Chapter 76: Yuta and the Trio of Adults
The futons were all in the tatami room, and Yuta planned to grab three sets. For tonight, he figured they could just make do with that.
As for the Mahjong game, Yuta had completely ignored it. It was clear that Aoi and Kaoruko hadn't come just to play.
When he returned to the upstairs bedroom with three futons in his arms, Yuta noticed that Kaoruko and Sasha were already deep in a friendly conversation.
"How did these two suddenly become so chummy?" Yuta quietly asked Aoi, who was standing nearby. Kaoruko had hardly said a word when she arrived earlier.
Sasha had previously wanted to get to know Kaoruko better, but after sensing Kaoruko's dismissive attitude, she had given up. Now, the two seemed like close friends, sitting together and chatting away.
In contrast, Aoi stood by like an outsider, calm and detached, observing the scene.
Among the three, Yuta's relationship with Aoi was the best, and being with her felt the most natural.
Aoi didn't say much in response to Yuta's question. She simply walked out with a cold demeanor, saying, "I'm going to use the restroom."
Yuta put down the futons, and with a sigh, said to Sasha, "Can you help tidy up? I'm going to get some more blankets."
Before Sasha could respond, Kaoruko, who had overheard everything (given the small size of the room), chimed in, "No need to wonder. I'll tell you."
Sasha smiled and added, "Kaoruko already told me everything! She really admires you, Yuta. You should help her with her research!"
Yuta turned to Kaoruko, waiting for her explanation.
Meeting his gaze, Kaoruko spoke seriously, "I've said it before—I won't do anything that someone wouldn't want, whether it's you or anyone else. I make sure to inform you, get your consent, or at least ensure that what I'm doing won't affect you negatively before proceeding."
"I don't think your research is a good thing," Yuta responded flatly. He certainly wasn't going to let Kaoruko 'research' him, though using the couch as her subject sounded about right.
Kaoruko scoffed and averted her gaze, then looked back at him with a mocking expression. "I seriously wonder how you even got into college. Haven't you read any classic literature properly? Do you really think The Tale of Genji is considered a classic just because the protagonist has a lot of women? Do you think my research is only about you and women?"
"Uh…" Yuta was caught off guard by her question. "Well, yeah, I kind of did."
Sasha stood up, looking earnest as she added, "That's not it at all! Yuta, Kaoruko told me she thinks you're a remarkable person because of how well you take care of and nurture children. Hikaru Genji wasn't just a good husband, but also a great father and an outstanding nobleman. You have those qualities too!"
Yuta sighed, thinking, Don't listen to her nonsense!
Yuta was well aware that Kaoruko wasn't as straightforward as she claimed to be.
This woman had a keen understanding of female psychology, and he truly wondered how many women she could deceive if she were a man.
Women often understood other women best, and Yuta knew he couldn't win an argument against Kaoruko in this regard.
Her elegant appearance gave her an air of honesty that was hard to question.
Sasha had obviously been charmed by Kaoruko's compliments, but Yuta didn't bother to explain. It was better for those two to get along than it had been before.
The relationship between Aoi and Kaoruko probably resembled this, too. Although they seemed like friends, their friendship could easily flip at any moment.
"Fine, as long as you're happy," Yuta replied helplessly before walking out.
As he headed toward the bathroom, he spotted Aoi standing at the vanity, applying makeup in front of the mirror.
"It's almost midnight; do you really need to do that…" Yuta felt relieved that the lights were on. Otherwise, seeing a woman putting on makeup at this hour could genuinely be a fright.
Aoi put away her makeup supplies and placed her touch-up kit into her small bag.
"Tell me, why did you really ask us to come over tonight?" Aoi stood there, her tone authoritative.
"I invited you all over to play Mahjong. I just wanted to play for the night and then go our separate ways. Do you believe that?" Yuta answered truthfully, looking at Aoi in hopes she would buy it.
"Ha!" Aoi scoffed, her eyes filled with disdain and sarcasm.
Feeling her judgment, Yuta shot back, "Then would you believe me if I said I wanted to do those things with all three of you?"
"Of course!" Aoi replied, raising an eyebrow as she studied him. "So what now? Did you get scared after we showed up?"
Yuta didn't want to explain any further. "I just think it feels wrong. I haven't fully defeated your dad yet, and it feels a bit regrettable to just take you like this. I was hoping for your recognition both mentally and physically on the day I defeat your father."
His ridiculous bravado amused Aoi greatly.
"I don't think you have much chance of achieving that wish, but I'm willing to wait a bit. Just don't keep me waiting too long," Aoi said with a smile before heading out, looking quite pleased.
Yuta sighed, uncertain if Aoi's condition had improved slightly or worsened significantly!
After preparing the futons for Sasha, Aoi, and Kaoruko, he laid down the last one on the floor for himself.
Once the lights were off, Yuta positioned himself on the outer edge, so he would only be able to touch Sasha, while Kaoruko was also outside.
This arrangement reminded him of the previous times spent with the Takanashi sisters, but now it was the adult trio.
Aoi quickly fell asleep, and Kaoruko remained quietly still.
In contrast, Sasha was clearly anxious about what might happen between Yuta and Kaoruko that night, so she quietly moved closer to him.
Yuta glanced over at Sasha, and she was quietly watching him. Before he could say anything, she wrapped her arms around him, just like Kaoruko had done earlier, leaving him no chance to speak.
At that moment, Yuta decided not to worry about whether Aoi or Kaoruko were asleep. After all, hadn't they both come here prepared for something?
[Ding!]
[Main quest 3 completed!]
[You have gained a bit of luck!]
[Luck Points: Can be used to trigger fortunate events!]
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