[We've left for our honeymoon and we'll be away for one week. Be good and don't slack off with your studies. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call. Smack!đź’‹]
This is the note that Hakuto, Yuzu, and Rika found on the large glass table in the middle of the living room when they got back from school.
Or rather, that's just part of the message.
Beneath it, written in a less elegant handwriting, there's a second note that says:
[Rika, Yuzu, I hope that when we return, you'll announce that you're both expecting our grandchildren. Make your old folks proud!]
It's pretty easy to tell which part was written by Kagura and which by Shin.
«I guess the honeymoon trip is entirely on Mom's tab...» Rika murmurs, visibly annoyed by that sudden and unexpected departure—just like the wedding itself.
Yuzu, on the other hand, bounces excitedly around the living room. «Having the house to ourselves for a whole week?! This is going to be the best week of my life!» She then shoots a sly, mischievous look at Hakuto. «Did you see? Our parents want lots of adorable grandchildren running around the house. We have to meet their expectations! What do you say—should we get started right away? Or maybe you'd prefer to begin with Rika? She's the big sis, so I can even put up with being the second one to get knocked up.»
–SBAM!
Rika's heavy punch lands straight on Yuzu's head, making her burst into childish sobs.
«W-Why did you do that?! That hurt!»
«There's no need for me to explain...» Rika replies, her face twisted in a mix of anger and embarrassment.
Hakuto lets out a deep sigh, clearly troubled—but not because of Yuzu's bold remarks. He's so lost in thought he didn't even catch what she said.
What really weighs on him is the idea of his father being gone for so long, leaving him alone with Rika and Yuzu.
Will they be able to handle things on their own? Can he protect and look after his stepsisters?
If something were to happen to them, it would be on him—and that thought seriously worries him.
«Speaking of important things... Hakuto, how good are you at cooking?» Yuzu asks.
«Why would that be important?»
«Seriously? You don't expect me and Rika to do all the cooking, do you?!»
«Last I checked, I'm the man and you two are the women. Obviously, housework is your job.»
It's safe to say Hakuto inherited his father's... let's call it traditional mindset.
«For once, I agree with Yuzu!» Rika cuts in.
«You can't seriously expect us to be your maids for the next week! We're splitting the chores, and since there's no way you're touching my underwear or cleaning my room, the kitchen's all yours!»
Rika's stern and commanding tone shuts down any protest from Hakuto.
«But I... I only know how to make onigiri and instant yakisoba!»
Rika shakes her head in clear disappointment. «I'd never marry a guy who can't cook—even if he were the last man on earth...»
«Big sis, are you hinting that the way to melt your icy heart is with a hot bowl of ramen?» Yuzu nudges Hakuto with a few playful elbows. «You heard her! Better start learning if you want to get Rika's panties off.»
«I-I DIDN'T SAY THAT!!!» Rika explodes, red as a tomato, clenching her fists and teeth.«It was a general comment, not aimed at him specifically...!»
Not that Yuzu seems to be listening. «Come on, Hakuto! I'll teach you how to make ramen worthy of a Michelin-starred restaurant! Leave it to your adorable little sister! Wait here—I'll be right back!»
With that, Yuzu bolts down the hallway, Rika trailing behind her.
«I've got a lot to study for an important test. Call me when dinner's ready—you'll find me in my bedroom. And don't even think about coming in without knocking!»