It was a few minutes before eight in the evening when we finally reached our doorstep. At this point, even Hana, whom I said I’d escort ho, was still with us. I planned to do that after settling Haruko and Edel at ho.
Also, since I was out last night, I should show my face to Akane and Miwa-nee first, right? There’s also the little boy Minoru. We stopped by the convenience store to buy ice cream for him.
Like always, Akane was already waiting behind the door, ready to jump at . Next to her, Fuyu was also standing there... Right. She also ca tonight. I an, she probably missed , right?
“Husband, welco ho!” Akane’s arms were around in a flash, her warmth and familiar scent wrapping up like a cozy blanket. Her hug was tight, almost possessive, as she buried her face in my chest, mumbling sothing about missing all day.
Fuyu stood a step behind, her usual composed deanor softened by a faint blush and a shy smile tugging at her lips. She didn’t jump like Akane but she also took a step forward, grabbing my outstretched hand.
“Mhm, I’m ho.” I patted Akane’s head before turning to Fuyu, “You didn’t tell you’ll be here too. Are you planning to surprise ?”
“Why won’t I? It’s not only Akane who misses you. Don’t test , Ruki-kun. I an it when I said I won’t lose to anyone when it cos to gaining your attention." Fuyu’s lips stretched into a thin smile as her eyes shifted to the girls behind . Since she didn’t want to tell her about my other girls, they’re eting for the first ti.
"Right, you are. Oh, let introduce you properly. It’s fine, right? Just lay it on if you ever feel jealous. I’ll make sure to pamper you just as much.” I flashed Fuyu a reassuring grin, which earned a tight squeeze on my palm.
"Hmph. I’ll hold you to that, Ruki-kun. I suppose... it’s unavoidable for at this point. I’ll have to get used to this."
Hearing that, I couldn’t help but feel a little guilty. I an, I brought her into this tangled web of relationships. I could’ve persuaded her not to pursue after she admitted being interested in or rather, warned her further about what being with entails. Yet, I didn’t.
Moving Akane to my side, I pulled Fuyu closer and planted a kiss on her lips. I looked straight into her eyes, conveying my thoughts. She picked it up even without words, causing her to bite her lip before placing her forehead on my shoulder at the sa ti as her arms wrapped around .
Akane and Haruko had to fake a cough, bringing us back to reality. Fuyu reluctantly let go of while I scratched my cheek for a bit before continuing with the introduction.
I turned slightly, gesturing to the girls. “Fuyu, this is Haruko, Edel, and Hana. They’re... well, you know how it is with .”
I kept my tone light, knowing Fuyu was still adjusting to the reality of my complicated love life. “Girls, this is Fuyu, Akane’s best friend and soone very special to .”
Haruko stepped forward first, her serene smile unwavering as she extended a hand. “Nice to et you, Fuyu-chan. I did hear a lot about you from hubby and Akane. Don’t worry, you’re one of us now. Like he said, hamr it to him if you are ever jealous. That’s what we also do.” Her teasing lilt drew a soft chuckle from , and I could see Fuyu’s shoulders relax slightly as she shook Haruko’s hand.
Edel, true to her koala-like nature, hesitated before offering a small wave. “H-Hi, Fuyu-san... I’m Edel. Um, Ruki’s really nice to , so... I hope we can get along.”
Her voice was soft and fragile but it sounded so sincere I couldn’t help but pat her head. Mhm. My Edel is truly improving.
Hana, on the other hand, crossed her arms, her lips curving into a sly smile as she sized Fuyu up. “So, you’re the famous Fuyu. Even Akane’s best friend isn’t spared. You shouldn’t relax, though. I’m still going to steal him from all of you."
And there she goes again. Haruko and Akane rolled their eyes, knowing exactly that those words held no aning anymore. She’s just too stubborn to keep at it.
Nevertheless, Fuyu raised an eyebrow, her usual cool deanor returning as she t Hana’s gaze. “Oh, I don’t plan to compete for his attention. But if that’s your plan... I’m confident you’ll fail... And I or any of us will be abandoned by him.”
Upon saying that, Fuyu shifted her gaze back to and winked.
I guess that’s her way of saying she’s backing up when it cos to Hana’s ’plan’ to steal .
Akane, still clinging to , giggled at the exchange, clearly enjoying the subtle tension. “Okay, okay, you all can fight over husband later. Let’s get inside first! Minoru’s probably waiting for that ice cream, and Miwa-nee already prepared the table. Oh... and before you forget, it’s not only Fuyu who ca. Yae and Hiyori are here too.”
With that, she tugged through the door, and the others followed. The mont we stepped into the living room, the cozy warmth of our ho enveloped us. The sound of the TV playing in the living room and the sll of Miwa-nee’s ho-cooked dinner lingered in the air.
Minoru was sprawled on the couch, sandwiched between Yae and Hiyori. They’re playing the sa fighting ga as before and from the looks of it, Yae was already losing. anwhile, Hiyori was doing her best, shyly cheering for the two.
"Hehe, Yae-nee, you can’t beat . Papa taught how to do combos."
"You think so? Sweetie has been losing to whenever we play this before, you know? You’re too young to challenge ."
Hearing those voices, I couldn’t help but smile at the playful banter filling the room. Now, Minoru was exhibiting a competitive streak, his little hands gripping the controller as he tried to outmaneuver Yae, who was clearly holding back just enough to keep the ga fun. Hiyori, who was acting like a gentle supporter, clapped her hands softly, her shy smile growing as she watched the two go at it.
Well, I did teach him a thing or two whenever I had ti to spend with him. There’s not much ti lately, though. I’m just glad to have the girls also be fond of him.
I guess it has to do with how the boy looks like a carbon copy of .
I set the convenience store bag with the ice cream on the table, catching Minoru’s attention. His eyes lit up, and he paused the ga mid-combo, much to Yae’s indignation.
“Oi, kiddo, you can’t just pause when I’m about to win!” Yae teased, ruffling Minoru’s hair. She glanced over at , her lips curving into a familiar, mischievous grin. “Well, look who’s finally ho. Took you long enough, sweetie. Did you miss ?”
Hiyori’s gaze followed, her cheeks flushing a soft pink as she offered a small wave. “W-Welco back, Ruki. We... um, we missed you.”
The sincerity in her voice tugged at my chest, and I flashed her a warm smile. “Missed you too, Hiyori. And you, Yae. Looks like you’re both keeping Minoru entertained.”
Minoru hopped off the couch, abandoning the ga entirely as he darted toward , his arms outstretched. “Papa! Ice cream!”
I crouched down, scooping him up with ease and balancing him on my hip. “Of course. Chocolate fudge, just like you wanted. But you gotta eat Mama’s dinner first, okay?”
He pouted but nodded enthusiastically, already eyeing the bag like it held the treasures of the world. I set him down and he ran back to the couch, continuing the ga with Yae.
I followed after him but moved behind the couch, wrapping my arms around Hiyori and kissing her before gently doing the sa for Yae who’s becoming distracted from their ga.
“What is it about losing to you in that ga, Yae? I recall that’s not the case.” I whispered while I nibbled her ear.
“It’s true, sweetie! You just... got better at this ga. That’s all!” Yae puffed up her cheeks but then, the character she’s controlling on the screen got hit by another combo of Minoru’s character.
Monts later, ‘KO’ and ‘Player 1 Victory’ flashed on the screen.
“See. You distracted , sweetie. You’d better make up for it!”
“Sure. I’ll make it up to you later.” I kissed her on the lips before releasing her.
Miwa-nee erged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron, her expression a mix of exasperation and affection as she surveyed the crowded living room. “Ruki, you sure know how to bring a party ho. I heard you’ve eaten already so... I didn’t overdo it. You can also skip if you’re already full. Co on over.”
I gave her a subtle nod, reassuring her I was fine, and she smiled softly before turning to the others. “Alright, everyone. Continue that ga later and get to the table. Food’s ready.”
And with this, we started our second dinner of the night. The day is far from over, I guess? And tomorrow, it’ll get even busier for all of us.
User Comments
0 comments from readers