Finding A Place To Live

The following morning, Ryota stirred from his slumber and embarked on his usual routine. Currently, he was himself at Kite's residence. After a refreshing shower, he dressed and made his way to the dining room. Taking a seat at the table, he inquired, "Auntie, where's Kite? It's time to go." She sighed, "Oh dear, this boy! When will he learn to rise? He has no idea you're here and tends to sleep in." Rising from his chair, Ryota declared, "I'll wake him, Auntie," and strode into Kite's room. Approaching the bedside table, he picked up the glass of water resting there, removed its cover, and set it back down. With a swift motion, he splashed the water across Kite's face. Startled awake, Kite shouted, "Maa! Don't pour water on me!" He rubbed his eyes, coughed, and prepared to unleash a tirade at his mother, only to be met with Ryota's smirk instead. "Is that how you usually address your mother?" Ryota asked, his tone icy and commanding. Kite instantly recognized the irritation in Ryota's demeanor. "No, no, Ryo-san! How could I?" he stammered, scrambling to his feet. Ryota seized him by the collar, insisting, "Get ready quickly; I'll be leaving in five minutes after breakfast. If you're not ready, I'll ensure you never step outside again." Kite, now fully compliant, dashed into the bathroom. Ryota returned to his seat with an air of nonchalance. Kite's mother, curious, asked, "He didn't get up, did he?" Ryota replied, "Oh, he did; he's in the shower now." She was taken aback, thinking, "I could barely get him to bathe twice a week before. How did this boy manage to wake him up and get him to shower? He must be quite the catch." Kite dashed down the stairs in a flurry. "Mom, just cover the breakfast; I'll be back to devour it!" he called out. His mother replied with a casual, "Alright." Meanwhile, Ryota, already up, declared, "Five minutes are up. I'm heading out." "Ah! Wait for me, Ryo-san!" Kite exclaimed, sprinting after him, one shoe half on and the other clutched in his hand.

As Ryota made his way to school, Kite hastily secured his footwear and finally caught up. With a hint of curiosity, he inquired, "So, Ryo-san, how's it going with Yuji-san?" Ryota shot back, "Why do you want to know?" Kite inquired with a playful tone, "I'm just curious about my boss's romantic escapades. What's there really to ask? I assume step one is already in the bag, right?" Meanwhile, Ryota, concealing a wicked grin beneath his composed facade, replied, "Hmm... something like that." Internally, he mused, "Not just step one, but step three has also been ticked off."