Chapter 8: Chapter 7 Chiba Shimizu (Two in One, Seeking Support)
The morning air was quite nice, and running along Sakura's path, I'd reach a spot a kilometer outside the community before I started heading back.
On weekdays, Haruka Yuzan usually ran about three kilometers and then stopped by a convenience store to pick up some fast food or sushi for a quick bite.
But today was different; there was someone cooking at home, so it made sense to head back earlier and see if there was anything I could help with.
Although this was the daily rent Reiko Onodera should pay, leaving madam alone to bustle about just didn't seem right.
A breeze brushed across my cheeks, carrying a hint of coolness. Passing by the convenience store, I noticed a sign on the glass door advertising for a cashier and mentally made a note of it.
A cashier at a convenience store, huh? That doesn't sound too bad, though the pay seems a bit low. It's quite suitable for housewives and students looking for part-time work. I'll wait until I get home to ask Reiko Onodera what plans and intentions she has.
Back at the villa,
the living room, which had been empty yesterday, was now set with a lavish breakfast.
Milk, sandwiches, and a plate of exquisitely made sushi.
The beautifully prepared food still steamed slightly, as if it had just been finished.
Seeing Reiko Onodera, who had clearly been waiting for a while, Haruka Yuzan quickly rushed to the bathroom to wash up.
Sitting down at the table, madam conscientiously passed me the bowl and chopsticks. She pursed her rosy lips and began to introduce,
"Mr. Haruka, today's breakfast is milk, chicken sandwiches, and tuna sushi. I hope it suits your taste."
It seemed like a huge challenge for her to cook for the young master of a prestigious family, afraid that what she had made might not be to his liking.
But whenever asked, Haruka would always respond with a smile,
"I'm fine with anything; simple is best."
Simple, simple... Is there such a thing as simple food?
Reiko couldn't help but puff up her cheeks. The mature and sensually attractive young widow showing such a cute side was nearly enough to melt Haruka's heart,
"Sister Reiko, anything you make is delicious. And, from now on, just call me Haruka. There's no need for 'Mr.,' it feels so formal."
Haruka Yuzan said with a smile, using "Mr. Haruka" all the time made him feel like some kind of esteemed old gentleman. Although it was flattering, it always felt odd, especially since he was just a seventeen-year-old, naively dashing young man.
"Okay, Haruka."
Reiko Onodera also gave a smile, nodded, and agreed. Indeed, calling a student so many years her junior "Mr." felt awkward for him and even for herself.
The meal was delicious and both enjoyed it greatly. The morning sun slowly rose, its rays streaming in, making everything seem exceptionally peaceful and comfortable.
The empty villa now felt warm and homely, and Haruka Yuzan couldn't help but smile as he ate,
Madam's hair fell across her cheeks as she ate, beautiful – the charm of a young widow was ever-present.
During the meal, Haruka inquired about Reiko Onodera's plans for the day.
However, she seemed extremely perplexed by the job search, lacking a clear target.
"I... I'm going to look around nearby today, to see if there are any suitable jobs..."
As she spoke, Reiko Onodera seemed troubled, her previously cheerful demeanor turning somewhat downcast.
She had heard that big cities offered opportunities to make money, but after arriving, she realized there was no place for her.
Without education, a special skill, or youth, what kind of job should she find?
Yet, she couldn't bring herself to just return to her hometown, but...
Perhaps sensing Reiko's difficulty, Haruka Yuzan didn't say much,
"Well, Sister Reiko, just look around nearby first. If I have time today, I'll also ask around for you."
"Thank you, Mr. Haruka," replied Reiko Onodera, her eyes shining with surprise.
With the help of Haruka Yuzan, a scion of an influential family, her journey to find a job would surely be much easier.
She felt especially grateful to her young landlord. Not only was she freeloading on rent, but now she also needed his help to find a job. It was truly embarrassing.
Handsome on the outside, kinder still on the inside, he was genuinely a good person.
At the thought of rent, Reiko Onodera blushed. Speaking of which, she hadn't yet paid today's rent, and she wondered when Haruka Yuzan would bring it up...
Her upper body suddenly felt itchy, and suppressing the impulse to scratch, Reiko Onodera grew even more subdued.
Little did she know, Haruka Yuzan was not only as broke as they come, lacking any so-called connections and wealth, he was also, like Reiko, from a small fishing village,
And most importantly, he too was pondering how to subtly prompt madam to willingly pay today's rent.
This morning, madam's long black hair was still tied in a ponytail that fell across her chest, her delicate face seemingly touched with a bit of light makeup, perhaps in preparation to head out.
Her mature figure remained perfect, and her pink apron could not contain her upper body, matched with her jeans-clad lower half, her legs looked round and full.
Her body, full of allure and temptation, was fatal to a teenager.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone