Morning light poured gently through the curtains, spilling across the living room. Haru stretched lightly, letting his mind run through the day ahead. 'Observation first. Gain trust second. Every detail counts.'
Zeno's lazy voice floated from the kitchen. "Haru! You're not planning to sleep the whole morning, are you?"
Haru smiled faintly. "Not today." He pushed himself up, walking toward the kitchen. 'Still completely oblivious. This will be easy.'
---
Breakfast
Setsuna was already at the table, placing neatly arranged plates. Haru watched her for a moment — the slight tension in her shoulders, the way her hands moved carefully, almost as if to hide her fatigue.
"Good morning," she said softly.
"Morning," Haru replied, pouring himself a cup of coffee. "You look busy this morning. Need some help with the table?"
Setsuna hesitated. 'He's… polite, attentive. Not like Zeno…' "Uh, sure. That would help," she said, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Zeno, lounging on the sofa in his usual disheveled style, grunted without looking up. "Careful, Setsuna. Don't let him burn himself."
Haru's hand brushed hers as he passed a plate. A faint warmth traveled up her arm. 'A small gesture… nothing overt. Just enough to be remembered.'
Across the room, Riruru Kiska peeked in, carrying a small basket of baked goods she had brought over. "Good morning, everyone! I thought I'd drop by. Kyusuke was too busy at the shop today to come himself."
Haru's gaze shifted toward her. "Good morning, Riruru. That's thoughtful of you."
Riruru laughed lightly. "He insisted I bring something for you all, too. He said you'd like it." Her eyes lingered on Haru a second longer than necessary. 'He's… polite, yet confident. I like that… and why does my chest feel funny?'
Zeno glanced up briefly, then shrugged. "Thanks. You didn't have to."
Haru offered her a polite nod. Step one — noticed without knowing why. Good.
---
Mid-Morning
With breakfast cleared, Haru offered to help Setsuna with some household tasks. "I can tidy the living room a bit if you want," he said casually.
Setsuna smiled faintly, appreciating the gesture. "If you don't mind, sure."
As they worked, Haru kept the conversation light. "You've been running the salon for years, right? It must be exhausting."
Setsuna sighed softly. "It is, sometimes. Zeno doesn't understand half of what goes into it, and I can't just leave the business."
Haru nodded, listening carefully. "I can imagine. But it seems you manage everything so well. Impressive."
'He notices things… really notices them,' Setsuna thought, a small flush coloring her cheeks.
Meanwhile, Riruru leaned against the doorway, watching silently. She had come over under the pretense of returning a book Kyusuke had lent Haru, but her curiosity was undeniable. Why do I keep watching him? It's just… habit, isn't it?
Haru noticed her gaze, tilting his head slightly in acknowledgment. 'Patience. Both hearts in motion… and she doesn't even know yet.'
---
Lunch
By noon,as the lunch has became their family routine for the gathering of them, now the four adults sat around the table. Haru smoothly inserted himself into conversation, making the atmosphere comfortable and light.
"Setsuna, I tried the recipe you mentioned yesterday," he said, leaning casually on the counter. "Do you want me to show you what I learned?"
Setsuna's cheeks flushed. "Uh… okay. But don't make a mess."
Their hands brushed as he helped her stir the bowl, lingering just a fraction longer than necessary. 'Subtle, safe, effective.'
Riruru, nearby, tilted her head and observed quietly. 'Why do I feel a pang of jealousy when he touches her hand? I'm… not supposed to feel this way.'
Kyusuke, busy with a small note about his shop, didn't notice, absorbed in his own thoughts. Zeno, predictably, remained on the sofa, eyes half-closed over his magazine.
---
Afternoon
Later, while Zeno went out for a quick walk, Setsuna and Haru found themselves alone in the living room.
"Thanks for helping today," Setsuna said quietly, glancing at him.
"I enjoy it," Haru replied. "It's nice to spend time with you."
She looked at him hesitantly, a warmth in her gaze. 'He listens. He understands me… in a way Zeno never has.'
Without thinking, she leaned slightly closer, and Haru offered a reassuring smile. Their hands met briefly as he picked up a stray book. 'A small gesture, but it matters,' he thought.
"I… I feel like I can trust you," she whispered. "I can tell you anything."
Haru's smile deepened. 'Exactly as planned. Trust first, dependence next.'
Riruru, standing near the doorway with her basket, caught a glimpse of the exchange. She tilted her head, curiosity and faint jealousy mingling. 'Why does he have that effect on everyone? And why… am I paying so much attention to him?'
---
Evening
By evening, the house had settled into a calm rhythm. Haru observed from the doorway as Setsuna moved quietly about, and Riruru lingered near the kitchen, occasionally glancing at him with curiosity. Zeno remained comfortably oblivious, reading on the sofa.
'Step by step. One heart at a time. They don't even realize they're already noticing me,' Haru thought.
Setsuna, alone in her room, reflected silently. 'He… makes me feel seen. Cared for. I've never felt like this with Zeno. I want… I want to be near him.'
Riruru, from her room, sighed softly. 'Why does he draw my attention like that? Is it just curiosity… or something more?'
Haru, lying in bed, allowed a satisfied smile. 'The game has begun. First Setsuna, then Riruru. Both unaware… and I'll take it one step at a time.'