When school finally let out, Hinami breathed a sigh of relief.
Her classmates had been questioning her non-stop about her and Byakuya-niichan.
As soon as class ended, Hinami slipped out of the classroom.
Since Japanese universities generally don't provide dormitories, students usually rent apartments off-campus—often sharing with classmates.
Both Kamii University and Hinami's home were located in Ward 20, so she went straight home after school.
Some girls wanted to continue gossiping with Hinami after class, but the moment they looked away, they couldn't find her anywhere.
"Where's Hinami? Did she already leave?"
"She left so fast! Is she annoyed with all our questions? I feel kind of bad now."
"It's all your fault for being so nosy. Hinami probably won't want to tell us about her Byakuya-niichan anymore."
"You're one to talk! I remember you were the one who asked Hinami when she first fell for him."
"..."
Even now, the topic continued.
Fortunately, Hinami had escaped the classroom first. Otherwise, she definitely would have been surrounded by the girls on her way home...
...
Back home.
Ryouko Fueguchi, who was doing housework, came to open the door for Hinami.
Japanese universities, especially for first-year students, had relatively few classes. There were basically never full schedules—on average, about half a day of classes each day.
Like today, with only morning classes, it wasn't even noon yet and Hinami was already home.
"Hinami, are you done with classes for today? Let me finish hanging the laundry and I'll prepare lunch."
Ryouko smiled.
"Let me prepare lunch instead. Mom, once you're done with the laundry, please rest."
Hinami said immediately.
"...That works too. Does Hinami want to show off her cooking skills?"
Ryouko was naturally delighted that Hinami wanted to prepare lunch herself.
She suddenly realized—Hinami had really grown up...
"Mm, mostly I don't want Mom to overwork herself. Dad is basically always at the clinic."
Hinami said.
The Fueguchi family now consisted of just three members. Her father had reopened his clinic to help support the family, while her mother Ryouko stayed home doing housework, and Hinami, as their daughter, had just started university.
And at one of Japan's top institutions, no less. Both parents were incredibly proud of her.
In the past, her father could only run his small clinic secretly because of his identity as a ghoul, treating mostly human patients.
Now he could openly run his clinic on a prominent street, no longer needing to worry about threats from Aogiri Tree or ghoul investigators.
With help from Anteiku and Byakuya, they'd secured an excellent location, and the clinic was larger and more properly established than before.
"Thank you, Hinami is such a good girl. But honestly, Mom doesn't feel tired at all."
Ryouko said with a smile. "Our whole family has been moving in a good direction. How could I feel tired?"
"Anyway, I'll go prepare lunch!"
Hinami was determined to do it herself today.
"Oh, right!"
Just then, Ryouko seemed to remember something. "Since you're cooking anyway, prepare an extra bento this evening to bring to Byakuya-niichan. He'll definitely be happy."