They both arrived at the supermarket in town.
Haruki exhaled heavily.
"This is why I don't want to come to supermarkets in this area, Mom. Parking is the main problem!"
Kyouko chuckled softly.
"Hush, Haruki. Just search around and you'll find a spot."
Haruki grumbled, driving slowly while scanning the parking lot.
Kyouko tapped hard on Haruki's chest. "Haruki! Haruki! There, there! That one's about to leave!"
"Where, where!?" Haruki looked where Kyouko pointed.
A car backed out from a parking space. Haruki turned on his signal, waiting for the car to completely exit the spot.
"Haruki, fast! Or someone's going to snatch it!" Kyouko's voice rose with excitement.
"Ugh, Mom! Chill a bit."
"Haruki, fast! That car is going to steal the parking!" Kyouko slapped his arm repeatedly in her excitement.
"Ugh! Fine, fine!"
Haruki smoothly reversed into the parking space, the car settling perfectly between the lines.
"See? I told you we'd find one," Kyouko said, her voice softening as she watched him shift the gear to park.
Haruki headed out of the car and saw his mother still waiting inside with that sly smile.
Ugh... another demand about opening the car door.
She's so annoying. She's lucky she's beautiful and young-looking. If not...
Haruki exhaled and slowly moved to the passenger side, opening the door.
"Milady~" Haruki said while extending his hand with exaggerated chivalry.
"My my~ See? Not that hard, right?" Kyouko beamed, placing her hand in his.
"Yes, yes, of course, my lady. Your wish is my command." Haruki tilted his head down while staring playfully at her, a teasing glint in his eyes.
Kyouko chuckled and stepped out, adjusting her bag strap and smoothing her skirt before tucking her hair behind her ear.
"Now, let's go."
"Short lady first~" Haruki gestured grandly, evading her slap with a quick step back while laughing softly.
"Haruki! Get back here!"
"Ehehe! Shortie~" he called over his shoulder, maintaining a safe distance as they headed toward the supermarket entrance.
Kyouko chased after him but calmed her pace as people gathered around. Seeing Haruki's sly grin, she moved closer with a sweet, dangerous smile, and pinched his side.
Haruki pretended to smile, whispering while keeping his eyes forward and walking steadily. "Mom! That hurts."
"Hmmph! How dare you call me shortie."
"But you are short." Haruki leaned closer and rested his arm playfully on top of her head. "See?"
"Ow ow ow! Mom!" Haruki hissed through a soft chuckle, rubbing the spot where Kyouko pinched him again, this time harder. "We're in public."
Kyouko kept walking calmly. "That's what you get when you call me shortie."
"What? I didn't mean it in a bad way."
Kyouko glanced away with a small, adorable pout, her cheeks puffing slightly. "Hmmph! Just so you know, I'm not short, you're just taller."
"Yeah... like you're 152 and I'm 179... eeeppp! Mom!"
Kyouko gave his side another sharp pinch before turning away with a theatrical huff.
"Aw, Mom! I didn't mean it in a bad way." Haruki smiled, leaning in closer and whispering. "Uuu~ old lady sulking~"
Kyouko's eyes widened as she glared at him, biting her lower lip as she tried to pinch him again, but Haruki evaded her while laughing softly.
"Hmmph! I hope you get a girlfriend who's even shorter than me! One who's clingy, cries all the time, and can't reach anything on the top shelf without whining for your help every five minutes!"
Haruki chuckled. "Well... I hope so too, since I do want a short girlfriend. Someone petite and cute. Someone who can cook, of course. Bonus points if she's feisty like someone I know~"
Kyouko's cheeks flushed slightly at his teasing. "Just you wait, when you bring home some tiny, loud-mouthed girl who bosses you around, don't come crying to me!"
Haruki tilted his head down, his eyes narrowing with a mischievous glint as a teasing smirk played on his lips. "Oh? But Mom... I thought you wanted me to find someone. Now you're getting jealous~"
Kyouko's cheeks puffed out as she chased him playfully. "Just go get those shopping carts already!"
"Sheesh... alright." Haruki chuckled and moved toward the shopping cart area, taking one and pushing it toward her with a warm smile.
They both headed inside, Haruki pushing the cart while Kyouko held the front edge, guiding it through the supermarket aisles.
"So what do you want to eat tonight, Haruki?" Kyouko tucked her hair behind her ear and glanced toward the shelves, scanning the items.
"Hmm... I don't know. I just eat whatever you cook, Mom. I'm not a picky eater."
Kyouko placed a few items in the cart and resumed pulling it gently while Haruki leaned forward, both arms resting comfortably on the cart handle as he pushed from behind.
"Really? I think someone's being picky when it comes to veggies~"
"Yeah yeah... I don't know much. How about prawn? Lobster? Meat? Fish?" Haruki said casually while pushing the cart slowly.
Kyouko shook her head. "Alright... tonight I'll cook something special just for you~"
"Oh? What is it, Mom?"
"Green pepper and natto with rice and miso soup~"
Haruki narrowed his eyes at her. "No... I'd rather eat instant noodles if you cook that tonight, Mom."
Kyouko laughed softly while pulling the cart again, her shoulders shaking with amusement.
( End Of Chapter )