Chapter Three

As the morning light streamed into the room through the sheer curtains, Yuzuru and Yukimura were already standing side by side in the kitchen. The coolness on their fingertips had not yet been warmed by the morning light, and a faint aroma of food was already wafting in the air.

The carefully marinated chicken, coated with honey and black pepper, was gently placed into the preheated oven. As the temperature rose, the fat gradually seeped out, sizzling on the baking tray, and the sweet aroma mixed with the meaty fragrance filled the air.

Yukimura focused intently on preparing the pork ribs. He blanched them in cold water to remove the blood and foam, then rinsed them with warm water. He heated an iron pot, added a little oil, and sautéed ginger slices until fragrant. He then added the pork ribs and stir-fried them until the surface was slightly browned. He then added chopped winter melon chunks and corn pieces, poured in enough water, brought it to a boil over high heat, and then simmered it over low heat. The milky white broth bubbled and boiled, locking in all the flavors of the ingredients.

Meanwhile, Yuzuru was busy preparing sushi. The steamed rice was distinct, mixed with a little vinegar and cooled. The radish and cucumber were cut into even pieces, the pork floss was fluffy and soft, and the salad dressing was in a bowl, ready to be wrapped into delicate little rolls.

On the dining table in the living room, lettuce and purple cabbage were torn into small pieces, cherry tomatoes were cut in half, and carrots and cucumbers were cut into thin strips. They were drizzled with sweet and sour salad dressing and mixed well, their colors as bright as an overturned palette.

In another pot in the kitchen, the oil temperature gradually rises. Pork chops and chicken cutlets coated in batter are placed into the pot one by one and fried until golden brown and crispy. They are then removed and drained of oil. The tempura batter expands in the oil, while the saury slowly rotates on the grill, its skin charred and fragrant. A sprinkle of a little sea salt is enough to make it tempting.

The bok choy was served on two plates. The spinach was blanched and then stir-fried, while the water celery had a unique fragrance. The simple seasonings preserved its most authentic flavor. There was also a small dish of pickled white radish on the side, which was crisp and refreshing, and just right to cut through the richness.

Desserts after the meal are Yuzuru Hanyu's specialty. The whipped cream is delicate and smooth, with a layer of cake base and a layer of cream spread evenly. The surface is decorated with a few fresh strawberries, making it so exquisite that it is almost too beautiful to eat.

The pastries that were sealed away yesterday were taken out one by one and placed on a carved porcelain plate on the coffee table in the living room. The cookies that were baked in advance were wrapped in transparent parchment paper, tied with light-colored ribbons, and neatly stacked on the cabinet in the entryway, waiting for friends to take them with them when they leave.

During the two busy hours, they moved between the kitchen and the living room. Yukimura handed over the prepared sauce, which Hanyu took and poured over the dishes. While Hanyu was kneading the dough, Yukimura had already cut and plated the washed fruit.

Without saying much, they always accurately grasped each other's needs, with a clear division of labor and perfect teamwork.

When the last dish was served, the two were finally able to sit on the sofa and catch their breath. When they smiled at each other, their eyes reflected each other's images. In addition to the aroma of the food, the air was filled with a warm feeling.

When the doorbell rang, Yuzuru almost immediately got up and ran to open the door. A familiar voice came from outside, filled with a joyful laugh: "Turn left, huh? Which door is it? Ah, I see you, Yuzuru!"

Before he could finish speaking, a figure rushed in and embraced Yuzuru tightly. It was none other than Miyamoto Mina, whom he hadn't seen in a long time. She skipped and hopped into the room, her gaze falling on Yukimura, who stood to the side with a smile, and she looked him over curiously.

“Yukimura, this is my best friend, Miyamoto Mina.” Yuzuru took Mina’s hand and then turned to Yukimura to introduce her, “Mina, this is Yukimura Seiichi.”

"Good day, Yukimura-kun." Mina bowed slightly, her tone polite but unable to hide her curiosity.

"Good day, Miyamoto-san." Yukimura's smile was gentle, and his demeanor was elegant and proper.

Mina nudged Yuzuru's waist with her elbow, leaned close to his ear and whispered, "Not bad, Yuzuru. How's your married life? Here, this is a housewarming and wedding gift." She handed him an exquisite gift box.

Yuzuru opened the gift box and saw a set of elegant ceramic plates inside. His eyes lit up instantly, and he looked at Mina with sparkling eyes: "Wow, this is the set I really liked when we went shopping last time!" His tone was full of surprise, and a little bit of childlike dependence.

“Of course,” Mina said proudly, raising her chin. “I also saw some phone charms and hair clips that you’ll definitely like. They’re all new. How about we go shopping together sometime?”

"Okay, okay, it's been so long since I've gone shopping!" Yuzuru nodded eagerly, his face full of anticipation.

“Now that you have a good man to take care of, you mustn’t forget your friends for the sake of a pretty face,” Mina teased her deliberately.

"No way! Mina, don't talk nonsense!" Yuzuru's cheeks flushed instantly, and he quickly retorted.

As the two were chatting and laughing, a series of noisy footsteps came from outside the door. Then, a group of boys in sportswear rushed in. The leaders spotted Yukimura immediately and surrounded him, shouting, "Captain! Captain! Happy wedding! Congratulations!"

Genichiro Sanada adjusted his hat brim, cleared his throat, and said in his usual serious tone, "Seiichi, congratulations. However, even on your wedding night, don't let your guard down too much."

Liu Lian'er remained calm as always: "Congratulations on your marriage. There's a 100% chance you'll like this gift."

Marui Bunta, already drawn to the food on the table, still sidled over to exchange a few jokes. Yagyu Hiroshi offered his blessings with refined manners, while Niou Masaharu winked with a playful smile. Jackal Kuwabara and Kirihara Akaya followed behind, also offering their congratulations. Yukimura and Hanyu stood at the door, smiling and responding to each of them: "Welcome to the housewarming party. Please come in and have a good time."

The living room quickly filled with lively chatter as everyone gathered around the dining table, admiring the delicious dishes. The roast chicken had a crispy skin, bursting with juicy goodness when bitten into; the winter melon, corn, and pork rib soup was sweet and rich, warming the stomach; the sushi was small and delicate, each bite a satisfying delight; the fried food was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, absolutely delicious with the sauce; the stir-fried bok choy was refreshing and helped cut through the richness, while the pickled vegetables perfectly balanced the greasiness.

As everyone ate and chatted, the conversation ranged from amusing anecdotes from the tennis club to Yuzuru and Yukimura's newlywed life, with laughter rising and falling for a long time.

The atmosphere remained lively during dessert time after the meal.

Marui Bunta stared at the last piece of strawberry cake and reached out to take it, when Kirihara Akaya's hand also reached out. The two froze instantly, and Bunta couldn't help but exclaim, "Madam, this cake tastes amazing! I hope I can have it again next time! Ahhh, Akaya, you bit my hand!"

Yuzuru watched the two playfully bickering and couldn't help but laugh. He turned to look at Yukimura beside him, who was also looking at him with a gentle smile that could drown a person.

The room was warm and cozy, filled with laughter and cheerful conversation.

The mess of cups and plates was neatly arranged, and the warmth of the food still lingered in the living room. Warm yellow sunlight streamed across the wooden floor, casting long shadows of the tennis club members.

Yukimura leaned against the sofa armrest, his arms crossed over his chest, his voice gentle yet authoritative: "For the training camp after the start of the semester, I plan to increase the intensity of everyone's basic physical fitness. The prefectural competition is about to begin, and Rikkai University cannot afford any weaknesses."

Sanada pushed up his hat brim and added, "You can start your morning run half an hour earlier and add a set of core strength training. Especially Akaya, you can't slack off too much when you go to high school! You still need to work hard to improve your grades."

The group chatted amongst themselves, occasionally interjecting with anecdotes from their holiday. Laughter echoed against the walls, bouncing gently back, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

The atmosphere in the next room was completely different. The warm pink curtains filtered out most of the sunlight, and Yuzuru and Mina Miyamoto sat side by side on the cushioned bay window, with the same blanket covering their knees.

"When you told me you were getting married, I was completely stunned and couldn't believe it!" Miyamoto Mina said, slapping her thigh exaggeratedly.

Yuzuru sighed helplessly, twirling a strand of hair between his fingers: "Actually, I can hardly believe it myself, but it just happened so quickly."

"Seriously, why did you agree to that arranged marriage? Were you secretly keeping an eye on Yukimura-kun all along?" Miyamoto Mina leaned closer, her eyes gleaming with gossip.

"N-no, no!" Yuzuru's cheeks flushed instantly, and he covered his face with his hands, his voice escaping through his fingers, "To be honest, it was just lust at first sight, pure lust at first sight!"

"Ahhh, Yuzuru! You've changed! You're so direct now!" Miyamoto Mina laughed and tickled her. The two rolled around in a ball, their clear laughter seeping out through the crack in the door, mingling with the noise of the living room, filled with unrestrained joy.

As the sunlight faded, the time for parting finally arrived. Yuzuru held onto Miyamoto Mina's hand tightly, his eyes filled with reluctance: "Stay here tonight, it'll be too late to get back, and I'm worried about you, Mina."

Miyamoto Mina chuckled and pinched her cheek: "I'm not going to be your light source, okay? Don't worry, I'm staying at my uncle's house tonight and going back to Tokyo tomorrow. Be happy, Yuzuru."

After seeing off the tennis club members and Mina Miyamoto, the footsteps in the courtyard gradually faded away, and the once lively house instantly became quiet, with only the glow of the streetlights that were turned on one after another swaying gently on the ground.

Yukimura gently put his arm around Yuzuru's waist from behind, resting his chin on the top of her head, his voice warm: "Mom said she wants us to go over there for dinner today."

Yuzuru turned around, a hint of melancholy still lingering in his eyes, but his eyes immediately brightened upon hearing this: "Okay, let's pack up and head over there."

The two walked side by side in the night, the moonlight overlapping their shadows, slowly lengthening them until they disappeared behind the door of their house not far away.

"We're back." Pushing open the door, a warm breeze mixed with the aroma of food wafted over us.

"Hanyu is here. Please sit down and rest. Are you tired?" Mio's mother greeted her with a smile, her wrinkles at the corners of her eyes filled with laughter. The former "auntie" had long since become a kind "mother".

A small figure suddenly rushed over, hugged Yuzuru's leg, and pleaded in a soft, sweet voice, "Brother's back! Sister-in-law, can you tell me a story?"

It was five-year-old Yukino Yukimura, with two pigtails and bright, sparkling eyes that seemed to hold stars.

Yuzuru bent down, ruffled her hair, and took out a picture book from his bag: "Of course, I brought you a picture book, let's read it together."

Yukino clapped her hands happily and pulled Yuzuru towards the living room. Halfway there, she suddenly stopped, leaned close to Yuzuru's ear, and said mysteriously, "I'll tell you a secret, I saw you in my brother's room before, sister-in-law."

Yuzuru paused, his smile faltering slightly. He glanced subconsciously at Yukimura, who was chatting with his father. Yukimura seemed oblivious to the commotion and continued speaking politely.

Dinner was a warm and long time, and by the time they finished cleaning up the dishes, the night was already so dark it seemed impossible to break through. At Mio's mother's insistence, the two had no choice but to stay overnight.

After washing up, Yuzuru followed Yukimura into the room where he had grown up. The room was as neat and orderly as the man himself. The books on the bookshelves were arranged in a tidy manner, and the desk was spotless, with only a small succulent plant as decoration.

However, the beige floral sheets and blankets on the bed seemed somewhat out of place with Yukimura's usual persona of a strategist and domineering department head, and Yuzuru couldn't help but secretly curl the corners of his mouth into a smile.

"May I look at your bookshelf?" She turned around, her eyes still smiling.

“Of course you can.” Yukimura Atsushi nodded with a smile and followed behind her, patiently explaining, “When I was a child, I used to read and do my homework here every day. This is where I draw, this area has my sketches, that area has gardening books, and this area has my study materials.”

Yuzuru's gaze swept across the bookshelf, and he casually picked up a picture book. His fingertips lightly brushed the cover, and when he opened the first page, he saw a small figure on the paper—big eyes, two tender baby teeth showing, holding a bright red apple in his hand, and a smile as bright as the summer sun.

"This looks just like me when I was little," she murmured.

Yukimura's gaze fell on the picture book, his eyes becoming somewhat distant, but his voice was firm: "This is what you looked like when you were three years old."

"It really is me?" Yuzuru suddenly looked up, her eyes full of surprise. "You saw me when you were a child? When was that?" Although she came into this world with memories, those distant childhood fragments were already blurred, and she really couldn't remember any interaction with Yukimura.

“When I was three years old, at your maternal grandparents’ house,” Yukimura’s voice was as gentle as flowing water. “My mother took me to visit, and you came over with two apples, wobbling along, and insisted on giving me one.”

"You remember so clearly." Yuzuru's heart skipped a beat, and an indescribable warmth washed over her. She lowered her head and murmured.

"What did you say?" Yukimura seemed not to have heard clearly and leaned forward slightly.

"Ah, it's nothing!" Yuzuru suddenly felt a little guilty, his eyes darting around as he put the sketchbook back on the shelf, changing the subject, "Why...did you draw me?"

Yukimura didn't answer, but just looked at her, his smile deepening. Moonlight streamed in through the gaps in the curtains, casting soft shadows on his face.

"It's late, you should go to sleep." He suddenly said, and before Yuzuru could react, he bent down, picked her up, and carried her to the bedside.

Yuzuru gasped, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck, her cheek pressed against his warm chest, where she could clearly hear his steady heartbeat. The next second, the two of them sank into the soft bedding, enveloped in the warmth of the sunshine. Yukimura held her tightly in his arms, his chin resting on the top of her head, his voice deep and reassuring.

Yuzuru closed his eyes, the cool fragrance emanating from him filling his nostrils. A sense of drowsiness gradually crept in, and he drifted off to sleep in his comforting embrace.

When the charcoal pencil was finally put down, the pads of my fingers were worn red. Two days of working day and night, buried in drawings, came to an end the moment I closed my sketchbook—today was the day to return to the Momozawa residence for my homecoming.

Yukimura's car came to a smooth stop at the familiar alleyway. As soon as Yuzuru opened the car door, she saw two figures standing at the door. In the cold wind, her parents' gazes, as if warmed by hot water, fell directly on her.

The fatigue and longing that had accumulated over seven days suddenly burst forth, and tears welled up without warning, streaming down my cheeks. The more I wiped them away, the more they flowed, like a wronged child.

"Silly girl, why are you crying?" Mom quickly stepped forward and hugged her, her warm hand stroking her back. Dad smiled and handed her a tissue, his voice full of tenderness, "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back."

Yuzuru buried his face in his mother's arms and sobbed, his shoulders trembling uncontrollably, completely unaware of Yukimura beside him.

He carried the carefully prepared homecoming gifts in his hands, his usual composed demeanor completely gone. His cheeks were flushed with a faint blush, and he didn't know where to put his hands and feet. He really looked like a sixteen-year-old boy, with a hint of helpless tenderness hidden in his eyes.

The living room was warm and cozy. Yuzuru snuggled into his mother's arms, his nose filled with the familiar aroma of food and laundry detergent.

A moment later, she let out a satisfied sigh, her lips curving into a sweet crescent moon, and she even let out a soft hum that sounded like a burp, as if her body and mind were completely filled with this sudden happiness.

Indeed, a child who is loved by both parents will always be a treasure.

On this day, Yuzuru completely shed all his pretenses, lounging around at Momozawa's house, snatching snacks from his father's hand, and pestering his mother to chat about everyday things, acting exactly like a child who hadn't grown up.

Only when the sun was setting did he reluctantly leave with Yukimura. On the way back, thinking about his shameless behavior during the day, Yuzuru's cheeks burned, and a sense of shame that his "image had completely collapsed" quietly crept into his heart.

"What are you thinking about?" Yukimura's voice was tinged with laughter as his warm hand stroked her long hair, his fingertips gently kneading it. At first, it was a gentle caress, but gradually it became haphazard, and her smooth long hair was ruffled into a mess, looking like a frizzy chicken coop.

"Yukimura Seiichi!" Yuzuru exploded, her shame instantly replaced by anger. She slapped his hand away and reached out to tickle him. "Don't touch my hair!" Laughter and playful banter filled the carriage. Her earlier temper had vanished, and Yuzuru was fully recharged. She fought back against his "claws" and they bickered all the way home.

Time flies like an arrow, and the New Year arrived in the blink of an eye. This was the first time Yuzuru hadn't spent New Year's Eve at the Momozawa family home, and she couldn't help but feel a subtle emptiness in her heart, yet it was filled with the warmth of those around her. On New Year's Day, Yukimura accompanied her back to the Momozawa residence, and the whole family sat together, eating steaming hot food, chatting intimately, and enjoying a lively afternoon.

As I left in the evening, the night sky was already lit up by fireworks and firecrackers. Brilliant flames bloomed across the sky, illuminating our faces, while tiny fragments of fireworks fell softly, intertwining with the countless stars.

Yuzuru leaned against Yukimura, feeling the warmth of his palm, and listened to the distant sounds of laughter and joy. Suddenly, he realized that the new year had quietly begun.