Chapter 356: Yukari

"I liked how you're that assertive now," I whispered to Yukari after Elizabeth disappeared to her room.

They're both still in their nightwear and there's not really a sense of urgency for them since it's just a 15-minute walk to their school. Even when we spend that much time exchanging affection in the living room, there's still a lot of time for us to spare.

"Don't tease me. I… I steeled my heart for it. Risa loved you too much that I was always overwhelmed back then. If not for you turning your attention to me, I would most likely watch or ignore you two go at it, while I was there with you."

Although she almost stuttered, I could see the determined look in her eyes. The determination to continue changing for the better.

When I completely conquered both of them before, there were times like these wherein I was with both of them together.

And Elizabeth being Elizabeth, she's more proactive than Yukari especially when I was riding her chuunibyou acts. Yukari would then spend her time in the corner, trying her best not to look at us

"That's so like my Yukari. I guess you really deserve to be praised today."

As she turned her back to me to pick the ingredients she would be using in the fridge, I went behind her and slipped my arms from her sides, pulling her in my embrace.

Ignoring the fact that we're at Elizabeth's house and the girl was just in her room, I just couldn't help but dote on Yukari today.

It was really different from back then after all.

The easily influenced girl was now thinking for herself. And I'm truly glad that… she kept on loving me.

when we're still together, I was cruel to her. The things I had her done... I didn't even remember if all of those were things she wanted to do or she was just forcing herself to do because I said so.

There's no point going back and digging what happened before. It would just bring back unpleasant memories for this girl. Instead of that, I would aim to create new memories with her. With her changed self wherein it would not always be about what I want.

"Ruki… We're going to cook, right?"

Because I was tightly hugging her, she couldn't help but close the refrigerator in front of her to stand up straight and looked behind to meet my gaze.

As soon as she did, I took her lips once again before answering her.

Although we satisfied ourselves in the living room, it's still different when there are only the two of us.

"Just for a while. I told you, this is me praising you. Besides, you looked so sexy in this nightwear. Now I began thinking of bringing you home with me again."

I only brought her home a few times before but whenever she was there, it's almost like we're a newly married couple. No. The most unforgettable moment with us back then was how she always cleaned the house, especially the room we were using like a proper housewife.

Whenever that would happen, I would watch behind her and admire the view.

Well, I could only appreciate that memory now. I was really too cold and only driven by my desire back then.

"Praising, huh? You're still the pervert Ruki. What would happen if Risa emerged from her room and saw us like this? That girl will be too jealous." Returning my kiss, Yukari returned a whisper as if she's afraid for Elizabeth to hear our voices and find out that instead of cooking like we told her, we're now this close again.

"Don't worry about her. After helping you, I'll go with her to prepare the bath."

They didn't necessarily need a bath since they probably took one last night but… what we're doing later would need them to clean themselves again or they would appear sticky with sweat at their school.

"Then, Ruki. Chop the ingredients for me. And go to Elizabeth's side."

"Are you sure that's what you want now?"

"I am. There's still time later so… Let's finish what we have to do first."

Yukari put a finger on my lips and pushed my head away.

Although she didn't remove my arms on embracing her, she opened the fridge once more and started picking the ingredients for what she would be cooking.

"I understand. By the way… I also love that you're still this considerate for Elizabeth. Even if she's like that, seeing you two continue your friendship despite what I did that almost broke that… I think I need to say this now, something I failed to say before… Thank you, Yukari. I love you."

Once she's done and she placed those ingredients on the counter, I followed her and whispered in her ear once more. This time, I put everything I'm feeling for her in it.

Upon hearing it, I noticed how Yukari shuddered slightly as she slowly turned around to face me, resting her back on the countertop.

She reached for my face, slipping her two hands to the back of my ears, holding my head like that.

As she pulled on my head to level my gaze with her, Yukari opened her mouth and said in her unusually sweet and mature voice.

"You and your sweet words. Now that what you're saying is filled with your real emotions, this is even more effective… Back then, you only showed it in your actions. How you cared and how important I am to you… I thought that's already enough but hearing it from you at this moment… It's truly wonderful that I wanted to cry. Can I cry, Ruki? I'm so happy that I want to shed these tears of joy."

Towards the end, Yukari's voice cracked as if she was already about to cry. However, the smile she was showing me at this moment was even more beautiful than what she showed me last Thursday.

I told her I didn't want to see her crying again but if it's tears of joy then…

"You can. Of course, you can. I'm now ready to wipe the stain it will leave behind."

I pulled my handkerchief and waved it in front of her. And upon seeing that, instead of bursting into tears, the girl giggled and laughed her heart out.

"Let's not stain that handkerchief then. Ruki, I love you so much. I'll continue to change but if you think it's too much, tell me, okay? I want to be someone who can stand next to you without lowering my head again."

"I understand, I'll tell you when it's already too much. For now, this new side of you is more than enough. My Yukari isn't as timid now and can speak what's on her mind. That's just what I want to see and you're doing it well."

Pulling my head down again, Yukari kissed me again and this time, it continued until we entered a more passionate state.

If not for catching our breath, we probably wouldn't stop and remember that we needed to cook now or else, Elizabeth would find out that after all the time she spent in her room, we didn't accomplish anything.

That's why for the next five minutes, I helped the girl chop the ingredients before leaving to check on Elizabeth in her room.