99 - What Do You Like About Her?

RAW

Having experienced one of the most heart-pounding moments of his life due to Ayaka’s boldness in her swimsuit, Haruto finds himself still reeling from the lingering excitement.

As Haruto and Ayaka leave the bath and head toward the living room, Shuichi, who had been keeping Ryota company after his earlier exit, greets them.

“Hey, Haruto. How was the bath?”

“It was great, thank you.”

“That’s good to hear. Our bath is one of my wife’s pride and joys, so I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

Shuichi smiles warmly, playing with Ryota and some action figure toys.

“Onii-chan! Let’s all take a bath together again sometime!”

“Sure, Ryota. But next time, let’s make sure you go to the bathroom before getting in, okay?”

“Okay!”

Ryota nods enthusiastically, holding a red action hero figure in his hand. At that moment, Ikue begins setting dishes on the dining table.

“Dinner’s almost ready. Everyone, take your seats.”

“Thank you, Ikue. I’m grateful for the meal.”

“Hehe, I made plenty for you, Otsuki-kun, so don’t hold back!”

“Thank you very much.”

Haruto bows his head slightly in gratitude, and Ikue glances over at her daughter with a gentle smile.

“Did you warm up properly?”

“Yeah.”

“Good.”

The brief exchange between mother and daughter highlights Ayaka’s slightly flushed cheeks, likely from the bath. Ikue chuckles softly, clearly enjoying the moment.

“Hehe, you seem warmed up inside and out.”

“...I-I guess...”

Ayaka fidgets shyly, avoiding her mother’s gaze but not denying her words outright. Ikue, pleased to see her daughter’s growth, smirks mischievously.

“That’s wonderful. Maybe I’ll take a bath with Shuichi tonight too.”

“You already bathe with Dad all the time!”

“Bathing with someone you love warms the heart, you know? You felt it too, didn’t you, Ayaka?”

“Well... yeah, but...”

Unlike her straightforward mother, Ayaka hesitates, her embarrassment evident.

“By the way, Haruto, thanks for bathing with Ryota.”

“Oh, it was fun for me too. Ryota’s a great bath buddy.”

As Haruto responds, Ryota bounds over to the table, looking up at him with a bright smile.

“Onii-chan! Let’s play water guns in the yard next time!”

“Sure, we can do that when the weather’s nice.”

“Yay! Oh, look, tonight’s dinner is rice gratin!”

Having secured Haruto’s agreement, Ryota cheers again when he sees the meal on the table. Ayaka can’t help but smile wryly at her brother’s enthusiasm.

“Ryota, it’s not called rice gratin—it’s called doria.”

“Got it! I love rice gratin-doria!”

Despite Ayaka’s correction, Ryota gazes at the dish with sparkling eyes. Watching her little brother, Ayaka mutters a small, exasperated “That’s not it…”

Shuichi joins them at the table, smiling as he observes the meal Ikue has prepared.

“Haruto’s cooking is amazing, but your mom’s meals are always top-notch too.”

“We relied on Haruto-kun a lot over the summer, but I’m quite confident in my cooking, you know?”

As Ikue speaks, she glances at Haruto with a slightly proud expression. Haruto recalls the delicious seafood paella she had prepared during their camping trip.

“The paella you made during the camping trip was incredible. I’m really looking forward to tonight’s doria.”

“Hehe, there’s plenty, so feel free to have seconds!”

With everyone seated, Shuichi clasps his hands together.

“Well then, let’s eat.”

Following Shuichi’s lead, everyone says, “Itadakimasu,” and begins enjoying the meal. Haruto picks up his spoon and tries the doria. The crispy cheese on top gives way to a gooey, melted layer, revealing rice coated in a rich white sauce underneath.

Blowing gently on the piping hot bite, he takes a taste. The combination of the perfectly salted cheese, tender chicken, creamy white sauce, and flavorful rice brings an involuntary smile to his face.

“This is amazing, Ikue. The doria is delicious.”

“Being praised by you makes me feel a little shy,” Ikue responds with a beaming smile.

Beside them, Ayaka gently warns her brother.

“Ryota, it’s hot, so make sure to blow on it before you eat.”

“Okay. Fuuu! Fuuu!”

Watching Ryota puff up his cheeks as he blows on his food, Haruto feels a warm sense of calm.

After dinner, Haruto plays with Ryota using the latest action hero toys, eventually noticing how late it has become.

“Haruto-kun, as I mentioned before, feel free to use Ryota’s room whenever you stay over. I’ll bring a futon for you.”

“Thank you very much.”

Since Ryota still sleeps with his parents, his room is essentially unoccupied. Haruto sets up the bedding Ikue brings, preparing to sleep. Just as he finishes, Ryota appears in his pajamas.

“Ryota, what’s wrong?” Ikue asks.

“I want to sleep with Onii-chan tonight,” Ryota says, rubbing his sleepy eyes.

“With Haruto?”

“Is that okay…?”

Ikue looks to Haruto, who nods and smiles.

“Sure, we can sleep together.”

“Yay!”

With that settled, Ikue leaves the two to rest, bidding them goodnight.

In the quiet room, Ryota snuggles into Haruto’s futon, looking up at him with sleepy yet curious eyes.

“Onii-chan, what do you like about Onee-chan?”

Haruto chuckles at the innocent question.

“Everything.”

“All of her?”

“Yeah, all of her.”

Ryota tilts his head, puzzled.

“Onii-chan, that’s greedy.”

“Haha, I guess it is. But that’s just how much I like her.”

“Do you think Onee-chan likes all of you too?”

“I hope so. You can ask her for me next time.”

“Leave it to me!”

Ryota beams with determination before drifting off to sleep. Watching him, Haruto smiles softly.

“Getting married and becoming part of the Tōjō family… that’d be amazing.”

Imagining Ayaka in a wedding dress, Haruto feels a mix of embarrassment and warmth. With that thought, he slowly closes his eyes, drifting into dreams of a bright future.