Nyanko da! (ft Natsume): A Brothers Conflict Fanfic

Omake: Valentine's Day Special (Part 1)

Around Valentine's Day, the February before Ema and Mai enter Meiji University . . .

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"Kaasan, I don't have time for Valentine's Day chocolates this year."

I'd been on my way home from school when my mother decided to call me. I've been updating them on my university preparations, so I figured this was just another check-in to make sure that everything was going fine.

That's why I was shocked to hear my mother ask me about February the 14th of all dates.

"Ehhh?" my mother drones. "A high schooler in the prime of her life isn't going to give out Valentine's chocolates this year? Aren't all the kids doing that these days?"

"I've been sticking to the budget like you said, and it's not like I have a full kitchen."

Translation: homemade chocolate is out of the question.

"But there must be something you want to give to your friends?"

"It's fine, Kaasan. They're fine with me making them cards this year."

"Cards? CARDS?!"

I distance the phone from my ear.

Too loud!

"It's not that big a deal, you know," I sya. "Even if I were to give out chocolates they'd only be tomo-choco, friendship chocolate. I don't have time for crushes, let alone dating."

"I know, I know, but it still makes me sad that my favourite daughter isn't able to enjoy her Valentine's Day this year."

"Aren't I your only daughter?"

"Even me and your otousan are doing something special this year," Kaasan hums.

"Wait? Really?"

Usually my dad doesn't pay much attention to the smaller holidays other than New Year's. Has she convinced him to take a vacation somewhere?

"Wait, what about Shin?"

Shin is only in his first year of high school. Yes, he's old enough to be left on his own, but giving him free range of the house unsupervised is a bit...

"What do you mean? Shin isn't going anywhere."

"Wait, does that mean you're not going anywhere?"

"Ehhh?"

"Ehhh?"

Communication over the phone can be so tough sometimes.

I clear my throat and switch the phone to my other ear.

"So what are you and Tousan doing for Valentine's Day?"

There's a crackle as Kaasan giggles.

I grimace. My mother is actually giggling.

"We're having a romantic dinner at a restaurant! It's that fancy place we've always talked about going to."

"I—I see... That sounds fun. I'm glad you two are having some time to yourselves." And I mean that. I feel bad that my parents forget that they're entitled to free time as well. Part of me hoped that when I moved out they would be able to focus more on themselves. Instead, Kaasan has been worrying about me more.

"Thank you, Mai," my mother says. "Even if you aren't doing anything special with your friends or a koibito—"

"I don't even want a boyfriend."

"—Even so," Kaasan's tone firms, "I hope that you'll treat yourself this Valentine's Day. If you can't show love to a koibito then at least show yourself a little love."