The Tsubakihara household was a welcome change of pace from the chaotic energy of the karaoke room. The three women who greeted him at the door all shared the same long, flowing gold hair, cascading down their backs like rivers of sunlight. They were nearly identical in appearance—same delicate features, same slender figures—but each had her own distinctive personality that set her apart. They were the heroines of Master Piece: The Animation, and each was unforgettable in her own way.
Mira, the mother, stood at the forefront with a quiet, mature grace that came from years of experience. Her gold hair was slightly longer than her daughters', falling past her waist, and a small beauty mark sat just below her lower lip—a subtle, elegant detail that added to her allure. She was warm and nurturing, the kind of woman who naturally drew people to her with her gentle smile. Her eyes held a wisdom that only a mother could possess, and she radiated a calm, soothing presence.
"Xiaoxiao," Mira said, her voice like warm honey. "We were just about to start dinner. You're right on time."
"Perfect timing as always," Nina added, her voice bright and energetic. She was the outgoing, talented one, always full of life and enthusiasm. Her gold hair was pulled back in a practical ponytail, and she adjusted her glasses—the silver frames perched on her nose—with a playful grin. She was the heart of the family, the one who kept everyone laughing with her mischievous humor and infectious energy. "It's like he has a sixth sense for food. Or maybe he just knows when to show up for a free meal!"
"Don't be rude, Nina," a soft voice chided gently. Yuna, the shy and reserved daughter, stood slightly behind her mother and sister. Her gold hair was loose and flowing, cascading down her back in soft waves. She was quieter than Nina, more introverted, with a gentle demeanor that made her seem almost fragile. Her cheeks were already pink with embarrassment at her sister's bluntness. "He's our guest."
"Relax, Yuna," Nina said, rolling her eyes behind her glasses. "He knows I'm joking. Right, Xiaoxiao?"
After what had happened before, the always allies had become rivals and would bicker from time to time.
"I brought groceries," he said, holding up a bag. "Thought we could make something together."
"Oh!" Yuna's eyes lit up with quiet excitement, her shyness momentarily forgotten. "We were just talking about making okonomiyaki. Nina's been craving it all week."
"Lies," Nina said immediately, pushing her glasses up her nose. "Yuna's been craving it. I'm just the one who knows how to cook it properly."
"You both know how to cook it!"
"Yes, but mine is better."
"Your last one was burnt!"
"It was crispy. There's a difference!"
The bickering was familiar, comfortable, and he let himself be swept along into the kitchen. The next hour was spent in a whirlwind of flour, eggs, cabbage, and laughter. Mira worked with quiet efficiency, her movements smooth and practiced—a mother's touch that made everything look effortless. Nina was a whirlwind of activity, adding wild toppings and constantly tasting the batter, her glasses slipping down her nose as she moved. Yuna, by contrast, was meticulous and careful, measuring ingredients with precision and occasionally sneaking shy glances at him that he always caught and returned with a teasing smile. Her cheeks would flush, and she would quickly look away, but a small smile would linger on her lips.
"Xiaoxiao," Yuna said softly as she chopped vegetables beside him. Her voice was barely above a whisper, and she kept her eyes on the cutting board. "Thank you for coming today. I... I was looking forward to it."
"I was looking forward to it too," he replied, his voice gentle. "I always look forward to seeing you."
Her blush deepened, but the smile on her face grew. She was shy, reserved, and it took time for her to open up—but once she did, her warmth was genuine and sweet.
"Hey, you two," Nina called from across the kitchen, pointing her spatula at them. "No flirting while I'm cooking! It's distracting!"
"Nina!" Yuna squeaked, her face turning crimson. "We weren't—I wasn't—"
"Sure you weren't." Nina rolled her eyes, pushing her glasses up. "That's why you're blushing like a tomato."
"I am NOT!"
"You totally are!"
Mira watched her daughters with fond amusement, shaking her head gently. "Nina, leave your sister alone. Let her have her moment."
"Mom! Whose side are you on?"
"The side of peace. Now stop burning the okonomiyaki."
"IT'S CRISPY!"
After dinner, they settled in the living room to watch a movie. Mira curled up on his left, her mature warmth radiating against him. Nina sprawled across his lap with her glasses askew, still chattering about the meal. And Yuna tucked herself against his right side, shy and hesitant at first, but gradually relaxing into the intimacy of the moment. It was a warm, domestic scene that felt more like family than harem.
"Xiaoxiao," Mira said during a quiet moment, her hand finding his. "We're glad you came today. The house always feels livelier when you're here."
Her adopted son couldn't stand it anymore and decided to live alone—Mira couldn't stop him, so she rented him an apartment. Now, apart from her asking how he is from time to time, he was gone from their life.
"I'm always happy to be here," he replied, squeezing her hand.
Nina snorted, adjusting her glasses. "He means he's happy to be surrounded by beautiful women."
"You want to be punished, hmm, Nina?"
"Hmph. I'm not, and you won't do anything to me even if you do."
Nina jabbed him in the ribs but as she moved to throw another, Mu Xiaoxiao held her in his arms and kissed her. Yuna poked his waist with a pout, so he also kissed her. Mira shook her head with maternal fondness, her beauty mark catching the light.
When the movie ended, the daughters prepared to head to bed. Nina stretched dramatically, her glasses slipping once more. "Alright, I'm exhausted. All that cooking and kissing exhausted me greatly."
"It was because you didn't breathe!" Yuna acted like an expert.
"Yeah yeah goodnight, General Yuna!"
"You're impossible!"
Yuna lingered for a moment, her shy gaze meeting his. "Goodnight, Xiaoxiao," she said softly. "Thank you for today. It was... it was really nice."
"Goodnight, Yuna. Sleep well."
She blushed, nodded quickly, and hurried after her sister. He watched them go, their gold hair swaying behind them, before turning to Mira.
When the house was quiet and the daughters were asleep, he lingered with her. The mother-daughter dynamic was unique in his harem, and he cherished the intimacy he shared with all three of them—the quiet warmth of Yuna, the vibrant energy of Nina, and the mature grace of Mira.
"Is everything okay?" he asked softly.
Mira nodded, then shook her head, then nodded again. Her gold hair shimmered in the dim light, and her beauty mark caught his eye once more. "I... I just missed you. That's all."
"Missed me?" He tilted her chin up gently, making her meet his eyes. The mole below her lip seemed to beckon him. "I'm right here."
"I know." Her voice was barely a whisper. "You rarely visit us and we don't have much time to think about anything else, and I didn't realize how much I needed this until you arrived."
He pulled her into a gentle hug, and she melted against him. "I'll always be here when you need me, Mira. Just call if you need me, okay?"
"Promise?"
"Promise."
They kissed softly, and he felt the tension drain from her body. For a few blissful moments, there was nothing else—just the warmth of her lips, the softness of her gold hair, the quiet intimacy of the moment. Her beauty mark aroused him more than it was supposed to. Mu Xiaoxiao was given an attack speed buff.
"Drought flower?" she asked shyly, referencing his private term for her loneliness.
"Consider it watered," he said, and she laughed—a bright, genuine sound that made his heart swell. He knew that later, when her daughters were asleep, he would nourish her more thoroughly, ensuring the drought flower of her lonely heart was fully satisfied. As the mother of the family, she carried the weight of responsibility, and he made sure she never felt burdened alone.