Here, you can wear these pajamas. They should be pretty clean since I hardly ever use them.

Thank you...

Ena! Dinner's ready!

Be right there!

Let's go, Mafuyu.

Okay...

Wow, I'm starving...

Mom, what did you make for dinner...?

I'm back.

Oh, Akito, welcome home.

Ugh...

What's with the attitude? I was just welcoming you home. And why are your eyes going all over the place? What's going on...?

Wait, that thing you're carrying... Isn't that from the new pancake shop that just opened up by the station...?!

Ugh... Why you of all people?

Hold on! You bought some for me too, right?!

Why would I do that?

You honestly expect me to buy something for you every time I go to one of these places?

Excuse me? You're not the only person in this house with a sweet tooth, so you could show a little more courtesy.

Actually, on second thought, that means you would've had to buy some for Mafuyu too...

What...?

Pardon me.

Um... You're Akito, yes?

Oh, hello...

Sorry, we didn't mean for you to see that.

No, I apologize for the sudden intrusion. Some things happened today that led to me staying over for the night.

Ah, I see.

We don't have much to offer here, but please make yourself at home.

(Geez, enough with the faces, you two...)

Alright, all of you, come sit down before dinner gets cold!

Be right there.

That includes you, Mafuyu. Please, join us.

Thank you very much.

But, you're too kind. You've already agreed to let me stay over for the night and to also be given dinner on top of that...

You really don't have to feel so apologetic, you know?

Oh, we're having Salisbury steaks today? Nice! They look delicious!

Hang on... Mom!

How many times do I have to tell you?! No glazed carrots!

Stop complaining and eat what's on your plate.

Also, Mafuyu, Ena's right.

Please feel free to make yourself comfortable.

More importantly, I hope what I've made is to your liking.

Yes, everything looks delicious.

Then, want these glazed carrots?

Pushing the things you don't like onto Asahina would just bother her, don't you think?

In my hands, they'll go to waste. So, isn't it better to give them to someone who enjoys eating them?

I'm saying that you should quit complaining and just eat them.

It's okay for you to refuse, Asahina.

Hehe. Thank you.

What? Says you, Mr. Picky...

Or do you want them instead?

In that case, here, they're all yours!

Hey! Stop it!

All I'm saying is that you should stop complaining and just eat them.

And I was talking about stuff that's on your own plate.

That's enough, you two.

Your Salisbury steaks are getting cold!

Yes, Mom...

Anyway, let's eat.

Please don't hesitate and eat as much as you'd like, Mafuyu.

Thank you.

And this Salisbury steak's very good.

(Even though you don't know what anything tastes like? You really don't have to put on your honor student act in front of her...)

It's been a while since we last had these.

When I heard that Ena was having a friend over, I couldn't help myself and decided to put together a little feast.

Again, thank you for letting me stay on such short notice. I also really like Salisbury steaks, so I'm glad you made them for us.

Hehe. I'm happy to hear that.

By the way, you go to a different school, yes? How did you two meet?

You're both in the same music group making songs together, right?

Oh, um...

Yeah, but keep that to yourself. Mafuyu's mom doesn't exactly approve.

Oh, really?

I think it's wonderful that you make your own music.

It's just... I have to study and...

Ah, because entrance exams are coming up. In that case, I somewhat understand your mother's concern.

Still, it's important to stop and smell the roses, you know? Or would your mother not like me saying that...?

In my case, I'm worried about Ena since she's doing what she loves but always seems so frustrated.

Guh...

(She's worried...?)

(I suppose that's only natural...)

But what I say won't change who my children are. Which is why I believe it's important for her to live her life the way she likes.

What...?

(The way she likes...?

But...)

(She seems so different from Mom...)

(Why is that...?)

Yeah, I'm always gonna do whatever I like regardless of what anyone says.

Yes, yes, I know.

But don't forget to study a little too along the way.

Yeah, you could learn a lot from Asahina.

Ugh! Shut up!

Also, Akito, you're one to talk since you usually just barely get by on your test.

Hey, as long as I'm not failing.

Don't forget that I study with my teammates before tests and stuff.

Well, I'd actually rather have you aim for at least an average score, though.

Guh...

M-Maybe when practice ends early for a change...

...

(I knew it...)

(This house feels so different...)

(At my house, we usually have very settled discussions during dinner and hardly ever argue...)

(However, despite all this arguing, Ena's house doesn't feel cold or distant at all...)

I apologize for us getting into such a heated discussion, Mafuyu. Especially after inviting you into our home...

No, that's okay...

I also discuss my studies with my parents on a regular basis.

You do? That's wonderful.

If possible, would you mind tutoring these two from time to time?

Yes, of course.

Ena, Akito, please let me know if you ever need any help with studying.

Th-Thank you very much...

I'll pass. Mafuyu tutoring me sounds like torture.

I'm sure she'd feel the same way about being your tutor.

Excuse me?! I'm not you! I can get good grades if I try!

What's this, Akito? You haven't touched the carrots that you like so much.

Here, I'll give you some more since I've got plenty left on my plate.

Hey, I said quit it.

(What is this...?)

(My chest feels so...light...)

(This house looks no different from mine, but something about it is.)

(What is that difference exactly...?)