Chapter 29
When I opened the front door, the familiar scent of home hit me.
It was nostalgic, comforting—that kind of smell.
"...Haaah."
The first time I came back after moving out, I noticed that my parents' house had its own distinct scent. It was strange—I’d never noticed it while living here, yet now I recognized it immediately as home.
"I’m home."
I called out as I stepped inside.
Then, from further in, I heard two sets of footsteps—one light and quick, the other slow and steady.
"Shin, welcome back."
"Shin, you’re back."
Mom and Dad appeared in the hallway.
Both were smiling and looked well.
We’d talked just yesterday, but seeing them in person again after so long made me feel a little relieved. They seemed healthy.
"I’m home."
I said it again, even though I’d already greeted them. It was kind of an unspoken rule in our house—when you came home, you’d say it once, and then again every time someone said "welcome back."
It was a small thing, but this little ritual had been around forever, and doing it now made it really sink in: I’m back.
"So, Shin… Is this the person you mentioned the day before yesterday?"
The person behind me?
At Mom’s words, I turned around to see Yuu hiding behind me, as if using me as a shield. Apparently, I’d been in her way. I stepped aside so both of them could see her properly.
"Yeah, this is her. The one I told you about."
"My, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Shin’s…"
Mom suddenly stopped mid-sentence.
Confused, I glanced at her—only to find her frozen, staring blankly.
…No, actually, both of them were.
Dad, who was usually quiet and composed, was gaping in shock. Twenty years as his son, and I’d never seen him like this before.
"P-Pleased to meet you. My name is Yuu. I’m… close with Shin."
In stark contrast to my stunned parents, Yuu stepped forward, bowed, and introduced herself.
Her expression was stiff—probably nervous.
"……"
"……"
But what was up with them? They hadn’t moved an inch.
"...My, my, my."
"...Well, I’m surprised."
Finally, after a long pause, they spoke.
Surprised? By what? Yuu? Or the fact that I’d actually brought someone home?
…Probably the former.
There was no way they thought I’d made up having a friend just to show off.
…Right?
Then again, they had assumed I’d come back alone on the first day…
"Your name is Yuu, dear?"
"Y-Yes!"
While I was busy second-guessing my own credibility, Mom addressed Yuu directly.
"I’m Shin’s mother. …Yuu, was it? We’re very happy to have you."
"Y-Yes!"
Mom stepped closer as she spoke.
Then Dad took a step forward too.
"Yuu, I’m Shin’s father. Thank you for coming today. Please, make yourself at home."
"Th-Thank you very much."
And just like that, the introductions were over.
…I was a little relieved nothing went wrong. Yuu had seemed anxious earlier, so I’d been worried.
A little later, I was sitting on the living room sofa with Dad.
Yuu was in the kitchen with Mom, helping her cook.
Apparently, she’d volunteered to assist. Mom had tried to refuse, saying she must be tired from the trip, but Yuu insisted.
It reminded me of how she was at home—always working. If she had free time, she’d fill it with chores.
"Shin."
"Yeah?"
Lost in thought, I turned as Dad spoke up.
"What kind of person is Yuu?"
What kind of person? That was a tough one.
She was my best friend, my roommate, great at housework, had lived in another world… There were too many ways to answer.
But if I had to sum her up in one word—
"She’s a good kid."
That was it.
"Really, really good."
"...I see."
I didn’t even need to explain how much she’d helped me.
I was just… glad she was here.
"Got it."
Dad smiled, looking pleased.
Right then, we heard Mom call from the kitchen—dinner was ready.
"Shall we?"
"Yeah."
We stood and headed to the table.
"By the way, Shin, does Yuu drink—"
"Let’s not."
I cut him off before he could finish that dangerous question.
Sorry, Dad. That’s not happening.
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