Chapter 223 Staying Over

Staying Over

Um, stay over at our place?

Is it really okay for a mother to say something like that to her son’s girlfriend?

Even in ancient times, people said, “Men and women should not share a bed past the age of seven.”

“That’s a saying from ancient China. Hardly anyone uses it these days—except maybe you.”

Mom smiled as if she could read my mind.

“How can you read my mind?”

“It’s written all over your face—‘men and women should not share a bed past the age of seven.’”

“There’s no way something like that is written on my face!”

Once Mom got going like this, I knew there was no stopping her.

“But still… isn’t it a bit much?”

“It’s fine. In fact, leaving her alone in her apartment might be more dangerous.”

“This could turn into a big deal, though.”

“It’s fine. If push comes to shove, I’ll talk to her father myself.”

Since she said that so firmly, I couldn’t argue.

When I returned to the living room where Ai-san was waiting, she looked somewhat relieved as she watched TV.

“So, is everything okay with Mom now?”

“Yeah. So, um, I was wondering if you could stay over tonight?”

Not wanting to drag it out unnecessarily, I said it directly. She froze, staring at me suspiciously while instinctively covering her chest.

“Um, do you mean that in… that certain way?”

Her suggestive reply made me so embarrassed I could die.

“N-no! I mean, it’s just that the rain is getting worse, and you seemed down today. I thought it might not be good for you to be alone… I even discussed it with Mom.”

“I see. I’m sorry for making you worry.”

“I’m not forcing you. I know it’s a big deal for a girl to stay over at a guy’s place.”

“That’s true. But tonight, please take care of me.”

“Yeah, I guess so… wait, what?”

Surprised by her reaction, I hesitated for a moment.

“I’m saying, please take care of me. I’ve never stayed at a friend’s house before, so I’ve always been a little curious. And besides…”

“Besides?”

“Well, it’s not often you get a chance to stay at your boyfriend’s place. I’m kind of excited.”

I could feel my rationality being chipped away. Excited? What does she mean by that?

“Won’t it be a problem with your dad?”

“It’s fine. I’ll send him a message saying I’m staying at a friend’s house.”

“Is that really going to be okay?”

“It’s fine. I’ll let Kuroi know too, so he can cover for me if needed.”

“Okay. I’ll go prepare the futon then.”

“Thank you. Oh, and…”

She came closer and whispered in a voice only the two of us could hear.

“I feel like I’m doing something naughty. I’m about to lie to my dad, too.”

I could feel my body temperature spike. Trying not to let her notice, I quickly left the room.

Ai’s PoV

“Ugh, I can’t be myself today at all.”

Alone in the Aono family’s living room, I let out a deep sigh.

My body felt hot. I took a deep breath to calm myself, but all I could smell was his scent. I could feel my rationality slowly crumbling.