This was the most special New Year's Eve dinner Haizaki could remember.
After always spending New Year's Eve alone, he was finally sharing it with the first girl to ever sit at the table with him.
"All done. The last dish—Kung Pao Chicken. Try it…"
Haizaki picked up a piece of glossy, reddish chicken, fragrant and tempting. Under the girl's expectant gaze, he placed it into his mouth and chewed slowly.
The flavor of the chicken spread across his tongue.
"It fully absorbs the richness of the soy sauce. The ginger and garlic balance the greasiness of the chicken and oil, and the chili is just right, giving it a mild numbing spiciness that stimulates the appetite."
This was not polite flattery—it was Haizaki's genuine evaluation of the dish.
"It's delicious. It's the best Kung Pao Chicken I've ever had. Utaha, you've passed."
Hearing this, a trace of shy embarrassment appeared on Utaha's face. Four months of effort had finally paid off.
Then, thinking of something, she went straight to the point again.
"Then… does that mean I can now become a qualified wife at any time?"
"Not just qualified. I think whoever marries Utaha in the future will definitely be the happiest man in the world."
Although it was praise, the true implication behind it made the girl feel a moment of disappointment.
But she quickly adjusted her mindset.
This was something she had already considered.
She couldn't be discouraged so easily.
On the table were four dishes in total: Kung Pao Chicken, stir-fried potatoes with onions, egg rolls, and hot pot.
The vegetables for the hot pot came from a nearby greenhouse Haizaki had found.
The lamb and beef were previously frozen supplies.
"Let's turn off the lights and use candles tonight."
She wanted to add a romantic atmosphere and made the suggestion.
"I'll go get them…"
"And red wine. I know you've hidden a bottle of red wine…"
At the time, she had also been puzzled as to why Haizaki, who didn't drink, would bring back a bottle of red wine. Precisely because of that, the bottle had left a deep impression on her.
"Mm, alright…"
Romanée-Conti, one of the world's top ten luxury wines.
Once an unattainable luxury, Haizaki had unexpectedly found it during a supply run a month ago and brought it back.
"I'll go change my clothes first."
She stood up and trotted to the second-floor bedroom.
What she was wearing now wasn't suitable for dining. On such a special day, she didn't want to wear clothes that smelled of cooking fumes.
Girls always seemed to take longer when changing clothes.
Even Utaha was no exception.
Ten minutes later, she appeared at the top of the stairs.
She was wearing a low-cut, pure black evening dress. Her fair skin stood out especially under the dim light, proudly displaying a mature charm. The diamond necklace at her chest shimmered faintly in the soft glow.
When she walked into the dining area, Haizaki noticed she had put on light makeup.
Already naturally beautiful, she now looked even more refined and captivating.
"So… how is it?"
"Very beautiful. If Utaha appeared at a ball, she would undoubtedly be the center of attention, with countless men inviting her to dance."
"Really?"
Utaha brushed her hair behind her ear. A faint redness appeared at the base of her ear as she smiled softly and said, "Thank you."
"That's the truth. Let's eat."
Seeming unable to look directly at her dazzling figure, Haizaki shifted his gaze and changed the subject.
"Mm…"
The candlelight on the table emitted a soft glow, adding a unique romantic atmosphere to the New Year's Eve dinner.
"Cheers…"
Haizaki took the initiative to pour wine for her. They raised their glasses and clinked them together.
A crisp sound rang out as they each took a sip.
Whether because of the candlelight or the alcohol, Utaha's face was noticeably flushed, her eyes carrying a unique allure.
Those wine-red eyes, shimmering with light, deeply drew Haizaki's gaze.
As if sensing his attention, Utaha kept her head slightly lowered, a shy expression on her face as she enjoyed the meal.
She ate with great etiquette, her movements restrained. Even when picking up napa cabbage from the hot pot, she carefully blew on it for a long time before dipping it in sauce and eating it.
Every movement displayed her grace and beauty.
Haizaki had to admit that Utaha was breathtakingly beautiful at this moment.
So watching a beautiful girl eat was also a kind of visual enjoyment.
"What's wrong?"
Noticing Haizaki's lingering gaze, Utaha spoke, suppressing her shyness.
"Nothing…"
After that, they both focused on the New Year's Eve dinner. Without saying it aloud, neither of them brought up anything that might ruin the atmosphere.
An hour later, the dinner finally came to an end.
Even Haizaki's face had flushed red from the wine and hot pot.
"One last drink…"
Utaha poured more wine for Haizaki and suggested it.
"Well… alright. Just a little…"
Since it was already poured, it would be awkward to refuse. It was only a small glass; he could handle it.
"Utaha, do you still want to watch the fireworks?" The wind and snow outside were strong, but they didn't affect the fireworks.
"Yes…"
On New Year's Eve, she wasn't going to miss the fireworks.
"I'll go light them. Wait a moment…"
Accompanied by the continuous whoosh of fireworks, Haizaki supported Utaha—who was a bit unsteady—and brought her to her room.
Her bedroom had floor-to-ceiling windows, the best spot to admire the brilliant fireworks outside.
"So beautiful…"
Leaning against Haizaki, Utaha's wine-red eyes reflected the fireworks blooming in the sky.
Fireworks blossomed one after another, adding light to the dark sky and liveliness to this lonely world.
In the end, her gaze settled on the profile of the man beside her.
It had already been ten months. From meeting to understanding each other, they had had conflicts, cold wars, happiness, and laughter.
And after stumbling along together, they had reached today.
It really had gone by so fast.
"Haizaki-kun…"
Hearing the girl's soft whisper, Haizaki turned his head.
"What is it? Is it not enough? There are spare fireworks. I'll go prepare them right away…"
"It's not the fireworks, but…"
Utaha tightly hugged Haizaki, using all her strength as she pulled him down toward the bed.
They fell directly onto the wide 1.8-meter bed.
"Stay tonight."
She gathered all her courage, ready to offer everything she had on this special day.
Haizaki, who instinctively grabbed her shoulders, preparing to push her away and get up, froze completely.
What… should he do?
Facing the girl's burning gaze and her warm body, what should he do?
…