Melody of our Love (Rewriting)

Chapter 09 - Youth

Chapter Song - Youth by Daughter

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Shu sighed, turning on the stove and checking on the microwave to see if the leftovers were heating. So far, Ryuji has been merciful with the tasks. He was just a housewife for the team and they specifically asked for the students in charge of the dinner that he will be cooking for them. And here he was stacking plates on a tray to take them over to the dining area. "Looks like they're taking full advantage," Chiasa commented with a grin while taking a mug as she filled it with cold water.

Shu smiled, "I'm Cinderella minus the Prince Charming part."

He balanced the tray in his hand grabbing a bowl full of spaghetti from the other. "Gods, I hate this."

Chiasa shrugged unhelpfully, "For the record, you refused the other's help. Curse you for taking the burden alone. I would've killed to see them eating Valt's cooking."

Shu chuckled, "Well, there's that." He walked out of the kitchen towards the dining area where the others were already having their dinner.

"And he arrives," Shin cheered. Shu could feel the pitying gazes of his classmates. He ignored them. "Your work is sleazy, Shu. You better get a grip on yourself if you want to keep the job."

Ryuji snorted, "C'mon Shin, don't tease him. He was just appointed. Every maid should be allowed to have a training period."

Shu wordlessly placed the food on the table and turned to leave. Ryuji cleared his throat loudly. "Where are you going, sweetheart? There's plenty of space for you here."

Shu slid his gaze towards Edna who smirked, crossed her arms and leaned back on her chair. "Yes," She chirped. "Do sit with us."

"That's the smile of a girl who's up to something," Takeshi grinned. "I like you."

Edna tossed a lock of her blonde hair over her shoulder, "I don't."

Takeshi — one of the members of Ryuji's team to whom Shu was newly introduced— held his heart in mock sadness as Shu took the seat beside Tatsu which — in his opinion, was the safest place around the table. The latter acknowledged him with a nod and passed a pristine white plate towards him. "Thank you," Shu muttered.

"As much as I hate to compliment you, you make a mean Pasta," Shin said between mouthfuls. "I wouldn't mind making you my personal chef."

Shu wasn't listening, his gaze was on his friends who were sitting in the far corner, staring at him not so discreetly. Shu raised his brow at Valt who ducked behind his stacks of bread trying to appear stealthy but miserably failing. "I was thinking," Yuto — the last and the fifth member of Ryuji's team who he just learned the name of— "Did you and Edna know each other before?"

Edna froze, "Why do you think so?"

Yuto shrugged, "Seems like you two have this unsolved burden between you two every time you guys interact. I'm just theorising of course."

Edna laughed — an awkward, shrill sound. "Fat chance. That guy's existence pisses me off," She said, pointing her fork at him. "Sometimes, it is like that. Isn't it Shu?"

Shu shrugged, "If you say so."

"Aw, we've run out of pasta," Shin added, "My maid, more please!"

Shu sighed, pushing his untouched food towards him. "Here, have this." Shin didn't bother questioning his appetite as he dug in.

"Are you dieting?" Tatsu asked, tilting his head.

"Don't really have an appetite."

"Losing does that to you," Takeshi added philosophically. "I'm out," He grinned at Shu. "Take care of the dishes, sweetie."