On the night of June 29th, the evening before Kazusa's official competition, Chisato chose to stay over at her place.
That night, Kazusa unusually refrained from continuing her piano practice. After taking a bath around seven in the evening, she nestled into Chisato's embrace.
Except for the television screen, all the lights in the living room were turned off. The two leaned against each other, watching an old magical girl anime.
Back in those days, being a magical girl was not considered a high-risk profession. The plot revolved around themes of friendship, passion, and perseverance, filled with positive energy.
Curious about why the usually cool and composed Kazusa was suddenly interested in such a show, Chisato asked her about it.
Kazusa didn't hide anything. She admitted that when her mother wasn't around, she often felt lonely.
To combat that loneliness, she would play cheerful shows in the background as she fell asleep.
Among them, this magical girl anime was one of the few that genuinely piqued her interest.
Hearing this, Chisato seemed to understand.
This must be her way of reminiscing about the past while trying to relax before the competition.
Resisting the usual impulse to let his hands wander, Chisato kept his thoughts in check.
However, as time passed, it was Kazusa who seemed dissatisfied with the situation. She took the initiative.
First, she gently caressed his thigh. When he didn't react, she boldly lifted his shirt and ran her fingers over his stomach.
Between that action and the shimmering look in her upturned eyes, the message was more than clear.
As long as they kept things within reason, it wouldn't affect her performance tomorrow.
With that thought in mind, Chisato lowered his head.
Just as the two, originally embracing, began to collapse onto the sofa, their breathing growing heavier, a soft click echoed through the room.
The living room lights flicked on, revealing a striking figure at the entrance.
Carrying two large paper bags, Youko made her grand entrance.
Her eyes immediately fell on the scene on the sofa. Her initial smile turned into a rather peculiar expression.
She covered her mouth with one hand in mock surprise and spoke with little sincerity,
"Oh my, oh my. Did I come at a bad time?"
Kazusa, lying beneath Chisato, couldn't turn her head properly to look. However, Chisato could clearly feel the shift in her mood.
It was obvious—her teeth clenched tightly, and she looked as if she were about to attack someone.
Without a word, Chisato casually withdrew his hand from Kazusa's nightwear. When he lifted his head, he naturally wiped away the thin string of transparency connecting their lips.
He stood up and straightened his clothes, flashing his usual smile at Youko.
"Miss Youko."
That served as his greeting.
"Why did you come back all of a sudden?" Kazusa asked, following his lead, fastening the buttons at her collar.
Hearing her daughter's disgruntled and sharp tone, Youko set her bags down, approached, and rested her chin on her hand in a mock-wounded pose.
"Honestly. I wrapped up my work early so I could take a day off to watch my darling daughter's competition, and yet you sound so irritated.
I see how it is. Now that you have a boyfriend, Mom is just an extra, huh?"
"Stop saying weird things. You know that's not what I meant."
"Then what do you mean? Are you just in a bad mood because you were interrupted right when you were about to satisfy your desires?"
"De—Desires?! What nonsense! I'm going to bed!"
Kazusa was instantly KO'd. Huffing in frustration, she stomped upstairs, each step echoing through the house.
After watching her daughter disappear, Youko turned to Chisato with a thoughtful expression.
"Say, Chisato, do you think Kazusa has gained weight?"
"Um... I don't think so."
"Really? Maybe it's just my imagination then. I just feel like she's getting a bit more filled out. Is it normal growth, or is it because you've been taking such good care of her?"
Feeling outmatched, Chisato quickly admitted defeat.
"Miss Youko, please have mercy on me."
"Hahaha~"
Youko suddenly burst into laughter, her mood significantly improved.
The next day arrived, just as Youko had said.
Her reason for returning was indeed to witness her daughter's competition and assess how well Kazusa had recovered her piano skills.
Chisato was a little worried. He knew that, despite Kazusa's outward indifference, she actually deeply respected her renowned pianist mother.
He feared that Youko's sudden appearance might add unnecessary pressure, potentially affecting Kazusa's performance.
However, Youko had no such concerns. She simply said that if Kazusa couldn't handle even this level of pressure, then there was no point in continuing on this path.
She might as well give it up and spend her time being affectionate with Chisato, giving her a few grandkids while she was still young enough to help raise them.
Her words left Chisato blushing furiously.
The morning of the official competition arrived.
Originally, Chisato had planned to book a ride, but since Youko was back, she naturally drove them to the venue.
The full name of the competition Kazusa was participating in was the Tokyo International Youth Piano Competition.
Despite the "youth" label, it was not to be underestimated.
Held annually, this competition, alongside the Chopin Youth International Piano Competition and the Liszt International Youth Piano Competition, was considered one of the top three youth piano events.
That alone was enough to demonstrate its prestige.
The Touma mother and daughter pair were clearly familiar with such events.
Their movements were smooth and practiced as they completed identity verification, arrived early at the venue, and entered the backstage waiting area.
Along the way, they saw other competitors—most of whom exuded a refined and intellectual aura. Indeed, those who practiced piano tended to possess a certain indescribable elegance.
"There's still some time. What do you think? Do you want to wait a little longer?"
Closing the door to the waiting room, Youko checked her watch.
Kazusa shook her head.
"No need. I'll change now."
"Okay. Chisato-kun, I'll leave it to you."
"Leave what to me...?"
"Of course, I'm asking you to help Kazusa change into her dress. You can't possibly let her go on stage wearing casual clothes, right?
That would be like going into battle without armor."
Youko handed the large paper bag in her hand to Chisato, then casually sat down on the small sofa nearby.
After explaining with a smile, she took off her sunglasses, pulled out her phone, and put on her earphones.
"I still have work to deal with, so I'll leave it to you."
She really didn't seem to intend to involve herself any further.
Chisato opened the paper bag to check its contents. Inside was indeed a pure black outfit.
"Why didn't she change at home earlier?"
He turned to Kazusa and asked. He had just seen some of the other contestants arriving already dressed in formal attire.
"Because I don't like wearing these kinds of clothes. Unless it's for the competition, I don't want to wear them even for a moment longer than necessary."
Kazusa gave her reason, wearing a slightly displeased expression, as if silently challenging him:
"Do you have a problem with that?"
Of course, Chisato had no complaints. Helping his girlfriend change was an honor.
Ever since they started dating, aside from that accidental incident in the bathroom where he got to see and feel Kazusa's body up close, their most intimate moments had only been limited to secretly slipping his hand under her clothes when they were both in the mood.
Now, he had a legitimate reason to touch her body—undoubtedly a reward for him.
However, the small break room had no partitions, and his girlfriend's mother was sitting not far away.
That alone made Chisato feel a little awkward. It also, in a way, prevented the situation from escalating into something even more "exciting," which was somewhat regrettable.
Sensing Chisato's secret glances, Youko's eyes remained on her phone screen, but a faint smile appeared on her face.
"What's the matter? Do you need me to step out for a moment?"
"N-No!"
Was this woman an alien? How did she know he was sneaking glances at her without even looking?
"Really? If you have any concerns, just say so. I've already considered you my son-in-law."
"..."
Chisato didn't know how to respond to that. It was just something people said, but actually calling her "Mom" felt way too thick-skinned.
"Alright, stop wasting time. Take the dress and come help."
"Oh."
In the end, things proceeded as Youko had arranged. Kazusa moved to a corner of the room and turned her back to Chisato before starting to undress.
For now, Chisato wasn't needed, so he had nothing to do but admire his girlfriend's figure.
Her skin was as flawless as snow, her waist slender to the point where it seemed like it might snap with the slightest pressure, and her chest... breathtakingly voluptuous.
Only at this moment, seeing Kazusa undress up close, did Chisato truly understand what it meant to have a "top-tier figure with delicate curves."
Since her mother was present, Chisato quickly suppressed any improper thoughts.
When Kazusa was done undressing, he pulled out the prepared stage dress from the paper bag and clumsily followed her instructions to help her put it on.
It took quite a bit of effort, and their bodies inevitably made contact multiple times.
By the time the dress was properly worn, both of their faces had turned slightly red. In a way, it had been exhausting for both of them.
But it was worth it. Setting aside pictures, this was the first time Chisato had seen Kazusa wearing a formal dress in person.
The completely black dress outlined her perfect figure, while her jet-black hair cascaded down like flowing ink. Standing there, she resembled an enchanting black rose.
If the competition included a category for external appearance, Kazusa would undoubtedly take first place. Chisato had no doubt about that.
Even with his level of restraint, he had to force himself not to step forward and embrace her right then and there.
"Isn't this a bit too revealing? The shoulders and neck are too exposed."
Kazusa adjusted the dress, dissatisfied.
"Don't question my taste. Besides, I specifically chose a relatively conservative design, keeping your awkward personality in mind.
Stop nitpicking. If you're not satisfied, prepare your own dress in advance next time."
"I did prepare one—the one I wore for my previous competition."
"The purple one? Forget it. It's been two years. There's no way your body still fits into that."
As Youko spoke, she playfully flicked her daughter's chest.
Kazusa immediately crossed her arms over her chest, face burning red as she grumbled in protest.
Youko chuckled and leaned toward Chisato, whose gaze had remained fixed on Kazusa the entire time.
She lightly bumped him with her shoulder.
"Don't just stand there like a statue. Say something. Here's a hint—girls love hearing compliments."
"I'm not good at saying those kinds of things. But one word did come to mind."
"What word?"
"Goddess."
Seeing Chisato's serious expression, Youko burst into laughter, clutching her stomach as she bent over.
"Hahaha...! And you say you're not good at compliments? That was perfectly executed."
Kazusa, meanwhile, looked like steam was about to rise from her head.
"You idiot! How can you say something that embarrassing so casually?!"
Wiping away tears from laughing too much, Youko reminded her daughter, "Alright, Kazusa. Remember, you need to stay calm before a competition."
"Mom, and whose fault do you think it is that I'm like this right now?!"
"Relax, the competition is about to start. Chisato and I won't disturb you any longer. But before we leave, I have a suggestion."
"A suggestion?"
Both Chisato and Kazusa looked at her.
"Mhm!"
Youko nodded firmly.
"Consider it an incentive for you, and a little reward for Chisato, who's been taking such good care of you. If Kazusa wins first place today..."
Chisato swallowed.
"If she wins first place...?"
"Then Kazusa will go home just like this, in that dress, and Chisato, you can do whatever you want with her for the entire night. How about that?"
Leaning toward Chisato, this mischievous mother wore an expression nothing short of seductive.
"Cough!"
Chisato almost lost his composure, but he couldn't help imagining the scenario she had just painted.
"Mom! What are you even saying?! Have you no sense of shame?!"
Kazusa, meanwhile, was practically overheating.
"If I had any shame, Kazusa, you wouldn't have been born in the first place."
Ignoring the mother-daughter argument, Chisato adjusted his nonexistent glasses, his expression solemn.
"So it's settled. As long as the other contestants disappear, she wins by default, right?"
"Hahaha! Kazusa, your boyfriend is seriously looking forward to this."
"Get out, both of you!"
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