The morning sunlight spilled across the living room, turning the scattered magazines and teacups into golden accents. Haru stretched leisurely on the sofa, quietly observing.
'Perfect… neither wife suspects a thing. They trust their husbands completely, and that trust will play right into my hands,' he thought, a faint smirk on his face.
Zeno's lazy voice floated from the kitchen. "Haru! Stop staring at the ceiling and go help with breakfast!"
Haru stood dramatically. "Yes, sir!" he replied, stretching like a performer ready for a scene. 'Oblivious as ever… perfect.'
---
Breakfast
Setsuna was arranging plates, moving with her usual calm efficiency. Haru poured coffee, letting his fingers brush hers lightly as he handed her a cup.
Zeno, sprawled on the sofa, muttered without looking up, "Don't spill it, Setsuna. Or burn him."
Just then, the doorbell rang. Setsuna glanced toward the door. "I wonder who that could be…?"
Riruru appeared, carrying a small basket. "Good morning! I thought I'd drop by. Kyusuke is busy at the shop today, so he asked me to bring these pastries by for you. He said you all might like a little treat," she said cheerfully, stepping inside.
Setsuna smiled warmly, completely unaware of any underlying motives. 'She's just being thoughtful… nothing suspicious,' she thought, taking a pastry.
Zeno raised an eyebrow lazily. "Riruru, nice of you to bring sweets. Smells good."
Haru observed silently, noting every glance and gesture. 'Complete trust… neither wife suspects their husbands' little schemes. This is exactly what I need.'
Riruru glanced briefly at Haru as she placed the basket on the counter. 'He's… calm, polite, and somehow charming. Hm… interesting,' she thought.
---
As everyone sat down, Zeno stretched lazily, knocking a napkin off the table. Setsuna instinctively reached to catch it, brushing Haru's hand as he bent down to help.
"Oh! Thanks…" she said, a little flustered.
Haru chuckled lightly. 'Little touches, unnoticed… perfect.'
Riruru giggled softly from the doorway as she was on her way to home. 'Why does he seem… different? Calm, attentive… charming.'
Zeno, oblivious to the subtle tension, muttered, "Typical morning… nothing unusual here."
Setsuna couldn't help but notice the ease with which Haru moved and helped, a warmth she hadn't felt with Zeno or any other man. 'He notices me… more than my own husband. How strange… yet nice,' she thought.
---
Mid-Morning
After breakfast, Haru offered to help Setsuna carry a few boxes of books to the living room shelves.
"Are you sure you don't mind?" she asked, a small smile tugging at her lips.
"Not at all," he replied, picking up a box. "These are heavier than I expected… do you secretly work out?"
Setsuna laughed softly. 'He's ridiculous… but charming.'
Riruru watched quietly from the doorway of her home arranging pastries in a neat pattern. She was curious but completely unaware of the subtle emotional tension between Setsuna and Haru. 'He's… interesting. Calm, playful, polite… and he clearly has her attention.'
Meanwhile, Zeno remained sprawled on the sofa, reading his magazine. 'They're all busy… I'll just relax,' he thought, completely unaware of the small games being played around him.
Haru subtly shifted the box toward himself, letting their hands brush slightly. 'Every gesture, every glance… controlled. She notices me without suspicion.'
---
Lunchtime
By noon, the four gathered in the kitchen. Haru leaned against the counter, chatting casually.
"Setsuna, you mentioned a new pastry at your salon yesterday. Did it turn out the way you hoped?"
She flushed slightly. "Yes… actually better than expected. I wanted to show it sometime."
Haru smiled. "I'd love that. Maybe I can even try one with you."
Riruru giggled softly, arranging the remaining pastries. "He's definitely funny. And helpful too!"
Setsuna laughed, shrugging politely. 'He's just being friendly… nothing more.'
Zeno muttered lazily from the sofa, "They all seem… cheerful. Good enough for me."
Haru noticed the subtle admiration in Riruru's eyes and thought, 'Step by step… curiosity building naturally. Neither wife suspects a thing, and both are becoming emotionally invested in small ways.'
---
Afternoon
After lunch, Haru helped Setsuna carry a few heavier items upstairs. Their hands brushed on the handles of the box.
"Thanks for helping," she said softly.
"Of course. It's nice to spend time with you," Haru replied with a small, reassuring smile.
'He notices me… in a way Zeno never does. It feels… safe,' Setsuna thought, a small flutter in her chest.
Riruru, folding cloth nearby as she spent her day at yuuki household, glanced at the two with innocent curiosity. 'Why do I feel… drawn to him? It's just curiosity… right?'
Meanwhile, Zeno and Kyusuke remained clueless about the real influence Haru held, fumbling in their own harmless attempts to charm the other wife.
Haru observed silently, thinking, 'Let them try… every misstep strengthens my position without them realizing it.'
---
Evening
By evening, Setsuna prepared dinner while Riruru tidied up.
"Thanks again for helping today," Setsuna said quietly, glancing at Haru.
Haru smiled warmly. "Anytime. It's… pleasant being around you."
'He notices me… and even small gestures matter,' Setsuna thought, heart fluttering.
Riruru, noticing the brief glance between them, whispered to herself, 'Interesting… he notices her, and she responds… I wonder when I'll get that attention.'
Haru reclined slightly on the sofa, satisfied. 'Two hearts subtly in motion… guided quietly by me. Neither wife suspects anything, and that will make the next steps so much easier.'
The day ended with laughter, gentle teasing, and small gestures that quietly built emotional trust. The ordinary morning and afternoon were anything but ordinary for Haru's careful observation.