(Ai POV)
After realizing that I'm playing with fire that might burn everything I have, I decided not to risk my kids' safety—so I chose to retire. But I'm still working around showbiz since it's part of my life.
I still work for my agency, Strawberry Production, as an idol trainer and their manager. But still, it's so tiring to work 9 to 5 every day.
"Alright, good to go! Miyako-san! I've finished my job now, so please let me enjoy Thanksgiving, okay?"
Beside me, Miyako sighed. "Good work. I wish I could take a break too."
Gak! Don't make that kind of face!
"I'm sorry! My boyfriend invited me to his family dinner—"
"Pffft! What?"
"My boyfriend. By the way, the monitor is wet—"
"Don't tell me you're still in a relationship with that jerk? He almost killed you."
Seeing her glaring at me coldly, I waved my hand frantically.
"No, no, no! I met a decent guy—and surprisingly, he's the one who saved me!"
Miyako softened a little. "I see… bring him over later."
"Huh? Why?"
"You have bad eyesight when it comes to men."
"Don't worry, this time I chose the right person!" I said with a thumbs up.
But Miyako looked at me with concern.
Still, there's nothing to worry about since Kazuya is a decent person.
He saved my life and wants to have a serious relationship with me—even when I'm a mother with twin children.
But when I recall how seriously he said it, I feel so embarrassed. He was kinda cool… that my finger slipped and I bought everything he wanted.
I hope he's okay with my gifts.
Then tomorrow—Thanksg—
"Hahaha! Finally! Someone is willing to sponsor us!"
Mister Ichijou slammed the door to the office.
"President, you ruined my monologue."
"Huh? Oh, you darn idol! We got a sponsor! You should be happy this agency is still in business thanks to me."
He forgot that I already retired.
"Really? Um—then I'm going home now."
I've been working overtime for two days straight—I'm seeing things now.
"Ai, this is an emergency. Clear your schedule tomorrow because our sponsor wants you to be involved."
When I already had my bag and wore my coat, he said I need to work again?
"But I already worked overtime and I've got plans too. I'm sorry."
"What? Do you have a date or something?"
"It's none of your business, President."
He sighed. "Are we going to miss this chance? I gave you shares in this agency because you were a superstar. You're retired, yes, but Ai—think about it. This is for Aqua and Ruby. Don't throw it away for some random guy."
When I was about to leave, I stop. I'm not doubting Kazuya, he's great—but I need to work hard for my kids too. But then… I don't want to hurt him either.
---
(MC POV)
When it's Thanksgiving, it means a holiday in Japan. But it's different from what I knew—this time, I don't find any heart-attack-flavored turkey.
Anyway, my family and some guests Grandma invited had already arrived, and the food was all in place.
But where is she now?
I checked my watch multiple times. I wondered if she was having trouble finding my house. She was about 20 minutes late.
Then my phone vibrated.
[Kazuya, I'm sorry. I've got something to work on and I can't miss it. I'm really sorry.]
I sighed inwardly. Even an anime girl like her is busy with life—and sometimes, things don't go exactly as I planned.
[It's fine. It's just dinner. Good luck with your work.]
I put my phone down and sighed. It was then I realized that Grandma was watching me—no, more like studying me.
As if she could read me, she cleared her throat. "Alright! Let's eat, everyone."
Then everyone started eating the food Grandma cooked. Besides my family, Ruka… I was wondering why my whole circle was here—including Chizuru and Mami. It seemed Grandma thought they were all my friends.
But again, Grandma is too wholesome.
"Grandma! You look great today hehe! You look younger than before!"
"Ohoho! Thank you, Mami-chan. Hm? What's wrong, Chizuru-chan? Is the food not to your liking?"
Chizuru quickly responded, "It's delicious! Thank you for inviting me."
"Ahahaha! That's natural. You're my best friend's granddaughter, so don't fret."
It seems that Grandma might have thought I was lying about having a girlfriend.I decided to go to the restroom. When I came out, I found Ruka standing right at the doorstep.
"Something wrong? And where is she?" she asked.
"Nothing's wrong with me. My girlfriend said she's busy with work. Well, that's how adult life is."
Ruka sighed, shaking her head. "I thought I was going to see her. By the way, why are they here?"
"Uh… don't know. Ask Grandma."
"Ah! I can't stand it! Did you see how Mami-san acts around Grandma? That bitch—"
How amusing. "Alright, alright," I chuckled. "Let's go back. Unless you want to use the toilet?"
Ruka smirked. "No. Just reminding you about our promise, oka—"
"Ara~"
We both turned around and saw both Mami and Chizuru.
"Ruka-chan, do you hate me because Grandma invited me?"
Ruka met Mami's cold smile.
"Yeah, I wonder why she invited a woman like you. Do you have no shame at all, huh?"
"What do you mean by that? Is it wrong because I'm his ex? If that's the case, maybe Chizuru and I are in the same boat?"
"Please don't drag me into this," Chizuru said, then looked at me. She sighed, but clearly seemed like she wanted to say something. "Uh… c-can I use the toilet?"
"Sure…" I said, then walked away with Ruka following, booing at Mami under her breath.
"Hey, Kazuya… everything alright? Come on, say it."
I sighed. "I was wondering if Grandma's disappointed or not."
"Huh? About what exactly?"
"Me."
This is the first time I've truly tasted the warmth of family. I do everything to make my parents happy—but Grandma? So far, she doesn't look impressed. It's like the only thing she wants from me is to see a partner by my side.
But then Ruka giggled. "Hehe, Kazuya-kun. How cute… I see why you're her grandson. You idiot, of course she's proud of you."
I stopped. "How?"
"You know Grandma... she's a tsundere. In front of you, she might not show it, but she talks about you all the time—how much you've changed. I guess she doesn't even care if you lied about the girlfriend thing."
"...Kuhum! Do you want something?" I asked.
"Huh? Suddenly?"
After a quick pep talk with Ruka, I went back and continued eating. This time, I understood—my family is proud of me.
Right. Let's forget about Ai since she's busy anyway. I could just bring her over anytime.
Ding dong.
"Hm?"
"I'll get the door."
Ruka rushed to the front door.
Moments later...
"My apologies for coming this late. I had something urgent, so I couldn't make it on time," the woman said as she bowed.
I looked at Grandma—she was stunned, eyes wide.
"Uh… may I ask who you are, Ojou-chan?"
"Yes!" The woman lifted her head with a cheerful, captivating smile. "My name is Hoshino Ai. I'm Kazuya's girlfriend."
The room went silent as everyone stared, bewildered by her charm.
Not gonna lie… she's not a heroine for nothing.
---
(Third POV)
When she entered the room, she didn't adjust herself—instead, the room adjusted to her.
Although Kazuya's family didn't follow showbiz much, they could tell they had seen her somewhere before.
"Kazuya! What are you doing? Greet your girlfriend with utmost care!"
"Roger."
When she saw him walking toward Ai, she knew, her eyes weren't deceiving her—they looked perfect together.
"My son... he's finally grown up."
Dad couldn't help but nod with pride. Mom also smiled proudly. Grandma nearly slipped before snapping back into her strict mode as Ai approached her.
"I'm sorry, Ma'am. This isn't how I wished to meet you—"
"Hahaha! It's okay, dear! Women in this era sure are busy, huh? Call me Grandma."
Ai laughed a little. "Yes, Grandma. And this is nothing, but please accept this. I hope you don't mind."
"Oh dear, you didn't have to worry about that—"
Grandma paused as she looked inside and saw premium wagyu beef.
Then she glanced at Kazuya—Who the hell is this kid? Is he the same grandson she knows? And why didn't he bring a woman like her sooner?
Meanwhile, Ruka, Chizuru, and Mami sat frozen, as if time itself had paused.
"Wait, that's her, right?"
"Ai…"
Ruka hadn't meant to ask that out loud, but Chizuru simply said her name—because she knew who she was.
Who didn't know about Ai, the multi-talented idol? A legendary idol who had recently retired from the stage without warning.
Chizuru knew just how high her caliber was—especially as an actress! If this weren't someone else's home, she would've already jumped at the chance to ask for her autograph and acting advice.
More importantly.
Both Ruka and Chizuru looked at Kazuya.
'She's dating him? How?!' 2x
At this point, Ruka completely forgot that she was actually the one who arranged for Kazuya to meet her through the dating site. However, the idea that Ai—a single mother with two kids? That had never even crossed her mind even once.
On the other hand, Mami silently gritted her teeth.
'First Chizuru… and now her?! Damn it. Damn it! Damn it! Why... why does this keep happening to me?!'
To think she now had to compete with her? The feeling of losing a battle that never existed in the first place sent her spiraling into the abyss of despair.
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A/N: thank you for reading my story! Don't forget to leave a comment and drop all your Power Stones to keep me motivated.