86 - When I Started a Housekeeping Job, I Ended Up Winning Over the Family of the School's Most Beautiful Girl

RAW

Standing in the Tōjō family kitchen, Haruto Otsuki expertly prepared hamburg steaks. By now, the kitchen felt like his own domain. He was so familiar with it that he could locate any utensil or seasoning with his eyes closed.

While making the hamburg steaks, Haruto also prepped soup and pulled out vegetables for a salad, seamlessly managing multiple tasks. Watching him, Ikue, seated at the dining table, spoke with admiration.

"Haruto-kun, you’re as efficient as ever. It’s delightful to watch."

"Thank you," Haruto replied with a warm smile, continuing his work without pausing.

Sitting across from Ikue, Shūichi nodded emphatically in agreement. Then he turned to Ayaka, who was playing with Ryōta in the living room.

"Ayaka, a guy like Haruto-kun is rare. You’d better hold on to him."

“Dad, please don’t say weird things in front of Haruto-kun!” Ayaka’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment at her father’s comment.

Next to her, Ryōta was so excited about the prospect of Haruto’s hamburg steaks that he broke into a peculiar dance.

"Hamburg! Hamburg! Big bro’s hamburg!"

“Ryōta, calm down. We don’t need to see your strange dance moves,” Ayaka said, exasperated.

Ryōta’s wild dance, resembling a frenzied Okinawan kachāshī, brought smiles to everyone’s faces. Haruto chuckled at the lively Tōjō household, retrieving a large bowl and filling it with ice water. He placed a smaller bowl inside, then cooled his hands in the ice water.

“Ah, impressive as always, Haruto-kun,” Shūichi said enthusiastically.

“Dad, he’s doing that so the heat from his hands doesn’t melt the fat in the meat!” Ryōta explained, running over with a proud grin.

“Ah, Ryōta, you know a lot,” Shūichi replied, patting him on the head.

“Yeah! If the fat melts, you can’t make tasty hamburg steaks!” Ryōta declared.

“So, do you think Haruto-kun’s hamburg steaks will be delicious today?”

“Of course! Everything big bro makes is delicious!” Ryōta said with unwavering confidence.

“Thanks, Ryōta-kun. I’ll do my best to make them delicious today too,” Haruto replied warmly, encouraged by Ryōta’s heartfelt cheer. His hands, now thoroughly chilled, quickly kneaded the ground meat. Once the texture was smooth, he added salt, pepper, and nutmeg, blending it all together.

The aroma of nutmeg filled the kitchen, making Ikue smile. “What a wonderful smell. I can’t wait to eat.”

Ayaka moved to help Haruto as he began assembling the dishes. “Haruto-kun, I’ll help with serving.”

“Thanks. Could you scoop the rice?” he asked.

“Sure,” Ayaka replied, her voice bright as she grabbed bowls for everyone.

The Tōjō family had even prepared a dedicated set of tableware for Haruto. As Ayaka served rice, her father smiled thoughtfully.

“You two look just like newlyweds,” he mused aloud.

“Stop it, Dad!” Ayaka said, her face red as she carried the bowls to the table.

Once everything was ready, the family gathered around the dining table, their anticipation palpable.

"Itadakimasu!" everyone chimed, clapping their hands together.

Ryōta took a huge bite of his hamburg steak, his eyes widening in surprise.

"Big bro! There’s cheese inside!" he exclaimed, his voice full of delight.

Haruto had added a twist this time, making cheese-filled hamburg steaks. Ryōta devoured his meal with gusto, a big grin on his face.

"This is amazing, Haruto-kun. Honestly, it’s so good I’d pay extra for this," Shūichi said, savoring each bite.

“Thank you very much,” Haruto replied, smiling humbly.

As they ate, Ikue turned to Haruto. “Haruto-kun, you learned to cook from your grandmother, right?”

“Yes, she taught me everything I know. Her cooking is even better than mine,” Haruto said with a laugh.

“That’s impressive! Was she a professional?” Ikue asked.

“She still works part-time at a diner nearby. Their food is well-loved in the neighborhood,” Haruto explained.

Shūichi’s eyes lit up with interest. “A diner where your grandmother cooks? That sounds worth visiting.”

“Please do. I guarantee you’ll enjoy it,” Haruto said with pride.

After the meal, the Tōjō family showered Haruto with gratitude.

"Haruto-kun, you’ve been such a great help to us," Shūichi said sincerely.

“I’m glad I could be of service,” Haruto replied, bowing deeply.

As the evening wound down, Shūichi gave Haruto one last request.

“Haruto-kun, please take good care of Ayaka from now on.”