Stealing Spree

After unpacking the groceries, Yayoi-san and I were left in the kitchen. Although she said she got dibs on me, she tried to kick me out of the kitchen too as she wanted to make lunch herself. I protested, saying I wanted to help.

A few back and forth later, she gave up and allowed me to help. And so, we began to prepare lunch together. Yayoi-san chopped the vegetables while I prepared the soup – which wasn't really work extensive.

While waiting for the water to boil, I spent that time just watching Yayoi-san's graceful movements as she danced around the kitchen, chopping vegetables with precision and slicing meat with a finesse that would make a Michelin chef envious. Her apron was tied loosely around her waist, revealing the curve of her hips and the swell of her breasts with every movement she made.

I was tempted to cling to her but she told me to behave. Who am I to ignore my woman's order? I satisfied myself just watching at the side, waiting for later. After all, it's still quite a sight watching someone you love doing something they're passionate about.

"Ruki-dear, just relax, okay? Use your time here with us to take a break."

I nodded and took a seat at the kitchen counter, sipping on the leftover tea that Mina brewed earlier.

"Do I look exhausted, Yayoi-san?"

Yayoi-san stopped chopping and looked at me with a motherly smile. "Not really but with how you're spending your days, I have formed this idea of letting you enjoy the time without doing anything strenuous whenever you visit."

"I see... Then I'll do just that but only until lunch is served," I replied with a mischievous smile, watching her lovingly as she worked.

"Knowing you, I'm surprised you can even sit still. But I'm glad you're listening to me." Yayoi-san chuckled.

"I don't want my Yayoi-san to be mad at me."

"Oh yeah? And yet you're always so mischievous."

"You can't blame me for that, Yayoi-san... It's a natural trait." I smirked, acting like the innocent little boy she often treated me as despite knowing full well the kind of thoughts that ran through my mind.

"You know what? I always feel like I'm ten years younger when I'm talking to you, Ruki-dear. It's like all the stress from the salon just melts away," Yayoi-san said, her eyes sparkling as she resumed her task. "That's why... never change. Always be yourself."

"I will... But I have habits that need to be corrected though."

"Indeed. Take it one step at a time."

"Yes, Yayoi-san."

"Great. Now, let's talk about your hair." Yayoi-san abruptly changed the subject, pointing at my disheveled hair with the knife she used to chop the onions.

"Hmm? It has only been a month, more or less."

"What of it? You need to cut it every month to make sure it stays healthy and stylish," Yayoi-san said firmly, her inner hair salon owner coming out to play. "I'll trim it for you later. But for now... let's focus on lunch."

I nodded and shut my mouth, only focusing on watching her.

And just like this, time passed.

The kitchen eventually became filled with the mouthwatering aroma of the simmering soup and the sizzling of the meat.

Mina sat at the dining table, her eyes glancing back and forth from us to her phone, occasionally giggling at something she saw on her screen. If I'm not wrong, she already sent photos of me that she secretly took to the girls' group chat. They're teasing collectively there, aren't they? ʀÂℕȎβĚS

Anyway, this scene was so domestic, so... normal, it was almost surreal considering the unconventional nature of our relationship. But that's what made it all the more special to me.

"It's done," Yayoi-san announced, placing the perfectly seasoned dishes on the dining table.

On the other hand, I started preparing the bowls, filling them with the soap that I made.

The three of us sat down and began to enjoy the lunch that we had prepared together.

The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of the food and the warmth of our shared company. Yayoi-san had made her specialty, a hearty stew that seemed to hold the love and care of a mother's embrace within every spoonful.

While eating, Yayoi-san urged me to call the others. And because of that, the group chat opened with most of the girls jumping in. Our peaceful lunch became lively. And to my surprise... most of them were eating at the same time as us.

Almost as if... they planned this out.

When I looked at Mina, she averted her gaze, acting like she had nothing to do with it. But the way she smirked as she raised her rice bowl, covering her face told me otherwise.

I picked up a chunk of meat from my bowl and then fed it to her, "Don't hide it, Mina. I know you're the mastermind behind this."

Her eyes went wide before she leaned in, letting me feed her, "M-maybe I am, but don't you like it?"

"Didn't say I don't," I replied with my voice low and filled with affection, "But you're going to have to let me thank you later."

"You already did, idiot," Mina said with a giggle, her cheeks reddening slightly as she took a bite of the meat from my chopsticks.

"Ruki-dear, what about me? Won't you feed me too?" Yayoi-san playfully pouted, her eyes gleaming with mischief as she held out her bowl. And right after her, the girls connected to the video call simultaneously begged for me to feed them.

If only it was possible!

In any case, this became another delightful moment for all of us. The three of us sat around the table, sharing laughs and stories as we enjoyed the meal we had prepared with love. The video call remained active, the girls chiming in with their own tales and teasing us about our domestic bliss. It was a strange, yet oddly perfect harmony of worlds colliding.

Of course, some of them also acted a little jealous, especially the girls from the other school.

Later, after we finished our lunch, Mina made an excuse to meet up with Haruko and Edel, leaving me alone with Yayoi-san. She's giving us the chance to be alone as well, just like how we were alone earlier.

She left so quickly. She knew I'd prevent her from leaving. That girl... Why are my girls like this? Well, not that I’m complaining. It’s also because of how I behave, after all.

“Ruki-dear, you don’t have to look like that. Mina and everyone. They just love you enough we can all forget about competing with each other when it comes to you. Uh. Not entirely, but you get what I mean, right?” Yayoi-san said upon seeing me staring at the door.

Of course, I totally get it. It’s because I kinda suck at focusing on one of them when they’re in the same place together. I always can’t help but pull everyone even though they’ve already agreed to themselves to give each other a chance to be alone with me.

I wryly smiled and nodded, “Yayoi-san, am I being troublesome?”

“On the contrary, you’re wonderful. You always have us in your mind on top of bettering yourself to build a future for us. What else can we ask?” Yayoi-san walked towards me, pulling me in her embrace.

Without any more words to refute that, I surrender myself under the comfort of her embrace. Enjoying this peaceful moment before returning to my usual self-imposed hectic life.

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