The door opened.
As the iron gate swung inward, a petite girl with green hair came into view.
She wore nothing more than an ordinary lace dress, but it perfectly accentuated her willowy, supple waist. Her smooth, light green hair was tied loosely into an elegant yet casual bun at the back of her head. A pair of long, slender legs were wrapped in sheer, snow-white over-the-knee socks.
No matter the angle, she was a flawless, unbelievably cute beauty.
"Why aren't you all coming in?"
Perhaps because the members of MyGO were still frozen in place, Wakaba Mutsumi, after a brief silence, swept her emotionless golden eyes over the group and tilted her head slightly, a look of mild confusion flickering across her face.
"Mutsumi? You're here too?"
The first to react was Shiina Taki, standing right at the doorway, her right hand still hovering over the doorbell she'd been about to press.
They had deliberately set out early today, yet Mutsumi had somehow arrived even before them. More puzzling still, Taki didn't recall seeing any mention of Mutsumi's visit in their "Girlfriends" group chat.
Mutsumi's expression remained calm and still for two seconds before she finally answered in her usual unhurried tone.
"…Since Haru's busy with the move, I thought I'd come help."
But the sight of this doll-like girl in casual clothes left Taki a little dazed.
For a moment, she even felt the strange illusion that this might actually be Mutsumi's house. But the nameplate by the entrance clearly read "Kazami," and with a shake of her head, Taki pushed the stray thought aside.
"Huh? So Mutsumi came to see Haru's new place too?"
"We left super early, but she still got here before us?!"
Peeking out from behind Taki, Chihaya Anon widened her eyes in surprise.
Her crystal-gray eyes scanned Mutsumi up and down again and again. No matter how many times she looked, she couldn't help but think Mutsumi was even more beautiful than a doll carved by a master artisan. Just staring at her lovely face was a visual delight.
Mutsumi didn't deny Anon's comment; she simply gave a small nod, her face expressionless.
"…Welcome, everyone."
With that, she returned to her usual composed demeanor, stepping back a few paces to make room at the entrance, revealing the spacious interior of the entryway.
Taki and Anon, leading the group, stepped inside without hesitation. Meanwhile, the curious little penguin lingered behind the others in a daze, but before she could react, Mutsumi gently took her wrist and placed a clean pair of slippers in front of her.
Takamatsu Tomori blinked, then quickly offered her thanks.
"Huh? Thanks, Mutsumi."
"No need."
Mutsumi's face still showed little emotion as she gave Tomori a small nod.
With the others watching, she then calmly retrieved several more pairs of identical slippers from the shoe cabinet, laying them out in front of the group with a practiced ease that made Nagasaki Soyo, standing at the back, frown slightly.
Kaname Raana squinted mischievously. Like an adventurer delighted by new terrain, she grinned and slipped on her slippers without delay, then dashed off into the house. On the way, she even managed to sweep the still-stunned little penguin along with her.
Seeing this, Taki froze, then frowned and shouted out in reprimand:
"Noraneko(Stray cat), don't just run in like that! And don't drag Tomori around! What if she trips and gets hurt?!"
"Seriously, she's way too reckless!"
Realizing her scolding had no effect at all, Taki's expression stiffened. She quickly put on her slippers and chased after them, leaving only the dazed, clueless pink-haired girl behind.
She glanced at Nagasaki Soyo, who still hadn't moved a muscle, and couldn't suppress her curiosity.
"Ahem! Rikki's being ridiculous… Now she's got me worried too."
Anon, as shameless as ever, smiled without the slightest hint of concern. Tossing out a weak excuse, she turned and jogged after Taki into the house.
In an instant, the large entryway was left with just two people.
"Honestly, everyone's being a bit too hasty, aren't they?"
Soyo sighed softly, sounding mildly exasperated, then snuck a glance at Mutsumi out of the corner of her eye.
The reason she hadn't moved yet was because she had sensed something… off.
As the considerate "wife" who knew Haru inside and out, Soyo had noticed something strange right away. At this point in time, Haru shouldn't have fully displayed his abilities yet. There was no reason for him to be living in such a luxurious villa already.
Even though the "future" from the dream had already changed significantly, the deviation shouldn't be that extreme. Granted, she could barely rationalize this outcome by chalking it up to her brilliant husband's excellence.
The moving situation could still be explained. But Mutsumi's behavior… was harder to justify.
Soyo pressed her lips together slightly, her smile soft and elegant as she initiated the conversation.
"Mutsumi, you got here really early today, huh? When did you arrive?"
"About an hour ago."
Mutsumi answered immediately, as though she had expected the question.
Before Soyo could even process the reply, the cucumber fairy was already striking the pose of a proper lady of the house, her emotionless, delicate face delivering a cool, flat line:
"Soyo, come in. Haru's making lunch."
"…That's true, isn't it? Then I'll help out too."
Even though her mind was filled with questions and unease, Soyo couldn't ask anything directly right now.
After all, the last time she tried to "play smart," she had been caught red-handed by Taki. Even though her kind husband had gently patted her back and forgiven her in the end, she still couldn't forget the feeling of being abandoned by the whole world.
She didn't want to experience that again. Not ever.
But marrying the man she loved most in the world, that was still Soyo's biggest wish.
So what was she supposed to do now?
Everyone around her seemed to be catching on to her intentions, making it harder and harder to put her plans into action. And after what happened before, her resolve had wavered. She didn't even know if she should keep following the same path anymore.
"…"
Watching Mutsumi's figure gradually disappear into the distance, Soyo sighed softly, her emotions tangled and heavy.
Then her light blue eyes suddenly narrowed...
She had noticed something in Mutsumi's direction, toward the kitchen. The slippers she wore were completely different.
Unlike the standard ones offered to the other "guests," Mutsumi's slippers were a pale green plush type with cucumber patterns, the kind she liked and they were already here on Haru's first day after moving in.
How was that possible?
Hadn't Mutsumi just said she arrived an hour ago? How could she have had time to go out and buy her own personalized slippers? Or was she lying about when she arrived?
But Haru's moving announcement hadn't been made that long ago. Even if she rushed, there was no way Mutsumi could've prepared that quickly…
…
The kitchen felt several times larger than before, and Haru's expression turned subtle. He used to be able to reach his cooking tools with a simple stretch. Now, he had to walk a few steps just to get anything. All the spices and utensils he had bought with the cucumber girl were spread out along the countertop, making his eyes swim.
Rich people are the worst. No amount of money was going to corrupt his noble soul.
"Haru."
A soft, fluffy voice like a marshmallow called from behind, and before he could even turn, he felt something wrap around his waist.
He turned and found the silver-haired stray cat clinging to his back, hugging him affectionately in a clear show of attachment.
Tomori, with her light gray hair, stood nearby looking timid. She raised a hand uncertainly, but the moment Haru's gaze fell on her, she shrank back like a startled bunny.
Seeing this, Haru's lips curved in a warm smile. He couldn't help but say dotingly:
"You two got here pretty fast. Go wash your hands and sit on the couch, alright? I still need a bit more time."
"…Okay. Raana-chan, let's sit for a while?"
Tomori felt the gentle warmth in Haru's words wash over her. Without hesitation, the obedient little penguin turned to the cat at her side and spoke.
The stray cat, equally well-behaved in front of Haru, blinked curiously, then let go of him without protest. As Tomori reached out to lead her away from the kitchen, Haru suddenly spoke again:
"Tomori, wait a moment."
"Huh?"
Tomori tilted her head, puzzled, but obediently stayed where she was.
Once she was standing still, Haru slowly reached out his right hand toward her head. Tomori instinctively closed her eyes, and what followed was the familiar warmth and floral scent that always pulled her in.
She rose slightly on her toes, trying to lean into the gentle pat.
"Don't think you're bothering me just by being nearby. You can act spoiled too, just like Raana. If you ever need anything, you can always come to me. That's part of what being in a relationship means for you, Tomori."
"Besides, haven't we skipped today's 'practice' session? You don't have to hold back at all."
In the chill of winter, that vague sense of affection and heartfelt joy mingled into something warm and overwhelming. Her emotions, buzzing through her entire body, felt like slipping her favorite konpeito into her mouth. A slow, sparkling sweetness spreading down her throat and into her chest.
"…Okay. I understand."
Her cheeks tinged with pink, Tomori gave a tiny nod, then shyly extended her small hands toward him.
Catching her signal, Haru smiled softly and without hesitation opened his arms to gently hug the petite and delicate little penguin.
Beside them, Kaname Raana grinned with interest, then mimicked Tomori's motion and stretched out her arms as if they were playing a game.
"Raana-chan wants one too?"
Tomori blinked and, catching the hint, shifted slightly to make room beside her.
Her thoughtfulness made Haru chuckle. Still smiling, he reached out again and drew Raana into his other arm. With two tiny girlfriends clinging to him, he suddenly understood the meaning of the phrase "an armful of affection."
The strange yet comforting feeling was impossible to put into words.
Dangerous. This was how addictions started.
"Stray cat, you—!"
A sharp voice rang out from the doorway, and Taki stepped into the kitchen, her jet-black hair like the night sky swaying behind her.
But the moment she saw what was happening, her expression froze. A vivid flush bloomed across her refined face like crimson fire. Whatever she'd meant to say died on her lips.
Flustered, she tried to adjust her posture and look away, but her eyes kept sneaking back toward them.
Taki pursed her lip-glossed lips, folded her arms tightly, and struggled to calm herself.
"I told you not to run off like that. Tomori, Raana, both of you, get out of Haru's arms already… You're distracting him while he's trying to make lunch."
"Rikki, do you want a hug too?"
Raana turned her head slowly and asked the question with pure innocence.
"Huh? What are you even saying? That makes no sense!"
Taki snapped back without hesitation, wearing her usual cold and sharp expression. But anyone who knew her could immediately spot the faint red still clinging to her ears, her prideful mask barely hiding the intense embarrassment.
"Oh… I'm sorry. It's my fault…"
"I was being selfish and didn't think about Rikki's feelings…"
Tomori immediately lowered her head, her expression filled with guilt and anxiety. The sight made Taki freeze completely, and she rushed to explain:
"No, that's not it at all! It's not your fault, Tomori. I wasn't upset with you!"
"Rikki doesn't want a hug?"
Still snuggled in Haru's arms, Raana casually dropped another bomb, and Tomori quickly looked up again, staring straight at Taki.
"I… I…"
Taki was completely stuck. Torn between two impossible sides, she clenched her teeth and shot a pleading look at the so-called "culprit," Haru.
Catching her tsundere glance, Haru's lips twitched. Watching Taki flustered and embarrassed had definitely been entertaining.
But he knew if he let it go on any longer, she might actually snap.
"Ahem, being affectionate is fine in moderation."
"Taki's right. I do need to finish making lunch. Tomori, Raana, how about you go to the living room with Taki and relax for a bit?"
The two obedient girls nodded sweetly, giving Taki a quiet moment of relief. She truly hadn't known what to say back there.
With skin as thin as silk, Taki could only display her "girlfriend rights" when alone, in private, and behind closed doors. Asking her to act spoiled in front of Tomori and Raana was like asking for her immediate execution.
"…"
Only once Tomori led Raana out of the kitchen did Taki allow herself to glance his way with a soft sigh.
"And to think I was worried the stray cat would bother you… What do I see the moment I walk in? You cuddling with her like it's nothing."
Unable to refute her, Haru simply raised an eyebrow and changed the subject with ease.
"Ahem… Can I trouble you to keep an eye on them for a bit? I only just moved in, and there are still boxes of potted plants lying around. If they knock one over, it could get dangerous."
"…Fine, fine. You really are impossible."
Taki didn't press him on his obvious deflection. She just folded one arm over her waist and struck her usual cool pose, though not a trace of true resistance could be seen in her eyes.
"As expected of the ever-reliable Taki. I'm counting on you."
"Cut it out. That won't work on me. Go use that charm on Soyo or that pink-haired idiot instead."
She let out a cold snort, but her jet-black hair couldn't quite hide the blush creeping across her ears. Haru noticed, but said nothing.
Then something came to mind, and he turned to her.
"Actually, can I ask you to call Soyo and Mutsumi over too?"
Taki's eyes went wide, her violet-blue irises trembling with a mix of embarrassment and confusion as she stared at him.
Sensing a misunderstanding, Haru added in a neutral tone—
"Don't get the wrong idea. I just need them to help with the cooking."
"I—I wasn't misunderstanding anything!"
Her denial only made it clearer how much her thoughts had betrayed her. Haru couldn't help but sigh with a touch of amusement.
"Anyway, I'd appreciate the help. It's not easy for me to leave the kitchen right now."
"…Fine!"
Flustered and stiff, Taki shouted the reply and turned to leave the kitchen in a hurry.