Volume 2 Chapter 11 Parting and Reunion
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
With the bath finished and dinner out of the way, the time to head home finally arrived.
- Ding-dong.
At the signal, Su-chan gave a tiny shiver.
She’d been playing so happily just a moment ago, but now her face completely fell, the corners of her eyes drooping with sadness.
”Maa-kun…”
Her voice trailed off into a sob as she clung to me. I could feel her silent, stubborn resolve – she wasn’t going to let go.
While I dealt with Su-chan, Mio-san¹ headed to the entrance. I heard the door open before she even had a chance to turn the lock from the inside. She was just in her pajamas, but it didn’t matter. That was just the kind of relationship they had.
”Welcome back~” Mio-san said.
”I’m home. Oh, where is Mitsuhisa-san?” my mother asked.
”He said he’d be late today,” Mio-san replied.
”I see.”
It sounded like Mother had returned.
That meant it was time for my ride home – and time to say goodbye.
”Good evening, Su-chan,” Mother said.
”Goon evening…” Su-chan replied.
”Thank you for playing with Ma-kun today. Did you have fun?”
”Mm… pwaying with Maa-kun was lots of fun,” Su-chan said.
Mother gave Su-chan’s head a gentle pat.
”Welcome home, Mom,” I said.
”I’m home, Ma-kun,” she replied.
Then she patted my head, too.
I could tell she wanted to scoop me up right then and there, but since I’d already had my bath, she seemed to be holding back. Or maybe it was just that Su-chan still wouldn’t let me go.
Until Su-chan calmed down – or rather, until I managed to soothe her – Mother stayed for dinner at the Totsuka house.²
Over Mio-san’s cooking, their conversation blossomed. They talked about what we ate today, what we played, and swapped photos on their phones.
But once the meal was over and they’d caught their breath, the “time to go” energy finally filled the room.
Sensing the shift in the air, Su-chan looked up at me.
”Maa-kun… going home?” she whispered.
”Yeah,” I said.
Her eyes went wide, and she squeezed them shut, desperately trying to keep the tears from spilling over.
For a child, the end of “fun time” is pure agony.
Su-chan was no exception. The moment I had to leave, the waterworks started.
But she wasn’t the type to scream or wail. Instead, she fought with everything she had to hold it back, even as the tears escaped anyway. She gripped the hem of my shirt with her tiny hands and just stared at me.
Her face was a mess of tears and a runny nose, but she was still adorable. This quiet, shy, usually spaced-out girl was heartbroken just because I was leaving.
It felt a bit wrong, but the sight tugged at my heartstrings. She was trying so hard to be a “good girl” and not cause trouble, despite being so little. Eventually, she’d cave and bury her face in my chest, soaking my clothes in a c**ktail of tears, snot, and drool…
”Su-chan,” I said.
”…”
”What should we do tomorrow?”
”……Horsey.”
”Horsey? That sounds great. I want to do that too,” I told her.
”Mm.”
”What else?”
”……Picture book.”
”Yeah, let’s read one. Which one should we pick?”
”………The princess one.”
”You do love that one. Tell you what – after we read it, we can play princess pretend, okay?”
”…Mm. Let’s do it,” she said.
I patted a steady rhythm on Su-chan’s back and spoke softly into her ear.
”Let’s play a lot tomorrow, too, okay?”
”Mm.”
The grip on my shirt didn’t loosen, but it was getting late. As much as it pained me, I had to call it.
”Su-chan, I really have to say bye-bye now.”
”……Smooch.”
Su-chan pulled back and puckered her lips.
It was beyond precious… though honestly, I was a little distracted by the runny nose. Still, cute is cute.
I pulled out a tissue and wiped her eyes and nose. And then…
- Mwah.
I gave her a light peck.
If it tasted a little salty, well, I guess that was just part of the charm.
”………Hehe,” Su-chan giggled.
”See you tomorrow, Su-chan.”
”Mm. See you tomowwow. …Safe twavels.”
”Yeah. I’m off!”
I’ve become a bit of a smooth talker thanks to my parents’ influence, but if a kiss is all it takes to make Su-chan feel better, I’ll give her a thousand.
Mio-san was actually the one who came up with the idea. The “Goodbye Kiss Strategy” – a little reward to take the sting out of parting. It worked like a charm; Su-chan didn’t wail uncontrollably anymore. Constant crying is exhausting for everyone, after all.
* * *
Back at home, it was time for Mom and me. Parent-child time is important, too… or so I tell myself, though Mom was currently in the bath, leaving me alone.
I spent the time watching recorded shows at double speed.
I really should have paid more attention to the news in my past life. It’s hard to compare this world to my old one when I barely remember the details…
Oops, sounds like Mom’s out of the bath. I wouldn’t have minded if she took her time, but I’d better turn this off fast…
”Welcome home, Mom. Good job today,” I said.
”Fufu, thanks, sweetie,” she replied.
I gave her a little nudge as she sat down in her pajamas. The scent of her shampoo hit me full force. How could the same shampoo smell so much better on her? I took a deep breath.
”I’m sorry I couldn’t be here with you today, Ma-kun.”
”It’s okay. I know you’re working hard for me, Mom.”
”Ma-kun…”
”Besides, Su-chan and Mio-san are always so nice to me.”
”…Ma – guuun!” she cried.
Yeah, she’s definitely hit that post-work emotional wall.
Even with the Totsukas’ help, Mom has to provide for me all on her own. I know she’s getting quiet support from Mio-san, but we’re still far from her parents’ place.
The pressure of being both the parent and the sole provider must be immense. I bet she can’t help but compare our lives to the “normal” family next door.
She was away from work for over six months, and I can tell she’s panicked about catching up. On top of that, there’s the social stigma of being a single-parent household.
I don’t want her to worry about me. I want to be the proof that she’s doing the right thing. I’ll do whatever I can.
And hopefully, soon, I can help her with more than just emotional support.
Step one: Keep being the most charming kid in the neighborhood.
I’m going to milk this “cute baby” status for everything it’s worth.
”Ma-kun, let’s head to bed.”
”…Mm.”
I must have been drifting off. Mom guided me into the futon and stayed by my side.
”Goodnight, Ma-kun.”
”Goodnight. ……Love you, Mom.”
”…I love you too.”
Wrapped in her warmth, I closed my eyes.
A baby’s night ends early.
—
Summary:
The protagonist prepares to leave Su-chan’s house as his mother returns from work. To soothe Su-chan’s separation anxiety, they use a ‘goodbye kiss’ ritual. Once home, the protagonist reflects on his mother’s immense pressure as a single parent and resolves to support her by being a model child.
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Trivia:
- Mio-san is wearing pajamas when she greets the mother, highlighting their deep level of comfort.
- The protagonist’s mother is struggling with a significant career gap of over six months.
- The protagonist watches TV at 2x speed to gather information efficiently.
- The ‘Goodbye Kiss Strategy’ was actually Mio-san’s idea.
- The distance from the maternal grandparents’ house is a factor in their current living situation
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Character Insight:
The protagonist shows a high level of emotional intelligence, prioritizing his mother’s mental health over his own needs. Su-chan displays a strong attachment to the protagonist, suggesting he is her primary source of comfort during the day.
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Behind the Scenes:
The contrast between the ‘modern Japanese’ setting and the protagonist’s internal ‘Haha-ue’ (Mother) formalisms emphasizes his past-life origins.
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TL Notes:
Notes:
• Mio – A 25-year-old fashionable and kind young mother, she is Akari’s (Makoto’s mother’s) best friend and Ma-kun’s godmother. Known for her playful and teasing personality, she enjoys babysitting Ma-kun and encourages a future marriage between her daughter, Su-chan, and him. She’s skilled in cooking and photography, admired for her beauty—even in casual, unpolished moments—and is married to Mitsuhisa.
• Mitsuhisa – A tall, handsome man with a deep voice who works as the breadwinner for the Totsuka family. He is Su-chan’s father. Su-chan’s father. An IT professional over thirty years old. Described as a doting husband who is hardworking and somewhat reserved toward Akari.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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