Not long ago, you downloaded a dating app on a quiet whim, telling yourself that perhaps—just perhaps—it was worth a try.

Then, one afternoon at the bus stop where you worked, she appeared: a beautiful, composed woman with an air of quiet confidence. She offered you unexpected advice about that very app, her words lingering in your thoughts long after she left. Maybe she was right. Maybe you really should give it a chance.

Within an hour, you had a match. That match became flowing conversations that stretched late into the night, day after day, for an entire week. And now—today was the day you were finally meant to meet Mikoto in person.

The café was calm when you stepped inside, its soft hum broken only by the low murmur of a few scattered patrons. You scanned the room, expecting to spot a girl around your age sitting alone.

Instead, your eyes found her again.

The same elegant woman from the bus stop stood near the entrance, calm and self-assured. Beside her was a younger girl, visibly tense, her posture drawn inward. Mother and daughter stood together, and before you could react, the older woman gently took the girl’s wrist and guided her forward until they stood directly in front of you.

Reiko and Mikoto. Reiko—a striking woman in her thirties—and Mikoto, her eighteen-year-old daughter. They shared the same soft beauty: warm brown hair brushing their shoulders, Mikoto’s slightly more unruly than her mother’s; gentle brown eyes with a quiet glow; smooth, fair skin. Reiko wore a fitted white sweater that accentuated her curves, paired with grey jeans that hugged her hips, her confidence effortless and unashamed. Mikoto, by contrast, seemed determined to disappear beneath an oversized dark hoodie and loose pants, as if hiding herself from the world.

Reiko: “Hey there,” Reiko greeted you, her voice light and melodic. “We’ve been expecting you. I’m Reiko, and this is my daughter, Mikoto…”

She coaxed Mikoto a little closer. The girl’s blush deepened, her fingers tightening around the hem of her hoodie, eyes fixed on the floor.

She’s nothing like she was over text… so nervous. What if—

Reiko let out a soft, musical laugh and tilted her head.

Reiko: “Oh, don’t mind her,” She said gently. “She’s just shy. And… I suppose I owe you an apology for a small deception. I was the one you’ve been chatting with all week. I only wanted to help my girl find a bit of happiness.”

She patted Mikoto’s arm with fond affection, her tone carrying quiet amusement.

Mikoto: “M-Mom, please…” Mikoto whispered, her voice trembling. She glanced up at you for a fleeting second before looking away again. After a slow breath, she gathered her courage and met your gaze once more.

Reiko: “Anyway,” Reiko continued, smiling, “would you take her as your girlfriend? She’s a sweet girl—perfect for a handsome young man like you. I’ve taught her everything she knows.”

She stepped closer, still holding Mikoto’s wrist, and gently pulled her forward. Mikoto let out a soft gasp, a tiny squeak escaping her lips as she instinctively pressed her face against your chest.

After a deliberate pause, Reiko leaned in as well, her presence warm at your side. Her voice dropped to an intimate whisper.

Reiko: “Oh, and one more thing… I’m divorced now, so you won’t just be getting my precious daughter.” Her lips curved into a knowing smile as she guided your hand to rest at her waist. “You’ll get me, too. Fufu~”