Today was a beautiful day, the sun shining brightly.
Of course, in Minamoto Senya's current state of triumphant exhilaration, even if hailstones the size of baseballs rained from the sky, enough to send anyone unlucky enough straight to meet Satan and Jesus, he would still probably call it a good day. After all, the pattering would sound like fireworks, festive and lively, as if the universe itself were celebrating the moment he officially stepped into a new phase of life—into manhood.
In plain terms, everything around him seemed wonderful at the moment, colored by his exceptionally elated mood.
Just earlier in the bathroom, he had been playful with Saeko—teasing her little hands, her tiny feet, and even exploring other areas that couldn't be described in words without getting censored. He had even helped her brush her teeth afterward.
When they finished bathing and he stepped out of the bathroom, every action he took seemed to radiate joy. He practically skipped while walking, and even when carrying the dishes he had prepared to the table, one could clearly hear him humming some cheerful, nameless tune.
All these little gestures only made Saeko's heart swell even more with sweetness. Even the noisy cicadas outside sounded melodious in her ears.
"Try the food I made. When I went out this morning to buy medicine, I also picked up some ingredients. I was in a hurry, so I didn't choose carefully. If it's not to your taste, just tell me. I can go to the supermarket again this afternoon and buy things you like, or we could just go eat out tonight. A friend once took me to a restaurant with excellent dishes—we could try it."
Senya handed her a bowl of rice, poured soup into her bowl, and kept eagerly serving her from the dishes. Then he dragged a chair over and sat close beside her, tilting his head to gauge her reaction.
Watching him, she felt as if even this level of devotion wasn't enough.
In truth, Senya felt a strong urge to scoop her up in his arms, as if she were a little child, and feed her himself. But thinking it through, Saeko's main discomfort was still in her lower body, and her hands were fine, so there was no need to go overboard.
"Mm… it's really delicious. The flavor and texture are top-notch! And it's not careless at all—I can tell you put your heart into it, Senya."
Saeko tasted every dish in small bites, her face lighting up with delight, generous in her praise. Though a little flattery was involved, Senya truly had skill in the kitchen.
It was rare now to see him cook personally, since Touka usually handled all the daily chores at home.
"I'm glad it suits your taste. Eat more."
"Alright~ I won't hold back."
On the table were four dishes and a soup:
Braised beef with tomatoes
Spinach with sesame
Pan-seared salmon
Shrimp with scrambled eggs
Pork liver with goji berry soup
And a fruit plate with cherries and honey peaches for dessert
Having trained in cooking from a young age, Saeko could immediately perceive more than the surface of these dishes.
Beef and spinach—iron-rich, preventing anemia; shrimp and eggs—high-quality protein, good for tissue repair; salmon—anti-inflammatory properties.
The pork liver soup, although not something she commonly cooked herself, was familiar to her from once having had it with her father, stir-fried with ginger and garlic. Even if she didn't eat it often, she knew its nutritional value was high—stronger than beef and spinach.
Altogether, the five dishes had clear purposes: replenishing blood, repairing damage, reducing inflammation…
Combined with the faint reddish marks on the sheets from earlier, Saeko had no doubt: Senya hadn't just made these meals casually. He had noticed her body's condition and carefully prepared dishes to help her recovery.
Feeling genuinely cherished and pampered like this, Saeko smiled sweetly.
Wait… didn't Senya just say they could go out to eat tonight?
"Senya, are you going to stay with me tonight too?"
"Why, is it inconvenient for you?" Senya asked with a teasing smile.
"No way!" Saeko quickly denied.
Since middle school, her father was often away for work, so she had long been used to living alone. She welcomed Senya staying over without a second thought—there was no inconvenience.
"I'm just wondering if it's okay for you to spend two nights in a row away from home."
"Don't worry. My family trusts me, and this isn't the first time. On past trips for competitions or work, I've spent several nights away before. Besides, I think you need my care right now. I can't leave you alone at home, so if you don't mind, I'll grab a change of clothes from home this afternoon and stay over tomorrow as well."
From Friday night, Saeko had all of Saturday and Sunday to recover. With her constitution, she might not fully heal, but she should at least be able to move normally by then… that's what Senya thought.
"Really, I'm not THAT weak, Senya, you're exaggerating."
Still, her gaze softened as she looked at him.
"For you, Saeko, it's not exaggeration. It could always be more."
"But you must have your own plans."
"Plans can change. Right now, I just want to be with you. Enough talk—just eat."
"Mm~"
After the meal, Senya insisted that Saeko just sit and rest. Transforming into a devoted house-husband, he cleaned up the dishes and even made tea for both of them. He also washed and replaced her bed sheets.
Afterward, they stayed in the air-conditioned room, watching a movie, sipping tea, and enjoying a lazy summer afternoon.
When the movie ended, they stretched, switched to a lighthearted comedy show, and like magnets drawn to each other, hugged again within seconds.
"It feels like it's been forever since I had a moment this leisurely," Saeko said, glancing at the clock—two hours had passed without them realizing.
"Indeed," Senya agreed.
Both of them had always pressured themselves to move forward, rarely allowing themselves to relax. Even during rare free time, circumstances often prevented genuine rest.
Now, with nothing to think about and simply holding each other, enjoying time together quietly—it was rare and precious.
Senya tightened his hold on her arm. "I don't want to let go of you, Saeko. I don't want to get up. I don't care about school or anything else. I just want to spend every hour of every day like this, holding you."
"Even though I like hearing that, the Senya I like wouldn't stop his life just for me, right?"
If Senya were a one-track-minded person, perhaps he could. But he wasn't. Saeko was amazing—top-tier, a once-in-a-million gem—but the problem never lay with her.
Senya had nothing to argue back, sighing a little guiltily.
Saeko, unbothered, gently freed his hand and had him lie on the couch, his head resting on her lap.
She changed the subject.
"By the way, I still don't know… Senya, why did you suddenly… want me last night? It kind of scared me."
"Because the words you said that night made you incredibly radiant, more so than ever before. At that moment, I couldn't resist."
"The words I said?" Saeko blinked, touching his hair, trying to recall. "I barely said anything. I just mentioned a solution for Umi's situation."
"From your perspective, maybe it was minor. But to me, it wasn't."
"I don't understand… can you explain?"
"Well… it's hard to put into words."
Senya wasn't unwilling, just found it difficult. The depth of her concern and consideration for him in that instant wasn't easily expressed.
"I see…" Saeko nodded, understanding.
She smoothly transitioned to the topic of Umi. "What are you planning to do about her?"
"You don't need to do anything, Saeko. I'll explain everything to her honestly," Senya said without hesitation.
Although Umi's situation was influenced by Saeko, the motivation was ultimately for Senya. He had no reason to make her the villain.
But one thing at a time. Before confronting Umi, there was something even more important to address.
Saeko's body kept him captivated, but now, thoughts that had plagued him for half a day resurfaced.
Touka…
After returning from the beach, she had become distant. Senya was fairly certain it was because, after their initial intense encounter, knowing Saeko was by his side made it impossible for her to reconcile with the idea of secretly being with him.
He had been worried about how to resolve Touka's emotional knot—not necessarily expecting her to let go entirely, but at least to feel less troubled.
As a girl, Touka's emotions tended to be sensitive. Suppressed feelings could easily cause problems.
Before, he hadn't figured out a concrete solution. But now, after officially crossing that line with Saeko, he was close to someone he considered the most intimate, so many concerns no longer mattered. A new idea formed in his mind, worth trying.
"Saeko, I want to get your opinion on something."
"Sure, tell me."
"Not just about Umi… can I also tell others about our relationship…"
"…"
"I'm home."
Around 4 PM, Senya returned home, calling as usual. No response came, except for a black-feathered bird flapping to land on a small table by the entrance.
From the tiles near the doorway, two familiar pairs of shoes were visible: one pair of casual shoes, one pair of neatly aligned women's sandals.
No doubt Rikka and Touka were at home. They must be upstairs.
Petting the bird, daily favor +3.
Senya went upstairs. Using his "God's-eye view," he saw one sister in her room, yawning while struggling with homework, and the other propped up at a computer, watching a documentary on cooking.
He didn't disturb them, first returning to his room to quickly pack some clothes and his bag. Then he went to Touka's room and knocked.
"What is it? Another problem you can't solve?"
Touka's voice came from inside, thinking he was Rikka.
But when she opened the door and saw Senya, her pupils dilated. She averted her gaze and froze, feeling as if just seeing him was shameful. She stopped pulling the door open, even pushed it slightly back.
"Senya, you're back."
"Yes. I need to talk to you about something. Aren't you going to invite me in?"
"I… just a second, let me close my computer and we can talk downstairs."
"Because this is private, I think it's better we talk in here," Senya said.
Touka hesitated. If she let him in, things could spiral beyond her control. Last time, she had let him have his way…
Seeing her anxiety, Senya sighed and stepped back slightly.
"If being in the same room makes you uncomfortable, I can move out. I don't want to trouble you."
Suddenly, she noticed he was holding his bag and travel bag.
"!"
No, it's not discomfort—it's just… I can't ignore your relationship with Saeko! Feeling like a morally terrible woman, that's all!
Touka panicked but couldn't openly admit this to Senya. One thing was clear: she wouldn't let him move out.
"You're talking nonsense!"
She fully opened the door, grabbed his wrist, pulled him in, took his bags, closed the door, and pressed her back against it, eyes firm, slightly angry.
"This is our home. Where else would you go if you're not staying here?"
Senya couldn't help but smile.
"Alright, since you say so, Touka, I won't go anywhere. I'll stay here, in 'our' home."
Touka froze. His teasing expression made her cheeks flush. Again, he'd ensnared her. How many times had this happened? Why didn't she learn?
She angrily tossed his bags aside, folded her arms, and sat by the bed.
Senya didn't rush to speak, first locking the door. The action reminded Touka of that forbidden, thrilling hotel night.
"T-Ts… Senya…"
"Don't misunderstand. I just think what we need to discuss is important. Consider it insurance, so Rikka won't disturb us."
Touka's worry eased slightly. Thankfully, he knew Rikka was home, so he wouldn't do anything… too embarrassing.
She nodded, trying to appear casual. "So, what is it?"
"It's important for us. That night at the hotel, I said a lot, but there's one thing I didn't mention. I was afraid you might dislike me if you knew, so I hesitated… but after much thought, this is something I absolutely cannot hide."
Senya knelt on one knee, repeating the gesture he had used to confess at the hotel, and held her small hand in his, like the start of a proposal.
"Wh-what is it?"
Touka's voice trembled slightly, sensing the seriousness in his eyes.
"I really like you, Touka. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. But at the same time… I like Saeko. And… we have been officially dating for some time now."
…
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