"I've already visited three orphanages..."
Mrs. Yukinoshita's brow furrowed slightly.
She was merely following the guidance of a fortune, seeking to add a boy to her family. Yet, she wouldn't adopt just anyone into the esteemed Yukinoshita household.
Her gaze shifted, settling on a young boy at the end of the line.
"Hmm..."
The boy's pale complexion stood out among the others.
His refined features were harmoniously arranged on his youthful face.
Despite wearing the same worn clothes as the other children, he exuded a distinct, elegant aura.
Even someone as discerning as Mrs. Yukinoshita couldn't help but feel a flicker of affection.
He was slightly shorter than the rest, which might have caused her to overlook him initially.
"But with proper nutrition, children grow quickly."
A few minutes later, in the director's office.
After inquiring about the boy's background and temperament, Mrs. Yukinoshita made her decision.
"Asa-kun, this is Mrs. Yukinoshita. She wishes to adopt you. Are you willing to go with her?"
The elderly director, having brought Shiraishi Asa into the room, addressed him kindly.
Shiraishi Asa had grown up in the orphanage. His endearing nature, maturity, and composure made him well-liked by the staff.
Mrs. Yukinoshita?
Hearing that familiar surname, Asa's heart stirred.
He looked up at the poised and elegant woman before him, her presence commanding and graceful.
"The Yukinoshita family, led by Mrs. Yukinoshita, has been a benefactor to our orphanage. Asa-kun, it's a blessing to be chosen by her."
The director subtly encouraged Asa, hoping he would seize this opportunity for a better life.
"The Yukinoshita family... Could she be Yukino Yukinoshita's mother?"
Asa pondered, recognizing a resemblance.
At eight years old, having reached maturity as an incubus, his need for Yin energy had intensified.
The crowded orphanage offered limited opportunities to absorb the moon's Yin energy at night.
Venturing out to seek human females was risky, potentially exposing his true nature.
Moreover, it could endanger Hoshino Ai and the orphanage.
Though he cherished the place where he was raised, it was time to move on.
At the Yukinoshita residence, he would have his own room for training.
He could sign in at a new location.
Such a prominent family likely had excellent security measures...
After careful consideration, Asa made his decision.
"I accept."
He looked into Mrs. Yukinoshita's eyes and nodded earnestly.
Meeting his clear, bright gaze, Mrs. Yukinoshita felt a warmth in her heart, an urge to embrace him.
"Ahem..."
She suppressed the emotion.
As the matriarch of the Yukinoshita family, she maintained a composed exterior.
"Mieko, let's proceed with the formalities."
At that moment, Asa took out his phone to call Hoshino Ai.
The call rang for half a minute without an answer.
"She must still be performing..."
He sent her a message explaining the situation.
"I hope Ai-nee won't have trouble sleeping without her human-shaped pillow."
After completing the paperwork, Asa donned his small backpack and left the orphanage.
He climbed into a luxurious car.
Hugging his backpack, he curled up in his seat, gazing out the window.
He resembled a kitten leaving its nest for the first time—curious and cautious.
Mrs. Yukinoshita glanced at him from the corner of her eye.
Her usually stern expression softened slightly.
"Place your bag on the seat."
Her tone remained firm, but gentler.
"Yes."
Asa obediently set down his backpack.
This brought him closer to Mrs. Yukinoshita.
A subtle, elegant fragrance emanated from her.
He knew little about her personality.
Until he understood her better, Asa decided to portray the role of a well-behaved child.
He sat upright, careful not to make contact.
He hadn't forgotten his abilities.
Especially the Level 3 "God's Hand"...
Once, he accidentally touched a sensitive area of Hoshino Ai, causing her to moan.
He still recalled her blushing face.
For a refined woman like Mrs. Yukinoshita, her sensitivity might be even more intense.
Asa didn't want his new life to take an unexpected turn before it even began.
The car ride was silent.
Soon, they arrived at the Yukinoshita estate.
"This will be your home from now on."
Mrs. Yukinoshita stated calmly.
She picked up Asa's backpack and stepped out of the car gracefully.
Asa followed.
Unexpectedly, as he exited the car, he missed a step and stumbled forward.
"Damn, ' Lucky Moment'..."
Thud!
The thought barely crossed his mind when he found himself colliding with an incredibly soft body.
His hands inadvertently landed on areas better left untouched.
"Madam!"
Mieko, the housekeeper who had just alighted, exclaimed.
She rushed to assist Mrs. Yukinoshita and Asa.
A soft moan escaped Mrs. Yukinoshita's lips.
Seeing her slightly flushed face and parted lips, Mieko stood frozen.
Was this the same Mrs. Yukinoshita who always exuded strength and never showed vulnerability?
***
Shimokitazawa Performance Hall.
The show had just ended. The rising idol group B Komachi had finished their set, and the venue was still vibrating with energy.
"Ai-chan, as expected! You're absolutely dazzling out there!"
"Ugh, now I have to wait three more days… 72 hours… 4,320 minutes… 259,200 seconds until I see Ai-chan again!"
"I swear eternal loyalty to Ai-chan! Till death do us part!"
Backstage, the cheers of the crowd still echoed faintly through the hall.
The other members of B Komachi stole glances at Hoshino Ai. Their expressions were a mix of admiration and envy.
She stood there, shining even when the spotlight was off. A natural idol.
That glowing aura, that ever-bright smile—it never faded.
Even away from the stage.
It was the kind of presence that inspired awe... and quiet fear.
But Ai remained oblivious to the weight of their stares.
The adoration of the crowd warmed her, but her mind was elsewhere.
Her heart belonged to someone much smaller—someone waiting at home.
Shiraishi Asa.
That little boy was everything to her.
He was her warmth. Her anchor.
"Right about now… Asa must be thinking about me too!"
A gentle, loving smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
She grabbed her phone with a sense of urgency.
[Missed Call: Asa]
"Hehe… You really do miss me, don't you?"
Her fingers trembled slightly with joy.
The light in her eyes grew brighter.
She couldn't wait.
She needed to hear his voice.
Now.
***
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