Volume 4 Chapter 37 A Couple Alike
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Yeah, this is a good job, even if I do say so myself.”
I pop a scrap of the homemade roasted pork that had been resting in the fridge overnight into my mouth to check the flavor. Today’s lunch is Hiyashi Chuka¹. The roasted pork is the star topping. Since this part will be finished as soon as I plate it, I get started on the side soup. To use up the molokheiya we received as a gift, I’ll combine it with enoki mushrooms and eggs for a chicken bone broth.
I take the molokheiya, wrapped in newspaper and a plastic bag, out of the vegetable drawer. Since the youngsters… and it seems Mii-kun-san too, aren’t fond of the tough stalks, I put those back in the fridge to mix into the natto for dinner.
”~♪”
I can’t help but enjoy preparing meals. But a long time ago… before I started living with Mii-kun-san, it wasn’t really like that. In fact, you could say I hated it. Back at my parents’ house, there was a custom where the youngsters were in charge of cooking on weekends and holidays. My older sister, my older brother, and I-the three of us-formed a rotation for each day to make meals for five people, including our parents. The only times we were exempt were during test weeks or club activities.
Since the ingredients and recipes were provided, the cooking itself wasn’t that much of a pain, but between the pressure of having to do it and being at an age where I just wanted to play games or read manga, I remember making them while acting totally sullen. But if you didn’t make it, you didn’t just skip the meal-instead, you’d end up going out to eat or buying a Bento², and the amount spent on that would be deducted from next month’s allowance. For the whole family’s portion, of course. If you skipped even one day, next month’s allowance would be practically zero. It was a devilish system where if you went into the negatives, it would carry over.
Well, once my sister and brother reached high school, they started working part-time jobs and slacking off. However, preparing meals seemed easier to me than going out to work. I mean, I didn’t even have to leave the house. Maybe I have that to thank for where I am now.
Serving food to Mii-kun-san is fun. He tells me it’s delicious every single time. Even when it doesn’t suit his taste. I’d rather he tell me right then and there than hear him say later, ‘I was just enduring that.’ I also think it’s because the kitchen belongs to me. At my parents’ house, Mom was the master of the kitchen, so Mom’s rules were law. I had to follow them, so I was always walking on eggshells. I grew up watching Mom’s back, so there aren’t many differences, but little stresses add up to frustration.
On that point, I’m the one in control at our house. Mii-kun-san seemingly did a bit of cooking too, but since he didn’t have any particular obsessions to begin with, he completely defers to me. The contents of the fridge, how it’s used, the types of cooking utensils, where they’re kept, and the procedures. I realized that alone changes things quite a bit. I think I managed to catch a good man, if I do say so myself.
”Uu!”
”Audah!”
”Alright, you’re both doing great! Keep it up! …Whoops, careful now,” Mitsuhisa said.
”Dah!”
”Ai.”
Even housework that’s difficult to do while raising children is handled without trouble thanks to Mii-kun-san’s active help. Even now, the reason I can concentrate on cooking is that Mii-kun-san is looking after Fuu-chan and Kyo-chan. Handling knives or fire while worrying about youngsters is enough to wear your nerves thin on its own. Then there’s Maa-kun, too. …Because he’s Maa-kun, you see. Maa-kun starts moving at just the right timing, right as lunch preparations are finishing up. He acts before almost anything needs to be said, which is a huge help.
”Suu-chan-san, looks like it’s almost time for lunch,” Maa-kun said.
”…Mm.”
Told by Maa-kun, Suu-chan-san obediently puts a bookmark in the book she was reading and goes to tuck it into her bag. Suu-chan-san is growing up to be a good girl too, but I think Maa-kun’s influence is a big part of that.
”Mama, shall we start getting ready?” Suu-chan-san asked.
”Yeah, please.”
”Mm!”
Once Suu-chan-san and Maa-kun finish washing their hands in the washroom and return, they offer to help. …It’s a world of difference from when I was a kid. Suu-chan-san heads to the fridge, stretches on her tiptoes, and takes out the tea bottle kept in the door pocket. Maa-kun gets the cups from the cupboard. Suu-chan-san holds the bottle firmly with both hands and pours the barley tea into the cups Maa-kun supports just in case.
Beside them, Mii-kun-san also proceeds with preparing Fuu-chan and Kyo-chan’s meals.
”Let’s get you two ready as well~,” Mitsuhisa said.
”Kya! ……., uu?”
”Mauah! ……., uu?”
I wonder if they thought they were going to be picked up and played with. Seeing the two of them tucked into their baby chairs with ‘What’s happening?’ expressions on their faces makes me burst out laughing. For Suu-chan-san and Maa-kun, who were left idling and wondering if there was anything else to help with, I leave the plating of the Hiyashi Chuka ingredients to them.
”Suu-chan-san, let’s save the roasted pork for last.”
”Mm.”
Suu-chan-san is stopped just as she tries to plate her favorite food first. Then, on the slope of the mounded noodles, the tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded egg crepes, seaweed, and imitation crab are lined up beautifully. And at the very top goes the roasted pork I tasted earlier. Fuu-chan and Kyo-chan also have the same menu. Of course, the noodles and ingredients are softened, chopped, and lightly seasoned. Since the roasted pork has too much salt, they get chicken breast instead. With everyone moving in cooperation like that, the meal was ready in no time.
”Well then…”
””””Itadakimasu””””
””Ia!””
At my lead, everyone gives the greeting together. I wonder if Fuu-chan and Kyo-chan are imitating us.
”The food Mama makes is delicious, isn’t it~,” Mitsuhisa said.
”…Uu, dah!”
”…Uu, mah!”
”Thank you, you two~.”
Mii-kun-san speaks to the two of them as they eat with their hands. It seems seaweed is the favorite for Fuu-chan today, and imitation crab for Kyo-chan, as they show them off to us. The table, their bibs, and the area around their mouths are a mess, but a smile naturally escapes me as I watch the two of them munch away.
”Suu-chan-san, your cheeks are too full…” Maa-kun noted.
”…”
The carnivorous daughter, who had bitten into and stuffed her cheeks with roasted pork, looked troubled after Maa-kun pointed it out.
”How is it, Suu-chan-san? Is it good?”
When I ask, Suu-chan-san gives a big nod while continuing to move her mouth. (She doesn’t speak when there’s something in her mouth. She strictly follows the table manners I taught her, but I suppose she still has a way to go as a lady since she accidentally stuffs her cheeks with her favorites.)
”How about you, Maa-kun?”
”It’s very delicious,” Maa-kun replied.
”Thanks. Suu-chan-san, you have to make sure you learn how to make it too.”
”Mm!”
(As long as she has the goal of capturing Maa-kun’s stomach, Suu-chan-san’s progress is surprisingly fast.) And so, the six of us finish our meal happily together. We cooperate to clear the table, and Mii-kun-san does the dishes. I thought about getting a dishwasher, but there’s no space for one in our current house. I’ll have to think about that too.
I have post-meal nursing time for Fuu-chan and Kyo-chan. Just like Suu-chan-san was, they’re kids who eat and drink well. Once they’re full, it’s straight to nap time. When Suu-chan-san and Maa-kun return from brushing their teeth, they start reading their books again. However, thirty minutes later…
”Suuu…”
I wonder if she was tired from running around so much during our morning outing. Suu-chan-san has fallen asleep leaning against Maa-kun. Her sleeping face, looking completely at ease, is truly adorable.
”Mitsuhisa-san…” Maa-kun whispered.
”Hm? Ah, got it. –Heave-ho…”
Called by Maa-kun, Mii-kun-san picks up Suu-chan-san and carries her to the next room where the futon is laid out. Maa-kun follows with unsteady steps, then collapses right next to Suu-chan-san and immediately begins to snore softly. Once all the youngsters are asleep, the house becomes quiet.
”Mio, do you want to take a nap too?” Mitsuhisa suggested.
”Hmm, what should I do~”
When I let out a big yawn, caught from the youngsters, Mii-kun-san makes the suggestion. Between an accomplished husband and the youngsters, I think I’m having a much easier time than the average mother. Even so, carrying two newborn babies, nursing them, and dealing with night crying shouldn’t change the fact that it’s physically demanding. (If I were in a situation without these three helpers… it might have been so hard that I wouldn’t have had the leeway to enjoy child-rearing.)
”Then, Mii-kun-san, will you give me a lap pillow? A body pillow would be fine too, though…”
”Good grief, I guess I have no choice…”
Saying that, Mii-kun-san sets his company laptop aside, moves to the corner of the sofa, and pats his lap.
”Pardon the intrusion.”
When I rest my head on Mii-kun-san’s lap, that large hand is gently placed on me. I like this, but…
”Won’t you be my body pillow?”
”…It’s still daytime, you know?”
When I act pouty, Mii-kun-san flicks my forehead with a troubled look. I can tell his eyes are wandering toward my chest and hips. Since the youngsters aren’t watching right now, it’s a perfect chance.
”…Endure it until tonight,” Mitsuhisa whispered.
”Okay~. Then give me a goodnight kiss.”
Mii-kun-san checks that the youngsters aren’t watching, then lifts and supports my head and shoulders.
”–Mnh…. …One more time.”
Our faces draw close again. This time, our tongues entwine firmly.
”Hehe…, Mii-kun-san.”
”Wait–“
When I caress the “pillow” that has changed shape, Mii-kun-san grabs my hand in a panic. (You can’t make a sound, or you’ll wake the youngsters, okay?)
”Do you actually plan on sleeping…?” Mitsuhisa asked.
”Then this is just for the part where I’ll be sleeping early tonight. …Is your work urgent?”
”Good grief…”
”Mnh…”
(I only meant to do it lightly, but since things have heated up, it can’t be helped, right?)
—
Summary:
The chapter depicts a peaceful afternoon with Mio preparing Hiyashi Chuka for her family. She reflects on her past dislike of cooking due to strict family rules compared to her current joy in cooking for Mitsuhisa and the children. After lunch, as the children nap, the couple shares an intimate moment on the sofa.
—
Trivia:
- Mio’s childhood allowance was docked for skipped cooking duties.
- Suu-chan is trying to ‘capture Maa-kun’s stomach’ as a motivation to learn cooking.
- Mitsuhisa is working from home using a company laptop.
- The household doesn’t have a dishwasher due to space constraints
—
Character Insight:
Mio feels a sense of ownership and empowerment in her own kitchen compared to her mother’s. Mitsuhisa shows a balance of being a dedicated father and a husband who still finds his wife attractive and irresistible.
—
Lore And Worldbuilding Context:
The title ‘A Couple Alike’ refers to how both Mio and Mitsuhisa are equally affected by each other’s presence and how the children are starting to mimic their behaviors.
—
Glossary:
Notes:
• 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.
• Mitsuhisa – Mitsuhisa, 33, 184 cm, 71 kg, toned and reserved, is a giant‑physique father of three (Suu‑chan, Fuu‑chan, Kyo‑chan) married to Mio. On modified childcare leave he’s protective, doting, play‑acting with his daughters, feeling neglected by the eldest but favoring the twins, distant with Akari, dark‑bantering with former teammate Makoto, and unsettled by his influence. Also known as Mitsuhisa‑san, father of the Totsuka family, on work‑from‑home leave, theatrical when his daughters prefer Makoto, and enjoys playful competition.
• Ai – Dark-brown short bob hair frames a former long-distance track star now teaching Middle Kids homeroom, where trauma from last year’s Parent Observation Day lingers. Cheerful yet blunt, she’s the kids’ beloved “Mom,” quick with regional dialects when stressed, and fiercely competitive in Cops-and-Robbers. She adores muscles, pushes herself physically, and struggles with job frustration—single, devoted to her students, and wary of parents, yet deeply protective of her classroom family.
• 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.’
• Fuu – One of the twins, approximately four months old. Currently learning to swivel their head and grab objects.
• Kyo – One of the twins, approximately four months old. Shared traits with Fuu-chan.
• 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.
• Mio – Mio‑san, chairperson of the Totsuka council and mother of Suzuki, is a recently postpartum, stylish gray‑clad figure with a baby‑faced charm and G‑cup silhouette. Playful yet grounded, she guides Makoto, Suu‑chan, Fuu‑chan and Kyo‑chan, bakes with them, encourages Shiho’s hobbies, serves as Akari’s confidante, films and teases the children, cooks for her family, manages the household, and mentors Maa‑kun in hair‑drying while protecting UV.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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