The doorbell rang.
It cut through the hazy warmth of the living room like a ripple across still water. Ai stirred softly from where she lay curled beside Shin, her cheek still nestled against his shoulder. Yuki jerked up like a startled kitten, his hair a tousled mess and his cheeks already pink from embarrassment.
Aiko's lips were still brushing against Shin's. She lingered there a heartbeat longer, savoring the closeness, the heat of his mouth, and the possessiveness that still clung to her skin. But she pulled back reluctantly, lips parted and breath shallow.
The doorbell rang again.
"Taa-Kun…" Aiko whispered against his lips, then sighed and slowly slid off his lap.
Shin's hands reluctantly released her, his fingers brushing against her hips as she moved. Aiko stepped off the couch with a soft stretch, picking up the the discarded tank top and putting it on. She ruffled her hair into place with her fingers, catching her breath and recomposing her sultry smile into something a little more… domestic.
Ai blinked up sleepily. "Mm... who could that be?"
Shin stood slowly, brushing his hands down his pants. "Guess that's her."
"W-Wait!!" Yuki scrambled upright, yanking a pillow into his chest like a shield. "I-I look like a mess!"
"You are a mess," Shin teased, reaching over to boop his nose. "A cute mess."
Yuki flinched, face flushed. "D-Don't just say that in front of others!"
Ai, eyes still half-lidded and dreamy, whispered, "I like it when he says it… makes my heart melt…"
Yuki groaned into the pillow.
Shin grinned, walking toward the door with that lazy, confident gait. "Behave, you three."
He opened the door.
There she stood.
Rika.
Still in her uniform from school, her skirt rippling slightly in the breeze, her long brown hair catching the golden light of the late afternoon. Her bag hung from one shoulder, and her eyes met his with a gaze calm and unwavering.
"Hey," she said, her voice steady but soft.
Shin leaned against the doorframe, meeting her gaze. "Glad you were able to come."
"Anything for Asahi-Kun." she said simply.
He stepped aside and opened the door fully. "Then come in."
Rika hesitated only for a heartbeat before stepping past the threshold. The scent of peaches drifted in with her. She didn't bring nervous energy, nor did she lean into him for comfort. She brought something else entirely—an inner calm, an anchored warmth.
The living room greeted her with a peculiar sight: Ai blinking sleepily on the couch, Yuki clutching a pillow like his life depended on it, and Aiko reentering from the kitchen holding a tray with tea and pastries, looking far too composed.
"Yuki-San?" Rika blinked in surprise. "You're here too?"
Yuki squeaked. "N-No! I mean—yes! But I'm not—I didn't—we weren't—!"
"I didn't say you did anything," Rika said with a smile, disarming and gentle.
Ai sat up straighter now, brushing her hair back. "Rika…"
Rika's eyes lingered on her a moment—soft, acknowledging. There was no jealousy in that gaze. Only understanding.
And then Aiko stepped forward, the tray perfectly balanced in her hands. "I'll take Asahi when he's done. You three talk."
Shin raised an eyebrow at her. "Three?"
Aiko winked. "Answer her."
Yuki flailed, nearly dropping the pillow. "W-What answer?! Wait, wait, does everyone here—?!"
Shin chuckled and guided Rika to the couch, but didn't sit.
Instead, he stood before them all—Aiko leaning now against the wall, and Rika seated calmly at the center of it.
For a moment, the room was still.
Rika watched him with quiet intensity.
Ai bit her lip, eyes wide.
Yuki didn't say a word.
Aiko offered a soft, encouraging nod.
Shin turned his gaze to Rika.
"Rika," he said, voice quiet but unwavering. "This time, I'll answer you properly."
He stepped closer, his presence suddenly electric. Her breath hitched.
"I'm sorry it took this long," he said gently, reaching out and brushing a strand of hair from her face. "But I… I love you too."
The silence in the room was complete.
Rika's eyes widened, and her lips trembled. "You… mean that?"
He smiled, tilting his head just slightly. "Would you believe me more if I kissed you?"
She didn't speak.
She only nodded.
And then he kissed her.
Not playfully. Not teasingly. It wasn't the kind of kiss that made Ai moan or turned Yuki into a blushing mess.
It was full.
Solid.
True.
Rika leaned into it with a sharp breath, like someone finally stepping into sunlight after a long winter.
When he pulled away, her lashes fluttered.
Her voice broke slightly as she whispered, "Took you long enough…"
He laughed softly. "I was scared."
She narrowed her eyes. "Of me?"
"Of myself. Of hurting you."
She punched him lightly in the chest. "Baka. You already did."
"…Yeah."
"But I forgive you."
He took her hand then, lifting it gently and pressing a kiss to her fingers.
"I won't let you down again."
Ai smiled, her eyes misty.
Yuki looked away, red-faced, mumbling under his breath, "Why's everyone so romantic in this house…"
Aiko just grinned and picked up a cookie from the tray. "Because we're all in love with the same idiot."
Rika glanced around then, finally seeing the whole picture—Ai with her sleepy tenderness, Yuki with his tsundere blush, Aiko with her playful control.
And she didn't flinch.
She smiled, warm and sure.
"I guess," she said, squeezing Shin's hand, "I'm okay with that."
Shin's heart beat louder in his chest.
This time, it didn't scare him.
This time, it felt like home.
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END OF CHAPTER : 164 : THE WARMTH SHE BRINGS WITH HER!
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