Chapter 30

To be honest, this was completely unexpected.

"Um, I'll put the dishes here."

"Thank you, Yuu."

I carried the dishes to the kitchen and set them in the sink. When I spoke to Shin’s mother, she responded with a warm smile.

There wasn’t a hint of darkness in that smile.

Having seen all kinds of faces in another world, I was confident in my ability to judge whether someone held malice.

So, I was sure Shin’s mother didn’t harbor any ill feelings toward me.

…And because I knew that, I was deeply confused right now.

"Thank you for helping, Yuu."

"Of course. It’s the least I can do."

The dinner I’d been nervous about passed without incident, and now it was time to clean up. Shin’s mother had started washing the dishes, so I naturally stepped in to help.

"But Yuu, you’re our guest—you could’ve just relaxed."

"I couldn’t do that. Not after you taught me so much."

Dinner had been nitsuke fish and simmered vegetables.

At first, Shin’s mother had apparently considered changing the menu to something Western-style because of my appearance. But I’d insisted, so she kept the original plan.

Japanese home cooking—especially dishes like simmered vegetables—often carries the unique flavor of each household.

So, I wanted to learn the taste of Shin’s home.

And during dinner, Shin had eaten with obvious delight.

If I could recreate this at home, he’d probably be happy.

"You already taught me so much about the seasoning, so please let me help with this."

"...Well, if you insist. Could you dry the dishes for me?"

"Of course."

I took the dishes she handed me, drying them one by one before placing them on the rack.

"……"

"……"

For a while, the two of us worked in silence.

Strangely, it wasn’t awkward at all.

Normally, this kind of quiet would feel uncomfortable, but…

As I wiped a plate, I glanced sideways at Shin’s mother.

She was humming cheerfully as she scrubbed.

…It was baffling.

Why was she in such a good mood?

Did she not find me suspicious at all?

It wasn’t as if she was unaware of my relationship with Shin.

During dinner, as part of the small talk, she’d asked—and I’d answered.

I hadn’t mentioned being formerly male or the other world, but I had explained the… unconventional nature of my bond with Shin.

Yet neither she nor Shin’s father had batted an eye. They’d accepted me without question.

And I couldn’t understand why.

Maybe, like their son, they were just naturally easygoing?

…No, probably not. At the very least, Shin’s father hadn’t seemed the type.

"...Yuu."

"Yes?"

Shin’s mother called my name, her tone gentle.

…I still didn’t get it.

"Thank you."

"...Huh?"

The sudden gratitude caught me off guard.

What was she thanking me for? Helping with the dishes?

"It’s been so long since I’ve seen Shin that happy. So… thank you."

"...Was he?"

Happy? Shin?

"Did it not seem that way to you?"

"...No."

To me, Shin had seemed no different than usual today.

Maybe a little more relaxed, being back home—but not especially happy.

"Then it must’ve been after meeting you that he changed."

"……"

Shin changed… after meeting me?

…Was that really true?

To begin with, I didn’t fully understand what Shin’s mother meant by "It’s been so long since I’ve seen Shin that happy."

Did that imply he hadn’t been happy before?

The Shin I knew was always grinning carelessly—a cheerful, easygoing guy. He’d been like that since the day we met, never seeming anything but happy.

…But now that I thought about it…

A memory from two months ago surfaced.

That day I’d made him cookies.

Back then, Shin had said something like: "Every day’s been fun since you came."

"Way more fun than before."

Which might’ve meant… it hadn’t been fun before.

"…Um, can I ask you something?"

"What is it, dear?"

This felt like a good opportunity. I’d tried asking Shin himself before, but it never went well—usually thanks to alcohol.

"Could you tell me about Shin? About… before we met?"

I knew nothing about his past. Shin never shared, no matter how I pressed. But his mother would know.

"He hasn’t told you?"

"…No."

Whenever I asked, he’d just say "There’s nothing to tell."

"I see… Well then, let’s talk after we finish here."

"Yes!"

Once the dishes were done, Shin’s mother led me to a room where she kept photo albums.

…So I’d finally learn about the Shin from before.

Without realizing it, the unease I’d carried for days melted away—replaced by something lighter, almost eager.