The evening air was cool and fresh as Haru parked the car in front of the Yuuki residence. The storm from earlier had passed, leaving the streets shining with puddles that reflected the warm glow of the street lamps. Setsuna balanced her folders carefully on her lap, while Riruru stared out the window, quiet but cheerful, clutching her tote.
"Thank you for helping today, Haru," Setsuna said softly, adjusting the edge of a folder. "I don't know what I would have done without you."
Haru glanced at her with an easy smile. "It's nothing. I enjoy helping… and, honestly, it's nice spending time with you."
'So calm… so reliable,' Setsuna thought, feeling a warmth in her chest she couldn't quite place. 'It's… different from Zeno.'
Riruru, observing silently from the back seat, tilted her head. 'He notices her… but he seems aware of me too. Yet, he acts so naturally…'
Neither of the women noticed the faint mischievous glint in Haru's eyes as he parked. To the outside observer, he was just a polite, helpful young man—completely harmless in the eyes of the husbands.
---
At the house, Zeno was lounging on the sofa, scrolling through his phone with a lazy smirk. "I hope Setsuna isn't too tired after running around in the rain," he murmured. Not a single thought crossed his mind that Haru might have more influence over her than he did. To Zeno, Haru was just a young, polite boy helping out—no danger, no threat.
Kyusuke, at his shop, was equally unaware. He glanced at the time and muttered, "I hope Riruru is keeping Setsuna company properly. She's loyal… she'll follow instructions." In his mind, Riruru's attention to Setsuna was purely dutiful, nothing to do with any attention Haru might be giving.
---
Back inside, Haru helped Setsuna carry the remaining folders and boxes. Their hands brushed gently several times, but it seemed accidental, innocent, perfectly in keeping with his youthful appearance.
"Thanks, Haru," Setsuna said softly, adjusting her skirt. "You really made this day easier."
"Anytime," he said smoothly, leaning back slightly. "It's nice to help. And… I enjoy spending time with you both."
Riruru smiled, placing her tote down. "You're very polite. It's… nice to see someone so considerate."
Haru glanced at her with a faint smile. 'Keeping both engaged… keeping both unaware… perfect.'
---
Zeno entered, carrying a small tray of snacks with a playful grin. "Evening treats! Can't let you come home hungry after a storm, can I?" He casually set the tray on the table and gave Haru a quick nod, seeing him as nothing more than a helpful young man.
Kyusuke, meanwhile, was managing the shop and glanced at Riruru. He instructed her casually over a quick phone call, "Make sure Setsuna stays on track… she might get distracted." Riruru nodded obediently, unaware of his true intentions, thinking it was just a normal request from her husband to help a friend.
Haru noticed the small exchanges, smiling faintly inside. 'Both husbands act, both women respond… yet neither suspects a thing about me. Everything works perfectly.'
---
The group settled with tea and snacks. Haru carefully moved between Setsuna and Riruru, helping with papers and balancing small trays. Each gesture was casual, polite, completely innocent to an observer, but subtly positioned him as reliable and considerate.
"Be careful with that, Riruru," he said lightly, helping her adjust a tray. Then he handed Setsuna a folder, gently arranging it so the papers wouldn't fall. "There… that should make it easier for you."
Riruru felt a small warmth in her chest. 'He notices me too… he's so thoughtful.'
Setsuna, unaware of the small look exchanged between Riruru and Haru, focused on him, feeling comforted. 'He's… dependable. Better than I expected from someone so young.'
Zeno attempted to insert himself, saying, "Setsuna, don't forget about me! I wanted to ask about the salon plan too." He leaned casually against the doorway, completely oblivious to the subtle closeness forming between Setsuna and Haru.
Kyusuke, worried that Riruru might fail to follow his instructions, peeked in from the shop window. 'She's following orders… but why does it feel like she's enjoying his attention too?' He quickly dismissed the thought, convincing himself that Haru was just a naïve boy.
---
The evening passed with light banter, minor mishaps, and playful teasing. Haru allowed small touches—hand on a shoulder while adjusting a folder, guiding a tray with a helping hand—without ever breaking the appearance of innocence. Both women felt subtle dependence on him, completely unaware that he was manipulating their trust.
Haru suggested, "Tomorrow, why don't we visit the salon together? I can help carry supplies, and it'll be easier if we all work together."
Setsuna smiled faintly. "That would be very helpful. Thank you."
Riruru perked up. "I can come too! I've always wondered what it's like behind the scenes."
Haru nodded, smiling. "Of course. It'll be easier if we all work together. We'll have fun too."
Zeno muttered to himself, "I'll have to make sure I'm noticed… can't let him take all the attention," completely unaware that his presence wouldn't matter to Setsuna's growing trust in Haru. Kyusuke frowned at Riruru leaving the house but remained convinced she was simply being obedient.
As night fell, laughter echoed softly through the house. Both Setsuna and Riruru felt a quiet sense of trust and comfort around Haru, completely unaware of the hidden desires of their husbands and how those desires were being subtly used to draw them closer. Haru leaned back, watching silently, satisfied. 'Both hearts moving closer… and neither husband suspects a thing. Perfect.'