Author's Notes:
Please don't forget to review, favourite and follow! :) - Love, SP
The Other Half
A JJK Fanfic
Satoru Gojo x FMC
Chapter 4: Visiting the Parents
It was a rare, tranquil weekend, and Satoru and I decided it would be best to give Itadori some space. We took the opportunity to visit my parents in the countryside. It had been far too long since we last made the trip, so we decided to stay there for a few days, to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the peace and quiet that our lives in Tokyo so often lacked. This was one of those precious weekends where we could indulge in the luxury of simply being together without the constant worries of curses and missions.
In typical Satoru fashion, he took his time carefully selecting souvenirs for my parents. He scoured every shop we passed, eyeing trinkets and treats with a laser-like focus. "It has to be perfect," he muttered under his breath, picking up and discarding items as if he were searching for a rare, cursed object. After what felt like an eternity, he finally settled on a selection of traditional sweets and a handcrafted tea set that he deemed "appropriate". The satisfaction on his face was almost comical.
My parents live in a small village near Osaka, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It's a place where the air is crisp, the sky is wide, and time seems to move just a little bit slower. I missed waking up to the sound of birds chirping outside the window, and I longed to walk down to the river at night to watch the stars twinkle above.
When we arrived at the train station, my father was already waiting for us with his familiar, warm smile. "Hello, Souichiro-san," Satoru greeted him formally, bowing as he handed over the carefully chosen gifts. "Some souvenirs from Tokyo. I handpicked all of them, personally!" His voice brimmed with pride.
"Thanks, son," my dad, Souichiro Nagi, replied, his eyes crinkling as he chuckled and patted Satoru on the back. At 54, he still looked as sturdy and lively as ever, with only a few tufts of grey in his hair betraying his age. He and my mother were both still active, working part-time at a lunch-making factory near our house. There was something comforting about his steady presence.
I moved forward to hug him. "Hi, Dad. How have you been?"
"Same old, same old. Just happy you two could make the time to visit," he said, smiling as he led us to his car.
"Yeah, we managed to get a free weekend." I smiled softly, appreciating the familiarity of it all.
"Eri, Eri, Eri," Satoru murmured, poking my shoulder incessantly.
"Yes, Sa-chan?" I sighed, turning to him with a knowing smile. He was already bubbling with energy.
"Did you hear that?" Satoru leaned close, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "He called me 'son!'" He whispered so loudly that my father couldn't help but overhear and burst into laughter.
My dad has always been laid-back, not much ruffled him. "Let's get going," he said with a chuckle, clearly amused by Satoru's antics.
My mother, on the other hand…
"Satoru-chaaaaan~!" My mother, Michiko Nagi, shouted with glee as soon as we pulled up to the house. Her long, hazelnut brown hair with white streaks swayed against the wind. Arms spread wide, she rushed over with a beaming smile that practically lit up the entire street. The two of them were like peas in a pod—completely at ease in each other's presence and often up to no good when left alone together.
"Mom!" Satoru shouted back, dropping the bags and sprinting towards her. He enveloped her in the biggest bear hug he could muster, lifting her slightly off the ground as she giggled with pure delight.
It was heartwarming to watch them together. "You'd think he's the biological child, right?" I commented dryly to my father.
Dad's shoulders shook as he laughed, wrapping an arm around me as we walked up the gravel path. "You'll always be our number one, but Satoru's an extended part of you now."
"I know," I murmured, leaning my head against his shoulder, feeling the gentle comfort of his embrace.
My mother, however, wasn't done yet. "Eri-chan!" she shouted, letting go of Satoru and dashing over to me with open arms. She caught me in a tight, bone-crushing hug that only a mother could give. "Did Satoru feed you well? Have you been eating enough? You've lost weight, haven't you?" She began poking at my sides before narrowing her eyes at Satoru, her playful tone turning mock-serious. "If you haven't been keeping her well-fed, I'll hit you where it hurts!"
"Mom!" I laughed, feeling the tension of the last few weeks melt away. "I'm fine. He's been great, I promise."
Satoru raised his hands defensively. "Hey, hey! I've been making sure she eats three square meals a day! Cross my heart."
"Good. Because if not, you'll have to answer to me." My mom grinned, before turning to my dad. "Come on, everyone inside. I've prepared a feast!"
My mother really went all out for dinner. The table was filled with a beautiful spread: pickled plums glistening with their vibrant red hues, fried fish with a perfect crispy exterior, stuffed chicken seasoned with herbs and spices, an assortment of golden tempura, and a creamy mushroom soup that filled the air with its savory aroma. Each dish looked more mouthwatering than the last.
"Wow, this is like a feast for the gods," Satoru marveled, his eyes widening as his gaze shifted from one dish to the next. He was practically drooling.
"Mom, this looks amazing!" I couldn't help but beam at her proudly, feeling my heart swell with nostalgia. It had been too long since we'd had one of her home-cooked meals.
She puffed out her chest and crossed her arms, looking quite pleased with herself. "Well, don't just stare! Dig in!" she said, smiling with a hint of mischief in her eyes. "It's not every day I get to cook for you two."
We didn't need any more encouragement. Chopsticks in hand, we eagerly sampled everything on the table. Each bite was filled with the warmth and care only a mother could infuse into her cooking. As we ate, Mom peppered us with questions about work, and Satoru happily obliged, regaling my parents with lively stories about his students and the antics they got up to at school. Every now and then, I'd interject, adding details that Satoru might have exaggerated—or left out entirely—to make himself sound cooler.
In return, Mom shared some stories from the factory where she and Dad worked. "Just the other day, one of the new guys slipped on the wet floor and—" she paused, holding back a laugh, "—his wig fell off! Right as the boss walked in! And you know what happened next?" She waited, grinning mischievously.
"What happened?" I asked, already smiling at her contagious laughter.
"The boss started stomping on it, thinking it was a big rat!" Mom burst out, shaking with laughter as she tried to imitate the boss's frantic stomping.
The entire table erupted into laughter, Satoru nearly doubling over in his seat. "I wish I could've seen that!" he said, wiping away a tear.
"But Satoru," my mom continued after the laughter died down, a sudden glint in her eye. "When are you planning to propose to Erina, huh? Or are you just going to keep playing around?"
"Mom!" My face instantly heated up, and I looked down, trying to hide the blush creeping up my cheeks. I'd joked about this a few weeks ago, but I hadn't expected her to bring it up like this. I prayed that Satoru wouldn't think I'd been scheming with her behind his back.
Satoru, however, didn't seem fazed at all. Instead, he leaned closer, motioning for my mom to come nearer as if he were about to tell her a top-secret piece of information. Intrigued, my mom complied, and he whispered something to her that made her eyes widen before she burst into a fit of giggles.
My dad and I exchanged bewildered looks. What were those two up to?
It continued for several minutes, my mom whispering something back and Satoru nodding along with a mischievous grin. At one point, Satoru pulled out his phone and showed her something, which made her squeal in delight and playfully swat his arm.
"What are you two talking about?" I interrupted, half-amused, half-exasperated. They were acting like teenagers gossiping about some juicy secret.
"Oh, just… something," Mom teased, a knowing smile on her face.
I shot Satoru a pointed look as we began clearing the dishes after dinner. My parents retreated to the living room to rest, leaving us in the kitchen.
"What was that all about?" I asked casually as I lathered soap on the dishes, watching him out of the corner of my eye.
"It's a secret," he hummed, swaying slightly as he rinsed the plates. His grin was as wide as I'd ever seen it.
I raised an eyebrow. "Are you planning to propose to me?" I asked, half-teasing, half-curious. It was a long shot, but I wanted to see his reaction.
"Wha—Hey!" He spluttered, his cheeks turning the faintest shade of pink. "It's a secret, okay!" He quickly sprayed water in my direction, causing me to squeal and laugh as I shielded my face with my arm.
"Stop that!" I protested, shaking off the water droplets. "You're not going to distract me that easily."
Satoru stuck his tongue out childishly. "You're not going to find out! This is going to be the world's best-kept secret!" he declared, puffing out his chest.
I wiped my face with my sleeve, a soft smile lingering on my lips. "Well, it's not much of a secret if my mom already knows about it."
He paused for a moment, then shrugged, a content smile playing on his lips. "Maybe it isn't. But it made her happy, so I'm happy too."
Whatever he and my mom were whispering about, it clearly meant a lot to both of them. I decided not to press further. If it was something that brought so much joy to my family, then it didn't matter what it was.
"Hey," I said softly as we finished the last of the dishes, "do you want to go down to the river tonight? It's a clear night. We might be able to see the stars."
"Sure," he agreed, smiling gently. "Let's make a memory out of it."
The lake was just a five-minute walk from my parents' house. The town looked almost exactly the same as it did when I was a child—quaint and sleepy, as if frozen in time. The only noticeable difference now was the addition of rental scooters that dotted almost every street corner. A small reminder of how even the quietest places couldn't escape modernization.
"Did you used to go stargazing by the river often?" Satoru asked, his voice gentle in the still night air. His hand was warm in mine, our fingers intertwined as we strolled at a leisurely pace towards the lake.
"Not all the time," I replied softly, giving his hand a small squeeze. I drifted closer to him, snaking my arm around his and resting my head on his shoulder. "But during the summer, yes. On nights like these when the sky was clear, I'd come out here to escape and just... think."
Satoru glanced down at me, his lips curling into a teasing smirk. "Did you ever meet up with another boy out here, huh?" he prodded, kicking a small pebble along the gravel path. "Did you hold his hand just like this too?"
I rolled my eyes and chuckled, nudging him lightly. "Sa-chan, we met in high school. And ever since then, you've stuck to me like glue. If there had been another boy, you would've seen him firsthand and probably scared him off with one of your death glares." I poked his cheek playfully. "Silly man."
"Hmm, good point. No one's brave enough to challenge me for your affection." He puffed out his chest proudly, earning an eye roll with a matching laugh from me.
We continued our slow, meandering walk, with only the sound of cicadas and the soft rustle of leaves accompanying us. As we approached the riverbank, I noticed how it shimmered under the moonlight, the gentle ripples creating a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow on the water's surface. A wave of nostalgia washed over me. I used to come here on my own and gaze at the sky, feeling both comforted and insignificant under the vast expanse of stars.
Tonight, though, I wasn't alone.
We spread out on the cool grass, lying side by side as we stared up at the sky. The stars, glittering like tiny diamonds, seemed to stretch on forever. Satoru, being his usual playful self, started connecting them in his mind, drawing out imaginary shapes and patterns with his finger.
"That one," he pointed, "looks like Nobara's hammer. See the two stars there? That's the handle, and these make up the head of the hammer."
I squinted, tilting my head as I tried to follow his line of sight. "Hmm… it's a bit of a stretch, but I guess I can see it."
"And look over there," he continued, tracing another set of stars. "If you connect them like this, it kind of looks like Megumi's hair. All spiky and messy." He grinned, clearly pleased with himself.
I burst out laughing. "How do you even come up with these things?"
"Because I'm a genius," he declared with mock seriousness.
"You really adore these kids, huh." I commented with a smile.
"What can I say? We're all on the same crazy wavelength. But—" His tone changed to a playful one. "I adore them from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday." I snorted. He turned to me then, his expression softening as he reached out to twirl a lock of my hair around his finger. "But you," he murmured, his voice low and sincere, "you're the one I want to be with 24/7."
Warmth spread through my chest at his words. My heart felt so full in that moment that I thought it might burst. "I love you, Sa-chan," I whispered, gazing into his bright blue eyes that seemed to hold the very essence of the sky.
"I love you too, Eri," he whispered back, his gaze never wavering. For a long moment, we just lay there, surrounded by the tranquility of the countryside, the stars bearing silent witness to our shared happiness.
A sudden gust of wind rustled the trees, sending a chill through the air. Satoru shifted beside me, sitting up and glancing at me with concern. "We should go home. It's getting cold."
I pretended to groan, flopping back dramatically onto the grass. "Carry me. I'm tired," I demanded, pouting up at him playfully.
"Your wish is my command, m'lady." He wiggled his brows mischievously as he got to his feet. "How would you like to be carried? Princess style, or the-drunk-girlfriend-on-my-back style?"
I burst out laughing. "Hmmm," I pretended to think it over, putting a finger to my lips. "Well—"
"Too late!" He suddenly swooped down and grabbed me by the waist, hoisting me over his shoulder. "Potato sack style it is!"
"Sa-chan!" I squealed, my laughter ringing out into the night. I didn't know whether to be annoyed or to just give in and laugh at his ridiculousness. "Put me down! This hurts my head!"
"Ah, my deepest apologies, my love." He let out an exaggerated sigh before carefully adjusting me so I was cradled against his chest, holding me bridal style. His eyes softened, and he leaned down to place a gentle kiss on my forehead. "Better?"
"Much better," I murmured, resting my head against his chest. I could hear the steady beat of his heart and feel the warmth radiating from him. It was these little moments—his playfulness, his tenderness—that made me fall in love with him over and over again.
As we made our way back to the house, the cool breeze rustled the leaves above us, carrying with it the faint scent of the river and the earth. I closed my eyes, savoring the quiet contentment that enveloped us. Everything felt perfect—our shared laughter, the feel of Satoru's arms around me, and the knowledge that we had each other.
-xXxXx-
When I woke up, the futon beside me was empty. I blinked, feeling disoriented. Sunlight filtered gently through the rice-paper shoji doors, casting a soft glow across the room. I glanced at the wall clock—it read 11 a.m. I'd slept in.
The house was silent, enveloped in that tranquil, sleepy stillness I had long forgotten. Being back in my childhood home, with its familiar creaks and subtle scent of tatami mats, must have lulled me into such deep slumber. I stretched lazily, a sense of calm settling over me. Satoru must have tiptoed around to let me rest. Typical of him.
With a contented sigh, I folded my futon and headed out to the living room. As I rounded the corner, I found my father sitting comfortably on the worn sofa, a steaming cup of green tea in his hand. The familiar chaotic sounds of Takeshi's Castle blared from the television, and I couldn't help but smile at the sight.
"Good morning, Erina," Dad greeted warmly, patting the seat next to him.
"Morning, Dad." I slid onto the sofa and leaned back, glancing around the quiet house. "Where's Mom and Satoru?" I asked, noticing how unusually peaceful it was. There were no excited voices or the clatter of kitchen utensils that usually accompanied my mother's antics.
Dad chuckled, setting his cup down on the table. "They went fishing."
"Fishing?" I blinked, my eyebrows shooting up in disbelief. "Fishing?" I repeated, making sure I'd heard him correctly.
"Yes, fishing," Dad confirmed, his lips twitching in amusement. "Your mom mentioned that her friend's husband just bought a new fishing boat and wanted to test it out today. She got curious and wanted to see it for herself." He paused, giving me a knowing look. "Satoru was already awake, and, well… you can guess what happened next."
"Mom hyped him up, didn't she? And Satoru got swept up with it." I groaned, picturing the scene in my head. I could almost see my mom's eager expression and Satoru's enthusiastic grin as they got swept up in each other's energy. "But neither of them has a clue how to fish, right?"
Dad laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "That pretty much sums it up. They were so overexcited that they left in a rush. I bet your mom has a fishing rod in one hand and a camera in the other, trying to document the whole thing."
We both burst into laughter at the mental image, the sound echoing softly in the empty house. After a moment, Dad's expression softened, and he gave me a gentle smile. "He's a good one, Erina. I'm glad you chose him."
The unexpected comment made my heart swell, and I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes. I'd been with Satoru for years now, but hearing my father's approval like this, so simply yet earnestly, meant the world to me. I shifted closer and wrapped my arms around him in a tight hug.
"He's just like Mom, isn't he?" I murmured, my voice a little choked. "Full of life and impossible to keep up with." I pulled back slightly to look at Dad's face, which now held a wistful smile. "I'm also glad you chose Mom."
Dad's grin widened, his eyes shimmering with a touch of nostalgia. "She's been my adventure for almost thirty years," he said softly, patting my arm. "And now you have your own adventure with Satoru. He fits right in, you know?"
I nodded, warmth spreading through me as I thought of Satoru and his relentless energy, how he always made my parents laugh and managed to bring out the best in them. He wasn't just my partner—he'd become part of our family.
"I know," I whispered, a smile tugging at my lips. "And it's never a dull moment with him around."
Dad chuckled, reaching for his tea again. "Let's just hope they don't end up capsizing the boat," he joked lightly.
I laughed along, already imagining the chaos the two of them were likely causing at this very moment.
We just sat there, enjoying each other's company in the comfort of our old home. It was these moments—these small, quiet pockets of time—that made me grateful for having such a supportive family.
-xXxXx-
Before we knew it, the weekend had slipped away, and it was time to head back to Tokyo. My mom looked almost heartbroken as she stood by the gate, her arms tightly folded as if trying to hold onto us a little longer. "I wish you could stay longer," she sighed dramatically, pulling me in for one last, lingering hug. I could feel the familiar warmth of her embrace, the subtle scent of her perfume that I'd grown up with.
"We'll be back soon, Mom. I promise," I murmured softly, patting her back. She sniffled a little but then pulled away with a forced, cheerful smile. My father, with his usual calm demeanor, just patted my shoulder and gave Satoru a brief, approving nod.
"Take care of each other," My mom said gently as we loaded our bags into the trunk. "And don't forget to eat the food your mother packed." She motioned to the neatly wrapped bento boxes she'd painstakingly prepared earlier that morning. Each one was labeled with cute little messages like Have a great week! and Eat well, Satoru-kun! I could practically see her fretting over them in the kitchen while I was still half-asleep.
"We will, Mom," I promised.
Once we arrived at the train station, we exchanged final goodbyes. My father gave Satoru a firm handshake and me a warm hug, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Take care, and let us know when you get back safely."
"We will. Thank you, Dad," I said, feeling a small lump forming in my throat. Leaving home always felt bittersweet, especially after such a peaceful weekend.
Satoru and I waved until they were out of sight, and with one last look at our small hometown, we boarded the train bound for Tokyo. The rhythmic motion of the train, coupled with the soft murmur of passengers around us, lulled me into a state of drowsy comfort. Before I knew it, I was leaning against Satoru's shoulder, half-asleep.
The ride passed in a comfortable blur. By the time we pulled into the city, the sun was already setting, casting a warm, golden glow over the streets. Ijichi-san was waiting at the platform, standing beside his car with a small, polite smile. He helped load our bags into the trunk and then ushered us inside.
"Thanks, Ijichi-san," I mumbled, leaning back against the seat as the exhaustion from the trip started to weigh on me. "Sorry to trouble you."
"It's no trouble at all, Nagi-sensei," he replied kindly, turning the car onto the main road. Satoru and I exchanged a tired glance, and I nestled closer to his side, his arm draped casually around my shoulders. Their conversation drifted around me—something about missions and updates on the students—but I was too exhausted to pay much attention. The steady hum of the engine and the familiar comfort of Satoru's presence soon lulled me back into a light sleep.
I wasn't sure how long I'd been out when I stirred, blinking against the dim light. "We're home already?" I asked groggily, straightening up and rubbing my eyes.
"Not quite," Satoru murmured beside me. "Ijichi-san, you can drop me off here."
"What?" I frowned, squinting out the window. We were still in the outskirts, far from Tokyo's bustling city center. "What are you talking about, Sa-chan?"
"It's just a little detour," he said casually, leaning over to kiss my forehead. "I forgot I have a meeting with someone."
Ijichi-san looked just as confused as I felt. "Here?" he asked, glancing around at the empty road and the sparse countryside. "In the middle of nowhere?"
Satoru nodded with a small, reassuring smile. "Yeah, it's fine." He turned to me and brushed a few stray strands of hair behind my ear. "I'll be back before you know it, Eri."
"…Okay." I eyed him warily, but I knew him well enough to know that sometimes, he did things on impulse. "Just… take care, okay?" I murmured, watching as he opened the car door.
"Always, my love." He gave me a quick salute and stepped out. I watched him through the window, his tall figure framed against the darkening sky. He seemed completely at ease as if he were waiting for something—or someone.
When I got home, I was greeted by the sight of Yuuji, who had just finished brewing himself some tea. He balanced a steaming cup in one hand and a snack in the other while holding a small stuffed doll that looked suspiciously like one of Yaga-san's cursed creations, complete with tiny boxing gloves.
"Welcome back, Nagi-sensei," Yuuji greeted cheerfully, careful not to drop his snack as he maneuvered to bow slightly. His face lit up with a curious smile. "Where's Gojo-sensei?"
"Thanks, Itadori," I replied, setting down our travel bags at the entrance and straightening up with a sigh. "Satoru forgot he was meeting with some friends." The mention of Satoru's abrupt departure still felt a bit odd, but I wasn't too concerned—he was always prone to spontaneous decisions.
"Mmm," Yuuji hummed with a simple nod, seemingly used to Gojo's unpredictability. Without another word, he disappeared down the stairs, heading back to the basement.
I watched him go, wondering briefly how his training was progressing. His growth was undeniable, but I couldn't help but feel a small twinge of concern for what he'd been put through recently. Shaking off the thought, I went about unpacking our bags and loading the washing machine with the dirty laundry from our trip. Once everything was sorted, I made myself comfortable in the living room, letting the soft hum of the TV fill the silence.
With a random movie playing in the background, I found myself dozing off on the couch, half-asleep. The rhythmic sound of the washing machine was oddly comforting. I was almost fully out when the front door swung open, snapping me back to reality.
"Welcome ho—" My greeting trailed off when I noticed Satoru's disheveled appearance, his familiar smirk playing on his lips as he stepped inside. "Huh?" I blinked in surprise. Yuuji followed closely behind him, looking just as messy. "Weren't you downstairs, Ita—and why does it smell like burnt barbeque?" I wrinkled my nose, scanning them both for any signs of injury.
"Long story, Nagi-sensei," Yuuji responded sheepishly, scratching the back of his head as he slipped off his shoes. "Gojo-sensei took me on a… field trip."
I looked back and forth between the two of them, waiting for someone to elaborate. Satoru, who was clearly unfazed by the state they were in, plopped down beside me on the couch and immediately pulled me into his arms, not caring that Yuuji was still standing nearby.
"Well," Satoru began, his voice light as he stroked my hair, "I sensed that a curse had been following us, and I thought it just wanted an audience with me. So I sent you and Ijichi-san home. I didn't want it to see my girlfriend and get any ideas about snatching you away." He pouted, as if the very thought of it hurt him deeply. "Turns out I was right. The curse showed up just as expected and wanted to play. I figured it'd be a good opportunity to warp Yuuji there and teach him more about domains."
"Ahh," I murmured softly, absorbing his words as I leaned back slightly to look at him properly. "You both smell like you burnt down a forest. Please, take a shower."
Yuuji grinned and gave a small wave before heading back downstairs. "Thanks, Gojo-sensei!" he called out before disappearing.
"Do I not get a reward for a job well done of exterminating a curse—a powerful curse—at that?" Satoru leaned in closer, his eyes wide and pleading, the signature puppy-eyed expression he always used to get his way.
I raised an eyebrow and leaned forward, sniffing his hair dramatically. It smelled like he'd rubbed charcoal through it, though there were no visible signs of singed hair or burned clothing. "Was the curse really that strong?" I teased, eyes narrowing playfully.
"Yes, very strong," he emphasized, lips twitching as he tried to keep a straight face.
I pretended to consider it for a moment. "Sure," I said with a smirk, planning to tease him further. Before he could react, I grabbed his face and kissed him fiercely, as if pouring all my pent-up worry and relief into that one kiss. My hand snaked up to his nape, fingers tangling in his hair as I held him close. He responded immediately, a low growl of satisfaction rumbling in his throat as he deepened the kiss, his body slowly leaning into mine.
Satoru grinned against my lips, his hands sliding to my waist as he gently dipped me back onto the sofa. I could feel his heart beating steadily as I murmured, "Your undercut's growing out, Sa-chan," my eyes locked onto his.
"Mmm, didn't know my girlfriend would be so bold knowing that my student is just downstairs," he teased, his voice dropping a notch as his gaze darkened with amusement.
Reality snapped back, and I abruptly remembered Yuuji's presence in the house. Flustered, I smacked his arm lightly. "Go have a shower," I ordered, pushing at his chest with a grin.
He sighed dramatically, making no effort to hide his reluctance. "Fine, fine…" But then, his expression softened, and he leaned down to plant a gentle kiss on my forehead. "But next time, I'm cashing in on that reward properly."
I couldn't help but smile at his playful tone, my fingers trailing over his arm as he got up. "And make sure to scrub off all that charcoal smell."
"Yes, ma'am," he responded with a mock salute before finally heading to the bathroom. I watched him go, shaking my head in amused exasperation. Life with Satoru was like being on a constant rollercoaster—unexpected twists and turns, but never a dull moment.
BONUS LITTLE SIDE STORY:
Satoru and Erina's mother, Michi, returned from their fishing trip around 1 p.m., their faces glowing with excitement. By then, Erina and her father had already had lunch, but they quickly prepared some sandwiches just in case the two were hungry. Erina didn't think much of it until she saw them struggling to carry in two massive buckets — the kind used in supermarkets — filled to the brim with fish of all shapes and sizes.
"Sa-chan?" Erina stared wide-eyed at the haul. "Why do you have so many?"
Satoru set the buckets down with a triumphant grin, placing his hands on his hips like a superhero. "Because I am the best fisherman!" he declared, voice booming with exaggerated bravado. He almost burst into a villain-like laugh, and to Erina's surprise, her mother immediately mimicked his pose, her laughter matching his in pitch and volume. "Ha ha ha ha ha ha!"
Erina blinked, baffled by the absurdity of the scene in front of her. The two looked like a pair of cartoon villains who had just succeeded in taking over the world. Erina's father, watching from the dining table, simply shook his head with a bemused smile.
"Okay, 'Master Fisherman,'" Erina teased, peering at the piles of glistening fish, "now what are you going to do with all of these?"
For the rest of the afternoon, the house bustled with activity as Satoru and her mother turned the kitchen into a makeshift fish-preparation station. They ended up turning the whole thing into a competition on who could scale, debone, and prepare the fish faster. Satoru's hyper-competitive streak, fueled by her mom's playful taunts, came into full effect.
"Ha! Another one down!" Satoru declared triumphantly, filleting a mackerel with surgical precision and tossing it into a bowl. He glanced at Erina's mother with a cocky grin. "How many does that make? Ten to eight? And you call me slow!"
"Hold your horses, Mister Big Shot!" Her mother narrowed her eyes, quickly but carefully slicing through another fish. "The competition isn't over yet. One mistake, and I'll catch up!"
The kitchen filled with the sounds of knives scraping against scales, rhythmic chopping, and the two of them bantering like lifelong friends. Erina found herself giggling on the sidelines, watching her mother get riled up in a playful rivalry with Satoru. By the end of it, Satoru stood victorious, arms raised like a champion while her mother panted and waved a dish towel in mock defeat.
"I suppose you're going to gloat now, huh?" Her mother asked, trying to hide a smile.
"Gloat? Of course not!" Satoru scoffed dramatically. "But I will accept my prize for being the Ultimate Fish Master."
"Oh, there's a prize, alright," her mother smirked, placing her hands on her hips. "The winner has the honor of helping me distribute all this fish to the neighbors."
Satoru's face dropped. "Eh?" He glanced at the ridiculous amount of fish they'd prepared, then back at Erina's mom, who looked entirely too pleased with herself. "W-Wait a second, I didn't agree to—"
"You're the 'best fisherman,' aren't you? Isn't it only right to share your 'great catch' with everyone?" She countered with a grin.
Erina couldn't help but burst into laughter at the look of defeat on Satoru's face as he realized he'd been outplayed. "Well, Sa-chan, looks like being the 'Ultimate Fish Master' comes with some responsibility after all."
Satoru sighed theatrically but soon cracked a smile. "Alright, alright. But only because I'm such a generous and humble fisherman," he said, puffing out his chest in an exaggerated manner before glancing sheepishly at Erina's mom. "And… because you asked so nicely."
Her mother laughed, shaking her head. "You're such a goofball, Satoru. Let's get these packed up, shall we?"
Together, they bundled the fish into neat packages and spent the rest of the afternoon going door-to-door, distributing the catch to grateful neighbors who couldn't stop marveling at how much they'd caught. As they handed over the last few packages, Erina's mother turned to Satoru and gave him an affectionate smile. "You know, Satoru, I think you're not just a good fisherman… you're a good man. I'm really happy my daughter has you."
Satoru paused, genuinely touched by her words. He nodded, his usual playful grin softening into something more sincere. "And I'm really happy to have her, too."