Confrontation?

At the dining table, Suzuran Mari and Akimoto Yoichi were chatting happily.

Although it felt a bit like putting the cart before the horse, the more Suzuran Mari learned about Akimoto Yoichi, the more she found herself impressed by him.

Fukayama Natsuki, however, was being left out; she could only watch, occasionally wearing a suspicious expression.

"Does Akimoto-kun only have a father at home?"

"Yes, my mother disappeared when I was very young."

"That must have been tough. Your father raising you all by himself is truly remarkable. Is that why you know how to cook?"

"No, I learned to cook on my own. It has nothing to do with that old geezer at home."

"Hahahaha, calling your own father an old geezer? It seems you two have a very close relationship."

"Can't help it, that's just how we are as father and son."

"So, Akimoto-kun, what are your plans for the future? I heard from Ayano that you want to get into Todai?"

"Yes. We are already at an age where we could get married and have children, so it's time to think about the future."

"I see. Even though you don't look like it at all, Akimoto-kun, you are actually a very mature person."

"Not at all, I still need to study more. I can only understand one-tenth of the current curriculum, and I still need Ayano to help explain and tutor me every day."

"No wonder Ayano has been coming home so late lately; it turns out she's been helping Akimoto-kun with his studies."

"That's not quite it. Ayano comes home late because she's helping with my and Nishida-san's student council election campaign. I'm sorry for causing Mari-san worry because of me."

"Student council election? You're participating in the student council election, Akimoto-kun? Are you running for student council president?"

"I'm not a candidate for president; I'm a candidate for vice president."

"That's also wonderful. But Akimoto-kun, don't work too hard when you grow up, or you'll neglect your family because of work."

"Mom, what are you saying to Akimoto-kun!"

"What? Am I wrong? Oh, that's right, Akimoto-kun is so good at cooking, one can tell at a glance he wouldn't be the type to be a workaholic."

"..."

The entire living room was filled with a cheerful and harmonious atmosphere, featuring a Blondie, three beautiful high school girls, and one beautiful married woman.

As Suzuran Mari spoke, her delicate body couldn't help but lean toward Akimoto Yoichi.

Those shapely legs in black silk suspender stockings would occasionally and unintentionally brush against Akimoto Yoichi's thighs, and each time, Mrs. Suzuran would pull back as if electrocuted, only to lightly bump into him again the next moment.

The snow-white skin revealed by the off-the-shoulder sweater, the exquisite collarbones, and that swan-like, delicate neck radiated a maturity and sexiness completely different from Ayano, Nishida Yuki, Kuroo Maya, and Fukayama Natsuki.

If one glanced even slightly to the side, one could almost see the grand treasures.

Having drunk a bit of red wine, Suzuran Mari's breath was as fragrant as orchids, and she would lean in slightly whenever her shoulder brushed against Akimoto Yoichi's.

No matter how you looked at it, Suzuran Mari seemed to have the air of a girl in love acting coquettishly.

However, since her daughter was present, Mrs. Suzuran's behavior didn't cross any lines.

Fukayama Natsuki kept her eyes wide open the entire time, staring at Akimoto Yoichi.

Whenever Akimoto Yoichi made even the slightest movement, like reaching out to touch Suzuran Mari's black-stockinged thighs or her chest, she would shout and make a scene.

Natsuki was sworn to protect Mrs. Suzuran's chastity with her life.

The strange thing was, perhaps because of her presence, Akimoto Yoichi didn't deliberately drop his chopsticks to dive under the table and pull any stunts.

This lunch was a lively and happy meal for the Suzuran family after a long time.

"Oh no, I forgot to save the leftovers from earlier. I already dumped them in the trash."

It wasn't until they were cleaning up the dishes that Ayano remembered Fukayama Midori.

Akimoto Yoichi's cooking was excellent; although he had made seven dishes and one soup, only a tiny bit remained.

The girls were all very full, and the slightly tipsy Mrs. Suzuran, though she wanted to chat more with Akimoto Yoichi, was pushed back to her room by Ayano to rest.

At this moment, Ayano's words made Akimoto Yoichi ask curiously: "What? Do you keep a dog at home?"

"Not a dog, it's Fukayama Midori," Ayano replied with a smile.

She didn't invite Fukayama Midori to eat at their house, but she would send some of the leftover food to the Fukayama family.

"Oh right! There's also my brother!" Fukayama Natsuki also just remembered she had a brother.

Her focus had been entirely on Akimoto Yoichi, causing her to forget about Fukayama Midori.

"Oh, not a pet dog, but pretty much the same thing," Nishida Yuki said with a grin.

Her voice wasn't loud, but it was enough for everyone to hear.

Ayano glared at Nishida Yuki with her hands on her hips, saying nothing.

She wanted to retort, but recalling Fukayama Midori's attitude toward her and Nishida Yuki during the entrance ceremony, she decided to let it go.

"That guy Fukayama can just eat instant noodles himself. He's already a high school student; he won't starve to death." Ayano's anger toward Fukayama Midori hadn't subsided yet.

Hearing this, Fukayama Natsuki wanted to defend her brother, Fukayama Midori.

But after thinking about it, she couldn't find anything to say.

Her brother certainly wouldn't starve to death; there was a pile of instant noodles in the house, and he had no interest in the curry she had made by hand this morning.

Her brother really was a lost cause.

"What are your plans now, Akimoto-kun? When I was helping you with the laundry, I saw that you seemed to have brought notes and homework with you. Are you planning to study?"

Setting Fukayama Midori aside, Ayano looked toward Akimoto Yoichi.

"Aren't you all planning to hold a study session? Since it's the weekend, don't you intend to work hard and get ahead?"

Akimoto Yoichi was the one who was confused instead, and he asked.

Wasn't this a matter of course? Right in front of him, he had Suzuran Ayano's Memory buff and Nishida Yuki's Focus buff.

If everyone gathered together to share their traits, wouldn't their studies improve by leaps and bounds? Wouldn't high exam scores be within reach?

As for Fukayama Natsuki, Akimoto Yoichi didn't want to be bothered by her.

He didn't know what Fukayama Natsuki had misunderstood, but Akimoto Yoichi had no interest in shamelessly sucking up to her; as long as she didn't disturb his studies, that was all that mattered.

"Huh? It's the weekend, and we actually have to study?" Maya protested, sitting lazily on the sofa. "I went through all the trouble of coming out to have fun, and it turns out I still have to study? Then I have to buy some snacks. I won't have the energy to study without eating some snacks."

"That works too. The drinks at home are almost gone, so how about we buy some cake while we're at it?"

Ayano said in agreement.

"I don't mind, you guys decide." Nishida Yuki waved her hand lazily.

"Then it's decided. We'll go to the convenience store and come back to start the study session." Ayano clapped her hands.

"Ayano, where are my notes?" Akimoto Yoichi asked.

"I put them in the yard. Since your notes were a bit damp, I dried them off and hung them out in the yard with the clothes."

As Ayano spoke, she glanced at Fukayama Natsuki, who guiltily turned her face away.

The reason Akimoto Yoichi's notes had gotten wet was, naturally, the curry Fukayama Natsuki had spilled.

"I'll go get them. They should be dry by now." Akimoto Yoichi stood up and walked toward the yard.

"Then what would you like to drink, Akimoto-kun? We're going to the convenience store first." Ayano asked.

"Anything is fine."

"I want red bean soup, hot."

"Who asked you? If Nishida-san wants some, she can go buy it herself."

"Hm? But I usually have someone buy things for me."

"That's your business."

"Oh, alright, alright, stop arguing, you two."

"..."

Watching Akimoto Yoichi's departing back, Fukayama Natsuki pondered for a few seconds before making up her mind.

She turned on the recording function on her phone and quietly followed Akimoto Yoichi. At this moment, only Nishida Yuki noticed Natsuki's figure, but she naturally wouldn't say a word.

Once Akimoto Yoichi entered the yard and walked a short distance, he naturally noticed Fukayama Natsuki following him with a nervous expression.

"What is it?" Akimoto Yoichi showed an undisguised look of annoyance.

Although Fukayama Natsuki was a little scared, she still gathered her courage and asked, "You, you can't destroy Ayano-nee's family! You've touched Mama Mari, right? I know you've touched Auntie Mari, but you don't dare to admit it! You can't fool me!"

Hm?

So that was it.

Akimoto Yoichi looked down at the delicate young girl in front of him, whom he could easily lift up with one hand.