Senya's mother had left early that morning, heading off to a long-awaited gathering with her female friends from school days. They had chosen a mountain resort for the meetup, a place to escape the summer heat, and she would likely stay there for a couple of days. That meant she wouldn't be back home that night.
For Yukinoshita Haruno, this was actually a blessing. With her mother out of the house, she could finally shed that polite, well-mannered mask she always wore and show her bold, carefree side without restraint.
According to her, at school, in front of teachers and the younger students who looked up to her, she always had to maintain that exemplary, top-student demeanor. She had to keep her composure, live up to expectations, and not disappoint anyone.
And at home, it was the same story. Her mother had high expectations of her from the very beginning, so she had to continually present the side of herself that was admirable and competent.
Not to mention her younger sister, who constantly measured herself against her and strove to reach that same standard.
So, in the grand scheme of things, Haruno's life up to now couldn't exactly be called easy.
Minamoto Senya remembered that ever since he had known Haruno, and through casual chats with the second Miss, he had occasionally heard about this older sister. She was either attending extra lessons or rushing to extracurricular activities. Her schedule was always packed with study plans and personal improvement projects—it sounded grueling.
And yet, despite sometimes finding her overwhelming, Senya genuinely admired the eldest Yukinoshita sibling.
Perhaps it was because the burden she carried was so heavy that, under such pressure, her personality occasionally revealed a different side. Sometimes she acted mischievously, sometimes scheming just a little, perhaps to relieve stress or entertain herself, or maybe even for some more particular purpose.
But there was no denying it: this was part of her unique charm.
"Ughhh! Sometimes I just want to sleep in until noon, eat fried food without a care for my figure, and enjoy life! Why does it always have to be me living like a monk?!"
At this moment, the older sister, whom Senya found so uniquely charming, was loudly venting her frustrations across the dining table.
It was clear from her words that she was expressing deep dissatisfaction with her own situation.
Rikka jumped slightly at the outburst, unsure how to respond. Should she sympathize and align with Haruno's words, or offer gentle comfort…? She didn't know.
She was close to Yukino, but she wasn't particularly familiar with Haruno.
And for some reason, she always felt a subtle unease when around this older sister—she didn't even know why.
The other two at the table, Tohka and Minamoto Senya, didn't react much.
Senya took his cup and pretended to examine it carefully. "The orange juice shouldn't have alcohol in it…"
Tohka, as a friend, at least expressed concern. Using the communal knife and fork, she cut a piece of beef Wellington and offered it: "Want some?"
This homemade, simplified version of beef Wellington was juicy and aromatic, with an appealing appearance and excellent taste. Though simplified, skipping some of the complex steps of a traditional recipe, preparing it from start to finish had still taken over two hours. As a result, the evening meal at the Senya household didn't start until seven o'clock.
"Yes." Haruno's expression shifted instantly. The previous frustration melted away, replaced by a smile.
The rapid change in her demeanor left Rikka dumbfounded, even more confused about what this sister of Yukino's was usually thinking, and silently reaffirmed her own role as a devoted eater.
Despite her discomfort around Haruno and not knowing how to interact, there were advantages.
Tonight's dinner was more Western than usual—beef Wellington, Italian shrimp dumplings, tartar crackers, borscht, and seafood stew. These dishes were rare on the family table and suited Rikka's carnivorous tastes perfectly. It felt like an early holiday feast.
She didn't have to worry about much; Tohka and Senya were handling the guests. All she had to do was eat!
"Though you're really unfair. I'm complaining about my troubles, and you guys… don't even try to comfort me at all."
Haruno glanced at Tohka and Senya, sighing deeply.
As for Rikka, Haruno didn't even spare her a look. The youngest in the Senya household was like a little mascot to Haruno—simply looking at her brought a subtle sense of healing. She was a well-behaved child and didn't need to be teased.
"I just didn't notice, Haruno, that you seemed troubled," Senya replied calmly.
"I think so too. Someone who's upset wouldn't have such a good appetite," Tohka nodded in agreement.
"Geez, you two always answer in unison… are you some kind of lifelong partners with perfect synchronization?"
Haruno said this, trying to gauge a reaction she hoped to see on Tohka and Senya's faces.
Unfortunately, there wasn't one.
Senya just chuckled and drank his soup, while Tohka shot her a look that clearly said, "Stop making ridiculous jokes."
Failing to get the reaction she wanted, Haruno turned her attention to Rikka.
But the youngest sibling didn't react either, simply burying herself in her food.
Haruno even began to doubt her earlier judgment. The friend Tohka had mentioned—was she really just a friend and not a veiled reference to her own situation?
Tonight's dinner, with Haruno present, was livelier than usual.
Afterward, Rikka volunteered to clean the table.
Senya had intended to help but was sent off to shower first.
"She's surprisingly sensible. Not like you usually describe," Haruno whispered to Tohka, holding her iced tea.
"Maybe it's because you're here, and she wants to behave well in front of guests. Or maybe it's because she likes tonight's meal and feels good about it, so she willingly helped."
"Seeing her reminds me of Yukino studying abroad. With her introverted nature, it must be tough. Almost three years, and she hasn't made any friends there," Haruno sighed.
"Hehe."
"Why are you suddenly smiling at me like that?"
"Nothing," Tohka replied. She had just remembered something Senya had told her long ago.
Though Haruno often teased Yukino, she was, in fact, a complete little-sister enthusiast. Her teasing was childish, like a kindergartener trying to get a girl's attention—awkward, playful gestures meant to interact and connect.
Tohka remembered this from when their families had just gotten close. Thinking about it now felt oddly nostalgic. The label "little-sister enthusiast" applied to Haruno made her seem endearingly cute. But that was a secret she intended to keep, lest the charm vanish.
"Tohka, there's no need to worry. Soon, Yukino will be back," Haruno said.
"Yeah, just two more semesters… then she can finally attend the same school as her beloved childhood friend," Haruno mused casually.
Tohka nodded, finishing her iced tea and reaching for the teapot. Seeing Haruno looking at her, she naturally offered to pour some more, but Haruno shook her head.
"You know, Tohka, I've been thinking about something for a long time."
"Hm?"
Haruno paused. At that moment, Rikka had finished washing the dishes and came out of the kitchen.
She waved: "Sisters, you two chat. I'll head to my room."
"Thanks, Rikka-chan~"
Once Rikka's footsteps faded, Haruno set her cup down and leaned closer to Tohka. "So, when is your brother finally going to confess to my little sister?"
Her question finally exposed a crack in Tohka's composure.
Pouring tea, she missed slightly and spilled some onto the table.
"Why ask that out of nowhere?" Tohka said, dabbing it with a napkin.
"I'm not being random. I've thought they're perfect together since kindergarten."
"You were in elementary school back then. So mature at such a young age?"
"They're just that compatible. How could I not ship them? Don't you think?"
"Tohka, I don't know Yukino that well, and Senya usually handles his own affairs. I wouldn't interfere."
"Eh~ that's not the answer I wanted."
"What do you want me to say?"
"Stand with me, help them move forward… then we can naturally become true sisters too."
"No way. I can't do that. Besides, if Senya has his own plans, others butting in won't make him happy, even with good intentions."
"Truly, you know him well."
"We've lived under the same roof for a long time. I know him that well."
She thought about saying he clearly liked Yukino but decided against it. Saying so would force her to take sides between her little sister and friend—a feeling she disliked.
For now, it wasn't necessary.
The conversation naturally shifted back to dinner topics: Tohka's graduation plans and college choices, critical for her future.
A few hours earlier, she'd been confused, but after Senya's earlier questioning, she had a clearer idea.
"Tohka, Haruno, you can go wash up anytime," Senya said.
"Perfect timing. Senya, your sister seems to have decided what she wants for her future," Haruno added, smiling.
Senya, drying his hair, walked over, smiled, and sat on the sofa.
"Much faster than I expected. I thought you'd take more time to decide," he said.
"Exactly," Tohka replied lightly.
Senya and Haruno exchanged curious glances, turning to watch Tohka.
"You two are a bit over the top…" Tohka said, feeling nervous. "Can you be more casual, like before? Makes it easier to speak."
It was a simple request, given Haruno and Senya's natural flair for drama.
Senya turned on a variety show channel, and Haruno watched with him.
"All right. Now you can speak, Tohka," Haruno prompted.
They both looked at the TV, easing Tohka's nervousness about revealing her future plans.
Gathering her thoughts, Tohka began: "Senya, you asked about the kind of future I hope for."
"Mm-hm," Haruno nodded.
"I imagined it then, and while cooking later, my vague ideas became clear."
Haruno interrupted: "Tohka, daydreaming while cooking isn't safe. You might cut yourself or burn something."
Tohka sighed. "Thanks for the concern, but this is what I'm talking about."
Haruno smiled. "Sorry, continue."
"To sum up, Senya's question helped me picture a future that truly makes me happy. At home."
"At home…" Senya murmured, unsurprised.
"Yes, a family gathered around the table, enjoying delicious food together—warm and joyful." Tohka's voice softened.
Haruno imagined the scene. "So, Tohka, you want to be a stay-at-home wife?"
Senya corrected her first: "No, she wants a culinary career."
"Tohka gets the point," she confirmed.
"Oh, that's great! Your cooking is already amazing," Haruno said, nodding. "I've always thought your skills rival some well-known restaurants."
"Tohka's friend filter, maybe," Senya commented.
"No, really. Even today's home-cooked meal—excellent."
"I've thought Tohka's cooking was great for a long time. My tastes have gotten more refined because of her."
"And culinary paths aren't just chefs—nutritionist, food writer, or blogger are options."
"Exactly. With passion and confidence, she could even start her own restaurant."
"Right. I can already picture Tohka running her restaurant like a general in command…"
From then on, Senya and Haruno excitedly discussed Tohka's future, largely ignoring her.
Watching them care about her ambitions, and having finally clarified her direction after years of uncertainty since entering her senior year, Tohka relaxed.
The vague emptiness she had felt disappeared, replaced by fulfillment.
"It's great! Tohka's problem is solved. With a clear future, choosing a university and major becomes much easier," Haruno said, hugging her.
"I haven't showered yet; I'm still covered in cooking smells," Tohka protested.
"Don't worry, I don't mind."
She didn't push Haruno away, letting her hug.
Senya, out of Haruno's sight, smiled gently at Tohka.
Looking at him, her expression softened. She recalled when she truly became interested in cooking—after getting to know him.
His gentle care helped break the ice. As the eldest child, she wanted to care for her family and cherish this rare happiness. Her cooking philosophy changed—from merely balanced nutrition to meals that were also delicious and satisfying.
Thinking further, her growth as a cook had been inseparable from Senya's encouragement. Every time she cooked, he praised her, in various ways, boosting her confidence and sense of recognition.
Indeed, great cooks are made by being praised.Evening.
Toka had finished tidying up the guest room for Yuno.
But Yuno lingered in her room until midnight before finally heading to bed.
Minamoto Senya could almost see them from a godlike perspective, huddled together at the desk, browsing various Tokyo universities online, presumably preparing for the next step in Yuno's academic journey.
He had no idea why, several times throughout the evening, Toka had flushed red at something Yuno said.
He could have quietly gone outside on the connecting balcony to eavesdrop, but that was something he simply couldn't bring himself to do—and in truth, there was no real need.
With the relationship he now shared with Toka, he could enjoy her lap without hesitation, and in private, taste her cherry lips to his heart's content. Afterwards, a casual, feigned question would likely yield her honest answers with minimal difficulty.
That night, Senya called Kudou Miyoko.
He had previously asked her to find some shops that met his requirements—not for anything urgent, just in case he wanted to start some sort of venture. But now, with Toka having just solidified her future plans, the timing felt perfect.
A rough idea for Toka's graduation gift was gradually beginning to take shape in his mind.
Time flowed quietly into late June.
It had been a week since the incident at Saeko's house. During that week, Kasumino Shiwa's initial discomfort had eased, and she had fully recovered.
She had also experienced Senya's meticulous, almost obsessively caring attention—truly, she felt what it meant to be treated like a heroine.
She knew he was busy, a well-known figure active across multiple fields.
Yet, over the past week, she had seen him after school every day.
Sometimes he would wait near the school gates; other times, he would show up directly at her house.
To avoid raising her parents' suspicions, he always had a different excuse:
"Let's study together…"
"I have a question about the novel I'm writing—thought we could discuss it."
"My dad sent some local specialties from abroad—wanted to bring them over for you and your parents to try."
But such frequent visits in a short period made it obvious to anyone paying attention that something else was going on.
Mr. and Mrs. Kasumino didn't need to ask their daughter—they could tell immediately.
As a result, Mr. Kasumino had lately been in a sort of melancholic daze, seeming to age overnight, while Mrs. Kasumino was positively delighted. She had liked Senya for a long time—enough to want to be his mother—and now, in a way, her wish had come true.
For Shiwa, however, her parents' reactions hardly mattered.
Her only relief was that that morning, her mother had told her outright she would spend the afternoon waiting for her father at his office, then go on a rare two-person date: a candlelit dinner followed by a quiet visit to a bar, likely not returning home until ten or later.
And indeed, when Shiwa got home from school that afternoon, the house was empty.
"I'm home," she said, but there was no answer.
In the kitchen, dinner had already been prepared: four dishes and a soup, simple yet not meager, ready to be warmed and eaten.
Her parents weren't home, and Senya would be coming over too—which meant…
Shiwa's small feet tapped lightly on the floor as her heart entered a delicate, fluttering state.
Though her first experience hadn't been perfect, it had left her very satisfied.
Having fully recovered over the past two days, when she was alone with Senya in her room, her body reacted with eager anticipation whenever they were close.
And since she had to consider her parents' schedule, she had restrained herself, keeping affection to basic kisses and hugs…
But today, it seemed, the moment of full liberation had arrived.
Not that she wanted it for herself—though, of course, she did—but because Senya had several times already displayed unmistakable, passionate reactions during their embraces in the previous days.
So obvious. So… intense. That it was impossible to ignore.
After going through such experiences, Shiwa could now empathize with what Saeko had said long ago: knowing your partner's desires yet being unable to satisfy them breeds a sense of guilt.
But today, there would be no such problem. Why? Because she was fully healed.
She had even taken a short nap during class that afternoon, and now, she was brimming with energy, in peak form.
Though she felt some guilt toward Saeko, she intended to be utterly shameless. She had no plan to hold back.
She would use her body to its fullest advantage, slowly making Senya unable to resist, until in the end, all he saw was her.
Love was war, and she was ready to fight without mercy.
About half an hour later, Senya arrived at the Kasumino house.
The moment he entered, he lifted the bag in his hand.
"My mom asked me to bring some fruit over…"
He stopped mid-sentence, his eyes freezing.
The reason? Shiwa was standing at the entrance, clad in a semi-sheer silk nightdress, her silhouette illuminated by the orange glow of the sunset streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows behind her. She looked breathtaking, like a living piece of art.
"My parents won't be back until late, so you don't need any excuses," she said.
Senya's brow furrowed. "Shiwa… are you saying…?"
"Yes. We're alone today. And…" she leaned closer, her soft words brushing his ear, sending shivers down his spine: "…my body is completely fine now."*
She didn't have to spell it all out. The deliberately teasing undertone was enough for Senya to understand perfectly.
"But… what if they come home suddenly…"
Senya's rational mind still held its last bit of caution.
Shiwa smiled, undeterred, stepping closer and looping her arms around his neck.
"It's okay. I promise they won't come back unexpectedly."
She leaned even closer, rising slightly on her toes, her cheek resting against his chest, her voice lilting and flirtatious:
"It's hot outside—you must have sweated a lot getting here. Want to take a bath together?"
"You've already showered, haven't you?"
Even from this close, Senya could see the slight dampness in her hair, scented faintly with shampoo.
"But I want to feel it again—the way you held me in the bath that day. Isn't that okay?" Shiwa's embarrassment was evident, but she managed to say it all.
"…!"
Senya's mind exploded. At this point, there was no ambiguity.
He scooped Shiwa up, letting his actions speak for him.
"Senya… wait—the door isn't closed…" she murmured shyly.
He turned, securing the door before hurrying to the bathroom with her in his arms.
Everything unfolded exactly as Shiwa had imagined.
Though only a week had passed, the warmth and intimacy they shared felt delightfully familiar.
Her racing heart sent heat coursing through her entire body.
Prepared and reassured by Senya's steady gentleness, she no longer felt the slightest fear.
The familiar room, pre-cooled and with the curtains drawn, provided a safe, comfortable atmosphere.
And in this environment, the experience was far more reassuring than her previous time at Saeko's house.
Everything proceeded naturally, as it always did…
Until…
"Wait!… Please… wait a moment…"
It was as if she had returned to her favorite little diner, confident she knew exactly how much food to expect—but now, the portions were nothing like she remembered.
The rice and dishes overflowed the plates, and the signature white radish dish—perhaps the recent sunshine had made the vegetables grow too quickly—was piled so high it seemed meant for sumo wrestlers.
Shiwa didn't know why.
What was normally a manageable portion now seemed impossible.
"Something's… not right…"
"Shiwa?"
"Senya, last time I remember… it seemed…"
"Ah, last time? I held back because it was your first experience. This time is different. You look ready, so there's no need to hold back."
Senya's calm words hit her like a lightning strike. Shiwa's mind went completely blank.