Usagi's POV:
"Ahaa!!" I stretched my arms as the last lecture finally ended. "Huh?! It's already 4? Gotta hurry up, I have my shift from 5!" I quickly started packing my books into my bag.
"Oh, leaving already?" Mei asked.
"You really do wanna be a chef, huh? Unlike us, you're putting in a lot of effort," Hina added.
I smiled. "Yes… I want to chase my dream. I can't let myself get distracted—not when Okami is following his own and working so hard to achieve his goal."
"Bye-bye!" I waved and hurried out, rushing since I was already late.
Ohh, I wonder what Okami-kun is doing right now... Did he go straight home, or is he out with friends?
By the time I reached the restaurant, it was already 5:12! Panicking, I pushed open the door and ran straight to the staff cabin.
"Ahhh, I'm really sorrrrryyyy, ma'am!!!" I blurted out, catching my breath.
But instead of scolding me, a familiar gentle voice responded.
"Ehh, don't be sorry, Usagi-chan! It's fine," Okami-kun's mom said with her usual warm, loving smile.
"I'll get changed quickly!" I said, placing my bag on the desk before rushing to the changing room.
"Take it easy, dear," Okami-kun's mom said with a soft chuckle.
I quickly changed into my chef's uniform, tied my apron, and stepped into the restaurant's kitchen.
Ahhh, here it is—my lovely, dovely kitchen!
The place was bustling, and the orders were pouring in—tempura, okonomiyaki, yakitori, miso soup! I moved swiftly, preparing dish after dish, making sure to put my heart into every meal.
Hehe, today is such a busy day! I can't let Okami-kun's mom down. She's such an amazing chef… Ahh, I wish I could be like her one day!
She even let me work here even though I'm still a rookie! Ahhh, working under the guidance of someone like her…
Okami-kun's mom isn't just kind—she's a legend in the culinary world! A famous, well-known chef who runs multiple five-star restaurants.
She's so cool!!!
Every time I watch her cook, it feels like magic. The way she moves, the precision in her cuts, the way she balances flavors effortlessly—I want to be like that someday!
"Usagi-chan, your shift is over now. It's already 10! How are you going to go home alone this late?" Okami-kun's mom asked with concern, her warm eyes filled with worry.
Hehe, Okami is totally her son…
"No, Mam, I'll be fine! It's just four stations away, so don't worry!" I reassured her, trying to sound confident.
She sighed. "Oh dear, how many times do I have to tell you? Call me Mom!"
I instantly froze, feeling my cheeks heat up. "A-Ahh... I... I... Mhm, M-Mam!!" I stuttered. I can't just change my habit out of the blue!
She giggled at my reaction, clearly amused. "Hehe, you're so cute, Usagi-chan! If I were a boy, I would've married you already~" she teased, winking playfully.
"Ahhh!!! P-Please don't tease me, Mam!!" I squeaked, covering my face in embarrassment.
She just laughed, enjoying my flustered reaction. Ahhh, both mother and son are the same when it comes to teasing me!
I pouted but couldn't help feeling warm inside. It makes me really happy, though…
I quickly changed into my clothes, grabbed my bag, and waved. "Bye, Mam!!"
"Good work today! Get home safely, dear!" Okami-kun's mom said with a warm smile.
As I pushed open the exit door, the chilly night air greeted me. But more than that, there he was—Okami-kun, standing just outside with his warm jacket on, hands tucked into his pockets, waiting for me.
Hehe, I knew he would do something like this!
Without hesitation, I walked straight up to him and buried my face into his chest. "Mphh... Hehe, you should've come inside, dummy!"
His body was warm, and I could hear his heartbeat—steady and calm. Ahhh, this is the best...
"Usagi, I told you many times—you can always call me if you get late. I would come to pick you up," he said in his usual expressionless tone.
Yet... hehe, I could hear the concern in his voice. Ahh, he's totally gone on his mom! Like mother, like son!
I pulled back slightly, looking up at him with a cheeky smile. "I thought I shouldn't disturb you. Your deadlines are close—you should focus more on your story! I could've just taken the train and come home. It's a piece of cake for me, hehe!" I said, flashing him my most confident grin.
"It's not about disturbing me or not... You can't just take things lightly," he said, his voice carrying a hint of frustration. His brows furrowed slightly as he looked at me.
Hehe, so cute when he's mad!
"Ohh, don't worry! I can tame a wolf like you, so anyone else is just dust—like, no threat to me!" I blurted out, my cheeky grin still in place.
Oops… Did I just make a mistake?
In an instant, he grabbed my waist and pinned me against the wall. His body was close, his warmth surrounding me, and his voice—ahh, that low, hungry voice—sent shivers down my spine.
"Oh? How bold of you, bunny, to think you can tame a wolf..." He leaned in, his breath tickling my ear.
My heart pounded.
"Did you forget what you said in the library?" His lips brushed against my ear as he whispered my own words back to me—
"I'll let you be."