After a long hard day, Ukyo and Ayaka were in the kitchen cooking tonight's dinner. For them, cooking was a chance for the both of them to relax.

"So how are things at Meiji?"

"Everything's fine. I joined the table tennis club."

"That's nice. I joined a circle as well when I was an university student."

Ukyo was glad Ayaka was still living in the Sunrise Residence. Ever since she came to live here, UKyo felt his burdens lifted off his chest. Ayaka was reliable and considerate. He loved it when she greeted him, cooking meals together and helping her with her studies. Thanks to Ayaka, he could concentrate on his work. At one point, he started to envy Ayaka. All his brothers notified her about their schedules, when they will be home for dinner and praising her cooking. It was as if his role in the family was stolen. He chastised himself for those thoughts; a proper adult should not be acting like that. Ayaka told him that she admired him and that he is an important member of the family which filled his heart with joy.

Ukyo also felt something more but he did not understand these feelings. He decided not to pay it any mind. Taking into account what happened when Ayaka ran away from after discovering he was adopted, he wanted her to focus on her studies and not be burdened with anything. Naturally he will support whatever career path she will take.

"Ayaka, do you have any plans this weekend?"

"No. Why?"

"I received two tickets to a restaurant. Would you like to go with me?"

"Yes. I want to go." Ayaka thought it would be a nice change of pace. "We should make sure that we have enough food for everyone."

"They won't die from the lack of just one meal."

"I know you're joking but you shouldn't say that."

Ukyo chuckled "You're right. They'll have enough to tie them over for the night."

On Friday night;

"Wow" Ayaka was amazed; when Ukyo said they were going to a restaurant, he failed to mention it was a high-class restaurant in a luxurious hotel. She wore the same dress she received from Miwa for the wedding so she was glad that she was properly dressed.

"What do you think?"

"It's amazing."

"My colleagues recommended it."

Ukyo showed his tickets to the receptionist who had a waiter show them to their table. They read through the menus which offered French and Italian food. They called on another waiter to make their orders. They ordered French Potato Salad, foie gras and lasagna. They would later have gelato for dessert.

"This foie gras is delicious! The balsamic sauce and salad too!"

Ukyo smiled as he watched Ayaka enjoy her meal. "I agree. It most likely had a long maturation period as it has low acidity and a good flavor. I can only talk about taste with you. With our brothers, all they talk about is meat. It's futile to let them eat fancy dishes."

Ayaka giggled "But everyone's happy because they get to eat a lot everyday."

"I suppose. I hope they appreciate the effort you put into cooking for them like I do."

"Thank you."

The two of them spent the evening chatting and enjoying their meal. Ukyo was glad that Ayaka enjoyed herself. It was nice to spend time with her without being accompanied by one of his brothers.

"Thank you for bringing me here Ukyo-san."

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. We celebrated your graduation but I wanted to treat you to something special. As a college student, you will be furthering your studies and seeking job opportunities. But you don't have to rush, think it over and find something you love doing. We will support you so please live a moderate life."

"I will." Ayaka was grateful to hear great advice from Ukyo. She was already determined to do her best in living her life so being reassured by her family helped.

"Oh? If it isn't Ukyo."

Ukyo shuddered as he heard a voice that to him sounded cruel as if filled if poison. He turned around to see a woman in her late 20s. She had brown hair and eyes. Her red dress highlighted her curvaceous body.

"It's been a long time."

Ayaka noticed Ukyo's expression; he was furious. This meant that this woman was a terrible person.

"What business do you have with me Amamiya-san?"

"Aren't you being distant? You can just me 'Reiko-san' like you used to." she turned her attention to Ayaka "Oh, is she your new girlfriend? But isn't she younger than you? Did you change your preference of women after I left?"

"That's none of your concern."

"Don't be so heartless. I was watching you two all night. You two looked like you get along so well."

"That's enough! Come on Ayaka-san." he held Ayaka's hand and pulled her away

"My, how cold." Reiko smirked "Well, whatever. We'll see each other again."

Ukyo was furious, his evening with Ayaka had to soured by her of all people. Amamiya Reiko; a fellow lawyer and ex-girlfriend. He thought he would never see her again when she moved away. He hated himself, the younger him who only had attraction to a horrible woman who cheated on him and had ulterior motives in that her real target was his mother or specifically his family's assets. She never loved him, she only used him and had the nerve to break up with him without any remorse.

"U-Ukyo-san!"

"Ah I'm sorry!" Ukyo immediately released Ayaka's hand. Showing a shameless side in front of her, he felt worse than ever "I'm sorry..."

Ayaka saw how drained Ukyo was. As much as she wanted to know who that woman was, that question will have to wait "Let's go home. You should head straight to bed."

"Yes, you're right."

As they approached the Sunrise Residence, Ukyo thought he should not hide the truth from Ayaka. Taking into account that Amamiya noticed her, she might try to harass Ayaka.

"Ayaka-san, I have something to tell you."

"Is it about that woman?'

"Yes. As if you would have guessed, she was my ex-girlfriend. Her name is Amamiya Reiko and she is a lawyer. We dated for half a year during my college years. I cherished her and treated her well. I thought she liked me but I was wrong. She dated a lawyer behind my back and abandoned me. She made it clear; she only used me to get to Mother. Thinking back, I was not really in love with her. I'm such a fool."

"No you're not!" Ayaka shouted "You're a reliable person. You're always calm. You can be strict but there's kindness in there. Amamiya is the worst; she's at fault for taking advantage of you and not seeing your good points!"

"Ayaka-san..." Ukyo pulled Ayaka into a hug which caught her off guard "Thank you very much. You're a kind person. You treat people as someone close and look after others. Your kindness is enough for me." He released her "I apologize. I couldn't help it."

"I-It's okay."

"Let's go inside."

The following week, Ukyo was at the law firm to participate in a workshop as a lecturer for upcoming lawyers. He too attended one during his college years so he hoped that he could help out aspiring lawyers. He had already prepared his documents.

"Good morning Asahina. Thanks for coming to help out."

"You're welcome."

"And you won't be alone. We have another lawyer coming in to help out."

"Is that so?"

"Oh there she is."

"Good morning. My name is Amamiya Reiko. It's nice to meet you."

"Likewise. We're glad to have an experienced lawyer like you here."

Ukyo could not believe it; now he has to deal with Amamiya for the duration of the workshop. But work came first. He would do his job and leave so he would not have to deal with Amamiya taunting him. After a successful first day, Ukyo went to get a cup of water. He would then reconfirm his schedule and discuss with Ayaka on what to make for dinner.

"Good work today Ukyo." Reiko appeared next to him "Looks like you grew up as a lawyer. By the way, who was that girl?"

"If you must know, she's my little sister."

"That's right. Miwa-san remarried didn't she? And that man has a daughter." Reiko hummed to herself "So that was her. She seems to really like you."

"I'm leaving."

"Don't you want to grab lunch together?"

"I refuse." Ukyo walked away. Nothing good would come from hanging around with her. He would not make that mistake again. However, Amamiya had already formulated a plan in her mind. This will make her limited time here interesting Now if she could only find Ukyo's little sister...

When the lecturer was over, Ayaka checked her phone and saw that she received a text from Ukyo asking her to pick up groceries. Today's menu included a tofu and fruit salad with stir-fry vegetables and pork. She was done for the day so she headed over to the supermarket.

"Hello there. Aren't you Ukyo's little sister?" Reiko appeared next to Ayaka. She learnt from Ukyo that Reiko was attending the workshop his law firm was holding as a lecturer. Remembering what Ukyo said, Ayaka decided to ignore Reiko. She did not want to get involved with her and cause any trouble for Ukyo.

"What, are you ignoring me? That's rude." Reiko followed Ayaka "I just want to chat. Hey, what are you to Ukyo? Are you really his little sister? I know Miwa-san remarried but you two were communicating in a very friendly manner. I thought you were his lover but I was wrong. After all, a lawyer and college student are not really not a good match."

"What are you trying to say?" Ayaka faced her. Why did she say that?

"You don't see him as an older brother. You want to become Ukyo's lover." Reiko shrugged her shoulder as she shook her head "But those feeling of yours will become useless in the end. It'll be better for you to hurry and give them up. What can a college student who's yet to know about the world can do for a lawyer? You don't have valuable information or personal connections. Also having a lover with an age gap will paint a negative image on Ukyo."

Ayaka did her best to stay composed despite seething inside "You've already broken up with Ukyo-san so you have no right to say anything regarding me or him."

"You're right. This is just a thing to pass time." Reiko had a smug look on her face "Like how I can reclaim back the man who used to like me who's now absorbed in a young girl. Don't you think that's a little interesting?"

"This is a waste of my time. Besides Ukyo-san's not an idiot. He's a good lawyer and adult compared to you who's only knows how to look down on and hurt people." Ayaka made a dash for it. She did not have to worry since she didn't have fragile food like eggs in the bag.

Ayaka eventually stopped running once she was sure that woman did not follow her. Amamiya truly infuriated Ayaka but she knew that it was not worth her time to pick a fight. That woman had no right to say all those things about her. She is a college student but she knows that she is not a worthless person. And that she is already conscious of the fact that she sees UKyo as a man. Ayaka had finished sorting the groceries when Ukyo came downstairs.

"I'm home." Ukyo-san noticed that something seemed off about Ayaka "Ayaka-san, did something happen?"

"Yes.' Ayaka had to tell him. He needed to know "I can't tell you here."

"I see." Ukyo realized that they might be engaging in a serious conversation. "Then let's go to my room. The others will be coming home late." They left the kitchen and went upstairs. Ayaka went into Ukyo's room only for help with her studies. His room was comfortable, tidy and free of distractions. Ukyo sat down in his chair by his desk while Ayaka remained standing.

"I ran into Amamiya." Ayaka knew that Ukyo would be shocked but she continued to speak "Amamiya intends to get back together with you. She went on about how she's more suitable for you and can support you in work. And that a college student like me can't do anything for you."

Ukyo frowned; how dare that woman harass Ayaka? Ayaka has done a lot for him and his brothers. He would not stand for someone looking down on her.

"I do not intend to get back together. I'm not the same man I was back then." Ukyo stood up and put his hands on Ayaka's shoulders "She's wrong about you. Ayaka-san, you have supported me and my brothers ever since you came to live with us. Don't be misled by what others say. Do you understand?"

"Yes. Thank you."

Ukyo stared at Ayaka. He always thought that she had a great smile. Ayaka was naturally charming, whenever she got dressed up she gave off a mature and cute aura. Without realizing it, UKyo's hands slipped from her shouders to her back

"Ukyo-san?"

"Oh sorry." Ukyo retracted his hands and looked away. From the corner of his eye, he saw that Ayaka's face was red. He felt his heart pounding. What was it he was feeling right now? Was it what he thought it was? But before that, there was something he had to do.

"Don't worry. Leave everything to me." he smiled reassuringly so Ayaka nodded in reply.

The workshop was coming to an end. Being prepared was Ukyo's skill so everything went smoothly despite Amamiya being present and showing off whenever the opportunity presented itself. He breathed a sigh of relief and gave thought to what to make for dinner and contact Ayaka afterwards.

"Oh Ukyo, good work today."Reiko greeted Ukyo

"Same to you." Ukyo responded sounding monotone while paying Reiko no mind "Is there anything I can help you with?"

"You're as dull as ever. Well whatever. I ran into your little sister yesterday."

"Is that so?"

Reiko raised her eyebrow "I thought that you'd be more surprised about it."

"She told me about it."

"So she did tell you." Reiko smirked but she was bitter inside. She was insulted so getting Ukyo on her side would be the perfect method to get revenge on Ayaka. Seeing the look of despair on her face would be perfect "It seems like she has taken quite a liking to you. But she's a little too young. Shouldn't you choose a partner that benefits you? For your work and daily life. It's best that you have a partner of equal standing."

'In other words, you're saying that I should choose you?"

Reiko giggled "As expected, you're catch on quick. I'm an experienced lawyer and full of confidence as a woman." she pressed her hand on his chest "Don't you remember how we embraced each other? We can do it again even if the feelings are not reciprocated since we are adults." Reiko wrapped her arms around Ukyo being confident in her sex appeal. There was no doubt in her mind that she had won him over and when she can visit their house, she can taunt Ayaka for fun until she got bored.

Ukyo pushed Reiko away much to her surprise. He smirked as if to mock her "Amamiya, since you are a smart person it's about time you realized it. To quote those words you said to me before you left: You're of no use to me. You were right about one thing; my preference of women has changed. I prefer beautiful women who are kind and reliable. You're dry and lack attractiveness. You only care about assets as you did with my family. I can't bring myself to embrace someone like you." Reiko was too stunned to make a retort. Ukyo walked towards her forcing her to back away until she hit the wall. Ukyo stared her down with cold eyes "And also, please don't talk to or come near Ayaka-san again. If you ignore my warning, I will file a lawsuit against you." He stepped back and smiled "Excuse me."

Reiko was left scared and humiliated. Wasn't Ukyo a weak person who was easy to fool? He was not a weakling anymore. As for Ukyo, he walked with his head held high and pride in himself. Now that he dealt with his past, he can continue to move forward. And he was sure that this time, his feelings were genuine. They grew from mere adoration to love. He had truly fallen in love with Ayaka and decided to confess to her.

Ukyo arrived at the Sunrise Residence and headed straight for the kitchen. He was in luck as Ayaka was there, she had just finished baking cookies and left them on the counter to cool down. He thought how cute she looked in the apron he bought for her birthday.

"Ukyo-san, welcome home."

"I'm back. You'll be fine now. I made sure that woman would never approach you again.""

Ayaka knew that meant Ukyo dealt with Amamiya so she would not have to worry about dealing with her ever again. That put her at ease.

"Anyway, can I have a cookie?"

"Yes. They should be fine now."

"Then," Ukyo smiled as an idea came to his head "Could I ask you to feed it to me?"

"Eh?" This caught Ayaka by surprise. UKyo-san was making such a request? She often heard that sort of line from Tsubaki and Kaname. "You're joking right?"

"I'm not joking."

"Okay..." Ayaka picked up a cookie "Can you bend down a little?"

"Understood." Ukyo bent down and ate the cookie. "It's delicious." he held her hand "I hope that you'll cook only for me next time."

"Of course. Should I make special menu for you now?"

"That's not what I meant. I would like it if you stayed by my side. I love you. I probably liked you even before I realized my feelings. I want to cherish these feelings as a person and a lawyer."

"Ukyo-san..." Ayaka felt her face was burning and her heart was pounding "...Me too. I'm sure of it. I love you too."

Ukyo smiled and hugged Ayaka "Thank you for accepting me." he lifted her chin and leaned down to kiss her. Ayaka was surprised but felt at ease as she kissed him back.

Once they pulled away, Ayaka felt embrassed as she came to the realization that they were in the kitchen "Ukyo-san, we might get seen by the others."

UKyo-san smirked mischievously "Then shall we continue in my room?"

"Ukyo-san, did your behavior just change?" To Ayaka, Ukyo turned slightly wild

"Perhaps, that's where my true self lies. I guess that proves I have the same blood as Tsubaki and Yusuke even though I don't really want to think of it that much. Moreover," he removed his glasses and continued smirking "When I see a cute person, I'd feel like bullying them. So when I'm in front of you, I no longer feel like I have to keep those restraints up."

"Why do I have a bad feeling about this?" Ayaka felt uneasy and yet her heart was still pounding. She hardly saw Ukyo without his glasses so he was looking more attractive.

"Since you agreed to stay by my side, you'll be seeing more parts of myself so be prepared."