The gentle night blanketed the Uchiha Clan compound.
Inside Chiya's home, however, every room was brightly lit, filled with a warmth completely different from the power struggles taking place outside.
The delicious aroma drifting from the kitchen grew stronger and stronger.
Before long, a lavish dinner was served onto the low table in the living room.
Uchiha Mikoto untied her apron with a gentle, satisfied smile and carefully placed the final bowl of miso soup in the center of the table.
The table was filled with all kinds of dishes.
Perfectly pan fried fresh fish, silky smooth chawanmushi, glossy teriyaki chicken, refreshing vegetable salad, and Kushina's favorite soft tofu dish in a clear broth, topped with bright green chopped scallions.
If not for everything they had already stored in the refrigerator, the groceries Mikoto had bought today alone would never have been enough.
"Alright, it's time to eat."
Mikoto spoke gently as she skillfully arranged three sets of bowls and chopsticks.
This time, however, the seating arrangement was slightly different.
Instead of sitting beside Chiya on the same side as usual, she arranged the three cushions into a close triangle, taking the seat slightly behind and to Chiya's left.
Chiya walked in from the veranda and sincerely praised the feast spread across the table.
"You've worked hard. Everything looks delicious."
His gaze then shifted to Kushina, who stood awkwardly beside the table.
She looked like she wanted to help but had no idea what to do.
Her fingers twisted the corner of her clothes as her eyes wandered everywhere except the table, clearly prepared for three people.
"Kushina, don't just stand there. Come sit down."
Chiya naturally invited her before taking the seat at the head of the table.
Mikoto smiled and gently tugged her arm.
"That's right. Come sit. Today you're our guest... no, our helper."
She quickly corrected herself, hoping to ease Kushina's discomfort.
Two rosy blushes immediately appeared on Kushina's cheeks.
She quietly answered, "Okay," before stiffly walking over and sitting on the cushion to Chiya's right.
Her body was so tense that the soft cushion felt more like a bed of needles.
As dinner began, Kushina remained unusually quiet.
A subtle awkwardness settled over the table.
The only sounds were the gentle clinking of bowls and chopsticks, along with Mikoto's soft voice asking from time to time, "How does it taste?" and "Would you like another bowl of rice?"
Meanwhile, Chiya remained perfectly relaxed.
He calmly enjoyed the dishes, occasionally commenting, "The timing is perfect," or, "The tofu absorbed the flavor really well," in an attempt to lighten the atmosphere.
Mikoto quietly observed everything.
She carefully removed the bones from the fish before naturally placing the fattest piece of belly meat into Chiya's bowl.
Then, without the slightest pause, she picked up another equally delicious piece and placed it into Kushina's bowl.
"Kushina, eat a little more. You definitely haven't been taking good care of yourself lately."
Her voice was as gentle as flowing water, and her eyes were completely sincere.
There was not the slightest trace of pretense.
Kushina stared blankly at the fish that had suddenly appeared in her bowl.
Her heart felt as though something had gently bumped against it, leaving behind an aching warmth.
She quickly looked up at Mikoto before immediately lowering her head again.
"T... Thank you, Sister Mikoto."
"There's no need to be so polite with me."
Mikoto smiled softly before serving her another spoonful of tofu.
"Try this. If I remember correctly, it's your favorite. I even added extra bonito flakes."
Such thoughtfulness, and the fact that Mikoto still remembered her preferences, made the guilt inside Kushina grow even stronger.
The feeling that she was an unwanted third party became even heavier.
She felt like a thief who had stolen someone else's happiness, yet was now being warmly welcomed by the very person she had wronged.
It left her feeling completely miserable.
Back then...
She had even warned Chiya not to bully Mikoto...
But now...
Her heart had already completely become Chiya's.
She absentmindedly ate the food in her bowl, but even the delicious dishes had lost their flavor.
Several times, she secretly glanced at Chiya across the table and at Mikoto beside her.
Chiya sat comfortably, enjoying the meal.
As always, Mikoto lovingly looked after him, occasionally serving him food or gently wiping the corner of his mouth.
Their natural intimacy formed a picture of perfect harmony.
As for Uzumaki Kushina...
She felt like someone who had forcefully squeezed herself into a painting where she did not belong.
A powerful sense of self hatred and shame overwhelmed her.
Suddenly, she put down her chopsticks.
Her fingers trembled slightly.
"I... I'm full."
As she spoke, she tried to stand.
"Thank you for the meal. I... I should head home now."
The atmosphere instantly froze.
Chiya paused in the middle of picking up food and looked at her, his brows knitting together almost imperceptibly.
Mikoto reacted even faster.
She immediately reached out and gently held Kushina's wrist.
Her palm was warm and soft, carrying a calming warmth.
"What's wrong, Kushina? Is the food not to your taste? Or are you feeling unwell?"
Mikoto leaned forward slightly, genuine concern filling her voice.
Kushina dared not meet her eyes.
She desperately shook her head while her eyes slowly turned red.
"No... It's really delicious... It's just... I..."
She could not continue.
The feeling that she should not be here, that she was ruining their happiness, was drowning her.
Chiya quietly set down his chopsticks.
The soft sound echoed through the room.
He turned fully toward Kushina.
His expression remained calm, but there was a firmness in his gaze that could not be avoided.
"Kushina."
His voice was deep and steady.
"Look at me."
Kushina's body stiffened.
After struggling for a few moments, she slowly raised her head.
She saw Chiya's deep eyes.
She also saw Mikoto's gentle, encouraging gaze.
"Tell me."
"What are you thinking?"
Chiya asked, his tone leaving no room for vague answers.
Kushina's lips trembled.
Finally, the emotions she had been suppressing burst through like a broken dam.
"I... I feel like I'm such a terrible person..."
"Sister Mikoto is so good to you. This home is so wonderful..."
"But I... I..."
She could not continue.
Tears began filling her eyes.
"I feel like a bad person... I shouldn't have come..."
"I'm sorry, Sister Mikoto... I'm so sorry..."
At last, she spoke the deepest fear and guilt hidden in her heart.
The tears finally rolled down her cheeks.
Instead of becoming angry, Mikoto's eyes became even gentler.
They were filled with heartache and understanding.
She softly sighed, took out her handkerchief, and gently wiped away Kushina's tears.
"Silly girl..."
Her voice was as gentle as the night breeze.
"Why are you apologizing?"
"You've never done anything wrong."
She stopped wiping her tears and looked directly into Kushina's eyes.
"Kushina. You like Chiya, don't you?"
Kushina's face instantly turned scarlet.
Being asked so directly made her wish she could disappear into the ground.
But under Mikoto's clear gaze, she finally bit her lip and gave an almost invisible nod.
Mikoto smiled.
There was not the slightest trace of bitterness in that smile.
Only acceptance and understanding.
"I love him too. I've loved him ever since we were children."
As she spoke, she turned to look at Chiya, her eyes full of affection.
"He's strong, gentle, and sometimes so mischievous that he makes your teeth itch."
"Isn't it perfectly normal to fall in love with someone like him?"
She turned back toward Kushina.
Her expression became even more sincere.
"This home isn't a home because I'm here. It's a home because Chiya is here."
"And his heart... It may be even bigger than either of us imagines."
Mikoto gently tightened her grip around Kushina's hand.
"I actually realized it a long time ago."
"I could tell from the way you looked at him."
"And from the tiny bit of guilt and hesitation whenever you looked at me."
"But Kushina..."
"I've never been angry."
"And I've never believed you've ruined anything."
She paused.
Her voice became even softer.
"This world is dangerous."
"The future may bring countless hardships."
"Chiya is destined to face many burdens."
"If... if more people can sincerely love him, support him, and stay by his side..."
"And if I can get along with someone as kind and straightforward as you..."
"Then why would I reject that?"
Mikoto's words were like a warm spring.
Little by little, they washed away every bit of unease buried inside Kushina's heart.
She stared at Mikoto in disbelief.
It was as though she were truly seeing this gentle older sister for the first time.
So Sister Mikoto had known everything all along.
And she had actually...
Been thinking this way the entire time.
Chiya quietly listened until now.
Then he reached out and placed his hand over the two hands resting together on the table.
His palm was broad and warm, completely wrapping around their slender hands.
"Mikoto is right."
His eyes moved between the two women.
"This world isn't simply black and white."
"Feelings aren't either."
"I treasure Mikoto."
"And I care about you too, Kushina."
He looked directly at Kushina with complete honesty.
"Your presence has never troubled me."
"If anything..."
"I'm proud..."
"And grateful..."
"That such an energetic and adorable girl likes me."
Then he looked toward Mikoto.
"And Mikoto's kindness and acceptance are my greatest blessing."
"This isn't simple compromise."
"It comes from the kindness in her heart."
"And from the trust she has in me."
He gently tightened his grip around both of their hands.
"Our relationship may not be ordinary."
"But that doesn't really matter."
"What matters is whether our feelings are sincere."
"And whether we're willing to understand one another, support one another, and face the future together."
Those words became the final key that completely unlocked the knot in Kushina's heart.
She looked at the three tightly joined hands.
She felt the warmth and strength flowing from both Chiya and Mikoto.
The confusion, shame, and loneliness that had weighed on her for so long slowly disappeared like mist beneath the morning sun.
An overwhelming wave of emotion and newfound courage filled her heart.
Tears streamed down her face once again.
But this time...
They were no longer tears of bitterness. They were tears of relief.
She tightly held both Chiya's and Mikoto's hands in return before nodding firmly.
Her voice still trembled with tears, but it was filled with determination.
"I... I understand now."
"I'm sorry..."
"I was overthinking everything..."
"I love Big Brother Chiya..."
"And..."
"And I love Sister Mikoto too."
"I..."
"I don't want to leave."
"I want to stay with both of you."
Those words exhausted every ounce of courage she had.
The moment she finished speaking, she buried her face in embarrassment.
Even the tips of her ears had turned bright red.
Mikoto could not help laughing softly.
Her eyes had become slightly moist as well.
She reached out with her free hand and gently stroked Kushina's fiery red hair.
"Welcome, Kushina."
Watching the scene before him, Chiya smiled.
Using his free hand, he picked up his chopsticks, grabbed a piece of teriyaki chicken, and held it out first to Mikoto and then to Kushina.
"Alright."
"The Emotional Problems Resolution Committee officially declares this meeting adjourned."
"Our two most important members."
"The food's getting cold."
"Shouldn't you both continue enjoying the dinner you worked so hard to prepare?"
Mikoto smiled, opened her mouth, and accepted the bite, shooting him a playful glare.
Kushina also laughed through her tears.
Shyly, she leaned forward and ate the piece of chicken from Chiya's chopsticks.
The sweet and savory sauce spread through her mouth.
It felt as though the sweetness had reached her heart as well.
The atmosphere around the table completely changed.
The previous awkwardness and restraint vanished without a trace.
In their place remained an even deeper warmth, intimacy, and silent understanding.
Kushina finally relaxed.
She returned to her usual cheerful self.
She truly enjoyed the meal and even began serving food to Mikoto herself, though her cheeks still carried a faint blush.
As always, Mikoto lovingly looked after both of them.
From time to time, she exchanged glances with Chiya that only the two of them understood.
Those eyes were filled with gratitude for the happiness they now shared.
The lights were warm.
The aroma of food filled the room.
Laughter gradually echoed throughout the house.
Outside the window, the cool moon was caught between two white clouds.
Sometimes it drifted up and down.
Sometimes left and right.
It was an unexpectedly amusing sight.
The moonlight gently poured over the earth.
Silently blessing the hard won peace and happiness they had finally found.