Dual System in Daily World

After tidying up and returning to her seat from the bathroom, Youko appeared calm and unbothered by the earlier incident.

In contrast, Kazusa seemed far less at ease. She looked worried and anxious, clearly concerned about her mother. 

However, due to their recent conflict, she refrained from expressing any words of concern or consideration.

Chisato was about to step in to comfort Kazusa but was preempted by Youko, who seemed to anticipate it.

"Okay, you two kids, don't take it too seriously. It's just a moment of anger or a little instability. Compared to me, you two are the protagonists today." 

"Let's talk about what's happening between you two. Who made the first move?" 

"I'm curious how someone like Suzumiya-kun became interested in a girl with Kazusa's temper," she said, deliberately adopting an expression of great curiosity as she stared at Chisato with a bright smile. 

If she had come to this restaurant alone, she would have undoubtedly attracted countless singles eager to chat with her.

There is no doubt that a mother who gave birth to a beautiful girl like Kazusa is stunning in her own right.

"Who's the bad kid?" Kazusa retorted as expected, but her tone was calmer, likely due to her earlier concern for her mother.

Youko chuckled at her daughter's retort. "I had no idea Suzumiya-kun could make her so cute. Please tell me what kind of magic you used."

"It's just baffling..."

Before, when Chisato was still a distant figure, Kazusa could retaliate against her mother's teasing. 

But now, in front of her sweetheart, she felt lost for words. She used the excuse of needing to go to the bathroom to cool down her increasingly flushed cheeks.

As she stood up and left her seat, she glanced at Chisato, seemingly hoping he would follow her. 

However, he shook his head slightly, sensing that Youko's teasing of Kazusa was meant to create an atmosphere for them to chat alone.

Sure enough, after Kazusa left the table, Youko's demeanor shifted. Although her smile remained, it no longer felt as gentle as before. 

She shook her drink glass, staring into the orange liquid with a helpless expression. Though she concealed it well, Chisato noticed.

Instead of commenting, he answered her earlier question honestly. 

"I pursued Kazusa first. As for how I realized I had feelings for her... I won't lie. It's because Kazusa is quite good-looking." 

"When I first noticed her, I couldn't help but be drawn in. I would sometimes secretly watch her while she was sleeping in class since we were seated at the next table."

"Eh—"

Youko was momentarily stunned, then broke into a genuinely happy smile. "That's a very straightforward reason, but is it just her looks that you like?"

"It's not just that." Chisato shook his head slightly, his gaze softening as he looked down at the table, wearing a nostalgic smile. 

"Although she wasn't very popular at school and often seemed to repel others, I discovered through our interactions that she is actually an incredibly kind-hearted and talented girl who values her friends deeply."

No matter how one looks at it, praising each other's daughter in front of her mother feels somewhat awkward and strange. 

Yet at this table, both parties engaged in a serious conversation without such feelings. One spoke earnestly, while the other listened with calm attentiveness.

"You're describing my daughter perfectly. She does have an awkward personality. Beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder. I envy you for being so young."

After Youko finished waiting for Chisato's response, she suddenly felt a wave of melancholy for some reason. 

Even though Youko seemed easygoing, she was still an elder, which made him act somewhat reserved.

To avoid any awkwardness, he decided to follow her lead and continued to compliment her. 

"There's no need to feel envious. You're still youthful. Rather than just being Kazusa's mother, you seem more like a sister to her."

Youko seemed to appreciate this, her eyes narrowing in delight as she smiled broadly. 

"Well, now I understand how you won Kazusa over. That child is a standard beauty like me, and you speak so nicely. Plus, she has no experience with boys, so it's no wonder she has fallen for you."

In this case, Chisato wasn't sure how to respond, so he could only smile awkwardly but politely.

"Do you plan to pursue higher education, Suzumiya-kun?" Youko suddenly changed the subject.

"Yes."

"Kazusa has been more diligent at home lately, probably because of you. I've never seen her sit so patiently at her desk for so long before."

"She made a pact with me to study hard and then go to university together."

"She's only just starting to work hard now. Do you think it's too late?"

"I'll help her. It might be a bit self-deceiving to give a definite answer now, but I'll do my best, and I believe Kazusa will too."

"Hmm..." Youko hummed thoughtfully. 

"My original plan for her was to follow my path and work hard to become a pianist. But now that she has chosen to go to college, I can't say anything. I just want her to be happy."

"…I'm sorry."

"No need to apologize. That child has a difficult personality. I'll have to rely on you more in the future."

"There's nothing to worry about. I'm the one who needs her forgiveness."

Youko raised her drink, and Chisato picked up his cup knowingly, clinking it gently with hers in a respectful manner.

"Eh? Miss Touma?"

At that moment, an unexpected intruder appeared. 

Chisato turned his head to see a man and a woman approaching their table, the one who initiated the conversation being a beautiful woman with shoulder-length hair.

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