Nighttime approached quickly as Hachiman and Ichigo worked on their homework together. Komachi acted the same as she always did although she occasionally glanced at Ichigo. Both high schoolers finished a week's worth of assignments albeit with Hachi's constant complaints about why they were working this hard in the first place. After they were finished, Ichigo got up to stretch his body and began making dinner for the Hikigaya household so that Hachiman didn't carry a grudge against him.
The moment Hachiman saw Ichigo in the kitchen, all his grievances and objections left him. Hell, if he had work this hard to eat Ichigo's food daily, he was more than willing. Komachi pouted in the corner of the couch since her job of cooking was being constantly stolen by Ichigo, but she didn't bother protesting. Why would she? His cooking was better than hers and she wasn't doing it. What was there to complain about? Not having something to do?
(Ichigo POV)
'I love this song so much! Number One is so good. What do you think Zangetsu?'
'Meh. It's fine. I like What can you see in their eyes better. It has an intensity that I enjoy very much. Suits my personality.'
'Any music is okay with me. Classical would be more of my preference.'
'Makes sense. I think every genre of music has something to offer.' Ichigo replied. 'What do you think Yhwach?'
'That is true Ichigo. Music is very diverse and I always find myself enjoying it every day.'
'No arguments here,' Zangetsu commented.
'Ichigo. What will you do about Komachi?'
Zangetsu joined the conversation. 'I'm curious too. What will you tell your substitute sister? It's clear that she is developing a crush on you and you seem to not care enough to stop it from happening.'
'I don't know. Whatever happens, happens. I'm sure she'll eventually forget about it.'
Yhwach opened his mouth to say something. "I know that you are not our Ichigo, but even then, he would not be cruel enough to play around with a girl's feelings."
'From what I gathered about your Ichigo, he was so emotionally challenged that he didn't even notice his future wife having a crush on him in his high school years. Not to mention, he was the king of all prudes unlike me. I have a decent appreciation of the female form while he can't even look at a naked girl without becoming a blushing mess. Also, are you serious?' He frowned. 'How am I playing around with a girl's feelings? It's her fault for having a crush on me in the first place. Did you think I will take responsibility for making her like me or something? I don't think relationships worked like that.'
'King has a point. Ichigo isn't obligated to do anything against his will.'
'True. However, I am looking out for you Ichigo. These people are nice and I want you to live a life of no regrets.'
'Thanks Yhwach, but I got this. I'll handle it when the time comes.'
"Everyone. Dinner is ready. Koma-Chan, help me set the table. Hachi, do something." Ignoring the offended look Hachi gave me, I hummed a tune as I worked together with Komachi to get our dinner ready. After an hour, everyone had a satisfied look on their faces if the blissful smiles were anything to by. This is why I cook. For moments like this. "Hachi, I'm gonna sleepover today. Will that cause any issues?"
He raised his eyebrows at me. "Are you sick? You never ask me th-" His eyes widened in realization and he attempted to save the situation. "Of course Hachi. You're always welcome." Keyword attempted. The disdainful expression of Komachi is hilarious to look at.
"My. How generous of you Hachi." I said as motherly as possible. He must have felt annoyed that I treated him like a kid since I can see his darkened face. Oh? Are nostrils flaring? His eyes narrowing? His fist clenching?
"Oh shut up. We both know you can just break into my house at any time. Why do you bother asking?"
Good point, but I have to give a reason. "Because I am an honorable criminal."
"Hah? Those two words should not be used together at all. What kind of medicine are you taking? I think you need to get them checked."
I looked at in mock anger. "We criminals lookout for the poor and rule the scum of society. Otherwise, what would happen if all those people were casually lurking around in the streets? Will you let Koma-Chan out of the house?" No answer. "That's what I thought. Besides, you know me and I know you so breaking into each other's houses is perfectly fine."
His left eye twitched. "No it's not. That's a criminal offense!"
"Well...do you want to break into my house? It's right there." I pointed at my house outside the window.
"No! I don't want to break into your house. I'm just telling you that it's not normal for people to have entry to another's home. Wait! How do you have access to my home??"
"I made a copy of your house keys? Duh. How else dumbo?" Hachi shook his head violently.
With a hint of desperation in his voice, he spoke, "No no no. You have to back up. How did you get my house keys?"
"I walked into your home. Found your keys. Made a copy. Gave them back."
He frowned. "When was this exactly?"
"A week before your accident. I wanted to visit you late at night and your door was open. I entered, met Koma-Chan who was half-asleep, but still managed to get her snack, got your keys, and then locked the house door as I left."
"That's why I was missing my keys." Hachiman digested the information.
"So I really did see Ichi-Ni. I thought I was dreaming!" Komachi exclaimed.
"Honestly, I don't know if I should hug you or punch you?" Hachi said dryly. "That could've gone way worse if it was someone else."
"You're welcome." I smiled.
"Just...don't break into my house when I move out. Especially if I have a wife and a kid."
Ichigo took a deep breath. "I can't promise that. I'm very impatient." Hachi rolled his eyes.