To Mitsuri's excited question, Horitake, though not fully appreciative, wouldn't ruin the mood. He smiled:
"Yes, it's really tasty."
Mitsuri beamed.
Horitake stared at his half-eaten hot spring egg, puzzled.
Just an ordinary half-cooked egg. What's so special?
"Horitake-san, are you thinking this hot spring egg is just ordinary?"
"Yeah."
Hearing the familiar voice, Horitake answered instinctively, then froze, turning to see Shinobu Kocho beside him, shocked:
"Eh!? Shinobu-neesan!? What are you doing here!?"
Holding a half-eaten hot spring egg, Shinobu smiled sweetly:
"Finished my tasks and came to stroll. What a coincidence running into you and Miss Kanroji."
Horitake rolled his eyes.
He'd bet his integrity that Shinobu wasn't just "strolling" or that this was a true coincidence.
Likely, she was restless and came to Kusatsu to check on him.
Mitsuri noticed Shinobu:
"Eh? Lady Shinobu, why are you here?"
Seeing Mitsuri's stunning kimono and radiant feminine charm, Shinobu froze.
As a woman, she instantly understood, a wave of melancholy washing over her.
Still smiling, Horitake caught the sadness in her eyes. Shinobu praised Mitsuri:
"Miss Kanroji, your kimono is lovely. You're beautiful."
Blushing, Mitsuri clutched Horitake's sleeve:
"Thank you! It's mostly the kimono's credit. Horitake-nii picked it for me."
"Oh?" Shinobu glanced at Horitake, surprised. "Didn't expect you to have such good taste, Horitake-san."
"It's alright."
Horitake nearly said: If you like, Shinobu-neesan, I could pick one for you.
But he held back.
He noticed Mitsuri's subtle move—clutching his sleeve since spotting Shinobu.
To Shinobu, it might seem like Mitsuri staking her claim, but it wasn't.
Horitake understood Mitsuri's fear of losing him, an instinctive act.
He empathized with her vulnerable, insecure state.
Having just become his, she was sensitive and needed care. Flirting with Shinobu now would make him feel like a scumbag.
Though he already was, somewhat.
Hearing his lukewarm reply, Mitsuri relaxed; Shinobu tensed.
Shinobu looked up, catching the apology in Horitake's eyes.
"I see…" Shinobu's smile strained. "I won't disturb you. Enjoy yourselves."
She quickly finished her egg and left.
Horitake watched her go.
Mitsuri, nervous, gripped his sleeve tighter, watching Shinobu leave.
In some cliché drama, wouldn't the hero chase after Shinobu to win her back?
Sorry, Horitake wouldn't.
Chasing Shinobu might not work and would hurt Mitsuri. He wouldn't do something so foolish.
Shinobu was down now, but there'd be time to comfort her later.
Mitsuri, newly his, deserved his focus during these precious days.
So, he could only mentally apologize to Shinobu-neesan.
Turning to Mitsuri, his expression softened:
"Let's go, keep exploring."
Mitsuri smiled brightly:
"Horitake-nii, finish your egg first."
"Oh."
Horitake slurped down the rest, tossing the shell in the trash.
Mitsuri blinked, her quirky mind sparking, and asked curiously:
"Horitake-nii, did you really mean what you told Lady Shinobu—that the egg's just ordinary?"
Horitake sighed, exasperated:
"Uh… I know it's unromantic, but yeah, it's just a regular hot spring egg. How'd you find it delicious?"
Mitsuri pondered:
"It's tastier than usual—fragrant, sweet, smooth."
Horitake began doubting himself.
Maybe it's psychological?
Quite possible.
With the scenery and Mitsuri's recent joy, an ordinary egg might taste sweeter to her.
Dismissing it, Horitake hugged her:
"Let's go, more fun awaits!"
"Mm!"
Mitsuri nestled into his arms, whispering:
"Horitake-nii, I'm sorry."
He instantly understood—she was apologizing for him not chasing Shinobu.
Guilt and remorse hit him hard. He hugged her shoulders, gripping her hand, deeply apologetic:
"Why apologize? I'm the one who should. I'm too scummy, eyeing others while with you. I'm the one letting you down!"
The more he spoke, the deeper his guilt. He held her hand, saying earnestly:
"Mitsuri, why don't you hit me? Let out your anger—it'd ease my guilt.
You quietly accepting everything and apologizing makes me feel I owe you too much!"
Mitsuri pulled her hand free, pouting:
"Oh, come on, Horitake-nii! Stop being so sentimental. Let's go!"
Her eightfold muscle strength dragged him along.
Inside, Mitsuri was thrilled.
Plan successful!
This was her little scheme—to amplify Horitake's guilt!
With his guilt, he'd feel compelled to make it up to her, treating her better in the future.
Though Mitsuri seemed naive, carefree, and lovesick, she was no fool—her intelligence was sharp.
She knew Horitake would likely have other women.
Facing that future, she used this subtle tactic.
It wouldn't lock him to her, but it'd keep his heart tethered to her!
Seeing his guilt, Mitsuri felt a touch of smugness and mischief.
Who says men are the only ones who play tricks in relationships?
Women's tactics are subtler, quieter, and highly effective.
That said, in a stable, strong relationship, such small ploys don't harm but deepen bonds.
That's how it was with Mitsuri and Horitake now.
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That chapter ended on a bit of a cliff, didn't it? 😅 Don't worry, the next one's already on Patreon! [If you'd like to support my work, check out my: patreon.com/DaoistRoeoNQ]