Hikari had Kotoha when she was very young, not even eighteen. She married Kotoha's father immediately after graduation, only for him to die in an accident soon after. Alone, widowed, but left with a fortune. From what I knew, he came from an upper-class family, and the inheritance was hefty enough for her to focus her life entirely on raising Kotoha. It also allowed her to afford the house next to mine, in an area far too expensive for most people.
His family severed ties with her, so Kotoha took Hikari's surname instead of her father's—Minase.
I could understand the man, to a degree. If I were rich like him, I'd have wanted Hikari as my personal plaything too. I'd seen her pictures when she was younger—she wasn't a shred less beautiful than she was now. Everyone knew there were different kinds of beauty. If Kotoha was pure, innocent charm, then Hikari was ripe, voluptuous maturity.
I almost wanted to thank the man. If not for his death, Kotoha wouldn't have grown so submissive, and Hikari wouldn't be left starving for love.
The grocery store was only five minutes away, another perk of living in this neighborhood. We walked side by side, chatting about nothing, the flow easy, natural—like the chemistry between two people who had once been lovers.
The height difference gave me an advantage. I could steal glances at her chest freely, the heavy swell of her breasts testing the limits of her blouse. Each step made them shift faintly, the twin peaks hypnotizing.
I reached over and took the grocery bag from her hand.
"Cherries are in season now, Hikari-san. You like them, right? Let's grab some."
"I do, but how did you know?"
"I notice everything."
"Really now? You seem a little different, Souta-kun."
"Kotoha said the same thing."
"Did something happen?"
"I guess I just learned to be more grateful for the things I have."
"I see. I'm glad."
Hikari's smile glowed, and it nearly floored me.
"What are we cooking today?"
"Mhm. Since you'll be helping, we can start with something easy."
"How about curry?"
"Ah. Curry would be great!"
Of course, the excuse about learning to cook was a lie. I'd lived alone long enough in my previous life to know my way around the kitchen. I just wanted an excuse to spend more time with my lovely Hikari.
The trip was quick, and before long we were back at the Minase house.
"It's so nice to have someone around helping carry the groceries," Hikari said, stretching her arms above her head.
Her heavy breasts lifted and bounced with the motion. The sight made my throat tighten. I forced myself to look away before I could be caught staring.
"Why did you look away?"
"Ah. Nothing."
I answered too quickly, then let my eyes betray me, sliding back down to her milk-heavy chest.
"Ah…"
She noticed. Her cheeks tinged with blush, her composure flickering.
Perfect. With Kotoha, I had to keep things sweet and teasing. With Hikari, I needed to stoke her hidden desire, awaken the libido buried under years of restraint. The trick was to spark the tension, then ease it away before it grew too heavy.
"If you need help again later, text me. I want to help out since you've done so much for me."
"Okay. Thanks for being so reliable."
The Minase house was laid out just like mine—two stories, two bedrooms, two baths. A mirror of my own, yet warmer somehow, filled with the quiet traces of Hikari's touch.
We set about cooking. I let her take the lead, obediently following her instructions.
"Start by putting water in the pot for now."
"Yes, ma'am."
Before long, the aroma of curry filled the kitchen.
I took a taste of the final product and widened my eyes.
"Woah. This is amazing. Did you put in a secret ingredient when I wasn't watching?"
"The secret ingredient is love~"
Ah, Hikari. If you keep saying things like that, I'll drop to my knees and beg you to breastfeed me right here in the kitchen.
"Hikari-san, how about you take a seat for now?"
"Hm, why?"
"I'll deseed the cherries for you so you can eat them easier."
"Wouldn't that be troublesome?"
"It's no trouble at all, just have a seat."
"Since Souta-kun is telling me to sit in my own house, I guess I will."
Her laughter was warm, soft, like honey spilling into my ears. This time, there was no hidden intent—I just wanted to pamper her, to show her love.
In my last life, when we drifted apart, I tried to bury those feelings. I thought I succeeded. But standing here now, I realized the truth. The ember of love for her had never gone out. Now, it was burning hotter, ready to grow into a flame that couldn't be extinguished.
She propped her chin on her palms and watched me carefully pluck the pits from each cherry.
I loved the weight of her gaze, the warmth of her attention. In truth, I loved everything about her.
"Does my gaze bother you? Should I sit somewhere else?"
"Not at all. If you look at me, I can look at you too."
"What are you saying…"
Her cheeks pinkened again, her lips tightening into a bashful smile.
"Did you become some sort of playboy, Souta-kun? When did you learn to talk like this?"
"I told you. I just learned to be grateful for what I have. And I'm grateful for you, Hikari-san."
"Ah, you're doing it again. Maybe… did you get a girlfriend?"
"Are you hitting on me?"
"I'm not!"
"Just kidding."
I grinned wide and pushed the plate across the table to her.
"Please enjoy."
"Thank you."
Her blush lingered as she picked up a cherry, her lips closing around it, teeth breaking the skin. Juice welled out, catching on her tongue.
I wanted to push my cock past those lips and watch her drink me the same way.