Before My Memories With You Melt Away in Tears - Episode 46

As Ayaka nervously welcomed Kyoya, she heard the sound of the living room door opening behind her.

“Oh, hello there.”

She thought her mother didn’t need to come out, but couldn’t bring herself to say it. The embarrassment and awkwardness mixed together, and Ayaka introduced Kyoya.

“This is Kyoya Ikeda. He’s a year older than me. Kyoya, this is my mom.”

Her voice trembled a little as she introduced him, and Kyoya lowered his head.

“Nice to meet you again. I’m Kyoya Ikeda. I’m dating Ayaka.”

“…Mom?”

When Ayaka called out to her silent mother, she had been staring at Kyoya intensely. Then, her mother hurriedly spoke up.

What was that look she gave him…?

“Ah, yes. I know him. He greeted me yesterday.”

Straightening her posture, Ayaka’s mother bowed her head to Kyoya.

“Thank you for yesterday. I’m Ayaka’s mother. I’m so glad you two get along. I hope I’m not causing you too much trouble, like yesterday.”

“M-Mom! I’m not causing any trouble…”

It wouldn’t be a complete lie if Ayaka said she hadn’t caused trouble. After all, Kyoya had carried her home when she collapsed yesterday.

Ayaka couldn’t find the right words, and Kyoya chuckled softly.

“No trouble at all. I’m just happy to be getting along with you both.”

“Well, I’m glad. Please, make yourselves at home today.”

“Thank you.”

Ayaka noticed her mother’s earlier expression as she smiled warmly. Her mother had been staring at Kyoya as though checking something.

Could it be that her mother remembered Kyoya? His face had changed since childhood, but there might still be traces of resemblance or a feeling she recognized.

Even if her mother didn’t remember his face, she might still recall his name—the name of the son of the couple who had died because of Ayaka.

While watching her mother chat with Kyoya, Ayaka couldn’t tell what her mother was thinking.

“Well, I’ll be in the living room if you need me.”

Ayaka jumped when her mother spoke to her.

“What’s wrong?”

“N-Nothing. Well then, Kyoya, my room is upstairs…”

“Ah, yeah. I’ll follow you.”

“Okay, take your time.”

After her mother returned to the living room, Ayaka noticed Kyoya let out a quiet sigh.

“You were nervous?”

“Of course. She’s your mom.”

“Y-Yeah…”

Hearing Kyoya call her “girlfriend” made Ayaka feel unexpectedly nervous.

I invited my boyfriend to my house…

Her heart was pounding as she led Kyoya up the stairs to her room. She hoped her fever wouldn’t spike again, or else Kyoya might have to leave. Letting out a breath, she opened the door to her room.

“S-Sorry for the mess…”

Compared to Kyoya’s tidy room, Ayaka’s was cluttered. She had picked up the books and clothes that were scattered on the floor, but the room still felt a bit disorganized.

“It’s not a problem. I think it’s very much your style.”

“D-Does that mean you think I’m bad at organizing?”

Ayaka was shocked to hear that. She thought she took care of her appearance well, but if others saw her as untidy, it was embarrassing.

Her mom once told her, “Even if you look put-together outside, if you’re messy at home, it shows in your attitude.” Ayaka insisted she was fine, but now she wished she had listened more carefully.

As she was lost in thought, she heard Kyoya’s soft chuckle.

“When I’m with you, Ayaka, I feel warmth and a sense of calm. I can feel that same warmth in your room. It’s like being surrounded by you.”

“S-Surrounded…?”

“Ah, no, sorry. I didn’t mean it like that… I mean, it feels peaceful and comforting.”

Ayaka blushed deeply, and Kyoya quickly waved his hands, flustered, trying to explain himself. His cute flustered reaction almost made her laugh, but she managed to hold it in. But Kyoya seemed to have seen right through her.

“You laughed, didn’t you?”

“Ah, s-sorry…”

“If you’re going to laugh, then I’ll do this!”

Kyoya cupped Ayaka’s face in his hands, pressing her cheeks gently. Ayaka’s lips puckered from the pressure.

“H-Kyoya…”

“Heh, even with that face, you’re still cute.”

“I’m not cute… Mmm!”

Kyoya’s lips brushed against Ayaka’s puckered lips.

“Ah…”

Kyoya continued to gaze at her, and his hands moved from her face to her shoulders. Then, they kissed again.

“…Kyoya, you’re being naughty.”

“Did you not like it?”

“…I didn’t dislike it.”

“Then we’re on the same page.”

Kyoya’s face moved closer again, and Ayaka shut her eyes.

There were so many things she should be thinking about—her mother’s attitude, her relationship with Kyoya, all the things that needed attention. But right now, in this moment, the only thing she could think about was her feelings for Kyoya.