Chapter 13: Chapter 13 - The Tsubakihara Family (Part 2)
Time returns to the present...
"Ito-kun..."
"Aunt Mira..."
The elegantly beautiful cherry lips gradually drew closer...
"Mother, where is Ito-kun?"
A series of hurried footsteps echoed down the wooden staircase, followed by a figure that rushed down from above, resembling but not quite matching Tsubakihara Nina.
Tsubakihara Mira stepped back calmly, maintaining a distance from Ito Yoshito, her brows furrowing as she glanced at Tsubakihara Yuna.
She raised her voice slightly, "Yuna, you mustn't run on the stairs; it's very dangerous!"
The newcomer was none other than Tsubakihara Yuna, the older twin sister.
She slowed her pace and, facing the authority of the Tsubakihara family, pouted her rosy cherry lips and replied nonchalantly, "Got it, got it."
Once she reached the bottom of the stairs, Yuna immediately leaped into Ito Yoshito's arms.
"Ito-kun, hug me!"
Ito Yoshito promptly wrapped his arms around the pouncing little cat-like Yuna, chuckling helplessly, "Yuna, this is dangerous, and I'm all sweaty right now."
The girl in his arms had a pretty face that was very similar to Tsubakihara Nina's, except that while Nina's pupils were as blue as the sky, Yuna's were a lively green like a meadow.
Her pink nightgown swayed as she moved, hinting at her youthful, vibrant figure and revealing delicate, fair skin—a delightful sight of spring.
"Hehe, I know Ito-kun will protect me," Yuna tiptoed like a little kitten, nuzzling his neck.
"Ito-kun's scent is so strong; I like it, hehe..."
Tsubakihara Mira, on the side, felt that Yuna's words sounded familiar, as if she had heard them somewhere before.
However, this was neither the time for reminiscing nor for lingering too long.
Before long, the scent she left on Ito Yoshito would be overshadowed by Yuna's.
Mira moved to Yuna's side, reached out, and ruffled her hair.
"Alright, Yuna, let Ito-kun take a moment to clean himself up. Being all sticky isn't good for him."
Hearing this, Yuna reluctantly pulled back her head, leaving Ito Yoshito's embrace, and before she fully stepped away, she lightly licked his neck with her tiny tongue. Ito Yoshito felt a ticklish sensation.
Not only in his neck but also in his heart.
When Yuna saw Ito Yoshito shyly turn his head away, she wore a little devilish smile, basking in the success of her playful antics.
"Okay, Ito-kun, you can go wash up in the bathroom attached to my room. The communal bathroom is currently occupied by Nina."
Tsubakihara Mira shot Yuna a disapproving glance before turning to Ito Yoshito.
While she had previously thought that Yuna's closeness to Ito Yoshito was merely childish behavior, now that "Ito-kun" was no longer innocent, she harbored a thought:
'But the second must be me!'
Tsubakihara Mira gently pushed Ito Yoshito toward the room, retrieving a set of clothes she had prepared for him from the wardrobe.
"Ito-kun, hurry and wash up. Breakfast will be ready soon."
...
In the bathroom, the sound of water dripping from the showerhead accompanied the rising steam, creating a warm and humid atmosphere.
As the hot water continued to flow, a layer of mist gradually covered the bathroom mirror, blurring its clarity.
Water droplets on the walls and sink began to gather and slide down, creating a serene picture akin to gentle flowing streams on the tiles.
The lights, filtering through the mist, appeared soft and hazy, as if draped with a delicate veil. With every breath, the moist air filled his lungs, warm and inviting.
Ito Yoshito, wrapped in a towel, sat on a stool lathering soap into his hair with closed eyes, relishing the hot water cascading down his skin.
The warmth enveloped him, allowing both his mind and body to unwind as he let out a comfortable murmur, "Ahhh, so nice..."
He reached out to squeeze more shampoo, but with his eyes shut tight, he struggled to find it, his hand fumbling.
"Hmm? What's this..."
His fingers grazed an object that wasn't the shampoo bottle, but a soft, gelatinous plastic.
Curiosity piqued, Ito Yoshito opened his eyes to see what he had touched. His heart filled with mixed emotions as he realized what it was.
'Aunt Mira... she must be under a lot of stress.'
Remembering how Mira had raised the Tsubakihara sisters single-handedly for years, he felt admiration coupled with a twinge of sympathy.
The thoughts of her visiting him during his hospital stay stirred in him, causing ripples in his previously calm heart.
On the other side, Tsubakihara Mira was busy in the kitchen, humming a tune as she cooked, seemingly expressing her inner joy.
"Heehee, Ito-kun, come snuggle in my blanket!"
The object in question was undoubtedly placed there by Mira deliberately, an effort to remind Ito Yoshito that his Aunt Mira was also a woman in need of care and affection.
...
About ten minutes later, Ito Yoshito emerged from the bathroom, feeling refreshed.
As he dried his hair and made his way to Tsubakihara Mira's bedroom, he found her waiting at the vanity with a hairdryer in hand.
"Ito-kun, let me help you dry your hair," Mira beckoned eagerly as soon as she saw him.
"Thank you, Aunt Mira."
Though Ito Yoshito had begun to view her in a different light, he still maintained the same level of closeness with her as usual.
Mira set the hairdryer to a comfortable temperature and speed, directing it towards Ito Yoshito's damp hair, her delicate fingers weaving through the strands, gently caressing the top of his head.
"Whoosh—"
The only sound filling the space was the dryer at work, and neither Ito Yoshito nor Mira felt any awkwardness; they had nurtured a silent understanding that seemed unaffected by the rush of air, even as it filled the room with warmth.
Just as Ito Yoshito was about to drift off in comfort under Mira's gentle touch, she kindly offered him two fluffy pillows.
However, this well-intentioned act backfired, abruptly interrupting his drowsiness and snapping him back to alertness.
"Um, Aunt Mira..."
"Hmm? What's wrong, Ito-kun?"
"…nothing, really."
Tsubakihara Mira couldn't help but smile mischievously; 'It seems Ito-kun is starting to care about me, but... if he does something wrong, he must accept the penalty!'
With a slight smirk, she tightened her embrace around his head and asked, "Ito-kun, is this comfortable?"
"…mm." Ito Yoshito's once strong and clear voice had turned almost inaudible, a soft response escaping him. Had Mira not been so close, perhaps she wouldn't have heard it.
"Ah, it appears Ito-kun is growing up and now showing interest in girls!"
Ito Yoshito was bewildered, unsure of why Mira was saying all this, but he replied nonetheless, "Aunt Mira, I've already grown up. I'm a mature man now."
"Oh really? Then could you tell me when you started realizing you were a 'mature man'? Was it during your hospital stay?"
Mira grasped Ito Yoshito's cheeks, turning his face so he would look directly at her.
Through the deep blues of the room, Ito Yoshito met Mira's warm smile; her eyes sparkled with affection, exuding an aura that felt simultaneously inviting yet chilling, like cold winds piercing him, awakening a nervous sweat.
'Oh no, Aunt Mira isn't planning to lock me away and turn me into a plaything, is she?'
"…"
"A good child shouldn't lie!"
Seeing Ito Yoshito silent, Tsubakihara Mira's smile softened further as she held his head even tighter.
"…" Ito Yoshito wanted to speak but found his lips blocked.
"Oi, Ito-kun, it's time for lunch," fortunately just then, Tsubakihara Nina emerged, freshly cleaned and spotted Yuna carrying dishes, and came to fetch Ito Yoshito and Mira for lunch.
'Nina, you really are my angel!'
Grateful to Tsubakihara Nina for saving him from his predicament and feeling relieved, Ito Yoshito was hastily whisked away from the light-hearted interrogation by Mira.
"Let's just let Ito-kun go for now; we should eat," Mira decided, giving Ito Yoshito a gentle pinch before leading him to the dining room.
"Mother, Ito-kun, where have you two been?" After everyone had seated, Yuna looked between the two inquisitively. She had just changed her outfit in her room and noticed that they were missing.
"Ah, what have we done, Ito-kun?" Mira grinned at Ito Yoshito.
"I asked Aunt Mira to help me dry my hair," Ito Yoshito replied nervously under Mira's watchful gaze, realizing once again how easily he was manipulated by a confident woman!
Mira was glowing with pleasure, her smile gleaming like a sly fox, knowing full well how much she gathered joy from teasing Ito Yoshito and watching him squirm in embarrassment.
"Hmph, Ito-kun, you didn't think to ask me for help? I won't talk to you until you apologize with a head pat!"
Yuna feigned dissatisfaction, her bow made of red hair ties dancing with her head shake.
"I'll definitely do it next time, I promise," Ito Yoshito quickly obliged, tenderly ruffling Yuna's smooth hair.
After he finished with Yuna, he couldn't help but reach out and give Nina a pat on the head too.
The twin sisters sat on either side of Ito Yoshito while Mira took her place directly across from him.
"Alright, alright, time to eat," Mira interrupted the playful scene.
The warm May breeze wafted into the dining room, carrying the sweet scent of flowers from the garden and filling the breakfast with a refreshing aroma.
The soft sun seemed to burst through the gathering, casting a gentle glow on the four of them, melding with the hot food before them, warming both their bodies and spirits.
While Ito Yoshito had been quietly enjoying his meal, he suddenly felt a light tap on his calf—initially unbothered, he assumed one of the twins had accidentally brushed against him while shifting in their seats.
However...
The soft little foot gently coiled around his sturdy calf like a playful serpent, the delicate touch akin to the gentle rain, stirring up an inner flurry of sensation, teasing his legs.
Holding back the ticklish sensations, Ito Yoshito lifted his head slightly.
The first thing he noticed was Tsubakihara Mira's enigmatic smile.
He didn't even need to look at the other two to know that the source of the whimsy was none other than Mira, the queen of their little household.
Tsubakihara Mira gazed back at him, enchanted by his cute reaction, her eyebrows dancing with warmth.
With her azure eyes sparkling like the ocean, her legs continued their teasing movement beneath the table.
The grace of a prima ballerina lay in the years of rigorous training honed to perfect footwork.
As the dancer known as Mira floated into view, her feet seemed to have no weight, caressing the floor as each touch was soft and soothing.
Her dainty toes, delicate yet strong, told tales of silent seduction with every graceful bend and stretch.
Mira took a sip of the rich white miso soup, only to find it too hot, and she instinctively stuck out her tongue, her little mouth gently exhaling the steam.
'This is your punishment!'
The silent message was conveyed through the beguiling dance of the enchanting woman, quietly reaching Ito Yoshito.
The meal continued with laughter and good cheer.
Ito Yoshito remained firm in his resolve to suppress himself, lest the dragon break free, while Mira was delighted and lively.
After Ito Yoshito gathered the plates and put them in the dishwasher, he was about to make his exit from this beautiful Tsubakihara home when Mira called out to him.
"Itto-kun, wait! I need to tell you something!"
The warm ambient light illuminated the spacious living room as Tsubakihara Mira sat on the plush sofa, smiling at Ito Yoshito.
"Ito-kun, do you know about Seika Women's Academy?"
"Seika Women's Academy? Isn't that where Yuna and Nina go?" Ito Yoshito recalled the surprising expression on both sisters' faces when they learned they had been accepted while he had not.
"Seika Women's Academy is a prestigious institution exclusively for young women, and their principal, Sumeragi Rikka, is a friend of mine! Recently, while chatting with her, she mentioned they were looking for a strong, rational staff member. Although she didn't tell me the details, Rikka can be so secretive! But the pay for that position is quite good, so I recommended you to her."
Tsubakihara Mira pulled out her phone, trembling with excitement as she located Sumeragi Rikka's contact information as well as a link to the academy's website, handing it over to Ito Yoshito.
"If you're interested, Rikka said she would let you go for an interview."
Ito Yoshito accepted the phone, glancing at it thoughtfully before bowing sincerely. "Aunt Mira, thank you!"
Tsubakihara Mira approached Ito Yoshito, adjusting his collar with care.
"No need for thanks; I've always known you are strong and independent, and even if you have troubles, you tend to bear them alone."
'Has she discovered my debts…'
"Aunt Mira, I…"
"I don't know; I'm just saying that sometimes you seem lost in thought; I merely wanted to assist you," Mira gently placed her finger over Ito Yoshito's lips, offering her supportive words.
Under the soft light, Mira sparkled like a gem, her tender gaze reminiscent of the boundless sea, long eyelashes fluttering like waves softly crashing against his heart.