Shiro Sakamaki was a little surprised that Yukinoshita Haruno and Toka Takanashi had met, but considering they were in a crossover comic universe, it wasn't entirely unexpected.
Still, he played along as if it were his first time meeting Toka—in fact, it really was.
"Hello, Miss Takanashi. I'm Shiro Sakamaki, Haruno's boyfriend. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Toka responded in a somewhat cool tone, "Just call me Toka. Nice to meet you too. But you got here pretty fast. Is it really that close from Japan?"
"I remember it took me almost twenty hours by plane last time," she added, clearly skeptical.
Shiro had already anticipated such a question. After all, how could anyone cross nearly an entire continent and arrive in Spain in just a few hours?
He smiled and replied, "I happened to be on business in a nearby city for family matters. When I heard Haruno was here, I came straight over on a private jet."
"I see. Well then, let's head upstairs. Standing around out here like we're on display doesn't feel great."
Without causing any commotion, Toka still felt the street wasn't the place for chatting. She suggested they all go up to the apartment first.
Thanks to the time difference, although it had been ten in the evening when Shiro set off, it was still just before sunset in Spain—around 6 PM—when he arrived.
They first went to Haruno's short-term rental apartment and dropped off the bags they'd brought. Toka, being tactful, offered to make dinner, giving Haruno and Shiro some time alone.
Their relationship was still fairly new, and they hadn't seen each other in a while—so naturally, the moment Toka entered the kitchen, the two quickly embraced and shared a kiss.
…
Two hours later, Toka had finished preparing dinner and was absentmindedly watching TV.
She'd only just arrived in Spain and didn't really have anywhere else to go.
The door to Haruno's room creaked open, and Shiro and Haruno stepped out together.
Haruno had changed into comfortable home clothes, with a relaxed air about her and the faint glow of contentment on her face.
Toka, ever practical and composed from her time in the workforce, quickly surmised what had happened. Given they were lovers, it wasn't exactly surprising.
Still… Can you two stop acting like I'm not here?
Haruno, typically composed, noticed Toka's look and gave a sheepish smile.
"The food's all on the table. It might be a little cold now, so just make do," she said.
Shiro looked toward the table, which was now filled with well-prepared Western dishes.
Given they were in Spain, Toka had gone with local specialties—garlic shrimp, squid ink risotto, croquettes, and more.
"How is it? Toka's cooking skills are pretty impressive, right?" Haruno said.
Shiro nodded. "It's about the same quality as what I had at Long Amarillo. Truly top-notch."
Toka, still watching TV, turned her head. "I used to work at Long Amarillo. I came to Spain to improve my culinary skills."
Shiro raised an eyebrow. "So the food I had there was probably yours, Toka?"
"If there weren't any special guests, then yes. Chef Kadozaki rarely cooks these days. I've been in charge recently."
"No wonder the taste felt familiar. Your cooking is excellent."
"You're too kind."
Just then, Haruno chimed in with a teasing grin. "So, how about it? Thinking of chasing Toka? I can help!"
Shiro rolled his eyes and stuffed a croquette in Haruno's mouth. "Less talking, more eating."
Haruno cheekily swallowed the food and licked his finger, shooting him a playful look.
Toka ignored the flirting and kept her eyes on the screen, though her mind had wandered back to Japan.
I wonder how Rikka is doing. Has she been eating well?
…
The next day, the group got up early for a trip to sea.
After packing their things, they arrived at the meetup spot. Just as Haruno had said, Barbara and Paul were already waiting.
Seeing them arrive, Paul greeted them enthusiastically and gave Shiro a bear hug.
"Hey bro! I heard you got us a boat—awesome stuff!"
Shiro was a little uncomfortable with the overly warm welcome. Getting hugged by another man wasn't really his thing.
"It's no big deal. Just happened to have a yacht available nearby."
The group headed toward the harbor, chatting and laughing. There, a silver-haired older man in a black butler's uniform waited.
As soon as Shiro approached, the man stepped forward and gave a respectful bow.
"Sir, the yacht is prepared. Shall I arrange for a captain?"
"Hold on a second."
Shiro turned back to the group. "Any of you know how to pilot a yacht?"
"I've got a license," Paul said. "But I'll need to check the controls first."
They followed the butler to the dock and were greeted by a stunning 40-meter luxury expedition yacht, gleaming white under the sun.
"Whoa, this is awesome! I think I can handle it," Paul shouted as he dashed onboard.
Barbara and Toka stared at the vessel in awe. Even without knowing the exact price, it was clear this yacht was worth a fortune.
Paul returned from the cockpit moments later. "All good. It's easier to handle than I expected."
Shiro nodded at the butler. "No need for a captain, then. We're not going far."
The butler gave a courteous bow, then glanced at the women beside Shiro.
"Pardon me, Young lord, but… which of the ladies is your girlfriend?"
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