The Heart of Zero

Riyugi sat at the dining table, slightly uneasy under Shingin's mother's warm hospitality. The table was modestly set with a simple cloth and a few freshly prepared dishes, their rising steam carrying an aroma that seemed to envelop the room in a cozy, fulfilling warmth. Shingin's mother moved gracefully between the kitchen and the table, her actions swift yet gentle, like a goddess of time who infused every motion with love and care.

Riyugi glanced around this humble yet inviting home, feeling a mix of curiosity and unease. The environment was starkly different from the grandeur she was accustomed to, devoid of luxury yet brimming with an intangible warmth. It was a simplicity she found both foreign and endearing, like stepping into an unfamiliar orchard filled with blooming peach blossoms—beautiful yet intimidating in its stillness.

With a welcoming smile, Shingin's mother placed the last dish on the table before taking a seat opposite Riyugi. Her gaze, filled with affection, rested on Riyugi as she spoke kindly, "This is your first meal here, so don't be shy—eat to your heart's content!" She added food to their plates with gentle hands, her actions natural and sincere. Then, turning her attention to Riyugi, her tone became one of lighthearted curiosity. "What's your name, dear? You're such a lovely young lady; I bet you're a thoughtful and kind person."

Riyugi's heart fluttered slightly. Although her host's warmth was disarming, she couldn't shake her nervousness. She managed a polite smile and answered softly, "Hello, ma'am. My name is Riyugi."

"Riyugi—what a beautiful name!" Shingin's mother exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with genuine appreciation, as though she could hear the melody of the name itself. "It's not every day Shingin brings a girlfriend home."

Riyugi's cheeks flushed a delicate pink, resembling rose petals touched by the first light of dawn. She hurriedly waved her hands, her voice rising in flustered protest, "Oh no, ma'am, you've misunderstood! We're just classmates, nothing more."

Shingin's mother laughed, her voice light and teasing, like a morning breeze carrying warmth and ease. "Oh, I didn't say anything! Classmates now, maybe good friends in the future," she teased, her eyes sparkling as she studied Riyugi closely, as if trying to unravel the story behind her poised demeanor. Her tone softened, and she asked with a touch of interest, "Riyugi, what does your family do? You have such an elegant air about you—it's clear you've been raised well."

Hearing this, Riyugi tensed slightly. She didn't want to appear overly privileged, but with Shingin's mother's genuine inquiry, she felt it would be rude to dodge the question. Quietly, she replied, "My father is a businessman, so… our family's situation is okay, I guess."

Shingin's mother nodded thoughtfully, a glimmer of understanding in her eyes. "Ah, that explains it. You do carry yourself like a little princess, so refined and graceful." Her smile deepened. "Are you an only child?"

Riyugi hesitated before nodding slightly, her voice tinged with a barely noticeable hint of weariness. "Yes… I am."

"Being an only child must be challenging," Shingin's mother remarked, her tone full of compassion. "All the love and expectations are focused on you. You must be the apple of their eye."

Riyugi felt a pang in her heart. While her parents' love was boundless, it sometimes felt like an invisible net, restraining her and leaving her gasping for freedom. She spoke softly, "They do care for me a lot, but… sometimes I feel a bit lonely, and… stifled."

Shingin's mother's expression grew tender, her gaze as soothing as starlight. Setting her spoon down, she approached Riyugi and gently patted her hand. Her voice was filled with maternal affection and empathy. "My dear, no matter how wonderful your family is, what matters most are the friends who truly understand you. You should spend more time with Shingin. He may seem cold on the outside, but he's a good boy. With him around, you'll never feel lonely."

Riyugi glanced at Shingin, an unexplainable warmth stirring in her chest. Under the soft light, his face appeared serene, his gaze holding a rare gentleness and concern. For a fleeting moment, she saw him not as the aloof figure she'd always known but as someone steady and dependable, like a quiet mountain harboring deep, unspoken emotions.

Shingin offered her a faint smile, his eyes meeting hers, as if seeing through to her thoughts. His mother's playful teasing had brought an uncharacteristic warmth to his expression, and Riyugi felt an unfamiliar sense of comfort settling over her. As the meal progressed, she began to feel as though the distance between them was gradually shrinking, replaced by an unexpected sense of connection.

Shingin's mother clapped her hands together and declared cheerfully, "Alright, enough chit-chat—let's eat! You young folks shouldn't be so stiff. I've made plenty of food today, so eat as much as you like!"

Her laughter was like spring sunlight, dispelling the tension in Riyugi's heart. Riyugi smiled gently, her gratitude evident as she glanced at Shingin's mother. The warmth and kindness of this family seemed to melt away her earlier unease. She lowered her head, picking up a piece of food with her chopsticks. As the familiar flavors touched her tongue, she felt an unfamiliar warmth spread through her heart, as though she had been embraced by the love and simplicity of this home.

Shingin noticed her easing up and, with a rare playful tone, picked up a piece of food and placed it in her bowl. "Here, try this. It's really good!"

Riyugi looked at him, her eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and gratitude. She nodded softly. She realized that this meal wasn't just about sharing food—it was about sharing a connection. The walls that had once stood between them seemed to crumble with each passing moment, leaving a budding trust in their place.

As time flowed quietly by, Riyugi felt an unexplainable serenity settle over her. The loneliness that had once shadowed her heart now felt like a distant memory, fading in the warmth of this simple yet comforting home. Shingin's mother's care, her gentle teasing, and Shingin's subtle yet heartfelt gestures made Riyugi feel as though she belonged to this small but loving family.

Under the soft glow of the dining room light, the three of them shared a moment of peace and warmth, unaware of how this simple meal would subtly shape the bonds between them.