A man who could be relied on at any time was just too handsome!
Senjumaru Shutara looked at Masatsuki Aozaki, a joyful smile blooming on her face—radiant and captivating, like a delicate flower, impossible to look away from.
Then, this beautiful older woman playfully added,
"Oh my! Have you fallen for my charm? Masatsuki-chan, you're quite the lecher, aren't you? But I'm afraid I won't let you have your way."
"..."
Masatsuki Aozaki's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression openly revealing his disdain.
The moment she got carried away, all of her charm instantly plummeted to rock bottom.
...
On the other side.
Kirio Hikifune slowly opened her eyes. Stretching with a lazy yawn, she sat up from the bed, her body moving with ease.
Even on a morning when it was hardest to feel energized, she was usually full of spirit, quick to get moving.
It was now 7:30 AM. She expected to be in the living room by 8:00, just in time to enjoy a breakfast personally prepared by Masatsuki Aozaki.
Cooking was something Masatsuki had taken on voluntarily, and it had quickly become the moment she looked forward to most each day.
"Haaaahhhh~~"
But whether it was because of Masatsuki or not, Hikifune let out another yawn as she sat up, her body slumping back slightly with a lazy air.
Perhaps "full of energy" wasn't quite right.
Scratching her head, she sighed softly.
"Last night... I barely got any sleep."
After all, she had been kissed by Masatsuki. Then, acting on some inexplicable impulse, she had the nerve to share a bed with him.
Just those two things alone had kept her awake almost the entire night.
So it wasn't just Masatsuki who endured this seemingly innocent night—she had as well.
It was only when the faint light of dawn crept in that she managed to doze off for a short while.
Hikifune placed a hand over her chest, feeling her heartbeat hammering violently, as if it might leap out of her body at any moment.
She understood exactly what was happening—her body was reacting on its own, even more intensely than it had seventy years ago.
After all, after waiting for over seven decades...
Seeing Masatsuki again, feeling his presence—stronger and more alluring than ever—had completely reignited the passion buried deep inside her.
And yet, she made no effort to suppress it.
On the contrary, she found herself wanting to indulge it.
The truth was, her heart had already been set aflame long before this.
Rationality? That had evaporated a long time ago.
Last night had only added fuel to the fire, letting her desires burn even hotter.
Right now, for Hikifune, the longing to satisfy both body and soul had never been stronger.
No matter how much she tried to restrain herself, deep down, this was her truest self—the one who longed for Masatsuki Aozaki.
However, now wasn't the time to confess everything. If she did, she might just end up scaring him off.
Kirio Hikifune paused for a moment, then murmured softly,
"...I should take a bath."
She slowly made her way along the wall, eventually stepping into her private bathroom.
Casually discarding her yukata onto the floor, she stepped into the bathtub, allowing the warmth of the water to envelop her entire body.
As time passed, the heat seeped into her skin, gradually clearing the haze in her mind.
"Hmm... This scent... Is it Masatsuki's? Did it linger from last night?"
Closing her eyes, she let the hot water cascade down her hair, took a deep breath, and sighed softly.
"If Masatsuki knew I'd become this kind of woman... would he hate me?"
"What am I even saying... He clearly told me he'd like me no matter what."
Hikifune whispered to herself, as if offering an explanation—perhaps more to convince herself to believe it.
Even so, the uneasiness in her heart refused to fade so easily.
As the hot water continued to rinse over her, her thoughts gradually became clearer.
If she was this late, Masatsuki would definitely lecture her.
Just thinking about it gave her a headache.
But then... the thought of his "scolding"—never actually stern—and that warm, comforting hand he always placed on her head whenever she showed weakness...
Hikifune couldn't help but smile, her mood instantly lightening.
Honestly, nothing Masatsuki did could ever annoy her anymore.
That ever-growing love had already filled every part of her being.
So, all she really cared about now... was the anticipation of the breakfast Masatsuki had prepared for her.
After changing into fresh clothes and drying her hair, she made her way toward the dining room, wearing her usual bright smile.
But the moment she stepped inside, her expression froze.
"Good morning, Kirio-chan!"
As she pushed open the door, a certain charismatic senior greeted her with a friendly wave.
A dazzling smile, elegant and poised movements, and an effortless allure that radiated mature feminine charm from every angle...
Hikifune couldn't help but shrink back slightly.
Even though she knew this was nothing more than a carefully crafted facade, she herself couldn't put on such an act in front of Masatsuki.
A faint sense of inferiority crept into her chest, but she maintained her usual cheerful exterior—only her expressive eyes shifting restlessly.
The moment she saw Masatsuki step out of the kitchen, her eyes lit up, and her whole demeanor became lively again.
But then, she caught sight of Senjumaru Shutara setting the dishes on the table.
Her eyelids twitched ever so slightly.
"Come on, give it a try, Kirio-chan! Today's breakfast was made by Masatsuki and me!"
Senjumaru beamed, seemingly unaware of anything amiss.
Masatsuki shot her a quick glance—one that went unnoticed by most.
This woman really had no shame.
All she did was use the eggs she had cracked but couldn't utilize, yet she acted as if she had contributed significantly.
And calling her "Kirio-chan" while addressing Masatsuki by name so casually...
What was she trying to pull?
Hikifune felt an unexpected irritation bubble up within her.
She was fully aware that she was being unreasonable.
But right now, she was feeling sensitive—just a little possessive, a little selfish.
And so, indulging in that selfishness...
She took a small bite of breakfast, her gaze calm as she looked directly at Senjumaru. Her beautiful, refined face took on a serious expression.
"From now on, Masatsuki and I will handle all three meals. Senjumaru-senpai, all you have to do is wait patiently."
"Eh!?!!?"
Finally voicing her true feelings felt oddly satisfying—like scolding a mischievous child. Hikifune's mood instantly lifted.
Meanwhile, the other "great beauty" in the room, Senjumaru, looked rather conflicted.
What was that supposed to mean?
Was she implying that breakfast wasn't as good because Senjumaru had helped?
Had she done something wrong again?
With a guilty expression, Senjumaru turned to Masatsuki, seeking help.
Masatsuki simply shrugged and gave her a look that said, You're on your own.
Like hell he was going to save her.
Calling him a womanizer? Oh, he wasn't forgetting that anytime soon.
And now she wanted his help? Not a chance.
Senjumaru looked utterly betrayed. But in the end, she could only turn back toward Hikifune.
A moment of tense silence passed.
Finally, under Senjumaru's hesitant, uneasy gaze, Hikifune begrudgingly took another bite of breakfast.
To make use of the eggs Senjumaru had wasted, Masatsuki had made egg pancakes this morning.
Fluffy eggs wrapped around crispy bacon, with onions, mushrooms, and diced bell peppers adding extra flavor.
Since Senjumaru had wasted so much time, Masatsuki had only been able to prepare something simple.
It wasn't as extravagant as yesterday's meal...
But at the very least, it should still taste pretty good.