December 24th.
On that day, Yuzuru came home before evening.
“I’m home, Arisa. Just like I promised, I got back early today!”
He opened the front door with an unusually cheerful voice.
But Arisa didn’t come to greet him.
“Welcome back. I’m cooking right now, so I can’t leave it unattended.”
Her voice came from the kitchen instead.
She was likely preparing something for Christmas Eve.
A faint, nostalgic scent—something like soy sauce—filled the air.
“I see. I’ll change and come help.”
After calling back loudly, Yuzuru headed to his room.
He took off his tight suit and changed into casual clothes.
(I wonder what she’s making… Japanese food?)
Thinking about the special Christmas Eve menu, he made his way to the kitchen.
“Arisa, I’ll help. What should I—”
When he arrived, he froze.
Arisa stood there in an apron.
Just an apron.
Nothing underneath.
No underwear, no swimsuit.
Only a red apron against her pale skin.
“A-Arisa…!?”
The phrase apron only flashed through his mind.
The ties swayed lightly over her well-shaped hips.
“Yuzuru.”
As he stood frozen, she slowly turned around.
Her chest, far fuller than in her high school days, bounced against the apron.
Despite her revealing state, she smiled shyly.
“Perfect timing. Could you watch the heat for me?”
“Y-yeah… sure…”
Prompted by her, Yuzuru moved to the stove.
A pot sat there, covered with foil, something simmering inside.
“What is this?”
“Simmered taro.”
His heart lifted at the answer.
He hadn’t had that in years.
“…What else are you making?”
“Pork miso soup, grilled fish, and mixed rice.”
“Sounds great.”
Not very Christmas-like—
but it was nostalgic, comforting Japanese food.
He looked forward to it.
“…By the way, Arisa.”
“Yes?”
He glanced at her as she prepared the rice.
She was still wearing nothing but that apron.
Every movement made her chest sway—
larger now than it had been before.
At times, glimpses of her skin showed through the gaps.
He knew he shouldn’t stare—
but couldn’t help himself.
“…What’s with that outfit?”
He finally asked.
“You like it, don’t you?”
She hooked a finger under the strap of her apron and tugged it slightly.
A dangerous glimpse appeared.
Yuzuru quickly looked away.
“I… can’t deny that, but…”
“Then it’s fine, right?”
Carrying a clay pot, she walked towards him.
He instinctively stepped back.
Ignoring him, she set it on the stove and lit the flame.
“I’ll prepare the fish. Could you watch this too?”
“Y-yeah…”
He nodded.
While watching the stove, his eyes kept drifting towards her.
From the side, every movement threatened to reveal too much.
He couldn’t stop noticing.
And she seemed aware—
occasionally sending him teasing glances.
“Looks like the fish is ready. How about the taro?”
She peeked into the grill as she asked.
Yuzuru stirred the pot gently.
“The liquid’s just about gone.”
She came over and looked inside.
“Let me see… yeah, that’s perfect.”
She turned off the heat,
picked up a piece with chopsticks,
and held it to his mouth.
“Say ah.”
“Ah…”
He ate it.
A gentle, comforting flavour spread in his mouth.
“How is it?”
“It’s good.”
“Then it’s done. The rice too… yes, perfect. Let’s serve.”
She turned her back to him.
Her smooth back and shapely hips filled his view.
“Arisa.”
“Eh?—Ah!”
Before he knew it,
he had wrapped his arms around her from behind.
She let out a small cry and turned.
He lifted her chin and kissed her forcefully.
Driven by impulse, he ran his hands over her body,
his tongue slipping into her mouth.
“Y-Yuzuru… w-what’s gotten into you all of a sudden?”
“With you dressed like this, what did you expect?”
She lowered her gaze, embarrassed.
It had clearly been meant to tempt him.
“Let’s eat first. The food will get cold.”
“…Just a little? I don’t think I can hold back.”
He spoke honestly.
Lately, they hadn’t had time for intimacy.
Not because he didn’t want to—
but because he’d been too exhausted.
That desire had only been building up.
“No. Dessert comes last, doesn’t it?”
“That’s true, but…”
“I’ll give you plenty to enjoy later, okay?”
She pressed her chest against him and whispered in his ear.
He tightened his embrace—then slowly let go.
“…Alright.”
“Good. You held back.”
Slipping free from his arms, she smiled.
Her tone was almost like she was gently scolding a child,
and Yuzuru couldn’t help but laugh wryly.
