Chapter 199 - 199 – Bunny Ears and Cat Ears

Words : 1474 Updated : Oct 14th, 2025

Utaha didn't leave until three in the afternoon. Since lunch had been prepared by Haru, it marked the first time his parents experienced sage time—they were so blissfully satisfied they didn't want to move an inch. It also made the Amamiya couple realize something quite shocking: their son's cooking skills had improved yet again. From now on, whenever he came home, they'd make sure he handled all the meals. At 3:02 PM, Haru walked Utaha to the entrance of the apartment complex. He had been curious about what she and his parents had talked about—but she beat him to it. "I had a great time chatting with your mom. I found out all sorts of things about your childhood," she said with a smile. He sighed. "I had a feeling she'd bring that up… looks like I was right." Utaha tilted her head. "Does your mom usually talk about you that much?" "Not really." Haru paused, then decided to be honest. "Only when she really likes the person. That includes close friends… or people she has a high opinion of." Utaha beamed. "Like Yukino?" "Yeah." "That's good to know," she said, her smile growing even brighter. "Hearing about your past made me realize just how good my taste is." "If you're trying to compliment me, please—don't stop," Haru replied shamelessly. Naturally, Utaha didn't give him that chance and smoothly changed the topic. "Actually, I was a little nervous when your mom called me earlier." Haru caught on instantly. "You were worried she might ask about us?" "Mm." She nodded, her voice lowering as if the words weighed more. "Even though I've mentally prepared for that kind of thing… I still didn't want to put you in a difficult spot with your family. If that happened, I'd only end up feeling frustrated myself." She gave him a gentle smile. "Thankfully, your mom's a wonderful person. She didn't mention anything about us, or ask how I feel about you. I think she didn't suspect anything." No, Haru thought. She definitely noticed something… but she's trusted me to handle it myself, so she didn't ask. He didn't say that aloud, of course—no need to make Utaha worry. Whatever mess he got himself into, he'd clean it up himself. "Right—there's something fun I bought recently," Utaha suddenly said, her eyes lighting up as she opened her tote bag. Curious, Haru leaned closer, only to see her pull out a headband with bunny ears. He froze. Grabbing her slender wrist, he whispered, "Senpai, don't mess around. We're outside. Don't tell me… you're wearing a bunny girl outfit under your coat?" Utaha almost lost it right then. Her smile vanished, her expression darkening in real time. "I can't believe you're having such indecent thoughts in broad daylight. No wonder Yukino calls you an idiot—she's got a point." Still holding her wrist, Haru blinked. "Wait… so I guessed wrong?" Utaha yanked her hand away with an exasperated laugh. "Your mom invited me over, remember? Why would I be dumb enough to show up in a bunny outfit?" "…Fair point," Haru said sheepishly. He couldn't help it. That time she dressed as a bunny girl had left such a strong impression on him—it was burned into his memory. In fact, ever since then, he'd occasionally dreamt of bunny girls at night. Wanting to escape the awkwardness, he asked, "So the fun thing you mentioned… is it just this bunny ear headband?" To his surprise, Utaha grinned slyly. "Yes. I think it'll have quite the effect on you." "Effect? What do you mean?" "A special buff," she said. "In gaming terms—critical hit." Haru snorted. "You think just a pair of bunny ears can land a crit on me? Come on." He already had experience: the seductive bunny girl, and Yukino's infamous catgirl moment. How could a simple headband faze him? But just as he thought that, Utaha took off her hairband and put on the bunny ears. And in that moment, he realized he'd been too focused on the wrong thing—and had missed a detail. There was a white string dangling from the bunny ears. He couldn't tell what the string was made of, but at the end of it was a switch—like those found on kids' toys. "Watch this," Utaha said with a smile, pressing the switch with her slender fingers. With a snap, the floppy ears perked up—standing perfectly straight. "…It's really a toy, huh," Haru murmured. Then he realized. The beautiful girl in front of him… standing there with her cheeks slightly flushed, wearing bunny ears that could move. This thing wasn't just "fun." It had potential. Like, serious potential. When she was happy? Ears go up.Tired and weak? Ears droop… Wait… am I turning into a pervert? Haru hesitated and looked back at Utaha, who was now flushed and wide-eyed, her gaze shimmering with a mix of embarrassment and allure. And then… she puffed out her chest. HOLY— She really was thinking the same thing! Haru was stunned. Before he could say anything, Utaha quickly took off the bunny ears and stuffed them back into the bag. Then, after putting her usual hairband back on, she gave him a seductive little smile."So? What did you think? Was it… stimulating?" "It was. Very," Haru admitted. No use lying—especially since they'd been on the same wavelength. Utaha's smile deepened. "When your parents aren't home… do you want to see me wear it again?" "I do," Haru nodded immediately. Utaha looked positively triumphant—her plan had worked. "Actually, I bought two headbands. The other one's got cat ears." Cat ears? Haru's mouth opened in surprise. He could already guess where this was going. Sure enough, Utaha whispered with a mischievous glint in her eye, "Cat ears and Yukino… such a perfect match, right?" Haru scratched his head awkwardly. "I don't think I can convince Yukino to wear something like that…" "Oh, but you can. She listens to you. Why else would she have an actual catgirl outfit at home?" Her voice was as sweet as honey, yet somehow overwhelmingly persuasive. Like a goddess luring mankind down a forbidden path, Utaha used her most potent weapon—her voice—to gently nudge Haru toward a bold new mission. Then, just as suddenly, she slipped back into her usual elegance, smiling playfully. "Remember," she said, "if Yukino agrees to wear the cat ears… I'll wear the bunny ears for you—however you want." Haru paused for a second, then said, "I have a better idea." "Oh? What kind of idea?" "You convince Yukino. I'll… play support." "…" Utaha left with a sway in her hips and victory in her smile. Before she left, Utaha didn't forget to shoot him a fierce glare. With what Haru had just said, it was as if he'd sent her off to take on the Journey to the West quartet alone. Convince Yukino? She'd probably get slammed into the floor before she even got a full sentence out. Days passed. Yukino soon moved back into Haru's home. Utaha still visited from time to time, but the game It Takes Two? Neither of the girls brought it up again. Clearly, that game had left a mark on both of them. If they were ever going to play it again with a calm mindset, it would take a few more days—at least. As for the whole bunny-ears-and-cat-ears conversation, Utaha never mentioned it again. It was as if it had never happened. But every now and then, when she found a private moment with Haru, she'd lean in and whisper with playful sarcasm,"Are my brand-new headbands just going to rot at home? Someone's awfully timid, aren't they?" Her words dripped with mockery, perfectly on-brand for her. In the final days before winter break ended, Haru received a rare invitation—from Megumi Kato. She wanted to go shopping for a suitable Chinese textbook and needed someone who knew the language well to help. Haru didn't turn her down. He was just surprised.She's really planning to learn Chinese? When they met on the street, Megumi's outfit was—as always—low-key and modest. Nothing flashy. But the closer one got, the more refined and graceful her beauty became. "Happy New Year," Haru greeted first. Megumi's voice was soft and gentle. "Happy New Year. Your mom invited me over a few days ago, but things were hectic at home… maybe next time." Haru blinked. Wait… what? My mom invited her over? When did that happen? She didn't tell me a word about it.

Chapter 199 - 199 – Bunny Ears and Cat Ears

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