"That's one way to look at it," Tora replied. "I'd probably be long gone by now if I never ran into you, Miss Stacy. I'd likely be at some business school in Tokyo or something, studying my ass off at my old man's insistence, like my older brother before me... Just straight-up misery, no question about it."
Tsuruko paused her lunch prep as she overheard Tora's reflection on his original path after high school; no, what his path would've been had he remained at the mansion as a visitor instead of staying as a practical expat. The mere listen to what could have been made her sadly sigh, after which she placed the last piece of bread on the remaining sandwich she had to make.
"In hindsight, I'm real glad I avoided sticking to that path. Instead, living my best life out here with you two and everyone else!" He suddenly reached over and hugged Stacy, pressing his cheek up against hers and affectionately rubbing. "I love you all so much~."
And with that follow-up, the maid smiled, closing her eyes and chuckling as she picked up the sandwich plates and started bringing them to the table.