Chapter 272: Watching a Movie Together

Watching a Movie Together

Ai’s Perspective

I watched a movie with my father for the first time in a while. It was the one Senpai recommended, a light comedy that anyone could enjoy. It was probably his way of being thoughtful, and that made me happy.

“Your mother liked movies like this.”

My father murmured that partway through. He always looks so serious, yet during moments like this his expression softens back into something gentle. Today was no different.

I had prepared salt-free crackers topped with pickles and jam we received from Kitchen Aono. The pickles were made with vinegar instead of salt, so they were easy for my father to eat, and because they still had a strong flavor, they were satisfying too.

Senpai’s family has truly been supporting us. Of course Kuroi and the others as well, but on my own I could never do this much.

“The snacks you prepared are good too. It is a shame I cannot drink alcohol.”

The doctor had already told him that anything which burdened his body was not allowed.

As he said that, my father took a sip of his non-alcoholic drink.

“This might be the first time I have seen you drink straight from the bottle like that, Dad.”

It made me notice something small. I had prepared a glass just in case, but for once he was not using it.

“Ah, I see. It is probably better manners to use a glass, but since it is just the two of us, I figured I did not need to be so formal. Of course I would never do this outside.”

Hearing that made me smile without thinking.

Somehow it felt as if my father had become closer to me than before. It was a strange feeling.

After chatting for a bit, we focused on the movie.

Even though the same scenes were repeated again and again, the story made clever use of that. It was an impressive script. I could see why Eiji-senpai liked it.

“That was fun.”

After the movie ended, my father said that in a gentle voice.

“Yeah. It had been a while, but it was really fun.”

Even though the exchange was short, the words carried so many feelings. The place I had loved was returning, yet the loneliness of my mother not being there still lingered, and I felt grateful to Senpai and the others for helping bring this time back to us.

“I wonder what we should watch next week. I will think about it ahead of time.”

My father said that. This family ritual was starting again, and it would continue from here on. Just that thought made it hard to hold back my emotions.

My father seemed to understand and chose not to say anything.

“Yeah. I am looking forward to it. I am going to take a bath.”

Saying that, I made a small excuse and headed to the dressing room. I cried a lot there. But even so, I was happy.