14. Pain and Joy Together

The sensation on his cheek was moist and soft, with a hint of coolness.

[Gift received. Maki Matsudaira's affection for you has increased.]

A system prompt popped up before Kiyomizu Matsudaira's eyes, with an option below to check the affection level.

Should he click it and take a look?

But this time, Kiyomizu hesitated. What if his mother was also a yandere?

“The wisteria is blooming beautifully,” Maki Matsudaira said, stepping toward the wisteria trellis.

It was the prime season for wisteria; the setting sun filtered through the leaves, casting shadows of blossoms on her carefully made-up cheeks, like the silhouette of an elegant mother goddess.

Before the wisteria trellis were the eaves and entranceway. The path to the garden was covered by vines, forming a kind of natural tunnel.

“Every year during the rainy season, when the wisteria blooms, it’s the happiest time for me,” Maki tilted her head slightly, gazing sweetly at her son outside the trellis. “Going in and out every day, I feel as if I’m traveling between two worlds—it makes me so happy.”

When an older woman acted cute, it had its own special charm.

“Meow~”

A calico cat jumped onto the wall. Its sagging belly suggested pregnancy.

“Do you like wisteria best?” Kiyomizu walked over to her.

Maki naturally reached out and hugged him from behind. “I actually love silk tree blossoms the most, but sadly, we don’t have a single one in the garden.”

“Oleanders are nice too,” Kiyomizu pointed at a few growing by the pond.

“I’m not really fond of those,” Maki replied, her tone as innocent as a naïve young girl. “I like almost all summer flowers, except oleanders—they’re just too flashy. Don’t you think so, Kiyomizu?”

“They’re rather showy, true, but I think they suit you perfectly.”

“And why is that?”

“Because, like you, they’re beautiful and striking.”

“You’re such a sweet talker. Do you say these things to other girls at school?” Maki smiled, resting her chin gently on his shoulder.

This felt like a trick question.

“I only say them to you, Sis,” Kiyomizu answered with utmost seriousness.

“Oh, how cheesy. I don’t believe you…” Maki giggled, whispering in his ear, “If you want me to believe you, then plant a row of roses in this garden.”

“Why roses?”

“So you can pick one every morning and bring it to my room.”

“And why would I do that?”

“Because every morning, you have to wake me up with a passionate confession and a kiss.”

Kiyomizu really wanted to tell her: “If you’re sick, go get help.”

“Meow~”

The pregnant cat suddenly jumped down from the wall.

It lay on its back, stretching out its legs and began to lick its fur.

Maki rested her chin on Kiyomizu’s shoulder and hugged his steadily growing frame. Their calm breaths mingled as they watched the mother cat gently groom her round belly.

What a warm and blissful moment.

Kiyomizu felt as if he were soaking in a hot spring.

With a mother like this, it was impossible she could be a real yandere… Apart from her fondness for their brother-sister play, calling outings with him “dates,” tossing out playful lines, and frequently acting spoiled like a delicate girl, everything else about her seemed perfectly normal.

Trusting his mother, Kiyomizu opened the affection interface.

[Character: Maki Matsudaira]

[Status: Enjoying time with her son, feeling extremely happy…]

[Affection: >100]

[DANGER!]

That enormous red “DANGER” character flashed again.

The evening breeze howled in their ears, ruffling their bangs.

After a moment, Kiyomizu looked up at the sunset-streaked sky, a faint, wry smile on his lips. “It’s only natural that a mother like this would have a son and daughter like us. I’m such a fool, really, to ever think she was normal…”

“What are you muttering about?” Maki asked curiously.

“Maki, you’re too good to me. I’m truly touched,” Kiyomizu replied, his feelings complicated.

“Then you must always do as your sister says, okay?” Maki reached up and ruffled his hair, her voice playful. “Don’t get involved with other women, and definitely don’t bring any home, or I’ll be mad, you hear?”

Kiyomizu could only nod along.

“Mom! Big brother!” came Seiyuki’s voice from inside. “Come back and eat!”

“Let’s go wash up and have dinner. Afterward, bring your change of clothes to see me,” Maki said.

“What for?”

“I’m going to give you a thorough wash tonight.”

“…What?”

“Haha, what on earth are you thinking? You’re so grown up now—how could I possibly still bathe you myself? I’m just teasing, little one…”

His mother’s teasing laughter echoed through the sunset, lovely yet infuriating.

Back in the living room, Kiyomizu glanced at the family photo on the wall.

…His mother in a wedding dress, holding his little sister, also in a wedding dress, and holding his hand—all of them beaming at the camera.

He’d seen this family photo since he was six. Every time, he was reminded that he was the only man in this household.

Growing up, he’d always felt a responsibility to take care of his family, coupled with the awkwardness of not having the capacity to fulfill it.

At this stage of his life, what would it take for him to become someone his mother and sister could truly rely on…?

“Big brother, come help Seiyuki with the dishes,” his sister called from the kitchen.

“I’m coming.”

Kiyomizu composed himself and went into the kitchen.

“Ah~” Seiyuki, as if she’d been planning this, picked up a slice of abalone with her chopsticks and said, “We only bought one abalone today. I didn’t tell Mom, so it’s just for you, big brother.”

…

Instinctively, Kiyomizu glanced toward the door, checking if his mother was spying on them.

Why did he feel like a thief caught in the act?

“Big brother~~” Seiyuki elongated her words, launching a full-on cutesy assault.

Looking at his little sister, Kiyomizu’s heart instantly softened.

Her lashes were long, her eyes clear and sparkling, her lips small, soft, and glistening.

Her face was tiny—super cute.

Her hair was as black as freshly ground ink, her fingers slender and delicate, her whole body light and graceful.

Everyone loved Seiyuki Matsudaira.

That was what teachers and classmates said about her at school.

As far as Kiyomizu knew, in just two months since the term began, his little sister had already turned down eight boys’ confessions.

What a little enchantress!

“Big brother~~” Seiyuki held the abalone slice to his lips.

Unable to refuse, Kiyomizu opened his mouth to accept the offering.

The abalone was tender and springy, with a hint of curry—apparently cooked together with udon.

“Is it good?” His sister’s eyes widened with expectation.

Kiyomizu nodded. “Mm-hmm.”

“I’m so glad you like it!” Seiyuki’s face lit up with delight as she offered him another piece.

After she’d fed him the entire abalone, she suddenly leaned over, stood on tiptoe, and kissed his cheek.

Soft and warm.

A sensation clearly different from his mother’s kiss.

“Wait! Seiyuki, what are you doing?!”

“There was a little grease. I just helped clean it up,” Seiyuki poked the spot she’d kissed with her finger.

“That’s a terrible excuse,” Kiyomizu grumbled.

“Hehe, you mustn’t tell Mom,” she whispered, a naughty but adorable smile blooming on her face.

When his sister smiled like that, all Kiyomizu could do was surrender.

Oh, right.

There were two things he needed to tell his mother now.

The good news: He kept Seiyuki’s secret.

The bad news: She sneaked a taste too.

In this moment, Kiyomizu felt both delighted and on edge.

This was the very definition of bittersweet joy.