Makoto ignored Yuna's plea, walking closer and gently lowering her down right in front of the door. "I hope we're not late. Did you miss me?" He leaned in to peck Mika's lips before she could say anything.
Mika's eyes widened fractionally when their lips touched. For a second, she was frozen, the book slipping from her fingers. Then she melted, her lips parting in a soft, accepting sigh against his, and she replied with a more passionate kiss.
When Makoto pulled back, Mika blinked slowly, her cool composure cracked, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. She touched her lips with her fingertips, her pink eyes searching his with surprise and quiet satisfaction.
"You and Yuna are three minutes early," she said, her voice a little breathless as she tried to regain her usual cool tone. Then her gaze slid to him, her pink eyes darkening with a familiar dangerous heat.
"And yes, darling," she purred, her voice low and intimate. "I did miss you quite a bit. Especially since I've had to listen to Ayane yammer about trick art museums and limited-edition figurines for the past two hours."
She cleared her throat, picking up her book and brushing off imaginary dust. "The hike was nice, I guess?"
"UGHHHHH!" Yuna was standing beside Makoto, her arms crossed, glaring daggers at Mika. Her face was still flushed from the romantic moment on the mountain, and now she was red with indignation. "You can't just steal a kiss in front of me! I just had my romantic moment! You're already scheduled for tonight! Stop being greedy, you calculating bitch!"
Mika adjusted her sunglasses with a small smug smile on her lips. "Jealousy does not suit you, Yuna. Perhaps if you weren't so busy monopolizing him all morning, I wouldn't need to get my payment up front. And it was Makoto who kissed me first."
Before Yuna could explode, the door to the soba restaurant slid open. Mafuyu stepped out, carrying a small bag of what looked like souvenirs. Her face lit up when she saw them. "Makoto-kun! Yuna-chan! Mika-chan! You're back!" She hurried over, beaming. "I found the most adorable little wooden toys for the babies. I couldn't resist."
Right behind her, Ayane burst through the door, her arms full of shopping bags. "FINALLY! I'M STARVING! Where were you two lovebirds?! Did you bang on the mountain?! Wait, don't answer that. I'll just assume yes." She grinned, dropping her bags on the ground with a loud thud. "Now, let's eat some noodles! I've been waiting!"
Mika stood up, smoothing her dress. "Then let's go inside. The reservation is under my name. And Makoto…" She turned to him, her eyes glinting. "You're sitting next to me, darling."
"Let's hope the soba will be good," Makoto said, following Mika to their seats.
The soba restaurant was exactly what you'd expect from a place hidden in a mountain town alley. Small, cozy, with worn wooden floors and the rich, earthy smell of fresh buckwheat noodles and dashi broth. There were only a handful of low tables, and the old woman behind the counter greeted them with a warm smile.
Mika had, as promised, secured a private corner table. They all removed their shoes and settled in, the tatami mats soft beneath them. The old woman approached them with a tray of cold barley tea and menus, bowing deeply. "Welcome, welcome. Our soba is made fresh every morning. Please, take your time."
Mika sat to Makoto's right, close enough that her thigh pressed against his. Yuna immediately claimed the spot to his left, still glaring at Mika. Mafuyu sat next to Yuna, and Ayane plopped down across from him, spreading out her spoils from her shopping trip.
"What did you buy, Ayane, Mafuyu-nee?" He asked, then cast a puzzled look at the bags on Ayane's side.
"Oh! Glad you asked!" Ayane chirped, her eyes lighting up. She started pulling things out of her bags with the enthusiasm of a kid on Christmas morning. "What did I buy? Oh boy, buckle up, boss!" she crowed, pulling out items one by one. "First, I got this super cute shrine maiden cosplay outfit from a specialty shop! It's for research and a future photoshoot with you." She winked lewdly.
"And this!" She held up a beautifully crafted wooden puzzle box. "This is from that artisan shop near the shrine. It's a trick box! You have to solve it to open it. I'm giving it to Asuka when she's old enough. Gotta train her brain early for escape rooms and puzzle games."
Finally, she pulled out a soft plushie of a tanuki. "And this adorable guy is for cuddles. Or for throwing at you when you're being annoying!"
Mafuyu smiled gently and reached into her own small bag. She pulled out four tiny, hand-carved wooden toys: a bird, a fox, a bear, and a rabbit.
"I found these at a local craftsman's stall," she said softly, her eyes shining. "They're all hand-carved from the same piece of wood. No paint, just natural polish. I thought they'd be perfect for the babies."
She turned the little rabbit over in her hands, admiring it. "The man who made them said each one takes a full day. I couldn't leave them behind." She looked at Makoto, a little embarrassed. "I also got some locally made honey and a small jar of yuzu marmalade. I thought, maybe I could use them when I bake for everyone back home."
Then she blushed, pulling out one more item. It was a small wooden picture frame with an intricate floral design. "I thought we could put a picture of all of us in it. So the babies know they're part of a big, loving family."
Makoto's heart (and maybe his cock too) throbbed a bit as he saw Ayane's miko cosplay outfit, then he turned to Mafuyu. "You're always so caring and thinking about us, we're so lucky to have you, Mafuyu-nee." He grasped her hand.
Mafuyu's eyes immediately welled up with tears at his words and the touch of his hand. A soft sob escaped her lips, and she quickly covered her mouth with her free hand, overwhelmed.
"I… I'm the one who's lucky," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion as she squeezed his hand back, her grip surprisingly strong. "You all saved me and gave me a family and a purpose. I never thought I'd be this happy."
She wiped her eyes with her sleeve, sniffling and smiling through her tears. "Thank you, Makoto, Yuna, Mika, Ayane. Thank you for everything."
Yuna, sitting next to him, watched the exchange with narrowed eyes. She grabbed Makoto's other hand possessively. "Okay, okay, enough with the waterworks, Mafuyu-nee," she grumbled, though her voice lacked its usual bite. "We get it, we're all lucky. Now, can we order? The Main Wife is hungry."
"The toy is cute, though, I think Yumi might love the bird," she murmured when nobody was listening.
Mika, on his other side, observed the tender moment with an approving nod. She leaned in slightly, her lips close to his ear. "You're good at that," she murmured, her voice a low, appreciative purr. "Making them feel valued. It's one of your attractive qualities, Makoto."
Her hand slid onto his thigh under the table, possessive and claiming. "Don't forget who's getting your full attention tonight, though."
Ayane, across the table, was grinning like a madwoman. She held up the miko outfit again, waving it like a flag. "Mafuyu-nee's emotional moment is beautiful and all," she announced loudly, "but can we talk about THIS? Boss, I'm wearing this tonight, or tomorrow, or whenever you want. I will be your personal shrine maiden. I will grant all your wishes, even your most horny, lewd wishes."