Miyahito... "Miyani"... No way...
While Utaha's mind was tangled in the question of whether Miyahito was really Miyani, Kyoko and Yuki were busy debating whether Miyani was male or female.
"Eh, but that was clearly a female voice just now. How could it be a guy?"
"Haha, that's where you're wrong, Kyoko. Miyani-sensei is famous for his multiple vocal ranges. Especially that seamless switching between male and female vocals—it's his signature move!"
"No way... Is there really a singer like that?"
"Yep, I swear."
Seeing Kyoko's skepticism, Yuki hurriedly pulled up a video of Miyani's first public performance.
"Look, this is Miyani-sensei singing."
"But that's still a guy's voice?" Kyoko asked, looking doubtful.
"Just keep watching."
The moment Yuki spoke, the video shifted. The little middle-school-aged girl who had been holding the mic stepped aside. Then, Kyoko watched as the guitarist standing behind her—the one who had just been singing in a male voice—suddenly switched to a gentle, mature female vocal.
The transition between male and female vocals was so seamless, not a hint of awkwardness.
Kyoko was left completely speechless.
Seeing her reaction, Yuki proudly put her phone away, grinning. "See? With a skill like that, how could Miyahito possibly pull it off?"
"You probably think it sounds familiar because Miyahito is a fan and likes to imitate his singing style."
"Besides, Kyoko, can you even imagine Miyahito singing in a female voice?"
Kyoko paused. After trying hard to picture it, she shook her head helplessly. "Can't picture it."
"Exactly." Yuki spread her hands, looking certain. "With Miyahito's bright, boyish tone, there's no way he could pull off that enchanting mature female vocal that even charms girls like me."
"Mhm, you're right."
Yeah, there's no way Miyahito's voice could sound like that.
So, "Miyani" couldn't possibly be Miyahito-kun.
Having reached this conclusion alongside Kyoko after hearing Yuki's analysis, Utaha felt an inexplicable sense of relief wash over her.
And at the same time, a faint trace of disappointment, unnoticed even by herself, flashed through her mind.
Was she disappointed because "Miyahito isn't Miyani"? Or was she relieved that "Miyahito is still just the Miyahito in her heart"?
Perhaps, for now, her heart leaned more toward the latter.
....
Just as Utaha, Kyoko, and Yuki were enjoying their simple "lunchtime girls' meetup," meanwhile, back in the Aragaki living room in Chiba.
"Hey, Miyahito-kun, don't you need to head back to Tokyo soon?"
The slightly dazed Miyahito looked up at his mother, who sat beside him on the sofa wearing a look of doting concern. He replied a bit dumbly, "Nope. Akane-san said we're meeting at 4 PM. I'll just take the subway back around 2."
Who cares about your work schedule!
It's not like you're running off to meet some older girlfriend, so why would Mom care when you meet your client?
Shooting her clueless son a look of pure exasperation, Satomi silently wiped the smile off her face. Her tone grew noticeably impatient. "Then what are you doing just sitting here? It's already past 1 PM. Why haven't you packed yet?"
"Huh?"
Glancing at the wall clock showing "12:21", Miyahito turned his bewildered gaze to his father, who was casually sipping tea and scrolling through a tablet.
Speaking of which, why wasn't Dad at the Diet building today? And since when could lawmakers review official documents from home?
Seemingly sensing his son's gaze, Seiichiro slightly lifted his eyelids. His calm gaze drifted over the tablet to settle on his innocent-looking son. Then, without missing a beat, he leisurely took a sip of hot green tea and drawled, "Didn't you hear your mother?"
"Go pack your things and head back to Tokyo."
"...."
Completely at a loss for words, Miyahito's mouth twitched. No wonder he'd had a bad feeling during breakfast this morning.
Back when he visited home every month, his mom—his dad notwithstanding—would always drag her feet, begging him to come back sooner and stay in Tokyo less.
But now... He'd barely been here for ten hours, and his own parents were already treating him like an eyesore?
Reality... always hits you out of nowhere.
"Sigh... Fine." Letting out another helpless sigh, the thoroughly defeated Miyahito stood up. "I'll change and head back to Tokyo."
As he said it, he expected his parents to offer the usual "Take care of yourself" pleasantries.
But he was dead wrong.
"Change clothes? Just wear what you're wearing. I already washed and packed your uniform." Hearing him want to go upstairs, Satomi's face twisted in mild disgust. "What's with all the dilly-dallying? Where's your decisiveness? Hm?"
Watching his mom look like she wanted to launch him back to Tokyo on a rocket, Miyahito was completely stunned.
And it wasn't just her...
"Hurry up. A boy shouldn't drag his feet like that. It's unbecoming."
"I....."
Alright, I'm going. I'm leaving right now.
Feeling like "there's no place for me in this house anymore," Miyahito trudged upstairs, shoulders slumped.
He quickly changed into the freshly washed uniform and came back down with his schoolbag.
Downstairs, he was met with his mom's look of "You really went to change? Why is my son so slow?" He plopped down onto the genkan step.
Just as he finished tying his shoes and was about to head out, he looked up with utter despair at the mysterious souvenir box his mom was thrusting into his hands—specifically labeled for his "good friend."
"Take this. Give it to your friends when you get back to Tokyo."
Looking down at the "Nathan Cake Shop" box in her hands—obviously the kind of fancy sweets little girls like Ayase would love—he spoke with great difficulty. "Mom, how am I supposed to give this to Tooru?"
The moment those words left his mouth, Satomi's expression instantly darkened.
Open your eyes. Do you really think this is for your bro?
Mou! Who exactly does he take after?
After shooting a sharp glare at her husband, who stood nearby looking completely innocent, Satomi turned back to her son, her face deadpan. "Figure it out yourself."
"Eh? Mom, that's so unfair!?"
"Hurry up. Travel safely."
"Wait... wait! Mom, my bag! I haven't even grabbed my bag yet!"
"Have a safe trip!"
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