Threshold of palm

Xue also took him to the hospital for examination, but fortunately his abdomen was only injured.The thought of them punching and kicking to make him a male prostitute makes him feel complicated, but Zhongshan is merciful anyway.

Since it was an abdominal injury, just a little movement would cause severe pain, and the fever may continue for a few days.

"Thank you. Let's go."

Walking out of the examination room, Shuma was taken aback when he saw Xue waiting for him as a matter of course.I thought he had gone back a long time ago, but now he was surrounded by patients and visitors who were attracted by his beauty.Rescuing the traitor from the underworld and sending him to the hospital is already too cordial.

"...Snow...Tsubaki, why are you still here?"

"Just call me Yuki...you can't even stand upright with this body, you probably won't be able to go home, so I'll just wait for you"

Xue also easily allowed to use the old name, took the jacket and handbag from the stunned Shuma, and walked like a guard.The gathered people, just nodding because of Yukiya's smile, moved to the side in a commotion to make way.

As a person who knew that Xue also passed, I was really shocked one after another.Be it the taxi driver just now or now, Xue is also familiar with the power of her beauty and has already used it freely. ...Obviously in the past, he was only kind to Shuma, and only smiled at Shuma...

After finishing the settlement in an unhappy manner, until he walked to the taxi stand of the hospital, he was cared by Xue Ye kindly.As soon as she encountered steps or stairs, Xue immediately supported the horses until she reached the elevator entrance.

The patients in the elevator stared at the kind and beautiful Xue Ye in a trance, while Shuma beside him was fidgeting in embarrassment.She didn't know what Xue was thinking at all.Even if it is true as Otsuka said, the current Xue is a noble and righteous lawyer, but it is impossible to completely forget what Suma did.

In this case, he must have saved the traitor in the past to satisfy his sense of superiority... Or did he really forget to count the horses?This possibility is relatively high.Compared with Yuki's current success, is Shuma just a tiny existence...

Obviously, it would be better to think so, but the anxiety in my heart is getting stronger and stronger.I want to leave Xue Ye quickly, I want to be alone.

"...Today is really troublesome for you"

Wanting to go home quickly, Shu Ma just thanked him casually and got into the taxi.However, Yuki, who quickly sneaked into the seat next to him, told the driver the address ahead of several horses.

"Please open to Toranomon"

"Uh, hello...!"

Suuma's home is not in Toranomon, and Yuki has no reason to go with her.He wanted to correct it in a panic, but at the same time he felt a sharp pain in his body and abdomen, and Shuma let out a silent scream and fell on the chair.

By the time the pain finally calmed down, the taxi had already driven onto the highway, and it was impossible to say that the address would be changed.

"...Counting horses, are you alright?"

Faced with Xue Ye's concern, Suma just whispered.

"Why... you came here together... and you said to go to Toranomon, I don't understand at all..."

"I can't let it go in this state. I also want to ask you about those men just now. My house is in Toranomon."

"Your, home...?"

Counting horses is becoming more and more incomprehensible.If you just want to ask questions, there is no need to bring yourself home.Considering what Shuma had done in Xueye's apartment before, it was even more wrong to do so.

Xue also narrowed her jet-black eyes.It looks like it's both smiling and blaming itself.Incredible expression.

"I should have sent you home...but you don't want me to know your address, do you?"

"……Well……"

It was as if the heart was tightly grasped by cold hands. ... Xue also did not forget what Suma did.

Do you want to ask for clarification?What is he thinking. ... Do you still hate counting horses now?

However, if he really said that he still hated himself, what about counting horses?

Apologize?It's all over now.He will definitely blame himself for knowing why he did it.So, do it all over again? ……no.Even if the purpose is unknown, it is really impossible to be so shameless to someone who saves himself from a difficult situation.

While worrying, the taxi arrived at the destination.There is a brand new mansion near the subway.There is always a receptionist at the door to help take care of daily life.Snow also explained that since the president of the law firm is the boss, she rented it out to herself very cheaply.Having said that, the high amount is still not affordable for ordinary office workers.

"Come on"

Yukiya's room is located on the 43rd floor. 2LDK, the overall spacious room is as big as an ordinary family apartment.Living alone seems too big.Is it because you want to bring your lover here?

"You sit there. I'll get you a drink"

Through the living room, the snow also disappears into the kitchen.Shuma leaned on the soft and comfortable sofa and looked around the entire room.

The interior, like the model room, is kept spotless, not to mention the shadows of other people, even the breath of life that Xue lives here cannot be felt.It was far from the old apartment where Shuma frequently set foot.Although it was so tidy that it was impossible to tell that there was only one man living there, the apartment always smelled of Yukiya, and he kept teasing and counting horses.

Since I'm so busy that I seldom go home, I probably don't have time to fall in love.So Yuki also now... no, it should be said how she comforted her lewd body after breaking up with Susuma.

"...Is there anything interesting?"

Hearing the crisp sound of ceramics colliding, he turned around and saw Xue also put the cups for two on the table.Shuma tried to sit up straight in a panic, but there was a sharp pain in his abdomen, and he immediately bent his back.

"Well……"

"Counting horses...!"

Xue also turned red, and found cushions everywhere, and stuffed them between the horses and the sofa.Shuma took this opportunity to slowly correct his posture, and no longer felt the pain in his abdomen.

"Sorry, counting horses. It's my fault for scaring you"

"No...it's not your fault"

Bexue also felt ashamed as soon as she apologized.I have to wonder whether his guilt-ridden, worried look is genuine or just a disguise.

Susuma looked away from Yukiya's face, and picked up the teacup prepared for him.After inadvertently taking a sip, he blinked in surprise.The black tea, characterized by its refreshing and sweet fruit flavor, is the French brand that Suuma has been drinking since he was a child.

Influenced by his mother who was keen on drinking black tea, his hometown was equipped with a wide variety of tea, and Shuma became familiar with it naturally.After becoming a social person, he also equips several types of tea in his apartment.

There are very few shops in Japan that sell this kind of black tea. It is so difficult to get it, but it is a pity that he can buy it.I didn't expect to be able to drink my favorite black tea by such a coincidence. However, this optimism was quickly sunk.

...This is not a coincidence.

During the time when I was having fun with Xueye every day, Xueye's house only had green tea, so Shuma brought several kinds of tea.Remember that this black tea is also included.Xue also quickly memorized the method of making black tea, and often prepared it for Shuma.

The black tea, which was originally at a suitable temperature, turned into cold ice cubes and slipped into Shu Ma's throat.

"What's wrong? Counting horses. Ah, is it too hot?"

After apologizing again, Xue also came over with a glass of cold water.

This time I couldn't look away.From Xue's beauty, which also added a sense of coldness, he could not see his inner thoughts at all.

"...It's okay. It tastes better than expected, so I was surprised."

"Really? I'm glad you said that.  …It's my favorite brand too"

Xue also smiled and wanted to refill the cup for Shuma, but Shuma refused.I can't drink anything now.

His mind is full of things about Xue Ye.Just like they were relentlessly greedy for each other back then.

"...Then, let's get to the point."

Xue also took a sip of black tea, and changed into a lawyer's expression.

"What happened to those men just now? Although I have grasped the general situation from that document, I hope that you, the person involved, can tell me personally."

"That is……"

Shuma hesitated for a while, but finally decided to tell the whole story.Anyway, he knew almost everything, and he was also involved in that incident. Xue also had the right to know the truth.

"It all started two months ago. Do you remember your classmate Shinozawa?"

"Yeah. I'm in the same tennis club as Suzuma, so we have a good relationship."

"Yes. He seems to be desperate. He came to my house and knelt down and begged me to lend him 150 million."

Shinozawa, who was driving a car on a day off, accidentally hit a car parked on the side of the road.Shinozawa bears 100% fault.

The owner of the car proposed privately and demanded compensation of 150 million.If you pay well, you will not be pursued, otherwise you will go to court.

If it is 150 million, the savings so far can still be paid.After worrying, Shuma lent him without interest or guarantee, this is also considering that Xiaozawa will get married in the near future.

Shinozawa once introduced his girlfriend to him.His girlfriend's father was very strict, and only agreed to their marriage after Xiaozawa came to ask many times.If there is a lawsuit, it may not be possible to get married.Even if it's because of his own responsibility, Shinozawa doesn't want to see his girlfriend cry.

"Thank you, thank you for counting the horses.I will never forget your kindness... I will definitely repay you when I have money.』

Xiaozawa kept bowing his head like kneeling down to count horses, and then went back.The next day, Shuma transferred 150 million to Xiaozawa's account, but it did not usher in a happy ending.

A few days after the transfer, the mobile phone suddenly received an unfamiliar number.The other party claimed to be Nakayama from the Okudera group, and informed Suma of the shocking facts.

What Shinozawa hit was the car of an executive of the well-known nearby underworld, the Okudera-Gumi.Shinozawa did not pay the 150 million that Suuma lent to the Okukeragumi, and hid after leaving a note that "the compensation will be paid by my friend Haruna Susuma instead."Moreover, Shinozawa did not report the accident to the police at that time, but instead wrote down a written statement of full responsibility after the accident happened.

Susuma called Xiaozawa in a panic, but Xiaozawa's phone has been terminated and cannot be used, and the room has become vacant.According to the people next door, he moved out the day after counting horses and turning 150 million.

At this moment, Shuma finally understood—had to understand.I was deceived by Shinozawa.

The compensation amount informed by Zhongshan is 300 million.It was twice the amount that Shinozawa said.Xiaozawa didn't dare to accept the intimidating transaction of the underworld, and fled with a few horses of money.He also thoughtfully made Shuma a scapegoat.

Of course, Susuma never promised to repay Xiaozawa's debt.

He repeatedly advocated that if he wanted money, he should go to Xiaozawa, but the underworld did not accept it at all.The cadre who is the owner of the car is Zhongshan's eldest brother, so Zhongshan stubbornly chased several horses several times to demand compensation.Finally caught up with the company.

Zhongshan left soon, but because his colleagues called the police, unfounded rumors such as Suma borrowing money from the underworld and shooting women from the underworld spread in the company.

In the end, the personnel called Shuma for questioning.Thanks to the protection of the immediate superior, the personnel finally believed Suma's rhetoric, but he could no longer keep Suma in the sales department, which is the face of the company, and was transferred to the General Affairs Department.I'm afraid he is waiting for Shuma to resign voluntarily.Colleagues who had been happy with each other before, all turned their faces and refused to recognize anyone.

The police are totally unreliable.There was no news from Shinozawa.In the company, colleagues will point and point at the back.If he went outside, he was worried that the Okuji-gumi would come to collect the debt.In the days when the heart could not relax, Shuma remembered.There is a matter of holding a high school reunion.

"...I thought that I might be able to find out where Shinozawa is from someone else, so I participated, and ended up in this situation."

"Is that so...it's hard for you"

Even casual comforting words, as long as they are woven by Yuki's red lips, will become a beautiful piece of music that can soothe a wounded heart.

Those who talked to Yukino must have been healed by him just like Suma now.

"When one of the parties in the accident is a violent group, most of them are forced to admit their fault unilaterally without calling the police. Maybe Shinozawa was also taken to an office or something in the confusion and forced to write Let's write down the evidence. When you come back to your senses, the scene of the accident has been cleaned up, and you can't discuss it with the police. That's why Xiaozawa was desperate and deceived several horses... However, no matter what the reason is, this is not allowed pardon

The jet-black eyes that were burning with anger captured Suma's soul.

Why get angry for the horse.Is it because you listen to yourself like a family member?This kind of thing is fine no matter what.I want to keep staring into those eyes.In the case of the injustice of an idiot that Xue also became famous for, the prosecutor must have felt the same way as Shuma.

But it was only for a moment to think so.

"As I said just now, Suma has no legal obligation to pay compensation for Xiaozawa. It is obviously illegal to go to the company to collect debts. Of course, what Xiaozawa did to you is an illegal act. You can claim damages against the company Inappropriate treatment, you can also ask for improvement.”

"...I also know about this kind of thing"

However, no matter how feasible it is legally, it does not mean that it can be realized in reality.

All the right words are useless to Zhongshan.Even if he wanted to claim damages against Shinozawa, there was nothing he could do if he didn't even know his address.Assuming that Zhongshan really gave up, the bad image caused by this incident cannot be wiped away overnight.Even if the request for improvement is agreed, the company and colleagues will never forget the dispute caused by counting horses.

Nothing goes as it should.No one will believe in themselves.

"But, I can't do anything. What you said is just on paper...!"

The accumulated anger finally erupted.

Although she knew that Xue also had no responsibilities, but she just couldn't stop.Unable to contain the radiance of anger.Colleagues who are alienated from him, and Morita's idiot appearance who is easily attracted by Yukiya despite being close to several horses, come to mind one by one.

... what a born winner!

"You guys are telling me what to do!...Are you going to pay off debts instead of Shinozawa, and honestly be food for the underworld!?"

"...counting horses"

"Why do I have to suffer like this... I, did I do something wrong...!... Cough, cough, cough"

His abdomen ached sharply from the impact of the loud shout.

Unable to bear the unbearable pain, Suma hugged his abdomen and coughed continuously.Cough causes pain, pain causes cough, vicious cycle.

"Cough cough..., um, ha..."

After being freed from the cough and pain, Suma regained his senses, and a strong sense of self-loathing came over him.

—It was so ugly.

Just panicking and yelling like a child is enough to be ashamed, let alone the other party is Xueya.No matter what the purpose is for him to extend a helping hand to himself, if he is treated like this as a punching bag, even a just lawyer will not want to help himself again.

However, it might as well be so.If he was tired of himself and let it go, he would no longer have to peek into Yukiya's heart in fear, suffering from the phantom of the past.

"Counting horses... so pitiful..."

Therefore, Suma didn't understand what it was that comforted him.

The familiar smell of Yuki filled his nostrils.What touches the cheeks is the high-quality shirting material.

... Xueya stood up, and gently hugged the head of the horse.At the moment of understanding, comfort and peace of mind emerged before doubts, and Shuma was confused.

"You've been working hard. But you're fine now. You don't have to worry about anything."

"……Why?"

"Because I will save you"

With a smile on his face, he gently stroked the back of the horse.Those hands were much bigger than I remembered.

Not only the hands, but also the tight chest and tightly hugging hands are much stronger than before.Yuki is also wearing clothes now, and if she takes off her shirt, the skin she reveals should be tighter.Maybe it's hard to push him down like before.

"I will eliminate all the factors that make Suma suffer. Our firm has handled several cases of violent groups, and I have experience. In the future, if Zhongshan tells you anything again, you can treat me as a window to talk to The president and seniors can ask for help from the Metropolitan Police Department. If you ask a credit bureau with friendship, you may be able to get news from Shinozawa. The company of Suma is also the same. As long as I explain it in the past, I believe it can change to some extent. attitude

"Maybe...that's right."

If the well-known justice lawyer Xue also went to the company to explain Shuma's injustice, the HR department would have to listen.Colleagues' attitudes may also change as a result.

However, well-known lawyers like Xue Ye are often full of schedules, and they don't have the money to pay high lawyers' remuneration.More importantly - I am not qualified to accept Xue Ye's help.

Through this incident, I realized it for the first time.How painful it is to be betrayed by someone you trust.If Shuma stood in Xueye's position, he would never lend a helping hand.No matter how much the other party pleads, they will be indifferent.

It had been less than a few hours since the farewell, and what was certain was that Xue hadn't completely forgotten the past.He should still have resentment towards himself, and he couldn't figure out what he was thinking.Generally speaking, you would not seek help from such a person.

Shuma originally planned to flatly refuse and return to his home.

"Also...although he left without hesitation at that time, that man named Nakayama might still be lurking near Suma's house."

Before Shuma could speak, Xue pointed out the terrible thing.

"Why... why do you think so?"

"It's always been in the harassment stage. Today's sudden violent behavior is puzzling. If Susuma escapes, the police will have to take action. So today it should be a last resort, so I would rather take the risk. To make Suma pay compensation... do you have any idea?"

"……what……"

——If Mr. Haruna doesn't hand over the compensation, I will be reprimanded by my elder brother.

After Shuma told Xueye what he remembered, Xueye's face darkened.

"...It seems that the upper echelons of the organization are pressing hard. Originally, I lost face because I let Shinozawa, who is an ordinary person, escape, but I definitely don't want Suuma to escape this time. Waiting for Suuma alone It is very likely that I will contact you again.”

"How come..., um..."

The abdomen that had been treated by the doctor started to ache again, and along with the pain, the memory of the violent behavior was revived.If he met Zhongshan, he would be beaten again, and this time he would definitely be brought into their organization.It is impossible to be lucky enough to be rescued by Xueya every time.

Snow is also like a mother, gently stroking the trembling back of several horses.

"I'm sorry to scare you.... But, you don't have to worry about anything. The safety facilities here are complete, and they will never come after you....As long as you stay here, counting horses is safe."

"...Stay...here...?"

...Then, what will happen if you leave here...?

There was a stabbing pain in the abdomen and head, and for some reason, the head became dizzy, and I felt sleepy.Is it a side effect of the analgesic I drank in the hospital?

The more he thought about absolutely not being able to sleep, the more rapidly his consciousness became blurred, and eventually he became insensitive even to blink.If it weren't for the support of Snow, I'm afraid he would have fallen asleep long ago.

"But... I... I..."

He is not eligible to live here, nor is he eligible to accept Xue Ye's help.

Before saying this, Suuma's consciousness fell into a deep sleep.

When he regained consciousness, Suma was in the dark.

...Where is this place?What's the time now?Are you asleep?

In the confusion, he blinked several times, and his eyes accustomed to darkness looked at the surrounding scene blankly.This place, wider than the single room Suma lived in, seemed to be a dormitory, but its layout was different from ordinary dormitories.Ceiling-high bookshelves line the walls of the room, enclosing a double bed where several horses sleep.

Operate the small remote control next to the pillow, and the ceiling lamp is turned on, illuminating the entire room.The books on the bookshelf were puzzling books such as legal books and the complete collection of judicial precedents, and none of them were easy to read, so they were not suitable for bedtime reading at all.

There, there was a book that Shuma had seen.

"……Well……"

Just as he was about to get up, his abdomen ached sharply, and Shuma collapsed weakly on the bed.

At this moment, the bedroom door was slowly opened.

"...Counting horses, are you alright?"

Fortunately, Youxue also came over to caress her back, and the pain stopped after a while.When he raised his head to express his thanks, Shu Ma stiffened all over.Xue also wore white silk pajama pants, with only a nightgown on top.

I just got out of the shower.The glossy black hair was slightly damp, and the slightly reddish skin could be seen from the seam of the bathrobe.Wearing a neat three-piece suit during the day, the hidden color and fragrance are now leaking out.

The muscles are just right, and even the flesh is full of the arrogance of a successful person, which is very different from the previous appearance of being slaughtered by others.Facing Xueya today, a man with that kind of intention no longer pushes him down and ravages him, but prostrates himself at the smooth feet of Bai Zhitoe, begging for a finger so that I can touch him.As a result, even if you are trampled under your feet and insulted to death, you will be quite happy.

"Your face is very red... it's better not to get up yet."

"Ah..., ah..."

Suuma obediently obeyed Xue Ye's words, and got into bed again.Thinking in his heart that he was saved, he breathed out.If he continued to smell the snow, he would smell like a bath, and his buttocks would become stiff.

Xue also pulled the desk chair to the bed and sat down.

"Sorry to leave you alone. I thought you wouldn't wake up tonight because you looked tired."

"So, I was getting more and more sleepy when I was talking to you... After that, did I really fall asleep...?"

"Yeah. You didn't respond no matter how I called, so I carried you to the bed. It's twelve o'clock at night."

"so late……?"

It should be two o'clock in the afternoon when I left the hospital.Immediately after that, she was taken to Xueye's apartment, where she probably slept for at least eight hours.

"I... have to go back..."

Shuma lifted the quilt that had just been covered, and pretended to get up.Tomorrow...To be precise, today is Monday, and I have to go to work.Weird rumors alone are embarrassing enough not to want unexcused absences.

However, Xue also stopped Shuma who wanted to get out of bed.

"No, count the horses. Maybe you didn't notice, but you're running a fever right now. When the fever subsides and the injury you suffered during the day recovers... at least you have to rest for a week."

"...This kind of thing..."

Of course it's impossible—but I couldn't say that.The wet black eyes are now looking directly at the horses with unprecedented intensity.

"Even if it's hard, I'll let you rest"

"Varied……"

"Why do you think you slept for so long? It's not just because of the injury. It's because of being tortured by Zhongshan for the past two months. It's not a joke to go to work in this state....and..."

Xue also took out the mobile phone from the pocket of her nightgown, operated it and handed it to Shuma.Shu Ma couldn't help but let go of his hand.The mobile phone screen displayed a photo of Zhongshan ambushing in the Shuma apartment.

"This..., what's going on..."

"After you fell asleep, I asked the credit bureau I mentioned earlier to come to your house for confirmation. Your address is written on that slip."

After reading it clearly, Xue memorized all the contents of that messy note.But now Shuma has no room to lament Xueye's excellent mind.

A chill that had nothing to do with fever hit the whole body.What Snow also said was correct.If he returned to his residence instead of sleeping here, he would be caught by Zhongshan now...

"You understand? It's very dangerous to go back now. Hide until the situation calms down, and then go to work from here after a while. During this period, I will negotiate with the Okudera group and let them stop illegally urging you. "

"……Why are you……"

Facing the awe-inspiring voice, Shuma put aside his hesitation and fear, and couldn't help but want to find out.Why do this step.Don't you hate counting horses?

"What? Counting horses"

"...No, nothing"

However, Susuma finally swallowed the words stuck in his throat under the gaze of compassionate black eyes.

Although I also know that I am too willful... But I don't want to lose.No matter what the purpose of this is, there is still a man who is thinking about counting horses.This beautiful flower that let go of itself a long time ago.Maybe one day I will be convicted, but before that day comes, I want to stay in this gentle village.

As if hearing Suma's inner thoughts, Xue also covered the biased quilt again, and caressed gently.He had obviously slept for so long, but as soon as he was enveloped in this warmth, he wanted to fall asleep again in a daze.

"Okay, go to sleep. It's not too late to contact the company tomorrow morning. I'll explain the situation to them too."

"It's like... a parent of a child... Would a righteous lawyer do this to a client?"

"Pfft... what is a lawyer of justice?"

Facing Yukiya's beautiful face with just a slight smirk, after Susuma briefly talked about the information provided by Otsuka, Yuki also frowned in confusion.This is another face so beautiful that it can instantly dispel drowsiness, making it intimidating.

"I didn't do anything special. Since the client asserts his innocence, it's only natural for the lawyer to believe in the other party and take action. It's just that the people around him are making a fuss. ...But"

There was a sweet look in the dark eyes.Facing the several horses who were fascinated, Xue also leaned over and whispered.

"Because counting horses is, special..."

"special……"

...Do you mean that you particularly hate it?Or is it the same as before...?

Indulging in delusions of benefit to himself, Shuma seemed to have fallen asleep again.The warm sun was shining on her cheeks, and when she woke up, the sky outside the lace curtains was completely bright.

"Wow... what time is it now?"

Protecting the still painful abdomen, he straightened his body, checked the clock on the bedside, and breathed a sigh of relief.six o'clock in the morning.There is still enough time to ask for leave from the company.

A change of pajamas and unopened new underwear were neatly stacked beside the pillow.The pajamas were full of sweat after a good night's sleep, which helped a lot.

I was grateful for Shuma's thoughtfulness, and when I was about to change out of my sweaty pajamas, I suddenly came back to my senses.I didn't notice it last night. Since Shuma had no impression of this, the person who helped take off the suit and put on the current pajamas was Xueye.

What kind of mood did Snow take off her clothes?Facing the body of Susuma who has been thoroughly touched, is there any desire to ignite it?Just like counting horses last night...

"...No, no, what am I thinking?"

The body that had just woken up began to respond, and Susuma tried his best to shake off the body of Yukina out of the bath that came to mind, and put on new underwear and pajamas.Feeling the urge to urinate, when he walked out of the dormitory and wanted to find the toilet, his eyes stayed on a book in the corner of the bookshelf.

"As expected, that's the case..."

The book that was gently pulled out was the graduation anthology of the high school Suma attended.I also saw this book last night, and I found it incredible, why is it in such a place.

Although Suma also had this book, it was disposed of when it moved to the vicinity of the company.Is it not uncommon for men to keep their graduation essays somewhere within reach at all times?However, the cover of the anthology is black everywhere, it must be read frequently.

In high school, the only person who had close contact with Yuki was Shuma.In other words, snow also counts horses—?

Trembling hands began to flip through, Shuma hurriedly put the anthology back to its original place.What are you doing?Although I understand this, I just can't help but want to find it.Xue also might not hate Shuma's evidence that could give a ray of hope.Want to find that little piece.

Fortunately, the toilet is at the front between the bedroom and the corridor.After finishing the solution, Shuma was attracted by the fragrance wafting over, and walked unsteadily towards the living room.I hardly ate anything at the class reunion, and my stomach was already flattened by hunger.

"Ah, counting horses. Good morning. You're already up? Why don't you sleep a little longer?"

Xue who was standing in the kitchen also turned around immediately.The source of the appetizing aroma is sizzling bacon frying in a pan.On the side plate, there was fried omelet rice in a beautiful shape.

"...Good morning. You woke up so early."

"I get up at this time every day. Does counting horses have an appetite?"

"Ah. Actually, I was attracted by the smell after going to the bathroom."

"Great. Then, let's have breakfast together. The number of horses will be ready soon, so sit there."

Xue also smiled happily, and asked Shuma to take her place at the dining table.Tentatively, she offered to help, but Xue also said that Shuma didn't need to do anything, and she was treated as a guest after completion.

While staring blankly in the dining room where Asahi was shining, Xue also got busy in the kitchen, finishing breakfast for two in less than 10 minutes.

Soft-cooked almond eggs and crispy bacon, topped with a generous amount of raw wild greens in a vinaigrette that looks handmade.The carrot soup was cooked and stored by Yuki, while the rosemary-infused bread was just taken out of the bread machine.The drink was the same as last night, black tea with a fruity aroma in a teapot.The cup was already warm as a matter of course.

"Although it's very casual, please don't be polite"

Xue is too humble. If these breakfasts that took a lot of effort to make are still called casual, then all the girls in the world will feel ashamed.Suuma's girlfriend who used to be interested in cooking can only do simpler things.

"Thank you... I'm starting"

Until yesterday, I never thought that there would be a day when I would be able to have dinner with Yukino face to face again.

In an unbelievable mood, I ate a breakfast that tasted comparable to a first-class restaurant. Because I was hungry, I ate it all in a while.

"Are these enough? There are still some dishes, do you want to make more?"

Satisfied looking at the empty dishes, Xue also tilted her head.It seems to be coffee pie in the morning, and Yukiya has coffee in his cup.Early in the morning, I deliberately grind the beans with a manual grinder and soak them in the amount of a cup.

After asking, I found out that the herbs boiled into bread or used in cooking are all picked from the vegetable garden on the balcony.He has always been an obsessive character, but this tendency seems to be getting stronger and stronger after becoming an adult.

"No, that's enough. Thank you for the hospitality."

"The reception is not good enough...hehe"

Not knowing what's so funny, Xue also poured black tea into Suma's empty cup when she was in a daze.The familiar fruit aroma is stronger than the previous one.

"I think you are still the same as before. When eating, you will say "I'm starting" and "Thank you for the hospitality". You have become so handsome."

"...If you want to say something, you should be the one."

In order to hide his blushing face after being praised, he gulped down the black tea he poured just now.Even though he has been praised countless times for being handsome so far, why does his heart beat faster when he hears it from Yukiya.

"Me? I haven't changed much, have I?"

"It's changed. I'm stronger than in high school, and I'm taller. Yesterday, the girls all changed their eyes and made a fuss. Did you play any sports when you were in college?"

"...Ahh"

Snow also immediately laughed as if remembering something.Childlike smile.

"There is a senior in the seminar of the Faculty of Law, who runs a law firm in his hometown. Lawyers are high-intensity physical labor, and such a thin body can't do it! Said