Aunt Xiangzi, how did you manage to live?

"Yes. Xiao left her mother and everyone else and came here all alone. She must miss home sometimes."

Even though Akira had already pulled her hand away from her chest, Mu didn't let it go back to its original place. Instead, she held Akira's left hand in both of her hands—as if she were holding some precious treasure.

"Anyway, if Xiao is my child, I will be very worried if you are not by my side."

Mu doesn't have the memory of spending every day with him, so logically she shouldn't understand how complicated Xiao's views on her and her real family are.

“I know I can never compare to the ‘me’ in Xiao’s heart.”

Despite this, she still wholeheartedly and thoroughly demonstrated empathy and perspective-taking.

“It’s okay that Xiao can’t treat me like her mother.”

The warmth of the hand enveloping it wasn't like the scorching heat of the sun, but rather like the gentle moonlight streaming in through a French window.

"But it's even less of a problem if you whine or act cute with me."

The girl's tone was calm and composed, but more than anything, it was thoughtful and considerate.

"Take this as a confessional... Tell me what Xiao couldn't tell the other me."

Even though her voice sounded much younger and more innocent than her mother's voice in her memory, Xiao still vaguely felt her mother's love.

"what……"

In the dim moonlight, he could feel his vision gradually blurring, and he could hardly see the girl's face clearly anymore.

"I……"

Xiao opened her mouth, and finally, with great difficulty, uttered the feelings she had never revealed to anyone before.

Having been in this world for so long, it would be a lie to say I don't miss home.

After Mu discovers he's missing, will she spread the word and frantically search for him everywhere? Will she feel lonely living alone in this huge house again? Will she be tossing and turning in bed, heartbroken that her son, whom she raised with such care, has vanished overnight?

Just thinking about this made his eyes sting.

"I would give up my achievements, my health, anything... to make Mu become happy."

He didn't want others to see his embarrassing side, so he curled up slightly.

When he was a child, he would stand in front of his mother when harassing reporters, shouting in his childish voice, "Come at me if you have any problems, don't come to my mother." But when he was finally able to protect Mu, he realized that even the graceful Mu and everyone else in his memory would gradually grow old.

Just as he was about to shoulder the heavy responsibility of the Wakaba family and become a reliable man who could take care of his mother, his unfortunate fate led him to be abducted to this unfamiliar time and space on the eve of his debut.

If he was destined not to be able to stay by Mu's side and protect her, he only hoped that Mu could be happy in the future, even without him.

The girl didn't speak, but quietly moved forward a little, freeing one hand to gently encircle the boy in her arms, stroking his back like a mother comforting a baby.

She didn't know the secrets to comforting children, let alone how to console a boy her own age. But what was truly admirable was that Mu, who wasn't good at expressing herself verbally, chose to remain silent at this time, demonstrating her unique care and concern through her actions.

Mu's embrace was warm. With his eyes closed and everything in darkness, he felt an unprecedented sense of security, like a fetus in the womb.

“I have always hoped that I could die peacefully with everyone else. If everyone dies before me, I can’t find a reason for anyone to live.”

In this safe atmosphere, Xiao spoke her heart in a soft voice.

If gods truly exist in this world, perhaps it was because they heard Xiao's innermost thoughts that they chose to exile him to this time and space.

"Okay, then let's live on together."

Besides that, Mu didn't say anything more touching. But that simple sentence was enough to make Xiao, who was homesick, curl up in her arms with tears in her eyes.

Kazama Akatsuki had never shown such a vulnerable expression in front of anyone, but Ruo Xiao would unconditionally reveal her most tender side to Mu.

He couldn't remember when he drifted off to sleep. Perhaps it was because showing his true feelings to Mu made him feel especially at ease, or perhaps it was because his long-strained nerves were finally soothed that night. Before he knew it, he had fallen into a hazy dream.

In his dream, he seemed to have returned to the original time and space, and he just came to his senses in front of Aunt Xiangzi's mourning hall. Mu said something like, "Xiao, you were spacing out for a long time," while taking his hand, and the mother and son left the place.

Unfortunately, it was just a dream.

When he awoke from his half-dreaming state, all he could see was Mu's peaceful sleeping face so close to him.

"...!"

He then realized that Mu had been holding him tightly in her arms all night, and that he could feel the girl's breath just inches away whenever he looked up.

No, this posture is really too strange.

He subconsciously pulled his body away from Mu's embrace, a movement that startled Mu, who was sleeping soundly.

"Xiao...? Good morning..."

"Ahem... Good morning. Mu, what would you like for breakfast? I'll go prepare it for you."

He turned away, trying to cover his awkwardness with a cough, and slunk out of the bedroom.

"...?"

Mu, who remained in bed, rubbed her sleepy eyes.

Xiao and Mu's relationship did not continue on its original trajectory after last night's conversation, but it seems that some new possibilities are sprouting as a result.

Perhaps feeling too ashamed of her genuine emotions last night, Kazama went to the kitchen and put all her effort into making herself a hearty breakfast to distract herself—after all, people tend to keep themselves busy when they feel awkward.

Meanwhile, Mu, who had nothing to do, was having an unprecedented mental meeting.

Oh dear... so even Mumu can become a substitute for another version of herself! Xiao must have mistaken you for a temporary mother last night, right?

Back in the realm of consciousness, Metis was still gloating and chuckling to himself.

"It doesn't matter."

This time, however, Mu was not so easily provoked by her.

“You said I should confirm my feelings, Metis.”

【Hmm? Why bring this up all of a sudden… although I did mention it before. What's wrong? Is Xiao Mu's maternal instincts overflowing, and she's decided to adopt Xiao, a son the same age as her? Hehe~】

"No."

Faced with Metis's malicious teasing, Mu calmly shook his head.

"I don't want Xiao to show that kind of expression in front of everyone."

【Eh? 】

"I want to possess it all to myself, no... that's not right."

Metis's surprise and silence prompted Mu to clear his throat and reiterate his true needs.

"The Xiao I saw last night should have belonged only to me."

Chapter Forty-Three: What kind of liking is it?

Generally speaking, the widely accepted sign of falling in love is starting with finding the other person cute.

Coincidentally, Mu found Xiao, who had curled up in his arms like a child last night, very cute.

However, there is another explanation for the beginning of the fall, such as the thought, "If only I had met you sooner."

Unfortunately, Mu had these kinds of thoughts when she held the boy in her arms last night. It was so difficult; if only she had met him sooner, discovered his secret sooner, and shared these burdens with him.

Of course, it's pointless to dwell on which theory of origin there is anymore.

Because Mu had figured out her feelings after waking up this morning—

Xiao, who revealed her vulnerable side and true feelings last night, should be a treasure that belongs only to her.

Just as a wild animal that guards its food will not allow other creatures to enter its territory, Ruo Ye Mu did not want other girls to see Xiao, who had shown a lonely side in her arms last night.

Although she didn't know what name or title this feeling should be given, or what category it should be categorized into, for some reason she just wanted to possess the vulnerable and helpless side that the boy had shown last night.

[Xiao Mu...you're really having a maternal meltdown, aren't you?]

Metis rarely makes a truly insightful comment.

"Is this feeling motherhood?"

However, Mu still only vaguely understood the complex emotions churning within her.

"I don't know."

However, she doesn't need to understand that the feelings between people are something that can still tightly bind each other even without a clear academic definition.

"I just didn't want Xiaoye to act like this in front of Chuhua and Lixi."

[Hmm... Xiaomu, do you mean Xiao is nestled in your arms like a pitiful baby, saying things that sound heavy? Okay, although he keeps mentioning things like death, which makes me a little uneasy, it's true that it's rare to see Xiao so vulnerable—and it's kind of endearing too~ I also feel a little unwilling to let Lixi and Sushi see this rare scene... On this point, I agree with you, Xiaomu!]

The two personalities of Ruoye Mutsu have finally come to terms with each other, and their relationship has gradually transformed from one of struggle for control of the body into a strange alliance.

If this alliance had to be given a name... it could probably be called the "Alliance to Protect Axiao's Frontline"?

Just then, a shout came from outside the room.

"Mu, get up and have breakfast!"

"Ah, here we come."

The boy's voice came from the direction of the kitchen. Mu and Metis stopped arguing, and the girl jumped off the bed and ran happily to the living room.

The two, who were deeply entangled in a mother-son relationship yesterday, are still interacting like family today, but the roles of parent and child seem to have been reversed on both sides of the scale.

Well... how should I put it? Xiao felt a bit ashamed of her behavior last night, but if the person she confided in was Mu, she probably wouldn't mind.

It's said that men don't easily shed tears, but family is always the softest and most precious place in Xiao's heart. Don't be fooled by his usual carefree and jovial demeanor; when he thinks that he might never have the chance to return to his original time to fulfill his filial duties, even this usually unserious man will hide in Mu's arms and secretly wipe away his tears.

But no matter what, life must go on.

His mother, Wakaba Mutsu, may never have the chance to hear him express his feelings like she did last night, but thankfully, his daughter, Wakaba Mutsu, served as his loyal listener throughout the night.

Kazama has fully accepted the fact that the current Mutsu and the mother in his memories are not the same person and can never become the same person. With the intention of repaying Mutsu for listening patiently last night, he made her a simple but delicious breakfast.

"Here's today's breakfast—I hope it suits your taste."

Just like every morning when she cooked for her mother, Wakaba Mutsu, Akira placed a perfectly sized single-serving sandwich on the table and thoughtfully handed her a glass of freshly poured mango juice.

Mu's eyes lit up immediately, because this was her favorite drink that she had never mentioned to anyone else.

It feels really amazing to have a family member from the future.

Mingming never told him her likes and dislikes, but Xiao always managed to calmly present her favorite dishes with the most normal expression in the midst of their daily routine, as if remembering her likes and dislikes was an innate talent of his.

It's the same now.

"I hope that harmony in this world also enjoys drinking mango juice."

He very gentlemanly pulled out a chair for the girl, allowing her to sit down gracefully.

Do I like the other one too?

Mu was completely at ease and naturally took the seat of honor at the dining table.

"Ah, she loves having a glass of mango juice with her breakfast in the morning. Her favorite vegetable is cucumber, but she's allergic to cucumbers and can't drink cucumber juice. Isn't that interesting? Ah... of course, I'm not being sarcastic towards you."

"Yes, I know."

Mu nodded, then lowered his head and began to enjoy the delicious breakfast in front of him.

Sometimes Mu really wanted to thank her other self, because if it weren't for the special bond and connection she and Xiao had formed, this boy wouldn't have had the chance to appear at her home and cook for her, and every dish he made perfectly suited her taste.

However, Mu was more curious about another question most of the time.

"If I don't like mango juice."

While she was gulping down her juice, the muffled sounds she made while drinking water caught the attention of Xiao, who was sitting directly opposite her eating a sandwich.

"Will Xiao be disappointed if I don't like mango juice?"

The seemingly nonsensical sentence caused Xiao Zheng to pause slightly in his swift and decisive actions.

Perhaps Mu's implied meaning was a bit obscure, but as a child who had been raised by another Mu, he immediately guessed what she was vaguely concerned about.

"If Mu's preferences differ from what I remember, I don't mind starting now to find out what else you like besides that."

He smiled and shook his head, then stuffed half of the sandwich into his mouth in one bite.

"I've figured it out. No matter what Mutsu likes, I will still like Mutsu."

"Is this so?"

Mu didn't say anything more, but her movements while eating became much more lively and cheerful.

"I also like to practice guitar in the basement, and I like plush toys. I also like to grow vegetables."