With Rita's arrival, the house felt livelier.
After dinner, Rita and Mashiro headed off to draw together in Mashiro's room, and Hayashi Maki didn't disturb them. The moon was bright that night, so he took Mahiru out for an evening walk—good for digestion after a big meal.
Up on the third floor, Mai Sakurajima had just finished her bath. Seeing the two of them holding hands as they went out, she puffed her cheeks.
"Flirty guy…"
She muttered, then flopped onto her bed to scroll her phone and think.
Back to Hayashi Maki—
Holding Mahiru's soft hand, he couldn't help feeling cheerful. His keen nose caught the faint, alluring scent from the beauty beside him. Mahiru's cheeks were pink; she glanced down at their joined hands, her heart skipping.
A rare chance to walk together alone—she'd been looking forward to it. Moments like this made all her daily efforts feel worth it.
"Mahiru, the moon's lovely tonight," Hayashi Maki said as they strolled.
"It is—and the breeze is nice and cool," she answered with a sweet smile, fingers squeezing his warm hand.
"Maki-kun, you're not allowed to let go of my hand from now on."
He smiled and nodded, led her to a quiet spot, and sat with her on a bench by the road. He slipped an arm around her waist and breathed in, wearing a contented expression.
"Mahiru, you've worked hard lately."
"Silly. I'm only doing housework—what's so hard about that?"
She shook her head with a smile, tilting her head to rest it on his shoulder.
"It's not just housework. There's everything else, too… Yukino, Kirisu-sensei… I have to thank my angel Mahiru for all of it."
Without Mahiru's effort, the harmony on the home front wouldn't be what it was. Hayashi Maki wasn't the type to chase novelty; he cherished Mahiru—and every retainer he'd been blessed with.
"You're welcome. I'm part of this home too. And besides, it's because Maki-kun works hard enough that everyone accepts you," she said.
They traded quiet words; the mood grew warmer. Naturally, when neither could find more to say, Hayashi Maki leaned in and softly covered Mahiru's rosy lips with his.
Everything was so peaceful.
By the time they got back, it was after ten. Mashiro and Rita were already asleep. Hayashi Maki and Mahiru showered together, then fell asleep in each other's arms. This gentle rhythm made Hayashi Maki's heart feel at peace.
…
The next day—
After breakfast, Mashiro and Rita left for school together. Rita needed to handle her transfer paperwork; soon she'd be able to go to and from school with Mashiro, be in the same class, draw together, and look after each other. With Rita around, Mahiru would have a little less to worry about.
Truth be told, when Mashiro first came—like a little pet—she gave Mahiru quite a headache. Bathing, dressing, washing her face—Mahiru had to handle it all, on top of housework and cooking. Hayashi Maki took care of Mashiro too, of course—mostly by taking care of her into his arms and onto the bed…
Ahem—back on topic.
Hayashi Maki and Mahiru grabbed their bags and headed out to catch the train to Hakuo Academy. Groggy Gabriel was dragged along, too; judging by the dark circles under her eyes, she'd pulled another all-nighter gaming. Word was her older sister would be coming down soon to inspect her—who knew if Gabriel was ready for that?
On their way out, they ran into Aoyama Nanami.
"Morning, Nanami," Hayashi Maki waved.
"Ah—m-morning, Hayashi Maki-kun…" Nanami flushed for some reason at the sight of him. When she'd woken up, she'd felt refreshed, energized—as though fainting yesterday had been a dream.
But she was sure that in a half-conscious moment, she'd seen Hayashi Maki's silhouette.
"We've got a train to catch—see you later, Nanami," Hayashi Maki said, waving as he set off with Gabriel and Mahiru.
A few stops later, the doors slid open and a snow-pale, black-haired beauty stepped aboard with her schoolbag. Seeing Hayashi Maki, she brightened.
"Good morning, Maki-kun, Shiina, and Tenshi-san."
"Good morning, Katsura-san," Mahiru replied warmly.
"Morning," Gabriel yawned lazily.
Mahiru smiled; she knew well that Katsuya Kotonoha was one of Hayashi Maki's women, so she made a point of getting along. Hayashi Maki greeted her too and drew Kotonoha nearer to his side.
In a few minutes the salaryman rush would crowd the car; as a man, it was his job to shield the girls so nobody took advantage.
Mahiru and Kotonoha chattered away, friendly as could be, which made Hayashi Maki happy.
Gabriel, meanwhile, leaned against his chest, half-asleep. Seeing her so trusting warmed him; he patted her messy blonde hair. Gabriel yawned and didn't mind at all—she seemed completely at ease with him there.
After smoothing the real angel's hair, Hayashi Maki glanced at Kotonoha, who kept stealing looks at him.
"Kotonoha, you should hurry up and transfer to our school," he teased.
She nodded firmly.
"I will. As soon as Mom gets back from her business trip, I'll tell her."
She wanted to go to Hayashi Maki's school too—so he wouldn't have to run back and forth wasting time. Alone time was nice, yes, but Kotonoha also longed for friends. She wanted to spend more time with Mahiru and the others, to make the household even more harmonious.
In truth, the gentle Kotonoha and Mahiru were of like mind—both so kind. Hayashi Maki really was lucky to have them. It just showed—men should be proactive and go after what they want.
Otherwise, the people you care about slip away, leaving behind deep regrets. Life is full of regret as it is; Hayashi Maki wanted, as much as possible, to seize what he wanted—and live a happy, everyday life.