Night gently enveloped the Uchiha Compound, but inside Chiyo's mansion, the lights shone brightly, exuding a warmth completely different from the power struggles outside.
The enticing aroma wafting from the kitchen grew stronger and stronger.
Finally, a sumptuous dinner was served one by one at the low table in the living room.
Mikoto Uchiha took off her apron, a gentle and satisfied smile on her face, and carefully placed the last bowl of miso soup in the center of the table.
The table was laden with a variety of dishes.
The dish features perfectly pan-fried fresh fish, tender chawanmushi (steamed egg custard), tempting teriyaki chicken, refreshing vegetable salad, and Kushina's favorite soft tofu dish, all served in a clear broth and garnished with vibrant green scallions.
If it weren't for the abundance of food in the refrigerator, the groceries Mikoto bought today wouldn't have been enough.
"Alright, you can start eating now."
Mikoto said softly, as she skillfully set out three sets of bowls and chopsticks, but with a slightly different arrangement.
She no longer sat side by side with Chiyo, but arranged the three cushions into a slightly intimate triangle, and sat herself on Chiyo's left, slightly behind.
Chiyo walked in from the corridor, looked at the table full of delicious food, and sincerely praised it.
"Thank you for your hard work. It looks delicious."
His gaze then fell on Kushina was standing somewhat flustered by the table.
She seemed to want to help but didn't know what to do. Her fingers twisted the hem of her clothes, her eyes darting around, and she just couldn't bear to look at the dining table layout that was clearly prepared for three people.
" Kushina, don't stand, sit down."
Chiyo greeted them naturally and took the seat of honor first.
Mikoto smiled and tugged at her.
"Yes, please sit down. You're a guest today... oh no, I should say an assistant."
She subtly changed her words, trying to ease Kushina's discomfort.
Kushina blushed and gave a soft "hmm." She sat down on the cushion to Chiyo's right almost simultaneously, her body tense as if it were a needle-and-paper mat rather than a soft cushion.
Dinner began, followed by Kushina's silence.
The atmosphere was subtly tense.
The only sounds were the soft clinking of bowls and chopsticks and Mikoto's occasional soft inquiries such as, "How's the taste?" and "Would you like some more rice?"
Chiyo, on the other hand, remained calm and composed, savoring the dishes and occasionally commenting, "The cooking time is just right," or "The tofu is very flavorful," trying to liven up the atmosphere.
Mikoto saw everything.
She carefully removed the fish bones and naturally placed the fattest part of the fish belly into Chiyo's bowl.
Then, almost without pausing, she used her chopsticks to pick up another equally delicious piece of fish and placed it in Kushina's bowl.
" Kushina, you should eat more too. You probably haven't been eating properly lately."
Mikoto's tone was so gentle it could melt hearts, and her eyes were clear and sincere, without the slightest hint of pretense.
Kushina stared blankly at the fish that had suddenly appeared in her bowl. Her heart felt a slight, tingling sensation, as if something had gently bumped into it.
She glanced up at Mikoto quickly, then lowered her head again, her voice barely audible.
"Thank you... thank you, Mikoto."
"Why are you being so polite with me?"
Mikoto chuckled and scooped another spoonful of soft tofu for her.
"Try this, I remember it's your favorite. I added extra bonito flakes on special."
This thoughtfulness and attention to detail in remembering her preferences intensified Kushina's resurgent feelings of guilt and the sense of being an intruder.
She felt like a thief who had stolen someone else's happiness, and now she was being selflessly treated by the victim, which made her extremely uneasy.
I remember back then...
He had even warned Chiyo- nii not to bully Mikoto...
And now...
My own heart has already taken the shape of Chiyo...
She ate the food in her bowl without tasting it; even the delicious dishes seemed to have lost their flavor.
She glanced up several times, looking at Chiyo across from her and Mikoto beside her.
Chiyo relaxed and enjoyed her dinner; Mikoto, as always, was gentle and attentive, occasionally serving Chiyo food and wiping the corners of her mouth. Their natural and intimate interaction was like a harmonious and perfect painting.
Kushina Uzumaki, on the other hand, seemed like an abrupt presence, forcibly squeezed into the frame.
A strong sense of self-loathing and shame gripped her.
She suddenly put down her chopsticks, her fingers trembling slightly.
"I... I'm full."
As she spoke, she tried to get up.
"Thank you for your hospitality, I... I'll head back now."
The atmosphere froze instantly.
Chiyo paused in his act of picking up food, looked at her, and frowned almost imperceptibly.
Mikoto reacted even faster; she immediately reached out and gently pressed down on Kushina's wrist.
Her hands were warm and soft, with a soothing power.
"What's wrong, Kushina? Is the food not to your liking? Or are you feeling unwell?"
Mikoto's tone was filled with genuine concern, and she leaned forward slightly with a look of apprehension.
Kushina didn't dare look at her, she just shook her head desperately, her eyes uncontrollably reddening slightly.
"No... it's not that it's delicious... it's just... it's just that I..."
She couldn't continue; the feeling of "I shouldn't be here" and "I'm ruining you" almost overwhelmed her.
Chiyo put down her chopsticks, making a soft sound.
He turned around to face Kushina, his gaze calm yet carrying an undeniable power.
" Kushina!"
His voice was deep and steady.
"Raise your head."
Kushina's body stiffened, and after struggling for a moment, she slowly raised her head.
She saw Chiyo's deep eyes, and she also saw Mikoto's gentle yet encouraging gaze.
Tell me, what are you thinking?
Chiyo asked, his tone leaving no room for perfunctory replies.
Kushina's lips moved slightly.
Finally, the pent-up emotions broke through the dam, and her voice choked with sobs.
"I... I feel so guilty... Mikoto is so good to you, this family is so wonderful... but I... but I..."
She couldn't continue; tears began to well up in her eyes.
"I feel like a bad person... I shouldn't have come... I'm sorry, Mikoto, I'm so sorry..."
She finally voiced her deepest fears and guilt, and tears streamed down her face.
Upon hearing this, Mikoto was not angry at all; instead, her eyes revealed a deeper sense of heartache and understanding.
She sighed softly, took out her handkerchief, and gently wiped away Kushina's tears.
"Fool..."
Mikoto's voice was as gentle as the night breeze.
"Why should I apologize? You've never done anything wrong."
She stopped what she was doing and looked intently into Kushina's eyes.
" Kushina, you like Chiyo, right?"
Kushina's face instantly turned bright red. Being asked so bluntly made her so embarrassed that she almost wanted to disappear into the ground.
But under Mikoto's clear gaze, she still bit her lip and nodded very slightly.
Mikoto smiled.
There was no gloom in that smile, only tolerance and understanding.
"I like him too. I've liked him since I was little."
As she spoke, she turned and glanced at Chiyo, her eyes filled with tenderness.
"This guy is strong yet gentle, and sometimes so wicked it makes you grit your teeth. Isn't it normal to fall for him?"
She looked at Kushina again, her tone becoming more serious.
"This home is not a home because of me, but a home because of Chiyo."
And he... his heart is perhaps bigger than we imagine."
Mikoto gently tightened her grip on Kushina's hand.
"Actually, I already knew. I could tell from the way you looked at him, and from the slight guilt and avoidance you showed when you looked at me."
But, Kushina, I'm not angry, and I've never felt that you've ruined anything."
She paused, her voice becoming even softer.
"This world is dangerous, and the Mirai may hold many difficulties. Chiyo is destined to face many, many things."
If... if more people could genuinely love him, support him, and accompany him, and if I... could get along well with kind and straightforward people like you, why would I reject it?"
Mikoto's words were like a warm spring, gently washing away Kushina's unease.
She looked at Mikoto in disbelief, as if she were truly getting to know this older sister who had always treated her so kindly.
So Mikoto knew everything!
It turns out she...
That's what they really think?!
Chiyo had been listening quietly. At this moment, he reached out and covered Mikoto and Kushina's clasped hands on the table.
His palms were large and warm, firmly enveloping her two slender hands.
" Mikoto is right."
Chiyo spoke, his gaze sweeping over the two faces.
The world is not black and white, and neither are feelings.
I cherish Mikoto, and I care about you just as much, Kushina."
He looked at Kushina, his gaze focused and honest.
Your presence has never bothered me; on the contrary, it has made me feel...
"Yes, being liked by such a vibrant and adorable girl is something to be proud of and cherish."
He then looked at Mikoto.
"And Mikoto's gentleness and tolerance are my greatest fortune."
This wasn't simply giving in; it stemmed from her inner kindness and trust in me.
He tightened his grip on their hands slightly.
"Our relationship may be different from the norm, but that doesn't mean anything."
The important thing is whether our intentions are sincere, whether we are willing to understand and support each other, and face the Mirai together.
Chiyo's words were like the final key, completely unlocking Kushina's heart.
She looked at the three hands that were tightly linked together in front of her, feeling the warmth and strength coming from Chiyo and Mikoto's palms.
The recent feelings of confusion, shame, and loneliness are gradually dissipating, like mist dispersed by sunlight.
A profound sense of emotion and a renewed sense of courage welled up within me.
Her tears flowed again.
But this time, it wasn't bitter; it was warm and liberating.
She gripped Chiyo and Mikoto's hands tightly in return, nodded forcefully, her voice still trembling with tears, yet utterly resolute.
"I... I understand!"
I'm sorry, I was being too stubborn... I... I like Chiyo- nii, and... I also really like Mikoto!
I... I don't want to leave! I want to stay with you all!
These words exhausted all her courage; after saying them, she buried her face in her hands, her ears turning bright red.
Mikoto chuckled, a hint of emotion flickering in her eyes.
She reached out her other hand and gently stroked Kushina's fiery red hair.
"Welcome, Kushina."
As Chiyo watched this scene unfold, a slight smile curved his lips.
He smiled, picked up his chopsticks with his free hand, took a piece of teriyaki chicken, and fed it to Mikoto and Kushina respectively.
"Alright, the Emotional Issues Resolution Committee is now adjourning."
"My two most important members, the food is getting cold. Shouldn't we continue enjoying the dinner you two have carefully prepared?"
Mikoto smiled and opened her mouth to catch it, giving him a playful glare.
Kushina stopped crying and smiled shyly as she ate the piece of chicken from Chiyo's hand. The sweet and salty sauce melted in her mouth, as if sweetening her heart as well.
The atmosphere at the dinner table completely changed.
The previous awkwardness and restraint vanished, replaced by a more intimate, tacit understanding, warmth, and harmony.
Kushina finally stopped tensing up and began to revert to her original personality.
She truly enjoys the food, and even takes the initiative to serve food to Mikoto, though she still has a shy look on her face.
Mikoto, as always, took care of the two of them. Her eyes met Chiyo's, exchanging a look that only they understood, a look filled with the preciousness of their perfect moment.
The lights were soft, the food smelled delicious, and laughter began to fill the air.
The pale moon outside the window was hidden between two white clouds.
Sometimes up and down, sometimes left and right, it's quite interesting...
The moonlight shone down gently.
Silently blessing this hard-won peace and happiness.