I Refuse

"Upset."

"Ignore."

"Concern."

"Be concerned about…"

Kato Yusuke's deep voice echoed in the room as he sat against the bed, holding an English textbook, reciting each word meticulously.

"Gollum... gollum... gollum"

"Zizzi... Zizzi... Zizzi"

The sound of sizzling grease rose from the pan.

With his long brown hair tied back, revealing delicate ears, Sayu, adorned in an apron, busied herself in the kitchen.

The atmosphere in the house was serene and harmonious, a picturesque scene of domestic bliss.

As the first rays of morning sunlight spread out, silky beams pierced through the dawn, casting a clear and vibrant light.

It was now 7:30 AM in Tokyo.

Kato Yusuke closed his book, shut his eyes, and recalled the vocabulary he had noted earlier, repeating them silently.

One leg straight, the other bent, his head leaned against the bed at a 45-degree angle, elbows resting on the edge, the English textbook pinched between the index and middle fingers of his right hand.

He appeared relaxed and casual, yet his expression remained intensely focused.

"Very well."

Kato Yusuke exhaled softly, then abruptly opened his eyes and checked off today's schedule.

"Section 2 established tasks are completed."

He stood and began to pack.

Textbooks, notebooks, collections of practice questions, stationery.

He methodically placed what he needed for school into his backpack, then turned to the kitchen and thoughtfully said,

"I'm sorry for making you work so hard because of me. You don't need to prepare breakfast or lunch boxes tomorrow. The school has a cafeteria, so please don't overexert yourself…"

He was cut off before he could finish.

"That won't do."

Sayu's voice was gentle but firm as she emerged from the kitchen, holding a bento box wrapped in black flannel.

"Here, your bento~"

Her prolonged words sounded endearing, much like her.

"Eat well."

Sayu advised, hands behind her back, smiling at Kato Yusuke.

"Understood."

Kato Yusuke nodded, placed the lunch box in his backpack, then picked it up and walked towards the entryway, with Sayu following.

"By the way, I received last month's paycheck yesterday."

Kato Yusuke mentioned while changing his shoes.

"Hmm?"

Sayu looked at him, puzzled by the sudden topic.

But the explanation was forthcoming.

Kato Yusuke stood up, tapped his leather shoes lightly on the ground, and casually said,

"...The envelope on the table contains the 30,000 yen I withdrew yesterday. Please put it away."

After he spoke, he paused, then continued without waiting for a response.

"This money is for you to use for daily ingredients, since I'll probably be busy until next month and might not have time to manage this."

"You can use the remainder as pocket money."

'I initially wanted to give it as pocket money, but she would definitely refuse, so I'll start with this approach.'

Kato Yusuke thought to himself.

Indeed—

"What…"

Sayu's expression showed bewilderment.

"No need, I'll manage the ingredients, even if it means using it as pocket money."

She waved her hands dismissively.

Kato Yusuke sighed internally.

"But you don't have any money, do you? It's hard living in such an empty home without any entertainment every day, isn't it?"

"It's enough that you let me stay here."

Sayu responded graciously.

"Is that so." Kato Yusuke pondered for a moment, then suggested, "Then save the change, and we can go out to eat once in a while."

"Eh?"

Sayu paused, looking at Kato Yusuke, a mix of excitement and apprehension in her voice.

"Is that alright…?"

It carried a hint of thrill yet was tinged with uncertainty, a novel sensation.

Kato Yusuke couldn't help but chuckle, his smile broadening.

"Is it alright? You're obviously happy."

His tone was playfully sarcastic.

Sayu's cheeks flushed, she pursed her lips and replied a bit awkwardly.

"If Kato thinks it's okay…"

She didn't wait for his response, instead, she gently pushed Kato Yusuke while urging him with her lips.

"Come on, hurry up, or you'll be late for school."

She then pushed him out the door.

Though April's air was warming, mornings were still brisk.

A chilly breeze made Kato Yusuke shiver as he stood outside the door.

He tightened his collar, raised his hand, and knocked on the door.

"What—?"

Sayu's voice came from the other side, yet she didn't open the door.

'This is my home, right?'

Kato Yusuke mused silently but patiently added,

"...Just remember to be safe when you

 go out, and..."

He paused.

"I'm off."

Then he descended the apartment stairs, his footsteps echoing into the distance.

Behind the door.

Sayu, leaning against it, slowly slid down, a relieved smile tugging at her lips. She clasped her hands over her chest and called out softly,

"Take care on the road…"

...

School.

After a morning of diligent study, it was finally lunch break.

Students exited the classroom in groups, heading to the cafeteria or snack bar to grab lunch.

However, many opted to stay and eat their bentos in the classroom, and Kato Yusuke was among them.

"...I don't like natto."

This was his first comment upon opening his bento box.

"If that's the case, let me help you with that. In return, just give me two, no, one piece of fried chicken!"

"Ah—! I want in on that too!"

The scene was familiar: the same old jokes, the same old flavors, and... the same old comedic duo.

Yamaguchi Takashi and Takei Ichiro.

They both grinned, eyeing the food in front of Kato Yusuke—fried chicken + rice ball + sautéed vegetable bento.

Armed with chopsticks that appeared from nowhere, they inched closer to Kato Yusuke's lunch box.

But he skillfully dodged.

Kato Yusuke secured his bento with one hand, regarded Yamaguchi and Takei thoughtfully, and asked,

"...you want to eat?"

They nodded frantically, their eyes filled with a ravenous hunger.

"Really…"

Kato Yusuke nodded, set the lunch box on the table, took a deep breath, and declared firmly,

"But I refuse!"

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