Be combat ready on day twenty-six.

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"I can't believe Nagi forced you to leave her mansion again, Hayate!"

"I wasn't forced, Hinagiku. She just asked me to live elsewhere for a week because of…circumstances."

"That sounds like you were forced," came the deadpan reply.

Hinagiku watched as Hayate let out a sigh of defeat. Leave it to the kind-hearted butler to never say a bad thing about anyone. The pink-haired girl grabbed the boy's hand, keeping a blush down all the while, and led him towards her house.

"You know, you don't have to do this," said Hayate as he followed Hinagiku.

"You don't deserve to live on the streets, Hayate," replied the student council president. "Besides…I want to."

The duo soon reached the Katsura residence and went inside. Luckily for both Hinagiku and Hayate, Mrs. Katsura was out for the evening. At least this way Hayate wouldn't be forced to wear some of Hinagiku's old clothes. Speaking of clothes, Hayate's were soaked, as it had been raining just like the last time Hinagiku had found the boy. She had told him to go take a shower while she took care of his clothes.

While Hayate was in the shower, Hinagiku couldn't stop the blush this time as she gathered Hayate's clothes that he placed in a nearby basket and left him a robe he could wear until they were dry. It almost felt like she was his wife. Shaking the thought out of her head, she put his clothes in the washing machine and then got started on dinner. Busy with her thoughts, she didn't even hear the shower turn off.

"Ah, that feels a lot better," said Hayate with a smile. The sound of his sudden appearance made Hinagiku jumped a little.

"J-Just in time, Hayate! Dinner is ready!" exclaimed Hinagiku, placing the plates on the table. The sight of him in nothing but a robe was tantalizing to the girl.

She watched as Hayate smiled at her and sat before his plate and dug in. Hesitantly, Hinagiku sat next to him and started to eat her meal, stealing glances at the boy every now and then.

"Anyone ever tell you that you're an excellent cook, Hinagiku? I kinda wish I could eat like this everyday," said Hayate, giving her another smile.

Hinagiku could feel her heart beating rapidly in her chest. Thoughts of being Hayate's wife returned and she wasn't sure if she wanted to get rid of them this time.

"I-If you want, Hayate, I could always make lunch for you for school."

"Really? You'd do that for me?" asked Hayate, looking at the girl with wide eyes. "I don't know. You don't have to keep going to all this trouble just for me."

"I don't mind, Hayate. I w-want to," replied Hinagiku. She then thought, 'Plus, it will put me one step closer to winning your heart.'

Smiling at her once more, Hayate replied. "Arigatou, Hinagiku."

"You're welcome, Hayate," said Hinagiku, returning the smile.

The two sat in peaceful silence as they enjoyed their meals and each other's company. Hinagiku stole one more glance at Hayate, thinking of what the future will hold for her and if the boy she loved will be there by her side. She really did want to cook for him everyday after all.

FIN

-:-

Hayate the Combat Butler is a series I've been meaning to read, but never got around to it. From what I have researched though, it doesn't seem to be too bad of a series.