Even though everyone had cleaned a little before leaving, the living room was still a mess.
Closing the bedroom door behind her, Yukino walked into the living room. She had also drunk quite a bit, but compared to the others she was still far less drunk—her thoughts were clear. After calming down the two cats, Peppa and George, who had trotted over to her, she began gathering the opened snacks and drinks, placing them neatly aside, then lightly tidied the coffee table and sofa.
Calling it "cleaning" was generous—she basically just swept off the crumbs. It definitely needed a proper wash in the daytime.
After finishing, she placed the trash bin back, exhaled, and pressed her fingers to her brow, feeling the fatigue hit her.
"Time to go back."
She took a step toward the hallway—but suddenly stopped.
Slowly, she turned her head toward the bedroom.
With the two cats staring up at her, the second daughter of the Yukinoshita family stood there for nearly a full minute before finally moving again—this time, walking toward the bedroom.
Carefully, she opened the door.
Inside, the breathing was slow and steady—clearly, both were fast asleep.
She stepped in, turned on the bedside lamp, and saw Ichin and Utaha sleeping quietly on the bed.
Sitting down softly at the edge of the bed, Yukino kept her gaze fixed on Ichin, as if completely entranced.
Several long minutes passed before she finally let out a breath.
She reached out her right hand and gently touched Ichin's cheek.
"When… did it even start?"
She had no answer for her own question.
But she knew—it must have been a long time ago.
Glancing at the clock, she saw it was already 11:30 PM.
She really should go back.
Retracting her hand, Yukino pressed her lips together, gathered her courage… and leaned down.
Only after the bedroom door closed, followed by the faint sound of the front door, did Utaha—who had been sleeping beside Ichin—open her eyes and sit up.
She leaned over Ichin and turned on the lamp.
After checking the door, she looked at the still soundly sleeping Ichin, then reached over and pinched his cheek hard, making his face scrunch up even in his sleep.
"Hmph. Serves you right."
Utaha stuck out her tongue at him, but she still moved slowly and gently—lifting Ichin's clothes off, then covering him with the blanket.
Stretching a little, she rubbed her forehead.
"Of all people… it just had to be Yukino. What am I even supposed to do now?"
Letting out a deep breath, Utaha picked up her phone and walked out of the room.
---
The next day, 10 AM.
Sunlight streamed through the windows as Ichin finally woke up.
"Ugh… no way. My head is killing me."
Holding his throbbing head, he sat up and looked around—he had absolutely no memory of how he got back to the bedroom last night.
Utaha was already up. A neatly folded change of clothes had been placed on the chair for him.
"I'm never mixing different kinds of alcohol again…"
Shaking his head, Ichin changed into his loungewear and walked out of the bedroom.
As he stepped into the living room, Peppa and George trotted over.
"Good morning, Peppa. Morning, George."
He bent down to pet both cats—and then noticed that the sofa cushions were missing.
Instead, all of them had been washed and hung out on the balcony to dry, along with the rug.
From the kitchen came the smell of something delicious cooking.
Before Ichin could walk over, the half-closed kitchen door slid open and Yukino came out holding a cup.
"Good morning, brother. Have some hangover tea."
"Morning, Yukino."
Ichin took the cup and asked curiously, "You drank quite a bit last night too, didn't you? You almost never drink. How are you up so early?"
Yukino smiled softly. "I had some hangover tea after I got back, and I only drank red wine the whole night, so I'm fine. My biological clock is very fixed, so I woke up at 8:30 like usual."
While she was speaking, Utaha stepped out of the kitchen as well, holding a plate of sandwiches.
"Ichin, since you're awake, go take a shower first. You reek of alcohol!"
Hearing that, Ichin sniffed himself—and sure enough, there was a noticeable smell.
"It's not that strong, is it?"
"If I say it is, then it is!"
Putting the sandwiches down, Utaha pushed him toward the bathroom. "Good thing I didn't sleep with you last night. I wouldn't have slept a wink otherwise!"
"Eh? Then where'd you sleep?"
"I stayed in Yukino's room. And that's final—if you ever drink that much again, we're sleeping separately!"
"Alright, alright—don't worry, there won't be a next time."
It was only because he drank too much yesterday. Normally, Ichin would never risk losing his soft, warm "body-pillow" at night. He immediately made the promise.
"Hmph, that's more like it."
She shoved him into the bathroom, then went to the bedroom to grab his change of clothes and brought them over.
Returning to the living room, Utaha sat down with her coffee just as Yukino came back in.
"Is Haruno-nee awake?"
"She's awake, but she's sitting on the bed holding her head. It'll take a while before she comes out."
After responding, Yukino sat beside Utaha. She glanced at her, looking like she wanted to say something but hesitated.
Seeing this, Utaha took a bite of her sandwich and said calmly, "Don't overthink it. I was completely clear-headed last night. I talked to you after thinking it through. No matter what I say, nothing is going to change anyway, right? Besides… Ichin truly didn't notice a thing."
Yukino pressed her lips together and whispered, "That's only natural. His heart has always been with you. I've known that for a long time."
"Alright, that's enough talking. Hurry up and eat."
Utaha picked up a sandwich and handed it to Yukino.
"As for lunch, we'll let Ichin make it himself. Once Haruno-nee is done getting ready, we'll call everyone and go shopping and hit the hot springs!"
---
Fifteen minutes later, freshly showered, Ichin walked out just in time to hear that last part.
He blinked. "Uh… you're not taking me along?"
Utaha's lips curved upward. "Not today. Ichin, you stay home and rest. Or if you want to go out, go by yourself."
"…I'll pass. I'll stay home and read. I have college tomorrow after all."
Then he picked up his sandwich and took a bite—
—and nearly choked to death.
"C-cough! What the—why is there mustard!?"
"Mustard, egg, and ham sandwich~"
"…"
Ichin fell silent, staring down at the sandwich in his hand. He took another tentative bite.
Since he was prepared this time, the taste was… tolerable.
But judging from the sandwiches the girls were eating, theirs were clearly not the same as his.
What on earth was going on?
Ichin was filled with question marks.
---
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