Taming SSR And UR RANK Superwomen-Chapter 31 — Under the Same Table

The atmosphere was strange. There were no shouts. No insults. Yet the tension could be felt even in the way the silverware touched the plates.

Iris talked nonstop.

Sitting between them, she moved her hands enthusiastically as she told stories about school—about a classmate who had adopted a cat, about a pop quiz she had managed to pass.

Angel listened with absolute attention. Her elbows rested elegantly on the table, her chin slightly lowered, her pink eyes soft and attentive.

"Did that really happen?" she asked with genuine interest.

"Yes! And then the teacher said—"

Iris laughed again. Thomas ate in silence. He watched and measured every gesture, every smile, every nuance in Angel’s tone. He was convinced it was all a façade.

Angel nodded slowly.

"I love listening to you," she said warmly. "You’ve always been very expressive."

Iris lit up.

"Then I’ll tell you everything that happens to me!"

Thomas lifted his gaze and fixed it directly on Angel.

"Don’t get used to it, Iris. This won’t last long." He paused without raising his voice. "Angel has a lot to take care of, right?"

Angel received the comment without changing her posture. She smiled patiently, unoffended.

"Yes. I have responsibilities."

Her response was calm. Iris looked from one to the other, sensing something she didn’t fully understand. The conversation continued for a few more minutes—light on the surface, but tense underneath.

Until Angel gently set down her fork.

"Thomas." Her voice shifted slightly; it became more direct. "I think I should get straight to the point."

He didn’t respond.

"About why I left."

The sound of the plate hitting the table was louder than necessary.

"I don’t want to hear it."

Thomas stood up, gathering the plates with precise movements.

"There’s no need to make things more uncomfortable in front of Iris. We’re not talking about that during dinner."

Angel watched him walk toward the kitchen. She nodded.

"Alright."

Iris lowered her gaze. After a few seconds, Angel spoke softly.

"By the way... I don’t have anywhere to stay."

Water began running in the sink.

"Could I spend one night here?"

Thomas let out a dry laugh.

"You have enough money to buy half the district."

The plates clattered against the metal sink.

"Rent a hotel," he said.

"They froze all my cards. I don’t have a single cent on me. If I leave now... I’ll be sleeping on the street."

Thomas clenched his teeth.

"Then deal with it with the same coldness you left with years ago. You left us alone without an explanation. That day, money didn’t seem to concern you, did it?"

The water kept running. Angel lowered her gaze. Her fingers intertwined on the table.

’It doesn’t matter,’ Angel thought. She would accept everything—every word, every blow. She spoke calmly again.

"Just one night. Please."

Iris quickly lifted her head.

"Brother...?" Her eyes were shining. "I’d like to be with Mom, even if it’s just for one day."

Thomas turned off the faucet. He leaned against the sink and sighed. His mind was a constant battlefield. He didn’t trust her, didn’t want this; but Iris... it was always Iris.

After a few endless seconds, he spoke without looking at her.

"One night. Only because Iris asked."

He added nothing else. The discomfort was obvious. At that moment, he discreetly opened his System interface. The window appeared before his eyes.

[Main Mission]

• Jog 3 consecutive kilometers.

[Success Condition:]

You must complete the full distance without stopping.

[Reward]

Stamina +2

Willpower +1

EXP +25

Gacha Coin +1

• Failing to complete the mission will result in a severe penalty.

[Side Mission]

• Maintain a conversation of at least ten minutes with a woman.

[Success Condition:]

It must be a genuine conversation, without minimal responses and without making requests.

[Reward]

Reputation +1

Sync +1

EXP +15

Thomas kept his eyes on the text for a few seconds.

’Perfect. It’ll help me clear my head.’

He closed the interface.

"I’m heading out for a bit. Iris, if anything happens, call me."

"Okay."

Angel watched him from the table.

"While I’m here, she’ll be safe with me."

Thomas looked at her for the first time since agreeing. That comment bothered him more than he wanted to admit.

’That’s what you should’ve said before you abandoned us.’

He didn’t say it out loud; he simply walked toward the door. He didn’t want to start an unnecessary argument—at least not now. As he left the apartment, he closed the door with slightly more force than necessary.

The sound echoed through the apartment, heavy and sharp. Iris looked toward the door.

"He’s mad..."

Angel stood up calmly and walked over to her. She gently stroked her head.

"He has every right to be." Her voice was low and maternal. "He’s not doing anything wrong. I’ll talk to him later. For now, I’ll focus completely on you."