Yukinoshita Yōno was no stranger to the Minamoto household.
After all, she had already visited several times before.
Besides, this property originally belonged to the Yukinoshita family's real estate company. She had even brought Minamoto Senya and the others here to check it out when it was first available.
Her footsteps light as always, she made her way to the second floor and stopped in front of Senya's room, knocking gently on the door.
After waiting for a moment with no response, she muttered to herself,
"Sleeping really soundly, huh… well, no choice then…"
With a deliberately gentle smile, she pressed down on the door handle and pushed the door inward almost silently.
Stepping inside, the first thing she noticed was the chill.
The air conditioning inside the room was running at full blast, presenting a stark contrast to the warmth outside.
Curious, she glanced up at the wall-mounted AC unit—17 degrees.
The airflow didn't sound particularly strong, yet this was extreme. Someone in good physical condition could really afford to be indulgent…
Muttering to herself, Yōno's gaze drifted to the bed.
Minamoto Senya was still fast asleep, lying on his side. He wore a short-sleeved shirt and shorts, a thin blanket tossed aside, yet he hugged a pillow tightly against his chest.
The guy who usually exuded a calm, mature presence—privately, his sleeping posture was soft and endearing.
Yōno crouched by the bed, suddenly reluctant to wake him, wishing he could stay in this peaceful state a while longer.
Not to mention, she hadn't seen him for a while. Being this close and looking at him carefully, she realized he had become even more handsome.
His features had deepened with age, gradually growing more rugged. The gentle boyish charm was slowly being replaced by a more masculine, refined presence.
His Adam's apple was prominent, his arms strong… and although he hadn't woken yet, other signs of vitality were already apparent.
Yōno quickly pulled her gaze away, embarrassed at the unintentional thoughts she'd entertained.
It was purely accidental; she hadn't planned to notice that.
But somehow, the fleeting vision had sparked a swift train of thought: imagining how harmonious life would be if her sister were married to him.
Shaking her head and rubbing her face, she chided herself internally. It wasn't even official yet—how could she be thinking like this?
Refocusing on her main purpose for coming upstairs, she let the cool air of the room help her settle down.
Watching Senya's calm, sleeping face, she leaned closer, placing herself near his ear. In a soft, delicate voice that hardly matched her usual confident style, she whispered,
"Senya, it's time to get up for breakfast."
Senya's waking speed was impressively fast.
Even before opening his eyes, his lips curved into a small smile, and the arms hugging the pillow rose… only to halt awkwardly in midair under Yōno's gaze.
Finally opening his eyes, he met her sharp, observant look lingering on his suspended hand.
"You're awake. How did you sleep last night?"
"…Pretty well," Senya answered after a slight hesitation, gently repositioning the arm he had instinctively lifted, brushing it back toward his mouth as he yawned softly.
Seeing that, Yōno let the moment pass. "Tōka asked me to wake you up for breakfast."
Senya rubbed his eyes and got up. "Thanks for the trouble… although, you did come early, didn't you?"
"If I didn't come early, what if you ran off…"
Huh?
Yōno, turning to casually inspect the layout of his room, caught something in Senya's seemingly casual words, and her expression sharpened.
She had called late last night. At that time, hearing Tōka's voice, it was clear she was already asleep.
So would she have called Senya later just to tell him Yōno was coming?
Not in the morning—he had been asleep until now.
Then it must have been last night…
The thought was strangely contradictory. Yōno processed it in a split second but made no unnecessary moves. She kept her hands behind her back, looking around as if nothing was amiss, and casually asked again,
"…Did Tōka tell you I'd be coming today?"
"She did. I ran into her last night, and she mentioned it casually."
"Oh… I see."
Yōno nodded lightly, accepting the explanation.
Senya, still groggy from sleep, felt a silent sigh of relief.
Good thing he had quick wits—otherwise, with Yōno's penchant for stirring trouble, who knew what unexpected chaos she might have caused.
He didn't mind how Yōno viewed him personally, but she was Yukino's older sister. He couldn't afford to take her lightly.
"I'll go change." His subtle dismissal was clear.
But Yōno acted as if she hadn't heard, sitting at his desk chair with her back turned.
"Go ahead, I won't peek."
"…Yōno, do you know what boundaries are?"
"Given our relationship, why care so much? Or is it that a beautiful, intelligent older sister being in the same room makes your heart flutter so badly you can't even change clothes?"
"…I don't exactly look intelligent…"
"You didn't deny I'm beautiful, thank you for that. I still don't have a boyfriend and don't mind younger guys, so Senya, you still have a chance."
"…."
Senya didn't bother continuing this pointless conversation. Knowing he couldn't make her leave, he got the clothes from the wardrobe and changed in the blind spot of her view.
Meanwhile, Yōno noticed a katana displayed atop his bookshelf, encased in a clear, meticulously crafted glass display.
"That was Yukino's gift to you, right?"
"Yeah."
"Oh… I remember. Back when Yukino was shy and hesitant, I encouraged her. But you're actually displaying it like a shrine in your room? You really treasure it, huh?"
"Because Yukino gave it to me."
Senya's simple answer satisfied Yōno completely. It wasn't just her sister who was lovestruck; his affection was genuine.
After changing, Senya went to the bathroom on the second floor. Yōno turned off the AC and opened the sliding glass doors to air out the room, then followed him upstairs.
Seeing the message on the bath mat, she chuckled: "This is definitely Rikka's handiwork."
"Yeah." Senya squeezed toothpaste onto his toothbrush. "Yōno, you can go downstairs. Don't wait for me."
"No need, it's been a while since we had a chat like this. It's nice to feel close again."
"Mm."
Senya was brushing his teeth, but his reflection in the mirror clearly said, Do as you like.
"Oh, I heard from Tōka that you were on a variety show. I watched it seriously last night from start to finish."
"Mm."
"And Yukino watched it with Mom, though Mom had to leave halfway."
"Mm?" Senya spat out the foam and turned.
"Yukino saw it too?"
"What's the problem?"
"I had planned to invite everyone over first, then show the program on TV so they could see my handsome side."
Senya sighed.
Yōno thought of her sister's guess last night.
Softly, she murmured, "You two should just get married already."
"What?"
"No big deal," she said with a radiant smile. "By the way, Senya, that prank segment—was it really unscripted, just like they said?"
"Impossible," he replied vaguely.
I knew it…
"The final prank, the director specifically asked me to act surprised. Otherwise, none of the reactions would have worked, and the ratings might have dropped."
"So the earlier ones were all genuine reactions?"
"Yes." Senya finished washing his face and turned to her. "I'm a little surprised you're so interested in the show. Are you a fan? I might interact with the host later; I could get an autograph if you want."
"No, thanks. I'm just curious."
And indeed, everything matched Yukino's guess perfectly.
Their hearts really were in sync…
Really… you two should get married right here, right now!
The three of them went downstairs.
Tōka had nearly finished breakfast; only the miso soup needed seasoning.
Senya went to the kitchen, subtly coordinating with Tōka to ensure she knew what he had casually told Yōno, preventing her from teasing him further.
"Oh, don't call Rikka?"
Yōno sat at the table, having skipped breakfast before leaving home.
"No need. She sleeps in during summer and skips breakfast." Tōka served rice.
"Is that okay?"
"Fine, it'll help her lose weight. She's gained two kilos this summer."
"That's a bit much. I won't hold back then."
"The breakfast is simple. Lunch will have your favorite dishes."
"I trust your cooking, Tōka. Even simple dishes will taste amazing."
Yōno tasted a piece of grilled fish, her face lighting up in delight, holding her cheeks in bliss.
Tōka chuckled, "You're exaggerating."
"Not at all. This is real. Now I understand why Rikka gained weight and why Senya's physique is improving."
Though Yōno's presence interrupted the solo time Senya had hoped for with Tōka, the meal was livelier.
Afterward, the girls cleaned up, washed dishes, and prepared tea.
Yōno approached Senya, still watching morning news in the living room, and got down to business.
"Senya, are you busy lately?"
"My schedule's tight. I'll be heading to Osaka in a few days."
"Osaka… for a competition?"
"No, a local cultural festival."
"Oh… so your summer's been busy?"
"Not really. By the 20th of this month, I should have some free time."
"Good. Actually, I'm here on my mother's request."
"Ah… Mom…"
Upon hearing his future mother-in-law's title, Senya immediately focused, turning toward Yōno.
"…What did she want me to do?"
"I wish you'd respect me as you do Mom~"
"I do respect you, Yōno, but respect isn't just shown outwardly. It must be sincere." He placed a hand over his chest.
A little smooth-talking from early fame, but not unpleasant.
"Enough flattery. Mom just wants to invite you for a meal."
Tōka arrived with tea, and Yōno added,
"Of course, if Tōka and Rikka are free, they can come too. Everyone's welcome."
Yōno vaguely guessed the purpose of the invitation. Even if her sisters accompanied him, it wouldn't matter much, so she extended the offer.
Tōka asked, concerned, "Why did Mom suddenly invite Senya?"
"Just thought it's been a while since you met, and she wants to chat." Yōno smiled, unable to hide it.
Senya's cat-like eyes squinted in disbelief. "You don't even believe yourself."
"Yōno, stop teasing."
"I really don't know! Mom asked me to invite you and check your availability. That's all I know. But based on my knowledge of Mom, it's definitely nothing bad."
Well, that answer was useless.
Perhaps he could ask Yukino privately…
"Thinking of asking Yukino later?" Yōno read his mind again.
"…Does she have mind-reading powers?"
"She knows nothing. Even if you ask, you won't get a useful answer. No need to rush—you'll know everything at the meeting. When are you free?"
"Wait a moment."
Senya checked his phone's calendar. Yōno, sitting beside him, peeked casually. His schedule was packed, just as he said.
Scanning through, he sighed, "I can't confirm now. Can I reply later?"
Yōno waved cheerfully. "No problem. You focus on your work; I'm not in a hurry."
Mission from Mom complete.
The three spent the morning watching TV, Yōno asking questions about Senya's station work, and he patiently answered.
By 10 a.m., Rikka came downstairs with Karasu, while Tōka went to prep lunch.
Around 11, the doorbell rang. Senya's personal assistant, driver, manager, media operator, and PR representative, Kudō Miyoko, arrived.
Senya had arranged it. Knowing she lived alone and ate instant noodles or takeout, he invited her to join them for lunch before heading to work together.
Three women in one house made the living room livelier.
Yōno learned more amusing things about Senya from Miyoko.
How many times had younger famous idols or voice actresses approached him for contact info?
Or how crazy fans blocked him at event entrances, declaring their love?
And most hilariously, adult video producers offered him leading roles. Though too young at the time, they even promised substantial fees and choice of actresses.
"Senya, how come you never told me this!" Rikka blushed, excited yet embarrassed.
"Not interesting, dummy." He flicked his stepsister's forehead, grabbed a small pack of walnuts, and went to pet Karasu.
Yōno, full of amusement, leaned toward Miyoko. "Do these films even have scripts?"
"They do. Their call sounded professional; I assumed it was a normal film. After meeting, it was indeed a movie, but not as expected."
"And then? Did you scold them?"
"Of course not. Polite refusal is essential in business. I represent Senya, so I must act rationally. It's ridiculous they wanted him for such films. I have no idea what they were thinking."
The phrase my Senya from Miyoko sounded natural, showing her care without suggesting romance.
The cheerful morning quickly passed into lunch.
Tōka's cooking had improved drastically—her paid culinary lessons showed.
Afterward, Senya returned to work full-time. Three days later, he gave Yōno a definite reply about Mom's invitation.
Time flew to late August.
The invitation day approached.
Yet, the day before, another event disrupted his plan.
The prestigious Hayakawa Sci-Fi Awards announced their results that afternoon.
Senya's highly anticipated work, Shitai, won.
Two major literary awards in quick succession for a single teenage author—the Japanese media erupted.
…
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