Ever since her birthday on April 3rd, my daughter's started to act increasingly strange… or rather, it's become more and more adorable.
One moment, she'll come home with a look of pure joy; the next, she's smirking to herself while gazing at the hair ornament her boyfriend, Maki-kun, gave her, kicking her feet up on the sofa. The instant she realizes I'm watching, her face turns beet red, and she scrambles upstairs to her room.
Their relationship seems to be going well for now, which is more than I could ask for as a mother.
"…Nfufu."
"Umi, you got a minute?"
"Eh, what? I'm kinda busy right now, y'know."
"Looks like you're doing the exact same thing you were yesterday to me. Umi, the next term is about to start…"
"I-I know. I'll make sure my grades don't drop, and I promise I won't laze around at home too much."
"Oh? Well, if you say so, then I won't nag you about it."
I let out a soft sigh, wondering if she really understood…
──Ding, dong.
"Mom, someone's at the door."
"Yes, yes."
I headed to the entrance, already recognizing the particular way the doorbell rang. My daughter, who's usually the one on the other side of the door, wouldn't notice the subtlety, but as the one who always hears it from inside, I've come to picture his nervous face with that chime.
"Hehe, I knew it was you, Maki-kun. Welcome."
"H-Hello. How did you know it was me?"
"I have my ways. By the way, what brings you here today? A date with my daughter?"
"No, I don't have any particular plans today… but, well, I actually came to give you something… I mean, this thing I'm holding. It's from my mom, a birthday present for Umi-san."
"From Masaki-san? Oh, what a lovely bouquet."
In his hands, Maki-kun held a bouquet made entirely of blue flowers. I thought it was a bit too stylish of a present for him, but it made perfect sense if it was from Masaki-san.
"I thought I should have contacted you before coming over, but my mom insisted saying, 'A surprise will definitely make her happier!' and then she practically shoved me out the door."
"Oh my. So you don't have your phone or anything?"
Seeing Maki-kun nod sharply, I couldn't help but chuckle. What a uniquely kind mother and son.
My daughter is blessed to be loved by people like them. Their connection is so wonderful it almost makes me envious.
"So, um, is Umi-san…"
"Of course, she's here. She's in the living room right now, rolling around on the sofa with a silly grin on her face while staring at the present you gave her."
"I-Is that so… Well, as long as she's happy with it, that's what matters."
After thanking the flustered-looking Maki-kun, I headed back to the living room where my daughter was.
Completely unaware that her boyfriend had just shown up, she was still smirking as she admired the hair ornament.
"Who was it?"
"Hm? Oh, just Maki-kun."
"!? N-No way! M-Maki!? Why!?"
Just as I expected, she flew into a panic, frantically checking her clothes and straightening her bangs in the mirror.
What on earth will happen to my daughter if she gets another wonderful present while she's like this?