Volume 2 Episode 6 – I’m going to sleep in the same room as Ryo kun (with unwavering determination)

Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093093152263860/episodes/16818622175621273996

Wow, this brings back memories. It’s a quiz show that used to air during prime time. I think I recorded the episode where Toka was a guest.

“Toka-chan, how are you feeling today?”

“I’m going to get 100 points!”

“Haha, you’re so cute!”

“Thank you!”

…It’s been a while since I saw Toka as a child actor. She has shiny hair and a doll-like face. She’s still incredibly cute even now. Her responses are surprisingly mature for a child, and she always seems to be enjoying herself with a big smile on her face.

“Do you understand today’s question, Toka-chan?”

“Um, I don’t understand at all…”

Her gesture of tilting her head is very cute. The other cast members can’t help but say, “How cute!” This DVD definitely shows Toka from her days in the glamorous world.

Is it okay to watch something like this…? Worried, I glanced at the current Toka sitting next to me.

“～～～!”

That Toka was blushing bright red, looking incredibly embarrassed. Huh? That’s not the reaction I expected.

“Does Toka-chan go to school?”

Toka is talking with a comedian who has become a big-name TV host, appearing on TV almost every day.

“Yes, I do! About three times a week!”

Just that simple exchange fills the venue with laughter. She blushes and bows politely. Reading the atmosphere, choosing the right words instantly, and adding a perfect smile. The child actress Asahina Toka, whom I hadn’t seen in a while, was doing something much more impressive than I remembered.

“I’m doing my homework too!”

“Wow, that’s great! So you’re ready for the quiz too?”

“Yes, I’ll do my best!”

Bright and cheerful responses. Yeah, she’s cute. I liked that earnest feeling.

“…I never dreamed that Ryo would bring Asahina-san, who was on TV like this, here. Even though she’s right in front of me, I still can’t believe it.”

Watching the TV, my mother spoke softly.

“So, he liked me that much?”

“Yeah, every day, he’d be like, ‘Toka-chan, Toka-chan’ nonstop. He’d even say things like, ‘I want to watch Toka-chan’s drama, so hurry up and take a bath!’”

Someone, please shut this old lady up right now! I’m so embarrassed, I feel like my face is on fire! Toka is also listening to this conversation, and I can’t tell if she’s embarrassed or happy!

“Do you have a crush on anyone, Toka-chan?”

“Yes! I love my mom!”

“Well, that’s not what I meant…”

Little Toka answered with an SSR smile.

…That’s what Toka used to say. My heart aches. Why did things turn out this way…?

Immediately after that exchange, a quiet gasp came from beside me.

“…Toka, are you okay?”

Looking at Toka, there were faint tears in her eyes.

“I’m sorry. I was watching TV and it reminded me of the past… I used to dream of eating dinner with my family like this…”

Toka hurriedly wiped the tears from her eyes. mother and Yuzuha looked at each other in surprise.

“I’ve become a crybaby since I met Ryo. I used to be able to keep a straight face…”

“Don’t say it’s like I’m always making you cry.”

I gently tapped Toka on the head. On the TV, Toka was also being tapped on the head with a piko piko hammer by a comedian.

“I don’t really know the circumstances of the Asahina family but…”

My mother, who had been watching us, slowly opened her mouth.

“I said you can stay here, so you can think of this as your home.”

“I’m sorry… Thank you for your consideration…”

Toka thanked my mother with tears in her eyes again.

“…By the way, hasn’t Toka’s fried rice decreased at all?”

The atmosphere was getting a bit tense, so I decided to bring up something I’d been wondering about.

“Ugh!”

“Could it be because there’s bell pepper in it…”

“No way! What are you talking about, Ryo-kun!”

Toka looked flustered and quickly shoveled the fried rice into her mouth. I was definitely right. Our fried rice always has leftover ingredients thrown in it.

“Asahina-san, how is it? Is it too salty?”

“It’s very delicious! It’s so tasty I could eat a lot of it!”

“Really? Don’t be shy, have seconds.”

“Ah, thank you…”

Facing the bell peppers she dislikes, tears different from the ones she shed earlier welled up in her eyes. But she’s trying her best to earn some “daughter points.”

…I have a lot on my mind, but I think I’ll write this down in my notebook.

“Have a proper conversation with Toka’s parents someday.”

If I want Toka to have a smile that surpasses SSR and reaches UR, I feel like this is a must. It might be arrogant, but I want to save everything Toka is carrying.

◇

After finishing lunch, I headed to the kitchen to do the dishes as usual. Generally, I do the dishes while my mother cooks. When my mother is at work, I cook and my sister does the dishes.

“Ah, I’ll help with the cleanup too!”

“It’s okay, it’s okay, Asahina-san, just relax.”

“But…”

Toka looked dejected at not being asked to help. After her tears earlier, my mother’s gaze toward Toka seemed to have softened considerably.

“Mom, let Toka help too.”

“But…”

“That’s just the kind of person she is. Let her try a little.”

“Well, I guess I’ll ask her then…”

After a moment of hesitation, my mother let Toka help with the housework.

“Thank you, Asahina-san. The sponge is here, and the detergent is over there.”

“Yes, I’ll do my best!”

Toka rolled up her sleeves slightly and approached the sink with a serious expression. Her movements were awkward, but it was clear she was trying her best.

“Alright, Toka, keep washing. I’ll dry the dishes.”

“Okay!”

I’m already used to it, but I can understand why my mother and Yuzuha are overly cautious. After all, the girl who was on TV just a moment ago is now washing dishes in our kitchen. It’s not something you get used to easily.

“Toka, there’s still some foam left. Look, here.”

“Oh, I’m sorry…”

Seeing her hurriedly rinse it off again, I couldn’t help but laugh at how cute she looked.

“You don’t have to apologize for something like that.”

“Yeah, Ryo-kun is so kind. I love him.”

She said it so casually. It was so natural, and with the sound of the water running, it seemed like my mom and the others didn’t hear it, which was a relief.

“Asahina-san, you’re staying at our place starting today, right?”

After continuing to wash dishes for a while, my mom spoke to us again.

“I’m sorry, but it would be a great help if you could let me stay…”

“Hmm, then what should we do about the rooms? Should we put Ryo and Yuzuha together and let Asahina-san use Yuzuha’s room?”

“Eeeh!?”

Toka let out a startled cry.

“I’m fine with staying in Ryo kun’s room.”

“Ryo ‘s room is fine… But that’s not possible, is it?”

“I’ll sleep in the same bed… room as Ryo kun.”

My mother froze. Yuzuha, who was fiddling with her phone in the living room, also froze. I could sense Toka’s firm resolve.

You just said “bed,” didn’t you? “Bed”!

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