Chapter 79: I Only Like You
The next morning, Sasuko lazily stretched her body, morning light gilding the young woman's fair skin with a soft halo.
Casually selecting a white dress to wear, she carefully pulled white stockings up to her slender knees.
Pushing open Yu's bedroom door, she saw only the empty bed made with meticulous precision.
She headed straight to the back courtyard and indeed saw that familiar figure practicing swordwork—whenever his mind was troubled, Yu always hid here mechanically slashing with wooden swords.
But unlike usual, this time numerous broken wooden sword fragments were scattered around Yu.
Like someone's unmanageable state of mind.
Sasuko leaned against the corridor edge watching quietly, the corner of her lips curving in a barely perceptible smile.
It seems last night's progress... was greater than imagined.
Sasuko glanced at Yu one last time before turning toward the kitchen.
In recent years, she'd devoted herself to studying culinary arts—this way Yu wouldn't need to always eat out, and wouldn't be pestered by those annoying women.
More importantly, she longed to personally cook for her beloved, just as her mother had prepared meals for her father in her memories.
Tying her apron with practiced ease, carefully washing each ingredient, meticulously adjusting flavors to match Yu's taste as much as possible.
She hummed a melody softly—the act of cooking for someone she loved brought Sasuko genuine joy in itself.
When the last dish was brought to the table, Sasuko gazed at the appetizing breakfast before her, her lips unconsciously curving upward.
Stir-fried vegetables glistened with an oily sheen, the tender egg roll perfectly shaped into a golden crescent, and most proudly, that bowl of vegetable porridge with the rice oil floating on top—she'd deliberately skimmed away the foam and sprinkled Yu's favorite chopped parsley.
"Yu! Come eat breakfast!" she called toward the back courtyard, her voice carrying the natural intimacy of a homemaker.
Sasuko knelt on the tatami carefully arranging the dishes and chopsticks. Hearing approaching footsteps, she quickly adjusted to her most obedient posture.
Yu paused slightly when entering the dining room.
In the morning light, the young woman was lowering her head arranging napkins, her white skirt spreading like scattered petals on the mat—the scene stirred warmth in his chest. "Sasuko, you didn't need to make so much."
"I wanted to cook for you." Sasuko lifted a bright smile, her eyes holding fragmented light. "And I like watching you eat." She carefully ladled vegetable porridge, gently blowing away the heat, then offered it with both hands. "Be careful, it's hot."
Yu slowly accepted the warm bowl, his fingertips inadvertently touching her warm palm.
The parsley on the porridge's surface was arranged in a tiny heart shape, making his expression become complex and indecipherable.
Sasuko's love was too burning and pure, like midsummer sunlight that couldn't be avoided.
But he feared this was merely the illusion of a girl's awakening heart.
If someday she met someone better and discovered her attachment to her brother wasn't love... moreover, he'd always positioned himself as her older brother.
"Is it good?" Sasuko leaned close to ask, her hair brushing his hand.
"Very good." He lifted a spoonful of porridge and said softly, yet didn't dare look directly at those eyes full of expectation.
In the rising steam, Sasuko's smile gradually faded as she keenly sensed Yu's silent evasion.
Avoiding again...
But she quickly raised her smile again, placing a piece of egg roll on his plate. "Tomorrow I'll make steamed egg custard, okay? Yu works so hard practicing swordwork—you need proper nutrition!"
Yu gently advised, "Sasuko should occasionally make things you like to eat too. I remember you loved sweet rice dumplings as a child."
Sasuko shook her head, her dark eyes bright. "Whatever Yu likes to eat, I like to eat too!"
Yu looked at her persistent expression, momentarily speechless.
He'd hoped Sasuko could have a free and broad life, not bound by anyone—yet it seemed his intentions had created the exact opposite result.
The young woman was using the gentlest method to weave herself into a cocoon centered around him.
Did I... make you like this?
The steam rising from the porridge bowl blurred his vision. Sasuko took the opportunity to add another spoonful for him. "Besides, seeing Yu eat happily makes me feel blessed."
Yu didn't want to continue the breakfast conversation, afraid his barely calmed emotions would stir again.
He changed the subject. "Today I'll go to the academy to arrange your graduation exam. Are you confident?"
Hearing this, Sasuko immediately showed a wronged expression, her lips pouting slightly. "It's all Yu's fault for not tutoring me last night..."
Just as Yu was about to speak, she suddenly beamed, though darkness flashed through her eyes. "But for Yu's sake, I'll pass any challenge, no matter how difficult."
"No matter who... can stand in the way."
Yu asked again, "So what does Sasuko want to do after passing the exam?"
Sasuko set down her chopsticks, propping her chin with both hands. "Probably just stay with you forever." She tilted her head, gazing at him.
Yu patiently guided, "We already live together. I mean other plans—like traveling, or going on a graduation trip with friends?"
"Not interested." Sasuko shook her head without hesitation. "I don't like them, and I don't have friends."
I only like you.
She used to fabricate lies about making friends to humor Yu, but now she no longer wanted to hide it.
"However..."
"If Yu comes with me, anywhere is fine!" She suddenly changed her tone, eyes crinkling with a smile.
Best if it's a place with just the two of us.
"Isn't Naruko your friend? How about having her accompany you?"
That little dummy?
Sasuko sneered inwardly.
That kind of "friend" who's always thinking about my beloved?
Her face showed an innocent smile. "She's the friend Yu 'gave' me!" Her fingertips gently stirred the porridge spoon. "But not a friend I chose myself."
The porridge bowl reflected her momentarily cold gaze, quickly concealed by lowered lashes.
When Sasuko lifted her head again, she wore that obedient expression. "Rather than traveling with others, I'd rather read books with Yu."
Yu began silently drinking his porridge, saying no more.
Sasuko was content seeing him enjoy the food she'd prepared, simply propping her chin and staring at him directly, her gaze so tender it could overflow.
Throughout the entire breakfast, Sasuko barely touched her own food, focusing entirely on watching Yu eliminate everything she'd prepared.
After the meal, Yu took the initiative to handle cleaning. Magnetic field lines stirred slightly, and the table full of dishes floated lightly, following him toward the kitchen.
Sasuko remained seated, her gaze tracking his retreating figure.
Once Yu's silhouette completely disappeared from view, Sasuko simply laid back.
Ink-black hair spread across the tatami, sunlight kissing her fair skin, outlining curves that were youthful yet already taking shape.
She closed her eyes, chest rising and falling gently with her breathing, lips curved upward.
Soon...
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