Haruno raised the flag of surrender, hands up.
Rei Ao didn't press her any further. Even so, they both needed a thorough rinse. Under the shower, Haruno maintained a wary expression.
"Fine, so we're showering together, but don't you get any ideas. I already surrendered!"
That warning was aimed at Rei Ao, who was behind her helping wash her back.
"Heh. Why were you so cocky before?"
Rei Ao recalled how she had worn that look of disdain and said "That's all?"
Haruno rolled her eyes.
"Who knew you're actually not human at all."
Her soft, smooth abdomen still ached. Fortunately, Rei Ao truly didn't attack this 'prisoner of war' who had surrendered.
After he personally scrubbed Haruno clean from head to toe, the shower switched off. Suddenly Haruno spun around to face him directly—eyes fixed on his.
"So… what's our relationship now? A fling because we got carried away, or a one-night stand?"
Rei Ao's expression was calm. He didn't think Haruno had genuine feelings for him. That much, he knew.
He asked in turn:
"You think just shrugging off everything as though it never happened is best?"
"…"
After a moment of silence, Haruno nodded. Rationally speaking, for her and for Yukino, maybe acting like none of it happened was for the best.
Yet for Haruno—who'd just spent her first night with a man, and a most unforgettable man at that—there was a hint of bitterness in her heart.
Especially seeing Rei Ao's reaction once she said yes to that idea: he loosened his grip around her waist, and his gaze darkened.
Just as Haruno was about to resign herself and pretend nothing had happened, Rei Ao moved in again.
"Sorry—but I'm too possessive."
He leaned in, breathing in the warm moisture of her freshly washed hair and skin. Haruno's face changed.
"So, I've decided to make you mine…"
"!!!"
Even though it felt like an ambush, oddly enough, the bitterness in Haruno's heart melted away, replaced by a heady sweetness. She bit Rei Ao's shoulder, letting out a muffled response:
"Then… you'd better figure out how you'll handle Yukino."
Rei Ao grinned.
"Me? I'm real good at persuasion."
…
By late afternoon, Yukinoshita-mama had purposely prepared a spread of dishes. Judging by the time the commotion had stopped, she guessed:
"They're finally coming out, right?"
She herself was on her second round of experiencing something like this. The first time was with Yukino, and now the second with Haruno, her two "daughters."
All night she hadn't slept. Taking advantage of a lull, she'd bathed and brewed tea, but then it started again—stronger than ever. She truly couldn't figure out her own feelings right now.
Before long, the noise halted at last. Then footsteps came down the staircase.
Rei Ao emerged.
He glanced at the dining area, spotting Yukinoshita-mama, who was standing there, eyes on him.
Straightening his collar, he smiled politely.
"Good evening, Mrs. Yukinoshita."
"…Good evening."
She forced a faint, natural-enough smile, then gathered her nerve to ask:
"Haruno…?"
"She's quite exhausted and needs rest," Rei Ao answered while descending the stairs, straightforward as ever.
He'd never intended to hide anything—otherwise he wouldn't have gone at it so fiercely. As long as he didn't feel awkward, the awkwardness fell on everyone else—Yukinoshita-mama included.
"Are these dishes for Haruno?" he asked, noticing steam rising from the food arranged on the table.
"They're for both of you…" she replied, then firmed her tone and pressed:
"Rei Ao, about you and my elder daughter, do you intend to just treat…what happened…as a moment of impulse?"
"Oh?"
Rei Ao gave her a curious glance, not expecting her to bring it up so plainly:
"Well, yes. Last night, as soon as you step out, you can see how we ended up having that out-of-the-blue clash from trading provocations."
Yukinoshita-mama's face betrayed no change; she merely nodded and gave a slight bow:
"Apologies. Haruno was too reckless. But what's done is done—I can't pretend it never happened. If you both want to treat it as a meaningless slip, for Yukino's sake, I can keep silent…"
Though her expression seemed calm, inwardly she felt anything but. Beneath her sleeves, her hands were clenched tight. She wanted neither Haruno nor Yukino to be hurt.
"Mrs. Yukinoshita, you don't want Haruno to be hurt either, right?"
Rei Ao precisely touched upon her true concern, making her heart jolt. She pressed her lips and admitted:
"…Yes."
Next moment, Rei Ao's bright gaze roamed over her, with a hint of a smile. He shifted slightly.
"Why are you staring at me…? Is there something on my face?"
"No, your face is flawless, fine as hell," he quipped breezily, causing her earlobes to redden faintly.
"I just think, compared to when we first met, you now truly look more like a mother."
It was a single sentence that struck her heart. Yukinoshita-mama, who always maintained a measured composure in front of others, stood quietly, her feelings stirred.
"I know how much you care for Yukino and Haruno, and I don't want either of them hurt either," Rei Ao said, placing his hands over hers in a gentle but earnest gesture. "So trust me with them. I promise not to let either one be harmed."
"…"
She listened, astonished at first. But as he spoke, her heart softened. Though it was far from a normal situation, if they could all get along peacefully, that was indeed the ideal outcome.
"I trust you, Rei Ao."
For the first time, she showed him a genuine, gentle smile—one that even momentarily took him aback. It was beautiful—a mature grace distinct from Yukino and Haruno's.
"Um…the food is getting cold." she reminded him softly.
"Right."
Rei Ao naturally let go of her hand, picked up a set of utensils.
"Come and eat with me, Mrs. Yukinoshita."
"…All right."
So the two of them, alone, began their quiet dinner across from each other at that large table.
…
Finishing the meal:
"Thank you. I'll head off now. Please take care of Haruno—she's not in great shape to move around."
He left after reminding her so.
Yukinoshita-mama gazed after him. That look in his eyes, those words—like a husband telling his wife to watch over their daughter while he's away. And for reasons unknown, her heart felt an odd flutter.
A breeze drifted by.
She stood there, that slight flush on her cheeks and collarbone growing deeper.
~~~
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