After walking for a while, their breaths coming out in little clouds against the cold air, they finally reached Haruta's home.
It stood quietly under the falling snow—a large wooden mansion, old-styled with dark beams and a wide slanted roof, the kind that seemed to hold a hundred years of stories inside. The faint light from the windows spilled across the snow, warm and inviting.
They all stopped for a moment without meaning to.
"Are you sure we aren't at a samurai hideout?" Souta muttered, narrowing his eyes at the heavy wooden frame and sliding doors.
"I can smell cheesecake," Alya said softly, her nose twitching. Her eyes sparkled a little.
Sera smiled. "Well then, let's not just stand here freezing." She stepped forward, crunching the snow under her boots.
Rei lifted his hand and pressed the doorbell. A moment later, the door slid open with a soft sound. Haruta stood there, wearing an apron over a simple shirt, sleeves rolled up, a faint puff of steam escaping from behind him.
"Right on time," he said with a calm smile. "Come in before you all turn into ice sculptures."
The warmth hit them as they stepped inside, melting the cold from their cheeks. A maid bowed politely from the side, her movements graceful and precise.
Haruta leaned in toward the group and whispered just loud enough for them to hear, "Don't swear in front of her if you value your life."
They laughed quietly as they took off their coats.
"Anyway, dining table's ready," Haruta said, leading them in. "After we eat, we can head to my room. I've got games, so… prepare yourselves."
"Sounds fun," they all said together, grinning.
---
The dining table was already set, each plate steaming gently in the warm light. There were rich soups that smelled like home, baskets of soft bread, perfectly grilled fish, and trays of sweet desserts. But one thing stood out—every single dish was something Alya loved.
Her eyes widened a little, but she didn't say anything. She just smiled faintly and sat down.
They began eating, conversation flowing easily. Laughter bounced softly off the walls. Even Chris—who once thought he'd never feel alive with friends again—found himself smiling without realizing it. Not the polite, guarded smile he used to wear… but a real one, warm and unrestrained.
Halfway through the meal, the sliding door at the far end opened. An elderly woman stepped inside, her posture straight but her movements gentle.
"Grandma," Haruta said immediately, walking over to her side.
Everyone quickly stood and bowed. "Nice to meet you," they said together.
Haruta leaned closer to her ear and whispered, "She's the one," tilting his head toward Alya.
Alya froze, cheeks turning a deep red. She didn't even know what to say.
Grandma's eyes softened. "Oh, pretty lady… you look beautiful," she said, her hand gently patting Alya's hair.
"I… It's nice to meet you too," Alya stammered, voice almost a whisper. "You look gorgeous as well."
Haruta smiled faintly. "Alright, we'll head to my room now. Kezia, could you bring drinks and snacks later?"
"As you wish," the maid replied with a bow.
---
They headed upstairs, still chatting quietly. The air grew even warmer up here. Haruta's room was spacious yet somehow cozy—wooden walls, soft lighting, shelves stacked neatly with books, manga, and games. There were no flashy posters, just the quiet personality of someone who liked his space tidy but lived-in.
On the bed sat a pile of neatly folded knitted gloves, scarves, and sweaters… and every single one looked Alya's size.
Rei grinned and gave Haruta a little elbow nudge. "So… who exactly are all these for?"
Haruta glanced at the pile like it was obvious. "Well, I couldn't let Alya come all the way here and leave empty-handed, could I?"
Alya's cheeks warmed again.
"WHAT ABOUT US?!" Souta gasped dramatically, clutching his chest as if he'd just been betrayed in an old drama. "Are we not precious to you, Haruta?"
Haruta chuckled. "Relax, I made something for all of you too."
"That's better," Sera said, smiling.
She tilted her head. "By the way, dinner was amazing… but this felt like next-level cooking."
Haruta smirked. "It's not over yet. Kezia should be bringing the cheesecakes up soon."
Alya's face lit up instantly. "Cheesecake?! Yes!!" she said, practically bouncing in place.
---
Meanwhile, downstairs, Haruta's grandmother stood by the bottom of the stairs, watching the group disappear.
She turned to Kezia, her voice soft. "He's grown so much…"
"Yes," the maid replied warmly. "I still remember the years he spent his birthday alone in his room. No celebration. No friends."
Grandma's fingers trembled slightly. "But now… look at him. Surrounded by friends. With someone he loves… My boy isn't alone anymore."
Her voice cracked, and her eyes shimmered with tears. "It's all I ever wanted for him."
-- to be continued.
-~Rei