The path from campus wound through streets gilded by the late afternoon sun. Yu strolled easily, hands in his pockets, while Izan walked at his side, posture more reserved but softening as the silence between them grew comfortable.
Yu broke it first, his voice lilting.
"You really care about her, don't you?"
Izan glanced at him, gray eyes steady, though a faint blush crept to his cheeks.
"I do. Joy… she makes everything lighter. Even when things are difficult, she has this way of making me believe it'll be okay."
Yu tilted his head, smiling faintly.
"That's rare. Don't let it slip away."
Izan's gaze flicked down, thoughtful.
"I just… don't know if she feels the same. She's always smiling, but… what if that's just who she is with everyone?"
Yu chuckled softly, nudging him with an elbow.
"Trust me. I've known Joy for years. The way she smiles at you—it's not the same."
[You've met her once. The original Yuvin Beckham has known her for years, Yu.]
'Shush! I'm getting into my role. Like those K-drama actors, it's just like those shows. The girls would've loved to watch this.'
Izan's blush deepened, and he fell silent, his lips pressing into a line to hold back the quiet grin threatening to form. Yu hid his own smirk, satisfied with the subtle push.
---
By the time they reached the tall iron gates, the sky had deepened into dusky pink. Joy met them at the entrance, her light brown hair catching the glow, her smile wide.
"You're here!"
She exclaimed, rushing forward. She hugged Yu tightly before looking at Izan, her cheeks blooming pink.
"And you brought him too."
Yu laughed softly, stepping back.
"Of course. I figured you'd wanna see him for yourself. Is Theo here?"
Joy glanced toward the driveway.
"Theo's not here—he left for a company meeting. He won't be back until late."
"Great! Then he can come in."
As Joy led them inside, DK01's screen flickered faintly in Yu's vision.
[Additional data: Theo and Joy lost their parents at a young age. Raised under strict, conservative grandparents. At eighteen, Theo assumed control of the family company until the current age of twenty-four. Current schedule is split between corporate duties, schoolwork, and guardianship of Joy. This could pose a mission obstacle of limited personal time and divided attention. Difficulty: higher than the last world.]
Yu hummed under his breath, lips curling into a faint smirk.
'So he's juggling a company, classes, and family. Sounds exhausting. All the better—he won't notice the trap until it's too late.'
[Warning: underestimating such obstacles may extend the mission's timeline. Try to finish quickly and efficiently, Host.]
Yu waved the thought away, slipping back into Joy's chatter without missing a beat.
"So, Joy…"
He said brightly,
"Tell us about this new project of yours. You always have something fun cooking up."
Joy lit up, pulling Izan along to sit beside her in the sitting room. She began explaining her designs with bubbling enthusiasm, while Izan, quieter but clearly smitten, stole glances at her every time she leaned close.
Yu reclined comfortably, watching the threads tighten just as he'd planned.
'Theo can work himself to death all he wants.'
Yu thought smugly.
'Joy and Izan will draw closer, and when he finally notices me—he'll have nowhere else to turn.'
The sitting room glowed gold with the last rays of the sun, the air alive with Joy's excited chatter. She spread sketches across the low table, her voice tumbling over itself as she described color palettes, patterns, and how she wanted to push herself further.
Izan sat beside her, listening intently, nodding at every word. His gray eyes softened whenever Joy leaned close, her enthusiasm washing over him like sunlight. Though quieter, he added thoughtful comments that made her laugh or beam in delight.
Yu leaned back against the sofa, smiling faintly, watching the scene unfold. He didn't need to interfere much—their chemistry spoke for itself. All he had to do was make sure the spark caught fire.
But when the sky darkened to crimson, Yu's tone shifted, light but firm.
"We should probably wrap up soon. Izan, you should head back before Theo comes home."
Joy's smile faltered into a pout.
"Already? You just got here."
Yu's expression softened, but he held steady.
"It's been three hours, Joy, and you know it's for the best. Theo's… well. He might not take kindly to the idea another man entered your home, remember last time? The whole reason you can't leave the house anymore?"
Joy sighed, shoulders slumping.
"…I guess you're right."
Izan's hands tightened against his knees, knuckles pale. The reluctance in his posture was sharp, but he didn't argue. He forced himself to stand, his lips pressing into a thin line.
Together, Joy and Yu walked him to the door. Izan lingered for a heartbeat longer than necessary before offering Joy a soft smile and slipping away into the dusk.
As the door shut, Yu stretched lightly.
"Since it's just us tonight…"
He said, tone casual.
"Why don't I make dinner?"
Joy blinked, startled.
"You? Cook?"
Before Yu could reply, DK01's warning flared bright in his vision.
[Alert: OOC activity detected. Yuvin Beckham has no established cooking ability beyond Joy's guidance. Provide plausible justification immediately or risk reset.]
Yu exhaled inwardly, dragging a hand through his hair in exasperation.
'Again? Seriously?'
Outwardly, his smile never faltered.
"My roommates are terrible cooks…"
He explained lightly.
"It was either starve or get fat on fast food. So I've been learning in secret and now I have full confidence in my ability. Wanna taste?"
Joy chuckled, eyes bright.
"That's fair. And I definitely want to see what you can make, then!"
The warning blinked out.
[Profile update confirmed. Yuvin Beckham: self-taught cook, motivated by poor roommates' skills. Access granted to replicate all of Yukio's prior culinary experience.]
Yu sighed softly, half in relief, half in annoyance.
'So now I'm allowed. Wonderful.'
Joy led him into the Kingsley estate's spacious kitchen, every counter gleaming, cupboards stocked full with ingredients. Yu's eyes sparkled with possibilities as he tied on a pink, frilly apron hanging by the door.
He smoothed the fabric down, lips twitching into a smile.
"…Kind of wish I had one of these at my place."
He murmured.
Joy giggled, leaning on the counter to watch.
"You look cute in it."
Yu flicked her a playful glance as he began rummaging through ingredients, the Incubus King in him purring at how easily he was slipping deeper into this role.
And all the while, DK01's silent presence lingered at the edge of his vision, cold and watchful.
The Kingsley kitchen glowed warm under its golden lights, the countertops gleaming as Yu moved gracefully between stove and cutting board. His motions were skilled—too skilled—and every so often he would deliberately stumble, fumbling with a knife or mismeasuring spice before correcting himself. He'd murmur something like—
"Guess I'm still learning."
—with a sheepish smile, careful not to trigger DK01's icy warnings again.
Joy sat on a stool nearby, chin propped on her hand, watching him work. Her brow furrowed slightly as she finally spoke.
"Yuvin… Theo told me something earlier."
Yu hummed lightly, pretending to focus on stirring.
"Oh?"
"He said he saw you and Izan at school. That you looked… close. Like a couple."
Her voice was soft, almost guilty.
"I told him he was wrong. I trust you. But… I can't help worrying a little."
Yu smiled over his shoulder, gentle.
"It wasn't like that. We were in the library, surrounded by half the student body. Just working on our project."
He plated a dish with careful grace, then added with a sly sparkle in his eyes.
"We were talking about how Rome's love culture shaped how we see love today. Maybe Theo caught us when the subject… turned to you."
Joy flushed, eyes widening.
"Yuvin! You didn't—"
She shook her head, cheeks pink.
"You can't just say things like that to Izan. He only sees me as a friend I helped once!"
Yu chuckled softly, a melodic hum bubbling in his throat.
"Maybe. Or maybe not."
His words were playful, cryptic, left to dangle in the air like a secret.
Joy puffed her cheeks at him but couldn't quite hide the shy smile tugging at her lips.
Yu turned back to the stove, humming a tune under his breath—a familiar rhythm he hadn't realized he'd fallen into. The same soft melody he used to hum as Yukio, cooking in another world, another life.
---
The front door clicked open quietly. Theo stepped inside, shoulders heavy with fatigue from the long meeting. His tie too tight, his expression drawn tight from hours of work.
Then the scent hit him.
Warm, savory, comforting. Home.
He followed it down the hall until the kitchen came into view—and froze.
Yu stood there in a pink frilly apron, hair catching the kitchen light, setting plates down with practiced ease. Beside him, Joy laughed softly, cheeks flushed as Yu leaned in to wipe a smear of sauce from her face with tender care. The gesture was simple, motherly even, but so natural, so intimate, that it struck Theo like a blow.
The image seared into him:
Yuvin, apron tied snug at the waist, humming softly, moving like he belonged there. Like he was family.
Something deep and dangerous stirred inside Theo, pulling at the cracks in his composure.
And then Joy looked up, following the shift of air at the doorway. Yu's eyes followed hers.
Both turned toward him.
Theo stood in the doorway, stunned, watching.
The room went silent for a beat. The only sound was the quiet bubbling of a pan on the stove, filling the silence with its mocking rhythm.
Theo's blue eyes swept over the scene—the apron, the tender care, Joy's flushed smile—and something sharp twisted in his chest.
"You…"
His voice was low, tight. He forced it sharper than intended.
"For someone supposed to be a man, you certainly… act the part of a housewife well."
The words snapped out, brittle with irritation. But underneath, the bite masked the truth—his yearning. His hunger for more moments like this, as shameful as they were. To come home to warmth, to laughter, to food waiting, to him.
Theo's fists clenched at his sides, and he averted his gaze, pretending indifference even as the ache burned hotter inside.
Yu blinked once, then let a sly smile curl against his lips. He caught it—the flicker in Theo's voice, the sharp mask that barely held.
'So easy. And all I did was hum while cooking.'
The truth was, nothing had been planned. These motions—carefully wiping Joy's cheek, tying on an apron, plating food—were habits carved deep into him since his time as Yukio. They were instinct now, second nature.
And that, he realized with a thrill, was precisely why they had power.
Without hesitation, Yu stepped forward toward Theo. His hands moved smoothly, fluidly—naturally.
He slid Theo's heavy bag off his shoulder and set it neatly aside. He shrugged the coat from his tense frame, shaking it once before hanging it properly. His slender fingers reached up, loosening the knot of Theo's tie with practiced ease.
"Thanks for the compliment. Dinner's just about ready."
Yu said, his voice warm and unbothered, as though this were the most ordinary thing in the world.
"Wash up and sit down before it gets cold."
Theo froze, stunned, every motion replaying in his head in slow motion. But Yu had already turned away, moving back toward the stove.
From the kitchen, Yu carried out plates one by one, the smells rich and enticing.
Pan-seared chicken breast glazed with a honey-garlic sauce, edges golden and crisp, sliced artfully across the plate.
A side of roasted autumn vegetables—carrots, squash, and potatoes—drizzled with olive oil and herbs, their sweetness drawn out by the heat.
A small bowl of buttered rice, flecked with parsley for color and aroma.
And finally, a fresh salad of greens, crisp apples, and walnuts, dressed with a light vinaigrette.
The table looked fit for a magazine spread, warm steam curling in the air, the scent filling every corner of the estate.
Yu hummed softly again as he plated the last dish, apron fluttering faintly around his legs, while Theo stood motionless in the doorway—caught between irritation, confusion, and something far deeper he didn't dare name.
A confused look from Joy finally snapped Theo back to reality and he quickly walked towards the washroom to clean his hands. His dark complexion helped to hide the creeping flush of red blooming from his cheeks to the tips of his ears.
---
The dining room glowed softly under its chandelier, the warm scent of Yu's cooking still heavy in the air.
Joy ate with unrestrained enthusiasm, cheeks full as she hummed happily.
"Mmm! This is amazing, Yuvin!"
Yu chuckled, leaning his chin into one palm.
"Eat slowly, Joy. You'll choke if you rush."
His voice was warm, almost parental, and Joy only giggled in response before digging in again.
Across from them, Theo sat stiff-backed, fork in hand. He barely contributed to the conversation, but his eyes betrayed him—flicking again and again toward Yu. Toward the way his apron tied neatly around his waist, the way he leaned in to brush a strand of hair from Joy's face as naturally as breathing.
The food was exquisite. Theo would never admit it out loud, but each bite soothed something tight in his chest. Still, his expression remained brooding, as if pretending disinterest would smother the truth.
Halfway through the meal, a vibration rattled the table. Yu's phone lit up with a message notification.
Joy, cheeks bulging with rice, blinked at the sound.
"Whu'zh that?"
Yu sighed softly, plucking a napkin and leaning over to dab at her lips.
"Don't talk with your mouth full."
He chided gently, his tone like that of a mother hen.
"It's just my roommates, asking when I'll be back to cook for them."
The words hit Theo like a knife.
'Cook for them?'
His hand clenched tighter around his fork until the metal groaned under the pressure, bending slightly in his grip. His jaw locked, the simmering irritation threatening to spill over. The thought of Yu—apron-clad, humming, setting down plates—for other men made his chest ache with something sharp and unfamiliar.
Joy, oblivious, swallowed and sighed wistfully.
"They're lucky. Imagine getting to eat like this every day."
She pouted faintly.
Yu only chuckled, his hazel eyes glinting playfully.
"They won't be eating anything special. I already packed up the leftovers to take back with me. So what they'll get is what you've already had first."
The words soothed Theo in a way he didn't want to acknowledge, cooling the spike of possessive heat in his chest. His grip on the fork loosened slightly, though the metal remained bent, silent proof of his inner turmoil.
He shoved another bite of chicken into his mouth, chewing hard, as though drowning out the thought.
'Ridiculous. Why should it matter where he cooks, or for who?'
But no matter how he tried to deny it, each mouthful tasted sweeter for knowing they had eaten first.
And Theo hated himself for savoring it.
The meal stretched into soft, comfortable rhythm. Joy chatted endlessly between bites, her words spilling like water.
"I just wish I could go to more campus events…"
She said with a wistful sigh, twirling her fork in her fingers.
"There are festivals, student fashion showcases, even silly things like debate nights. College life is supposed to be about experiences, right?"
Yu, gathering plates instinctively, gave her a reassuring smile.
"Then we'll make our own events. You and me—we'll work on projects and make outfits so cute they'll outshine anything on campus. Who needs a stage when you can light up a room?"
Joy giggled, her eyes sparkling.
"You really think so?"
"Of course!"
Yu said warmly, stacking dishes as though he belonged in that kitchen.
"You're more creative than you know."
From his seat, Theo remained silent. He watched the two of them—Joy bright with laughter, Yu slipping into her orbit so effortlessly it was as though he had always been part of their household. The way Yu spoke, the way he smiled, the way he moved—every detail burrowed under Theo's skin.
By the time Joy's chatter slowed and her yawns began to sneak through, Yu had cleaned the kitchen spotless. The last dish was dried and placed neatly in its cupboard, the counters wiped until they gleamed.
He untied the pink apron with a small flourish, folding it carefully and setting it back in its place before slipping on his jacket. His bag, now heavier with containers of leftovers, hung off his shoulder.
"Well…"
Yu said with a bright smile,
"I'll get out of your hair. My grown babies at home will riot if they don't get fed."
Joy pouted instantly, hopping up to cling to his arm.
"Stay over again! Please? It's more fun when you're here."
Yu laughed softly, hugging her close.
"I can't tonight. But I'll come by again soon—and next time, I'll sleep over again. Promise."
She sighed but nodded, clinging to him for one last hug.
Behind them, Theo stood stiff, arms crossed, gaze averted. But inside, the wish pressed hard against his chest—
'Stay. Just stay.'
The thought horrified him as quickly as it had come, and he shoved it down with force, his jaw tight.
Yu slipped out into the cool night air, the glow of the estate spilling behind him as he waved and walked down the path. Joy lingered at the window, hands pressed to the glass, watching his small figure grow smaller in the distance.
Her eyes lit suddenly with an idea.
"That's it."
She whispered to herself.
"Next time, Theo can drive him home—and I'll ride in the backseat. Then the three of us can spend more time together."
Her smile returned, innocent and hopeful, while upstairs Theo tried—and failed—not to imagine Yu's warmth in the passenger seat beside him.
---
The Kingsley estate was still. Joy had gone to bed hours ago, her soft laughter still faint in the halls where she'd chatted with Yu. But Theo couldn't sleep.
He sat in the study, the clock ticking too loudly in the silence. Every time he shut his eyes, he saw the same thing: Yu in that ridiculous pink apron, moving through his home as if he belonged there. The way he'd wiped Joy's cheek so gently. The way he'd loosened Theo's tie with practiced ease, as though it were his right.
Theo leaned back in his leather chair, fists clenched tight. The scent of Yu's cooking still lingered faintly in the air, and it burned him.
'He's just Joy's friend. Harmless.'
But the words rang hollow.
The truth was harder to bury:
Yu wasn't harmless at all. Yu was dangerous. To Joy, to Izan, and most of all—to Theo himself.
---
Meanwhile, Yu unlocked the door of his shared home. The moment he stepped inside, the scent of the food containers wafted up, and he was met with two very different greetings.
Adrian Cross sat at the table, a book open before him, posture as composed as ever. His brown eyes flicked to Yu, his voice even but carrying the faintest edge of anticipation.
"You're back. With food."
Callen Wright, sprawled across the couch, shot upright at the words.
"Finally!"
His grin split wide. He bounded across the room, practically bouncing on his heels.
"You have no idea how much I've been waiting for this!"
Before Yu could even set his bag down, Callen lunged forward, arms opening wide.
"Come on, roomie…"
Callen laughed, sweeping toward him.
"Give me that cute little squeak again—"
But Yu sidestepped smoothly, letting Callen stumble forward into empty air. His hazel eyes glinted as he held the food aloft like treasure.
"You would've squished dinner, you oaf."
Yu scolded, his tone sharp but edged with teasing.
Callen whined dramatically, clutching at his chest as though wounded.
"You're cruel, Beckham. Absolutely cruel."
Adrian's lips twitched almost imperceptibly, as though suppressing a smirk, before he turned his gaze back to his book.
Yu huffed, rolling his eyes as he escaped into the kitchen. He placed the containers neatly on the counter and began plating the leftovers with the same graceful rhythm he'd shown at the Kingsley estate. The warm smell of roasted vegetables and honey-glazed chicken filled the house in seconds, drawing both roommates closer.
"Sit."
Yu commanded lightly, slipping into the role as easily as breathing.
"Eat before it gets cold."
Callen flopped into a chair instantly, grin plastered on his face. Adrian followed more calmly, though his eyes lingered on Yu longer than usual as he took his seat.
And just like that, Yu was back in his role—the Incubus King, serving food, spinning threads, unaware of just how much his presence unsettled every man in his orbit.
The table was quickly filled with plates of Yu's cooking—chicken still glossy with honey-garlic glaze, roasted vegetables fragrant with herbs, and bowls of buttered rice.
Callen dove in with unrestrained enthusiasm, grinning between mouthfuls.
"You're a saint, Beckham. Absolute saint. If I'd known moving in came with free gourmet meals, I'd have signed the lease faster."
Yu rolled his eyes, refilling Callen's plate before he could reach across the table.
"Slow down, or you'll choke."
Callen leaned across the table anyway, fingers wiggling as though aiming for Yu's sleeve.
"Come on, roomie, don't be so cold! After a meal like this, I deserve a hug, right?"
Without missing a beat, Yu slid another heap of roasted carrots and squash onto Callen's plate, voice smooth.
"You deserve to focus on eating before you spill half of it on me."
Callen froze mid-reach, then laughed sheepishly, grabbing his fork again.
"You're too sharp for me."
Across from them, Adrian ate more slowly, his gaze flicking up every so often from beneath dark lashes. He didn't comment, but his silence carried weight.
What struck him wasn't the food—it was Yu. The ease with which he guided Callen's chaos, redirecting every overstep without losing his composure. It was subtle, practiced, almost maternal:
Food added at the right moment, words gentle but firm, a rhythm that turned Callen's energy back into harmless laughter.
Adrian's hand tightened imperceptibly around his fork. Against all logic, something about the sight irked him.
Why should it matter if Beckham handled Wright with such ease? Why should it bother him that the blond's grin kept widening under Yu's touch, while Yu laughed it off like it was second nature?
Still, Adrian kept silent, brown eyes tracing Yu's movements as though searching for the answer in them.
Yu remained unbothered, humming faintly as he cleared crumbs and poured water between remarks. His eyes sparkled each time Callen tried to overstep, gently batting him back toward his plate with nothing more than a well-placed question or another serving of food.
To Callen, it was teasing. To Adrian, it was… disarming.
And to Yu, it was just another thread in the game, though he wasn't aiming for either of them.
For now.