Because the ingredients she already prepared were still waiting for us, Yayoi-san and I didnt let it wait for long. Besides, with how much I missed her even if it was just a little over a week I also found it difficult to hold back.

Besides, we promised to continue later in her bedroom on the condition that we finished cooking before Mina arrived.

Not that we were limiting ourselves, its simply because Yayoi-san knew that if Mina was also present in the house, I wouldnt neglect her for the sake of extending my time with her mother.

Like her dilemma the day after our relationship started, Yayoi-san was still afraid to think that I was more attracted to her than Mina. In addition, her love for her daughter still outweighed her love for me.

Although I argued that it shouldnt be a contest between Mina and me, Yayoi-san still needed time to adapt to it.

Well, thats fine either way. Theres no need to rush. The three of us well be together for a long time. Sooner or later, Yayoi-san would be dropping that thought to relieve herself of that burden.

Yayoi-san Here. Im finished peeling these. Should I fry these now? I said, glancing back at Yayoi-san who was stirring the pot while I held up a naked potato that I hadnt chopped into strips yet..

Yayoi-san, whose face still had a crimson trace on her cheek also glanced back and readily nodded. Her lips showed a pleased smile.

Shes making some kind of soup that needs to be stirred once every five minutes. I dont know where its recipe originated but from the smell alone, I can already feel my stomach churning and my energy slowly rejuvenating. It contains some kind of tonic thats probably not going to be inferior to the grilled eel that I ate with Shizu during our date.

Here, use this stove at my side, Ruki-dear. Im impressed, you really know how you work in a kitchen.

Hearing that praise that she already muttered a few times before, I could only secretly shake my head.

Shes in a great mood And its obvious why.

Its nothing compared to your experience, Yayoi-san.

Ara~ Im a mother, dear. Its natural. However, men like you seldom have the motivation to cook for themselves regardless of their aptitude. Thats why I find you capable I believe theres a lot more you can do, right? Like your physical skills, your boxing knowledge, your business acumen What else?

Uh. Now that she knows the full extent of what Im doing to look for a path for my future, shes not holding back at listing them all out.

Come on, Yayoi-san. Im not an expert on all of that. One thing though. I think I can learn something if I put my mind to it.

Upon hearing that, I heard her smacking her smacking her lips together. If I turn around now, shes probably smirking as well.

See. Your confident tone is also quite attractive. I love to see you like this. Next time, even if you make a blunder let me understand it first before you apologize. You see, sometimes, even us adults will resort to blaming ourselves rather than understanding the core of the problem first.

She got a point. However, am I not wrong to blame myself for my own blunder?

I understand. However, Yayoi-san

I know what youre going to say. Im making an exception today. Since you already promised to always keep me in the loop, lets put that matter to rest, okay? Yayoi-san cut me off, the tone of her voice sincere with a hint of strictness as though she was reminding me not to dwell on it anymore.

I got tongue-tied for a while, before muttering silently, Yes.

You dont sound convinced.

Uhm. Its not that. I just want to say that Yayoi-san should also reprimand me when I do something wrong. Dont spoil me. And dont let me get away with anything. I want us to grow together without coddling each other too much..

This should be upheld at the very least. I can prevent myself from falling for self-blame but it should be within these bounds. Good thing I have Arisa, Ria, and occasionally the other girls who never hold back in helping me understand things that I dont know. Otherwise, I would really be too spoiled by now while remaining insensitive about their feelings.

I see. Lets do it like that then. Now that you mentioned it, I may have really been trying to look away at your flaws. Young man, you made this old lady fall head-over-heels for you.

Before I knew it, Yayoi-san already turned around and hugged me from behind. The pot was still boiling, making the temperature in the kitchen rise. But at this moment, her body warmth and the clear and hurried beating of her heart were more prominent to my senses.

Shes not lying Yayoi-sans feelings for me have already developed so much that shes even unconsciously ignoring my faults.

Alright. Ill reprimand you on that one, Yayoi-san. Youre not an old lady at all.

I squeezed her hand that was locked in my abdomen and kissed her cheek gently. That simple gesture conveyed my appreciation for her.

Yayoi-sans face flushed red before whispering, So itll be fine for me to act childish for you, dear.

Mhm. Thats better Ill take care of you later in your bedroom.

Ara~ How exciting. Fufu.

Along with a sweep of her fingers tracing my body, I felt Yayoi-sans lips clamping on the side of my neck before she hurriedly turned back around to continue what she was doing.

Twenty minutes later, we were still not finished with the preparation when Mina arrived home.

However, shes not alone this time. Apart from Himeko who probably couldnt escape from their chauffeur again, Haruko, Edel, Yuika and Minori-senpai came home with her.

Upon seeing them all, surprise wouldnt be enough to describe my expression.

I looked at Mina who was sporting a meaningful smile. However, its not directed at me but at her mother.

Haruko, Edel, and the other two also had differing expressions. The first two were also pleasantly smiling, Edel couldnt even hold herself back from sprinting to the kitchen in order to jump in my arms. As for the other two, Yuika-senpai looked like she had just drunk a sour juice while Minori-senpai narrowed her eyes.

Yeah. Looks like this has been planned by the mother and daughter. I dont know when but it should be after we do it

To confirm, I looked behind me and Yayoi-san was sporting an apologetic smile at me as though saying, Im sorry for tricking you, dear.

What about our talk about her bedroom?

Uh Im not complaining. Its my Haruko and Edel. How can I complain?

But maybe if I checked my phone even once after arriving here, I would probably notice something. My head got so focused on Yayoi-san that I put it aside for later.

Hehe, Ruki. Auntie invited us to eat dinner, Edel said upon squeezing in my embrace.

Yeah. The clue was openly laid out in front of me. If I only analyzed it, I wouldve figured out that Yayoi-san was making a lot of dishes and a bigger portion for only three people.