The car pulled into the complex, parked in the family's spot, and Ichin led Utaha and the sisters upstairs.
Instead of heading straight to his own place, he took them to the apartment prepared for Haruno and Yukino, where his mom was already waiting.
The doorbell rang, and moments later the door opened—Ichin's mother appeared with a broad smile.
"You're back! Come in, come in!"
Once the four entered, she hugged Utaha, Haruno, and Yukino one by one, pointedly leaving Ichin out.
He had long since expected this and only laughed, helping carry in the sisters' luggage.
Holding each sister by the hand, his mother said warmly,
"Come, let me show you the setup. I prepared everything in advance without knowing your preferences, so I'm not sure if you'll like it. If you want to change anything, I'll take you shopping in the next couple of days."
Looking around the living room, Haruno nodded in approval.
"This is already very nice. We never liked overcomplicated décor. Simple is best."
Yukino agreed.
"Yes, it's similar to my Tokyo apartment's style. Very comfortable."
They checked the living room, study, bedrooms, and bathroom. His mother had put a lot of effort into redecorating, leaving both sisters thoroughly satisfied.
Yukino's room, in particular, was like heaven. Knowing her love for cats and pandas, Ichin's mom had prepared themed items—she even managed to track down several of the now sold-out Bing Dwen Dwen mascots from the Winter Olympics and placed them in her room.
Seeing her two goddaughters so pleased, Ichin's mom finally felt relieved.
She told them to unpack, then brought Ichin and Utaha upstairs to their own home.
Opening the door, Ichin stretched comfortably.
"Back home at last. Nothing feels quite like it. Mom, did you buy groceries? There'll be a lot of people at dinner tonight—Umiko and Nene are coming too."
"Don't worry, I bought everything this morning."
She pointed at his bedroom.
"Go unpack. Utaha, stay here and chat with me."
"Fine, fine. My place in this family is already the same as Dad's—rock bottom."
Shrugging, Ichin carried his bag to his room.
He turned on the AC, opened drawers, and unpacked bit by bit—electronics on the desk, clothes into the wardrobe.
It didn't take long. Soon he was sprawled on his bed, yawning lazily.
"Mm… may as well nap for a while. Dinner doesn't need me anyway."
Sleep took him quickly.
In the living room, Utaha chatted with his mom. When Ichin still hadn't reappeared after ten minutes, she grew curious and peeked into his room—only to find him fast asleep.
His mom joined her, chuckling at the sight.
"This boy… how did he fall asleep so fast?"
"He must be tired," Utaha whispered. "So he could stay longer here, he's been handling extra company work these past few days. Since we've nothing to do this afternoon, let him rest."
She gently picked up a blanket and tucked it over him, making sure he wouldn't catch a cold from the AC.
Ichin's mom watched silently from the doorway, her face warm with affection.
Their relationship was strong—she felt reassured. The only thing that bothered her was timing: Ichin wasn't yet old enough to register marriage with Utaha; they'd need two more years. As for children, that could wait even longer—she would never allow Utaha to interrupt her university studies with a pregnancy.
Blanket tucked in, Utaha left and returned to watch TV with his mom.
Soon after, Haruno and Yukino came upstairs, and half an hour later Umiko and Nene arrived too.
Even though her son was still snoring away, Ichin's mother didn't mind. With five lively kids keeping her company, who needed him?
Her son? Whether he was here or not made no difference!
Near five o'clock, the bedroom door creaked open—Nene and Yukino tiptoed in.
Nene clutched a feather plucked from a duster. Yukino eyed it with a twitching mouth.
"Are you really going to do this?" she whispered.
"Hmph! This is revenge! I, Nene, never let a grudge last overnight!"
Chin raised, she crept toward Ichin's bed.
He was still deeply asleep, not stirring even as they entered.
Kneeling beside him, Nene murmured softly as she studied his face,
"Say what you will, he really is pretty handsome. Better-looking than those hosts in Tokyo."
"You've been to a host club?" Yukino asked flatly.
"Of course not. I saw it on YouTube!"
Pulling out her phone, Nene started recording, then brought the feather to his nose, brushing lightly.
The tickling made him scrunch his nose and frown, but he still didn't wake.
Nene's grin twisted mischievously—eerily like her best friend Aoba's.
"Tickle, tickle!"
"Ahhh—achoo!!!"
The explosive sneeze startled both girls.
Ichin finally woke, staring at Nene holding a phone in one hand and the feather in the other, with Yukino behind her looking embarrassed.
Realizing instantly, he exhaled, then ground out between clenched teeth,
"Nene, are you prepared to face your punishment?"
"Hehehe~"
Nene gave him a silly grin, quickly pocketed her phone, and bolted from the room.
Ichin scratched his head helplessly, glancing at the blanket covering him.
That must've been Utaha's doing. If it had been his mom, she'd have slapped him awake for daring to nap in his room alone.
***
Guys, please give it a try to the new fic: "DxD: The Transfer Student of the Demonic High School"
Don't forget to add it to your library!!
***
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