Chapter 139 (Tsk, Little Boy)
As dawn broke over the horizon, Nekono Ikuya quietly returned to the Nekono residence.
The morning air was crisp and clear, carrying the scent of grass and dew.
Nekono Ikuya was carrying two heavy insulated bags filled with freshly baked, still-warm breakfasts. The aroma of the food wafted through the wrappers, creating a comforting atmosphere.
"I'm home!"
The key turned very softly, and Nekono Ikuya almost announced it with a soft hum, her emerald green eyes shining brightly in the morning light.
Unsurprisingly, no response was received.
The house remained quiet; the other two residents were clearly still asleep.
Nekono Ikuya didn't pay any attention. He tiptoed into the kitchen, placed the insulated bag on the counter, and skillfully untied the string.
The insulation layer inside the insulated bag effectively locks in the temperature, and when opened, a richer and fresher aroma immediately wafts out—it's the work of Rei Furuya.
Muffins drizzled with tempting amber-colored maple syrup were stacked into adorable little towers, while thick slices of toast, infused with the aroma of eggs and milk, sat on top. A large box of fresh berries—strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries—were arranged together, their vibrant colors almost irresistible. Next to them were three small jars of rich and smooth Greek yogurt.
It's not Japanese-style food; it's more like European refinement, but it suits Nekono Fumiya's taste perfectly.
Nekono Ikuya's lips curled into an uncontrollable smile as she carefully transferred the food to her own plate. The pancakes and toast were arranged at an enticing angle, garnished with berries and yogurt, making the colors and arrangement even more pleasing to the eye. She then took out three glasses and poured perfectly warm orange juice.
He was dressed casually today, wearing a soft, skin-friendly light-colored cotton long-sleeved top. However, the neckline was a bit high, which seemed slightly out of place on a summer morning, but it covered his neck completely.
She wore loose, comfortable trousers and slippers with cat paw patterns, her toes curling unconsciously. She exuded a lazy, contented air, like a cat that had spent the night curled up by a warm fireplace, its fur soft and fluffy from the sun, even the corners of its eyes and eyebrows radiating relaxation.
After doing all this, Nekono Ikumi poured herself a glass of warm water and sipped it slowly to moisten her uncomfortable throat.
...Hmm, that feels much better.
Very light footsteps came from behind.
Nekono Ikuya turned around and saw Morofushi Kagemitsu appear at the top of the stairs, having already changed out of his pajamas.
He had clearly just woken up; his black hair wasn't as sleek as usual, with a few strands sticking up unruly, adding a touch of softness to his gentle demeanor. His azure cat-like eyes also didn't seem as clear as usual.
Good morning, Jing.
Nekono Ikuya is different.
He looked refreshed and energetic, showing no signs of fatigue from staying up all night or just waking up. The morning light shone through the window onto his face, making his skin appear fair and translucent. His bright green eyes were clear and sparkling, reflecting his obvious good mood.
"Perfect timing, breakfast is ready."
"!" Morobuchi Kagemitsu was startled.
Wait, breakfast? What breakfast? Breakfast made by Nekono Ikuya?
His morning weariness dissipated somewhat, and he quickly looked towards the dining table.
It wasn't that he was overreacting; it was just that Ikuya Nekono's unconventional cooking style had left a deep impression on him.
For example, Morofushi Kagemitsu is deep and profound. Have you ever eaten corn stir-fried with grapes?
Then he saw the delicious-looking and fragrant berry pancake set meal on the table.
Morofushi Kagemitsu looked left and right but found nothing wrong; the breakfast was even too pleasing to the eye.
The pancakes are fluffy and golden, glistening with an enticing sheen of maple syrup; the berries are vibrant and plump, as if still glistening with morning dew; the toast exudes the sweet aroma of eggs and milk; even the yogurt has the perfect texture.
Everything was perfect, but it didn't look like it came from the hand of a creative culinary master.
He raised an eyebrow slightly, strolled over slowly, and said with undisguised teasing, "It's like the sun rose in the west. Why are you all acting so normal today?"
Has she changed her personality?
Nekono Ikuya immediately understood her friend's teasing. Her blue eyes crinkled into a smile as she deliberately dragged out her words, "Eh—Keiko, how rude of me. I can make a normal breakfast too, you know."
Although he admits that he occasionally... well, often, often does some artistic experimentation in the kitchen, he still knows the basics!
Nekono Ikuya's inner thoughts: Seriously, why does everyone distrust my cooking skills? My chocolate-baked salmon last time was really good!
Looking at his friend's "I'm so awesome" expression, Morofushi Kagemitsu glanced at his clothes—long sleeves, long pants, and a high collar.
But it's summer now!
Morofushi Kagemitsu immediately understood, and his tone gradually became playful: "Hmm, being able to make a normal breakfast is indeed commendable. However, being able to make it and knowing how to make it are two different things."
In any case, in his memory, Nekono Ikuya had been obsessed with his culinary art since childhood and was oblivious to the world around him.
However, despite his complaints, Morofushi Kagemitsu never truly refused to try Nekono Ikuya's creative dishes. He would even occasionally encourage Nekono Ikuya to "be bolder" and say things like, "This combination might have a surprising effect."
It's hard to say whether Nekono Ikuya's increasingly unrestrained cooking style is due to Morofushi Kagemitsu's encouragement.
The honest man who truly suffered the most, Furuya Rei: "..."
Having a thorough understanding of Nekono Ikuya's style, Morofushi Kagemitsu looked at the breakfast that looked and smelled delicious and was certain: "This must be Zero's cooking, right?"
"Hmm." Nekono Ikumi readily admitted, her earlier slight annoyance at being teased instantly replaced by the pleasure of mentioning her lover, her blue eyes sparkling.
“He gets up early and knew I would be back around this time, so he made a few extra breakfasts. He said I’ve been working hard lately and need to be treated.”
This refers to the extremely busy period that Morobuchi Kagemitsu has been working non-stop during this time.
“Oh—” Morofushi Kagemitsu drawled, his blue eyes full of mischief, “Is this just a reward for me? I see that someone is in an extremely good mood, and doesn’t even feel hot wearing a turtleneck in the summer.”
As he spoke, he deliberately stretched out his finger and pointed to the corresponding spot on the side of his neck, his teasing expression almost overflowing.
"Looks like you had a very fruitful trip to the art exhibition last night. Not only did you thoroughly enjoy the 'art appreciation,' but you also received such thoughtful after-sales service. A lovingly prepared breakfast too!"
The tone or manner in which someone speaks is described as malicious.
"!" Nekono Ikuya's eyes widened.
What happened? How did Jingguang change? He usually would have ignored it.
Is it because you were too happy yesterday and haven't been able to fully express your joy yet?
Nekono Ikuya wasn't shy at all; his smile even brighter. He said matter-of-factly, "Of course! Samuel's paintings are so beautiful, and it's rare to find someone who understands them. So, it's only natural that we should have a deeper and longer exchange of ideas."
Do you really think you can make him break down so easily? Hehe, no way.
Morofushi Kagemitsu chuckled and shook his head, no longer teasing him. However, his gaze inadvertently swept over Nekono Ikuya's collar again, his eyes narrowing slightly before he looked away with a hint of helplessness.
Zero... wasn't he a bit too rough? The high collar didn't cover much at all. Morofushi Kagemitsu wondered, what triggered this?
However, judging from Yu Mi's radiant appearance, she probably enjoys it quite a bit.
Morofushi Kagemitsu decided that, as a single man, he should refrain from interfering with the romantic escapades of couples.
He and Nekono Ikuya joked and laughed for a few more minutes, the atmosphere as relaxed and intimate as when they were children.
Just then, faint footsteps sounded again on the stairs.
Conan Edogawa, rubbing his sleepy eyes, slowly walked out wearing his blue pajamas. He wasn't fully awake yet, and a tuft of hair stuck up, making him look more like an ordinary first-grade elementary school student than usual.
"Good morning, Akashi-nii... Nekono-nii?" He paused for a moment when he saw Nekono Ikuya, then smiled. "Nekono-nii, you're back! Was it late yesterday? I didn't hear you come back before I went to sleep."
"Good morning, Conan." Nekono Ikuya immediately stopped laughing and joking, adopting the demeanor of a reliable adult, and became reserved for a second. "It's not very late, I just didn't want to wake you up."
Yes, he came back just as dawn was breaking, which wasn't very late, just rather early.
Conan nodded, his gaze habitually sweeping across the dining table before being drawn to the fragrant breakfast: "Wow, it smells so good!"
His stomach rumbled at just the right moment, his bodily functions awakened by the aroma.
"Conan, go wash up first, then come have breakfast," Morofushi Kagemitsu gently reminded him.
"Hmm!" Conan nodded, turned and walked towards the washroom, but his eyes habitually kept observing—it was a detective's instinct.
His gaze swept over the smiling Nekono Ikuya at the dining table, and then... he suddenly stopped.
"Nekono-nii looks really good today, even his smile is brighter than usual," Conan thought. Then, his gaze unconsciously fell on his clothes.
In the sweltering summer heat, long sleeves and pants?
The little detective quietly typed a question mark: "?"
Wait, did he catch a glimpse of something he shouldn't have?!
He belatedly recalled the slightly hoarse voice of his older brother, Nekono, when he spoke, and the playful banter he had overheard between Nekono and Akashi when he went downstairs. And then there was Nekono's turtleneck sweater today—so conservatively dressed even though they were at home…
Combined with Nekono-nii's relaxed eyes, smiling lips, and the languid, contented aura he exudes...
Akashi-nii seems very relaxed right now...
Conan, who isn't actually a first-grader: "!"
No, no way!
Conan's face flushed red instantly, his heart filled with a mix of embarrassment, sudden realization, and a hint of "I see."
He understood! This must be what they mean by absence makes the heart grow fonder!
The young detective felt a little flustered after accidentally uncovering an intimate secret between adults, but at the same time felt a strange sense of relief at the solid relationship between Nekono and Akashi.
At least Nekono-nii won't be completely lured away by the weird Amuro Tooru, right?
No, this is not the time to think about these things. This scene is too much for a primary school student like him to handle!
For the first time, Conan was troubled by the detective's insight.
He quickly lowered his head, not daring to look at Nekono Ikuya or Morofushi Kagemitsu, and hurriedly slipped into the washroom, slamming the door shut.
At the dining table, Nekono Ikuya and Morofushi Kagemitsu exchanged a glance.
Nekono Ikuya: "Why is Conan's face so red? And why is he running so fast?"
Zhu Fujingguang looked bewildered: "I don't know, it can't be that you're in a hurry to go to the toilet, can it?"
Nekono Ikuya looked at his long sleeves... Could it be his fault?
"Tsk, little boy."
Morofushi Kagemitsu, who unintentionally secured the "lover's card," was left speechless.
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