Even after Natsuki’s retreating figure had finally disappeared from view, I kept gazing in his direction for a while longer. Somehow, I just felt like doing so.

My test studies hadn’t progressed as much as I’d hoped, and there wasn’t any dramatic moment where Natsuki made a move on me, yet my heart still felt full of happiness. I was glad Natsuki was seriously thinking about our future together.

“Oh my, Natsuki’s already left? I thought he was staying over tonight.”

When I returned to the entrance, my mom was standing there. She wore a surprised expression and peered outside through the gap in the door that I had just opened. Did she really think Natsuki was going to stay over? Knowing my mom, she might have honestly believed that.

“You’re so secretive, Iori. If you’ve got a boyfriend, you should let me know.”

“If I did, you’d definitely say something weird to Natsuki. He’s just a normal person, and you’re too intense for him.”

I know I’m not in a position to say that, considering I switch between two different personalities, but my mom’s quite an unusual person. Her appearance and personality don’t match at all. If she just stayed quiet, even I’d admit she’s beautiful.

“Well, either way, if you’re going to get married eventually, you’ll have to face each other sooner or later.”

“Wait, what? Married?”

Why do both my mom and Natsuki jump ahead so fast? Maybe if I were my other self, I could respond with a straightforward, “Yeah, that’s true,” but for this version of me, it’s all happening a little too quickly.

“Aren’t you getting married?”

“Well… If you’re asking whether I want to or not, I’d say I do… but how can anyone know for sure?”

I heard that only 10% of first relationships end in marriage. By normal standards, we’re more likely to fall into the remaining 90%.

“…Mom, what do you think? About me and Natsuki… Do we seem like a good match?”

I ended up asking because my parents are almost unnaturally lovey-dovey. They’ve shown me firsthand that love can keep burning strong even after twenty years. Ever since I started high school and gained some independence, they’ve even gone on occasional trips together. My parents are that rare 10%.

“Hmm… let’s see.”

Mom made a show of thinking it over, but it was obvious she wasn’t actually pondering it. Apparently, my question was too easy for her to need any serious consideration.

What if she says we’re a terrible match? — That cold fear sent a chill down my spine.

“You’re a terrible match—”

“Huh?”

“—Is what I’d say… but if I did, would you break up with Natsuki?”

Mom flashed a mischievous smile.

“No way! I want to be with him no matter what.”

“That’s your answer. No one can predict compatibility. So if you want to be with someone, just stay with them.”

With that, Mom turned her back to me and walked toward the living room. The lingering anxiety in my chest had vanished at some point, replaced by my inner self smiling confidently and saying, “It’s going to be fine.”

Feeling like I should say something more, I called out to her.

“Mom, you and Dad have always been so in love. What’s your secret?”

“Secret?”

She paused for a moment, pretending to think again. But this time, I somehow knew what she was going to say.

“There’s no secret. Every day, I just love him so much I can’t help myself.”