Ayame had never encountered a situation like this in her life.
Already flustered by nature, her mind now felt completely blank.
"I… I don't have a boyfriend."
Yet somehow, she still answered Sasuke's question.
Her face burned.
She had never been this shy before. She could even feel his breath so close to her.
"Sasuke… you're too close."
But Sasuke didn't step back.
This was the anime world. If he retreated now, that would be ridiculous.
Boldly, he said, "So you really don't have a boyfriend."
"Then answer me—do you like me?"
There was something in his voice that compelled her to respond.
…
For the first time, she truly felt what it meant to be a girl.
Why was standing this close to a boy so warm?
"I… I don't know."
Only then did Ayame regain a bit of clarity.
"Sasuke, even if I have a favorable impression of you…"
"We can't do this."
"You already have a girlfriend. I can't do something that would hurt Sakura."
Sasuke leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Ayame, I told you already—I'm not a good man."
"Sakura is mine."
"And you will be too."
His words were overbearing.
He intended to claim both Sakura and Ayame.
Ayame was stunned.
"Sasuke…"
He continued without restraint, "Not just you. Any beautiful girl I set my eyes on—I want them all."
"You'll all be part of my world."
His presence enveloped her completely.
Overwhelmed, Ayame collapsed weakly into his arms.
"Sasuke… you really are a bad man."
…
"Sasuke… I can accept being your lover."
Sasuke smiled faintly. "I'll handle things with Sakura."
…
That night—
Unspoken feelings intertwined beneath the quiet moonlight.
…
By the time dawn arrived, the sky outside had already begun to brighten.
…
"I'll go make you breakfast."
Ayame was startled and touched.
"Sasuke-kun, how can I let you cook for me…"
He replied calmly, "Silly girl. You're mine now. Cooking for you is only natural."
"Sasuke—"
Her heart softened completely.
She hadn't expected him to be not only bold, but also so attentive afterward.
"Wait here."
Sasuke got up.
Last night, he had signed in and obtained the Ichiraku Ramen Cooking Skill.
Now was the perfect time to try it out in Ayame's kitchen.