The corridors of the Ichijou house were filled with the fragrant aroma of cooking. Warm steam from the kitchen crept into the hallway, welcoming those who had just finished bathing.
Raku, Shu, and Claude emerged from the men's bath wearing clean yukata. Their hair was still slightly damp, a thin wisp of steam rising from their warm skin. On the other side, the women's bath doors opened, revealing Chitoge tying her blonde hair with a small towel, Onodera with a flushed face from the hot bath, and Ruri walking gracefully while adjusting her glasses.
The morning atmosphere felt fresh, a stark contrast to the cold snow outside.
Ryunosuke appeared busy in the kitchen, giving directions to the other servants. "Arrange the grilled fish on the left side, don't forget to pour the miso soup while it's hot. The rice just came out of the steamer, quickly put it on the plates."
The large dining table of the Ichijou family was already filled with food. There was fragrant grilled fish with crispy skin, golden rolled omelets, steaming hot miso soup, boiled vegetables, various pickles, as well as Western dishes like toast, sausages, and jam. Some small sweet pastries and fresh fruit were also laid out, as if the house was celebrating a breakfast feast.
Issei was already sitting in the middle, leaning back casually while reading a newspaper. Seeing the group enter, he closed his paper and smiled faintly. "Good morning, everyone. Right on time. Good."
Shu stopped at the entrance of the dining room, his eyes widening. "Eehhh… what is this? I thought it would be a normal breakfast, but this looks more like a royal banquet!"
Claude suppressed a faint smile. "This is the Ichijou family's standard morning, Nak."
Raku looked at the table with an innocent expression, as if he didn't see anything extraordinary. "Is… it usually like this?" he asked.
Ryunosuke turned, smiling. "Bocchan, our extended family is used to eating with complete dishes. Just enjoy it."
Onodera looked at the table full of food hesitantly, then whispered to Ruri. "Honestly, I've never seen so much breakfast…"
Ruri stared ahead with a flat expression, but her eyes widened slightly. "This… is excessive. But yes, I won't refuse good food."
Chitoge just let out a sigh, then sat on a chair with a half-annoyed expression. "You guys are always over the top, huh. But… I admit, the smell does make me hungry."
They all then sat down. Shu took a seat beside Raku, while Onodera and Ruri sat across from them. Chitoge on the other side, and Claude stood politely slightly behind. Ryunosuke finally sat down after making sure everything was neatly arranged.
Issei looked at everyone. "Alright, before we eat—Merry Christmas morning. Let's enjoy this breakfast."
"Merry Christmas morning," they replied almost simultaneously, though in different tones.
Raku reached for the warm bowl of rice in front of him, the steam making his face slightly flushed. He picked up his chopsticks and tried a bit of miso soup. An innocent smile appeared on his lips. "So warm… and tasty."
Onodera, sitting not far from him, quietly observed his reaction. A pang of pain filled her heart—because she knew the Raku from before would have complained or joked with spontaneous words. But now he was so calm, almost like a new person.
Shu, sitting next to him, was already excited on his own. "Waaaah, the rolled omelet is sweet, perfect with the hot rice! Hey, Raku, try this too!" He immediately offered a small plate.
Raku accepted politely. "Thank you, Shu." Then ate it slowly, as if every bite needed to be appreciated.
Chitoge glanced quietly, then commented flatly while chewing bread. "You eat like a kid trying delicious food for the first time."
Raku turned with an innocent face. "Is that so? Maybe because it really is the first time I've tasted it since… losing my memory."
His words caused a brief silence. Onodera lowered her head, chopsticks pausing for a moment. Ruri adjusted her glasses, hiding an unreadable expression. Shu tried to lighten the mood with a small laugh. "Hahaha… well then, consider this a second chance to taste the world from the beginning, huh."
Claude and Ryunosuke exchanged glances, both knowing that Bocchan's mood was still fragile despite appearing calm.
Issei simply sipped his tea, a faint smile on his lips. "Good. At least this morning, we can eat together without any burden. Enjoy it, everyone. Today is still long, and tonight will surely be busier."
Small conversations began at the table. Shu talked about school, Onodera occasionally replied quietly, Chitoge sometimes teased in her usual tone, while Raku listened calmly, occasionally giving brief responses.
The atmosphere, initially stiff, gradually melted into warmth. Small laughter could be heard, the sound of chopsticks touching plates, the aroma of food filling the room—all blending into an unusual Christmas morning at the Ichijou family home.
After the lively and warm atmosphere at the dining table subsided, the servants slowly collected the plates. The last steam from the miso soup still wafted faintly, while the green tea cups only had leaves left at the bottom.
Raku carefully put down his chopsticks, then let out a small sigh. "I wonder why… even though the food is simple, it really tastes so good."
Shu laughed while patting his stomach. "Hahaha, that's because you eat so seriously, Raku. But honestly, I'm full too. Feels like another birthday party just ended."
Onodera only smiled faintly, though her eyes showed satisfaction. "Thank you… truly an amazing breakfast."
Chitoge, sitting beside Claude, tidied her slightly messy hair. She then stood from her chair, her winter coat already brought by a servant. "I guess I should head home first. Claude?"
Claude, who had been standing quietly behind her, bowed briefly. "Yes, Ojou-sama." He then looked at Issei. "Thank you for the hospitality and the accommodation last night. Ojou-sama seemed to enjoy it."
Issei smiled while folding his newspaper. "No need to be formal, Claude. This house is always open."
Chitoge glanced at Raku briefly. Something trembled in her eyes, as if she wanted to say something—but only a short phrase came out, "Thank you… for everything."
Raku bowed gently, his expression calm. "You're welcome. Be careful on the way home, Chitoge."
Claude looked at Bocchan for a moment, then followed his Ojou toward the door.
The atmosphere became a little quiet, until Shu stretched. "Fuuuh, I should head home too. If I disappear too long, people at home might get suspicious."
Ruri rose from her chair, patting her slightly wrinkled skirt. "Me too… Thank you for the hospitality. The food was delicious, the atmosphere warm. It feels completely different."
Onodera remained seated for a moment, then bowed deeply. "Thank you very much. For the breakfast… for last night… everything." Her voice trembled slightly, though she held back a smile.
Ryunosuke stepped forward politely, escorting them toward the entrance. "Thank you for coming. Bocchan feels happy to have friends like you. May your journey go smoothly."
Shu patted Raku's shoulder before leaving. "Hey, Raku. Don't think too much about heavy stuff. You're still you, remember that. We're still friends, no matter what happens."
Raku turned, his face still innocent. "Thank you, Shu. I… will try to remember that."
Ruri glanced briefly, then added in a flat tone, "If you have time, send a message. Don't let your phone just be decoration."
Raku nodded slowly. "Alright… I'll learn more about SNS."
Onodera only smiled softly, watching him for a moment, then walked following Ruri and Shu. Yet inside, her mixed emotions continued to swirl—between happiness, sadness, and bitterness.
The large doors of the Ichijou house slowly closed after they left. The sound of the snow falling outside became the quiet backdrop after the morning's bustle.
Raku stood for a moment in the corridor, looking at the door that had just closed. His heart felt warm… even though he didn't entirely understand why.
Issei straightened up, looking at the boy while letting out a sigh. "Hmmm… Raku. Seems like the days ahead will get even busier for you."
Raku turned, slightly confused. "Is that so?"
Issei only gave a faint smile, then returned to sipping his tea.