/
Chapter 71: Grandpa’s Visit
“Oh, so that’s what Hayato-kun was like in the past!”
“Grandpa, if you don’t mind, please tell us more in detail!”
“Alright, alright! It happened on a hot summer day
”
Right now, in front of me, Grandpa was happily telling a story to Aina and Arisa. The topic was about my past
 well, there wasn’t anything particularly embarrassing or shameful in it for me to call it a dark history. He seemed to enjoy sharing stories from when I was quite young.
“Grandpa, don’t say anything strange, okay?”
“I know that. However
 if such cute girls are begging me to talk, I can’t refuse.”
“That’s right, Hayato-kun â™Ș”
“Yes, please tell usâ™Ș”

Even that kind-hearted Grandpa becomes all mushy around young girls.
Ignoring my gaze completely, he resumed the conversation. Beside me, Sakuna-san let out a big sigh and had a smile of amusement on her face.
“I’ve talked to him on the phone before, but your Grandpa, Genzo-san, really seems like an amusing person.”
Genzo, that’s my Grandpa’s name.
As planned, he came over here today.
It was the first time for the three of them to meet him in person, but Grandpa was delighted as if he had gained some granddaughters.
Arisa and Aina quickly got along with him, and as for Sakuna-san
 I couldn’t help but recall an embarrassing exchange they had.
“It’s nice to meet you, Sakuna-san. Hayato has spoken highly of you.”
“Nice to meet you too, Genzo-san. There’s no need to mention that. Looking after Hayato-kun has become something important and natural for me now. I don’t expect to replace Kasumi-san, but I want to love him like a true mother would.”
Sakuna-san’s words are something I’ve heard many times before. However, when she said them to Grandpa as if reaffirming her determination
 I wonder, she truly gave me a sense of security like a mother would.
Sakuna-san isn’t my real mother, but she’s a woman who provides me with a sense of security like a mother and comforts as a lover. I can’t express how much she, including Arisa and Aina, has supported and saved my heart
 I involuntarily gripped Sakuna-san’s hand.
“Hayato-kun
 Do you feel at ease?”
“I do. Sakuna-san’s hand is warm.”
There was no way I wouldn’t feel at ease.
Now, while holding hands with Sakuna-san like that, Grandpa’s storytelling continues. Aina and Arisa also seem excited, eagerly listening to and reacting to the stories about my past.
“Even now, but back then, Hayato was so adorable. Despite Kasumi and Kanata being around, he would come to me. It was such a tremendous feeling of superiority!”
“Wow! Hayato-kun is a grandpa’s boy!”
“
If possible, do you have any photos—”
“I do. I brought them with me.”
“I want to see!”
“Please show us!”
Grandpa took out an album from his bag.
Although we do have some photos back at my home, most of the photos of our family are actually kept at Grandpa’s place. Ever since my parents passed away, I wanted them to have at least the remaining pictures of them so I have them at home.
“Wow
 so cuteâ™Ș”
“This is young Hayato-kun
 gulp.”
Aina is fine
 but why is Arisa staring at them with such a piercing gaze?
“What about you, Sakuna-san?”
“I want to see!”
“Well, well
”
Sakuna-san couldn’t resist the allure of the photo album either.
Whenever Grandpa explained when and where the photos were taken, the three of them would express their amazement. And as expected, along with their amazement, Arisa and Sakuna-san would also wear these mysteriously meaningful smiles that were honestly a bit scary. Grandpa didn’t notice it though, and Aina could only smile wryly, as if saying it couldn’t be helped.
“I don’t mind, but what is this feeling
?”
I could answer anytime if asked, and there’s nothing I’m uncomfortable with in the photos. Yet, it’s a strange feeling to have others peek into my past like this. Oh, but now that I think about it, I haven’t seen many old photos of them. I should ask Grandpa to show me sometime.
“Let’s leave these photos here for a while. Take your time to look at them.”
“Understood!”
“Thank you!”
It seems like the photo viewing session has come to an end
 Well, Aina and Arisa are still fixated on the album as usual. Grandpa chuckled at their behavior and turned to face me.
“They are good girls, aren’t they? I’ve only heard the stories
 but you’ve formed a good bond, haven’t you?”
“
Yeah. It’s almost too good for me.”
“Don’t say things like that. Society’s eyes might be harsh, and I was initially perplexed myself. But your grandma and I bless you. There’s no parent who doesn’t wish for their grandchild’s happiness, no matter the circumstances.”
“Grandpa
”
Ah
 Grandpa is like that, and so is Grandma.
Truly kind, always caring for me
 They are people who are so immense and love me endlessly.
“Well, I don’t care about the opinions of others at this point. We don’t need to proclaim anything
 We’ll just live happily in our own way.”
“Yes, that’s fine
 however
”
“What is it?”
Grandpa shifted his gaze to Sakuna-san, who was by his side, and then turned his attention to Arisa and Aina before continuing his words.
“They kind of resemble Kasumi. Sakuna-san resembles her the most
 Haha, Hayato is indeed Kasumi’s son.”
“
Hey, I’ve been curious about this for a while, but was Mom that type of person?”
“Yes, she was quite formidable.”

Mom, what are you doing now with Dad in heaven?
I don’t think so, but I can almost hear you saying, “Don’t be ridiculous, there’s no way I’m causing trouble over there,” in my head.
“It has been a good day today. Next time, let’s bring Grandma along.”
“If you want, I can go. I want to taste Grandma’s cooking too.”
“Please let us come along next time as well.”
“Of course. I’m looking forward to it. I hope it happens before I die.”
“Don’t say things like that, it’s bad.”
Grandpa chuckled.
“But they’re lovely girls. This might be what it feels like to have granddaughters.”
“Grandpa, you’re really doting on them.”
“Well, that’s normal, isn’t it?”
“
Well, yeah.”
“Isn’t it?”
Yeah, there’s no doubt about it.
After that, Grandpa left after a while. Even though it was their first time meeting, it seemed like a good encounter.
“Grandpa was a good person, wasn’t he?”
“Yes, I’d like to meet Grandma too, someday.”
Surprisingly, it seemed close at that moment.
But
 when he said that their soul nearly left their body and they were on the verge of death upon learning about our relationship, I was truly shocked. I wonder if Grandma is okay?
I became slightly worried about that.
“I can declare it again. Hayato-kun, please rely on me from now on.”
“Yeah, I will, Mom
 I mean, Sakuna-san.”
I accidentally said “Mom”
 That was close, too close.
Well, it’s not really dangerous or anything, but it’s still embarrassing
 Ah, I know. It’s like those types who accidentally call their teacher “Mom” in nursery school or school.
“
Sakuna-san?”
“O-one more time! Please, one more time!?”
“
Mom?”
“Uh-haaaaanâ™Ș”
A strange cry
 Ahem, no need to say it modestly, Sakuna-san let out a weird sound and pinned me down. Holding my face tightly against her ample chest, Sakuna-san rubbed her body against mine as if she couldn’t bear it anymore.
“Ufufu~â™Ș It’s so wonderful! Oh, Hayato-kun
 my son
 Kyaa, it’s truly splendidâ™Ș”
“Mom, please calm down a bit.”
“Calm down, Mom.”
Please, both of you, help me
 I’m being suffocated by b*****s.

If these were to be my last remaining words, they would be incredibly foolish.