It's been several months since my sweet daughter found herself a wonderful boyfriend. On Friday nights, she used to stay over at her boyfriend Maki's house, but lately, she's been spending more weekends with us at home.
At first, Umi was hesitant to invite Maki over, but after realizing that our dinners became a little more extravagant whenever he visited, she started bringing him home once or twice a month.
It was a stark contrast to how she used to spend all her time with her best friend since elementary school, Yuu-chan. But seeing her laugh so much more freely and happily now, I know this change was for the best.
"──I'm home, Mom."
"E-Excuse me for intruding."
"Welcome home, you two. Dinner will be ready soon, so why don't you wait in the living room?"
I greeted them just as I always do. I suppose I should say 'Welcome' to Maki-kun separately, but after so many visits, it's become second nature to greet them together. He's practically part of the family now.
"Oh, Maki-kun, you brought a change of clothes today."
"Ah, yes. I felt bad about borrowing from Riku-san all the time… I'm sorry for the trouble, Sora-san."
"Not at all. The house feels more lively with you here, Maki-kun, and that makes me happy. …Of course, I still expect you to mind your manners, understand?"
"I… Yes, of course."
It's one thing for him to make himself at home at his girlfriend's house—I wouldn't even mind if he were a little more selfish like my daughter—but there is one rule I've strictly forbidden him from breaking when he stays over.
They cannot sleep together in Umi's room at night. That is the one and only thing I've sternly warned both of them about.
I try not to be a nag, but watching them lately, I've noticed they've gotten quite handsy with each other. They're always attached at the hip at home, and the other day, I even caught them sneaking kisses when they thought I'd left the living room. I'm sure they restrain themselves when I'm around, but I can't be so permissive as to let a mistake happen under my roof.
I just want them to enjoy their innocent relationship for a little while longer. I'm already enough of a handful as it is.
However, whether my daughter understood her mother's concerns or not, she seemed determined to stay by Maki-kun's side tonight as well.
"…Well, I'm going to take a bath."
"Ah, okay. See you later."
Later that night, the moment I left the living room for my bath, I heard a soft rustling from the guest room. It was Umi, laying out another futon, clearly intending to spend the night next to Maki-kun.
(Honestly, that girl…)
I only recently discovered that my daughter gets lonelier than I ever realized, but I never imagined she was this clingy. Is it because Maki-kun is just that kind to her, or is this her true self coming out? In any case, as a parent, I have a duty to give them a proper warning. I trust them, but that's a separate issue.
I quickly finished my bath and made my way to the guest room where the two of them were supposed to be.
"Hey, you two, it's fine to chat, but when you sleep, you need to be separate—oh." I trailed off, a soft chuckle escaping my lips the moment I peeked inside.
""…zz, zz…""
Did they talk themselves to sleep? Their faces were incredibly peaceful. They were holding each other dearly, slumbering right at the boundary where their two futons met.
"Honestly, if you make faces like that, waking you up just makes me the bad guy."
The lecture can wait until tomorrow, I suppose, I thought, leaving the room. It seems I'm quite the softie myself.