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Chapter 32 - Chapter 32 – Sweet times Before the Storm

01 / 06

 

For someone like Haruno—who, ever since gaining 100 soulmates, rarely had a peaceful moment—it was genuinely surprising to have a completely normal day at school. No absurd accidents, no sudden confessions, and not even a single out-of-control invention exploding in his face. It was oddly refreshing. The day passed quietly, even when the three of them finished tidying up their new club room. Haruna dropped by briefly to help before heading off to tennis club, but even that was uneventful. If anything, she seemed more embarrassed than usual, her cheeks flushing red whenever she looked at him.

Haruno had offered to do anything to make up for what had happened between them the day before, but Haruna hadn't asked for a single thing. She simply brushed it off, though her shy demeanor said plenty. In the end, they exchanged only a few polite words before going their separate ways.

Nothing unusual happened even after school. Haruno walked home calmly and, for once, didn't encounter a flying alien, jealous rival, or interdimensional crisis. He returned to his apartment, rolled up his sleeves, and began preparing dinner.

"I never thought you'd be this good at cooking," Yui commented as she stood beside him, doing her best to help. Though she was competent in the kitchen thanks to her responsible nature, she quickly realized Haruno's skills were on another level. He let her assist with the simpler tasks while he took the lead.

Cooking had become a small passion of his. In his previous life, living as a terminally ill patient meant a lifetime of bland, hospital food. Now, with a second chance and a healthy body, food had never tasted better—and he wanted to make the most of it. Sharing meals like this felt strangely fulfilling.

"Well, I've always enjoyed making delicious food," Haruno said with a light laugh as he stirred the pot, glancing over at Yui who was diligently helping him. "But I don't think I'm anywhere near the level of those prodigies from Tōtsuki Culinary Academy."

Yui smiled as she wiped her hands. "That school is on a whole different level, sure… but honestly, I think you might be able to get in. I've never tasted food made by any of their students, but what you cooked yesterday was amazing." Her tone was casual, but the compliment was sincere. Ever since she started eating his meals, she'd realized just how skilled Haruno was—better than she expected from a high schooler.

"Aha, thanks, but I really don't think I'm there yet." Haruno chuckled, remembering scenes from the anime where food caused people to dramatically strip down mid-bite in ecstasy. "I haven't seen anyone tear off their clothes and scream about umami after tasting my food. Guess I still have a ways to go."

He glanced over at Lala, who was cheerfully setting the table. As much as he loved her energy, letting her handle the cooking was too risky. Who knew what kind of 'improved seasoning' or alien gadget she'd try to use?

"It's just a hobby anyway," Haruno continued, turning his attention back to Yui. "But honestly, I'd be happier getting to eat something made by my girlfriend."

Yui's face turned a gentle shade of pink, her heart skipping at the unexpected sweetness in his voice. "I… I can make you a lunch box next time," she said shyly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Really!? I can't wait!" Haruno beamed, clearly excited. After all, in his past life, bento from a cute and caring girl was one of those anime tropes he had always dreamed of experiencing—and now, it was becoming real.

Dinner that evening was warm and fulfilling—Haruno's cooking brought a comforting sense of home, and the light conversation made the meal feel even more special. As the plates were cleared and the night wound down, it was soon time for Yui to head back to her apartment. Though she smiled as she gathered her things, there was a small flicker of envy in her heart.

Unlike Lala and Ryouko, who shared the same roof as Haruno and could casually spend their nights near him, Yui didn't have that luxury. Her parents were strict, and even though she had already committed herself as one of Haruno's fiancées in this strange, love-powered destiny, she couldn't bring herself to break the rules she had followed all her life. She was a serious girl—disciplined, principled—and that didn't change just because she had a boyfriend.

Still, she couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious. Haruno had told her, quite honestly, about how Lala preferred to sleep nude and how Ryouko often wore little more than lingerie around the house. He wasn't bragging—he just wanted to be fair, to keep Yui informed and included. That was the kind of person he was. And he also told her if there was something that she wanted as compensation.

Knowing this, Yui wanted to ask for more—more time, more moments, more intimacy. But she held herself back. Not because she didn't want those things, but because she didn't want to burden Haruno by competing with the others. Instead, she made one small request.

"Can you walk me home?" she asked with a soft smile.

Their apartments were close, just a few blocks apart. It wasn't a big deal, but to Yui, that short walk together meant everything. Haruno agreed without hesitation, already planning to do so. Even if it was only a few minutes, he wanted to give her that time—just the two of them, under the quiet night sky.

With no one else around, Yui felt brave enough to slip her hand into Haruno's and gently lean against his side. Her fingers laced with his, and she let out a quiet breath as she held onto him, her chest brushing lightly against his arm. It wasn't the first time they'd kissed, but something about this simple act—holding hands and walking side by side—felt even more intimate. It was rare for her to take the lead in showing affection, but right now, with just the two of them beneath the quiet night sky, she didn't feel embarrassed at all.

Haruno, on the other hand, felt completely blessed. Seeing the normally serious and composed Yui act so sweet and affectionate made his heart race in the best way possible. He loved these sides of her—the quiet boldness, the warmth she reserved only for him.

"Hey," Haruno said, glancing toward a softly lit path, "how about we take a quick detour to the park nearby?"

Yui blinked, then nodded with a smile. "Sure. I'd love that."

It was just a small park, dimly lit and quiet at this hour, but to them, it felt like their own private world. As they walked along the path, Haruno couldn't help but think of Rentarou from The 100 Girlfriends. Despite juggling many soulmates, Rentarou always made time to cherish each one individually, in small groups, and even all together at once.

Haruno realized he hadn't done enough of that yet. In just three chaotic days, he'd already gained three girlfriends. They kissed often and shared moments at home, but dates like this—simple, quiet, and just the two of them—were still rare.

"I wonder if there's somewhere you'd like to go in the future?" Haruno asked gently, glancing at Yui as they walked side by side.

"Hm… I think I'd be happy if we went to the aquarium," she answered without much hesitation.

"Aquarium?"

"Yeah. I went once when I was younger, and it became one of my favorite memories. I think it'd be even more special if I went with you," she said with a soft smile.

Haruno nodded thoughtfully. Aquariums were a classic dating spot in anime and manga, and while he'd never visited one in his past life, he did recall going with his parents in this world as a child. The shimmering tanks, the gentle movement of marine life—it had felt like a dream back then.

"Yeah, I'd love to go with you too," he replied sincerely.

"Then it's a promise, right?" Yui said, her voice lighting up with excitement.

Their conversation flowed naturally after that, simple and warm. As usual, it began with a small embrace. Unlike Lala or Ryouko, Yui always preferred starting with a hug, pressing gently against Haruno's chest. Haruno responded with a kiss on her cheek, which made her instantly blush and turn away in embarrassment.

Overcome with affection, Haruno gently turned her face back toward him and kissed her on the lips. Yui accepted it, rising on her toes to meet him halfway, the awkward balance only making her look even cuter in his eyes. Maybe it was her way of making up for not being able to stay the night—whatever the reason, their kiss lingered longer than usual.

Afterwards, Haruno walked her home and said goodnight. It had been a completely ordinary day… yet, for him, it felt like a cherished moment of peace. Somehow, it almost felt like the calm before the storm.

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Sorry for the late update. I ended up going on a 6-hour hike up a 2,300-meter mountain as a replacement for my sibling, who couldn't make it. It was something I've never done before… and now my whole body is aching like crazy. And I don't have fate about this chapter.

 

Author Note :

100 Heroines: 6 chapters per week, with each chapter ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 words. I may drop to 5 chapters if I'm busy.

You can read 10 chapter at patr*on.com/Iam_HaremLover123

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