Volume 4 Chapter 64 What He Thinks Isn’t Noticed
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Isn’t it about time?” Mio asked.
”Yeah, she said she’s already on the train,” I replied.
The youngsters had finally woken from their nap.
A quick glance at the clock showed it was almost snack time—the time for our guest to arrive was drawing near.
”-Mama,¹ who’s coming today?”
Suu-chan had been playing, clinging tightly to Maa-kun’s back while he played the role of her horse.
Without letting go, she shifted her weight to steer him over to me to ask her question.
I couldn’t help but smile, thinking, (Are you really asking that now?) But it couldn’t be helped; this “little wife’s” head was always completely filled with her beloved Maa-kun.
Even when it came to the cake making, it wasn’t so much about wanting to celebrate today’s guest as it was just practice for the “real deal” coming up in a few days.
”Hmm? It’s a friend of Mama and Akari’s,” I said.
”…Is it a woman?” Suu-chan asked.
”Yes, that’s right,” I replied.
”Hmph!”
It seemed her “girl sensors” had kicked in.
Suu-chan, still clinging to her horse, reached around to cover Maa-kun’s eyes.
”Wait, Suu-chan, why…?” Maa-kun asked.
”Cheating is bad,” Suu-chan declared.
”I’m not going to…” said Maa-kun.
”Hmph! But Maa-kun is way too close with way too many women. It’s dangerous…”
”…”
”Especially the grown-up women. They’re always trying to pet Maa-kun,” she added.
”…”
”Yesterday, Ai-sensei was petting you, too,” Suu-chan noted.
”She was just using my head as an armrest…” Maa-kun sighed.
It wasn’t just a hunch; it was a sense of crisis based on hard evidence.
It wasn’t so much about Maa-kun actually cheating, but rather the danger of the ever-increasing number of people falling in love with him.
In reality, Maa-kun certainly was popular with adult women.
There were the kindergarten teachers, the mothers of his friends, the “mom-friends” at the park, the ladies in the neighborhood, the clerks at the supermarket, and the doctors and hospital nurses they saw for check-ups.
Of course, he was close with the fathers of his friends too, but in Maa-kun’s current social circle, women were overwhelmingly more common.
Even though he was still small, he was polite, calm, and could hold a proper conversation.
Plus, his responses—honed by the Totsuka mother and daughter—made him naturally adorable, so people naturally wanted to dote on him.
However, that was strictly “doting on a child.” They didn’t have intentions of “claiming Maa-kun for themselves” like Suu-chan feared.
Though, there were some wicked adult women who would go out of their way to stroke Maa-kun’s head just to watch Suu-chan’s reaction for fun…
Besides, the only things Maa-kun allowed people outside the family to do were talk, give high-fives, or a pat on the head.
He didn’t permit passionate physical contact like hugs or kisses with anyone except Suu-chan and me.
He actually kept his guard up quite well.
That said, it was also true that Suu-chan didn’t find it amusing.
Maa-kun seemed to notice Suu-chan’s feelings, but he often had to endure it for the sake of the atmosphere.
He never failed to follow up by spoiling her afterward, though.
”True. Maa-kun is popular everywhere he goes, so Mama is worried too,” Mio teased.
”Eh…” Maa-kun reacted.
He looked as if the idea was totally unexpected.
It was obvious to anyone that he was devoted solely to Suu-chan.
It was absolutely impossible for anyone to wedge themselves between those two.
I also knew there was a massive difference between how he treated us—the Totsuka family—and everyone else.
Even so, I was worried because the image of my strangely motivated colleague kept flickering in my mind.
She had tried to take paid leave the day before to be in top form, she’d been agonizing over what clothes or gifts would appeal to kids even while at work, and she’d been looking strangely pretty lately…
As far as I knew, this would be the first time Maa-kun would meet an “adult woman” who was making such a serious approach to be liked by him.
Even if you weren’t Suu-chan, that level of enthusiasm was something to be wary of.
Additionally, the fact that Maa-kun was so clever—especially his high communication skills—was, sadly, another cause for concern.
It was the same with Miya-san; he could talk to people he’d just met without any hesitation.
If it was someone he thought he’d have a relationship with in the future, he’d make sure to have them completely on his side by the time they said goodbye.
(He’s not even five yet, and he can already behave in a way that ensures people won’t dislike him. His intelligence is remarkably high, but I think this—his social sense—is where he’s truly amazing.)
It was understandable why he was called the “Boss” at kindergarten and why an unofficial fan club had been formed by the “mom-friends.” And even without a parent’s bias, I thought Maa-kun was a charming boy.
There were countless charming things about him, but even his lack of facial expressions—which would normally be a flaw—made people want to watch him closely so they wouldn’t miss the slightest change.
Those reactions, which differed so much from his usual cool demeanor, were addictive.
It wasn’t just Suu-chan; I’d seen glimpses during Sports Day of how he was attracting the attention of the other little girls.
Among the “mom-friends,” the rumor was that by next Valentine’s Day, he’d almost certainly break his own record for chocolates.
I wondered if it was really okay to let him meet her.
She’ll definitely fall for him.
She’ll fall for him harder and harder.
She’s already obsessed just from the pictures and videos.
I’m seriously worried—about her marriage prospects.
If she’s already in her late twenties and starts looking forward to watching Maa-kun grow up, it’ll definitely be too late for her.
I suppose I’m not one to talk, but I have Maa-kun, and I have absolutely no interest in marriage, so it’s not a problem for me.
”…”
”…Mom?” Maa-kun asked.
And there was one more point of concern.
Maa-kun was already becoming aware of “women.” When we took a bath together, or when I gave him a massage, I could feel a reserved gaze that was different from the one he directed at Suu-chan.
And his body was growing, too.
I’d heard from teachers that even newborn babies can get erections when they’re relaxed or stimulated.
I’d seen it happen many times while he was sleeping.
But lately, he’d been having a reaction more often when we bathed together.
I noticed that he was embarrassed and trying to hide it.
Sex education has technically already started, though.
I’ve taught them about the differences between boys and girls, private zones, and—prompted by Fuu-chan and Kyo-chan—how babies are born.
Mio and I discussed it and decided it was necessary for the youngsters to be able to protect themselves.
The incident with Masaki-kun back in early spring was probably why Suu-chan reacted so strongly.
However, I haven’t taught them about sexual desire yet, thinking it was still too early.
Once I teach them that, we’ll have to start holding back on the parent-and-child skinship.
(Just a little longer…) Well, putting the talk of Maa-kun’s sex education aside.
Since Maa-kun is a bit unstable right now, if she were to try any “feminine charms” or seduction…
I’d have to report her immediately.
I don’t think it would go that far, though.
Maa-kun is only five, after all.
In the first place, if I didn’t think she had enough reason to avoid forcing anything Maa-kun disliked, I wouldn’t have invited her to the house.
We’ve known each other for half a year, and I feel I can trust her on that front.
”…It’s okay. I would never do anything that would make Suu-chan or Mom sad,” Maa-kun said.
”Ooh. Maa-kun’s talking big. That would have been a perfect cool line if your eyes weren’t covered,” Mio laughed.
”Fufu, that’s not true. Maa-kun is cool, you know?” I said.
”Mm! Cool. ……Hehe!” said Suu-chan.
Being praised by Suu-chan and me, it was clear he was quite pleased, even if his eyes were still covered.
Well, with the “Iron Wall” Suu-chan there, it should be fine.
And more than her, I trust Maa-kun.
Ding-dong-
The chime rang, announcing the guest’s arrival.
—
Summary:
The chapter explores Maa-kun’s popularity with adult women and Suu-chan’s jealous, possessive reaction. The narrator reflects on Maa-kun’s advanced social intelligence and his budding physical development. The scene ends with the arrival of a highly motivated female colleague of the narrator.
—
Trivia:
- Maa-kun has an unofficial fan club among the neighborhood mothers.
- Maa-kun is referred to as the ‘Boss’ at his kindergarten.
- The narrator and Mio have already begun age-appropriate s*x education for the children.
- Maa-kun is only five years old but shows significant communicative ability
—
Character Insight:
Maa-kun’s primary motivation is the happiness of the Totsuka family (the narrator and Suu-chan), while the narrator struggles with the balance of doting on him and preparing him for biological growth.
—
Lore And Worldbuilding Context:
The author uses the ‘little wife’ trope for Suu-chan to highlight her extreme devotion, which serves as both comic relief and a plot point for Maa-kun’s social challenges.
—
Glossary:
Notes:
• Mio – Mio, postpartum and stylish in gray, baby‑faced with a G‑cup silhouette, is wife of Mitsuhisa, childhood friend and neighbor of Akari, and Totsuka council chair. Mother of Suzuki, twins Fuuka & Kyouka, and an older kindergarten child. Playful yet grounded, she bakes with the kids, cooks, mentors Maa‑kun in UV‑protected hair‑drying, encourages Shiho, confides in Akari, and teases them on film. Publicly affectionate with Mitsuhisa at the grill, she dislikes crowds and keeps a quiet, close‑knit home presence.
• 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.
• 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.’
• Suu – A female student in the Rose Class. Very close to Makoto (Maa-kun). Has mud on her cheeks and makes high-quality dorodango.
• Akari – Makoto’s mother, named “light,” is a 28‑year‑old single parent of Makoto and newborn Maa‑kun. She has long dark‑brown hair, subtle makeup, and a poised, observant look. Estranged from her parents, she’s loving yet strict, works full‑time IT, lives beside friend Mio, mentors Suzuki with candid photos, and navigates parent circles with bank‑service finesse. Outwardly shy but a secret shogi player with a mischievous streak, she’s now more ready for Sports Day after switching jobs for stability. Calm, modest, kind, supportive, affectionate, she often teases Makoto, though she admits she’s not as dexterous as her son.
• Ai – Dark-brown short bob frames a fit former long-distance runner now teaching Middle Kids’ Rabbit Group at Hinomori Kindergarten, beloved as “Mom” by her students. Cheerful yet blunt, she uses regional dialects when stressed, adores muscles, and praises Makoto-kun’s leadership. Single and fiercely protective, she’s wary of parents but devoted to her farming family. Enthusiastic fan of children’s relay videos, she leads excursions with energy and joins girls’ nights, always putting her kids first.
• Totsuka – Totsuka Mio is the wife of Mitsuhisa Totsuka and mother of Suu-chan. She is a hardcore gamer, part of the neighbor family that supplies hand‑me‑down consoles to the protagonist’s household. Mio attends parent‑teacher conferences and worries about her daughter’s growing dependence on Makoto.
• Miya – Mio’s older sister and director of a beauty clinic. Has a teasing, mature personality. Mio’s older sister. Director of a beauty clinic. Extremely beautiful but chaotic. Has short black hair.
• 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.
• 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.
• Masaki – A student in the Sheep Group. Nervous about the relay despite being fast.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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