By the time I got home, the house was still quite lively. Shio's car was outside. She did send me a message, but I read it late. She's coming by for dinner and some light drinking with Miwa-nee.
Of course, that meant she was also staying the night. Yae and Ririka, who were supposed to come and stay last weekend, pushed it to tomorrow.
Akane welcomed me by the door, playing her role as my housewife. I spoiled her for a bit before I caught sight of Minoru stepping out of the living room, calling us in.
As we walked into the living room, the familiar warmth of home wrapped around me like a blanket after a long day. The clatter of dishes and the savory aroma of something simmering drifted from the kitchen, mingling with the distinct fragrance of Akane, Miwa-nee and Shio.
Akane grabbed my bag from me and immediately put it down on the side table before returning to my side, nudging me toward the dining area with a playful smile.
"Ruru, hurry up. The food is going to go cold. Bring Minoru with you." Shio, who was donning an apron on top of her office attire, stepped out of the kitchen with hands on her hips.
Miwa-nee, who had just placed a pot on our dining table, also turned towards us.
"Minoru's been whining about his stomach for the last ten minutes."
Despite her teasing tone, she affectionately glanced at me and the boy who followed by my side, clutching the hem of my uniform.
"Uhm… I'm starving, Papa," Minoru groaned and shot me an exaggerated pout. "Mom said we couldn't eat until you got here. You're late!"
"Right. Sorry for making you wait. Let's go and eat dinner."
The boy nodded and swatted my hand before scrambling towards the kitchen, slipping past Shio. Miwa-nee pulled a seat for him, which the boy immediately climbed up on.
Akane and I followed after but when I passed by Shio, she caught me by my wrist as she pulled my head down to her chest. Her fragrance was a mix of what they prepared for our dinner, her perfume, and a hint of alcohol. It was sweet. Looks like they've already started drinking wine. Updates are released by novel•fire.net
"Ruru… I'll spoil you tonight. You cannot refuse." She affectionately whispered into my ear as she patted my head, my face sinking in the softness of her chest.
"Are you sure? What if you fell asleep before me?"
"Then, you have to spoil me." Ending that with a giggle, Shio released me as we continued to the dining table.
Miwa-nee stared at me with a hint of jealousy. She probably wanted to do the same but Shio beat her to it.
Then, what am I to do? I'll do it myself, so she doesn't have to.
Before sitting down next to Akane, I stepped behind Miwa-nee, wrapping my arms around her waist in a quick, affectionate hug.
Her familiar scent, which was now also mixed with the faint tang of wine, hit me as I pressed my chin on her shoulder.
"Missed you too, Miwa-nee," I murmured, giving her a gentle squeeze before letting go. "Don't think I'd forget about you."
Her lips curved into a small, pleased smile as she hit my arm lightly. Her eyes softened and giggled, "Smooth talker. Sit down already. Minoru has been waiting for half an hour."
I glanced at the boy whose hand was already moving to his chopstick. Shio served him a bowl of rice while Akane moved some of the sides close to him.
That boy. He's getting spoiled by my other girls too. I guess my charm has been passed to him. I just have to hope he won't follow my steps. Or will he? I don't know. It's still too early to tell.
"Alright, let's eat, Miwa-nee" I said as I let go of her before sliding into the seat next to Akane.
She leaned into me immediately, her shoulder as she reached for a bowl of steaming miso soup to pass my way. Of course, I already had rice in front of me. They served me first before the boy.
Soon after picking up the last side dish, Miwa-nee sat next to Minoru at the opposite side of the table. Meanwhile, Akane and Shio took my left and right.
The dining table was a spread of comfort. Grilled fish, rice, pickled vegetables, and a bubbling pot of nabe that Miwa-nee and Shio must've thrown together with whatever was on hand.
Shio grabbed and set down a half-empty bottle of wine, her apron now untied as she filled their glass of it.
She looked at me with a questioning gaze as though asking if I also wanted a glass.
What a great teacher… Well, it's not like she hadn't already broken the taboo of being with me.
The dinner rolled on with easy chatter, the clink of chopsticks and the occasional burst of laughter filling the room.
Shio and Miwa-nee talked about their day as though they were the only adults in the room – well, they're not wrong. Shio complained about a particularly stubborn student, which she immediately told me not to mind… It's just a girl from Class 3 who refused to read a line in a textbook using the correct pronunciation that she taught them. Miwa-nee then talked about how Mizuki had sent her a preliminary proposal for her planned cafe. It's only about the potential locations, but it was already properly researched as if the girl anticipated it coming.
Well, knowing that girl, she probably predicted it after meeting Miwa-nee once. She knew Miwa-nee would try to do something and not just stay at home.
Akane also chimed in, but given how often we exchanged messages, it was more like she was updating the two women about their topics in the group chat. They still refused to join it, after all.
Obviously, I didn't get away with not saying anything. With their eyes focusing on me, I told them about my day. Shio focused on the cultural festival preparation since she's our class's advisor. Furthermore, she's curious about my club. They're so interested in it that I eventually called the other girls and it turned into a group video call.
Really, they're so enthusiastic. But who am I to stop them when they're all interested in everything about me?
As we finished our dinner, Minoru yawned as if on cue. It's already his bedtime.
Miwa-nee noticed and set her glass down, standing to scoop him up. "Alright, time for bed. Say goodnight to Papa and your big sisters."
Minoru rubbed his eyes, leaning over to hug me awkwardly from Miwa-nee's arms. "Goodnight, Papa. Night, Aunt Shio, Aka-nee."
Shio and Akane said goodnight to the boy and I stood up from my seat, patting his head gently.
"Goodnight, Minoru. Let me carry him, Miwa-nee."
She stared at me for a few seconds before nodding and handing the boy to me.
And with this, we went upstairs, leaving Akane and Shio, who volunteered to do the dishes.
I stayed in their room for a while, partly to look after Minoru and partly to spend some time with Miwa-nee.
The night was still young, after all. And I was going to make sure that the two of them wouldn't pass out from drinking too much.