Like a child

After being jostled by the train for a while, we arrived at our destination. The terminal station was, despite it being a weekday, teeming with people.

I may not look it… or maybe I do, but I hate crowded places.

Especially this kind of human wave. If everyone lined up neatly and marched forward in an orderly fashion, I wouldn’t mind.

But these crowds are usually full of people stubbornly pushing toward their own destinations. As a result, there are more obstacles than there are people, and you have to constantly adjust your walking style, which is insanely stressful. Ugh, it’s so irritating!

“…You’ve got quite the face right now, huh?”

“What kind of face?”

“A dumb one.”

Apparently, my annoyed expression looks like a dumb one to Hayashi. I slowly let my face relax back to normal.

We kept walking for a bit after that.

“Hayashi, where are we going first?”

“Let’s grab some lunch.”

“Isn’t it a bit early for that?”

It was just a little before eleven o’clock.

“Early is just right. Once noon hits, everyone starts lining up, and it gets crazy crowded.”

“Good point. You’re pretty smart.”

“Yup. Let’s go.”

Even though I meant the compliment sincerely, Hayashi brushed it off with finesse.

I followed her lead, walking behind her.

We passed through the station, cut through a building, and after a short walk, entered another building. Apparently, there was a beef tongue restaurant on the dining floor of this one.

Just as Hayashi predicted, the restaurant wasn’t too packed at this hour. We had to wait a little, but we were soon ushered inside.

Seated at a tidy booth in the neat restaurant, we looked over the menu together.

“I think I’ll go with this one.”

“That one? This other one has more variety, you know. You could try a bunch of different kinds.”

“Mom.”

“Stop calling me Mom. So, what’re you getting?”

“Alright, I’ll go with that one then.”

“Hmm… Oh, look, the large portion is free. You’re a growing boy, so that’s the better choice, right?”

“Yeah, you’re right, Mom.”

“Excuse me!”

Finally, Hayashi seemed to accept my “Mom” nickname… or maybe she just ignored it.

To be fair, I wasn’t calling her “Mom” just to tease her.

Suggesting a variety of dishes to maximize satisfaction or pointing out the free large portion—her thoughtful behavior really did remind me of a mom.

My actual parents were never that over-involved with me, though. In a way, Hayashi was acting more like a parent than my own ever did. It almost felt like that.

Hayashi relayed our order to the waiter she’d called over.

Come to think of it, as the guy, maybe I should’ve been the one to give the order to the waiter.

…Well, the waiter’s already gone, so whatever.

After the waiter left, we enjoyed some conversation. About ten minutes later, our beef tongue dishes arrived.

“Let’s eat.”

“Let’s dig in.”

“…This is good.”

“It really is.”

Talking during meals is bad manners, or so Hayashi scolded me, so we kept our words to a minimum.

Back home, I didn’t talk much with my family during meals either. It wasn’t forbidden or anything; everyone was just too engrossed in the TV or whatever to bother with conversation.

It might seem like a cold household to outsiders, but for me, it was comfortable enough. Nothing bad about it.

“…Hehe.”

“What?”

“Nothing.”

A little while later, Hayashi looked at my face and started giggling.

She wouldn’t tell me why. Was this payback for earlier? I had no idea, but I checked to make sure there wasn’t, like, seaweed stuck in my teeth or something.

Not a trace of anything like that.

Why on earth was she laughing at me?

I didn’t get it, but dwelling on it wouldn’t help, so I focused on the food. It’d be a waste to let my attention wander while eating such delicious beef tongue.

“…So good.”

After finishing our beef tongue and yam rice, we left the restaurant. Our next stop was the underground mall at the station, lined with all sorts of shops. Our target was a general store.

“…Huh, this looks pretty handy.”

As planned, I was checking out cleaning supplies. Hayashi was right behind me—I could tell by her presence.

“…Hey, you.”

While I was eagerly eyeing the cleaning tools, Hayashi called out to me from behind.

“Oh, sorry, I forgot. Have you decided where you want to go?”

“Nope, not yet.”

“Got it…”

“…You know, your feelings show on your face pretty easily.”

“What do you mean?”

“Your emotions.”

My emotions show on my face? Does that mean I’m bad at keeping a poker face?

“It’s kinda surprising. You’re always so aloof, so it’s funny how your face gives everything away.”

With a little chuckle, Hayashi laughed, and it finally clicked.

Calling my face dumb at the station, laughing at me in the beef tongue restaurant, and now this… Hayashi seemed to find my expressions amusing and was laughing because of it.

…You know, that could be considered bullying to some people. Better not do that to anyone else, okay?

“If you’re having that much fun at my expense, I guess that’s fine.”

“Oh, come on, don’t pout.”

“I’m not pouting.”

“You totally are. You’re such a kid sometimes.”

…Sorry for being childish, I guess. I didn’t say it out loud. Complaining out loud would only make me seem more childish.

“…Well, I’m not much different when it comes to being childish.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

Hayashi nodded, her expression somehow fragile.

“Honestly, I don’t want to leave your place. Deep down, that’s what I’m thinking.”

“…Huh?”

“Pretty childish, right? Thinking something like that.”

That’s not true.

I thought it, but I couldn’t say it out loud. What would happen if I did? My mind was racing with those kinds of thoughts, and I couldn’t even open my mouth.

“Don’t worry. Relax. I won’t cause you any more trouble.”

…What would happen?

“So, thank you. You really helped me out this time.”

What would happen if I told her it was okay for her to stay?

“…This got kinda heavy, huh? Sorry. Let’s go. Wanna buy something?”

“Nah, I’m good.”

We left the general store. After about twenty minutes of browsing, we hadn’t bought a single thing.