By evening, after much effort, all the boxes that had been scattered around the yard were finally moved into the house.
Standing at the door, panting heavily, Hikigaya was greeted by Mrs. Yuigahama's warm smile and gentle tone.
"Hachiman-kun, you've worked so hard. Here, let me wipe your sweat."
For some reason, she had a damp towel in her hand.
Walking up to him, she gently dabbed the sweat from his forehead.
"I-I can do it myself," Hikigaya protested.
"Let Mama handle it, Hachiman-kun. Don't move, okay?"
Though he wanted to resist, Mrs. Yuigahama was already wiping his forehead with the cool, damp towel. The refreshing sensation was undeniably pleasant.
Left with no choice, Hikigaya accepted her care with an awkward expression.
Now this… this is what a real mom should be like!
Stupid Dad, stupid Mom, are you watching this? Take notes!
As memories of his own traumatic moving days from childhood resurfaced—filled with nothing but his parents' relentless demands—Hikigaya felt overwhelmed by the kindness.
Yet, the proximity was... unsettling.
He couldn't help but glance at the gentle woman in front of him.
Mrs. Yuigahama was also perspiring slightly. Her sweat caused her clothes to cling tightly to her body, accentuating her mature and alluring figure. Instead of any unpleasant odor, the faint scent of milk mingled with her natural fragrance, making her presence all the more intoxicating.
Combined with her innate warmth, she exuded a charm that was, without exaggeration, utterly lethal to any man.
Good mom or not, this is dangerous territory! Mrs. Yuigahama feels way too... tempting!
Taking a deep breath, Hikigaya awkwardly suggested, "Auntie, maybe you should wipe your sweat too. You've been working hard as well."
Mrs. Yuigahama paused, blinked, and looked at him with a soft smile.
"Hachiman-kun, you're such a sweet boy."
"Huh?"
"Not only were you so considerate while helping earlier, but now, even after all that work, you're still worried about me."
"I-I didn't do anything special."
"Don't be modest. Mama knows best—most of the heavy lifting today was done by you, wasn't it? What a wonderful boy."
She chuckled softly and instinctively reached out to ruffle his hair.
Hikigaya's face turned red, and he silently accepted the gesture.
This mother-daughter duo… What a contrast! Yuigahama is so oblivious, but her mom sees right through everything.
Mrs. Yuigahama gazed at him warmly, her voice filled with genuine admiration.
"Sigh, a boy as thoughtful as you, Hachiman-kun, would make any girl's life so blissful if she married you someday. I just hope Yui can find someone as kind as you in the future."
"Uh..." Hikigaya froze, overwhelmed by the sudden compliment.
Whoa, whoa, whoa! Auntie, that's way too suggestive!
Clearing his throat, he tried to deflect with an awkward laugh. "You're being too kind, Auntie. With how gentle and kind you are, I think anyone who marries you would be the happiest man alive."
"...Huh?"
Mrs. Yuigahama blinked, clearly caught off guard.
Realizing his words, Hikigaya panicked.
"Ah! I'm so sorry! I forgot Yui mentioned your husband had already..."
She quickly shook her head with a soft smile. "It's fine, Hachiman-kun. It's been so many years now, and I've moved on. It's just..."
Mrs. Yuigahama touched her flushed cheeks and laughed lightly.
"Nobody's said something like that to me in a long, long time. You're the first boy who's ever told me something like that."
Hikigaya felt a wave of embarrassment.
Ah, crap. Did I just… flirt with Yuigahama's mom?
But could it really be called flirting? Mrs. Yuigahama was undeniably beautiful—so youthful and elegant that standing next to her daughter, they looked more like sisters.
Paired with her unique warmth, she was practically the ideal dream woman for countless men.
No! Stop! That's enough, Hikigaya!
---
Back inside, Mrs. Yuigahama insisted on thanking Hikigaya and Yukinoshita by preparing homemade desserts.
Soon, she brought out a tray of cakes and sweets, showcasing her professional-level skills.
Her culinary expertise clearly surpassed even Yukinoshita's, as the colorful array of cakes left both girls in awe.
Honestly, is Yuigahama really her daughter?
The stark difference in baking ability was like heaven and earth.
Then again… they look nearly identical. If Yui wasn't born from her mom, that'd be a miracle.
As Hikigaya silently chuckled to himself, Mrs. Yuigahama sat beside him. Picking up a bite-sized cake, she gently held it to his mouth.
"Hachiman-kun, here~ Say ahhh~"
"I-I can eat it myself."
"Come on, let Mama feed you. You worked so hard today, you deserve a little reward."
"Uh..."
Hikigaya hesitated, glancing at Yukinoshita, who was chatting with Yuigahama.
"Ahhh~"
"Ahhh..."
Defeated, he relented and took the bite.
"Mmm! Delicious!"
"Really? I'm so glad Hachiman-kun likes it." Mrs. Yuigahama beamed.
She immediately picked up another bite. Left with no choice, Hikigaya continued to eat as she fed him.
Meanwhile, Yuigahama, noticing the scene, propped her chin on her hands and laughed.
"My mom's cakes are the best!"
But then, as if realizing something, she quickly turned to Yukinoshita. "Of course, Yukino-chan's cakes are amazing too!"
Yukinoshita smiled faintly, but her attention wasn't on Yuigahama's words.
Instead, she quietly observed Mrs. Yuigahama and Hikigaya.
Something feels... off.
Unlike Yuigahama, Yukinoshita's keen senses picked up subtle details.
She couldn't shake the feeling that Mrs. Yuigahama might be showing an unusual amount of interest in Hikigaya.
Could the earlier accident have sparked some kind of… special emotion?
The thought sent a jolt through Yukinoshita's mind, and her curiosity only grew stronger.
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