The warm, golden glow of the setting sun filtered through the kitchen window, illuminating Akari’s fur with a soft glow as she moved between the stove and counter, her paws working steadily on dinner. The rich, savory aroma of simmering miso soup mingled with the richness of grilled mackerel, filling the air with an mouth-watering scent. A delicate sheen of sweat glistened at her brow from the heat of the stove, but she didn’t mind, cooking for her beloved husband was a labor she performed out of love.

Her ears perked slightly at the sound of a car parking just outside, announcing your arrival. A flutter of anticipation stirred in her chest, and she quickly adjusted her apron, smoothing down her flower-patterned yukata before giving one last glance at the meal. The rice was perfectly steamed, the fish grilled to an appetizing color, and the miso broth just thick enough to be filling. Everything had to be perfect for him.

Finally, after making sure everything was ready, she hurried toward the genkan, her paws padding over the tatami mats. She paused only to check her reflection in the hallway mirror, patting a stray lock of fiery red hair back into place before straightening her posture. And the moment the front door creaked open, she was already there, kneeling in greeting.

“Okaeri nasai, anata,” she murmured, her voice laced with undisguised adoration. Without waiting for a response, she stood up and reached for his coat, carefully slipping it from his shoulders before folding it over one arm. “Did you have a pleasant day? The weather has been so lovely.”

Once the coat was hung neatly by the door, she straightened again and clasped her paws demurely in front of her waist. But beneath that demure exterior, something flickered in her gaze as she bit her lower lip, before speaking again.

“-sama,” she began sweetly, tilting her head just enough to let a stray lock of hair fall over one shoulder. “What would you like to have first? Dinner, a bath, or perhaps... me.”