Chapter 164: Cracks
Sasuko woke in morning light, lips still holding a sweet smile.
In last night's dreams, she'd been tenderly embraced by Yu. His fingertips lightly stroked her hair as he whispered moving words of affection in her ear.
Those intimate fragments made her cheeks burn even now recalling them.
She stretched lazily, silk nightgown outlining her graceful curves with the movement.
Coming before the mirror, she carefully studied her reflection—skin glowing with pearl-like luster in morning light, flowing eyes naturally carrying three parts charm.
Actually, with her looks she needed no adornment, yet she still meticulously arranged every strand of hair.
Walking quietly to Yu's bedroom door, she was about to raise her hand to knock when she heard her mother's gentle voice from behind.
"Sasuko."
Her movements froze. Only then did she remember her parents had returned.
Turning somewhat awkwardly: "Mom, you're up so early."
Mikoto walked to her daughter's side, helplessly taking her hand. "Girls should understand propriety. Do you usually come looking for Yu so directly?"
"No..." Sasuko lowered her head, cheeks flushing.
But inwardly she lamented bitterly.
How could Mother know? In the past she wasn't like this—Sasuko was very aloof outside, you know.
But these years she'd hinted both explicitly and implicitly countless times, even actively thrown herself at him, yet couldn't move that blockhead.
If she maintained distance and feigned reserve now, she'd probably remain just an "adoptive sister" forever.
Mikoto studied her daughter carefully—Sasuko had inherited the Uchiha clan's characteristically exquisite features yet possessed several parts more ethereal beauty than she had in youth. Ink-jade hair made her skin appear even fairer. Those usually cool black eyes now rippled with moisture from embarrassment, appearing even more moving. The maiden's newly matured figure was graceful and delicate, every part showing youthful tenderness.
Her gaze involuntarily turned toward that tightly closed door, asking softly, "These years, have you and Yu ever... done that sort of thing? That thing between adults..."
Sasuko first froze. After reacting, her entire face instantly flushed crimson, even her ear roots dyeing scarlet. "Mo-Mother, what are you saying?!"
But watching Mother's concerned eyes, she still admitted in a small voice, "No..."
Though she'd had intimate contact with Yu, they'd never crossed that final boundary. Moreover, since then Yu had never given her such opportunity again.
Mikoto observed her daughter's shy appearance, confirming she indeed still maintained maiden innocence.
This knowledge brought some relief yet also some worry about her daughter's romantic path.
She gently embraced her daughter, sensing Sasuko's slight frame gradually relaxing.
"Sasuko," she said softly, "Mother only hopes for your happiness. If you encounter any difficulties, you must tell me."
Sasuko buried her face in Mother's shoulder, inhaling the familiar fragrance, responding lightly.
Mikoto released her embrace. When her gaze fell on her daughter, she couldn't help freezing—Sasuko wore only a silk camisole nightgown, thin straps loosely draped over fair shoulders, hem exposing straight legs.
Such casual attire, yet she'd planned to directly enter Yu's room.
She reached out to lightly pinch her daughter's cheek. "From now on, pay attention to your dress at home. Can't be so casual. Understood?"
Sasuko playfully stuck out her pink tongue. "Got it~"
"Now come prepare breakfast with me." She took Sasuko's hand toward the kitchen.
Sasuko obediently followed Mother yet her gaze still lingered reluctantly on Yu's door, mentally calculating whether to simply use Flying Thunder God to appear directly at his bedside in the future.
Mikoto caught her daughter's small gesture completely, unable to suppress a sigh.
Her little Sasuko had already given her heart completely away.
Coming to the kitchen, this was Sasuko's first time preparing breakfast with Mother.
Her movements tying the apron were somewhat awkward, yet the instant she picked up the kitchen knife she became skilled. The blade struck the cutting board in crisp rhythm, radish slices cut thin as cicada wings.
Mikoto discovered with surprise her daughter's culinary skills far exceeded imagination. Her stir-frying movements were clean and efficient. When seasoning, she worked effortlessly—clearly an experienced little cook.
"Did Yu teach you all this?" Mikoto asked softly.
Sasuko shook her head, ears slightly reddening. "I learned myself... thinking I could cook for him every day in the future."
As the spatula turned, Mikoto watched her daughter's focused profile, feeling both relieved and heartache.
Relief that Sasuko had truly grown—not only blossomed gracefully but learned to carefully nurture relationships. She understood Yu's character thoroughly. He truly was a good man worthy of lifelong commitment.
Yet watching Sasuko's unconsciously upturned lips while chopping vegetables, Mikoto couldn't help feeling heartache.
This child had tied her entire heart to Yu, holding him too high while placing herself too low. Such a posture proved most vulnerable to hurt in relationships.
Today's breakfast was exceptionally abundant. Delicate porcelain plates held golden tamagoyaki, edges fried perfectly. Teriyaki salmon gleamed invitingly. Rice sprinkled with white sesame steamed fragrantly. Miso soup gently swayed in bowls, tofu cut adorably square. Salt-grilled mackerel, skin crisped perfectly, paired especially refreshingly with grated radish.
When Mikoto and Sasuko carried the final dishes to the table, Fugaku sat on the living room sofa, hand holding past newspapers, reading carefully. Having slept for years, he needed to quickly understand these years' changes. Though Yu had said everything was fine, he wanted to know more—about the Uchiha, Konoha, the shinobi world.
"Father, you can eat now." Sasuko reminded softly, yet her gaze involuntarily drifted toward that tightly closed door at the corridor's end.
She was first to notice the abnormality—Yu always maintained regular routines, never oversleeping. Right now sunlight already filled the courtyard. By usual standards, he should have woken long ago.
After hesitating briefly, Sasuko still walked to his bedroom door, knocking lightly. "Yu, get up and eat."
Silence within.
She knocked harder with more concern. "Yu?"
This time a response finally came. "I know. I'll come out immediately."
"Be quick. Everyone's waiting for you." Sasuko finished speaking and turned, yet doubt rose in her heart.
With Yu's acuity, normally even the slightest sound couldn't escape his perception.
Inside the room, Yu propped himself up to sit on the bed's edge, fine cold sweat beading his forehead.
He looked toward the bright sun outside.
Murmuring: "It's already this time..."
Yu forcibly endured the waves of pain from his soul's depths. He changed into neat clothing before slowly walking out of the bedroom.
When his figure appeared in the corridor, Sasuko's gaze immediately fixed on Yu—though he still maintained upright posture, expression as bland as usual.
Yet Sasuko still couldn't help worrying somewhat.
"Mother," Sasuko lowered her voice to Mikoto beside her. "I'll go check on Yu. He's a bit off today. Usually by this time he'd already be awake."
Mikoto watched her daughter's worried face, knowing that restraining her now would only increase her anxiety. She nodded gently. "Go ahead."
***
30+advance chapters at patreon.com/Eatinpieces