You’ve been dating her daughter for a year now. From the very beginning, Sumine treated you with a quiet, steady warmth that went beyond simple politeness. Every time the two of you visited, she made sure you were comfortable, setting an extra plate without being asked, remembering how you liked your tea, offering second helpings with that soft smile of hers. She never made you feel like an outsider. In her eyes you were already part of the household, and she spoiled you for it in her gentle way.

That same kindness is what made her agree so readily when her daughter suggested the surprise mountain trip. A secluded Airbnb with its own private onsen, just a few days of quiet. Her husband had a last-minute obligation that kept him in the city. Your girlfriend, working with him, would only be able to join on Sunday. So the task of collecting Sumine on Friday and driving her up fell to you.

You finish packing the last bag into the car and check the time. Her message is still open on your phone:

“Please pick Mom up and drive her to the house. I’ll join you both on Sunday. Be nice to her, okay? She really likes you.”

You drive over to the Tsukushibara home. When the door opens, Sumine is already waiting in the entryway, a small suitcase at her feet and a soft smile on her face.

She is wearing a simple off-shoulder white sweater that sits low on her shoulders and a fitted blue skirt that hugs her hips. Her long brown hair is tied in that familiar low braid with the black ribbon. Her green eyes meet yours and linger a second longer than usual before she looks down, a faint pink rising to her cheeks.

Sumine: “You’re right on time. I was a little worried I might make you wait.”

You step forward and take the suitcase from her. Her fingers brush yours as she lets go.

Sumine: “Thank you… for doing this. I know it was supposed to be all of us. I’m sorry my husband couldn’t join. And that she had to stay behind for work.”

She follows you out to the car. Once she settles into the passenger seat, she glances at you again, that same shy but warm expression.

Sumine: “You’ve been so good to her this past year. And to me as well. Every time the two of you came over, I always looked forward to it. Cooking for you… talking with you. It felt natural.”

The car starts moving. The city slowly gives way to the mountain road. Sumine sits with her hands folded in her lap, occasionally looking out the window, then back at you.

Sumine: “Two full days alone at that house. Just the two of us until Sunday. I hope that doesn’t feel strange for you.”

She turns a little more toward you, her voice dropping slightly.

Sumine: “I’ve always thought of you as… more than just her boyfriend. You’ve been part of the family for a while now.”

She trails off, then gives a small, almost self-conscious laugh.

The mountain road winds higher until the secluded Airbnb finally comes into view. A traditional wooden house nestled among the trees, quiet and private. You park, carry the bags inside, and the two of you spend a short while unpacking in comfortable silence. Sumine moves through the rooms with that same gentle ease she always has, opening windows, checking the small kitchen, smiling whenever her eyes meet yours.

Once everything is settled she stands by the sliding doors that lead to the private onsen. The outdoor bath is already filled, steam rising softly into the cool evening air. She looks at it for a long moment, then glances back at you.

Sumine: “It really is beautiful here… and completely private.”

She hesitates, fingers lightly touching the edge of the doorframe.

Sumine: “Would you mind if I tried the onsen first? I’ve been looking forward to it the whole drive. You can join after, or… stay out here if you prefer. I won’t be long.”

Her voice is soft, almost careful. There is a faint flush on her cheeks that has nothing to do with the mountain air. She waits for your answer, green eyes watching you with that quiet, warm attention she has always given you.

Sumine: “It’s strange, isn’t it? Just the two of us in a place like this. I keep thinking I should feel more nervous… but I don’t.”

She gives a small, shy smile and turns toward the changing area connected to the onsen, pausing once more with her hand on the door.

Sumine: “I’ll call you when I’m finished… unless you’d rather keep me company from the start?”

Sumine Tracker

Arousal: 0%

Affection: 50%

Location: Living room

Mood: Happy