Chapter 3: The “Bonus” Son

Oh, right—

She also had a son.

This thought suddenly popped into her mind, and Nakano Risa couldn’t help but scratch her head in annoyance, the motion slightly stiff, as if she still wasn’t used to this body’s movements.

Before transmigrating, “he” had been a pure, inexperienced shut-in who hadn’t even been in a relationship.

Yet after opening his eyes, not only had he become a married woman, he had also inexplicably gained a “grown-up son”?!

The gap in identity was just too ridiculous!

However… fortunately, the “bonus” son in her memories—Nakano Nobuhito—wasn’t like those unruly “bratty kids” in anime who flipped the house upside down at the slightest provocation.

On the contrary, he was quiet to an almost eerie degree.

At only ten years old, he never made noise, nor did he cling to his mother for affection.

Every morning, he woke up on time, dressed himself in his uniform, picked up his schoolbag, and went to school.

After returning home, he would go straight to his room, closing the door behind him for hours at a time.

At the dining table, he ate little and spoke even less.

His gaze was always lowered, as if contemplating something incomprehensible to ordinary people.

Occasionally, when Nakano Risa brought dishes to the table, she would find that he had already silently set out the bowls and chopsticks.

But when she tried to start a conversation, he would only nod lightly before lowering his head again to eat, barely making a sound throughout the entire meal.

This kind of “independence,” put nicely, was worry-free.

Put bluntly… it always felt a bit off.

But the current Nakano Risa couldn’t be bothered to think too deeply about it.

‘As long as he doesn’t cry, make a fuss, or ask embarrassing questions like “Mom, why are you dressed so revealing,” I’ll be thanking the heavens.’

She felt secretly pleased.

‘Three meals a day taken care of, a reminder for bedtime, and everything else left to school and fate—perfect!’

This way, the household would run smoothly, without any pressure.

And she could peacefully begin her own “retirement life.”

Watching dramas and playing games during the day.

Taking a hot bath at night, watching short videos to relax.

No workplace manipulation.

No office politics.

This was practically the ideal life template!

Leaning back against the sofa, the corners of her lips rose uncontrollably, her eyes sparkling.

“Hehe, just thinking about it already feels—amazing!”

The sunset outside cast a gentle glow, the living room peaceful and serene, as if time itself had slowed, and the future held endless promise.

Humming a tune, Nakano Risa thoroughly explored every corner of the house.

She realized that the place was much larger than she had imagined, and the décor suited her taste perfectly.

She even began to consider whether she could set up a dedicated gaming corner at home.

However, when she entered the study, she discovered that there was no computer.

In her son’s room, there was a Switch box, and on the desk lay game cartridges for Monster Hunter and The Legend of Zelda.

But the console itself was nowhere to be seen—he had probably taken it to school.

For kids in Japan nowadays, having a handheld gaming console was probably standard equipment.

“Damn it…” she muttered under her breath.

To achieve her dream of gaming freely, did she have to buy a computer?

But if she did that, would it break her persona?

Would it make her husband or son suspicious?

She fell into deep thought.

After weighing her options, she decided to buy a Switch first.

After all, there were plenty of classic games, and a single good title could last her a month or two.

Besides, there were plenty of mobile games with in-app purchases nowadays.

As long as she wanted to play, it wouldn’t be a problem.

Alright—next time she went out shopping, she would definitely pick up a Switch.

Nakano Risa returned to the living room and turned on the TV, preparing to casually pass the time.

Just then, the sound of a key turning in the lock came from the entrance.

Click.

The soft sound made her body tense, and she instinctively leaned forward slightly, her heartbeat quickening.

“Mom, I’m back.”

A young voice rang out, followed by the faint sound of shoes brushing against the floor and slippers lightly touching down.

Nakano Risa immediately let out a breath of relief, her tense shoulders relaxing.

So it was her “bonus” son.

Feeling a bit uneasy, she stood up and walked slowly toward the living room, just in time to meet Nakano Nobuhito, who approached expressionlessly.

The ten-year-old boy carried a backpack covered in Pokémon stickers, yet the eyes behind his glasses were as sharp as a detective’s, exuding a calmness far beyond his age.

“Um… Nobuhito, are you hungry?”

She awkwardly tried to make conversation, her fingers unconsciously twisting together.

“H-how about curry pork cutlet for dinner?”

The elementary schooler stopped and looked up at her, carefully observing her for a few seconds, as if assessing something.

“Mom looks very beautiful today.”

He tilted his head slightly, his gaze sweeping across her flawless collarbone.

“It’s just… did you forget something?”

Nakano Risa froze.

Only then did she realize she was still wearing that braless slip dress, fully showcasing her figure.

For a boy going through puberty, wasn’t this a bit too much?

Her blood seemed to rush backward, her face instantly burning red.

She hurriedly stepped back, wrapping her arms tightly around her chest, forcing an awkward smile, her voice shaky.

“W-what nonsense are you talking about! Have you finished your homework? Memorized your English vocabulary? Oh right, I’m dressed like this because the air conditioner broke earlier, so I called someone to fix it, and I forgot to change afterward!”

Nakano Nobuhito nodded thoughtfully.

“So, Mom, you dressed like this in front of a stranger too?”

Damn it!

Kids nowadays were really hard to fool.

She hadn’t even realized what was wrong with her words, yet her son had immediately caught onto it.

“N-no, of course not! I wore a jacket!”

Nakano Risa insisted, her voice rising slightly as if that would make her more convincing.

“Oh… it’s fine, Mom. Adults can handle their own matters. And I’ll keep it a secret for you.”

As he spoke, Nakano Nobuhito headed upstairs, his tone casual, as if discussing something completely ordinary.

Then—creak—

He closed his room door, not giving her any chance to explain further.

She instantly felt as if she had swallowed a fly, her chest tight with frustration.

She almost wanted to rush upstairs, grab him by the collar, and shout while shaking him,

“I didn’t do anything wrong, so why do you have to keep it a secret?!”

But in the end, reason overcame impulse.

Dejected, she returned to her spot, plopping down onto the sofa, covering her face with both hands as she let out a long sigh.

At that moment, a system interface suddenly popped up before her eyes.

[Nakano Nobuhito]

[Affection toward you: 68]

[Note: A spiritually sensitive child born with yin-yang sight, capable of perceiving things ordinary people cannot. Since his father is busy with work and socializing, he has spent most of his life with his mother. His mother’s personality is weak—she has long endured verbal abuse and emotional neglect from her husband, and is often bullied by neighbors, yet always forces a smile and silently endures everything. Therefore, in Nobuhito’s eyes, such a mother… is a foolish woman.]

After reading it, Nakano Risa silently closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and slapped her cheeks lightly.

‘Don’t get angry, don’t get angry!’

Her son’s evaluation was directed at the original host, not her.

Wait!

Yin-yang sight?

Only now did she notice that crucial keyword.

Could it be… he could see ghosts?