Volume 4 Chapter 69 Expectations
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
After dinner, the adults gathered in the dining room to chat, keeping a watchful eye on Maa-kun and the other children as they sat together, engrossed in a recorded educational program.
(Maa-kun is just too precious when he dances…) I thought. (And he’s actually got some moves…)
I found myself unconsciously reaching for my phone, ready to snap a video, but the sudden “pressure” radiating from Akari snapped me out of it.
She didn’t let me film him, of course, though she did promise to show me some clips later. The reason I wasn’t watching them right now? Simple – I was way too busy staring at the real-life Maa-kun right in front of me!
The happy moments slipped away in the blink of an eye. Akari began stealing glances at the clock, and soon enough, the automated voice of a woman announced, “The bath is ready.”
I knew exactly what that meant. Maa-kun had less than ten minutes left before it was time for him to go home.
”- I don’t want to go home…”
I couldn’t believe I was actually the one saying it. It wasn’t some calculated move or an attempt at seduction; the words just leaked out from the bottom of my soul. If I were saying this to some random guy, it might have worked, but my audience was two women and a man so devoted to his wife that he was practically immune to anyone else.
I tried giving him a fleeting, upward glance regardless.
”Are you really trying to make eyes at Mii-kun? Misato, I won’t forgive this,” said Mio.
”Hie-! I didn’t mean it like that! Akari, help me!” I squealed.
”No can do,” Akari replied.
”A little mercy, please!” I cried. If anything, my attempt had backfired completely.
”Well, we’re heading out soon anyway, so you really don’t have a choice, Misato,” Akari added.
”That’s so mean…” I groaned.
Aside from me, every adult in the room was a parent. It wasn’t even seven o’clock yet, but their entire lives revolved around the schedules of these youngsters. It was time to wrap things up. Even though I knew the deal, it felt like it was ending far too soon.
”I don’t want to go home!” I wailed, slumping over the table and throwing a full-blown tantrum.
I knew I was being pathetic. I knew I was being selfish. But today had been the most fulfilling holiday I’d had in forever. I’d dressed up specifically for the people I wanted to see, eaten amazing food, and spent the day acting like a kid again.
Usually, when I hang out with my old student friends or coworkers, it’s just the same old shopping, karaoke, or dinner. It’s fun, but it never fills the void. One by one, my close friends got married and drifted away. Now, when we meet, they just “flex” on each other with complaints about their husbands or the struggles of parenting. I just sit there like a ghost until they suddenly turn on me, criticizing me for being “unburdened” or lacking the drive to get married.
That’s why I spend my holidays alone. Before I knew it, my only social life was drifting through shallow internet friendships. This warm, joyful atmosphere was something I’d forgotten existed. I just wanted it to stay like this forever.
”…I want to have a sleepover,” I whispered.
”- A sleepover!?”
One little girl reacted instantly. Even though her show wasn’t over, she abandoned it and rushed over.
”Mama, are we having a sleepover today?” asked Suu-chan.
”Oh boy, Suu-chan’s gone into ‘Wife Mode’¹ again,” Akari noted.
”Wait, what is ‘Wife Mode’?” I asked. (I’m picking up a very forbidden vibe here!)
”Is Suu-chan going away for another sleepover? Mama’s going to be so lonely,” said Akari.
”It’s okay. Mama has Papa. It’s Papa’s turn,” Suu-chan replied.
”Mii-kun!” Akari cried.
Like mother, like daughter, I guess. Mio and Akari shared a knowing look, and Akari eventually gave a soft, defeated nod.
”I’m so jealous, Suu-chan. I want a sleepover too,” I said.
”Do you want to stay over, Misato-oneechan?” asked Suu-chan.
”Yeah. Is that okay?”
”No. You’re only allowed to have sleepovers with the person you’re going to marry,” the girl stated firmly.
She really just gave me hope only to snatch it away. Then again, knowing Suu-chan, she wasn’t trying to be mean. None of the kids here were like that – they never tried to hurt or belittle anyone. It was a testament to the love Akari and the others poured into them.
”Misato-oneechan needs to find a husband. Then you can stay at his house,” Suu-chan added.
”You’re absolutely right…” I sighed. Her sense of modesty was already rock-solid.
”But isn’t it okay to stay at a friend’s house?” I asked.
”…A friend?”
”Exactly! If you and a friend are both girls, you can totally have sleepovers,” I explained.
”Hmm… I do want to try a sleepover with ssu² Shii-chan,” Suu-chan admitted.
Okay, I’m getting somewhere! Shii-chan, whoever you are, thank you!
”Well, Misato-oneechan is very close friends with Akari and Mio, you know?” I said.
””Eh?”” the two women chimed in unison.
”No way,” Akari added.
”Don’t give me that ‘What is this person talking about’ look! It’s bad for my heart!” I yelled.
…Wait, we are close friends, right? We message on LINE and they invited me over, so I assumed we were tight!
”S-So, Suu-chan, can I come back to play tomorrow too?” I asked.
”Tomorrow?”
”Yeah! I want to play with you and Maa-kun more,” I said.
”Hmm, okay,” Suu-chan agreed.
”Really!? Thank you!”
”Next time, I’m going to beat you, Misato-oneechan,” the girl challenged.
”Oh? I won’t go down that easily!”
”Muu! I’m going to train with Maa-kun. Maa-kun, let’s train!” Suu-chan cried. She left the other kids and jumped toward Maa-kun, who was busy tidying up the TV area.
”Wait, we can’t do that now. You’re staying over, right?” Maa-kun asked.
”That’s right. Sleepover… Heh,” she giggled.
”You need to get ready,” Maa-kun said, patting Suu-chan on the head as she buried her face in his chest, breathing heavily with excitement.
(Must be nice. I want head-pats too…)
Maa-kun finished his own chores – returning Fuuka and Kyouka to the “Demon King”³ – and walked over to Akari. Without a word, Akari scooped him up and sat him right on her lap.
Wh-Wh-Wh-What was that!?
It was such a natural move I had to do a triple-take. It was downright criminal how cute that was. Maa-kun was actually acting like a spoiled kid… it was almost too much to handle.
Calm down, Takanashi Misato. If I lose it now, my predatory instincts will take over. I’m not ready yet. I need to level up my self-control.
”Come to think of it, I didn’t get to talk to Maa-kun much today,” I said, trying to stay composed.
I’d gotten close to Suu-chan – she even called me “Misato-oneechan” – but Maa-kun had been keeping his distance, probably to avoid any “cheating” misunderstandings. It was a bummer, but safety first. I didn’t want to get banned from the house.
I wondered if Maa-kun felt the same way.
”Yeah… but will you come again?” Maa-kun asked, tilting his head just slightly as he looked into my eyes.
What are you trying to do to me, Maa-kun!?
”Of-Of-Of course! I’ll come every single day!” I shouted.
”Wait, what about your job?” he asked.
”I’ll finish it before I come!”
”Liar. You’re always stuck there until eight,” Akari interjected.
”I’ll just wake up earlier! Wait! Does that mean I can have dinner here too!?”
”You’re shameless,” Akari sighed.
”But if Maa-kun asks me to come, I have to! Misato is a new woman starting today! Let’s go!” I cheered.
The Suzuki family just stared at me with cold, judging eyes, but I was starting to enjoy it. What are you people doing to me!?
”Maa-kun,” Akari said.
”Yeah?”
”You shouldn’t say things that give people ideas, okay?”
”Wait, ideas? About what?” Maa-kun asked, looking completely clueless.
He was even cute when he was confused! Today was the best day ever. I can already feel the heated days with Maa-kun beginning… though I’d better not show that side of myself in front of the kids.
”I’m hooooome!” I called out.
”Welcome back. Wait, you actually came home?” my mother asked.
”What’s that supposed to mean? You should be proud you raised a daughter who doesn’t stay out late,” I replied.
”I’d appreciate it if you thought about the feelings of a mother who might be stuck with an only daughter forever. So? How was he? Any sparks?”
”Heh! I’m going back soon! He basically begged me to!”
”Oh! Things are moving fast! I’m relieved,” Mom said.
”You bet they are!”
”I don’t know, sounds suspicious…”
”It’s not! Anyway, where’s Dad? It’s still my birthday for a few more minutes,” I noted.
”He said he was beat from golf, took a shower, and passed out,” she replied.
”Are you serious!?”
===
Akari: “So, what did you think of Misato?”
Makoto: “Eh? I thought she was pretty interesting.”
Suzuki: “Yeah, Misato-oneechan is funny.”
Akari: “I see…”
—
Summary:
Moving toward the end of a domestic holiday, Misato struggles with the realization that she must return to her lonely apartment. She attempts to manipulate the situation into a sleepover but is rebuffed by Suu-chan’s strict sense of modesty. A new promise for a return visit is made, leaving Misato in a state of high-energy expectation
—
Trivia:
- The mention of ‘Demon King’ is a nickname for the person picking up Fuuka and Kyouka
- Misato’s birthday is technically the day of this visit
- Mii-kun is Makoto, though the text uses both names depending on the speaker’s closeness
- Akari’s ‘pressure’ is a recurring gag regarding her protectiveness over Maa-kun’s imag
—
Character Insight:
Misato transitions from a state of social exhaustion and envy to a proactive, almost obsessive determination to integrate into the Yashiro family’s daily life.
—
Glossary:
Notes:
• Maa-kun – A young boy in the Rabbit Group at Hinomori Kindergarten. He is highly intelligent, capable of second-grade math and multiplication. He is described as calm, stoic, and helpful, often acting as a ‘handler’ for more energetic children. Akari’s son, nearly five years old. An extreme polyglot and polymath who secretly studies news, martial arts, and multiple languages. Highly sensitive to his parents’ moods. Also referred to as Makoto-kun. Narrator’s son in the Rabbit Group. Popular with other girls but maintains distance. Previously protected Suu-chan during the ‘April Incident.’
• Akari – Light, 28, is a poised, observant single mother of Makoto and newborn Maa‑kun. She has long dark‑brown hair, subtle makeup echoing her son, and a shy, modest look that hides a mischievous shogi streak. Estranged from her parents, she works full‑time in IT (certified in finance & tech), lives beside friend Mio, and is a loving yet strict guardian—teasing Misato about her single status and monitoring behavior. Protective, sharp‑observant at gatherings, she balances kindness, affection, playful wit, and a love for sushi while navigating parent circles with quiet finesse.
• Misato – Misato Takanashi, 28, former manga‑artist hopeful turned office worker among the ‘Single Aristocrats.’ She favors street‑style hoodies but dresses elegantly for the boy she admires, hides an obsessive love of shota behind a harmless façade, and quietly notes his birthday. Isolated as friends marry, she’s a localization editor who finds joy in holiday visits to the Yashiro household.
• Mio – Mio-senpai, a refined postpartum woman with baby-faced charm and a G-cup silhouette, is wife to Mitsuhisa and mother to twins Fuuka and Kyouka, an older kindergarten child, and a beloved figure in her community. Once a Totsuka council chair and former office worker, she retired to nurture her family, now celebrated for her serene grace, creative culinary skills—especially her famed Salisbury steak—and philosophical insights on aging. Stylishly dressed in gray, she wields a high-end DSLR, capturing intimate family moments while teasing them on film, and shares warm, affectionate grill-side time with Mitsuhisa. A homebody who avoids crowds, she quietly mentors Maa-kun in UV hair-drying, confides in neighbor Akari, and is admired by former colleagues and Misato alike as a “winner” in life’s social hierarchy—her seductive aura and maternal warmth radiating from a life of quiet, elegant fulfillment.
• Suu-chan – A refined young girl with soft skin who values etiquette and ‘lady’s grace.’ She holds Makoto to a high standard of grooming.
• Suu – A female student in the Rose Class. Very close to Makoto (Maa-kun). Has mud on her cheeks and makes high-quality dorodango.
• Kyouka – Younger twin daughter of Mio and Mitsuhisa, a petite, lively girl who shares her sister’s mobility and drooling habit while practicing crawling; active, energetic, and often leads the pair in play.
• Fuuka – The younger twin daughter of Mio and Mitsuhisa, with soft curls and bright eyes, is now belly‑crawling and quietly explores her world. She loves playing “airplane” with her father, giggling as she stretches her tiny arms toward him, while remaining the quieter, more observant twin.
• Fuu – One of the twins, approximately four months old. Currently learning to swivel their head and grab objects.
• Kyo – One of the twins, roughly one year old, resembles Fuu‑chan in appearance and, together with her, takes part in family meals using age‑appropriate food substitutes.
• Takanashi – Misato Takanashi, a petite woman with shoulder‑length dark hair and a calm demeanor, carries the Takanashi surname. Her friends Akari and Mio often tease her about her age and status, yet she stays quietly confident.
• Suzuki – Suu-chan, five-year-old eldest daughter of the Suzuki family and Mio’s child, is a doll-like girl with dark braided pigtails, a topknot, sleepy sparkling eyes, and pink rain boots—fiercely protective of Maa-kun, whom she calls her “Official Wife” candidate, often clutching his arm or covering his eyes to “protect” him. Clutching a pink candy tin, she’s stoic, tomboyish, and shy with strangers, yet deeply devoted to her sisters and a core member of the Sheep Group. The only child who can replicate the tunnel somersault, she races with Maa-kun, interprets results as next-year class placement, and craves physical “recharge” through their runs. Jealous of Jun, she somersaulted with him to win his heat. She shares a cherished memory album with Maa-kun, embodying the close-knit bond between the Suzuki, Totsuka, and Akari families.
• Mom – A 30‑year‑old mother who recently switched jobs for more time with her son, Maa‑kun. She’s supportive, manages household shopping together with Mio‑san, and balances family life with her new career.
• Makoto – Four-year-old Rose-class boy, 93 cm, 13 kg, in white shirt, blue vest and cap—actually a 30-year-old salaryman reborn as the kindergarten’s “Boss,” calm and logical, mediating fights and handing out hand-cream. Nicknamed Maa-kun, mistaken for Akari’s son, he looks up to her, plays “spy” in games, helps with chores, and watches younger siblings. Uses coin tricks and adult wisdom, earns respect despite being teased by Mitsuhisa; Suzuki-chan adores him. His hidden ace: a transmigrated mind and preternatural coordination—often blindfolded yet sits perfect seiza, protects Suu-chan, runs Jun, and quietly governs the class.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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