Night fell, closing a day that, strangely, felt light. After walking home and parting ways at the usual intersection, I returned home with my head still filled with the soft laughter of that girl.
And just like the routine that had become part of my days…
“Ares, come eat first, dear,” Mom’s voice echoed from downstairs, loud enough to pass through my half-open bedroom door.
I got up from bed, dragging myself to the kitchen. Dinner time wasn’t something I looked forward to... but I didn’t want to trouble Mom either.
On the dining table, as usual, a warm meal she had made was already served—simple, but always felt like a hug.
I lived with my mom and older sister, Liana—uh, no. My sister’s name is Ranita, five years older than me, and now she works as a cashier at a convenience store.
Our house is pretty quiet. The wooden walls creaked when the night wind slipped through the half-open kitchen window. No TV or radio sounds. Just the sound of spoons and forks tapping against plates.
Silent, but as familiar as breathing.
My father? He’s been gone a long time. Passed away when I was a toddler. The memories of him are vague, just fragments: big hands that carried me, the scent of adult cologne, and a smile that felt warm... though now faded.
I’m not sad, just... empty. But not the kind of emptiness that hurts. More like an empty space that no longer demands to be filled.
I sat down. Mom spooned rice onto my plate with a small smile, as usual. This moment meant nothing to the outside world. But to me... it was enough.
In the middle of dinner, I noticed Mom seemed to be thinking about something, unlike her usual cheerful self when eating dinner.
“Is something wrong, Mom?” I asked, trying to be a good son.
I asked in a careful voice, trying to look more mature than usual.
Across the table, Nita, who had been eating with her head down, finally looked up. She slowly lifted her chin, her gaze hinting the same thing—she noticed it too.
Mom took a glass of water after swallowing her food, then replied;“No, it’s nothing important. It’s about my job.”
Mom works as a model. I wouldn’t hesitate to say that she does have a striking appearance. Dad was lucky to win her heart. If he were still here, how would he respond to moments like this?
During the calm dinner, my eyes glanced at Mom. Unlike her usual light chatter, her face now looked slightly... pensive. Sometimes she just stirred her rice without really eating it.
I gently put down my spoon. “Mom, is something on your mind?”
My tone was flat, but I truly meant to ask. Maybe it sounded awkward, but I was trying... to be a caring son, even if a little late.
Across the table, Nita—who always looked calm like drizzle—lifted her chin slightly. She seemed to sense the change in tonight’s mood too.
Mom sighed, then swallowed her last bite before taking a glass of water. She sipped it slowly, then said with a slight smile, “Nothing important. Just a work matter.”
Mom works as a model. And even though she’s not young anymore, she still stands out among other moms. Elegant, friendly, and somehow\... always looks strong. I wouldn’t hesitate to say: she’s the only person in the world who could walk down our hallway like it’s a catwalk.
And Dad... was lucky to have had someone like her.
Sometimes I imagine, if Dad were still around, what would he say during moments like this? Maybe he’d tease Mom as usual. Or just pat my head, and say: “Take care of them, okay?”
But that’s just a thought. What remains now is the three of us, looking after each other the best we can... even if not always perfectly.
“Does it have to do with a model photoshoot, Mom?” asked Nita, her voice soft and calm as always.
Mom lowered her head a little, then nodded. “Yes,” she said. “My workplace got a project to promote formal uniforms. It wouldn’t be a problem... if the uniforms were for adult women. But unfortunately, they’re made for teens.”
Oh. That sounded... more complicated than I thought.
Nita stayed silent for a moment, then gave a small smile. “So... do you think I still suit that kind of outfit?”
“Yes, at first I thought about that too,” Mom replied with a smile. “But unfortunately, the size doesn’t fit you. Too small.”
Nita raised an eyebrow, half-joking. “Hmm... so you mean I’m not suited for it?”
Mom chuckled softly. “No, I mean... you’ve outgrown school uniforms.”
I just sat silently, spooning rice into my mouth. But deep down, I thought... this house is full of beautiful women. One’s a model, the other a calm-faced cashier who often gets mistaken for a social media influencer. And me? Well, I’m just Ares. The only guy in the house, and the most ordinary of them all.
And somehow\... I don’t mind at all.
But... wait a second. School uniforms, she said?
“Mom,” I called softly, after swallowing the last bite, “Short hair... is okay, right?”
Instantly, two pairs of eyes turned to me. Nita and Mom stared at the same time, making me sit up straight by reflex. Why did it suddenly feel like an interrogation?
“Don’t tell me you—”
“Not me,” I cut in quickly, before Nita could finish her suspicious-sounding sentence.
Mom touched her cheek with her fingers, a sweet smile starting to form on her face. “Your girlfriend?” she whispered softly.
“No, not that either,” I replied reflexively—and maybe a bit too fast. Simultaneously, even.
Oh god... of all the people in the world, these two clearly know I’m not the type who attracts attention. What can be expected from someone who sits in the corner of the class and always forgets to bring lunch?
“Just a friend,” I replied quickly. Too quickly, in fact, and my tone sounded like... I was hiding something.
“A friend?” Mom repeated slowly, as if spelling out the possibility of something more.
I started to regret speaking up.
“Oh\~?” Mom’s voice raised slightly, her eyebrows lifting, then she leaned forward like she just found juicy gossip. “A girl friend?”
I regretted it. I seriously regretted opening my mouth.
Nita smirked slightly, her expression rarely changed much, but this time her eyes sparkled with curiosity. “What’s her name?” she asked calmly, but her tone sounded like she was disarming me.
“No one,” I dodged while lowering my head, spooning more rice even though I was already full.
Mom giggled softly. “Oh my, you get all flustered just mentioning 'friend'. Don’t tell me you actually like her?”
I stared at my plate. “Not really…”
“But you asked about short hair, which means you noticed her, right?” Nita jumped in, her teasing smile beginning to show.
“I was just asking…” I mumbled, almost like a plea for help.
Mom nudged my arm gently. “Short hair, huh? She must be pretty. What school is she from?”
“Oh god... please stop,” I groaned, covering my face with my hands. “It’s nothing, really.”
But of course, I knew exactly: the two of them wouldn’t stop until their curiosity was satisfied. And that night, dinner turned into a light interrogation session with the two chattiest women in the house.
Funny thing? Even though it felt like being interrogated by two family detectives... tonight felt like the warmest place in the world.
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