Shizuka's main reason for dropping by today was to mooch a meal.

Sure, she was technically here to celebrate Utaha's birthday, but the lure of free food was far stronger.

Not that she came empty-handed—she'd brought a present, plus some drinks and fresh ingredients on her way over.

But the moment she neared the kitchen, she knew she'd made the right choice in coming.

The rich aroma wafting from inside made her stomach tighten with hunger. She had the sudden urge to grab a pair of chopsticks and shamelessly volunteer as a taste tester.

Wait… a taste tester?

Actually… that didn't sound like a bad idea.

The last time she'd come over to Haru's place, she'd seen for herself how much of a perfectionist he was in the kitchen—always sampling a dish before it left the pan, adjusting the seasoning until it was just right.

"I bought beef this time and put it in the refrigerator for you." Shizuka took the initiative to change the subject.

"Thanks. I've got enough ingredients for tonight, so I'll save the beef for next time. Of course, if you're willing to come by again, I'll give you a heads-up," Haru replied knowingly.

Shizuka smiled. "Then I'll make sure to check the fish counter before my next visit."

"So I'm basically your personal cafeteria chef now?"

"No," she said without hesitation. "I just really love your cooking."

For food, Shizuka's enthusiasm knew no bounds.

And Haru's cooking could even rival her love for ramen.

She lingered at the doorway, watching eagerly until he plated another dish. Then, feigning nonchalance, she asked, "What's this one?"

"You've already seen it," Haru said, amused, pointing to the plate.

"I saw you making chicken leg piece, but something tells me these aren't just ordinary chicken feet, right?"

"They're just boneless chicken leg piece," he said.

"Is that so…"

She bit her lip. She really wanted a taste.

But no matter how much she'd hinted, Haru seemed oblivious.

Just as she was about to give up, he asked, "Want to try one?"

Her eyes lit up. "Can I?"

He chuckled. "You've practically got 'I want to taste it' written across your face. I'm not cruel enough to ignore that."

A little embarrassed, she cleared her throat, ready to say something—only for Haru to hold out a piece with the tongs.

"Open up," he said.

"Eh? Oh…"

She instinctively parted her lips. The moment the meat touched her tongue, flavor exploded in her mouth.

Delicious!

…Wait a second. Did he just feed me?

The realization hit her a beat late. That little gesture felt strangely intimate. And it was all too easy for her mind to wander to… places it probably shouldn't.

To cover it up, she chewed and mumbled through a full mouth, "With cooking this good, don't Yukinoshita and the others ever worry about putting on weight?"

Before Haru could answer, Yukino's clear, cool voice floated in from outside. "I was wondering where you'd disappeared to, Hiratsuka-sensei. So you've come to investigate my weight, have you?"

Shizuka hadn't been fishing for that kind of information, so she didn't look the least bit guilty. She turned and smiled. "I was just curious."

"It's true my weight goes up if I eat his cooking every day," Yukino said matter-of-factly. "But I exercise regularly, so it's under control."

She tilted her chin, straightened her back, and the graceful curve of her slender waist was accentuated in an instant.

Shizuka's expression turned envious. "What do you do? Jogging?"

"A bit of everything," Yukino replied, her gaze flickering for the briefest moment.

She was remembering… other forms of exercise. The kind that left her flushed, content, and feeling like she'd grown stronger afterward.

"Want one?" Haru asked, lifting the plate toward her.

Yukino hesitated. "Is it spicy?"

"Just mildly. You'll be fine," he said, knowing her tastes well.

"Alright."

She opened her mouth, letting him feed her too. Her eyes softened in pleasure as she chewed. "Not bad."

She noticed Shizuka staring and arched a brow. "If you want more, just tell him. Staring at me is a bit strange."

Being an adult, Shizuka was thick-skinned enough to laugh it off. She turned to Haru. "Mind if I help myself to one?"

"You can, but that'll be your last one for now. Otherwise, there won't be any left for the table," Haru warned, handing her the plate.

She muttered under her breath, "Why single me out? Yukinoshita just got fed too."

"Because Yukino has excellent self-control," Haru said smoothly.

Yukino smiled faintly. "I'll admit, that's true."

Shizuka felt as though the two had just teamed up to rub it in her face. Still, with good food to distract her, she let it go. She patted her trim waist and murmured through a mouthful, "Pretty sure I'll gain weight after this meal."

"Then exercise more. And eat less," Utaha's voice chimed in as she approached.

One glance at the pair by the door, and she smirked. "Knew I'd catch you two sneaking bites."

Shizuka felt a twinge of guilt. Yukino remained composed. "I only sampled one. Amamiya wanted someone to check the flavor, that's all."

Utaha pounced on the flaw in her reasoning. "He's the chef. Can't he just taste it himself?"

"I happened to be here, so it was only natural for me to do it," Yukino replied lightly, then looked at Haru. "Right?"

"No problem with that," Haru agreed.

Utaha let it go. After all, today was her birthday. She had no intention of wasting energy bickering with Yukino—not when she had bigger plans for the evening.

As for the photo shoot she'd mentioned before… truthfully, she wasn't desperate to do it. She'd only gotten the idea after overhearing Yukino mention it, and if it didn't happen, well—there would be plenty of opportunities in the future.

What really mattered was tonight's battle.

She'd come prepared. Right down to her choice of lingerie—and three spare pairs of stockings, just in case.

"You look great today, Utaha," Shizuka said suddenly, breaking her thoughts.

Utaha smiled. "Thanks."

Shizuka hesitated, biting back the rest of what she'd been about to say. It wasn't that Utaha looked good. She looked too good. As if she'd dressed for someone specific.

A quick glance at Yukino's calm expression told her this wasn't unusual.

Maybe I'm just overthinking it…

Still, she couldn't help noticing how the sleek black stockings, the form-fitting outfit, and the way it hugged Utaha's curves made her figure utterly enviable.

Even Shizuka had to admit—this was a body worth being jealous of.

~~~~~~~~~~

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