Chapter 561: Yuigahama’s Love

Chapter 561: Yuigahama’s Love

Once afternoon tea was over, the Yukinoshita household—no, it should be called the Himekoji household now—immediately started preparing dinner.

“Shall we make Japanese cat rice tonight?” Yukinoshita proposed.

Himekoji shook his head in refusal. “I don’t think that’s good.”

While the Service Club was Yukinoshita’s territory, at home, Himekoji decided he couldn’t encourage this bad habit. Some things must be vetoed unconditionally, like this one.

Today was a rare day with Yuigahama and Hikigaya visiting. How could Yukinoshita consider serving such a simple meal? Just because it had the word “cat” in it? She liked cats so much she wanted to steal their food!

Japanese cat rice is a simple dish. You shave dried bonito flakes over hot rice, pour soy sauce or miso soup on it, and mix it while eating.

It’s called “cat rice” because cats love dried bonito. People often fed cats leftover rice mixed with bonito flakes, hence the name over time.

“Why not?” Yukinoshita narrowed her eyes, looking very much like a proud, aloof little kitten.

Yukinoshita would fight for what she decided was right. Things got very tricky if you didn’t persuade her. Living together for a month, Himekoji had learned this side of her nature well.

“It’s just no good, because I want lard rice! That’s what was promised two days ago!” He could budge on other things, but meals and rest were non-negotiable.

Often, though, Himekoji couldn’t sleep by Yukinoshita if he wanted his preferred meal, or couldn’t eat well when he wanted to sleep by her.

Life was really tough.

“With such rare guests today, lard rice feels too cheap.”

Himekoji didn’t know where Yukinoshita got the nerve to say that. “If you ask me, cat rice is cheaper!”

“How ignorant, Pervert-kun. Clearly, you don’t understand.” Yukinoshita swept her long hair aside, raising her lovely neck proudly. “The bonito in cat rice is highly nutritious! It’s rich in DHA, known as ‘brain gold.’ Great for children’s brain development! It also improves retina function and eyesight.”

Yukinoshita delivered a whole speech, leaving Himekoji confused.

No, it was just food. Did it need so much fuss?

“…You’re right, I guess I just don’t get it.” Himekoji surrendered.

He weighed his options. Sleeping peacefully with Yukinoshita sounded better.

“You might not get it, but some do.” Yukinoshita turned her gaze to Hikigaya.

Hikigaya answered with her clever-looking Dead Fish Eyes, clearly rich in DHA. “Yukinoshita’s right! DHA is fantastic! My sharp mind and bright eyes? All thanks to DHA.”

“Huh?”

Yuigahama’s face changed after Hikigaya’s “confession.” She shrank back, wary of eating cat rice. She didn’t want Dead Fish Eyes. Lard rice suddenly sounded safer and nicer.

If they voted then, it might be one to three or two to two for rice vs. cat rice. Himekoji’s mind was swaying.

But Yukinoshota only fought battles she knew she’d win. Her speech wasn’t done yet—

“Besides, DHA does more!” she continued knowingly. “It helps prevent breast cancer, delays aging, keeps women healthier and prettier. Probably why cats are so adorable? They eat cat rice often!”

“Common knowledge,” indeed.

Himekoji peeked at Yukinoshita’s modest chest. “Breast cancer? Overkill, don’t you think?”

Yukinoshita glared at him unhappily. Under the table, her foot in black stockings quietly stepped down on Himekoji’s and twisted. It looked like punishment, but it didn’t hurt.

Instead, their feet pressed close, giving Himekoji a soft, tender feeling. Like feisty pets cuddling up.

“Quiet!” Yukinoshota snapped at him.

“Okay.”

So, secretly pleased, he shut his mouth.

“What about you, Yuigahama? What do you want?” Yukinoshita started winning Yuigahama’s vote.

After the breast cancer talk, Yuigahama nervously pressed her arms together, subtly lifting her heavy assets. She sided with DHA. “Oh, I’m fine with anything… but cat rice sounds interesting now.”

She was so gullible. Hikigaya couldn’t stay silent. She patted Yuigahama’s shoulder gently. “Studies show hormonal chaos causes breast cancer more than size.”

“Really?” Yuigahama sighed in relief, patting her chest.

Himekoji watched nervously. He feared Yuigahama might pop like a balloon pressing too hard.

Then he shrugged off this silly thought. Yuigahama had the real deal. Not like artificial ones.

“Hey, Hikki, how was that proven?” Yuigahama asked. Clueless but curious.

Hikigaya floundered. Her shadowed face grew darker. Only one thing to say: “Don’t ask.”

“Huh? But I don’t get it.”

“Some know, others don’t. Just don’t ask if unsure.”

“But…” Yuigahama still couldn’t drop it.

Hikigaya cut her off. “Let’s get back to dinner.”

They kept talking food until Yuigahama grew restless again.

“It just doesn’t feel right between Yukino-chan and Akito,” she pondered.

“What part?” Himekoji asked idly since dinner was almost settled.

“It’s… all wrong! I thought your living together would be more… romantic? Like in books! Candlit dinners, beige curtains, piano music, steak and wine… Sitting by the window together, talking, counting stars…”

Yuigahama mused, eyes full of longing.

Himekoji and Yukinoshita looked at each other and laughed together.

“Yuigahama, read fewer fantasy novels and shoujo manga,” Yukinoshota advised gently, amused.

Himekoji waggled his finger wisely. “Listen, Yuigahama. People chasing thrills might count stars with you. But those who love you and truly plan to stay? They end up chatting about lunch… and dinner.”

“Then… isn’t it boring?” Yuigahama couldn’t easily accept this.

Himekoji just smiled. “Love? It should be a bit ordinary. Touch of everyday life. That’s what makes it last long.”

He finished speaking, and Yukinoshita reached over. Their fingers intertwined.

Their smiling faces looked quite alike then.

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