Living in Tokyo, all I want to do is laze around.

When Uesugi Kai saw her clinging to him begging for food, he knew she was hungry and asked Hanabi Hanabi beside him, "Is it alright to feed Hanabi some rice balls?"

"You can eat it, but not too much. Just feed you a bite or two."

With Hanabi saying that, Uesugi Kai had nothing to worry about.

I broke off a small piece of rice from the rice ball and fed it to my sister-in-law's little mouth, which only had eight teeth.

Children are the hardest to satisfy. After finishing one bite, they want another. Uesugi Kai carefully measured out the amount and fed them one bite after another, her fingers getting bitten along with the rice ball several times.

His own little sister was too young, so he could only use Hanabi's sister to amuse himself. When the little guy was lifted up, he laughed happily.

Her round, chubby, and adorable face is very heartwarming.

Kai Uesugi couldn't resist pinching her cheek, and then pinching her sister's cheek.

"What are you doing, Kai-kun?"

"I just wanted to test which of Xiaohuahuo's or Xiaohuayu's face felt more comfortable to touch."

Which is better?

While her parents were chatting across the table, Uesugi Kai gently tapped her cheek and said:

"Of course, Little Fireworks is more comfortable."

Hanamaru Hanayu saw Uesugi Kai's older sister's actions and understood what it meant: "Kiss! Kiss!"

Hanabi Hanabi took her little sister from his arms and pinched her tender cheek. "Hanabi is only one year old!"

"So, Hanabi's face is so soft and tender, just like a baby's."

Looking at the girl in the white dress, so shy and lovely, Uesugi Kai felt a stirring in his heart again. "Hanabi, I want to kiss you."

"Now, not now..."

"Going home?"

"Going home...going home is fine."

"How long can the kiss last?"

"Five...five minutes, please..."

"No, it will take an hour."

Hanabi Hanabi hugged her younger sister, her cheeks flushed, "Okay..."

----------

Today, on a rare day off, the two families, after returning from viewing the cherry blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, discussed having sukiyaki together at Hanamaru's house that evening.

......

The curtains were drawn, and the light was dim.

Kai Uesugi kissed the girl he had pinned against the wardrobe, his hands supporting her slender waist, a surge of heat rising within him.

"Kai-kun...Hanabi still needs to take a bath..."

"We'll go later..." He quickly changed his mind, "No, let's go together."

"But Mom and the others are still downstairs preparing dinner."

"Isn't there a bathroom on the second floor? Where should we go?"

"What if I get...found out...?"

"No, as long as we're careful."

The shower water gurgled and steam swirled around.

Kai Uesugi sat on a small stool and used his hands to help wash the girl's slender, fair back.

"Kai, Kai-kun... how about Hanabi does it herself..." Hanabi covered her chest with a white towel, her face blushing.

"Am I uncomfortable in this bath?" Uesugi Kai used a bath sponge to rub the girl's soft skin, the abundant foam covering the parts that the white towel couldn't conceal.

"No, that's not the reason."

“I know Hanabi is shy, but you have to overcome it.” Uesugi Kai put down the bath sponge he was holding, moved the stool forward, and as he got closer to the girl, his right hand rested on her soft waist, sliding diagonally down her stomach…

"Kai-kun!"

Kai Uesugi understood that she didn't hate bad things; she was just simply shy.

He moved his right hand gently, while simultaneously using his other hand to support her delicate shoulders, slowly pulling her towards him as he massaged her shoulders.

"Kai-kun... please stop..." Hanabi Hanamaru cried out weakly.

Uesugi Kai whispered in the girl's ear, "Relax...relax a little more..."

The sound of the shower water was like a light drizzle, and the light from the bathroom heater, along with the rising steam, was warm.

......

After a short while, the cute little feet suddenly gripped the ground tightly, and the pink and white, soft toes quickly tucked inwards.

......

In the warm water of the bathtub, Hanabi Hanamaru hugged her legs tightly, her face completely hidden beneath the water.

“Kai-kun...H”

......

In Hanamaru's living room, a television program is playing, and the ingredients for sukiyaki are laid out on the table.

Kai Uesugi sat on the sofa and breastfed his three-month-old daughter, Kokoro Uesugi, ahead of schedule.

Mrs. Uesugi: "Kai, where's Hanabi-chan?"

Kai Uesugi: "He's probably still taking a shower."

------------------

------------------

A street scene in Tokyo at 1:39 p.m.

Cold rain sprinkled across the transparent umbrellas that were being used to walk between the high-rise buildings.

"Welcome to 7 Days Convenience Store."

"Hi, Seunghye, 300 yen."

"Sir, starting in September, you'll be charged for plastic bags. Here's your change: 190 yen. Please keep it safe."

Thank you for your patronage. We look forward to welcoming you again.

After leaving the convenience store, Uesugi Kai, whose chin was now covered in stubble, walked home alone, holding an umbrella.

The whispers of raindrops hitting the umbrella's surface filled my entire body with a chill.

Kai Uesugi didn't react much, letting the chill invade his body as he continued walking through the rain-soaked streets of Tokyo.

He answered the phone, carrying a clear plastic bag containing two cup noodles.

It is the mother.

【Akai, the letter from the University of Tokyo has arrived.】

【Um. 】

[It says on the sign that the entrance ceremony will be held on April 1st!]

That's really lucky.

[Yeah, yeah! I can't believe you actually got in, A-Zhao! This past year must have been tough, right? What do you want to eat tonight?]

Kai Uesugi glanced sideways at the two packs of Nissin Cup Noodles in his plastic bag.

The pattering raindrops continued to fill my ears.

I've already bought some instant noodles.

[Instant noodles? No way! That's unhealthy. When you get home, just wait for me to go grocery shopping; it'll be ready in a minute.]

【Um. 】

Kai Uesugi hung up the phone and put it back in his pocket.

Unexpectedly, it rang again.

It's Goto.

【Hello.】

[Haha, Uesugi, I passed! I passed!]

【Congratulations.】

Hey, you have no idea how tough it's been for me lately. Every night I wait for the envelope to arrive at home.

【Um. 】

Kai Uesugi, phone in hand, gazed at the passersby under their umbrellas as they brushed past him.

[Hey, Uesugi, are you alright? You don't sound very happy. Could it be that you...]

You've passed; don't worry.

[You passed? Haha, that's great! The University of Tokyo... I can't even dream of it. There's a class reunion on Friday, everyone's coming. Are you coming?]

【never mind.】

Hey, no way! The class reunion wouldn't be complete without you! You're a celebrity at our school! Do you know how many girls have asked me for your phone number?

[It wouldn't be much different without me.]

【How can you say that! Every classmate is important! If you don't come, Tsubokawa and I will drag you here!】

There's no need.

"Uesugi, this is necessary. We're worried about you." Goto's tone suddenly became serious.

What do I have to worry about?

[Anyway, it's settled then. 2-6-12 Ginza. Remember to come on time Friday noon, you absolutely have to!]