Kei Shirogane quietly let out a breath.

But seeing Yukino and Sakurajima Mai still walking side by side up ahead, her heart shot back into her throat.

These two senpais… their aura was overwhelming.

She felt like an extra little tail tagging along.

The group walked in silence (mostly because Kei didn't dare say a word) until they reached what looked like a pretty upscale apartment building.

They took the elevator up.

When they stepped out, Yukinoshita Yukino stopped in front of two neighboring doors.

She turned around.

Those black eyes skimmed over Kei like a high-precision scanner, pausing for two seconds—so sharp it felt like they could pierce a soul.

Kei tensed up without thinking.

Then Yukino looked at Rei Ao.

Her voice was cool and even, impossible to read. "See you tomorrow."

She pulled out a key, opened the door in front of her, and went in.

The door clicked shut,

leaving behind nothing but a crisp, decisive silhouette.

Kei: "???"

S—See you tomorrow?

Yukinoshita-senpai lives next door to Rei Ao-senpai?!

Before Kei could recover from that bombshell,

Rei Ao had already pulled out a key and opened the other door.

"Welcome. This is my place."

He stepped aside.

Sakurajima Mai gave him a small, familiar smile and slipped in first like it was second nature.

Then

Rei Ao's gaze fell on Kei—completely petrified, mouth slightly open, eyes vacant.

He smiled. "Kei, come on in."

Kei shuffled through the doorway like a marionette, arms and legs moving in the same stiff rhythm.

Her brain was static and TV snow, with one giant question mark flashing like crazy.

"Is… is something very wrong here?!"

But the moment Kei actually stepped into the apartment and saw past the entryway,

her worldview took a total, all-direction, nuke-level hit.

The messy, minimal, slightly lonely bachelor pad she'd pictured?

Nope.

Instead, a rich, mouthwatering smell of food hit her, mixed with a faint, girlish fragrance.

Under warm, bright lights stretched a spacious open kitchen and dining area.

And right now it looked like… a battle royale of gorgeous girl chefs.

A blonde girl in a maid outfit with a ponytail and two adorable ahoge (dragon horns?)—Tohru—was wielding a giant spatula,

moving fast as lightning.

The pan tossed glossy, delicious-looking food,

and the flames behaved under her hands like a tame pet.

A breathtaking silver-haired, violet-eyed girl in simple loungewear—Emilia (with her silver hair restored at home)—was carefully piping frosting onto a delicate cake,

her focus absolute,

her movements so elegant it felt like she was casting divine magic.

A younger girl who looked middle-school age, green hair, goth-loli dress, hummed a tune while using a paring knife to peel apples in one go and dice them; each perfect piece dropped right into the salad bowl.

Two other girls—Sora and Futaba—were squeezed into one corner of the counter, apparently arguing about a dip recipe,

hands flying as they mixed; a few specks of sauce splattered now and then.

And a petite, fine-featured, short-haired girl with a hint of mixed-race looks—Nodoka Toyohama—was carefully setting out bowls and chopsticks,

her movements gentle, a content, serene smile on her face.

Five of them!

Five girls, all in wildly different styles—and all drop-dead gorgeous!

They weaved through the kitchen, collaborating… or each doing their own thing?

Either way, the place was buzzing.

Pots and pans clanged in chorus; laughter bubbled nonstop—

a scene that was incredibly domestic and wildly surreal at the same time.

Kei stood frozen at the entryway.

Her mouth hung open wide enough to fit a whole egg.

Her eyes were filled with shock, confusion, and that absurd "Who am I, where am I, am I dreaming?" feeling.

Sakurajima Mai seemed completely used to it.

She naturally slipped off her shoes and put on slippers,

walked to the dining area, grabbed a washed tomato, and took a bite.

Grinning at the busy crew, she said, "It's quite the spread today—Tohru-chan's stir-fry, Emilia's dessert. Thanks for the hard work, everyone!"

"Mai, you're back!"

Tohru waved her spatula, bursting with energy.

"Almost done! Rei Ao said we have a guest today!"

As she spoke, her curious gaze swung to Kei, still rooted in the doorway like her soul had left her body.

"That's her, right?"

Emilia also looked up,

gave Kei a gentle, angelic smile, and nodded.

Illya studied her with bright curiosity. "A new face? Someone Rei Ao brought home?"

Sora and Futaba paused their "war,"

pushed up glasses and wiped their brows, and looked over, intrigued.

Nodoka Toyohama set the tableware down,

gave Kei a shy smile, eyes clear and friendly.

With so many eyes suddenly on her,

Kei felt heat rush straight to the top of her head; her cheeks flushed scarlet.

She had no idea what to do with her hands and feet.

All she could manage was a stiff, mechanical bow.

"H-Hello! Sorry to intrude…"

Her voice was barely louder than a mosquito.

Just then, Rei Ao finished changing shoes and walked over to her.

He took in the room full of pretty girls and the freshman statue beside him,

and seemed to realize the scene might be a bit much for little Kei.

He cleared his throat.

His big hand, by habit, ruffled her silver hair again, making the little cowlick on top stick up even more.

Then he said, loud and clear:

"Alright, let's eat."

Something in his voice was oddly soothing, and the kitchen noise eased a little.

Rei Ao led the still half-crashed Kei to the dining table and sat her in an empty seat.

The table was already packed with dishes that looked, smelled, and tasted amazing, sending up irresistible aromas.

Kei's stomach let out a tiny, traitorous growl,

and she immediately wanted to crawl under the table.

Everyone else took their seats one after another.

Sakurajima Mai naturally sat on Rei Ao's left, with Tohru on his right.

Emilia sat beside Tohru.

Illya took the seat opposite Rei Ao; Sora and Futaba sat together, and Nodoka Toyohama sat next to Kei.

~~~

Patreon(.)com/Bleam

— Currently You can Read 220+ Chapters Ahead of Others!