Epilogue | “Have a Great Day!”

“…Should I send it or not… Damn it.”

After breakfast, I returned to the tatami room and sat seiza-style, my mind wrestling with itself. The culprit? My smartphone, resting on the floor before me. Its screen displayed a chat with my dad, the input field holding a message I’d typed: Let’s talk again sometime. It was my attempt to reach out, a small gesture born of frustration at letting things end so abruptly. I wanted at least some kind of conversation.

But the ultimate modern-day curse—being left on read—stung hard. My dad, naturally, was a master at leaving my messages unanswered.

In the background, Nonoa-chan’s cheerful voice echoed from another room, likely playing with Sturmangriff. A pang of jealousy hit me. If that cat weren’t around, Nonoa-chan would probably be hanging out with me instead…!

“Argh, just send it already!”

Fueled by pent-up frustration, I jabbed the send button with enough force to break it. Sent. …Oh no, I actually did it. A wave of nausea-inducing tension surged through me. It’s not like I needed to close the distance between us. It just… pissed me off, plain and simple. I’d never felt this kind of anger toward someone before.

“—Wait, a reply already?”

What the hell? That was way too fast. I checked the message—Got it. Just four short characters, but still, it was the only reply I’d ever gotten from him.

“…Why am I kinda happy about this? Don’t forget what happened yesterday, idiot.”

The sting of being completely ignored still lingered, sharp and unforgettable. Yet… maybe he’d keep replying, right?

“Hey, Kazuto-kun, can I have a moment?”

“Kasumi-san?”

I turned to see Kasumi-san standing there, grinning ear to ear for reasons I couldn’t fathom. And behind her, for some equally baffling reason, was Rinka.

“Tell me, what do you like about Rinka?”

“Wh-what’s with the sudden question…?”

“Just tell me!”

The question came out of nowhere, leaving me flustered. Rinka, standing behind Kasumi-san, gazed at me with sparkling, expectant eyes—far too dazzling for a cool-type idol.

“E-everything. I like… everything about Rinka.”

“Oh, come on, there’s got to be something you don’t like. Rinka makes dolls of you, you know? And she’s done stuff that’s practically stalking…”

“Oh, you know about that? Well, that’s just Rinka being Rinka.”

“Your heart’s too big! Even if she punched you the next second, you’d probably just say, ‘Well, that’s Rinka,’ and forgive her, wouldn’t you?”

“That’s a whole different issue. Besides, Rinka wouldn’t resort to violence.”

Kasumi-san’s example was absurdly extreme.

“See, I told you, Onee-chan. Kazuto accepts and loves every part of me. Our bond as husband and wife is unbreakable.”

“…If it wasn’t Kazuto-kun, you’d be reported to the police in a heartbeat, dear sister.”

Kasumi-san’s mouth twitched as Rinka boldly declared her claim. I understood Kasumi-san’s concern, but if you let something like that rattle you, you wouldn’t survive around Rinka.

“On the flip side, Rinka, what made you fall for Kazuto-kun?”

“Everything. All of him.”

“Be more specific.”

“First, his presence and vibe. His sincerity and straightforward feelings shine through, even in chats. Above all, the way he faces me so genuinely. Sure, he can be a bit sloppy, but that’s just one of his charming quirks—it gives me, as his wife, something to work with. And those gentle eyes he has when he looks at me, so soft, just for me. Oh, and his looks, of course. Those sharp black eyes, his slightly stiff hair… His unexpectedly soft cheeks are so squishy, poking them feels amazing. There’s so much more—his clean, well-kept fingernails, his big, plump hands. The faint veins on his arms make my heart race sometimes. Oh, and—”

Rinka spoke with such fluency and intensity that Kasumi-san, looking slightly overwhelmed, leaned toward me.

“Kazuto-kun… you’re not gonna comment on that?”

“Huh? Was there something weird about it?”

“Kazuto-kun!? You’re way too used to this! This isn’t just about having a big heart anymore!”

“Even if you say that…”

Humans adapt to anything. Besides, I started dating Rinka knowing exactly who she was—and I fell for her because of it.

“Especially Kazuto’s chest—oh, shoot, I’ve got to go.”

“Lesson time?”

“Yup. Nana’s waiting downstairs, so I’ve got to hurry.”

Rinka glanced at her phone and rushed out of the tatami room. Kasumi-san waved, calling out, “Have a good day!” I decided to see her off at the door. Or rather, I wanted to.

At the entrance, Rinka was already slipping on her shoes, hand on the doorknob.

“Uh, have a good day.”

“—Huh, Kazuto?”

“…Why do you look so shocked?”

Rinka turned to me, her eyes wide with disbelief.

“Is it really that weird for me to see you off?”

“Well, it’s the first time… I’m really happy.”

Her words carried no trace of a lie. Rinka’s expression softened gently.

“It feels… kinda weird. Getting seen off by my husband.”

“I’m not your husband yet. Just your boyfriend, you know.”

“Oh? Still saying that? I thought you’d already embraced your role as my husband.”

“…”

Embracing my role as her husband, huh?

“What’s wrong, Kazuto?”

“…It’s cheesy, but in moments like this… there’s something couples do, right?”

“What do you mean…?”

“You know, like… a ‘have a good day’ something-or-other…”

“What’s that supposed to mean? After ‘have a good day,’ it’s ‘I’m off,’ isn’t it?”

“No, not that. Something more… direct, you know…”

“Direct? I don’t get it. Just say it clearly.”

“I mean… wait, you seriously don’t know? Are you playing dumb?”

“What? I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“I thought you, of all people, would get it… You’re not pretending not to know, are you?”

“I’m not. I don’t lie.”

Her usual calm expression returned, and she tilted her head slightly, gazing into my eyes. For real? Anyone would’ve caught on by now. Apparently, Rinka’s oddly shy side left her clueless about certain things. Since she was so fixated on the husband-and-wife dynamic, I wanted her to understand… but it felt awkward to spell it out.

No, maybe I should say it. Or rather, do it.

…Screw it, maybe I’d do it as payback for that surprise first kiss she stole. Feeling strangely bold, I made up my mind.

“Hey, Kazuto. If you don’t say it, I won’t know. Tell me already.”

“…Close your eyes, and I’ll tell you.”

“Like this…?”

Completely unguarded, Rinka closed her eyes. Seeing her so vulnerable, knowing what I was about to do, made my heart pound wildly. But I didn’t hesitate.

—Wait, hold on.

At times like this, Nonoa-chan always appeared out of nowhere to ruin the moment. I glanced behind me. The hallway was empty. Sturmangriff’s meows and Nonoa-chan’s cheerful voice echoed faintly in the distance. Perfect. Nice job, Sturmangriff. Keep her busy…!

Steeling myself, I gently lifted Rinka’s chin.

“—”

Her eyelids twitched as if she might open them, but I leaned in swiftly—our lips met. Maybe because I rushed, or maybe because I’m just bad at this, our lips barely brushed, a fleeting touch. Still, an indescribable sense of satisfaction swelled in my chest.

“Uh—have a good day, Rinka.”

“…Huh? Wha… uh? W-what…?”

Rinka blinked rapidly, clearly not processing what had just happened.

“Yo, Rinka?”

“Uh, um… that just now—”

“Yup! Have a good day! Do your best today!”

I went full steam ahead, grabbing her shoulders and steering her toward the door, practically nudging her out.

“I-I’m off…?”

Still dazed, Rinka opened the door and stepped outside. The door closed with a clunk. Hopefully, I’d played it off. Wiping my brow with my sleeve, I felt like I’d just completed a major mission.

A couple of seconds later—

“N-Nyaaaaaaaah!!”

Rinka’s adorable scream echoed through the door. Making such a racket in the morning was bound to bother the neighbors. Even as my heart refused to calm down, a strangely rational thought crossed my mind. Rinka was just too cute and funny… I couldn’t help but laugh.

As I turned to head back to the tatami room, Nonoa-chan came running from the living room, her footsteps pattering, with Sturmangriff toddling behind. Talk about a close call. I gave a mental thumbs-up to the lucky black cat. If Sturmangriff hadn’t kept Nonoa-chan occupied, I wouldn’t have gotten that kiss.

“Hey, Kazuto-nii! Let’s play together!”

“Sure thing.”

“…Hm?”

Nonoa-chan looked up at my face, tilting her head cutely.

“What’s up, Nonoa-chan?”

“Kazuto-nii, you’re smiling!”

“Huh?”

I touched my mouth instinctively. Was I smiling? I hadn’t even noticed.

“Why? Did something happen with Rinka-nee?”

“Well… yeah, something funny happened.”

“What? Tell me!”

“It’s a bit too soon for you, Nonoa-chan. Maybe later.”

“Hm? Oh, I get it! You gave her an ‘I’m off’ kiss!”

“How the heck did you know that?!”

“Yay! Kazuto-nii climbed the adult stairs! Yay!”

Nonoa-chan cheered excitedly. I haven’t climbed any adult stairs…

“What’s that? Kazuto-kun made the first move? Hmm, interesting.”

“Gah, Kasumi-san’s here too?”

“That reaction’s kinda rude, you know. I’m her big sister, after all… So, how was the kiss? I mean, I know how it feels, but I figured I’d ask anyway.”

“How can you casually ask your sister’s boyfriend something like that…?”

“It’s no big deal! Come on, spill it.”

“…My lips… got hot and tingly.”

“Oho, hot and tingly… Of course, I totally get it. Anything else?”

“Please, give me a break…”

Man, what a chaotic morning. Once Rinka gets back, it’ll probably get even wilder. And… I’m kinda looking forward to it. I’m excited for Rinka to come home. I’m starting to feel like a kept man or something—seeing her off and eagerly waiting for her return.

Come to think of it, saying “have a good day” was a first for me. Maybe tonight, when Rinka comes home, I’ll say “welcome back”—another first.