Jitsu -A different story-

"Here you go Kurono-kun, come on say ~Ahh~, hehe."

"~Ahh~… Mmm… Yes, it's also delicious, now it's your turn, Shizune-chan."

"~Ahh~… Delicious, Rena did a great job, hehe." At that moment… Rena could describe with a few words what anyone would feel seeing that scene, including me.

"I feel very uncomfortable…"

"Yes, I feel the same... But I guess it's normal, we used to do it too when we started dating, do you remember?"

"Yes, but... It's very strange for me to see Mom acting like that, she looks like a teenager in love. I feel like she's not herself." If Shizune had paid attention to those words, she would have been very embarrassed, but it was no longer possible since she was in her own world with Kurono while both seemed to give off an imaginary pink aura making Rena feel even more strange. "Stop being so sweet, it's time to cut the cake!"

"Huh, ah, that's right. I'm sorry, I wasn't paying much attention, Rena." Shizune said with a bit of nervousness realizing the way she was acting.

"Yes, I realized that."

"By the way, everything was delicious, Rena-san." Kurono wanted to praise the food Rena prepared a little so that the situation calmed down a bit.

"I hear that too, though thanks for the compliments." Making the previous scene disappear so that the atmosphere returned to normal, Akio went to find something to cut the cake with and began to distribute it among everyone.

"Unfortunately, I don't know how to bake a cake, but the one from the pastry shop should be enough."

"Don't worry Rena, you've done enough. I really appreciate all this, I thank you too, Akio, I'm sure Rena left most of the work to you, hehe." Akio wanted to affirm that, but noticing his dear wife's gaze fixed on him, he decided to remain silent.

"By the way, Kurono-kun, didn't you say you had something to say to Akio?"

"Is something wrong, Kurosawa-san? If you need anything, I'll do my best to be of help." Akio had returned to his respectful attitude, but Kurono simply denied what he was thinking.

"Don't worry, Akio-kun. I just wanted to let you know that the project you were working on was approved yesterday."

"Eh...? Eh?! A-Are you serious, Kurosawa-san?!" The surprise that Akio just received was unique. He had spent almost the entire last month focused on presenting a project to the company so that it would be accepted, it was the first time he had done it and it was not expected that a short time would pass before receiving that good news.

"Yes, you can be sure. I had the last word for it to be approved, so I wanted to test your ability. I really hope good things from you."

"I-I… You don't know how much I appreciate it, Kurosawa-san. I swear I won't let you down!" The little interaction between them couldn't be ignored by the mother and daughter duo who had a curious look on their faces, and it didn't take long for Rena to ask the reason for it all.

"Akio, could you explain what exactly you are talking about?" Akio realized that they had heard everything, so he quickly wanted to express the good news.

"Yes, do you remember I told you that I was very busy at work because I was preparing a project to present? Kurosawa-san just said that it was approved."

"Really? That's good news, right?" A greater curiosity aroused in Rena and she couldn't help but ask.

"Of course, if Akio-kun gets good results from all this, he will surely receive a more important position than he has now or he will be the boss in charge of carrying out everything that has to do with his project." Kurono said that so that they would understand a little more what it meant, but it seemed that new questions appeared.

"And what exactly is that project, Kurono-kun?" Kurono was about to answer Shizune, but he thought it was better to leave the explanation to Akio while he gave him the floor.

"Basically, I contacted Ryo-san for advice."

"With Grandpa?" A new face of confusion appeared on Rena and she could only continue listening beside everyone present.

"Yes, Kurono-san's company is focused on the manufacture and distribution of sake, the project I did was based on showing a new presentation of the drink. I had an idea in mind, but I discussed it with Ryo-san to ask for his opinion and he also gave me the go-ahead, so I got down to work and it seemed like it was the right thing to do."

"May I ask who exactly is Ryo-san?"

"He is my father Kurono-kun. My family has had a craft's sake business for generations and Akio used to work there before getting his new job."

"That's very interesting… Now I'm curious to meet him, but let's leave that for later. I can only ask you to make an effort in the future, Akio-kun, I also wanted to tell you that you will soon have a week off before everything is ready for you to carry out the project."

"Yes, I had already heard about that part. I assure you that I will not waste this time."

"Congratulations darling!" Now understanding the whole scenario, Rena didn't take long to show all her support for her beloved husband at the same time that Akio accepted it with a smile.

"Haha, you don't need to waste your break like that either, actually I wanted to give you this too." Kurono had taken something out of his jacket and handed it to Akio who still had a curious expression.

"That is…?" Akio had taken a small pamphlet from Kurono's hands and didn't need to read it when he heard the sufficient explanation.

"That brochure has all the information about an out-of-town inn, I took it upon myself to prepare everything so that it would be enough for two people to enjoy all paid lodging for three full days. I thought it would be a nice late wedding present so that you and Rena-san will enjoy a few days of relaxation, although there is no problem if you reject it." Kurono had explained everything clearly and the information reached Akio's ears making him not know what to say.

"Kurosawa-san, I…"

"Thank you very much, Kurono-san!" Even though thousands of doubts appeared in Akio's mind as to whether to accept Kurono's good intentions, it seemed that Rena didn't have much to think about. "Look at this Akio, there are outdoor hot springs and a spa service, this is all that I've needed for a long time!"

"Haha, it seems that Rena is already excited." Shizune had remained silent listening attentively to everything that was happening. She also felt happy for Akio's good news and was a little interested in the gift that Kurono had given them, but before approaching to read the brochure with her daughter, she heard a slightly discouraging voice coming from her.

"But... I think we couldn't actually go..."

"It's true, we can't leave Mother alone all that time." Hearing that, Shizune understood what they meant at the same time she felt a little guilty. The mood dropped a little when realizing the reality and silence took over the room, but it didn't last long when Kurono said an idea that had just occurred to him.

"If that's the case... How about Shizune-chan spend those days with me at my house?"

"Eh?" That expression had come from everyone present, many ideas were generated at that precise moment, Shizune had been practically petrified, Akio wanted to say something, but he didn't see any problem, and Rena had no hesitation in expressing what she thought, ending everything that tormented them.

"That... That's a great idea!"