“Uh, um…?”

Because it happened so suddenly, I missed what Momiji-san said. I thought I heard her say, “Did you kiss?” but there’s no way that could be true. From the little we’ve talked, Momiji-san seems like a serious person.

“Did you and Iori already kiss?”

“Hey.”

I couldn’t help but retort. What is this person even talking about?

Momiji-san moved her face away from my ear and gently covered her mouth with the hem of her kimono.

“You could just tell me, couldn’t you? Well, she’s my daughter, so I imagine she’s quick to act.”

Her sharp, snake-like eyes scanned me from head to toe as if evaluating me. A moment ago, I thought she was a composed and mature woman, but now she just seemed like an odd and unpredictable person. Is this really the person who raised Iori…?

“Perhaps tastes really do run in the family. Looking at you reminds me of my ex-husband. It’s a rather strange feeling.”

“Uh…”

Faced with such an awkward comment, all I could manage was a vague nod. Iori, if you’re in there, please come out soon. And please help me.

I glanced toward the house, but there was no sign of Iori anywhere. Actually, the house was so big that I wasn’t even sure where to look. It was such a grand home that I’d believe it if someone told me it had existed since the Edo period.

“My husband and I were an Aotaka couple too. We were both student council presidents, you know. Back then, we were quite the iconic couple.”

“…I see. Both student council presidents… That’s impressive.”

People around here sure have a lot of Aotaka couples. Even my friends’ parents are often Aotaka couples as if it’s completely normal.

“Right? My husband was incredibly popular, and it was quite a struggle to keep him by my side.”

“Even for someone as beautiful as you, Momiji-san?”

“Ufufu, exactly. So… Natsuki-san, you should be careful too, alright?”

“Careful? About what?”

Momiji-san turned away and began walking toward the entrance. As soon as she stepped away, it felt like the temperature rose a bit. Probably just my imagination.

“I’m a very jealous person. And I’m sure Iori is too. That girl is a lot like me.”

“Jealous? Iori is?”

It didn’t match the image I had of her, so I couldn’t help but ask again. Iori always seemed confident, bold, and capable of brushing off minor things with her radiant presence. Sure, when we’re alone, she can act a bit sulky sometimes, but I never thought that was her true nature.

“You may realize it someday if you’re together long enough… Now, come along, won’t you?”

Urged by Momiji-san, I stepped into the Tachibana household. The interior was just as impressive as the exterior, but Momiji-san’s words kept swirling in my head, and I couldn’t focus on anything else.