"Hayashi-kun, thank you so much!"
Ikenami Shizuka's cheeks flushed with excitement as she threw her arms around Hayashi Shuichi in a sudden hug.
Caught off guard, his hands hovered awkwardly in mid-air, unsure where to land.
He could clearly smell the faint cherry-blossom scent in her hair and the crisp bamboo fragrance of her kendo uniform.
At the wooden tables nearby, the rest of the kendo team looked up curiously.
One bespectacled teammate gaped, nearly dropping his cup. "Our club's untouchable flower…"
"Shizuka-nee, why don't you share the good news with everyone first?" Midori said with a stiff smile, arms crossed.
"Right!" Shizuka snapped out of it, quickly releasing Hayashi Shuichi and smoothing her uniform before hurrying to the tables.
The moment she announced it, the entire team erupted in cheers.
Hayashi Shuichi lowered his arms regretfully and turned to find Midori glaring at him like a cat ready to pounce.
"What?"
"Enjoyed that hug, didn't you?" Midori asked flatly.
"I didn't start it," Hayashi Shuichi spread his hands innocently. "Didn't expect her to react that strongly."
Midori huffed. "Good thing the others aren't here, or who knows what drama would explode. Speaking of—where's Eri-senpai today?"
"The Mikan library burned down. Eri went to Beika to borrow books," Hayashi Shuichi explained patiently. "Yukiko's still filming—"
BANG!
The wooden door slammed open against the wall.
Fujimine Yukiko stood dramatically in the doorway—flared jeans, floral blouse, oversized scarf around her neck, hands on hips.
"Heh heh~ The great star Fujimine Yukiko has returned!"
Every head turned.
The kendo team stared in confusion or stifled laughter.
Hayashi Shuichi face-palmed. Midori's eyes went wide, tea cup nearly slipping.
Only then did Yukiko notice the strangers. She froze.
A second later she bowed stiffly with an awkward laugh, then bolted to the counter, face crimson.
"Why are there customers? Isn't it before opening hours?"
"That's Osaka University's kendo team. They're here for the tournament and eat with us a lot lately," Hayashi Shuichi explained, struggling not to laugh. "You—why are you back?"
"Kendo?"
Yukiko had zero interest in sports.
Her gaze zeroed in on Midori wearing the shop uniform.
"Tch tch, I leave for a few days and you already take a cute apprentice? In my uniform?" Yukiko folded her arms, eyes narrowing with jealousy.
"Fujimine-senpai, this is the shop uniform," Midori replied calmly, meeting her stare. "Since you left temporarily, it's no longer yours."
"What did you say?!" Yukiko's brows shot up.
"The uniforms belong to senpai anyway," Midori continued unflinchingly. "You can't leave and still hog the spot, right?"
She turned to Hayashi Shuichi. "Senpai, I'll go pour tea for Shizuka-nee and the others."
With that, she walked off lightly.
"…Damn it!" Yukiko clenched her fists.
"Alright, alright," Hayashi Shuichi patted her shoulder gently. "Midori's just learning cooking from me and helping out. She's not taking your place. Lend her the uniform for now."
"Lending clothes is fine, but what if she tries to take my ma—"
Yukiko glared at Hayashi Shuichi.
"It's all your fault!"
"Y-yes, all my fault!" Hayashi Shuichi nodded frantically.
Yukiko scanned the room—no sign of her usual rival.
"Where's four-eyes?"
"Eri's in Beika," Hayashi Shuichi explained, casually tucking a stray lock of Yukiko's hair behind her ear.
"Four-eyes really can't live without books," Yukiko snorted.
"Enough about the shop," Hayashi Shuichi smiled. "How's the movie?"
"Fantastic!" Yukiko puffed up proudly. "We started shooting days ago—most of my takes are one-takes! Director says at most one more month and I'm wrapped. Then I'm back for good."
"Really?"
"Hey," Yukiko poked his chest, pouting. "You don't look happy I'm coming back so soon."
"I am happy," Hayashi Shuichi caught her hand. "Do I have to laugh maniacally to prove it?"
Just then, Shizuka returned beaming.
"Hayashi-kun, everyone's really grateful."
"No big deal," Hayashi Shuichi waved it off. "Win the championship tomorrow—that's the best thanks."
"Is this lady part of the shop too?" Shizuka asked curiously, eyes lingering on their joined hands.
Before Hayashi Shuichi could answer, Yukiko jumped in: "I'm the chef here—Shuichi's assistant."
"Oh?" Shizuka raised a brow. "We've been coming for days and never saw you."
After Midori's earlier clapback, Yukiko sensed shade.
"Yukiko's main job is acting—she's been away filming," Hayashi Shuichi explained with a laugh.
"My main job is chef," Yukiko stressed. "Acting is the side gig!"
"Ah, I see," Shizuka smiled, gaze shifting between them. "No wonder you said that earlier."
Yukiko bristled like an angry cat.
What's that supposed to mean—are you questioning my acting career?!
The door creaked open again.
A sleepy Reiko shuffled in, rubbing her eyes and yawning. "Onii-chan, what's for dinner?"
Spotting Yukiko, her eyes lit up. "Yukiko-nee! You're back!"
Reiko leapt from her stool and hugged her tightly.
"Yukiko-nee! Did you miss me?"
The big and little girl squealed and squeezed each other.
Shizuka watched, puzzled—their smiles looked… fake?
"Shizuka-nee, how was today's match?" Reiko asked sweetly.
"We won," Shizuka replied gently, fixing Reiko's collar. "Just the finals left tomorrow."
"Really? You have to win the championship!" Reiko clasped her hands, eyes sparkling. "Oh—after tomorrow's match, you'll head back to Osaka, right?"
"The finals are at 4 p.m. like today," Shizuka explained. "We'll stay one more night and leave the morning after."
"Oh…" A flash of disappointment crossed Reiko's face—she'd hoped the cool Osaka swordswoman would disappear tomorrow.
These past days she'd watched Onii-chan get closer and closer to her.
As Hayashi Shuichi's "sister," Reiko knew his type perfectly: pretty, strong, cool women—he had zero resistance.
When she first heard Midori was staying to learn cooking, Reiko had panicked and even ratted her out to Yukiko.
Yet before Midori even settled in, an even cooler woman arrived.
Compared to Ikenami Shizuka, the delinquent Midori suddenly seemed like the girl next door.
Shizuka didn't notice Reiko's mood—she adored the cute, polite little lady.
The door opened once more.
Kisaki Eri walked in with her bag, paused at seeing Yukiko, then pushed up her glasses. "Kicked off set again?"
"Four-eyes!"
"I come back once a week—can't you say something nice?!"
"Was that not nice enough?" Eri deadpanned, setting down her bag. "Fine—you got fired from the production?"
"FOUR-EYES!"
"Heh, your staff really get along well," Shizuka said awkwardly, watching the bickering duo.
Hayashi Shuichi laughed it off.
Reiko rolled her eyes secretly—get along? They're all love rivals.
…
With the finals tomorrow, the Osaka team ate lightly and left early.
Before going, Shizuka pulled five finals tickets from her uniform pocket and handed them to Hayashi Shuichi—still warm from her body.
"Tomorrow—please come, Hayashi-kun. Everyone from the shop is invited."
Hayashi Shuichi thought—only helping Dr. Agasa move in the morning, nothing else.
"I'll definitely be there."
After seeing them off, it was family dinner time—just as Mouri Kogoro returned grinning ear to ear.
"Date with Ruri went well, I take it?" Hayashi Shuichi teased, pouring tea.
"More than well!"
Kogoro leaned in to brag, then noticed the girls watching eagerly and shut his mouth—he didn't want Ruri twisting his ear tomorrow.
Yukiko fiddled sadly with a ticket. "I have to leave for set tomorrow morning—such a waste."
"That ticket was never for you," Eri said bluntly.
"I'm part of this shop too—why not?!" Yukiko planted hands on hips.
"Five tickets," Eri counted slowly. "Shuichi, me, Reiko, Kogoro, Midori—perfect."
"…And mine?" Yukiko fumed. "Did that woman deliberately leave me out? I'm part of the shop!"
"You haven't been here the whole time they've been coming," Eri smirked. "How would Ikenami-san know to save one for you?"
"Alright," Hayashi Shuichi clapped to stop the fight. "Everyone's finally together—let's not argue."
After dinner, the izakaya opened for business.
"Hey, what about me?" Yukiko tugged his sleeve, pointing at her stylish outfit. "No uniform—how do I work?"
"A big star shouldn't have to slave away in a tiny place like this," Eri said sweetly. "Head back to set early."
"Here, wear mine," Hayashi Shuichi said, taking off his chef coat and handing it over. "I'll wear the old one."
Yukiko took it, feeling his lingering warmth. Her pout instantly turned into a secret smile.
She slipped it on—the sleeves too long, hem nearly covering her skirt.
"A bit big," she mumbled.
Then, for some reason, she lifted an arm and deeply inhaled the scent.
Realizing everyone was staring, her face exploded red.
"I-I smelled something weird! Just trying to find the source!"
(End of chapter)
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