My childhood friend got me drunk and did it with me. I think it felt really good, so I continued being with her as well. ...Yandere? what is that? - Chapter 19

Chapter 19: A Question Over Dinner

[Natsume’s POV]

By the time I got home, the exhaustion from the day was finally starting to creep in. Working at Taira Corporation wasn’t just demanding—it was relentless. But I couldn’t deny the satisfaction that came along with it. The constant pressure had sharpened me, made me more efficient, and given me an environment where I could truly grow.

Still… it was nice to come back to a place that felt comfortable.

I loosened my tie as I stepped into the apartment, already smelling something delicious from the kitchen.

“You’re late today,” a familiar voice called out.

I glanced toward the kitchen and saw Miyuki standing there, apron on, stirring something in a pot. Her long, brown hair was tied up in a loose ponytail, and there was a faint smudge of flour on her cheek.

Something about the sight made me pause for a second.

It was domestic.

Strangely… warm.

Miyuki has become a presence that’s slowly becoming permanent in my life, whether I liked it or not. But lately, she had also settled herself into my routine in a way that felt oddly natural. She wasn’t just hover around me —she was becoming a part of it as well.

And, … I didn’t mind it.

Not as much as I would before.

“You’re making something new?” I asked, hanging my coat by the door.

She gave me a smug look. “I have been improving, you know. A special dish again.”

I raised an eyebrow. “After that last special incident, I’m not sure if I should not be scared of you.”

She huffed. “That was months ago! My skills have leveled up since then.”

“Yeah, and the amount of times I saw the gate to the other world also increased.”

I chuckled and walked over, peering into the pot. A rich, savory aroma filled the air.

“Smells good,” I admitted.

Miyuki’s eyes flickered toward me, as if gauging my reaction. Then, as if satisfied, she turned back to the stove with a small hum of approval.

“I made your favorite, although I added my secret as well” she said casually.

I blinked.

“…I will survive?”

She shrugged. “You work hard. I figured your stomach might be able to take it.”

There was something in her tone—something subtle.

Something I wasn’t sure I wanted to think too much about.

So I just exhaled and muttered, “I’ll go wash up, then.”

[Dinner Table]

A few minutes later, we were seated at the dining table, the meal spread out before us.

I took my first bite, expecting something edible at best.

But instead—

I paused.

Chewed slowly.

Swallowed.

Then stared at my plate.

Miyuki tilted her head. “…So?”

I took another bite.

Then another.

Then—I put my chopsticks down and looked at her.

“I think I have a new favourite,” I said simply.

Miyuki blinked.

Then, as if she had been waiting her whole life for this moment, she beamed.

“Fufufu~, there’s more if you want~” she said, looking far too pleased with herself.

I smirked. “I might actually believe your cooking now..”

Her eyes twinkled with triumph.

For a moment, the atmosphere was light—easy.

Then, just as I was about to grab another bite—

“Well then,”

I paused mid-movement.

Miyuki’s voice had changed.

It was still soft, still carrying that same sweet lilt.

But underneath it was something sharp.

Something pointed.

I glanced up and met her gaze.

She was smiling.

But her eyes…

Her eyes were watching.

Closely.

“Is there anything between you and Reina?”

Silence.

A long, deliberate silence.

I stared at her.

She smiled back.

The kind of smile that looked harmless on the surface but held a very clear message: Answer wisely.

I carefully set my chopsticks down.

“…Where is this coming from?” I asked, keeping my tone neutral.

Miyuki shrugged, resting her chin on her hand. “Oh, just curious.”

That was a lie.

Miyuki was never just curious about anything.

I exhaled, leaning back in my seat. “We work together. That’s all.”

Miyuki hummed.

“You work together,” she repeated slowly.

I narrowed my eyes. “Yes.”

She tilted her head. “And she doesn’t… look at you in a special way?”

I blinked. “What?”

“You know.” She made a vague gesture. “Like she sees you as something more than just a subordinate?”

I stared at her.

Then—

I remembered the past few weeks.

Reina’s strange reactions.

The way she would sometimes get flustered over completely normal conversations.

The way she practically short-circuited when I teased her.

The way she—

…

No.

No way.

That wasn’t—

I shook my head. “You’re overthinking it.”

Miyuki leaned forward slightly. “Am I?”

“Yes,” I said firmly. “Reina is just my boss. Nothing more.”

Miyuki’s gaze didn’t waver.

Then—

She sighed.

“Well, that’s a shame,” she murmured.

I raised an eyebrow. “Huh?”

Miyuki leaned back, twirling a strand of hair between her fingers.

“She’s a smart woman,” she mused. “Sharp. Ambitious. Strong.”

I frowned. “…Okay?”

“She sees your potential,” Miyuki continued. “She pushes you to be better. Challenges you.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Why does this sound like you’re trying to set me up into confessing?”

Miyuki’s lips curled into something mischievous.

“I wonder if it appears like that?”

I blinked.

Then—

I laughed.

A genuine, surprised laugh.

“So, you’re kidding,” I said.

She tilted her head, pretending to think. “Maybe.”

I shook my head. “Also, rest assured, there’s no way. Reina is just my superior.”

Miyuki studied me for a second longer.

Then, slowly, she smiled.

“If you say so, Natsume.”

That smile.

That knowing smile.

Like she knew something I didn’t.

I felt a flicker of irritation.

But before I could say anything, she simply took another bite of her food, humming softly to herself.

The conversation was over.

Or rather—

She had decided it was over.

I sighed, rubbing my temples.

Miyuki Hayasaka was a dangerous woman.

And somehow, I got the feeling she wasn’t done with this topic.

Not by a long shot.