328 I like… Brother the Most... (1/2)

Mika returned to her residence.

Before calling the president… no, Natsuya, Seiji wanted to have a meal first. He was quite hungry after his ordeal, and he assumed that the scion was likely having a meal of her own, which he had no desire to interrupt.

”Sensei, would you like to eat lunch together with us?” Seiji asked.

”Is that alright?” Kaede said.

”Of course—as long as you don't mind that it's rather plain.”

”How could I possibly mind? I won't hold back by staying over, then. Food is a lot more delicious when enjoyed with others rather than eating it on my own.” The blonde teacher smiled. ”Please allow me to help out in the kitchen to repay you a little.”

”There's no need to be so polite, Sensei.”

”I'm not the type who can simply sit around and wait to enjoy a meal. Please allow me to help out, Harano-kun.”

Kaede firmly insisted on helping out in the kitchen, so Seiji could only accept.

In that case, he wanted Shika to have a chance to rest, but Shika also firmly insisted on helping out in the kitchen.

And so, it became a scene of him, Kaede, and Shika all working together in the kitchen.

Cooking together with a mature beauty and a younger beauty… Seiji had a sense of déjà vu. He recalled how he had done the same thing together with Mika and the landlord before in the past, on the day that Kaede had moved in.

That had been a very enjoyable dinner for him. Seiji secretly snuck a look at Kaede beside him.

The blonde teacher had a big smile on her face as she washed some vegetables; she seemed to be enjoying her time here.

Seiji felt conflicted when he saw this. He personally believed… no, he felt like he didn't owe Kaede anything, but even so…

He didn't know how to describe his feelings. At any rate, he hoped that she could be happy.

Kaede detected Seiji's gaze upon her. The fact that he was looking in her direction meant that he cared for her, which made her happy.

She was happy to be able to cook and eat together with him in the kitchen. Having him pay attention to her and being close to him were both sources of joy for her.

She believed that she would be even happier in the future.

Everyone's efforts in cooking lunch together was a great success. Reo even ate an extra half a bowl compared to usual.

Kaede also insisted on washing the dishes, and Shika didn't back down as well. As for Seiji… he was kicked out of the kitchen by the two girls, who claimed that he wasn't needed and could go do whatever he wanted to.

Reo was currently sitting by the kotatsu, softly collapsed on the table. She seemed just like a lazy kitten, satisfied from eating its fill.

Seiji glanced at the time and decided to call Natsuya later, as he wanted to rest for a while. Like Reo, he collapsed onto the table and turned into a big, lazy cat.

…

Seiji slowly opened his eyes.

'I actually fell asleep? What time is it now?'

When Seiji woke up, he noticed something warm, soft, and faintly pleasant-smelling next to him.

When he turned around, he saw that Shika was sleeping beside him, snuggling closely into his back.

The black-haired girl's pure and beautiful face had a contented expression, as if she were having a wonderful dream.

Seiji was somewhat stunned by her appearance. 'What's going on?'

When he looked around, he discovered that he had fallen asleep by the kotatsu. Shika was sleeping next to him.

And judging by the fact that there were other feet under the kotatsu, the others were sleeping on the opposite side.

They had to be Kaede and Reo. For all four of them to have fallen asleep by the kotatsu… honestly.

Seiji looked towards Shika again.

She seemed to be fast asleep, and Seiji didn't want to wake her up. But… he had things to do, and he couldn't continue to sleep any longer.

Seiji attempted to move slightly without waking his adopted younger sister up.

'Very good; she didn't react.'

He moved his body away some more.

At this moment, the black-haired girl moved, got closer to him, and clutched him in her arms!

Seiji was rendered speechless.