The evening sun cast a golden glow over the streets as a gentle breeze carried the warmth of the day. Hiro and Zero Two walked side by side on their way home, feeling particularly fulfilled after today’s art class. Zero Two’s painting had amazed not only their teacher and classmates but had also sparked a lively discussion.
“Hehe, Darling, wasn’t my painting amazing?” Zero Two grinned proudly, swinging Hiro’s arm playfully, anticipation clear in her voice.
Hiro smiled and nodded, not holding back his praise. “Your drawing skills are just as incredible as ever.”
Hearing this, Zero Two blinked and her smile deepened. “Of course! I’d never forget something I’m good at.” She paused, then suddenly leaned in with a mischievous look. “So, shouldn’t I get a reward?”
“A r-reward?” Hiro stammered, feeling a bit nervous. “What do you want?”
Zero Two tapped her cheek with a finger and smirked. “A kiss?”
“D-don’t say stuff like that!” Hiro’s face instantly turned red, and his steps became a little unsteady.
“Hehe, you’re so shy, Darling~” Zero Two giggled, holding onto his hand and swinging it lightly. “Alright, let’s hurry home! I’m starving!”
A Relaxing Time at Home—
When they got home, Hiro put down his bag and headed straight to the kitchen to prepare dinner. Zero Two eagerly followed him, watching with fascination as he skillfully washed and chopped vegetables.
“Darling, you’re really becoming a househusband,” Zero Two teased, leaning on the kitchen counter with a smirk.
Hiro chuckled. “Well, I have to make sure you don’t go hungry.”
“So, what’s for dinner today?” Zero Two peeked into the pan, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the sizzling golden-brown chicken and freshly cooked vegetables.
“Just something simple—white rice, fried chicken, and miso soup.”
“Wow, that sounds delicious!” Zero Two licked her lips before dashing off to the living room, eagerly waiting for the meal.
Before long, dinner was ready. The two of them sat at the table, enjoying their food. Zero Two, as usual, ended up with sauce all over her mouth. Hiro sighed, picking up a napkin and gently wiping the corner of her lips.
“You’re still so messy when you eat.”
“That’s because it’s too good!” Zero Two giggled and playfully licked her lips. “Darling’s cooking is the best!”
After dinner, they relaxed in the living room, watching TV together. Suddenly, Zero Two sprang up excitedly. “Darling! Let’s play a game!”
“A game?” Hiro looked at her, puzzled. “Do you mean video games?”
Zero Two shook her head with a sly grin. “Nope! Let’s play… hide and seek!”
“Huh? Hide and seek? In the house?” Hiro was baffled.
“Of course! That makes it fun!” Zero Two’s eyes sparkled with excitement, already brimming with anticipation.
Hiro sighed, knowing there was no way he could refuse. “Alright… So, I hide first?”
“Hehe, nope! I’m the seeker!” Zero Two smirked mischievously. “Darling, go hide!”
“This house isn’t that big… Where am I supposed to hide?” Hiro muttered but still started looking for a hiding spot.
A Game of Hide and Seek—
“I’ll count to ten! Ten, nine, eight…” Zero Two turned around and began counting.
Hiro quickly squeezed into the small space between the couch and bookshelf in the living room. As soon as Zero Two finished counting, she opened her eyes and began searching.
“Darling~ Where are you hiding?” Her voice was teasing as she tiptoed around, first checking the kitchen but finding nothing.
Then, she turned to the living room, her gaze landing on the narrow space beside the couch. A playful smile spread across her face.
“Gotcha, Darling!”
“Ah—” Before Hiro could react, Zero Two pounced on him, dragging him out of his hiding spot as they both tumbled onto the couch.
“Hahaha! You lost!” Zero Two laughed triumphantly, pinning him down with a playful grin.
Hiro, trapped beneath her, felt his face heat up. “H-how did you find me so fast…?”
“Because I know you best!” Zero Two puffed out her chest proudly. “No matter where you hide, I’ll always find you!”
Hiro sighed in defeat, knowing he had no chance of winning against her. “Fine… I lost.”
Zero Two happily wrapped her arms around him, whispering near his ear, “That’s how it should be, Darling.”
Hiro felt the warmth of her embrace, his heart beating faster as his face turned an even deeper shade of red.
“Alright, that’s enough. It’s getting late—we should get ready for bed.” Hiro tried to sound calm, hoping to hide his embarrassment.
Zero Two pouted, clearly disappointed that the game had to end, but she eventually got up. “Fine… Then let’s take a bath together!”
“W-wait! Who said anything about that?!” Hiro stumbled backward in panic.
“Hehe, just kidding~” Zero Two burst into laughter before heading toward the bathroom, leaving Hiro standing in the living room, his face burning as he covered it with his hands.
A Promise at Night—
After washing up, they both lay in bed, the soft glow of the nightlight casting a warm, peaceful atmosphere.
Zero Two turned over and gently took Hiro’s hand in hers. “Darling, today was really fun.”
Hiro nodded lightly. “Yeah… Every day with you is fun.”
Zero Two smiled softly, then scooted closer and whispered, “We’ll always be together like this, right?”
Hiro was momentarily taken aback before he tightened his grip on her hand, his expression serious. “Of course.”
“Then it’s a promise.” Zero Two linked her pinky with his, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.
To be continued…
