I Won't Be a Loser

After receiving a call from her mother, Setsuna Kiyoura began preparing dinner at home.

"I'm back, Setsuna."

The sound of Mai Kiyoura's voice came from the entrance. Setsuna, who had almost finished preparing dinner, turned to look at the living room—

The woman in formal attire walked slowly to the sofa and sat down. Setsuna glanced at the miso soup that was nearly done, took a spoonful, and brought it to her lips, gently blowing on it before tasting it.

Not too salty, not too bland—just right.

"The dinner is ready. It'll be ready to eat in just a moment, you should wash your hands first."

Mai sat down on the sofa, her face flushed. She looked back at her daughter, who was standing by the stove, and seemed not to notice anything unusual. She gave a soft response, stood up, and headed to the bathroom to wash her hands. Setsuna, meanwhile, quietly finished setting the table, placing the dishes onto it.

However, after setting all the dishes on the table, she carefully packed the remaining miso soup and other dishes into food containers.

"I'm going to deliver a portion of dinner to Miyamizu-kun, I'll be right back."

While Mai was in the bathroom removing her makeup, she paused upon hearing her daughter's words. She thought of saying something to her daughter, but the words got stuck in her throat.

By the time she decided to speak, the footsteps had already faded, the door had closed, and it was too late.

Mai looked at her reflection in the mirror and lightly touched her cheek. Her skin felt smooth and radiant, making it hard to believe she had a daughter who was already 15 years old. She might not look that young, but she certainly appeared youthful.

"Because I like more mature and composed women, my relationship with Setsuna might not have a happy ending, so should I prepare myself for that?"

Thinking about the boy's words, Mai felt her emotions become a bit complicated. Should she feel happy, or should she be worried about her daughter?

She sighed softly as she stared at herself in the mirror. What was she thinking at this point...?

Meanwhile, Haruto, who was cutting daikon radish and preparing the miso soup, was interrupted by the doorbell. It had been just a little over ten minutes since Mai had left, and another guest had arrived.

He paused his chopping and walked to the door.

Standing there with a slightly excited and expectant look was Setsuna, holding three food containers, which she handed over to him.

"Dinner, the dishes I made myself."

For a moment, Haruto stood there, looking at the expectant expression on the girl's face. He took the containers from her hands, but before he could say anything, the girl pursed her lips and closed her eyes, as if waiting for some sort of reward.

"..."

Haruto, facing such an innocent and cute girl, stood silently for a moment before moving a little closer.

With her eyes closed and unguarded, the girl stood before him. Her slightly trembling eyelashes seemed to indicate her nervousness.

Haruto bent down slightly and gently kissed her on the side of her face. He then took a step back, moving to stand by the door frame, watching as Setsuna slowly opened her eyes.

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

The girl, satisfied with her expectations, smiled at Haruto. She said goodnight and slowly walked away from the door.

Haruto, however, stood there looking down at the food containers in his hands. He glanced back at the dinner he had been preparing.

"...I'll just make pickled radish."

....

Meanwhile, in another apartment several floors away, a black-haired girl named Seika Saionji was observing the scene with a pair of binoculars.

When she saw Haruto kiss Setsuna, an expression of realization crossed her face.

"Just as I thought. I knew it, after he turned down my invitation today, saying he had something to do, it couldn't be anything good. Has it already progressed this far? Only two or three days...?"

Seika set down the binoculars, sitting on her bed with a helpless look on her face.

She knew that someone like Haruto Miyamizu would be easily pursued by girls, but she didn't expect Setsuna to move so quickly.

"He said he wouldn't consider a relationship before university, but it looks like Setsuna's already captured his heart."

She glanced at herself in the mirror, confused, thinking about her own figure.

"Didn't they say that guys like older women? Will anyone actually like someone as small as Setsuna?"

Feeling like she had been too harsh, Seika slapped her own cheek.

"No, no, no, since Setsuna already has someone she likes, and things have already gotten this far, as a friend, I should congratulate her... But still... I'm not happy about it!!"

"Seika!"

As Seika lay on her bed, grumbling with frustration, the voice of her mother, Yoko, called from outside her room.

Seika immediately stopped and buried her face in her pillow, her pale legs kicking the bed, pondering what she should do next.

"Tomorrow, I'll try to test Setsuna. See where they really are in their relationship."

Rolling over, Seika looked at her phone, deciding against contacting Setsuna for now. She lay quietly on the bed, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought.

....

"Mai, you already know the situation between your daughter and me... but you still have these feelings for me? Shouldn't you feel ashamed?"

"But... even I want someone to be by my side..."

"Really? Then let's make this our little secret, Mai. Come into my arms, then."

"Haruto? Hmm! Haruto~"

"This is our little secret, okay?"

"Mm!"

Knock, knock—

Knock, knock—

The knocking grew louder, and Mai slowly opened her eyes, still in a daze from sleep. She looked at the door of her room.

"It's already seven o'clock. If you don't get up now, you'll be late for work."

"Hmm?"

Mai suddenly sat up in bed, glancing around. A feeling of emptiness and loss washed over her as she sighed softly.

"I know, I'll get up right away."

"And..."

The door opened, and Setsuna's face appeared in the gap of the door.

"Why did you call Haruto's name while you were sleeping?"

Cold sweat instantly spread across Mai's back...