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Chapter 8 - Chapter 8 – Dinner at Momo and Isabella’s House

The sun had begun its slow descent toward the horizon, casting long, warm streaks of light across the streets of Musutafu. The air carried the faint scent of freshly baked bread from nearby bakeries, mingling with the occasional smell of rain on the asphalt. Izuku's heart beat slightly faster than normal as he approached the familiar yet imposing gates of Momo's family home. It was not a mansion in the extravagant sense, but its elegance was undeniable: polished wooden accents, soft glow of lanterns, and the quiet pride in every detail of the property spoke of a family who valued refinement.

Momo had insisted he arrive on time, and now, as he adjusted the collar of his modest black shirt, he felt a mix of anticipation and nervousness. "This is…different from her usual place," he muttered under his breath, his eyes tracing the clean lines of the entranceway.

A soft voice called from behind him. "Izuku, you're early. Don't tell me you're already nervous?"

He turned to see Momo, her flowing dress catching the last rays of sunlight. The fabric was almost sheer, the cut modest enough to keep her dignity, yet teasing in the way it moved with her. Her long hair brushed against her shoulders and swayed slightly with each step. She smiled faintly, a blush rising along her cheeks. "I wanted to make sure everything was ready. You're my most important person," she added softly, her voice carrying a weight that made his chest tighten.

Izuku swallowed, nodding. "I…thank you for inviting me. Your house—it's beautiful."

Momo's smile deepened, though it carried a hint of shyness. "I…wanted you to see it properly. And…to meet my mother."

The front door opened before he could respond, and a taller figure emerged. Isabella. The air seemed to shift as she stepped into view, radiating confidence and grace. Her dress clung to her like liquid silk, tight enough to outline her curves while maintaining an elegance that commanded attention. The deep V-neck drew the eye subtly, the side slits revealing the curve of her hips as she moved. Her hair glimmered under the fading sunlight, hints of blonde highlights catching the light, and the subtle scent of her perfume—a warm musk with floral undertones—wafted around him.

"Darling," she greeted, voice smooth and teasing, "you've come all this way for our little dinner?" Her eyes, sharp and playful, scanned him as if already evaluating his worth.

Izuku's face flushed slightly. "Y-yes, ma'am. I…wouldn't miss it."

Momo stepped closer to Isabella, her hand lightly brushing her mother's arm. "Mother…please don't scare him away on the first meeting."

Isabella chuckled softly, a sound that seemed to vibrate through the room. "I'm just making sure he knows the standards of our household. You understand, my dear." Her gaze shifted back to Izuku, a playful glint in her eyes. "And you…you'll need to keep up if you want to stay in my daughter's good graces."

The dinner table was set with exquisite care. Soft lighting cast golden pools on the polished wood, candles flickering gently and filling the room with a warm glow. The aroma of delicately cooked dishes—grilled vegetables, miso soup with finely sliced mushrooms, lightly seasoned fish—mixed with the subtle perfume of the two women, creating a sensory cocktail that made Izuku's head swim.

As they sat, Momo's hand brushed against his as she passed him a small plate. "Here…for you," she murmured. The touch was fleeting, but the warmth lingered far longer than it should have.

"You've really thought of everything," Izuku said softly, meeting her gaze. The depth in her dark eyes made his chest tighten. "You didn't have to…"

"I wanted to," she interrupted gently, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I…care about you, Izuku. More than I can really say."

Isabella leaned slightly forward, eyes sparkling. "It seems our little hero is already learning how to make hearts flutter." She teased lightly, her fingers brushing the edge of the table. "I hope you're ready for a little challenge tonight."

The conversation flowed easily after that, moving between lighthearted teasing, shared anecdotes of Momo's studies, and gentle hints at Izuku's unique abilities. Each touch—Momo's hand grazing his, Isabella's subtle leaning in—sent faint spikes of warmth through him, noticed quietly by the system. Devotion metrics rising…proximity bonus active…potential fertility spike detected.

As dessert arrived—a small platter of fresh fruit and sweetened bean paste pastries—Momo leaned slightly closer, whispering just enough for him to hear. "I…wanted to make this special. For us."

Her breath brushed against his ear, sending an electric shiver down his spine. He found himself smiling, words failing him for once. "It…is special," he murmured.

Isabella reached across the table, her hand briefly covering his as well. "See? You are appreciated," she said smoothly, voice dripping with a teasing warmth. "And don't forget—tonight is about connection. About trust. And a little…fun."

The meal continued with soft laughter, gentle touches, and lingering glances. Each moment, however mundane—pouring tea, passing a dish, reaching for fruit—was loaded with tension and the quiet pulse of intimacy. Izuku noticed how Momo's eyes followed his every motion, how Isabella's presence made him acutely aware of every subtle shift in the air, and how the system quietly hummed, recording devotion and emotional resonance.

By the time the plates were cleared, the room was suffused with a comfortable warmth. Candlelight reflected off polished surfaces, and the faint scent of lingering perfume hung in the air. Momo rose, brushing crumbs from her dress, and glanced at him with a mixture of shyness and boldness. "Would…would you like to stay for a little longer?"

Izuku's heart skipped. "I…would like that very much."

The evening blurred into a haze of quiet laughter, subtle touches, and whispered words. The tension and warmth between them was almost tangible, a soft electricity that left them both flushed and breathless. As the night deepened, the details of what happened were left implied: the room grew warmer, the closeness intensified, and the quiet murmur of intimacy filled the small house.

When Izuku finally left the table, the soft glow of candlelight fading behind him, he knew one thing with absolute certainty: this night had changed everything. Not just for him, but for Momo, Isabella, and the subtle bonds that had begun to form in the quiet spaces between words, touches, and stolen glances.

And somewhere in the back of his mind, the system hummed in approval: devotion spike registered…potential for growth unlocked…

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