Chapter 19

---

A few days had passed since the fireworks festival, and Rin was back to her busy daily routine. It was hard to find a chance to meet in person, so we continued to play online games as we always did.

As usual, I was busy mining when a message appeared in the chat: "Rin has logged in."

"Kazu! Mining again! Let's go fishing today!"

"But we went fishing the other day..."

"If you say that, Kazu is always mining, right?"

That was true... I don't log in every day, but Rin seems to have a complete understanding of my patterns. It also means I'm really into mining.

"Hey, Kazu. We haven't met since the fireworks festival. We can only meet in the game."

"Yeah, that's true. Can't help it, Rin is busy as an idol."

Rin, who appeared on the screen, dropped her shoulders in disappointment. Even through the avatar, I could feel how down she was.

"Hey, Kazu! Why don't you come stay at my place?"

"Stay over, huh?"

I had stayed at Rin's place a few times before... but this time, her family probably won't be home, right?

"My family wants to meet you too, it's perfect!"

...Seriously? I met Kanji in an unfortunate way, but it seems I'll be meeting the whole Mizuki family this time. Thinking about it, I started to feel a bit nervous.

Perhaps sensing my hesitation, Rin sent another message.

"Um...?"

"I don't mind. Okay, I'll come over."

"Really? Thanks, Kazu! You're the best, my husband!"

Rin, with a bright smile like the sun, bounced around innocently. It was heartwarming, but I couldn't shake off the nervousness. Is this okay...?

"See you the day after tomorrow! I'll let my parents know!"

"The day after tomorrow...? That's too soon... But, it's the same even if I delay it."

I almost wanted to hold my head, but with my resolve firm, I replied, "Got it," and let out a sigh. This is probably a path I can't avoid. And so, I ended up staying at the house of a popular idol.

---

☆

"Thanks for coming, Wato-kun. Come on in."

Arriving at Rin's house, I was welcomed by Rin and invited inside. Seeing the familiar hallway, a sense of comfort washed over me. It might work out.

According to what Rin had told me earlier, Kaori was staying at a friend's house, and Kanji was at home. Of course, Nanae was also there.

"Ah, it's Kazuto-nii-chan! Yay!"

Nanae, who appeared immediately, ran down the hallway and came to me. ...How cute. As always, she was so friendly, smiling up at me.

"Nanae, are you staying for a while?"

"Uh-huh. About two or three days, I guess."

"Um... Can you stay until the summer vacation is over?"

"That's... Let's think about it later, okay?"

If it's a long stay, it involves Rin's parents' schedules. I can't decide on my own.

Guided by Rin and Nanae, I entered the living room and saw Kanji sitting on the sofa, watching TV. Sensing the cheerful atmosphere between Rin and Nanae, Kanji glanced over. I quickly bowed, but Kanji returned the gesture without changing his expression and turned back to the TV. He seemed quite unfriendly.

"Um, I'll be staying for a few days. Please take care of me."

"......Mm."

Kanji nodded after a long pause. What's going on?

Noticing my confusion, Rin tilted her head and looked around the living room.

"Oh, Mom isn't here."

"Um, she's in your room."

"My room? Why...? Wato-kun, let's go."

Rin seemed to want to introduce me to her parents first, which was helpful for me.

We headed to Rin's room and opened the door to find Rin's mother sitting formally on the other side of the table, giving us a sharp, frozen look. She wasn't drunk or cheerful as before, and the room was filled with a heavy atmosphere.

"Mom...? What's going on?"

"Before we talk... Nanae, go play with your father."

"Um? Why?"

"We're going to have a serious talk. It's not related to you."

"......Okay."

Nanae, looking a bit dejected, walked down the hallway and disappeared into the living room. Rin and I were left in the room, overwhelmed by the strange atmosphere from Rin's mother.

"Come and sit down quickly."

Her tone left no room for argument. Rin and I entered the room, closed the door, and sat down at the table. It felt like we were about to be scolded.

"Um, I'm Wato Ayanokoji. I'm dating Rin. Please take care of me for a few days."

The first time I met Rin's mother, she was drunk, so I introduced myself politely. However, she didn't smile at all. Scary...

"Rin, why are you in your room? I don't want you to enter without permission."

"I was checking if it was tidy. A messy room reflects a messy life... It's natural for a mother to care about her daughter's life."

"...Alright, I'll accept that for now. One more thing. Why are you so tense? It's intimidating. It's rude to Kazuto-kun."

Listening to their conversation, I thought to myself, "They really are similar." Their tone and the way they spoke were almost identical.

"Rin and Kazuto-kun are dating... right?"

"......Yes."

After a long pause, Rin nodded reluctantly. She seemed to be hiding the fact that they were married. ...Well, we're not really married, it's just her claim.

"Is it a healthy relationship?"

"......Yes, stop asking."

"Then what is this?"

"Wha---"

Rin's mother placed a piece of paper on the table—a marriage certificate! Our names were clearly written in the name fields (I don't remember filling it out).

"I found it at the entrance. Rin, what's this about?"

"Th-that's... "

"It's not a funny joke. It's not something that can be brushed off as a game."

Rin, who was flustered, seemed to snap. She raised her head and spoke with firm resolve.

"It's not a game. We are... married. Truly married."

"......What?"

Faced with Rin's bold declaration, Rin's mother's eyebrows twitched.

"We got married in the game. So, we are married in real life too."

Under normal circumstances, anyone would be confused. Indeed, Rin's mother was stunned. After a long pause, she spoke.

"I understand... I understand your feelings and thoughts."

"Thank you, Mom... for understanding."

Wait a minute. I don't think being married in the game means we're married in real life. I don't intend to deny it, but I don't plan to affirm it either...

"However, it's too early for two people who don't know much about the world to talk about marriage. I'll observe your bond during this stay. If it doesn't work out, you'll have to get a divorce."

"Divorce---!"

Next to me, Rin was shocked, and I swallowed hard. She's saying we should break up...?

"After the divorce, you'll spend six years as lovers. Then, you can consider marriage."

That's surprisingly reasonable! It's more common-sense than I expected!

"That's not fair! Kazuto-kun and I are deeply in love!"

"This is a decision. If you don't agree, you'll have to overcome this challenge."

"......This is tyranny... It's too cruel...!"

Rin clenched her teeth in frustration, but from a general perspective, it seemed like a significant compromise.

"No, this is an opportunity. If you can get Mom's approval, there's nothing to fear after that. Let's do our best, Kazuto-kun."

"Ah, okay."

I nodded to Rin's determined expression, but I was thinking:

...Maybe it's better not to overcome this challenge?