We all sat down on the cushioned floor around the warm kotatsu table, folding our legs comfortably under the heated blanket. Tomiko sat right next to me on my right, while Haruna and Yuko sat on my left side. Kasumi sat directly opposite me.
Because of how closely we were seated under the shared blanket, my knee and toes occasionally brushed against Tomiko's. Our thighs pressed lightly together in the cozy, intimate space, creating a quiet sense of closeness and family bond.
Haruna and Yuko took their first sips of the hot soup and let out satisfied sounds.
"It's… delicious!" Haruna exclaimed, eyes widening with genuine delight. "Jack, this is really amazing."
Yuko nodded, her voice softer but sincere. "It really is. The broth has such a deep, comforting flavor."
I cautioned them gently, my tone protective. "Drink slowly, otherwise you might burn your tongue. It's still very hot."
Haruna pouted cutely. "I know…"
