The boy shouted at the top of his lungs, swiftly turned on his heel, and dashed down the hallway.
"A thief! Onee-chan! There's a thief!"
"No! Wait! I'm not a thief!"
Haruto hurriedly chased after the boy, desperately trying to correct him.
However, it seemed like the boy's ears were deaf to his words. He continued shouting "Thief!" as he attempted to go upstairs.
"Ryouta, what's all the commotion about?"
As the boy's foot touched the first step of the stairs, Toujou, alerted by the noise, came out of her room and appeared at the top of the staircase.
"Onee-chan! This is terrible! There's a thief in the house!"
"Huff, huff, sorry, Toujou-san. It looks like this boy has mistaken me for a thief..."
The boy pointed at Haruto, who had caught up with him, and desperately appealed to Toujou.
On the other hand, Haruto, gasping for breath after his sprint, explained the situation in detail, maintaining his calm and composed tone.
"Hehe."
Toujou seemingly found the scene quite amusing. She put her hand over her mouth and let out a small chuckle.
"Onee-chan?"
The boy tilted his head at his sister's reaction.
Toujou went down the stairs and gently placed her hand on her brother's shoulder.
"Ryouta, this person is not a thief."
"Huh? Not a thief? Then who is he? Onee-chan's boyfriend?"
"Haha."
Haruto couldn't help but burst into laughter at the boy's statement.
In contrast, Toujou calmly corrected her brother's misunderstanding.
"He's not my boyfriend. He's from the housekeeping service."
"Housekeeping...?"
The boy tilted his head in response to his sister's explanation.
"He's someone who cleans and cooks for us. Understand?"
Following Toujou's explanation, the boy nodded.
"Sorry, Ootsuki-kun. This is my little brother, Ryouta. He's still in kindergarten and doesn't quite understand the details."
"Oh, no worries. As long as the misunderstanding is cleared up, it's not a problem."
Haruto replied as he bowed his head, then crouched down to meet Toujou's brother, Ryouta, at eye level.
"Ryouta-kun, I'm sorry if I startled you earlier. I'm Ootsuki Haruto. Nice to meet you."
Haruto extended his hand with a smile, and Ryouta, letting go of his caution, took it.
"I'm sorry for calling you a thief earlier, Onii-san."
Ryouta lowered his head with a slight bow, surprising Haruto a bit.
"Ryouta-kun is such a good boy."
Haruto said to Toujou who stood next to him.
It wasn't common for someone his age to realize their mistake and apologize before being told.
Praised by Haruto, Toujou slightly relaxed her expression, though she tried to hide her embarrassment with a slightly troubled look.
"But he's quite mischievous, and he tends to scatter his toys around."
"Still, isn't it nice that he's very energetic?"
Toujou, still smiling, patted her brother's head as she spoke with Haruto.
Observing this, Haruto also relaxed his cheeks, thinking that they had a very good sibling relationship.
As an only child, he had a slight longing for having siblings.
"Oh, right. Since the cleaning is done, can I confirm the dinner menu with you, Toujou-sama?"
With Ryouta's appearance, Haruto was reminded of the work he had almost forgotten.
"It's already done? That was fast."
Toujou commented as she walked towards the living room.
And then, she opened her eyes wide as she looked at the now clean living room.
"Huh? This... it's so sparkling clean."
The living room was spotless, and the water areas like tables and sinks were so impeccably clean that they appeared to have a polished, mirror-like finish.
In this living-dining space that resembled a model home, Toujou couldn't help but express her admiration with a soft exclamation.
"If you have any points of dissatisfaction or requests in regards to the cleaning, please feel free to let me know."
With a slightly proud expression on his face, Haruto responded according to the manual, while Toujou shook her head as she answered.
"No, it's already so perfect. I don't have any complaints at all."
Toujou tried running her fingers on the shelves and tables, but no dust adhered to them.
"Wow, Ootsuki-kun, you're really good at cleaning."
"Well, yeah. If not, I wouldn't have chosen this part-time job."
"Oh, yeah you're right."
"Amaziiing, the room is sparkling, Onee-chan!"
Ryouta's excitement seemed to surge in response to the pristine living room. He started running around, causing a bit of a ruckus.
Seeing Ryouta's actions, even though Haruto thought, "I just finished cleaning, and yet dust is getting stirred up again," he wore a reluctant smile and found himself just gazing at the innocent boy's actions rather than stopping him.
"Hey now, Ryouta! Ootsuki-kun did his best cleaning the room and now you're making it dirty again."
However, Toujou fulfilled her role as an older sister, admonishing her brother's behavior.
Upon receiving the warning, Ryouta obediently replied with, "Okay," and stopped running.
Witnessing this scene, Haruto unintentionally let his thoughts escape his mouth.
"Toujou-san, you're such a good onee-san, aren't you?"
"Huh?... Do you think so?"
"Yeah, that's what I think whenever I see the both of you."
"I-is that so? Thank you…"
Perhaps feeling slightly embarrassed by the compliment, Toujou tilted her head and responded with a modest upward glance, which made Haruto's heart skip a beat.
"Onee-chan, you're an amazing onee-chan!"
"Right? Ryouta-kun's onee-san is a really amazing onee-san. But I also think Ryouta-kun is a very good little brother."
Squatting down to meet Ryouta's eye level, Haruki pats his head and said as such.
"Really? I'm a good little brother?"
"Yep. Ryouta-kun is a good little brother who listens to his onee-san properly."
At Haruki's words, Ryota's face lights up.
"Onee-chan! He said I'm a good little brother!"
"That's right. Ryouta is a good boy."
"Ehehe."
Praised by both of them, Ryouta's face beamed with happiness. Haruto and Toujou couldn't help but smile at the infectious joy.
"Oh, right. Um, Toujou-sama, about dinner. The request mentioned making a four-person meal using the ingredients available in the fridge. Is that correct?"
Although he was taken in by the angelic charm of Toujou's brother, Haruto snapped back to work mode and remembered his pending task.
"May I take a look inside the fridge to check the available ingredients?"
Thanks to his grandmother's education, Haruto was capable of preparing a variety of dishes, from Japanese to Western and even Chinese cuisine. However, cooking required ingredients. If there were missing items, he would have to go shopping, which was also part of his housekeeping service.
"Um, well, it's a bit messy, but please go ahead."
"Well then, pardon me."
With a slightly embarrassed nod from Toujou, Haruto, despite feeling a bit uneasy, opened the fridge door, reminding himself that this was part of his job.
"Let's see, we have eggs and milk, onions, carrots, cabbage... Oh, there's minced meat as well. And… a mix of beef and pork…"
As he checked the fridge, Haruto mentally listed a few possible dishes he could prepare using the ingredients he found.
"Excuse me, could I also check the seasonings and spices?"
"Sure, they're in this drawer."
Saying so, Toujou opened a drawer under the counter.
"Ooh! There's such a wide variety!"
The drawer contained more seasonings and spices than Haruto had imagined.
"Coarse black pepper, Sichuan pepper, star anise, cardamom, cloves, and ooh, bay leaves, ginger powder, and cinnamon sticks! And… Nutmeg, too..."
As someone who appreciated cooking, Haruto's excitement grew as he surveyed the rich assortment of spices before him.
While doing so, he formulated an idea for a dish using the ingredients he had found in the fridge and the array of spices he had just confirmed.
"How about some hamburg steak for dinner?"
"!!! I wanna eat hamburg steak!!!"
Even before Toujou could respond, her younger brother Ryouta reacted enthusiastically to Haruto's suggestion.
"Onee-chan, are we having hamburg steak for dinner today!?"
Looking at his sister with eager eyes, Ryouta seemed thrilled. Toujou, wearing a wry smile, turned to Haruto.
"Let's have hamburg steak for dinner tonight."
"Understood."
In response to Toujou's request, Haruto made an exaggerated bow. Seeing this, Ryouta raised both his fists triumphantly, bursting with joy.
"Yayyy! Hamburg steak!"
With a heartwarming smile at Ryouta's excitement, Haruto immediately began preparing dinner.
Hamburg steak was one of Haruto's favorite dishes. He had recently made them with his grandmother the other day, so he was quite skilled in their preparation. Since childhood, he had practiced a lot to be able to replicate his grandmother's amazing hamburg steak.
With practiced ease, Haruto started making the hamburg steaks. His efficient movements caught the attention of Toujou and her brother, who were now seated at the dining table, observing.
While Haruto continued with the cooking, thinking, 'I wonder if Toujou-san won't return to her room this time,' he lifted his face as he held a knife to finely chop the onions. Suddenly, he felt a gaze and looked up to see Ryouta staring at him with keen interest.
Haruto couldn't help but smile and, in an almost exaggerated manner, demonstrated his lightning-fast onion chopping skills.
Instantly, he heard Ryouta's excited exclamation, 'Wooow!'
"Ootsuki-kun, you're quite the cooking guy, aren't you?" said Toujou, impressed, her eyes sparkling, as she sat beside her enthusiastic brother.
"You are good with cleaning and a master in the kitchen, Ootsuki-kun, your feminine powers are off the charts."
"I think it's rarer to find a guy who can't cook these days, don't you think?"
"Is that so? But still, I think Ootsuki-kun's skills are on a whole different level."
"I'm honored by your praise."
Not only Ryouta but also Toujou, with evident interest, watched Haruto's skilled hands.
Despite the audience, Haruto continued with the cooking. Kneading the mixture for the hamburg steaks, he suddenly set up a bowl of ice water and plunged his hands in.
"Um, onii-chan, what are you doing?"
Puzzled by Haruto's action, Ryouta tilted his head.
"I'm doing this to prevent the fat in the meat from melting due to body temperature."
"Fats can melt?"
"Yeah. If the fat melts, the hamburg steak won't turn out as delicious."
Ryouta seemed a bit unsure about Haruto's explanation, but Toujou gave a, "Heeh~," and nodded in understanding.
Haruto removed his hands from the ice water and quickly wiped them before continuing to knead the mixture. His hands were bright red from being submerged in the ice-cold water.
"Onii-chan, your hand. Doesn't it hurt?"
Concerned about Haruto, Ryouta voiced his worry.
"Thanks, Ryouta-kun. But I'm fine. I want you to have delicious hamburg steak, so it's worth it."
Haruto continued kneading the mixture while being comforted by Ryouta's kindness. When the mixture became sticky, he divided it into four portions and shaped them into patties.
As he was about to start cooking the patties, he turned to Toujou.
"Um, should I cook all four patties now, or should I cook two first?"
The dinner request from Toujou was for four people, but there were only Toujou and her brother at the moment. The other two servings were probably for their parents, who hadn't returned yet. However, to Haruto, freshly cooked food is always the most delicious, so he hoped that Toujou's parents would also enjoy the dish while it's still hot.
"Ah, right. Maybe go with cooking two patties first. But..."
Saying so, Toujou looked a bit uncertain. She checked the wall clock in the living room. It was a little past 5:30 PM. Haruto's work hours would end at 6:00 PM. If Toujou's parents didn't return by then, Haruto would be gone by the time the other two patties were ready.
"In that case, I can leave instructions on how to finish cooking them. You'll get the same result if you follow the steps."
Trying to dispel her worries, Haruto explained. Toujou nodded in response.
"Really? Then, please just cook the two patties for us."
"Understood."
Haruto placed two patties in the frying pan and started cooking.
While waiting for the patties to cook, Haruto plated the consommé soup and the side vegetables he had prepared. When the patties were ready, he scooped rice into bowls, arranged the dishes on the dining table, and it was exactly 6:00 PM, the end of his work hours.
"Well, my work hours have ended, so I'll be taking my leave."
Having finished washing the cooking utensils, Haruto spoke up.
At that moment, Ryouta's excited face, which had been beaming at the sight of the finished hamburg steaks, turned gloomy.
"Onii-chan, are you leaving? Aren't you going to eat with us?"
"Sorry, Ryouta-kun. I only made enough hamburg steaks for you and your onee-san."
Meeting Ryouta's eyes, Haruto gently explained.
"Then, I'll share mine with you, Onii-chan."
Touched by the offer of sharing his beloved hamburg steak just to eat together, Haruto was debating how to decline with a wry smile. Just as he was pondering, Toujou came to the rescue.
"Ryouta, that's not right. Ootsuki-kun needs to go back home and have dinner with his family too. It's not fair to be selfish. You understand, right?"
"...I understand."
Seeing Ryota reluctantly nod with a dejected look, Haruto couldn't help but pat his head and apologize.
"Sorry about that, Ryouta-kun."
"Mhm-mm. Let's eat together next time, okay?"
"Eh, ah. Sure, next time... let's eat together."
Not fully understanding why Haruto ended up cooking dinner at the Toujou residence this time, Ryouta spoke with an innocent expression.
Haruto found himself stumbling over his words, but was still able to respond.
"Ootsuki-kun, I'll see you off at the door."
"Ah, sure, thanks."
Haruto, touched by Ryouta's innocence, accepted Toujou's offer to see him off.
"Bye bye, onii-chan! See you!"
"Bye bye."
Feeling that he probably wouldn't see Ryouta again anytime soon, Haruto waved back with a vague smile, despite the thought.
"Sorry for the trouble caused by my little brother."
At the entrance, Toujou bowed her head to Haruto.
"It's okay. Ryouta-kun is really cute and well-behaved. Oh, by the way."
Taking out a leaflet from his bag, Haruto handed it to Toujou.
"Thank you for using our housekeeping services today. If you're considering using our services again, we also offer subscription plans."
Pointing at the flyer, Haruto explained.
"If you choose a subscription, it's more cost-effective than the individual service, like today. So, if you plan to use our services again, please consider this option."
"Pft," Toujou couldn't help but chuckle at Haruto's professional sales pitch.
"Ootsuki-kun, you sound like a salesperson."
"Well, it's part of the job."
"Using honorifics like you're a businessman when talking to a classmate... It feels a bit odd. Can't you talk normally?"
"It's not that I can't. It's just that, you're my client, Toujou-sama."
Haruto's response prompted Toujou to smile wryly.
"I see... 'client,' huh?"
"Yes. Oh, you should probably go back soon, or your hamburg steak will get cold."
"Ah, right. Well then, thank you for today, Ootsuki-kun."
"Of course. We'll be waiting for your next request."
With another deep bow, Haruto bid farewell and left the Toujou residence.
As he raised his head, he caught a glimpse of Toujou's expression. He might have mistaken it, but she seemed a bit disappointed. Telling himself that it was probably just his imagination, Haruto started on his way back home.
