Ishitsumugi no Shou 18-3N

A warm place - 3

[Inubouzaki house]

Chi: K-Kind of like this, I guess...

Fuu: Yep. Like that, keep it up. You've gotten pretty good.

Chi: Really? I'm still not that used to handling a knife...

Fuu: It's fine, you're doing great!

Chi: ...

Fuu: ...I thought you'd bring Takashima with you next time you came.

Chi: ...I just couldn't leave Yamabushi-san on her own...

Fuu: ...You've changed, Chikage.

Chi: Did I?

Fuu: Yeah. It feels like you're looking out for the people around you and know what you can do for them now.

Fuu: You'd think that all you do is quietly play games on your own, but you do actually act senior-like!

Chi: T-That's not it... It's just, the two of us are similar...

Chi: So I thought it'd be good for Yamabushi-san to experience them too... This peaceful atmosphere... Things like that.

Fuu: You're like an older cat that knows a safe feeding spot. Heehee, good job taking her here. Thanks.

Chi: Inubouzaki-san, why are you thanking me? I should be doing that...

Fuu: Haha! There, there, there! Good girl! Here's your reward! Rub rub rub!

Chi: Wha-!? P-Please cut it out. Aha, ahahaha!

Fuu: Oh? They're back. I'm coming!

Fuu: Welcome back!

Shi: ...Mhm.

Fuu: Hey! Don't "mhm" me. When you hear "welcome back", you have to say "I'm home"!

Shi: Ah... I'm... h-home...

Nat/Its: I'm home.

Fuu: Okay. Now come on in, wash your hands and gargle! Dinner will be ready soon.

Shi: ...

Its: Shizuku-san? Did something happen?

Shi: That... was probably my first time.

Its: First time for what?

Shi: Coming back home and... having someone say "welcome back" to me...

Its: Shizuku-san... Let's go. We have to put ice cream in the freezer!

Shi: ...Okay.