The morning at Kyokuseiryō dorms started like any other—residents slowly making their way downstairs, drawn by the scent of breakfast filling the air. The usual sounds of groggy footsteps, yawns, and quiet conversation echoed through the halls as the team trickled into the common area.

But something was different.

At the stove, Shun Ibusaki was already cooking, which wasn’t unusual. What was unusual was the person sitting comfortably at the table, casually sipping tea as if they belonged there.

The room stilled for a moment as sleepy eyes sharpened with confusion. Yūki was the first to react, blinking at the unfamiliar presence before nudging Sōma. “Uh… did we get a new dorm member and no one told us?”

Sōma, equally puzzled, glanced between Shun and the mystery guest. “Who—?”

Before he could finish, Shun, without looking up from the pan, simply said, “They’re with me.”

A stunned silence followed.

Yūki’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Ohhh? With you?”

The guest only smiled, completely at ease, while Shun continued cooking like nothing was out of the ordinary.

But to everyone else, this was definitely not normal.