The morning sun poured through the window, but the calm was quickly disrupted by a loud crash from the kitchen.
"Ah! I dropped the coffee cup!" Setsuna exclaimed, flustered, as she tried to catch the falling cup.
Haru darted forward, catching it effortlessly. "Got it," he said with a small grin, handing it back.
'He's always in the right place at the right time…' Setsuna thought, cheeks warming.
Zeno, sprawled lazily on the sofa, called without looking up, "Careful, Setsuna… that's why I said let him handle it!"
Before Setsuna could respond, the doorbell rang. Riruru entered cheerfully, holding a small tote bag.
"Good morning! I just came to drop off some documents from Kyusuke. He said they were urgent and thought it'd be easier if I brought them," she explained.
Haru smiled faintly, thinking, 'Kyusuke's attempt to stay close is working in the wrong way… sets the perfect stage.'
Setsuna accepted the papers, glancing at Riruru. "Thanks, Riruru. That was kind of you."
Riruru tilted her head. 'Haru notices her… again. Interesting.'
Zeno stretched lazily. "Another package… are we becoming a business hub now?"
Haru chuckled inwardly. 'Little chaos… keeps everyone distracted, and I get to maneuver.'
---
By mid-morning, Setsuna mentioned, "I need to deliver some kyusuke samples to a client downtown. It'll take a while, and I didn't want to go alone." as this is also her side job.
Haru immediately offered, "I can go with you. It's better to have a hand carrying everything."
'Perfect… a reason to spend uninterrupted time with her,' he thought.
Riruru perked up. "Can I come too? I was curious about the shop anyway and this also my responsibility."
Setsuna hesitated for a moment. "Sure… why not. More hands would help."
Zeno, lounging with his phone, muttered, "Sounds like an adventure. Don't get lost."
Kyusuke remained at the shop, completely unaware of the subtle shift his absence had caused.
---
The Trip Begins
The trio set off in Haru's car. Riruru tried chatting constantly, and Setsuna focused on the route. Haru, however, used the drive to help with logistics, balancing crates and explaining client details.
"Be careful with the fragile ones," he said, moving closer to adjust a box. Their hands brushed, and Setsuna's face heated slightly.
'Why do I feel my heart racing just because he's near?' Setsuna thought, realizing how different Haru felt compared to her husband.
Riruru glanced at them innocently, unaware, but a small spark of curiosity crossed her mind. 'He notices her… I wonder if he notices me like that.'
Meanwhile, Zeno had called earlier, saying, "Don't forget dinner is on me if you return before evening."
Haru smiled. 'Even their mundane planning works in my favor.'
---
Halfway through their deliveries, a sudden storm forced them to seek shelter at a small roadside hotel. Haru quickly suggested they wait there until the rain passed.
Setsuna nodded, grateful. "Good idea… we can rest a bit."
Riruru, curious as ever, added, "Maybe we can have some tea in the lobby?"
Haru led the way, ensuring the seating arrangement subtly placed him between the two women. 'Small advantages… they think it's casual.'
Setsuna, unaware of the undercurrent, leaned slightly closer, feeling safe and comfortable. 'He's… reliable… more than anyone I've known.'
Riruru observed quietly, noticing the small gestures. 'He's… very attentive to her… hm, interesting.'
---
As the rain poured outside, the three settled with tea and snacks. Haru helped Riruru adjust a chair and assisted Setsuna in arranging her paperwork. Every action appeared helpful and casual, yet subtly reinforced his position.
"Thank you, Haru… for everything," Setsuna said softly, looking at him.
"Anytime. I enjoy being useful," Haru replied smoothly. 'Small gestures… slowly building trust.'
Riruru smiled faintly. 'He's so… different. And she clearly responds to him.'
Even as Zeno and Kyusuke remained unaware of the growing emotional dependence forming, Haru's careful guidance ensured that both women were now increasingly looking to him for support and reassurance.
By the time the storm subsided, the trio had grown closer naturally, and the outing ended with laughter, playful teasing, and the subtle reinforcement of Haru's influence.