Upon entering our front door, no one was waiting for me there. No Akane nor Fuyu.

Well, its as I expected. Fuyu replied to my message when I said I was about to arrive home, telling me that Akane fell asleep again.

She even told me that she wouldnt wait for me at the door as well as clarify why shes there last night.

Apparently, Fuyu only ran to the door when she heard the sound of it opening. A little wary that it might be an intruder and not me.

Not that I needed her to clarify it.

She already had my gratitude for staying with Akane. I found no reason for her to wait for me unless the girl daringly decided to nag at me right away.

A few seconds after I entered, I unconsciously muttered when a delicious fragrant assaulted my nose. That smells great

Taking off my shoes and putting on the indoor slippers, my feet dragged me to the kitchen right away.

I stopped right before entering it because there was the girl I was just thinking about.

Shes wearing the same apron as yesterday while standing before the stove, holding a sauce plate and taste testing what she cooked.

Her forehead was lined with sweat but the girls expression looked really bright, enjoying what she was doing.

Because she was too focused on it, Fuyu probably failed to notice my arrival. Or even if she did, she found no reason to check on me.

Thats why I thought of walking away to not disturb her after a minute or so of watching.

Unfortunately, thats when she raised her head and turned it in my direction. The bright expression on her face was instantly replaced by a complicated one.

Its a mix of relief and annoyance.

Fuyu then exhaustedly sighed as she put down the plate and ladle.

Mister, can you at least say something if youre already home? I know this is your house but youre going to scare me if you suddenly showed up there. She put a hand on her waist and forehead. Really like a housewife trying to scold her husband.

Uh. Im home? Yeah, I forgot to say it. I got instantly drawn in by the smell. I explained but that only made her eyebrows twitch.

Its common courtesy to announce when you arrived home, after all. But I failed to do that.

Is that so? Sure Im about to finish here. Can you check on Akane?

She probably didnt want to argue about it anymore or she was just tired of dealing with me.

You dont need my help? The same as last night, I thought of offering to help. I had no plans on bringing up what we talked about though. I told her to think about it. Thats why its a lot better to not press her on it.

Sooner or later, I would hear her answer. For now, getting on her good side should be my priority. Just that, theres no path towards it.

I better not if it means I have to hear you talking about being my friend again.

And just as I said I shouldnt bring it up, this girl brought it up herself. What should I do here? Deny or?

I thought of a better idea.

I acted a little confused before putting on a smile. As I matched her gaze, I said in a rather cheerful voice, I honestly havent thought about that. Thanks for bringing it up. Am I about to hear an answer?

You. What did I tell you?!

As expected, Fuyu flared up right away. She even grabbed the handle of a knife.

I waved my hand and laughed, Im kidding. You dont have to look like youre going to throw that knife at me.

Theres a limit to a joke, Onoda-kun. And I wont throw this! Its a reflex. Fuyu hurriedly explained herself before pushing that knife away. The way she looked flustered looked really cute, to be honest. But I guess I shouldnt risk getting stabbed by it. Not that she would be able to even if she planned it.

Reflex, huh? That sounds scary. Alright, Ill go and check on Akane. I turned around and acted like I was leaving the place. However, after three steps, I stopped and glanced back at the girl,

By the way, Yuuki-san

What?

Would you be mad if I said thank you one more time?

This guy. You have many ways to infuriate someone, huh? Like I said, you dont have to.

I see. So, its better if I dont say it verbally. Is there something I can do for you? Ignoring her exasperated expression, I continued with another question.

I mean, I already lost count in saying thank you to her. I better deliver on what I decided before.

Doing something for her.

I thought Fuyu would fly in rage once again or outright ignore me.

But as seconds passed, I noticed how she became silent. Observing her expression from where I was standing, she was clearly deliberating on an answer.

Eventually, the girl bit her lip and muttered in an almost inaudible voice. Be completely honest with me for once.

Come again?

Although I heard it clearly, I couldnt help but double-check.

Unfortunately, that resulted in the girl refusing to repeat it. She also changed her answer.

Never mind. Just go and check if Akanes already awake. If not, help me out here.

After saying that, she quickly turned around and refused to look at me again. And even if I replied to what she just said, Fuyu ignored it, putting all her focus back on what she was cooking.

Be honest to her, huh? That only means shes either still unconvinced of my innocence or she got an idea of whats the state of my relationship with Akane.

Is there another possible reason?

As I went up the stairs to check on Akane and change out of my school uniform, my mind was occupied by that thought. Even when I sat down and watched Akane sleeping peacefully while wrapped in our blanket filled with both of our scents, I still couldnt move past what Fuyu said.

However, no matter how hard I thought about it, it was impossible for me to reach a definite conclusion.

And so, I pushed it to the back of my mind and put my focus on my silly girl.

After changing, I laid down next to the girl, caressing her golden hair endearingly. As always, shes mumbling my name in her sleep. Whatever shes dreaming at the moment, it must be too wonderful. She had an affectionate smile on her lips and a cheerful expression.

Furthermore, the girl snuggled in my embrace even without waking up.

Well, shes always like this with or without her quirk. She already memorized my bodys warmth so even when unconscious, shes always seeking it.

Spending at least five minutes next to the girl, I stood up and went down to help Fuyu.

It was spent in awkward silence but at least, shes not fuming anymore.

Its really hard to get along with her. However, thinking about it, anyone would be awkward around the special someone of their best friend.

Fuyu acting carefully around me is normal while my attempt to befriend her can be seen as weird or unnatural.

Haa I guess theres really only one option left. Talk to her while Akane is present with us. Perhaps that way, Fuyu can finally be honest about what shes trying to bottle up inside her.

Or so I hoped.

When I finished preparing the table, I noticed Fuyu standing before me. With her face covered with a complicated expression, the girl reached for my hands and held onto them tightly. A second later, she opened her mouth and muttered a single question, Onoda-kun, what will it take for you to stop being like this?

It's a vague question without any context, And honestly, I have no idea how to answer that.

However, considering our previous conversation and the way shes holding my hand tightly, its possibly related to us. Or more specifically, to how I was trying to get close to her outside of Akanes sight.