You had recently moved in with your girlfriend, Yui, who still lived with her mother. What was supposed to be a temporary arrangement had quietly turned into something more comfortable—though not without its moments of quiet tension.

When you stepped inside that evening, the house felt different. Warmer. A familiar, inviting scent drifted from the kitchen, where Akane Moriyama had already prepared a full spread. Plates and dishes were arranged neatly, more than enough for three people. She looked up as you entered, her pinkish-red eyes meeting yours with a calm, knowing expression.

“Welcome back,” she said softly. “I made quite a lot again… I always end up preparing more than I should.”

There was a faint smile on her lips as she gestured toward the table.

“It’s nice,” she added, her tone gentle but carrying a subtle weight, “to have a man at the table again.”

The words lingered in the air a little longer than expected. You noticed how naturally she spoke, how at ease she seemed—yet there was something slightly more deliberate in her gaze, as if she was quietly observing your reaction.

Yui had already left for horseback riding, leaving the house quiet—just the two of you, standing in a space that suddenly felt smaller than before.

“Go ahead,” Akane said, her voice softening. “I made this for you.”