After work, Ichin and the others drove straight to the hot pot restaurant.
Since Eriri didn't have a car, she rode with Ichin, sitting in the back seat together with Utaha.
Glancing at Yukino's car following behind them through the rearview mirror, Eriri thought for a moment and said,
"Hey, do you think I should move out and live on my own? I'm already a university student now, and I've got a job too."
"Hm?"
Utaha looked at her in surprise. "That's your reason?"
"Isn't that reason enough?" Eriri countered. "I go home every day and it still feels like nothing's changed since before. Now that I've grown up and have my own income, shouldn't it be fine if I want to live by myself?"
"It's not wrong," Utaha admitted, nodding, "but I think you should think it through carefully. First of all, if you live alone, what will you do about meals every day? You can't just eat out for every meal, right? Even with your income, the expenses will add up quickly. And after a while, you'll get sick of all the takeout and restaurants near your place. So in the end, you'll still have to cook for yourself—but you don't know how to cook, do you?"
"Ugh…"
Eriri was instantly speechless. That really was a problem she couldn't dodge—she didn't know how to cook.
Well, she could make food… if you counted instant noodles and fried rice. But things like mapo tofu, braised pork, or tempura? That was way beyond her.
Flicking her twin tails in frustration, Eriri groaned, "Then what am I supposed to do? I can't just stay living with my parents even after I graduate, right?"
From the driver's seat, Ichin said, "What's wrong with staying home? Your place is a villa, remember? If you move out, you'll have to live in a regular apartment. It won't be anything like your current room, that's for sure."
Utaha nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Since you already live in a villa, why put yourself through that? You're thinking about moving out now, but once you actually do, I bet you'll start wanting to move back home in just a few days."
Eriri frowned and fell silent, lost in thought.
About twenty minutes later, they arrived at the hot pot restaurant for dinner. Since Haruno's office was closer, she had already arrived.
The group followed the waiter to their reserved table, where Haruno was already waiting with a menu in hand. She waved and smiled.
"You're here! I've already started ordering. If there's anything you want, just add it."
Ichin turned to the waiter taking notes. "It's fine, Haruno. You know what everyone likes. Just order what you want—there are six of us, so get plenty, and don't forget the vegetables."
"OK! Leave it to me—after all, it's Ichin's treat!" Haruno replied cheerfully, then proceeded to order a mountain of food.
Since it was hot pot and everyone could eat at their own pace, the six of them would finish it all eventually.
Soon, the pot arrived—Haruno had ordered a less spicy soup, since Yukino couldn't handle spicy food.
While the soup was heating up, Haruno noticed the troubled expression on Eriri's face and asked, "What's wrong, Eriri-chan? You look like you've got something on your mind."
"Ah, well…" Eriri hesitated, then told them what she had been thinking about.
None of them had expected that Eriri was seriously considering moving out to live alone.
After listening, Yukino nodded. "I think Brother and Utaha-senpai are right. If you want to move out, you need to think carefully about all the aspects of living independently. When I first moved out, I already knew how to cook a few things, but it still took time to get used to everything."
Haruno followed up, "Exactly. There's nothing wrong with wanting to move out, but you have to plan it properly, not just act on impulse. That said, I actually think you should try it. You've always lived a comfortable life where you didn't need to worry about cooking or chores. If you move out, you'll force yourself to learn things you never did before. Isn't that a good thing?"
What she said made sense—but to Ichin's ears, it sounded suspiciously like Haruno just wanted to watch Eriri struggle.
Maybe others wouldn't think so, but knowing Haruno, that possibility was quite high.
Eriri, who was already leaning toward moving out, immediately perked up. "You're right! If I move out, I can just learn on my own! I'm not stupid—how hard can cooking be? That's it! I'll tell my mom when I get home and start looking for an apartment!"
Ichin fell silent. He looked at Utaha, then at Yukino—their expressions were identical.
Hazuki, on the other hand, glanced toward Haruno and noticed the faint, mischievous smile on her lips, which made her own lips curl in amusement.
Soon, the mountain of meat and vegetables was served, and everyone began to enjoy the hot pot.
As they dipped the meat into the bubbling broth, Eriri excitedly talked about her plans for living alone, her voice full of anticipation for her new independent life.
As for loneliness—probably not an issue, since she had a cat. But Ichin, Utaha, and Yukino were all worried about her meals.
None of them believed this girl could master cooking in a short time. During her first few weeks alone, she'd probably survive on instant noodles and convenience store food.
Whether she could endure that was another story.
After thinking for a moment, Ichin whispered something to Utaha, then said to Eriri, "Hey, Eriri, do you want me to check if there are any vacant apartments near my place?"
"No need!" Eriri waved confidently. "If I live near you guys, I'll just end up mooching off you every day—either going to your place, or to Yukino's, or Ko's for meals. I don't want that! Just wait—within a month, I'll invite you all to my place for a home-cooked feast!"
No one knew where that confidence came from.
Still, as long as she was happy, that was fine. After all, even if she couldn't handle living alone, she could always move back home.
Ichin knew full well that aunt Sayuri would probably allow Eriri to try living on her own—but she'd definitely be ready, waiting for the day her daughter came running back.
---
RedX43's Note:
➤ Want More? Get up to +70 Extra Chapters on Patreon!
➤ [email protected]/RedX43
➤ +300 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter Drop!
➤ Thanks for the support! 🙌