Dumped by One, Chased by Another? My Ex's Sister Is a Gal and She's Coming for Me - Chapter 76

“When you said we were going out for a meal, I wasn’t expecting this. Are you sure this place is okay?”

“Of course. There’s no need to be so reserved, you know?”

“I’m not being reserved, really.”

I couldn’t make sense of it.

I’d only stepped away to use the restroom, and when I came back, somehow a four-person dinner plan had already been decided.

To be honest, I almost objected on the spot.

But Haruki gently talked me down and convinced me to go along with it.

When I thought about it more rationally, having a meal with your partner and your parents isn’t all that unusual.

At least, it was a common occurrence in the Ayase family.

In the Akishima household, though—it had never happened. Not once.

With Fuyumi, it was just a brief introduction and nothing more.

“I don’t really go out to cafés for meals very often.”

“Really? We go pretty often.”

“Oh, do you? How nice.”

“Mom.”

Haruki casually revealed a glimpse into our daily life together, and I found myself feeling a bit embarrassed.

Though it wasn’t really a big deal.

For me, having a meal at a café was just part of my normal routine.

Even when Haruki wasn’t with me.

I’ve always liked cafés.

What I love most is the atmosphere—the mellow music, the vintage décor, and above all, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

To be honest, if all I wanted was a cup of coffee, there’d be no need to come all the way to a café.

I could just buy beans and make it at home.

But that’s not the point.

What café lovers—myself included—cherish is the experience of being in the café. The time spent in that space.

“Say,”

“Yeah?”

My father spoke up.

“If you had to choose one thing from this menu, what would it be?”

He handed me the menu and looked at me.

Was he planning to order the same thing as me?

Most likely—no, definitely—it was because he had no idea what to pick.

Neither of my parents know my taste in food.

Because I’ve always taken care of my own meals.

Ever since I was a kid, I couldn’t sit still—I always had to be doing something.

I was capable of doing everything myself, even from a young age.

Even when they weren’t home, I could manage on my own.

They made sure I had money for it, too.

I sighed.

These two, they really don’t understand me.

“I like this one,” I said, pointing to the pancakes with bacon.

“But I don’t know what you or Mom like. So, I’d like it if you told me.”

“Ah, I see.”

“You’re right.”

After that, we each made our orders and passed the time chatting about our food choices.

It was a peaceful and surprisingly warm moment.

By the way, Haruki ended up ordering a ridiculously huge honey toast.

Classic Haruki.