Before Sera could reply, a soft knock came from the door.
Mrs. Ishimia's playful voice rang out, "Am I disturbing something?"
Both Rei and Sera froze for a moment before Mrs. Ishimia continued, even more amused, "Did I interrupt something~?"
Sera groaned. "Mom… stop."
Her mother just chuckled and said, "Sera, your dad won't be home today. He's staying at work because of the heavy snowfall."
Sera's expression didn't change much—she acted normal, nodding like it was no big deal. "I see…" she murmured.
But Rei could tell. Even if she wasn't saying it, he could feel that little sadness lingering in her voice.
Her mother smiled gently, not pushing the topic. "Anyway, dinner's ready. Come eat before it gets cold."
Sera and Rei went downstairs to the dining room.
At the dinner table, Rei took a bite and immediately widened his eyes.
"Mrs. Ishimia, your cooking is amazing."
Mrs. Ishimia smirked. "Oh? You know what? Sera actually made dinner today."
Rei blinked in surprise, turning to Sera. "You made this…? It's awesome."
Sera blushed, hiding her face slightly. "It's no big deal…"
Without thinking, Rei smiled and softly said, "You really are cute."
The words had already left his mouth before he even realized it.
Silence.
Then his brain caught up. His eyes widened in horror. His face turned completely red.
"NO—WAIT! I DIDN'T MEAN IT LIKE THAT—MY TONGUE SLIPPED!" he yelled, flailing his arms in panic.
Sera, just as flustered, covered her face with her hands. "J-Just eat your food…"
Alya, fully engulfed in eating, didn't even care about them anymore.
Mrs. Ishimia, watching the entire exchange, just sipped her tea with a knowing smile.
After dinner, Rei stood up, rubbing the back of his neck. "Okay, Sera… see you on Monday. I better get going, or I'll be late."
He turned to Mrs. Ishimia and bowed slightly. "Thanks for having me over."
Mrs. Ishimia said in a calm, gentle voice, "No worries, dear… please visit again."
As he opened the door, the cold wind rushed in. Snow was falling heavily outside, almost like a curtain blocking the path ahead.
Rei was shocked… and unsure of what to do.
Mrs. Ishimia frowned. "Oh dear… you better stay here tonight. It's too dangerous to go out in this weather."
"But… I don't think it's a good idea…" Rei hesitated.
Sera crossed her arms and said, "Nah, it's a great idea. Just sleep over."
Rei felt his heartbeat pick up. He was about to spend the night at Sera's house.
He hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "If you say so… thanks, I guess."
Sera smirked slightly. "See? Not a big deal."
The snow outside continued to fall, but inside, it was warm and peaceful.
Rei called home. "Hey sis… I won't be able to come home. It's snowing heavily."
His sister giggled and said, "Oh my… now my little brother is sleeping over with a girl."
"Shut up, sis," he grumbled, ending the call.
---
To be continued...
~Rei