As night deepened, Chiyo left Fugaku's house and headed straight for his own residence.
Two people were still waiting for him there.
As soon as he reached the door, he caught the enticing aroma of food.
He gently pushed the door open. Warm light spilled through the room, and Mikoto and Kushina were sitting at the dining table, seemingly having waited for quite some time.
"Chiyo-niichan!"
Hearing the sound, Mikoto immediately rose to her feet, her eyes shining with delight.
She quickly walked to the door and reached out to take Chiyo's coat. Her movements were gentle and natural, as though she had grown accustomed to such intimacy.
Chiyo smiled faintly and reached out to ruffle her hair.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
Kushina, standing nearby, also got to her feet, her red hair looking especially vivid beneath the lamplight.
She opened her mouth as though she wanted to say something, but in the end, she merely pressed her lips together. Her gaze unconsciously fell on Mikoto's arm linked through Chiyo's, and a trace of disappointment flashed in her eyes.
After all, she wasn't Mikoto. She couldn't be so gentle and practiced.
"Hmph, you're finally here. If you'd come any later, the food would've gone cold!"
Proud at heart, Kushina grumbled with feigned displeasure, but she couldn't hide the anticipation in her voice.
Chiyo smiled and walked over to sit at the table.
"Looks like I'm in for a treat tonight."
Mikoto gently served him a bowl of rice, then placed a piece of meat into it.
"Chiyo-niichan, try this."
Chiyo picked up the meat and put it into his mouth. The savory flavor spread across his tongue, and he nodded in satisfaction.
"It tastes great. Mikoto's cooking has improved again."
Mikoto's cheeks flushed faintly, her eyes filled with joy.