All Beautiful Girls Want to Stick with Me

Seeing Kotomi’s startled expression, Tomoka sighed softly. Even though Kotomi hadn’t said a word yet, she already knew the answer.

Kotomi really was dating Yui.

When Kotomi remained silent, Tomoka continued gently:

”I’m not angry. In fact, I’m happy that you and Yui are together. It’s just… what you two did this morning—it’s still too soon for that.”

Tomoka took a deep breath, forcing down the complicated emotions twisting in her chest, and spoke as calmly as she could. Her tone was patient, almost motherly—a heartfelt piece of advice from an adult to her daughter and her daughter’s girlfriend. Not jealousy. Not longing. Just concern.

Kotomi nearly fell off the bed. Wait—this morning?! Had Tomoka been outside the door watching?! How else could she know what happened between her and Yui?!

If Tomoka really had seen that scene…

Kotomi’s cheeks flushed crimson. She pressed both hands to her face, unable to stop the heat spreading across it. Too embarrassing!!!

But since Tomoka already knew, Kotomi took a deep breath, stood up from the bed, and walked to stand directly before her.

Then—

”Aunt Tomoka, I truly love Yui. But you’re right—it was too soon. I’m very sorry!!!”

Kotomi dropped to her knees and performed a perfect formal bow of apology.

In this situation, she felt that a simple bow wasn’t enough—only a full, proper dogeza could express her sincerity.

Seeing Kotomi suddenly kneel and bow so earnestly, Tomoka panicked.

”I—I told you I’m not angry! You silly girl, get up, quick! The floor’s cold, and your body’s still recovering… If you catch a chill, that would be bad!”

At last, worried she might not get up, Tomoka reached out and helped Kotomi back onto the bed, gently covering her small hands with her own.

”Aunt Tomoka, I really am sorry,” Kotomi said sincerely, her eyes clear and steady. ”But please believe me—I’ll always treat Yui well.”

And she meant every word. Because when Kotomi Izumi loved someone—she always loved them with her whole heart.

Kotomi Izumi’s sincere words and expression should have filled Tomoka Yuigahama’s heart with joy. She wanted her daughter to be happy, and now Kotomi had expressed her genuine feelings for Yui.

As a mother, what right did she have to complain?

At most, she simply needed to find a suitable time to gently remind Yui and Kotomi that even in love, one must understand and respect certain boundaries.

Tomoka was open-minded when it came to her daughter’s relationships. As long as both sides truly loved each other, treated each other kindly, and were happy together, she didn’t care about gender. Even if the person her daughter loved was another girl, she would still give her blessing.

Love was the meeting of two hearts—not merely the attraction between two sexes.

Tomoka had known for a long time that Yui had feelings for Kotomi. Now that Yui’s wish had finally come true—that she had gathered the courage to confess and begun dating Kotomi—Tomoka should have been happy, relieved even.

So why… why was the strongest emotion in her heart envy?

Why did she feel such an ache of jealousy? She knew the answer all too well—and that was precisely why she couldn’t admit it. She refused to acknowledge that she envied her own daughter. She refused to face the storm of emotions swirling in her chest.

Tomoka stayed silent for a long time. Kotomi didn’t speak either, respecting the quiet between them.

It was a long while before Tomoka finally found her voice again.

”Thank you for loving Yui,” she said softly. ”She’s always liked you, but she never had the courage to tell you. Now that she’s finally confessed and you two are together, I’m really… really happy for her.”

”Kotomi, I’m entrusting Yui to you. Please, take good care of her.

”She’s never been in love before. She doesn’t know what’s right or wrong in a relationship. So she’ll probably just—foolishly—give you her entire heart. Please, don’t ever betray that. Don’t hurt her. I’m begging you.”

”I’ll make sure Yui feels that falling for me, loving me, and one day marrying me was the best decision she’s ever made,” Kotomi said solemnly, bowing her head. ”I’ll make her happy. I swear it.”

Hearing that, Tomoka smiled, wiping away the tears that had gathered at the corners of her eyes.

”You’re already thinking about marriage when you’ve only just started dating? Honestly, Kotomi, I don’t even know what to say to you…”

”That’s because I really love Yui,” Kotomi replied with quiet seriousness.