"Is something the matter, Haruka?" Seeing the dazed Haruka Yuzan, Reiko Onodera grew somewhat flustered, "I just thought that the two of us wouldn't be able to eat too much, and it would be a waste…"
Her voice grew softer and softer, and in the end, she lowered her head without much confidence, thinking that for a son of a large family like his, two dishes and a soup probably wouldn't be appealing...
"Ah?"
Before the self-blaming Mrs. Onodera, the snapped-back-to-reality Haruka Yuzan quickly waved his hands to show he was fine, "It's okay, it's okay, this is good, I also detest those who waste on a normal basis."
In that moment, the words 'upbringing' and 'etiquette' popped into Reiko Onodera's mind, and she looked at the tall boy with a renewed sense of curiosity.
This must be just to console me, right?
"I'll serve the rice."
Mr. Haruka flashed a smile and started to help with the serving bowl and chopsticks, unable to help it… he was hungry...
As night fully descended, the moon's pure light couldn't outshine the neon lights of Tokyo streets; it seemed as though people living in this international metropolis had lost the concept of night.
The Haruka family's large villa also made a rare contribution to the city's power department that night.
The empty living room was lit with soft light, dispelling the fear in people's hearts, and the table was set with foods that looked quite appealing.
Two bowls of rice, a plate of deep-fried tempura, a vegetable salad, and two bowls of savory soup—that was dinner for the two that night.
"Please go ahead."
Having taken off her apron, Reiko Onodera handed over a pair of chopsticks, clearly indicating that she wanted their landlord to taste first.
"Then I won't stand on ceremony," Haruka Yuzan said, taking the chopsticks and looking them over before finally picking up a piece of tempura. The fish had been fried to a golden color, and a faint scent of meat wafted through the air.
Under Reiko Onodera's expectant gaze, he put the tempura into his mouth, and in an instant, Haruka Yuzan felt like he had been illuminated—he couldn't help but widen his eyes a bit.
The tempura was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside; with one bite, a rich flavor instantly exploded in his mouth,
two bites for one piece of tempura,
Mrs. Onodera looked nervous,
"How is it? Does it suit your taste?" It was her first time cooking for her landlord, and although she had done it with great care, she wasn't sure if it matched the young master's dietary habits.
"Delicious!"
Haruka Yuzan gave a thumbs-up, offering his most sincere assessment.
It had to be said, madam knows how to cook, and it was in no way inferior to the taste of those izakayas outside.
Hearing this, Reiko Onodera finally breathed a sigh of relief, as receiving approval from someone else was indeed a joyous occasion.
Gone quiet during the meal, madam appeared somewhat reserved as it was her first time here, and Haruka Yuzan was not particularly fond of talking while eating, leading to moments of silence in the atmosphere.
In the end, as if she couldn't bear it anymore, Reiko Onodera stretched out her elegant finger to tuck her hair and revealed her delicate and beautiful face.
She opened her mouth, looking at Haruka Yuzan across her, who was relishing his meal, and then slowly began to speak,
"By the way, Mr. Haruka, I seem to remember you mentioning that I am the second tenant, right?"
Haruka Yuzan took a sip of the flavor-enhanced soup and felt much more comfortable, "Ah, the first tenant..."
Before he could finish, a sudden "meow meow meow~" came from the second floor.
It was as if the star of the show was making an entrance. Reiko Onodera couldn't help but look up, only to see a flash of orange fur through the gaps in the railing from time to time. The wide gaps weren't enough to reveal its full form, indicating just how large the newcomer was.
The plump orange cat appeared at the top of the staircase, looking down at the two people sitting in the living room with its chubby bun-like face. The cat's large eyes showed curiosity towards Reiko Onodera.
Not only it but Reiko Onodera was also quite curious as she looked back at the fat cat.
With its short legs, it slowly made its way down the stairs,
and with Reiko looking on in some surprise, Haruka Yuzan said with a smile, "This fat cat is the first tenant, Roast Meat."
"Hm?" Coming back to her senses, Reiko also revealed a smile, "Mr. Haruka is really interesting and kind-hearted."
She thought that Haruka Yuzan had treated this fat cat as a member of the Haruka Family, explaining his previous comment. It turned out that her handsome young landlord was also a person with such a delicate heart.
Haruka Yuzan laughed and said nothing. Roast Meat provided him with a steady income of four thousand yen each day, and he often depended on this "golden pig" to feed himself.
"Should I bring Roast Meat down?"
Watching as Roast Meat clumsily made its way downstairs, Reiko Onodera asked worriedly. She was afraid that the fat cat would tumble down the stairs in one swift roll, showing none of a feline's agility.
Cats from the city really were different. If this one was in the countryside, it would have starved in no time.
"No need, let it come down on its own. Whether it reaches today's exercise quota depends on these trips up and down," said Haruka Yuzan helplessly, "It's almost as fat as a pig now."
It seemed to hear itself being talked about, as Roast Meat meowed in displeasure, albeit feebly, which plunged it into deep self-doubt. Could this really be its life now? Did it truly need to go on a diet?
It seemed to recall its life before coming to this villa, leaping elegantly from roof to roof, a strikingly handsome cat. How had it come to this.......
Coming down the stairs, Roast Meat began circling Madam Onodera, scrutinizing this newcomer that had encroached upon its dining companion.
Its round eyes seemed deep in thought.
The fat cat was meant to attract the attention of pretty young girls, but Sister Reiko's age made her somewhat resistant to such cute things,
yet, she knew she was dependent on her landlord now and had to accept everything about him, including the existence of this fat cat.
"What kind of job are you planning to look for, Sister Reiko?"
It was as if a conversation had started, and Haruka Yuzan slowly began to speak, hoping that Reiko Onodera could find a high-paying position if possible; after all, he could gain more from it.
"I..." Upon hearing this, Reiko Onodera found herself in a dilemma, as the food on the table suddenly seemed less appealing, "I'm planning to look around nearby tomorrow."
Lacking both education and skills made it extremely tough to live in this city.
However, she was confident that things would get better in the future. The rent was really too cheap, saving her a lot of money.