."
"Who, who would spoil anyone!!"
"You would."
"Impossible! Mom, you're lying! How could I ever spoil anyone!"
"Yes... it's because you never spoil anyone that I want Kaito to be your father."
'Indeed, you don't spoil, but you are Tsundere!'
Misuzu roughly tousled Mikoto's hair, laughing.
She actually felt quite guilty inside. Growing up without a father's love had made Mikoto strong-willed, unlike ordinary little girls with happy families and pleasant dispositions.
She also had often had to work, leaving Mikoto alone at home.
"Alright, alright, Mom, let go of me."
"Okay, okay~"
Misuzu let go and started talking about other things with her daughter. She needed to distract herself.
Because...
She also felt like she was hearing something.
Even if the sound didn't actually exist, she heard it, and it was ringing incessantly in her mind.
It was like a persistent melody, weaving in and out of her thoughts. Not only was it impossible to defend against, but it almost put her in a certain state.
'Damn it!!!'