Japanese-style courtyard, simple and natural, offers a refreshing atmosphere.
Cobbled stone paths, wooden doorframes, and walls covered in climbing vines, every detail reveals the rustic charm and natural beauty of a country courtyard.
Even though the walls look somewhat worn, they are still well-maintained by the owner.
"Behave yourself when you're at someone else's place."
Haruka Yuzan grabbed the little one who wanted to dash inside, and with grave seriousness, he instructed:
"Take off your shoes, be good, and don't touch anything without permission!"
"Ugh! Don't treat me like a child!!"
Misaki Saki pouted unhappily, her bright eyes filled with grievance...
"It's okay, treat this place like your own home."
Reiko Onodera gently patted the little one's head, her cheeks adorned with an uncontrollable warm smile.
"Don't just stand outside, everyone, come in and have a seat." Get full chapters from novᴇlfire.net
The afternoon breeze blew into the rural courtyard, mingling with the faint scent of earth, as if even the air had become fresher.
The living room decor was simple, only a small table set in the middle, surrounded by a few seats, with a clear view of the yard through the open-air corridor.
Photographs of three generations hung on the wall, small cups, medium cups, large cups... The gentle appearance reflected in their eyes seemed hereditary.
Even though Rika was yet to grow up, one could already tell she was a kind and lively little girl!
"Actually, building our own villa in the countryside for retirement sounds pretty good."
Haruka Yuzan stretched comfortably, finding the return to the countryside quite pleasant after a long stint in the city.
"You're still in school, yet you're already making retirement plans, Classmate Haruka? You really are lazy!"
Chiba Shimizu ran her fingers through her hair that fell beside her ear, a trace of relaxation flitting through her cool gaze.
And Misaki Saki, resting her chin on the small table, watched back and forth between the two with round, wide eyes, her laughter unable to stay hidden behind her rosy lips.
She loved watching Shimizu tease Haruka the most!
At the villa, the only person who could handle that big bully was the adorable Chiba-san!!
Humph! Let him bully me again! ╭(╯^╰)╮
Even Arisugawa Hoshina couldn't help but enjoy the scene, after all, Haruka Yuzan was just too hateable on regular days!
Though he was handsome and considerate, his occasional biting sarcasm was just unbearable for both of them.
Haruka Yuzan couldn't get one over Sister Reiko, nor could he out-talk Chiba Shimizu, so his attacks only left the seemingly less clever Misaki Saki and Arisugawa Hoshina to bear the brunt!
After all, it's a delightful feeling to tease someone who can't retaliate!
"Cough cough. This is just preparing for a long-term plan!"
Haruka Yuzan coughed twice, feigning nonchalance.
"Preparing for your old age, are you?" Chiba Shimizu chuckled softly for some reason.
The girl's laughter was crystal clear, pure and bright, making one feel extremely comfortable and captivated.
Seeing the young lady smile so rarely aroused Haruka Yuzan's curiosity:
"Instead of worrying about your old age, perhaps you should think about how to resolve things with Otome Mizuko."
Chiba Shimizu said indifferently, with her gaze drifting unconsciously to the two girls who were enjoying the drama to the side.
"Hm? What's there to resolve?" Haruka Yuzan began to play dumb, "Just let things progress normally, is there anything else?"
Hearing this topic, Misaki Saki and Arisugawa Hoshina instantly sat up straight, seemingly eager to intervene and share their thoughts.
"You can play dumb now, but it won't be so funny when you're discovered later on. After all, Yumeko isn't stupid. Everyone is aware of what you've been doing in the villa..."
Chiba Shimizu reminded softly, "Right? Misaki, Hoshina?"
"Has Haruka Yuzan been too brazen in his actions at the villa?"
Misaki Saki and Arisugawa Hoshina guiltily lowered their heads like children who had done wrong. Indeed, Shimizu was hinting at them. But when had they been found out?
Living together in a villa, that small space makes it easy for things to come to light.
Just like how I discovered that Haruka Yuzan and Sister Reiko have an unusual relationship.
"It's all your fault, Haruka Yuzan, I told you to keep it low-key!"
Arisugawa Hoshina glared at Haruka Yuzan furiously, like a truck about to explode.
She had intended to compete with Misaki and Sister Reiko, but the emergence of the formidable Otome Yumeko forced her to join forces with Misaki against a common foe.
But... to think Chiba-san had already noticed and even brought it up today, how embarrassing!!
"Shimizu, actually, I also..."
Wanting to explain herself but not knowing how to begin, she could only gaze reproachfully at the boy with her eyes...
Haruka Yuzan shook his head helplessly; this hot-headed tomboy, Shimizu was dropping hints, and he could have just played dumb. Now verbalizing it was like shooting herself in the foot, wasn't it?
Looking at little Misaki, who was more experienced, she immediately lowered her head and started playing with her fingers. Who am I? Where am I? I don't know anything, don't ask me anything.