I had only come over to drop off some clothes. I wasn't expecting to suddenly gain a younger brother.
Besides, I'd never heard my mom mention adopting an orphan before.
Still, thinking back to the scene I saw when I walked in could such a pure, beautiful boy really be my new little brother?
My attitude softened immediately.
It actually doesn't sound so bad.
Just then, the bedroom door opened.
Out stepped the boy simple jeans, a white shirt, looking absolutely adorable. He lingered in the doorway, as if too shy to step out. The timid way he looked around made me want to scoop him up in a hug.
Without thinking, I grabbed Mom's hand and smiled brightly.
"Mom, I support your decision!
Whatever you decide, I'm sure it's the right choice."
Yes, I, Ran Mouri, am only supporting my mother. It has nothing to do with how cute this boy is.
Absolutely nothing.
Eri Kisaki almost pulled a muscle from how fast my mood changed. Still, she smiled warmly.
"I'm glad you think so."
"You're here early, Ran. You probably haven't eaten yet, right?
I just made breakfast. Let's all eat together Ran, Ishikawa, come on."
I froze.
Mom, I just supported you. Why are you punishing me for it?
I laughed awkwardly. "Oh, I'm fine. I just came from dinner, I'm full."
Eri narrowed her eyes in that terrifying way only she could, and I instantly backpedaled.
"But… it's been so long since I had your cooking. I can eat a little more."
I quickly hurried to the dining room, while Mom led Ishikawa in as well. Both of us looked like lambs being led to slaughter.
As expected, I should never have gotten my hopes up about Eri Kisaki's cooking skills.
On the table was a large plate of bubbling, green… soup? Curry? Something. Ran and I just stared at it in shock.
"Takeshi, try Auntie's curry. You must be starving after last night eat plenty."
Green curry? My instincts screamed danger.
But Eri was looking at me with such hope that I steeled myself, picked up the spoon, and took a bite.
The moment it hit my tongue, my stomach spasmed. A chaotic mix of flavors beyond mortal comprehension flooded in. My eyes nearly rolled back.
This wasn't food. This was a biological weapon.
So the anime was right Eri Kisaki's cooking truly was dark cuisine.
Still, I forced a polite smile.
"Aunt Eri's cooking is… delicious."
"Really?"
Her eyes lit up instantly. Without warning, she wrapped me in her arms, rubbing her cheek against my hair like she was cuddling a kitten.
"Takeshi is such an honest child! I knew my cooking was good. Unlike Ran she never appreciates it."
Ran stared, stunned. Mom… is this food even fit for humans? And since when were you this affectionate? I'm your daughter!
Still… she looks like she's enjoying hugging him. Maybe I should try it.
I, on the other hand, was feeling both agony and bliss.
This succubus body of mine is unfair how did the cool, aloof queen of law from the anime turn into such an affectionate woman?
Just as I was savoring the moment, the phone rang. Eri answered, slipping on her glasses and regaining her cold, professional demeanor but still holding me close.
Her expression darkened as the conversation went on. When she hung up, she sighed.
"Takeshi, Auntie can't stay with you today."
Ran asked, "Is it about that case?"
Eri nodded. "Yes. The Nagano Real Estate Company boss he had agreed to plead guilty, but died in prison last night. I need to investigate. Ran, I'll leave Takeshi in your care."
Ran's eyes brightened. "No problem, leave him to me!"
Eri reluctantly set me back down and went to change for work.
I looked over at Ran only to see her spooning up the green curry.
One bite, and her expression twisted.
"Pfft! Pfft!" She spat it out immediately.
"Takeshi, why did you say this was delicious?"
Keeping my role in mind, I just smiled faintly.
"This… is already good."