Chapter 27: One Bed, Two Nervous Hearts

That night, after we arrived at the apartment, Mika took off her model outfit and changed into the pajamas Kagami had brought. She then went to the bathroom to brush her teeth. As usual, I didn't go to sleep right away. I was reading a book in the living room, while Yui was busy watching a drama starring Mika on TV.

"Akira-kun, I'm done. It's your turn!" Mika said with a sweet smile, standing in the bathroom doorway. A small towel was draped over her shoulders.

I went into the bathroom, and after I was done, I asked Mika to sleep in my room, while I slept on the sofa. I knew it was strange, but I didn't want there to be any misunderstandings. Mika just smiled and agreed.

The next morning, I made breakfast for Yui as usual, but this time I also made an extra portion for Mika. Mika greeted it with joy, and we had breakfast together.

"Akira-kun, if you want, you can ride to campus with me in the car!" she offered.

I immediately shook my head. "No, I'm afraid there'll be a misunderstanding and our secret will be exposed!" I immediately ran out of the apartment.

Suddenly, the sky turned dark. A drizzle began to fall, and in an instant, it turned into a heavy rain. Inside the car, Mika, who had arrived early, felt worried. "Akira-kun, are you going to be okay?" she whispered, looking at the rain droplets on the car window.

When she arrived on campus, Mika went into the classroom. She saw Ayaka looking out the window.

"Ayaka-san, has Akira-kun arrived yet?" Mika asked, pretending not to know. "He usually comes earlier."

"I don't know either," Ayaka replied. "Maybe because of the heavy rain, he's a little late."

A few minutes later, I arrived in class, my jacket drenched. After class, we returned to our normal routines. In the afternoon, I went to work at the restaurant. Mika, curious, finally came to visit.

"So, this is where you work, Akira-kun?" Mika said calmly. Her presence immediately made the customers hysterical. The restaurant became very crowded, and I was overwhelmed.

After the restaurant closed, my head suddenly felt dizzy. I swayed, and Mika immediately came to me.

"Akira-kun, are you okay?" she asked, her voice filled with worry.

Thud! I fell and passed out.

"Akira-kun!" Mika screamed. "Manager, help! Akira is unconscious!"

I slowly came to. I was in my room. A cold compress was on my forehead, and next to me, Mika was sleeping peacefully. "I see," I mumbled. "I fell because of a fever."

Mika was acting like a wife. She was helping Yui, tidying up my room, and cleaning the kitchen. While I was still lying weak in bed, Mika took the opportunity. She took out her phone and took a photo of the two of us sleeping together, as if we were a couple on their honeymoon.

The next morning, I was well again and went about my day as usual. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. I opened the door, and there was Kenzaki with his wife, Ayano Haibara.

"Akira-kun! Are you okay?" Kenzaki yelled, panicking. However, his eyes widened when he saw Mika come out of my room. "Oh, I see! You two got married in secret and are living together!"

"That's not it, bro! Let me explain!" I said, panicking.

I told them everything. Kenzaki and his wife nodded in understanding.

"So that's it, Mika-chan? You ran away from home because you refused the engagement?" Ayano asked. "True love shouldn't be forced," Kenzaki said.

He then told me important news. "Grandpa is here in Japan. He wants all his grandchildren to gather tomorrow."

"What? Grandpa's back? No way, I'm not ready!" Yui shrieked.

"Oh, why now, of all times?" I sighed in resignation.

"Just listen to what Grandpa says," Kenzaki said, smiling.

The next morning, the doorbell rang again. I thought it was Kenzaki, but when I opened the door, I was shocked. In front of me stood a man with white hair and a beard, escorted by two bodyguards.

"It's been a long time, Akira-kun," said Kurogane Motoyashu, my grandfather. "Are you well? Are you eating properly?"

"Of course, Grandpa! We're eating properly!" Yui replied, breaking the silence. My grandfather's serious face immediately turned gentle when he saw Yui. He hugged Yui happily.

"You look so healthy, Yui-chan! Grandpa has missed you so much!" he said in a soft tone. "And you, Akira! Have you found a daughter-in-law yet? I can't wait to have more grandchildren!" Grandpa became serious again, then looked at the balcony.

His eyes widened when he saw women's clothes hanging there. "Damn it! Why are you following in my footsteps, you stupid grandson?!" he mumbled, his voice a slip. "Why are there women's clothes on the balcony?"

"That's not what you think! You're misunderstanding, Grandpa!" I said, panicking.

"Tch, you're still denying it! Just say you have the same hobby as me!" Grandpa retorted, covering his mouth after his slip.

Suddenly, an old woman appeared. She was Sakura Motoyashu, my grandmother. "Darling, that's enough! Stop fooling around," she said, making Grandpa immediately obey. She then looked at me. "And you, Akira-kun, why do you have the same hobby as your stupid grandfather?"

"Um, Grandma, I can explain! It's all a misunderstanding," I said, trying to deflect.

Mika, seeing that I was cornered, decided to come out. She bowed respectfully.

"Hello, Grandpa, Grandma. My name is Tanaka Mika. The clothes outside are mine, and I'm staying with Akira-kun temporarily," she explained.

My grandparents were thrilled. However, Kurogane narrowed his eyes. "Could you be the daughter of Shonozuke Tanaka?" he asked seriously.

"Hmm, you're right, Grandpa," Mika replied politely.

Mika told them everything, from the forced engagement to her escape. Both my grandparents were moved to tears. They immediately accepted Mika as their daughter-in-law.

"Mika-chan, why don't you just marry my stupid grandson right away?" Grandpa asked, crying happily.

"Dear, don't be like that! Getting married in a hurry isn't good!" Grandma interjected.

That night, Mika had dinner with us. She was already considered part of the family. Suddenly, a bodyguard came in.

"Mr. Kurogane, Mr. Shonozuke Tanaka and his wife are waiting outside."

"Oh, really? Please let them in," Grandpa said.

The two old men looked at each other. Their gazes softened, like two boys who hadn't seen each other in a long time.

"Well, Kurogane, it's been a long time since we've seen each other," Shonozuke said.

"Yes, it has! There's something I've been wanting to ask you," Grandpa replied.

"Ha! I have a question for you too!" Shonozuke shot back.

They started discussing the marriage, which annoyed me. "You two, I know what you're planning and talking about. The thing is, I'm not ready yet!" I yelled.

Mika took the opportunity. She came closer to me and smiled teasingly. "But we've already slept together, haven't we, Akira-kun?"

"YOU BRAT!" Shonozuke shouted, his face turning red.

"You're misunderstanding! She only slept next to me when I had a fever!" I yelled, cornered.

"I even took a picture of us sleeping together!" Mika showed him the photo.

"YOUUUUUUUU BRATTTT!" Shonozuke screamed.

That night, I was completely cornered. Our status was not yet officially married; we still had to get the blessing of the Motoyashu ancestors.