The next morning, early dawn.
Cool-toned light poured over the cucumber vines growing in their potted bed. The green fruits, still clinging to the stalk, were tinged with a faint sheen of moisture from the damp early-winter air.
A girl dressed in the Tsukinomori Girls' Academy uniform stepped unhurriedly up the rust-stained stairs. Her pale hands carried both a schoolbag and the cucumber pot. At the door, she paused briefly, her expression unreadable. Then, after a short silence, she pulled a gleaming key from her bag.
Click
With the soft metallic sound of the lock turning, the doll-like girl quietly pushed the door open.
As Haru's "fiancée," Wakaba Mutsumi naturally held privileges no ordinary girlfriend could imagine. It was only natural for her to have a spare key to Haru's apartment.
"..."
The beautiful girl brushed a strand of translucent green hair from beside her ear. A faint blush crept across her cheeks as she reached down to slip off her small leather shoes. Her socked feet touched lightly against the wooden floor of the entryway, and with practiced ease, she retrieved a pair of slippers from the shoe cabinet.
"Pardon the intrusion."
A soft, barely audible murmur slipped from her lips as she stepped into the apartment in her slippers and walked straight toward the bedroom.
In truth, this was the first time she had ever used the key since receiving it.
Despite being Haru's designated "fiancée," Wakaba Mutsumi had never abused the privilege. She had always been gentle and considerate. But the reason she had slipped into Haru's apartment early this morning was because of her "strict" mother, Mori Minami's clear instructions.
"As Haru-kun's fiancée, Mutsumi, you need to deepen your relationship with him."
"Going over in the morning to help him make breakfast and wake him up is completely normal for a fiancée."
"..."
Remembering that, Mutsumi blushed again and lowered her head. Her small hand gripped the doorknob tightly, and after a full minute of internal struggle, she finally opened the bedroom door.
There lay the black-haired boy, handsome in his sleep, his breathing calm and steady. The sight made Mutsumi's heart pound as she pressed her lips together. But the obedient little doll steeled herself, stepped quietly to his bedside, and gently nudged his shoulder.
In a voice soft and airy like cotton candy, she spoke.
"Haru, it's time to wake up~"
No response.
Perhaps not wanting to disturb his rare moment of rest, the considerate Mutsumi didn't call out again.
But then she noticed Haru was sleeping on the inner side of the bed, leaving just enough space for one more person. The single bed was narrow, but not impossibly so. Her mouth opened slightly in surprise, and her expressionless face began to flush pink.
As his "fiancée," being held while sleeping shouldn't be a problem, right?
The absurd yet strangely logical idea bloomed in her mind. Before she could even question whether it was too bold, her hand was already lifting the blanket, preparing to quietly slip into Haru's warm embrace.
But just as she lifted the edge of the covers, a white cat with drool at the corner of her mouth revealed herself beneath.
"..."
Mutsumi froze.
Sunlight slipped through the sheer curtains, and Haru stirred, disturbed by a strange sense of discomfort. Sensitive to the gaze of others, he instinctively turned to his side.
And met a pair of flat, golden eyes.
And a cucumber, gleaming ominously in the light.
"—Wait, it's not what you think, Mutsumi! Please don't be mad!"
Haru jolted upright with a stiff expression, apologizing before his brain could even catch up. But the girl simply stood there, expressionless, her golden eyes fixed on his face. She said nothing.
This doll-like stillness, so different from her usual gentle demeanor, made Haru panic.
Anyone would feel uneasy waking up to a girl silently holding a cucumber, staring you down with a blank look, right?
"I'm not mad."
Mutsumi's tone was flat. Her voice lacked its usual softness.
"Then at least put the cucumber down!"
…
The faint sizzle of oil came from the kitchen.
Haru placed the perfectly round, almost Sharingan-shaped sunny-side-up eggs on the plate and gently set it in front of Wakaba Mutsumi.
It had taken considerable effort to calm her down and explain the current "situation." Naturally, the well-mannered Mutsumi didn't make a scene, though she did seem a little down.
Even sweet, kind Mutsumi could get jealous like any other girl.
She had never even fallen asleep in Haru's arms before. Yet some stray cat of unknown origins had done it before her.
Realizing the source of her mood, Haru raised his brow, sighed, and pulled the downcast Mutsumi into his arms.
"It's all right. You can cuddle with me anytime, Mutsumi."
"There's no need to overthink things or hold yourself back. If you want something, just say it... after all, you're my fiancée."
His gentle words made Mutsumi's shoulders tremble slightly. His right hand moved slowly, brushing through her long, pale green hair.
It was soft, smooth, and silky, gleaming with a creamy green sheen under the light. No snags or tangles interrupted his strokes. Combined with her cool, moist cheeks that felt like marshmallows, she was almost too perfect to let go.
Not to mention her waist, slim as a willow branch and softer than any girl he'd held before.
"..."
Mutsumi gave a faint nod in his arms, wanting to fully savor this moment that belonged to her alone.
But just as she looked up, her eyes met those of Raana, seated beside Haru.
The stray cat's eyes gleamed mischievously as she curiously examined Mutsumi cuddled in Haru's embrace. Mutsumi, not one for social ease, didn't know how to react. Her gaze fluttered between calm and panicked.
The two girls locked eyes, neither blinking, until Haru noticed something was off.
"Cough, cough. By the way, Mutsumi, why did you suddenly come over this morning?"
"…My mom told me to."
Mori Minami?
Hearing that his expensive future mother-in-law was behind this, Haru's expression turned odd.
No wonder obedient little Mutsumi had acted out of character. If not for the stray cat spending the night, Haru honestly wondered if he'd have been able to resist and might've ended up sleeping beside Mutsumi till sunset.
Was this a plot to lock him down? What a sly, open tactic.
"Mom also wanted me to tell you… she hopes you'll come to our house on the day of the FIRST exhibition."
Mutsumi's voice carried a hint of nervousness. She leaned in and nuzzled Haru's shoulder to feel safe.
"I see… Well, it's only natural for your mother to invite me."
"Since that's the day I'll be getting engaged to you, Mutsumi. No matter the reason, it's only right for me to pay a proper visit."
Haru could sense the uncertainty lingering inside her. He gently stroked her back, calming her instantly. As he mentioned the word "engagement," her cheeks turned rosy, and even her golden eyes took on a dreamy haze.
The stray cat beside them squinted thoughtfully, then tugged on Haru's sleeve.
"Haru, kiss."
At her request, Haru turned to Raana and, after a moment's thought, sighed with a mix of helplessness and affection. Then, under her smug gaze, he gave her a quick peck on the soft corner of her lips.
But just as Haru lifted his head, before he could even turn back...
He caught a faint aura of Reiatsu in the air.
Where was that spiritual pressure coming from?!
A soft tug at his sleeve from behind made Haru turn around with a complicated expression.
"..."
Silent as ever, Wakaba Mutsumi stared at him, her golden eyes fixed directly on his face. As soon as he turned, she tugged at his sleeve again, her shimmering irises dodging his gaze slightly, touched by faint sadness. Even without a word, he could instantly read what she was trying to say.
Haru took a deep breath.
At this point, there was no room to retreat.
Both of you, come here. I'll kiss you both myself!
…
—Time continued to roll on, and in the blink of an eye, several days had passed—
With the arrival of December came the intertwining of endings and new beginnings.
Christmas and New Year's, perhaps the two most important events of the year, were just around the corner. Some had already started preparing a month in advance, whether for family reunions, confessions to secret crushes, or intense romantic battles between committed couples.
But today was a particularly special day for Haru.
It was the day the results of the FIRST exhibition would be announced, and also the day he and Wakaba Mutsumi would formally become engaged. Neither Haru nor Mutsumi had wanted anything flashy, so there was no grand banquet or lavish ceremony.
Very few even knew about the event.
You could say it was the classic sneak-into-town, don't-fire-your-gun approach.
"Haru…"
A soft whisper in his ear pulled Haru back from his drifting thoughts.
"What's wrong, my not-yet-official bride?"
He teased her with a grin, causing Mutsumi sitting beside him to lower her head, face flushed red.
Though the Wakaba family hadn't made a formal announcement about their daughter's engagement, they had meticulously dressed her up for the occasion.
Her doll-like face was flawless, her skin more radiant than fresh snow, and her long, pale green hair flowed like a waterfall with a glass-like sheen. Today, Wakaba Mutsumi looked breathtakingly beautiful. Even the slightest flicker of her eyes shimmered like a shooting star cutting across a silent night sky.
Normally one to avoid dressing up, today she wore a luxurious and elegant ribbon-trimmed gown, radiating the poised grace of a true young lady.
Dragging his eyes away from her, Haru smirked and asked playfully,
"Are you unhappy about getting engaged to me today?"
"No!"
Mutsumi's usually calm demeanor cracked instantly. Her golden eyes shimmered with tears as she tugged softly at his sleeve.
Seeing that, Haru decided not to tease her further. He lowered his voice gently and asked, "Then… are you nervous about the bet? You've been anxious since we got here."
Mutsumi opened her mouth as if to speak, then hesitated and said nothing.
Though she fully trusted Haru and believed in Cucumber Afternoon, the weight of the moment was undeniable. It would affect her, Haru, even Sakiko's futures. She couldn't take it lightly.
"Nervousness is natural, Mutsumi. It's a human instinct… Honestly, even I can't help feeling a little on edge."
"But in times like this, all you have to do is imagine all your opponents as Yamcha. After all, Lord Frieza the universal emperor, would never lose to Yamcha."
Haru smirked and raised one finger confidently.
Mutsumi blinked at him, her golden eyes fixed on his smile. Somehow, just seeing his confidence calmed her heart. It was then the doors to the Wakaba family's parlor swung open, and Mori Minami entered, looking entirely satisfied.
Behind her followed a cool-looking blonde woman with an air of quiet strength.
"Well, I never expected it that Haru-kun, you were so confident, yet in the end you've still become my son-in-law."
Minami narrowed her eyes, her words pointed. Mutsumi's eyes widened in shock, and her flushed cheeks turned pale.
Only Haru remained calm.
"Indeed, looks like I'll have to behave myself and be your son-in-law after all."
"Such an unlovable child."
Minami's teasing attempt failed, and her face quickly returned to her usual composed, commanding aura.
As Haru met her eyes with a faint, knowing smile, this woman who has both a powerhouse in the entertainment and business worlds, and the true ruler of the Wakaba household, let a flicker of defeat show. She quietly sipped her tea and spoke without hurry.
"Haru-kun, I have to admit, you exceeded my expectations."
"There were many talented newcomers in this FIRST exhibition. Among them, even Miss Ichinomiya, a direct disciple of the renowned master Ryugan Raito. But as for the results… I believe you've already seen them."
"That so-called 'once-in-a-century genius,' Miss Ichinomiya, tore up her own painting in a fit of rage at the venue."
That extra piece of news made Haru raise an eyebrow. His tone turned slightly amused.
"Really now? I had no idea about that."
"Is she all right?"
"She's fine. And even if she wasn't, it's none of your concern."
Minami waved it off. The bet had already been lost; there was nothing more to say. In truth, having been completely outmatched by this boy, the tension she'd held all this time washed away like receding tides.
"Right now, it's 'Yuuka-sensei' who took home the FIRST exhibition's highest gold award."
"This bet... was my loss."
Beside Haru, the doll-like girl bit her lip tightly. The sudden taste of "freedom" left her overjoyed, yet disoriented. Her entire life had been strictly controlled. Now, with true freedom in her grasp, she didn't know what to do, what to pursue, or even what to say.
Then, a hand gently took hold of her fingertips.
Startled, she turned to find Haru's warm smile beside her. Without her noticing, he had reached out and taken her hand.
His warmth, radiating from his palm, seeped into her skin and deeper still, reaching her heart.
"..."
Maybe now, she understood what it was she should do moving forward.
Mori Minami, seated across from them, watched the scene and nodded to herself. Then, deliberately teasing, she added:
"But Haru-kun, do you really trust someone as underhanded as me?"
"In the adult world, full of filth and reality, lies and hypocrisy are endless."
"Even if I lost this 'bet,' what would you do if I decided to go back on my word?"
Guess I'll have to hop on a flaming scooter and ride into the sunset.
Haru sighed inwardly but only shook his head gently. Then he replied, calm and steady as ever:
"Even if Auntie does go back on your word, even if you cheat, it won't change what I've set out to do."
Hearing those words, Mori Minami blinked in surprise. Then, unable to hide her smile, she narrowed her eyes and spoke in a teasing tone, like she was playing a harmless prank.
"…Hmph, and you're still calling me 'auntie' at a time like this, Haru-kun?"
No choice now, it was time to cash in some gold.
Haru let out a long breath, then slowly lifted his gaze, eyes serious.
"Mother-in-law, I'm taking Mutsumi with me."