I Won't Be a Loser

Trying to shake off her racing thoughts, she asked cautiously, "So, you wouldn't mind dating someone older than yourself?"

"Age isn't a concern for me," Haruto said earnestly. "If I love someone, that's all that matters. Love isn't about numbers."

Mai was taken aback by his straightforwardness. It wasn't common for boys his age to have such views—most were drawn to girls their own age or younger. The fact that he didn't mind older women made him seem both mature and dangerously charming in her eyes.

Even though Kiyoura Mai has been single since giving birth to Kiyoura Setsuna, she has not thought about starting a family again. Her own conditions are not bad, and her figure has not changed after giving birth to Setsuna. Many men also show interest in her on a daily basis.

But for some reason, she had no feelings at all towards the men around her.

In the past, she had always used the excuse of 'considering Setsuna's feelings' to convince herself, but now, looking at the boy in front of her, Kiyoura Mai had to admit that the reason she was not interested in those men was simply because she didn't like those older people.

She is no longer young, and even if she walks with Setsuna, not many people would doubt that they are sisters. She has begun to age, so she feels repulsed by men of similar age.

She couldn't accept that she was no longer young. Only young boys, and only when facing those young people who were still young, could she feel that she was still young...

Looking at the young man in front of her, Kiyoura Mai understood her own heart and her own thoughts. She clasped her hands in front of her body and gently covered her heart, feeling her heartbeat that was no longer calm.

"Miyamizu-kun, would you mind dating someone older than you?"

"..."

"Well, personally, I wouldn't mind," Haruto admitted, and my mother doesn't have any special requirements in this regard. But my father has always been stubborn and can never accept things that challenge common sense, so he may prevent me from having any relationship with women older than me. Even if he allows it, he will never let me have a relationship with a married woman."

Haruto noticed her shoulders relax slightly, her gaze less intense. However, her eyes still seemed to linger on him longer than he expected, which made him unable to understand. Wasn't she here today to discuss something about Setsuna?

Why are you so obsessed with the topic of 'older women'?

After a brief silence, Mai stood up.

"Thank you for being honest, Miyamizu-kun. "I already understand that Miyamizu-kun has no feelings for Setsuna, so even if I agree to Setsuna dating you, you are just cooperating with Setsuna to satisfy her beautiful fantasy as a girl, right?"

"Thank you, Kiyoura-san," Haruto replied, relieved that the conversation was finally veering back to Setsuna.

"Miss Setsuna... and I still don't know enough about each other. Maybe it was because of my momentary affection that she wanted to date me, but I have been in Tokyo for too short a time, and there are still many things I need to understand and deal with. I am afraid it is difficult to take care of her feelings, so..."

Most of them were excuses, but Haruto had come to Tokyo, and there were indeed a lot of things that needed to be dealt with in the next period of time. Even if he was dating Setsuna, it would be difficult for him to always take care of her feelings.

He did not deny that he felt empty and lonely during this period, but that did not mean that he had completely let go of everything and recklessly date girls.

The reason why he proposed to Setsuna that they should date after their parents agreed was because he felt empty inside, and Setsuna's initiative made him waver.

Although he seems mature and considerate of the future needs of both parties, he is just confused inside.

"I understand. I will persuade Setsuna to reconsider this matter. However, Setsuna has been very stubborn since childhood. Once he has made up his mind, he will not give up easily. Miyamizu-kun..."

"I know what to do."

Mai's eyes shifted to the dining table and the small container of simmered burdock root.

"Did Setsuna make this for you?"

"Did Setsuna make this for you?"

"Huh?"

Following her gaze, Haruto noticed the dish on the table and froze for a moment.

His reaction confirmed what Mai had suspected: her daughter truly liked this boy. Mixed feelings stirred within her, but she managed to maintain a calm demeanor.

"That child seems to really like you. If it's possible, I hope you'll seriously consider being with her someday. Right now, you're uncertain. I don't support you dating Setsuna yet, but if there ever comes a day when you truly fall in love with her, then..."

Mai trailed off and glanced at the clock.

"It's time for me to go. I'll take my leave now."

"Let me walk you out, Mrs. Kiyoura."

"Just call me Mai," she said with a smile. "'Mrs.' makes me feel old."

"...Alright, Mai-san."

"I like the sound of that," she replied, chuckling softly. "Well, I'll head back and have a talk with Setsuna."

Standing at the doorway, Mai looked at the boy before her, gave a slight bow, and turned to leave. As she walked down the hallway, her elegant figure disappeared into the staircase, leaving Haruto standing in the doorway, catching the faint scent of her lingering perfume.

With a sigh, he returned to his room and shut the door behind him.

_ _ _

At home, Setsuna paced nervously. She had attempted to prepare dinner but found herself so distracted that even cracking an egg ended with shells in the bowl. Her chaotic emotions resulted in a simple, hastily prepared meal as she waited for her mother's return.

Click.

The sound of the door unlocking immediately drew her attention. She turned toward the entrance just as Mai walked in.

"Mom."

"I'm home, Setsuna."

"So? How did it go?"

Mai closed the door quietly and walked into the living room. Meeting her daughter's expectant, anxious gaze, she hesitated briefly before smiling gently.

"Of course, I agreed. After all, you're my precious daughter. It's your first love—do your best, alright?"

"..."

Hearing this, Setsuna collapsed onto the sofa in relief, her entire body slackening as if a weight had been lifted. Mai felt a pang of unease and guilt in her heart but maintained her calm smile.

"That said," Mai continued, "even though I agreed to let you date Haruto, there's one condition I hope you'll accept."

"What is it?"

Setsuna looked up, her cheeks flushed with excitement, struggling to contain her joy as she awaited her mother's request.

"You have to tell mom about your relationship with Miyamizu-kun. At least let mom know how far you have developed. Only then can mom feel at ease letting you date Miyamizu-kun. Okay?"

Setsuna blinked in confusion, unsure why her mother was making such a request. However, the prospect of being allowed to date Haruto had consumed all her thoughts, leaving her no room to question it. She nodded eagerly.

"Alright!"

~~~~

patreon.com/Ranabir_20

6 Advance chapters on patreon.