Mrs. Kasumino's cooking skills were excellent—truly worthy of a seasoned housewife. Her long experience showed in everything she prepared.
Her daughter, Shiha, by comparison, naturally lacked practical life experience.
The pudding was delicious—soft and bouncy, with the rich aroma of milk perfectly balanced with the right sweetness. It melted in the mouth, leaving a lingering flavor that was simply irresistible.
After placing the dessert on the table, Mrs. Kasumino continued to smile warmly.
She deliberately ignored the repeated glances from her daughter and, unlike before, didn't leave immediately. Instead, she stayed naturally, offering the cup of tea she had prepared in advance. Sipping delicately, she joined the three of them in conversation.
Normally, when an elder joins a younger circle, differences in age and life experience can create a sense of awkwardness. The topics discussed often don't align, creating a kind of generation gap.
But none of that happened with Mrs. Kasumino.
Perhaps it was because her life was happy and secure, free from constant worries. With a diligent husband and an accomplished daughter, she had no need to fret over daily concerns, and her life was comparatively relaxed.
This made her personality feel light and youthful, lacking the typical adult gravitas. She radiated the freshness of someone still innocent at heart, and without any of the usual airs of an elder, she was incredibly easy to get along with.
It was a good thing. Even in her thirties or forties, she retained the heart of a young woman.
Watching Mrs. Kasumino chat happily with Saeko, Minamoto Senya could clearly feel that vitality.
He also thought of Eriri's mother, who, for similar reasons, carried a youthful, girlish energy in her actions. Though calling it "girlish" for a mature housewife might feel odd, it was accurate—Aunt Sawamura often came across as lively and energetic.
Saeko's mother was different. She, too, had a young mindset, but that was a natural part of her personality.
Yukino's mother was entirely another story: elegant, refined, and carrying a dignified presence, the very embodiment of quiet strength. Growing up in the elite Yukinoshita family, such poise was only natural.
…Wait, why am I suddenly analyzing all these mothers?
Senya shook his head lightly, dismissing the stray thoughts.
Meanwhile, Shiha, frustrated that her subtle hints had been ignored, sighed and rolled her eyes. She decided to be straightforward. Pushing gently against her mother's waist, she said:
"Mom, you need to prepare lunch. You shouldn't waste your time here."
In other words: "Bring the dessert and then leave. Don't hang around and get in our way!"
"My lunch prep is fast, and it's only a little past ten. I haven't seen Saeko and Senya in a while, so I wanted to chat with them a bit more."
Having said that, she ended her conversation with Saeko and turned to Senya.
"By the way, Senya, what were you two talking about? When I came in with the dessert, you looked so happy."
"Eh… happy?"
The spoon in Senya's hand trembled, and the soft pudding he had just scooped fell back onto the plate.
Happy?
Shiha immediately focused on her attention on him, her warm, alluring eyes fixed on Senya.
Earlier, during the conversation with Saeko, Shiha had been completely absorbed, shocked by Saeko's bold statements, and hadn't paid attention to anything else. But now…
If Senya really had been as happy as her mother claimed, it was worth pondering.
"Aunt, I don't think so," Senya instinctively tried to deny it.
The truth was, he had been as shaken as Shiha when listening to Saeko, so he hadn't noticed his own reaction—or how it might have appeared to someone else.
"You did! I saw it clearly—your eyes widened, and your smile was obvious. You looked genuinely delighted."
Mrs. Kasumino pouted, explaining what she had observed.
Shiha's gaze on Senya became more contemplative. Naturally, Saeko also glanced over, a subtle glint in her eyes.
Senya sensed their watchful looks. Slightly flustered, he reminded himself it wasn't a big deal.
"That was just because I was happy to see you, Aunt," he explained.
"You? Happy just because I came in?"
"Yes. I remembered the last time I ate here, I thought your cooking was amazing, and I've been wanting to try it again. Today, that wish came true, so of course I was happy."
"You're such a sweet kid. If only Shiha had half your charm… Since you liked it so much, just come over anytime, no need to hold back. By the way, my desserts are only so-so, but I have some signature dishes. Since you're excited, I'll show off at lunch and surprise you."
Senya's playful reply had successfully smoothed over the delicate moment. Shiha's wish was granted: Mrs. Kasumino finally stood.
"No time to waste, I'll prepare lunch now and call you when it's ready," she said with a teasing wink at Senya.
Just as men are instinctively drawn to young, beautiful women, women too rarely resist handsome young men. It wasn't about age or character—purely instinct.
"Alright, alright, get going, Mom!" Shiha said, closing the door behind her. Silence returned to the room, and Senya exhaled.
Too early to relax, though. The conversation wasn't quite finished.
Once the door closed, Shiha, under Saeko's watchful gaze, approached Senya.
"Senya, what do you think about what Saeko just said?"
"Think… about it?"
Honestly, Senya hadn't been prepared for this sudden question.
No matter how he answered, it felt tricky. Disagreeing outright would reject Saeko; agreeing would align him with her. But what exactly was Shiha thinking behind that calm, distant expression?
A woman's heart was like a needle at the bottom of the sea…
Even Tohka, who was playful at times, had been tricky, but Shiha was far more sensitive and unpredictable.
In such a situation, survival instincts kicked in.
When uncertain, it was best to act cautiously. Answering vaguely, without committing, was safest.
Senya sighed slightly, glanced at Saeko, then back at Shiha, silently pondering. Finally, he spoke:
"…My opinion doesn't matter. Saeko and I both feel sorry for hiding things from you. Whatever can make you feel better, I'll do it. That's my answer."
A careful, slightly sly response—safe, non-confrontational, yet courteous. Shiha, absorbed in thought, didn't immediately notice the subtlety.
She turned to Saeko and fell silent again.
So messy… so complicated…
If she ignored all caution, the happiness she had dreamed of for so long was within reach. The confession at the beach hotel room, after so many days, could finally reach the perfect ending she had wished for.
But… could she really just accept it?
To intervene while Senya and Saeko maintained this tenuous connection…
Though her feelings for Senya were reciprocated, could she truly accept this arrangement?
They—three of them—together…
At that moment, Saeko stepped closer to Shiha.
Without speaking first, she looked at Senya apologetically and pressed her hands together slightly in a gesture of request.
Senya understood and turned to the balcony, gazing outward, back to them.
Saeko leaned in close to Shiha and whispered softly.
The open window let in summer heat and the noisy chirping of cicadas, but they paid no attention.
As Saeko spoke, Shiha's eyes gradually widened. Once she finished, Shiha turned her head in disbelief.
"You know what you're saying, right?" she asked quietly.
Saeko smiled faintly. "Of course. I've thought it through. You can try it, Shiha."
Shiha smirked challengingly. "You really think I won't dare?"
"I just want to apologize for my past mistakes," Saeko replied.
"Have you considered the consequences?"
"Don't worry. This is my choice. Whatever happens, I won't blame you—I'll accept it."
Shiha stared at her deeply, saying nothing further.
Saeko then took Shiha's hands.
"Does this mean you accept my proposal? Are we officially reconciled?"
Shiha noticed Saeko's brightening smile, feeling a mix of relief and fear.
If she were in Saeko's shoes, there was no way she could have sacrificed herself to this extent. This woman didn't understand her mind at all—and one could never predict what bold idea would come next…
Yet, Shiha had to act. Hesitation now would be cowardly.
She stared at Saeko and said firmly, "I hope you don't regret this."
"So… that's great," Saeko said, joyfully raising their joined hands to Senya, signaling the truce.
Shiha, blushing slightly, turned her face away, still unsure if she'd made the right decision.
Because seeing Saeko so gleeful, she couldn't tell if this was intentionally tempting her…
But… with Senya, even if it's a risky move, she was willing.
Lunch was, of course, at the Kasumino house.
With Mrs. Kasumino's skillful cooking, Senya's deliberate flattery, and Shiha and Saeko now reconciled, the atmosphere was lively.
Shiha, prompted by her mother, even shared small anecdotes about her daily interactions with Saeko at school.
Though initially awkward, this showed she was trying to restore their friendship to its previous state.
After lunch, Senya had work. A film adaptation company had acquired rights for his astrology-based "murder magic," requiring him to sign contracts in person. He had to leave.
Saeko, however, stayed, perhaps planning to speak privately with Shiha after he left.
At the entrance, while putting on his shoes, Senya casually asked them:
"What did you two girls whisper about on the balcony?"
Saeko glanced at Shiha but didn't answer. Shiha seemed indifferent.
Finally, Saeko smiled: "Sorry, Senya. That's a secret between girls."
"I see," he said, unsurprised, and moved on.
"Good luck at work," Shiha called after him.
"Thanks," he replied, heading out.
Miyoko Kudo waited in the car. As his personal assistant, she was on call 24/7. She didn't mind—her job was focused solely on him.
Compared to running around for the previous president and cleaning up his chaos, her current job felt heavenly.
"Visiting a friend's house today?" Miyoko said,