Episode 53 - Visiting My Mother in Germany, Part 4: Shota’s Hidden Secret

【Guided by Masako and Hans,】

The group headed to the local brewery, Herzog Bayerisches Brauhaus Tegernsee.

As they stepped into the stately wooden building, they were greeted by the bustling energy of the beer hall.

The aroma of freshly brewed beer filled the air as Hans boldly ordered Schweinshaxe (roasted pork knuckle) and sausages.

“Prost!” (Cheers!)

Ryoko and Hans clinked their mugs and downed their beer in hearty swigs.

Next to them, Shota sat across from Masako, sharing a much quieter moment.

“Why did you decide to live in Germany?”

“After Ryoko started medical school, I just didn’t feel like staying in Japan anymore. I wandered the world and eventually ended up here.”

“And Hans-san?”

“He hit on me at a bar in Munich. Since then, we’ve been living together—more or less.”

Masako gave a meaningful smile.

“By the way, Shota… I hear you experienced Ryoko’s past using the hormone that lets one travel through time? That’s something I taught her.

I imagine you must have questions for me.”

Shota caught his breath.

“When Ryoko asked me to learn about her past… was there some kind of trigger?”

“This hormone manipulation can be dangerous, even for the user. That’s why Ryoko waited until you were truly ready to accept everything.

There must’ve been a reason—for example, did you call out to her strongly in your heart?”

Shota’s eyes widened. He knew exactly what she meant.

Ryoko began paying attention to the conversation.

“I experienced Ryoko’s memories… her fears, sorrow, anger, joy, and love.

I feel like I finally understand how she became the person she is today.

…But… even after returning to the present, I can still feel what she feels. What does that mean?”

Masako gave him a gentle smile.

“That means, Shota, that you’ve accepted Ryoko entirely as she is.

Your hearts are now truly connected.”

Hearing that, Ryoko beamed and hugged Shota tightly.

“So that means… Shota-kun was always mine, but now he’s completely mine♡”

“Ryoko, Shota—lovey-dovey couple!” Hans laughed cheerfully.

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【Shota’s Hidden Secret】

Later, when everyone was slightly tipsy, Masako suddenly took Shota’s hand.

“Shota-san, may I?”

Without waiting for a response, she peered intently at him.

“Your hormone scent… it’s amazing!”

“Right!?” Ryoko leaned in.

“I love the way Shota-kun smells. But wait, Mom—you think so too?”

“Oh yes, it’s intoxicating.

Tell me, Shota-san—have you ever had girls suddenly be into you for no apparent reason?”

“Maybe...?”

Shota tilted his head, but Ryoko narrowed her eyes, clearly catching on.

“Oh, definitely! Even though I’m right there, girls keep falling for him all the time!”

Masako chuckled softly and continued.

“It’s rare, but apparently there are people like Shota-san.

Some girls—especially around a certain age—are hypersensitive to certain hormone scents. So without realizing it, they may be drawn to him.”

“That actually makes a lot of sense.”

Ryoko folded her arms and nodded in agreement, then gave a sweet smile.

“Which means I’ll have to keep things strictly under control from now on♡”

Just then, Hans began slapping Shota on the back—again.

“Shota! JONAN NO SŌ! JONAN NO SŌ!”

“Jonan no sō”…? Wait—how do you even know that Japanese phrase, Hans!?”

Note: “Jonan no sō” is a Japanese fortune-telling term meaning someone is fated to have trouble with women—romantic misfortune, temptations, or complications often follow them.

Shota recoiled in terror while Masako and Ryoko smiled with unsettling amusement.

As Shota recoiled in terror, Masako and Ryoko looked on with suspiciously amused smiles.