Chapter 121: Good Morning, Madam

“Good morning, madam.”

Haruhino sprang out of his room, his nose catching the faint, icy fluff that drifted down. A gentle breath escaped his lips, a wisp of white mist swirling and dissipating into the cold air, which seemed to bite a little deeper today.

“The snow’s fallen so early this year—quite remarkable!” Though the chill was sharp, Haruhino dressed lightly in his thin tracksuit, no different from autumn’s attire.

“I heard they started artificial snowfall early this year to celebrate something,” came a voice. Turning, he saw Eri Momotani descending the stairs.

The cold had prompted the lady to don a snug, fleece-lined sports outfit. The black fabric clung tightly to her mature, alluring figure; as she walked, the curves beneath the sleek garment seemed even more pronounced. Snowflakes fluttered onto the ample mounds embraced by her black attire, soon turning damp.

Her delicate face bore a tender smile, enchanting as a gentle breeze in spring.

Haruhino thought that surely madam must want someone to brush the snow off those grand expanses, for the wetness could be uncomfortable. The thought made him chuckle softly.

“Good morning, madam,” he greeted warmly, despite the biting cold, a strange heat stirring within him at the sight of her.

“Good morning, Haruhino-kun! You’re up early today!” Eri approached, smiling brightly.

They stood together, watching the snowflakes dance in the courtyard. Madam’s height reached just to his chin; their closeness allowed Haruhino to catch the subtle scent of blossoms emanating from her—a fragrance as fresh as the snow itself.

“Artificial snow, huh? No wonder it looked a bit odd… Looks like no running outside today,” Haruhino sighed softly, watching the delicate flakes settle.

It was a pity; they were just days away from completing their routine run together.

“Hmm,” Eri extended the sound, pressing her finger to her rosy lips in thought. “Better not risk running today—it’s easy to catch a chill.”

“Right. What will you do then?” Haruhino asked.

“I’m going out to buy breakfast. Would you like to come along?” she replied.

Their proximity tightened as Haruhino glanced toward the silent rental room behind them and smiled, “What a coincidence—I was just about to get some breakfast too. Let’s go together.”

“Alright.”

“But since it’s snowing, I’ll grab an umbrella.”

“Good idea.”

With a creak, he turned and opened his door to step inside.

Passing through the entrance, Haruhino entered the bedroom, where the young lady lay still asleep on the large bed. He approached and kissed her slightly swollen lips.

She murmured softly, displeased like a disturbed kitten, then settled quietly and sweetly once more.

Leaving the room, he spotted two umbrellas by the living room corner. After some thought, he took the smaller one and stepped outside.

Madam stood alone in the hallway, gazing out at the snowy view, her slender, graceful figure silhouetted against the cold.

Hearing the door, Eri turned, her presence adding charm to the scene.

Her eyes flicked to the single umbrella in Haruhino’s hand, a bit surprised. “Only one?”

“I searched everywhere but only found one,” he laughed. “Let’s just go quickly and come back.”

Opening the umbrella, he stepped into the swirling snow.

Eri hesitated briefly, then followed. The smaller umbrella struggled to shield both of them.

She leaned closer, her body nearly touching his.

Haruhino grinned, and together they strolled out of the courtyard.

At the corner, the locust tree fought stubbornly against the wind and snow, branches trembling as if about to break.

The poor sapling, recently transplanted, had barely survived the stormy night and now faced the harsh winter ahead.

Be good, little tree—it’s all this artificial snow’s fault…

Though manufactured, the snowflakes were beautiful and lent their charm to the cityscape.

“Haruhino, do you want to come inside a bit?” Eri’s soft voice broke the silence as she noticed his shoulder peeking beyond the umbrella.

His black coat was damp in one spot, cold against his skin.

“No, this is fine,” Haruhino smiled, his eyes suddenly clear and bright, his youthful vigor shining through.

Eri’s brows knit briefly before she reached for his waist, pressing herself against him, leaving ample space under the umbrella’s other side.

They were already close, but she drew nearer.

“Tilt the umbrella a bit toward your side—I’m not getting wet here,” she murmured, feeling the strong male presence embraced her senses. A faint blush colored her cheeks.

Though thirty, Eri’s long dedication to physical training had kept her figure enviably fit.

Unlike Mrs. Uehara’s refined grace, Eri exuded a warm, vibrant health.

Haruhino shifted the umbrella to his left hand, sliding his right arm naturally around her soft waist.

She shivered slightly, her enchanting eyes sparkling with quiet emotion but said nothing.

Together, they walked through the neighborhood under the snow’s gentle glow.

It was six in the morning, and with the snow, few people were about.

Haruhino’s large hand rested honestly on her waist, occasionally twitching as if loosening stiff fingers to sneak a gentle touch.

Though Eri noticed, she merely shot him a sideways glance without comment.

The short two-hundred-meter walk stretched into over ten minutes of leisurely steps.

At last, they reached the convenience store, where Eri quickly slipped from Haruhino’s embrace.

“Welcome!” greeted the young attendant with a smile as they entered.

Her tired eyes brightened upon seeing Haruhino, hoping to dream pleasantly after her shift.

Fresh vegetables, delivered early that morning, were neatly arranged; droplets still clung to the tomatoes, attesting to their freshness.

Yet Haruhino found himself puzzled. While selecting produce, Eri seemed deliberately evasive.

Though suspicious, he activated a helper device for insight:

[Eri Momotani’s current state: intensely shy due to sharing an umbrella this morning with Haruhino; intensely shy from their embrace; deeply confused about her true feelings and desires.]

“Eri-san, what are you planning to cook this morning?” Haruhino grinned, stepping closer.

“Ah!” Startled, Eri dropped a carrot wrapped in cling film back into the basket.

“I was wondering what to make for breakfast. Any suggestions?” he inched closer, narrowing the space between them.

“I’m thinking of making a flavor-enhancing soup and a fried egg,” she whispered, still seeming evasive.

“Oh? I’d love to taste your cooking,” he smiled. “I’ll make a sandwich and the flavor soup then.”

He began selecting carrots beside her. “Does your soup need carrots? Is there a secret recipe?”

The carrots were pristine, three wrapped together, similar in size.

Usually, such a soup only requires three ingredients: kelp, tofu, and mushrooms—carrots aren’t typical.

Eri’s face flushed deeply at his question, momentarily forgetting to maintain distance. She took a deep breath to steady herself.

“I plan to eat the carrots tonight. I’ve been dieting lately, usually only making dinner for Komai, so they’re not for the soup.”

“Oh, I see,” Haruhino smiled broadly.

They continued selecting items, then proceeded to checkout.

The new attendant, just starting her shift, brimmed with energy.

“Thank you! Please come again!”

Outside, the snow had lessened, but Haruhino kept the umbrella open, glancing at the hesitant Eri.

At last, she bit her lip and moved closer, nestling against him. Seeing no one around, Haruhino’s hand wandered to her rounded curves beneath the thin fabric.

The sensation was startling.

Eri shot him a sharp look; he grinned sheepishly and withdrew his hand.

Together, they returned to the apartment.

Upon entering, Haruhino tossed the vegetables onto the coffee table without changing shoes and headed straight to the bedroom.

Soon, a startled shout rang out from within.

“You scoundrel! What are you doing so early?”

“… …”

“… …”

“I’m starving, really!”

Half an hour later, Haruhino emerged fresh-faced.

Their little domestic moments added much-needed warmth and fun to an otherwise dull life.

Shortly after, Komai Yuki stumbled from the bedroom, her golden hair tousled, oversized T-shirt stretched several sizes too big, her rosy shoulder exposed.

Though her cheeks were flushed, she looked exhausted—as if she hadn’t rested well.

Entering the bathroom, the sound of running water signaled the start of her day.

In the kitchen, Haruhino prepared the flavor soup.

Calmly selecting fresh ingredients, his knife tapped rhythmically against the cutting board.

The soup was a staple in Japan, and Haruhino knew its simple preparation well.

Sliced ingredients went into boiling water; after ten minutes, the scum was skimmed off.

He then dissolved miso paste in a separate bowl of water—about one level spoon per bowl—and poured it back into the pot, simmering gently before removing from heat just before boiling.

Sprinkled with chopped scallions, the soup emerged aromatic and vibrant.

At school, the shoe rack was wet with muddy footprints.

Haruhino placed the umbrella in a bucket and retrieved the young lady’s shoes, along with several love letters tucked inside.

Some admirers just wouldn’t give up!

He laid the shoes gently at Komai’s feet; they were cute and well-kept.

She naturally began to slip them on while Haruhino stuffed the letters into his bag.

In his free time, he planned to respond to those suitors one by one.

Komai didn’t speak, silently deeming him a bore.

Sometimes too mature and reliable; at other times, childish and even clinging like a baby.

Haruhino patted his bulging bag, pondering how to reply to those letters.

Should he imitate Komai’s handwriting to deter them?

Knowing her temperament, if they got replies—even curses—they’d probably be thrilled all day.

Hmm, that might be too generous.

Opening his own shoe locker, he found even more pink love letters than Komai’s.

Under her indifferent gaze, he organized them neatly and handed them to her.

Satisfied, Komai nodded and slowly continued changing her shoes.

Once ready, they walked together to the second floor of the school building.

A crisp, refreshing aura clung to Komai, like the first breath of morning air—invigorating and pure.

“In the afternoon, I’ll visit the convenience store. Are you heading home alone?” Haruhino asked.

“Yeah, that’s fine. What do you want for dinner?” Komai said softly, linking her arm with his, embodying the spirit of a devoted wife.

Such moments had become part of her daily life, and she cherished the feeling of being needed.

They chatted as they entered the classroom.

Their classmates seemed accustomed to the pair—so well matched, a handsome young man and a beautiful girl.

They spoke openly, ignoring envious and affectionate glances from the girls.

The warm scene ended as Komai took her seat, unfazed by the jealous looks from Hisanaka and Kunita.

Haruhino settled into his own spot.

Making his best friend jealous was his daily routine.

While organizing his books, Yuriko Ogata entered the classroom.

She glanced at the back seats, smiled excitedly, and hurried to her own place.

Soon after, Yukino Kiyohara arrived punctually.

She wore a fine knitted sweater over her uniform and greeted everyone warmly with a gentle smile, embodying the grace of a noble family.

But when she saw Haruhino, her expression instantly stiffened, her smile fading as quickly as it had come, as flat as her upper body.

A cold aura spread.

What a vast difference!

Haruhino pouted and resumed tidying his books.

“Hey, Haruhino, why did you bail halfway through the game last night?! I didn’t finish the boss fight!” Kunita complained, clearly scornful. “That was going to be the first kill server-wide! We were about to make history! And you just suddenly logged off!”

“Really?” Haruhino felt awkward. “Haha, the power went out at my place. You might want to blame the community’s power grid.”

He laughed, recalling the previous night.

After dinner, he had settled on the living room cushion to play games with Kunita.

At the crucial moment, a pair of legs clad in fishnet stockings draped over his shoulder.

The silky skin beneath the mesh, the translucent foot, all beckoned invitingly.

The stockings looped around his neck skillfully, and the small foot pressed down on his handheld console, obscuring the screen.

Though the game’s sound effects played on, his eyes were fixed solely on that foot.

The young lady sat on the sofa, Haruhino on the cushion below—no one could resist such temptation.

The day’s classes soon ended, the students still excited after exams.

After parting with Komai, Haruhino headed to the tram for the Uehara convenience store.

(End of chapter)